As a travel agent, you're always on the lookout for fresh experiences to offer your clients.
Enter familiarization trips, or "fam trips" - your ticket to firsthand knowledge of destinations, accommodations, and tour packages.
But what happens when a new tour operator invites you on a fam trip? Is it a golden opportunity or a potential minefield?
Let's dive into the pros and cons of fam trips with new tour operators, helping you make informed decisions that can strengthen your business and keep your clients coming back for more.
Pros: Why Taking a Chance Can Pay Off
1. Fresh and Unique Offerings
New tour operators often bring innovative ideas to the table. They might offer off-the-beaten-path experiences or novel twists on popular destinations. They can also be more open to new styles of tourism.
For example, a new operator in Bali might focus on sustainable treehouse accommodations and local craft workshops, setting them apart from the usual beach resort packages.
2. Early Bird Gets the Worm
Getting in on the ground floor with a new operator can lead to exclusive deals and partnerships.
You could become their go-to agent for a particular region or type of travel, giving you a competitive edge.
Imagine being the first to offer your clients a unique glamping experience in the Moroccan desert, complete with stargazing tours and gourmet local cuisine.
3. Less Agent Competition
Established operators often have long-standing relationships with agents.
With a new operator, you have the chance to stand out and build a strong connection from the start. This could mean priority booking for your clients or personalized attention to their needs.
4. Shape the Future
Your feedback can significantly influence a new operator's services. If you suggest adding a local cooking class to an Italian countryside tour, you might see that idea implemented in future trips, benefiting both you and your clients.
5. Learn Cutting-Edge Approaches
New operators might use the latest tech or marketing strategies. You could pick up valuable tips on using social media to showcase travel experiences or learn about innovative booking systems that streamline your work.
Cons: The Potential Pitfalls
1. Reputation Unknown
Without a track record, it's hard to gauge the quality of a new operator's services. Will they deliver on their promises? You're essentially testing the waters for your clients, which can be risky.
2. Growing Pains
New operators might still be ironing out kinks in their service. This could mean anything from scheduling hiccups to miscommunications with local vendors. Imagine arriving at a hotel to find your reservation missing or discovering that a promised "exclusive" tour is actually open to the public.
3. Limited Resources
Established operators often have extensive networks and resources to handle unexpected issues. A new operator might struggle if something goes wrong, potentially leaving you and your clients in a lurch. For instance, they might not have backup transportation options if a local strike occurs.
4. Long-Term Uncertainty
The travel industry can be tough for newcomers. There's always a chance that a new operator might not survive long-term, which could leave you scrambling if they go out of business after you've booked client trips.
5. Vendor Relationships
Established operators often have strong relationships with local vendors, ensuring smooth experiences.
New operators might still be building these connections, which could affect the quality of services provided.
Making the Decision: What to Consider
1. Do Your Homework
Research the operator's background. Who are the founders? What experience do they bring to the table? A new operator started by industry veterans might be more reliable than one launched by complete newcomers.
Still, there’s something to be said for the energy and enthusiasm of a younger operator. Who’s to say that your clients wouldn’t prefer that over a company that operates on autopilot? By doing your homework, you can make the best call for your business.
2. Evaluate the Itinerary
Look closely at what they're offering. Does it fill a gap in the market? Is it something your clients would be excited about? A unique wildlife photography tour in Borneo could be worth the risk if it aligns with your clientele's interests.
3. ROI Potential
Consider the potential return on investment. Will this fam trip open up a new market for you? Could it lead to high-value bookings? Or is it a young company, offering a great deal for the chance to have you participate in the fam trip? Weigh the cost of your time and any expenses against potential future earnings.
4. Client Alignment
Does this operator's focus align with your client base? If you primarily serve adventure-seeking millennials, a new operator specializing in luxury senior cruises might not be the best fit.
5. Financial Stability
Look into the operator's financial backing and insurance. Are they bonded? Do they have contingency plans for potential issues? Just because they’re new doesn’t mean they get a pass on the financial and legal sides of the business.This can give you peace of mind about their stability and ability to handle problems.
Decision Made: Make the Most of Your Fam Trip With A New Operator
1. Set Clear Goals
Before you go, decide what you want to learn. Are you focusing on accommodations, activities, or local culture? Having clear objectives will help you make the most of the experience. If you have more experience, you may need to take the lead in terms of expectation setting.
2. Come Prepared
Prepare a list of questions and areas to evaluate. This might include everything from the comfort of transportation to the knowledge of local guides. Aim for more than less, as your new operator may not know all of the areas they should be covering for you.
3. Network, Network, Network
Use this opportunity to connect with other agents and the operator's team. Building these relationships can be invaluable for future collaborations and problem-solving.
4. Document Everything
Take photos, videos, and detailed notes. This material will be essential for marketing to your clients and remembering important details later. If your tour operator is new, this is also going to be valuable for them, too, so you can show your investment in the relationship by providing them with high-quality content.
5. Provide Constructive Feedback
Your input can help shape the operator's future offerings. Be honest about what worked well and what could be improved. This feedback loop can lead to better experiences for your clients down the line.
Next Steps
Fam trips with new tour operators are about balancing opportunity and risk.
On one hand, you have the chance to meet a company that has a different perspective on tourism, one unencumbered by the norms. They can also have a particular passion, especially if they’ve started their business for a specific reason. And, given their eagerness to get started, it could be that they’re able to offer their fam trips at a reduced price.
On the other, you're taking a leap of faith with an unproven entity. The saying “high risk, high reward” cuts both ways, after all.
The key is to approach these opportunities with a balance of enthusiasm and caution.
Do your due diligence, trust your instincts, and always keep your clients' best interests in mind.
With careful consideration, a fam trip with a new operator could be the start of an exciting new chapter in your business.