Are your clients always looking for the next adventure? Perhaps it will be with REI.
The beloved outdoor retail co-op, which also operates tour company REI Adventures, just launched a new travel agent program.
"For many years the travel agent community has expressed enthusiasm to partner as they share our passion for a healthy outdoor lifestyle and adventurous spirit to explore the world," says Cynthia Dunbar, general manager of REI Adventures. "The travel industry is centered on relationships. Just as REI members trust our expertise to guarantee an unforgettable vacation, so do the clients of travel agents."
In order to sell REI Adventures, agents must be accredited and demonstrate their knowledge of the company's product line. A specially designed onboarding program is available and upon approval, agents will have access to REI Adventures' travel agent portal and access to ongoing education.
In addition, REI will incentivize agents based on individual sales and departed reservations, including a tiered commission structure of between 5 and 10 percent and opportunities to earn significantly reduced and/or free trips for their personal enjoyment. For example, after just two reservations have departed, travel agents receive 50 percent off an REI Adventure of their choice. After 20 trips have departed, agents receive a free trip.
The new program comes at an ideal time. REI recently expanded its Easy Active and Family Adventures and launched 30 new trips this year. Its Family Adventures program is also celebrating its 10th anniversary.
"Our travelers tell us they love active adventures, but don't always feel they can accomplish a more difficult itinerary, be that out of personal interest or time to physically train for a more intense trip," said Dunbar. "To meet that need, we've expanded our offerings in the easy active category with 14 new itineraries. So far the response has been exciting and we look forward to growing the collection to inspire a life outside."
The new itineraries span the globe from U.S. national parks to African safaris in Tanzania and Southeast Asia destinations such as Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
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