Firm uses social media to target frustrated JTG agents
Retail firm Travel Counsellors has confirmed that it is "actively looking" for disgruntled Jetset Travelworld Group agents that could be tempted away from the firm in the wake of its Helloworld announcement earlier this week.
Tracy Parkinson, general manager Australia, told Travel Today that the company is using professional social media network LinkedIn to target agents from the group to try and tempt them to jump ship.
She revealed that the firm had even contemplated postponing its first ever Discovery event, held yesterday at its headquarters in Melbourne, in order to give interested JTG agents ample opportunity to attend.
"But instead we decided that we're going to meet with them personally instead," she said.
The company will now attempt to arrange meetings around the country to coincide with its series of mini-conferences which will take place next month.
However, Parkinson stressed the process will be longer term, admitting work still needs to be done to raise the company's brand profile in Australia.
"Not everybody knows who we are and why we are different," she admitted, highlighting Travel Counsellors' level of member support as a key differentiator from rival firms.
'Over the next 12 months we'll be really raising our profile within the industry so everyone knows who we are."
Disillusioned JTG agents will not be not the sole focus for Travel Counsellor's recruitment efforts.
Parkinson predicted independent agents, concerned about changes to travel agent protection as the Travel Compensation Fund is wound down, are also prime candidates that could be lured by the security offered by the firm.
"We are starting to see talk of the changes in the press so people are going to be looking at their options to see how companies can help them," she said. "We just want people to know that there are options out there and that people should consider them."
She highlighted Travel Counsellors' offer of protection for flight-only bookings, with airline failures insurance taken out on every such booking – a measure which had covered its agents during the collapse of Air Australia last year.
Meanwhile, Parkinson reported success for its first open day event, with six interested agents visiting its headquarters to see what the company has to offer. But she insisted that although the firm is aiming to reach 200 agents, it is still being highly selective about who it takes on board.
"We'd rather have 150 amazing Travel Counsellors than 200 mediocre travel agents," she said.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
agents jtg tracy parkinson travel counsellorsLatest News
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