Having had the pleasure and pain of working for larger well established travel brands as well as small unknown brands, I think I can speak with some authority on the differences. Regardless of which of these you are, the need to capture more attention and support from the sellers of travel is always a priority. Unless you are in the enviable position of having all the business you want or can handle, you probably are on a constant quest for more or better business.
The most well established brands are usually provided easy access to the proven travel sellers of the world. Relationships have been forged over many years and these travel sellers have a common interest which is to provide their clients with the most desirable travel products. Having this access can make life a bit easier to for these brands.
On the other side of the spectrum are those brands that are not well known or established. Every day I read or hear about a new hotel company or small upstart cruise company entering the market. How are these companies going to break through and be heard with all the clutter in the market today? Even the most beautiful hotels located in the most spectacular destinations will find it very difficult to be noticed. There are just too many beautiful hotels in spectacular destinations. From a travel seller’s point of view, there are just too many choices and most will stick with what they know.
How is a small hotel or cruise company supposed to get noticed? That’s the $64,000 question. Many believe that if they build it, they will come. In today’s world that will take a huge financial leap of faith. Having a solid sales and marketing strategy that includes developing relationships with the proven sales leaders in the travel industry is a must. Staffing your sales team with professionals that have these relationships is well worth the extra cost.
Six Degrees Consulting Corp was formed to assist small cruise and hotel companies build and execute this strategy. Working from years of experience building brands, Six Degrees Consulting Corp can assist these small companies break from the clutter and establish themselves among the industry’s best travel sellers. Whether through electronic means to retail agencies or individual representation within the MICE markets, having a professional company working on your behalf can make the difference. Through a wide range of areas, Six Degrees Consulting Corp can provide sales assistance. Visit us online at www.sixdegreesconsultingcorp.com.
–Roy
