The Benefits of Incorporating TOURPAQ as a Digital Employee in Your Travel Business

Jakob has always had a passion for travel and adventure. Over the past several years, while managing his former travel agency Onlineski, he has learned the ins and outs of the travel industry and has seen first-hand the challenges that new travel agencies face when starting up. Despite this, Jakob was determined to make round 2 and create his dream travel agency – SnowTours.

The decision was also very easy, as Jakob has previously used Tourpaq to build a previous travel agency and therefore has extensive knowledge of Tourpaq.

“With Tourpaq, I can spend my time building and growing SnowTours, not just be occupied with everyday tasks.”

Jakob was aware of the many pitfalls that come with starting a new business, so he made the decision to partner with Tourpaq from the beginning. This decision has proven to be a wise one as Tourpaq has given Jakob all the tools and support he needs to succeed.

Returning to the World of Travel: Renewing the Passion

Jakob's story in the travel industry is marked by his strong spirit of adventure and his desire to bring affordable travel experiences to families. After running OnlineSki for 15 years, Jakob took a much-needed break and pursued his passion for building summer houses. However, his love for the travel industry was never far away.

” It’s too expensive to go on ski trips, and I am here to change that.”

As the years passed, Jakob realized that the Danish ski market was in dire need of disruption. The two dominant players are offering expensive packages, and the self-drive market is almost non-existent. Recent events like war and the Corona pandemic had only made ski trips more unaffordable for families.

That's when Jakob decided to make his comeback in the travel industry. He saw a gap in the market and an opportunity to offer self-drive ski trips at more affordable prices through his new travel agency, SnowTours. Jakob understood that starting a company from scratch is not for the faint of heart, but he was ready for the challenge, since he had previous experience with Tourpaq, and knew exactly, what he could expect.  

With his big experience, Jakob is ready to shake up the Danish ski market and offer a fresh perspective on affordable travel. His passion for adventure and his dedication to making sure his guests have the time of their lives are why he’s well-known in the travel industry.  

In 2023, Jakob's focus is on laying the foundation for a successful travel agency. His confidence is built on a solid foundation - Tourpaq. After researching the market thoroughly, Jakob is still convinced that Tourpaq, again, is the perfect booking platform, which will be the base for his new adventures.

“I am glad to have Tourpaq from the start because I can now focus on the setup and not the manual tasks. I feel extremely confident in the platform, and I know it works”

One of the biggest advantages of having Tourpaq on board from the start is that is able to focus on growing his business without having to worry about the technical aspect of running a travel agency. This has allowed him to concentrate on what he does best – creating unique, affordable, and exciting travel experiences for his clients.

Learning from the Past: Jakob Brings New Strategies to SnowTours

"Investing in a booking system may seem expensive, but it offers more benefits than a manual person, and costs less than hiring a new employee. With advanced capabilities and added security, a booking system is a cost-effective solution that offers more value than manual processes.”

Previously, orders were sent out via email and then printed and stacked up. When an order was confirmed, it was moved to another stack. If there were unconfirmed orders left in the paper stack, they would call them to confirm or decline the order.

This left little time for sales and customer service. The existing system was unreliable and prone to breakdowns, requiring constant attention to keep it functioning.  

“Automating tasks and processes saves me a lot of time, but most importantly it gives me security knowing that every task and process is taken care of with precision.”

With Tourpaq, during busy weeks up to 100 lists were sent out, but with a feature called "emails not confirmed," he could see that 100 emails were sent out and filter them based on those not confirmed. With just one click, he could resend the emails. If they remained on the "not confirmed" list a few days later, he would give them a call, but this process ensured that everything was confirmed, even with suppliers, and customers received the hotel and room they booked, giving them peace of mind.

It's also optimal in case an employee falls sick, as who would take on the tasks then? It's easy to overlook the manual stacks of paper and one may not discover them until Friday evening when it's too late.

Tourpaq is therefore worth every penny. All bookings and relevant information are automatically dispatched to the concerned parties, and whenever a customer gets in contact, all the necessary details are readily available to everyone. This streamlined process guarantees that no important information falls through the cracks.  

“I have come to realize that Tourpaq and I make a great team. It's a wonderful feeling to be in sync with a team, who shares my vision and passion. Together, we can achieve amazing things.”

From Dream to Reality: Starting a Travel Agency in 5 Easy Steps

But where do you begin when starting a new travel agency, what should you think about and what things should be in place? Jakob has selected the 5 things that he has focused on to get off to a good start and also gives an insight into which manual processes have actually been eliminated.

“It is of most importance, that you really want it because that will be your drive.”  

• Invest in a booking system to streamline your processes and improve your service offering. From online booking systems to automated processes, the right platform can make all the difference.
• Website: Develop a professional and user-friendly website that showcases your products, services, and branding. Ensure that your website is optimized for search engines and that it has an easy-to-use booking system.
• Establish Strong Partnerships: Building relationships with suppliers, hotels, airlines, and other travel-related businesses can give you access to exclusive deals and help you provide a better experience for your clients. Tourpaq facilitates automatic communication among all parties by providing a centralized platform for exchanging information, resulting in the efficient collection of all relevant data in one place.
• Products: Offer a range of travel products that cater to your target audience and align with your niche focus. This could include customized itineraries, package tours, and travel insurance.
• Marketing strategy: Develop a marketing plan to reach your target audience and promote your travel agency. Utilize social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and targeted advertising to make your agency visible to those who need your services.

Manual tasks can be time-consuming and prone to errors, but with the right system and automation, Jakob ensures a seamless process that runs like clockwork and leaves no stone unturned.

“As automation takes over, the tasks that once held importance for me are no longer necessary.”

• The good thing is you don’t need to have physical tickets anymore, but instead, e-tickets and a voucher system are running – where the guests are provided with the hotel name and address, check-in time, and sometimes a QR code is needed for driving directions, so it is described, what to do, if you are going to be late – everything will be in the voucher. Customers have access to ”My Ticket”, which enables your customers to manage and update their bookings themselves, while a full history is logged in Tourpaq.
• Since Jakob doesn’t have guides, the popularity of package tours with lift passes still thrives, as a physical voucher is required for the lift pass. The same goes for ski rental and ski school - all the necessary documents and PDFs must be present, either on your phone or in print. Once these systems are in place, the automation in Tourpaq runs smoothly, effortlessly processing the sale of 100 or 500 packages, freeing you from the hassle of manual labor.
• Effortlessly manage hotel room arrangements and guest arrivals with automated lists. On any given weekday, the supplier receives their lists, ensuring smooth operations. The ski rental and ski school, along with the lift pass, also receive automatic confirmations, ensuring that the ski rental at the destination matches the number of guests, without the need for manual labor.

With just a two-day setup, you'll be able to enjoy a completely automated system that requires minimal maintenance. Imagine the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is running smoothly and efficiently. This investment is sure to pay off in terms of time, energy, and stress saving.

” Tourpaq is the perfect match for every travel agency, offering a wide range of features to meet the unique needs of each business.”

SnowTours: Drive Your Way to Adventure

Jakob wants to offer the lowest prices on self-drive holidays and travel. With his extensive expertise in the travel industry, he aspires to provide a more affordable and superior alternative to expensive travel options.

It may not be an easy race, but Jakob is determined to be the best. He's got some tricks up his sleeve that he hopes will give him an edge over the competition. And let's face it, there can only be one cheapest travel agency in Denmark:

• The other travel agencies (might) not have Tourpaq. That's my biggest advantage because they're going to be paying a lot more than me to handle all their manual tasks.
• Due to Tourpaq’s streamlined operations, there are relatively few tasks and maintenance requirements, allowing him to prioritize delivering exceptional service and highly competitive pricing. For Jakob, providing advice is of the utmost importance, and he devotes a significant amount of time to ensuring that customers are well-informed by sharing relevant information. In addition to building strong customer relationships, Jakob is committed to creating a memorable experience for every customer.

This approach results in fewer questions for customers upon arrival at their destination, as many common inquiries are addressed in the voucher provided beforehand. In addition, guests receive a city map and well wishes upon arrival, which not only adds a personal touch but also provides peace of mind, enabling customers to relax and enjoy their trip without worry.

Tried and Tested: The 7 Most Reliable Features for Consistent Results

Jakob describes a good booking system as the heart of a travel agency. Therefore, he also wants to share which features are his favorites:  

• A big advantage is that you have everything in Tourpaq. The fantastic thing is that you enter everything, name of the hotel, vouchers, pictures, descriptions for the website, etc., and you only have to maintain the data in one place. You also have great customer data, that gives you fantastic insight into your customers. Here, you also have the opportunity to search for customers and access their past purchase and preference history, enabling you to gain valuable insights and better understand your customers' needs and preferences.
• There is the option of full integration with your web agency, and here Jakob has chosen Vestjysk Marketing. So, this means that everything can be pulled directly out of Tourpaq and onto the website, which is a huge advantage so that it does not have to be done manually.  It may take some time to set up, but once it is done, it must only be maintained during the larger reviews.

‍” It is easy to create and store data, and I never thought it would be so easy to maintain.”

• The use of requests allows him to promptly send pre-written emails to hotels in case of sudden unavailability of rooms. He receives a swift response from the hotel regarding the availability of additional rooms, which is updated in Tourpaq. This streamlined process saves time and requires minimal effort in his daily routine.
• Effective monitoring is in place to promptly notify the staff if the hotels have reached full capacity and should stop accepting bookings. Tourpaq ensures the reliability of its automation system by preventing the sale of unavailable inventory.
• Tourpaq's fully automated email process runs a customer journey where everything runs automatically—from ticket issuing and payment reminders to predefined emails and vouchers. Customers are held by the hand all the way, which ensures them the best experience possible and makes them feel special.
• With Mass Change, it's as simple as a few clicks. You can choose exactly how much of a margin should be applied to each item and then all prices will be automatically updated with that margin. In addition, you can copy room type, hotel, and flight information with just one click so that you don't have to re-enter it all manually.  
• He is looking forward to using the Tourpaq guide app, but it won’t be until 2014. It also has many advantages in relation to improving accessibility, enhancing customer service, engagement, user experience, customer insights, and sales potential.

The Promising Future: A Look at What's Ahead  

Jakob's future vision is nothing short of ambitious - he's aiming to send a whopping 2500 passengers off in 2024. But in order to make that happen, he knows that he can't rely solely on technology. That's why he's looking to hire a team of friendly and knowledgeable staff who will be the human touchpoint for customers, providing top-notch service and expert advice.  

With Tourpaq handling the automated side of things, Jakob's dream of exponential growth is within reach - and he's well on his way to revolutionizing the travel industry.

In order to make his ambitious plans a reality, he's going to have to put some serious effort into marketing and social media. After all, customers won't just magically appear out of thin air - they need some serious pampering. It is also an expense for families, and they must think about what they want and how much money they want to spend.

“I want to be the best and most affordable choice for self-drive ski tours in Denmark.”

How Easy Is It to Get Started with Tourpaq?

If you're hesitant about using new booking software due to concerns about its complexity, the time it may take to learn, or the space it may occupy in your travel agency, Tourpaq can help. Tourpaq offers an intuitive and user-friendly booking software that makes it easy for travel agencies to get started quickly.

“With Tourpaq's excellent training and support, you can feel confident using its software to streamline your operations and enhance your customer experience.”

Tourpaq doesn't just offer fantastic booking software, but also provides comprehensive onboarding training to ensure you get the most out of it. From strategy meetings to dedicated support, Tourpaq's team is always available to help. During the training, you'll explore all the possibilities of Tourpaq together, gaining a good overview of how it can benefit your travel agency.  

Not only that, but Tourpaq also offers a range of informative videos showcasing its features, making it easier to learn and discover its capabilities. If you have any questions or concerns, Tourpaq's support team is always just a phone call away, ready to assist you at any time.  

"By using Tourpaq from the start, you can avoid getting bogged down in manual processes and focus on growing your travel agency.”

Assessing the Value of Tourpaq: Is It the Right Choice for Your Travel Business?

In conclusion, Jakob’s partnership with Tourpaq has been instrumental in the success of SnowTours. With Tourpaq’s support, Jakob has been able to overcome the challenges of starting a new travel agency and turn his passion for travel into a successful business.

Furthermore, Tourpaq has helped Jakob to streamline his operations, saving him time and money. He is now able to manage his bookings, finances, and customer relationships more efficiently, which has allowed him to grow his business faster.

For those who have invested in Tourpaq, the benefits are clear: the system has the potential to revolutionize their travel business. As one satisfied user with 1-2 employees noted, Tourpaq has enabled Jakob to reach new levels of efficiency and productivity, handling tasks he couldn't manage alone. He believes that for small businesses like his, Tourpaq is a smart choice - offering the functionality of a full-time employee without the added cost.  

“Tourpaq is more than just a tool for travel agencies; it's a complete solution that helps agencies run smoothly, improve customer satisfaction, and grow their business.”

Ultimately, the decision to invest in Tourpaq depends on the specific needs and resources of each individual business.

BONUS INFO

Jakob's Top Picks: Favorite ski destinations

Although there are numerous great ski destinations, Jakob has no hesitation in recommending his preferred choices, which he assures are definitely worth visiting:

With friends:

• Saalbach, Austria is a veritable winter wonderland and a beloved destination among Danish skiers. Boasting an impressive 270 kilometers of pristine pistes, it stands tall as Austria's largest and most diverse ski area. But the magic doesn't stop there! Saalbach is also renowned for its vibrant après-ski scene, offering an abundance of buzzing bars and clubs where you can dance the night away. So why settle for a run-of-the-mill ski vacation when you can have an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure in Saalbach?
• Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Sölden is a true alpine paradise that is nothing short of amazing. Offering an abundance of sunny slopes and pristine powder, it's a skier's paradise that caters to all skill levels. But that's not all! With two stunning glaciers and plenty of clear mountain air, Sölden is an unrivaled destination for both adventure and relaxation. And when the sun goes down, the fun ramps up with an impressive 60-70 après-ski bars to choose from. So, go and experience the sheer magic of Sölden for yourself. ‍

With family:  

• Maria Alm is an absolute utopia for children in the heart of the breathtaking Alps. Nestled in a picturesque and tranquil setting, it offers an unrivaled ski experience with a total of 150 km of pistes, providing plenty of thrills for everyone from beginner to expert. But what truly sets Maria Alm apart is its reputation as the ultimate family-friendly destination. Over the years, it has become renowned for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect place for families to create unforgettable memories.

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