Cosmos launches e-brochure initiative
Cosmos is to offer agents e-brochures as part of a revamp of the operator’s website.
Agents will be able to create bespoke mini electronic brochures for clients as part of a deal between Cosmos and TravelMedia, sister company to BP Travel Marketing Services.
Cosmos is the first leading UK operator to commit to e-brochures and TravelMedia claims to be in “advanced discussions” with a number of other companies about the concept.
Holidaymakers and agents will be able to download the brochures through
www.cosmos.co.uk, although retailers can also use www.cosmosagents.co.uk, which includes trade information.
Cosmos commercial and product director Stuart Jackson said it would be possible for people to download entire programmes if they wished, but they could also create ‘mini brochures’ by specifying the type of resort and facilities
required.
“Customers and agents can answer lifestyle questions and then download relevant properties, which we expect will be very popular,” said Mr Jackson.
“They will also be able to download details of properties after doing a holiday
search and finding the hotel they want.”
He said Cosmos could also create new brochures and email them to its
database of clients.
“If we know someone likes Majorca we can send them details of new properties,” he said.
Mr Jackson said the aim of the electronic brochures was to add value for customers and agents and denied it would drive more bookings direct.
Currently the operator has around 500,000 bookings per year with 85 per cent going through the trade.
“It’s a fact that more people are going direct anyway, but this is about
offering a better service. If an agent is talking to a customer and doesn’t have
the right brochure, they can download it from the site.”
Mr Jackson did not expect the move to lead to a reduction in hard copy brochures in the short term.
“That’s not the point of the exercise and I think people will still go into
shops and want the brochures. We already distribute a large number of brochures from requests we get on the Internet, so it will be interesting to see if that goes down.”
TravelMedia sales director Colin McKee said: “Cosmos is the first of the UK’s
leading tour operations to commit to our e-brochure solution.
“We are obviously delighted that such a high profile tour operator has
recognised the importance e-brochures will play going forward. Discussions are well advanced with a number of other companies.”
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