“We have found that there is a broad Scots-Irish interest in the U.S., and these two countries make an attractive duo for many travelers,” says Brian W. Stack, managing director of CIE Tours International. For agents with clients interested in a journey to the Old Country, CIE Tours' new publication, Build Group Sales in 2011, can provide some extra motivation and information.
A major selling point in all arrangements is CIE's policy of “no optional extras” while on tour. There are no surprises or added expenses, Stack says, a policy that insures that a tour director is totally focused on client welfare. “We include all the necessary ingredients for a successful tour,” Stack states. “ Many competitors charge additional for sightseeing and dinner shows which can add up to an additional $600 per couple per week.”
Designed to identify and motivate new approaches to business, the brochure can help travel agents boost group sales to Ireland, Britain, Italy and Europe. CIE pinpoints two prime sources of potential sales:
Brochure Tours with Guaranteed Departures
Booking passengers on CIE's scheduled tours requires no prior experience in selling group travel. The tours are already set up and hotels are confirmed, so agents can start to promote and sell immediately. Select the right program from a choice of over 30 ready-made itineraries and 85 percent of all tour departures are guaranteed. Book a group with a minimum of 10 passengers, or get an exclusive coach by booking a group of 38 passengers.
Tours include the eight-day Irish Spirit, eight- or nine-day Irish Heritage, or the nine-day Scottish Dream Tour. In addition, there will be three new British tours in 2011. The Olde England Heritage Tour, is for eight or 10 days from $1,298 land-only. The Heart of Wales & England Tour is for nine days from $1,458 land-only. The British Pageantry is for 15 days from $2,598 land-only.
Customized Group Tours
Agents can create e a special itinerary and CIE will set it up the group department will first provide a quotation. Price quotations include accommodations at deluxe, superior first class or first class hotels in rooms with private bath/shower, most meals, fully escorted sightseeing program, admission charges to attractions/activities, entertainment, and more - all for the one price.
Agents can focus on special interests such as faith-based tours, short winter spa or pub breaks, music tours, tracing ancestors, golf, gardens, gourmet food, literary and movie locations. For small groups of family and friends of 10 or more, CIE makes it possible to travel in an exclusive coach with driver/guide and personalized itinerary.
In related news CIE has launched “The Scots Irish Tour” combining four nights in Scotland with six nights in Northern & Western Ireland and Dublin. Departures are on Mondays, now through October 18. As a bonus for clients on departures slated August 9-23, this tour provides reserved seats at the world-famous annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Visit www.cietours.com.