Agent Technology

Hotel industry technology is one of its primary means of communicating with agents.

www.starwoodpro.com , offers free agent training.

www.VacationRentals4Agents.com customarily pays 12 percent commission and up to 20 percent on special promotions.

www.almondresorts.com, offers enrolled travel professionals free nights, cash bonuses, free gifts, and signage and displays.

www.concorde-hotels.com features a special agent section.

Another hotel company encouraging agents to make use of its website is Mexico Mayan Resorts (www.MexicoMayanResorts.com).

www.Wyndham.com offers usefull information for agents.

When trying to sell clients on a property, consider emailing them a link to its website or virtual tour, if one is posted. Customers can visualize the hotel, and agents can eliminate the need to keep a multitude of color brochures on hand (as well as the cost of postage), should they choose to mail the information to clients.

Yet, while photos can accurately depict a property, they can’t actually sell its benefits. So, instead of having clients check out the website or take its virtual tour on their own, make a phone appointment to navigate the site together, pointing out the features and services that best suit the client’s needs.

The sales person should prepare for this site presentation in the same way they would for a “live” site inspection. Also, since clients are busy, too, take the time to scout out the website and/or virtual tour in advance so that when presenting it to the client, you can bypass the areas and images on the site that are not of interest to them.

Another practical feature sometimes found on hotel websites is electronic postcards. These can be used as a creative way of keeping in touch with clients, reminding them of your services or, more directly, bringing to their attention a property that you think they might be interested in visiting.

Unlike attachments, electronic postcards open automatically, so chances are the recipient will at least glance at the contents of the email before deleting it. Also note that these are good for tailored email blasts, which are always a nice way of reminding clients of the personalized services you can offer. Of course, any electronic marketing materials should only be sent to clients who have already given you permission.

Regardless of the extent to which you use a hotel’s online travel agent features, know that the websites of the hotel industry can serve double duty when working with clients.