Agent Cathy Dorton at the Great Wall during the Nov. 2015 FAM
Imperial Tours has been running its innovative China Expert Training Program for travel agents since 2010. A number of agents have graduated as China Experts from our free webinar course run once a year. The four-part webinar series arms you with in-depth information about China covering hotels, tour sites, restaurants, shopping, seasonality, and unique experiences so that you can be confident in selling luxury China to your clients.
We asked one of our recent China Expert graduates, Travel Expert agent Cathy Dorton based in Tennessee, how the training benefited her. Here is what she said:
‘‘Having never been to China, the sales process has sometimes been a bit difficult for me. When my VIP clients contacted me requesting a "WOW me trip", it was requested that I send over 2 – 3 proposals. I graduated from the China Experts course on 04th March 2015, and this was somewhere along March 10th time frame. Following my completion of the Imperial Tours China Expert course I immediately had the knowledge and confidence to craft a mind-blowing itinerary!
Working together with Imperial Tours’ knowledgeable specialists and in collaboration, we immediately crafted that "WOW" proposal together and presented it to my clients for review (a family of 4) along with two other destinations. The clients’ entire family chose China, hands down – largely based on those "Imperial Moments" we presented. I booked their travel immediately, and they left the USA first week of May 2015! So, literally within 6 weeks of becoming an Imperia Tours China Expert, I had my first sale!
The feedback from my client and family consisted of "1. Best trip we have ever done! 2. Couldn't believe everything we had access to. 3. My hotel arrangements throughout the trip were superb – our favorite was the Banyan Tree Yangshuo… until we arrived at the Amanfayun Resort in Hangzhou, where we were immersed into the regional customs and relaxation of the property – was so, so needed for my family. 4. Rafting experience on the Li River was cancelled, due to flood levels on the day we were scheduled; not only did our guide, David, do all possible to make sure we had an amazing day… he also, unexpectedly returned the following morning to make sure they were able to have the Li River rafting experience!"
Very high marks for Imperial Tours China Expert Program – I leave October 28th for my FAM with Imperial Tours, and am happy to report due to my immediate sale, I received a nice discount on my trip! I’m working now towards my MASTERS Level, and highly recommend to other agents with a desire to really continue their education, to participate in the China Experts Yearly Program with Imperial Tours.’’
If you, too, are interested in becoming a China Expert, then our next training courses will be held in January 2016 for North American-based travel agents, March 2016 for European-based agents and April 2016 for Spanish speaking agents (training will be conducted in Spanish). Each of the four webinars lasts about an hour and you are required to complete a mini test after each session. Graduates of the program receive:
· An Imperial Tours China Expert certificate to hang on your wall (think of it more as a silk scroll)
· An Imperial Tours China Expert logo to use on your email signature and/or your website
· 10% off our bi-annual Fam trips (or greater discounts as you reach certain revenue milestones)
· A waiving of our itinerary design deposit
· A 3-year listing of your name, brief bio and contact information on the Find a Travel Agent page of our website for opportunities for referrals.
Make it your New Year’s resolution to learn more about China and you will benefit from both the knowledge and the perks.
To register for the North American training taking place Jan 13, Jan 20, Jan 27, and Feb 3 at 4:30pm EST, please click here.
To register for the European training taking place Mar 9, Mar 16, Mar 23, and Mar 30 at 11am GMT, please click here.
For the April Spanish-language training, please email us.
