BEACHCOMBER has introduced a whitelabel offering that allows agents to present the Beachcomber website as their own branded system, allowing customers to find, get quotes for and book Beachcomber products online. Beachcomber describes the product as an easy-touse tool for agents to create new revenue streams for themselves. Travel agents retain ownership of the customer and get their commission. The product also has full mobile-device compatibility. Beachcomber’s sales and marketing director, Joanne Visagie, says the travel industry has been asking them for a white-label solution for some time. She says the offering is available for a R10 000 once-off connection fee and a R500 monthly licensing fee. She says the fees are payable directly to the web developers and that Beachcomber does not charge for the service at all. It aims to capture the online market, letting clients book a Beachcomber holiday through the agent’s website and pay for land and air packages without having to deal directly with the agent. Gerald Engelbrecht Klitzke, owner manager of The Boyz Travel Merchants, is very interested in the white-label product, explaining that customers will be directed through The Boyz’ website to Beachcomber’s website, which will be branded with his logo, allowing them to book beach packages online. Implementation takes a few days, with the agency’s logo displayed on the website and on all client documentation. Documentation is tailored towards the recipient, with clients receiving quote documentation and agency contact details. Agents receive copies of the quotes and confirmations together with the client contact details. “Consumers have become increasingly connected and, as technology influences their holiday search and booking behaviour, the travel industry is challenged to meet their expectations. Beachcomber is bringing its product offering to your fingertips, allowing travel agencies to present Beachcomber’s product as their own and to build closer relationships with their existing customers, while simultaneously reaching out to new audiences,” says Terry Munro, Beachcomber Tours South Africa md. “We trust our retail partners will leverage the ease of searching for and booking Beachcomber product online with their continued professional service, to shift the efficiency of the Beachcomber Resorts and Hotels’ sales into even higher gear,” adds Terry. Explaining the reasoning behind the move, Terry says Beachcomber feels this additional tool will be a good step forward for agents, who will be able to earn commission for little time and effort. “Offering guests the option to book these products online 24/7 will speed up the booking process substantially,” says Gerald.
