Agents can earn double Expert Reward Points in special bonus promotion.
PHUKET – Outrigger Hotels and Resorts has announced several changes to its popular travel agent education and loyalty program that are designed to enhance the brand positioning and platform functionality for participating travel agents.
Introduced in 2009, the “Outrigger Specialist Program” has been renamed “Outrigger Expert Agent” to place greater focus on the travel agent’s achievements and expertise. While the “specialist” moniker is often applied to destination certification programs, the “expert” branding implies authority and resonates confidence among consumers, said Elizabeth “Ellie” Agustin, integrated marketing manager for Outrigger Enterprises Group.
The organization’s education and loyalty program has also been migrated to a new technology platform that provides a fresher, more visually rich training experience. In addition, the platform’s enhanced functionality now allows Outrigger Expert Agents to easily view their learning course history and offerings.
“This accessibility feature is something our agent members have been asking for and we’re quite proud to deliver on the commitment,” said Agustin. “The simpler navigation and clearer presentation of courses also make the portal more user-friendly. Internally, it gives us the ability to update the training materials more easily and quickly to make sure we always are offering the most current, accurate information to our Outrigger Expert Agents.”
Two special re-launch bonus promotions are being offered to certified Outrigger Expert Agents.
1) Double Learning Course Rewards – This one rewards Outrigger Expert Agents who complete any of the five optional learning courses and quizzes before January 31, 2014, with double Expert Reward Points – 100 Expert Reward Points compared to the standard 50 – on the following courses:
— Oahu Island
— Neighbor Island
— Maui Island
— Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji
— Australia-to-Asia Pacific
In order to qualify for the bonus promotion, the travel agent must already be a certified Outrigger Hospitality Specialist or certify as an Outrigger Expert Agent prior to beginning the courses.
As an added bonus, Outrigger Expert Agents can also earn two Continuing Education Units (CEUs) towards the Certified Travel Associates (CTAs) and Certified Travel Counselors (CTCs) designations when successfully completing each of the five Outrigger learning courses.
2) Outrigger Reef on the Beach Double Reward Points – Outrigger Expert Agents can also earn double reward points for qualified bookings made from October 15 to December 21, 2013, for client stays at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach from October 15 to December 21, 2013, and from April 28 to June 13, 2014.
Agustin said current certified Outrigger Hospitality Specialists will automatically be registered in the new program as Outrigger Expert Agents. They will be able to download a copy of a new certificate in their name with the new Outrigger Expert Agent logo. Other key components, such as booking procedures and Reward Points redemption, remain unchanged.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.