The Benefits of Working with a Destination Management Company
Written by: Guest on March 06, 2015
If you’re new to the travel business, you may not be familiar with Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and their role in the industry. DMCs are largely responsible for taking care of your clients once they arrive in their destination: they provide transfers, coordinate accommodations, offer activities and themed events, and much more.
Tour Operators and DMCs work closely to provide a hassle-free, memorable experience for travelers. Every Tour Operator utilizes a specific DMC that has extensive knowledge of and connections with that area.
For instance, on our FAM trip to Jamaica last month, Funjet Vacations was our sponsor and tour operator. Once our agents and staff were in Jamaica, they primarily dealt with staff from Funjet’s DMC, Jamaica Tours Limited.
Jamaica Tours Limited provided our agents and staff with transportation to and from the airport, resort inspections and excursion sites. Along the way, they offered useful information about the people and culture of the area that agents can pass along to their clients.
As a home based travel agent, developing a relationship with your preferred suppliers’ DMC representatives ensures your clients have a superior experience.
“Say you have a client you want to get extra-special treatment,” says KHM Travel’s National Director Marie Smith. “You can contact your DMC to get them VIP treatment, private transfers and upgrades.”
Knowing your DMCs can be helpful when booking cruises too. For instance, agents can contact Jamaica Tours Limited to book land excursions for cruisers with stops in Jamaica. With some DMCs, agents will earn commissions on any land excursions they book for their cruise clients.
Our Funjet Representative Jenny with our Jamaica Tours Limited Guide, Victoria
DMCs will also set up site inspections for travel agents that are visiting a destination on their own, but want to turn their vacation into a working trip. Just give the DMC a call, and they will coordinate your transportation and site tours.
DMCs are essentially your link to your clients while they are away, so building a relationship with them will be key to making sure travelers receive spectacular service from start to finish.
Our top-notch training program can help you to become a travel agent. To learn more, fill out the form on the right or call 1-888-611-1220 today.