Jason Webb:

I’m Jason Webb with Jacaruso Enterprises. I want to talk to you today about the tour and travel market segment. We don’t want you to miss the bus. This is a really large market segment that includes tour operators, schools, tourists, and senior groups. We have to ensure that we’re rolling out the red carpet for these groups.

Jason Webb:

Maybe develop a greeting package to welcome the tourists to your hotel. Be prepared. Successful check-in is key to offering a smooth stay for these large groups arriving all at once. Maybe consider partnering with a local attraction to offer discounts and possibly some token gifts for not only the tour, but the tour operators and tour leaders. Plan ahead and be sure to have enough staff on hand to help with baggage during the check-in and check-out processes. That’s really critical. You want to make sure that as these 50, 60 people are arriving that you’ve got the staff to handle it.

Jason Webb:

Maybe consider joining one of the National Tour Association, American Bus Association, or Student Youth Travel Associations. These organizations provide a great networking opportunity and an understanding of this market segment’s unique customer needs. Join forces with your local CVB and your chamber of commerce. These can be great sources of leads for tour business as well. Make sure that you’re partnering with your available FIT programs. Review the FIT program information that’s available to your specific brand.

Jason Webb:

And lastly, make sure that you’re getting the Tour Tracker Pro Report. This report is a listing of all of the potential target tour operators that have sent business into your area in the past year. Really critical that we know who’s been there so that you know who’s potentially coming back. We wish you all the best with your tour and travel operator business in your market. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.