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February 2007
Supplement to Travel Trade

Travel Planners International is a host agency that has been supporting professional outside sales agents, independent contractors, and retail travel agencies since 1988. “Being an approved Host Agency for NACTA and OSSN demonstrates our fulltime commitment. In addition, we are proud members of ASTA, CLIA, ARC, and IATA,” said Tony Gagliano, CEO.
In an effort to continue providing their agents with aggressive marketing services and unparalleled support, Travel Planners International has developed a continuously evolving direct mail program that makes direct mail “effortless and hassle-free.”
In combination with preferred suppliers such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, Globus and Cosmos, Club Med, Pleasant Holidays and many others, TPI agents can now take advantage of direct mail programs that would allow the agent to send exclusive specials and promotions to their customers by mail as the promotions are negotiated. This allows the agent to see increased profits and get in front of their client base on a monthly basis.
Travel Planners International recognizes the importance of the “personal touch.” It is essential to developing loyal customers. TPI’s direct mail program allows the agents to make their mailings as personal as necessary. Trust is the main ingredient for success. When the customers know their agents and value their advice, success follows.

Why should a member of Travel Planners International take advantage of one of the many direct mail opportunities? There are several reasons:

1. Cost efficiency. TPI has the ability and connections to negotiate special promotions with preferred suppliers. All the agent has to do is submit the information required. TPI handles the rest, from database sorting, processing, supplier specific collateral, printing services, customization, and postage and mailing services.
2. More likely to be read. A postcard has all the information upfront without the need of opening envelopes from businesses they don’t recognize. With the right balance of copy and graphics, an agent can grab recipients’ attention from the start. Also, think about how many other hands that direct mail piece has passed through prior to the original recipient receiving the postcard!
3. Measurability. An agent can measure the effectiveness of their direct mail campaign on several levels. What was the response rate? Of those who did respond, what is the percentage of people who actually bought travel from that agent? When people buy as a result of the mailer, what is the average purchase amount?

Armed with this information, the agent is equipped with the necessary information to adjust their campaign to maximize future success.
To maximize effectiveness, an agent should do a mailer on a consistent basis, such as monthly or at least quarterly. Prospects who do not respond to the offer in the first month may respond in a few months after becoming more familiar with the agent’s business through the mailers.
The bottom line is whether the agent needs to generate new business or do a better job at drawing customers back, a direct-mail postcard is an effective and affordable marketing tool to do the job.

To learn more about Travel Planners International and its direct mail opportunities, please visit our website, www.MyHostTravelAgency.com, or call (800) 631-3636.