Helping TCs market smarter

RUNNING a successful travel business has never been more exciting or more demanding, according to Travel Counsellors. Today’s travel professionals are expected to be travel experts, content creators, marketers, customer service specialists and business owners. For many aspiring business owners, marketing is one of the biggest concerns. Questions like “Where will I find the time?”, “What do I post on social media?” or “Do I need to become a marketing expert?” are common. “At Travel Counsellors, we’ve built an integrated technology platform and an expert support network that takes the hard work out of marketing, so our Travel Counsellors can focus on what they do best – building relationships, creating unforgettable travel experiences and growing thriving businesses,” Bianca Jones, Recruitment Manager, Franchise Sales, told Travel News. She said the company’s investment in technology wasn’t about replacing the human touch – it was about enhancing it. “Travel Counsellors invests heavily in technology designed specifically for TCs. At the heart of this ecosystem is Phenix, our award-winning proprietary platform that brings together CRM, booking, customer communications and marketing in one seamless experience. Rather than juggling multiple systems, TCs have everything they need to manage and grow their business in one place.” AI assistant One of Travel Counsellors’ latest innovations is TC Co-Pilot, an AI-powered assistant developed in-house specifically for TCs and fully integrated into Phenix. Jones said that, unlike generic AI tools, TC Co-Pilot understood the travel industry and the way TCs worked. “Need inspiration for a social media post? Looking for help creating marketing content? Want to research a destination or build an itinerary more efficiently? TC Co-Pilot helps with the time- consuming tasks, enabling TCs to respond faster, market more consistently and spend more time delivering exceptional personal service.” Marketing hub Jones explained that technology was only part of the story, and that all TCs also had access to a comprehensive Marketing Hub packed with professionally designed, customisable marketing assets, branded templates and ready-to-use campaigns. “Whether it’s social media graphics, promotional material or customer communications, everything is designed to help business owners present a polished, professional brand without needing graphic design or copywriting expertise. “Marketing doesn’t stop once you’ve found a client, either. Through Phenix, TCs can nurture customer relationships using professionally produced digital brochures, inspirational email campaigns and competitive offers that keep them front of mind and encourage repeat business.” Backed Jones believes that aside from industry-leading tech, what truly sets Travel Counsellors apart is the people behind it. “Business owners receive ongoing support from an experienced marketing team that provide training, practical guidance and strategic advice. Whether it’s learning how to build a stronger personal brand, improving social media engagement or making the most of the latest AI tools, support is always available.” The result is a business model where technology handles repetitive tasks, expert support provides confidence and direction, and TCs have more time to focus on the relationships that drive long-term success. “Because the future of travel isn’t about choosing between technology and people. It’s about having technology that helps people do what they do best.”