Rennies Travel Experiences has launched Latitude, an ITC model aimed at established leisure travel consultants.
The programme offers experienced consultants access to technology, training and support, while allowing them to retain their own business identities.
“Latitude is for established travel consultants, but we don't want to take away from their identity. What we assist with is creating efficiencies from a technology perspective and providing better rates,” said Phetogo Kubheka, Senior Operations Manager (MICE & Leisure) at Rennies Travel Experiences.
Although primarily aimed at leisure consultants, Latitude is also open to ITCs operating in the corporate travel space, subject to the programme’s vetting process.
ITCs must have been operating for at least two years, have an established client base and be based in South Africa. They must also already use a booking or business management system. There is no minimum turnover requirement and ASATA membership is not required.
“We will obviously do reference checks with some of the clientele, to ensure that we are also aligning ourselves with a brand that is able to service clients well but we have not set a parameter on how much turnover you are making,” said Kubheka.
To register, ITCs can contact Rennies BCD at itc@renniesbcdtravel.com.
The programme will also offer an incentive for early adopters. Kubheka said ITCs that registered by the end of October would automatically qualify for the highest revenue-share tier, which would remain in place for as long as they were part of the programme. After October 30, new ITCs will enter the next tier of the revenue-share model.
Technology
The technology built into the Latitude model is to simplify the booking and administrative process for ITCs which, it says, supports access to competitive and comparative global rates.
According to Kubheka, the technology allows agents to book end to end. “It’s got a plug and play from a reporting perspective and feeds directly through into invoicing so it’s from one touch point to the end as opposed to segmented touch points that an individual would have to handle themselves.”
Industry support
Kubheka said Latitude ITCs would have access to ongoing training and networking opportunities to stay up to date with industry developments.
“What agents were trained for five, 10 years ago is completely different now, so we do have that regular industry training that allows them to keep up with what's happening within our industry. We also have sessions for them to collaborate with suppliers,” said Kubheka.
On a quarterly basis, ITCs will have access to forums where they can network and engage with one another, alongside ongoing online and instructor-led training sessions.
“The online sessions allow them to refresh on anything that they may have missed during their onboarding process, but as new elements come on, we’re able to upload that training and they can do it in their own time so it doesn't take away from their business,” said Kubheka.
