Where and how to find International tour agents for my tour safari business?
Finding an international tour partner that will work with a solo aim of promoting your area as the best choice safari destination is a difficult task to crack. E&J Tourism Consultants is here to help you understand the basics of how to find the right partner (Tour Agent) to help maximize your tour company sales and growth.
The ultimate challenge is to carry out Comprehensive Research to fully understand the type of agent you are looking out for, his specialty, and his scope of operations, for example, does he sell Africa and which parts of Africa are in particular do not forget to research an Agents credibility. This can be attained by asking for endorsements and checking with the member association to find out if the agent you are seeking to work with is a member of his umbrella association.
Where?
- Through online platforms i.e. LinkedIn the largest professional network. LinkedIn is one of the largest professional networks that one can sign up for and this brings industry players together for a common goal of networking and service exchanges. You can find those seeking partnerships with ground handlers and others seeking international agents to work with. We recommend that one promote a professional brand here and as a result partnerships will be created for this business
- Travel guides/catalogs & email databases e.g. ABTA, SATSA: Look out for Travel guides and catalogs, many overseas operators advertise on these platforms, and am certain you will find their emails and websites that you can check down and eventually write them an introduction email seeking for partnership
- Travel trade exhibitions: These include Travel Roadshows, B2B Spotlights shows e.g. WTM London, ITB Berlin, KILI Fair Dubai Travel Show, MATKA Finland show, etc.
Always have smart presentations before you approach a buyer agent preferably with unique safari product offers and good deals for their market. Most of them attend travel exhibitions with the sole aim to network and find new industry players. It is recommended to find out who to interact (do business matching) with before thinking of showing up at a travel exhibition this will not only help you find the right agent but also ensure you meet the right buyers of your tour products and work with for future businesses
