Travel Agent- March 30, 2009 - (Page 18) DESTINATIONS ON TRAVEL AGENTCENTRAL .COM FOR MORE ON Mark Rogers’ recent trip to Taiwan, read his blog at http://www.travelagentcentral. com/taiwantouring-taiwan. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 [And then] you have to get the customer to the agent. It’s a three-year project to complete the process.” Chang had some thoughts of her own. “Getting the airlines to cooperate is essential. After all, the clients can’t swim to Taiwan,” observed Chang. She praised the ongoing marketing efforts of the Taiwan Tourist Office in the U.S., but added that Taiwan has a way to go to capture its share of the leisure market. “When China was going through the Cultural Revolution [in 1966-76], it was closed to the U.S.,” explained Chang. “During that time, Taiwan received more travelers from the U.S. than it does now. These were travelers who wanted to experience Chinese culture and heritage. This changed once China became open.” The Numbers and Marketing Data reveals that the average F .I.T. traveler to Taiwan from the U.S. is 42 years old, has an average income of $78,000 and, more often than not, is female. We began talking about Taiwan’s appeal for the U.S. market, ticking off a list of features, including its culture, attractions—like the National Museum and Taipei 101—and activities, which range from cycling to relaxing in a hot springs resort. Londregan posed that instead of promoting a multitude of reasons why a visitor should choose Taiwan, the country needed to market only three things to create a stronger identity for the consumer. It was also agreed that there was an education gap and, therefore, greater efforts needed to be made to educate travel agents about Taiwan. Londregan outlined his plans for Travel2 to create an Asia Pass similar to the very successful Aussie Pass. His ideal price point would be $1,099 for three flights to Asian destinations. This would be further trimmed to $999 if the traveler opted for a 10-day trip or longer. “We’re looking at the participation of three carriers,” said Londregan. The proposed Asia Pass would be tremendously beneficial to Taiwan, because the destination is a transportation hub for the region. Chances are that one of those three destinations chosen by the traveler holding an Asia Pass would be Taiwan, since they would be passing through Taipei’s international airport at least once. Londregan mentioned that it’s a challenge for a company like Travel2 when airlines don’t hold their prices steady. There are a lot of ruffled feathers when a traveler who booked far ahead sees their flight sell for less than they paid as the date for travel draws nearer. It’s clear that Taiwan is still trying to define itself to the U.S. market. I LANDIS TAIPEI HOTEL A S I A PA C I F I C New hotels, new packages, new $2,800 contest! WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THE TAIWAN LEG OF THEIR MEGA-FAM, the Signature travel agents stayed at the Landis Taipei Hotel (http:// taipei.landishotelsresorts.com), a member of Leading Hotels of the World. The property rests near authentic neighborhoods with shops catering to Taiwan’s residents. Guest rooms cater to the business travelers, with an executive writing desk and highspeed Internet access. Guests also receive complimentary shuttle bus services to the Taipei World Trade Center. The Landis Spa has four massage suites providing a variety of massages as well as facials. The hotel’s health center has a fully equipped gym, sauna and outdoor whirlpool. Joyce Yang is the spa manager. To arrange an advance booking, conGuest rooms at the Landis Taipei cater to tact Yang at 011-886-2-25912181, business travelers service@landistpe.com.tw. The hotel’s restaurants are celebrated throughout Taipei, especially Paris 1930, a French restaurant. For VIP clients, contact General Manager Stacy Chu (011-886-2-25985528; stacy.chu@landistpe.com.tw). The travel agent liaison for the hotel is Darren Tseng, director of sales and marketing (darren@landistpe.com.tw, 011-886-2-25985588). SPECIALIST COURSE 2008/09 ENROLL TODAY w w w . t a u n i v. c o m 18 | TravelAgent March 30, 2009 http://www.TRAVELAGENTCENTRAL.COM http://www.travelagentcentral.com/touring-taiwan http://taipei.landishotelsresorts.com http://taipei.landishotelsresorts.com http://www.tauniv.com http://www.tauniv.com
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