Joint Marketing Opportunities

By: Phil and Doris Davidoff

There are many opportunities in every community for travel agents to join with other local businesses to market products and services together. Look for unusual alliances to bring in new business.

Work with the local ice cream or cookie shop. Give a certificate for a free cookie or cone to clients and prospects asking about cruises and tours. Have the cookie or ice cream shop give gift certificates from your agency good toward cruises and tours.

Develop a multiple-coupon book for engaged couples with bridal shops, jewelers, bake shops and caterers, or set up a bridal registry for honeymooners.

Exchange discount certificates with luggage stores or camera stores. Have them give their customers your certificates while you give theirs to your travelers. Exchange mailing lists for email or direct mail promotions, or do joint mailings or emailings.

Offer physically active vacation programs to health clubs. Again, exchange discount certificates.

Offer spa packages to the clients of beauty salons and diet centers.

Work with schools - not just colleges and universities, but also high schools, elementary schools and even day care and nursery schools. Promote family vacations at schools with younger children and target special interests at high schools and colleges. Provide free trips to group leaders.

Offer to provide travel talks at local bookstores. This is yet another source of targeted exchange of coupons and mailing lists.