Classic Vacations® Enhances Online Booking with Flights and Rentals
Classic Vacations, a prominent player in the travel industry, has unveiled a significant advancement to its online booking platform that is aimed at evolving the way travel advisors operate in today's fast-paced environment. The upgrade notably includes the ability to book flights and car rentals, enhancing the platform's utility by allowing advisors to create complete travel itineraries from the comfort of their desks. This digital enhancement comes in response to a growing demand from travel advisors for more comprehensive tools that marry traditional high-touch service with modern technological capabilities.
Historically, Classic Vacations has built a reputation over its nearly 50-year tenure for offering superior customer service combined with a wealth of travel options. The introduction of roundtrip flights marks a major step, allowing advisors to book a wide variety of classes including economy, premium economy, business, and first class. With many of these options tied to negotiated fares, it is expected that advisors will have the flexibility to cater to a wider range of customer preferences and budgets.
The new car rental service is an exciting addition, making rentals available in more destinations worldwide. This expanded capability not only enhances the booking experience but also exemplifies Classic’s commitment to cover every detail of the travel experience. Clients can now enjoy the convenience of courtesy holds for both flights and car rentals, adding another layer of flexibility to the planning process.
Melissa Krueger, the CEO of Classic Vacations, emphasized the importance of this upgrade by stating, "This is what travel advisors have been asking for—the best of Classic tradition and technology. We are thrilled to offer our advisor community the opportunity to design and build full itineraries online while still providing the level of service that Classic has been known for."
This comprehensive update equips travel advisors with numerous features that streamline the travel planning process. Advisors can now shop, quote, and book a vast array of travel products including luxury hotels, tours, and transfers while managing multi-room, multi-destination trips more easily than ever before. Furthermore, advisors can make changes to existing bookings, even last-minute, which allows for a more adaptive approach to client needs.
The platform's integration also allows for the booking of up to eight rooms in a single FIT group transaction—without the need for cumbersome contracts—greatly benefiting group travel arrangements. Real-time rates and availability ensure that advisors can confidently secure inventory for their clients. Additionally, automatic earning of Classic Royalty Rewards points on every qualified booking incentivizes advisors further, enhancing their earning potential.
The intention behind creating these new booking tools is clear: to empower travel advisors by providing them with the autonomy they require while simultaneously offering exceptional human support from the Classic team. Anthony Tucker, VP of Business Intelligence Solutions at Classic Vacations, affirmed this by noting that “these new features are engineered to complement the personalized service that our advisors have come to expect.”
In a time where digital presence has become a crucial success factor in business, Classic Vacations is at the forefront of providing innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the advisor's service offerings. The company also prioritizes continuous refinement of the platform in response to evolving industry needs.
By investing in these technological advances, Classic Vacations reaffirms its commitment to being a premier partner for travel advisors, suppliers, and industry leaders, ensuring a future of enhanced performance and satisfaction for all.
For advisors eager to make the most of this new platform, registration is available at classicvacations.com/shop. The company further supports its advisors through frequent online trainings hosted by business development managers, covering how to maximize the use of the online booking platform alongside providing valuable sales and product training.
In summary, Classic Vacations has positioned itself as not just a leader in customer service but as a pioneer in integrating technology into the travel planning process, setting a new standard for the industry. With these advancements, travel advisors can look forward to a more efficient, flexible, and rewarding experience in planning travel for their clients.