Let’s face it, the summer months (the heart of vacation travel) are normally a time when the lines are little longer no matter what counter you may be waiting at. The ratio of seasoned travelers to occasional leisure travelers shifts. Getting from point A to point B can be a challenge for even the most experience traveler, but they do know the tips to get them to and from their destination with the least amount of headache.
An infrequent traveler can be very apprehensive about the travel process. For multiple reasons, most travel providers have instituted new policies, procedures and fees as a necessity to manage expenses. These changes do, however, end up as a story on the evening news and can complicate the travel process.
Make sure that your guests know about the advantages of not only choosing your company for their travel and accommodation needs, but ensure that those that are already planning to stay, fly or drive with you know how to do it in the most convenient way possible. You can effectively use email to help take the “sting” out of the travel process.
Does your points or frequent travel program have other benefits beyond free travel? Easy pay-to-upgrade options or simplified check-in/pick-up for “members” can be a welcome benefit for an apprehensive traveler. These benefits may actually help reduce your costs and provide for a more efficient travel process for your guests. Use email to reach out to guests and passengers, let them know that even though many obstacles of travel are out of your company’s control, you can help make it a little easier on them. This also helps to increase customer satisfaction as well as grow a more loyal customer.
Pull out all the stops - the more information that you can provide your guest before they leave on their trip the better! Online check-in, seat assignments, room confirmations, hotel information, travel advice, baggage restrictions or easy rental car pick up can also make traveling just a little easier.
Remember, infrequent travelers base most of their satisfaction with you (unfairly) on issues that may be out of your control. Educate them and give them the tools they will need, no matter how close or far their destination. I know that I would open and read an email that said “Travel Tips and Advice for your upcoming trip to Bora Bora.” If only I was headed to Bora Bora.
Tags: chris lovejoy, christopher lovejoy, email hints, email industry, email marketing, email reporting, email statistics, email strategy, erik gabrielson, eStrategy, kara trivunovic, marketing strategy, PGi, premiere global services, summer email, travel industry email, travel marketing
