Travel agents have much to gain, with resorts offering higher commission, FAM rates, and added perks for bookings during the busy fall season.
Moon Dance Cliffs, a boutique retreat on Negril’s seaside cliffs, is offering 20 percent commission for new bookings made for states between Nov. 1, 2014 through Jan. 4, 2015.
“Travel agents are an important source of bookings for Moon Dance Cliffs. Agents send us over 40 percent of our bookings. We thought the holiday season would be the perfect time to boost commissions and show our appreciation for all the agents who contribute to our success,” says owner Randy McKay.
Moon Dance Cliffs offers accommodations that include 480- to 1,200-sq.ft. rooms and suites, plus 1-, 4-, and 5-bedroom private, poolside villas. Onsite amenities include lifeguard-attended cliffs for swimming, a 5,000-sq.-ft. pool, a full-service spa, health club, two restaurants, and three bars. For more information, call (800) 621-1120 or visit moondancecliffs.com or moondanceresorts.com/cliffs/travel-agents.
Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina will begin paying higher commission rates on select bookings. Agents can choose one of two options—15 percent commission on Water View room bookings, and a complimentary bottle of Perrier Jouet for the guest; or 10 percent commission on Resort View rooms, complimentary late 1 p.m. check-out, plus 20 percent off food and beverages.
These agent incentives are available for weekday stays, Sunday through Thursday, from September through Nov. 23, 2014, based on availability and black-out dates. “Savvy agents know that the shoulder season is the time to get the most bang for your buck, when visiting the Hamptons,” says Lloyd Van Horn, the resort’s general manager.
Montauk Yacht Club also offers a midweek travel agent FAM rate to give agents the opportunity to visit the resort. The Sunday through Thursday rates start $189 in September, $149 in October, and $129 in November. For more information, call (631) 668-3100 or visit montaukyachtclub.com.
According to Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels, the travel agent community is its greatest asset in a world where many book their travel online. That is why they are offering incentives to the travel agent community.
“Travel is so personal, it’s important to have a solid relationship with someone who knows who you are, what you want, and where you want to be,” says Eric Gavin, the hotel company’s regional v.p. of sales & macerating. “Travel agents are simply the pulse of our business. We want to be good partners.”
For fall travel, they have many travel agent offers to Curaçao, Florida, Chicago, California, and Seattle. Offers include a $99 per night FAM rate and 10 percent commission at the Santa Barbra Beach Resort in Curaçao; at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa in Miami Beach, it’s a FAM rate starting at $150 per night for a Deluxe Ocean View room or $249 for the Deluxe Suite, valid through Nov. 30, 2014; in Seattle at the Sorrento Hotel, it’s 25 percent off the best available weekend rate year-round, and a seasonal weekday rate Sunday through Thursday at $199 from May through September, or $149 October through April.
FAM rates are valid for IATAN, trave agent ID, CLIA, and True Card holders. Travel agents can also book one additional room at the same rate for their family or friends when traveling together, if arriving and departing with the agent. For more information and additional offers, visit personalluxuryresortsandhotels.com or personalluxuryresortsandhotels.com/travel_professionals.
