The application period for Travel Impressions’ TI Ambassadors Program is officially open and will run for two weeks through August 26. The program targets agencies with an established social media presence who are passionate about the suppliers with whom they work, Travel Impressions says.
Participating suppliers include All-Inclusive Hard Rock Hotels; AMResorts; Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts; Cancun, Mexico; El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels, by Karisma; Excellence Group Luxury Hotels & Resorts; IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts; Melia Hotels International; Palace Resorts/Le Blanc Spa Resort; and RIU Hotels & Resorts.
Following a successful inaugural year, Travel Impressions has made a few tweaks for the 2013-2014 TI Ambassadors program, which will kick off on October 15 and run for one full calendar year, TI reports.
A noteworthy change for the 2013-2014 program is that TI Ambassadors will be selected on the agency level rather than an individual agent level.
Individual agents are encouraged to collaborate with colleagues and owners/managers and apply as an agency. Each selected agency will then designate one point person as the Ambassador Program liaison.
"We're very pleased with the success of the inaugural year of the Ambassadors Program, including the very positive travel agent feedback we’ve received,” said John Hanratty, chief operating officer for Travel Impressions.
"Many of our current Ambassadors have expressed great appreciation for being selected to participate, as well as the enhanced credibility the designation offered, which often resulted in an increase in sales to their supplier partner. Ambassadors also found the private social media training invaluable in learning how to effectively market themselves in today’s digital environment,” he added.
Previously, TI Ambassadors were selected to represent and support a participating supplier for a one month period, after which, responsibilities would move to the next Ambassador, TI explains. Going forward, Ambassadors will now assume social media responsibilities for the entire year with several Ambassadors representing each supplier concurrently. Ambassadors will be required to post on Facebook at least once per month, TI says.
Ambassadors from the inaugural year are encouraged to apply again with the support of their agency owner/manager. Travel Impressions said it will determine the number of Ambassador agencies per supplier once all applications are evaluated. Agencies are encouraged to apply for up to three supplier partners but may only be selected to represent one. Only one application per supplier for each agency will be reviewed (if multiple are received, the first one received will be reviewed).
Once selected, TI Ambassadors will receive several benefits, including a five-night stay for two people at the supplier they represent, a welcome kit, Ambassador plaque, invitations to private social media webinars throughout the year, TI Ambassador status and logo to include in marketing materials and USB drives with a robust selection of images for use on social media and other marketing channels.
Ambassador agencies are expected to increase their business to the supplier they are selected to represent throughout the year. Agencies with significant growth will be rewarded with an enhanced Ambassadorship status and will be offered additional marketing support.
Agencies should apply for Ambassadorship no later than August 26 at www.travimp.com/ambassadorform.