United looking for travel agent incentives
Travel agents, take note: United Airlines is making a new move for more support, but don’t expect a return of commissions or other monetary incentives in the near future.
“That (commissions or monetary incentives) is not something I can comment on. That’s something for United to handle,” said Rick Cooper, vice president of strategic planning and development for Discover the World Marketing, when asked about the issue by TravelMole.
Mr Cooper’s company has been hired by United to help supplement its sales efforts to travel agencies in the US.
He maintains that United has kept good relations with agents despite commission cuts. “I know United has remained committed to the travel agent community,” he said.
One example of that is ongoing marketing campaigns, he said. The Agents-Plus.com program, for example, is a loyalty program where agents can obtain information and support.
Mr Cooper said agents can expect to see various new programs in the near future.
“It (incentives) may not be monetary, but United is always trying to keep agents motivated and excited about selling the product,” he said.
He said one initiative might be for United to reach some agents that have in the past not been active in booking the airline.
Founded in 1981, Discover the World Marketing has 74 offices in 52 countries. It’s the largest travel representation company with annual client billings of more than $500 million.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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