Website lets travel agents pitch for business by making customers an offer

Website lets travel agents pitch for business by making customers an offer

The Holiday Hub says agents can dodge high advertising costs. Continue reading

A new website gives agents the chance to pitch to customers who submit holiday requests.

The Holidayhub allows agents to view the requests and pay £10 to obtain the customers’ details and get in touch with them when they feel they can help.

Founder Robin Alterman, a director at independent tour operator Caribbean Unpackaged, said by only following “hot leads” agents increased their chances of closing a sale and could avoid paying high advertising costs.

The Holidayhub gives consumers two ways to seek agents’ help: a ‘find me a holiday’ option for those not sure what to book, and a ‘make me an offer’ option for those who know what they want and are seeking offers so they can compare prices.

Once an agent has responded to five requests they can have a profile on the website, which will feature testimonials and can be viewed by future customers.

Alterman believes The Holidayhub will help independent agents increase their online profile without subscription or advertising fees. It is free for agents to sign up.

He came up with the idea after being “frustrated by the lack of decent advertising opportunities available as a small independent tour operator”.

Alterman added: “Caribbean Unpackaged provides a high level of service and expertise, and our rates were also very competitive, but getting that message across in a crowded market is very hard. I couldn’t even get a call back from price comparison sites.”

The Holidayhub will initially be promoted via social media and PR.