Travelzoo MD talks agents: “It’s a value-add opportunity”
If you’re not a member of Travelzoo, chances are you’re not quite sure what it is.
Despite being around for 18 years, in 25 cities in 10 countries, and reaching 28 million members globally, the company can be quite a puzzle for the uninitiated.
Speaking at Travel DAZE 2018, Travelzoo’s Australian managing director Jacqui Timmins wanted to address this problem.
“We have nothing to do with animals,” she said.
“We’re not an OTA, in fact, we’re not even a travel agency.
“What we are is we’re a global travel and entertainment deal publisher.”
Travelzoo works with tourism boards, hotels, airlines, cruise, travel agents, wholesalers and local businesses such as restaurants and spas to display the best travel deals around.
Yes, companies do pay to advertise their deals on the site, but Timmins said that no amount of money will buy a space on the website.
“We spend hours researching the products companies bring to us. There is a lot of time and consideration that goes into it before we actually publish a deal,” Timmins said.
“We want to guarantee that the deal we’re going to publish is the best in the market.
“And we’re fully independent. It’s not about how big your budget is or how large your marketing spend is, it truly is about what our members want.”
Most Travelzoo members are in North America, but the website is beginning to make waves around the world.
“Our revenue is up 70 per cent in the Australian market and 35 per cent of our business in the second quarter of this year was with new partners, which is fantastic,” she said.
So who uses Travelzoo?
Timmins said their members are aspirational travellers. 86 per cent are over 45, 80 per cent are married or in a relationship and 84 per cent of them have no children under the age of 18 living at home.
“They’ve got time, they’ve got money, and they want to be inspired and they want to travel,” Timmins said.
“76 per cent of our domestic members plan at least 2 trips every 12 months.”
But Travelzoo isn’t just for suppliers. Timmins said travel agents can also get a lot out of the website.
“It’s a value-add opportunity,” she said.
“While you’re putting together your amazing itineraries, what I would recommend is popping onto Travelzoo and having a look at the deals we have because you could easily purchase those for your clients as well.
“But also for a travel agent that has your own product. We’ve worked with travel agents in the past that have purchased 100 cabins on a cruise and they need assistance from us to reach out to new customers to sell those cabins for them,” she concluded.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
-
Latest comments
Latest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.
Jacqui is a fantastic GM to work with and Travelzoo represents a great opportunity for businesses to drive new customers, in volume, to book great offers.