Excite weighs in on Webjet TVC furore
Webjet’s latest TVC continues to rile members of the industry with Excite Holidays the latest to speak out in defence of travel agents.
“If you haven’t seen it yet, Webjet’s new TV commercial is out to get bricks and mortar travel agents by persuading consumers that booking online is better,” the wholesaler writes on its blog. “But, like you, we know that booking with a travel agent is the best way to make a dream holiday come true, that’s why we’ll always be ‘made for agents’.”
The advert, which aired for the first time last week, has caused quite a stir among the agent community as it urged travellers to “make your own way in the world” by focusing on a conversation between two women.
“So I said to the travel agent, only four flights? Like we knew there were heaps more from looking online, and she goes, ‘hmmm, maybe five?’
“And we thought, we’re not stupid. We can do better than that ourselves. So we did.”
https://youtu.be/pRF3DXonfpU
But the campaign seems to have hit a nerve not only with travel agents, but also with consumers.
Comments on the Webjet Facebook page posted since the ad made its screen debut include the following from Gayle Box: “Looks good thanks Webjet. I will call my travel agent because she will be able to get the deal for me. Besides then I will know that I won’t have any problems with my booking.”
Nicole Erika wrote: “I would love a trip to Vanuatu but there is not a chance that I would book with Webjet. A company that has to discredit industry professionals to get more sales is disgraceful.”
Justin Smythe added: “I’ll go somewhere my travel agent recommends as they take the time and effort to know me and what I like to do as well as help me with visas..they are more than just a merchant for the airlines like yourself.”
From the travel agents’ corner came Breanna Ewen who had a few words to say to the online retailer : “Hi Webjet, apparently you think I’m lazy, withholding information and not able to provide my clients the best options for their travel. Last I checked my clients are returning from trips with presents and experiences to share with me. Your ad just made me laugh, I have clients bring in your print-out but still book with me. I know i am an amazing agent and I absolutely love my job! Travel on guys.”
Of course, the rivalry between bricks and mortar agencies and their online counterparts is no new phenomenon having rattled the industry for years, but this latest advertisement seems to have refuelled the tensions.
What do you think about the ad?
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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…as they say -don’t get mad… get even… why not urge afta to come up with a new ad discrediting the webjet ad…