Banyan Tree Rewarding Top-Producing Advisors
March 11, 2010 By: Ruthanne Terrero
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| Banyon Tree Cabo Marques |
Now that it has two North American resorts to tout to the U.S. travel agency community, Banyan Tree is making a big push on its revamped “XTC” recognition program, which rewards top-producing consultants.
The Singapore-based hotel company on March 17 opens the Banyan Tree Cabo Marques in Acapulco. The new resort has 40 pool villas (think personal heated pools), a seven-room spa and four restaurants. It joins the Banyan Tree Mayakoba on the Riviera Maya, which has enjoyed an extremely successful launch and has helped to solidify the brand’s promise in the minds of North American travel agents. Launched with the concept of sustainable tourism in mind, Banyan Tree operates primarily in Asia. It also operates Angsana Hotels and Resorts. All together, it has 20 resorts and hotels and more than 60 spas.
It’s possible the U.S. market may become even more familiar with the brand: “Banyan Tree is committed to the Americas,” David Woodward, regional director of marketing for the Eastern USA told Luxury Travel Advisor. “There will be more resorts in Mexico and we’re also looking at the Caribbean. Latin America is an area we are looking at overall.”
The XTC program allows travel agents to report their own sales of Banyan Tree, booked whether via GDS, directly with the hotel or through a tour operator. Travel agents are invited to apply for membership on line at www.banyantree.com/xtc. Once approved, they can track their sales progress as well as obtain information on sales promotions and insider destination tips.
XTC has a three-tiered system, based on sales production:
XTC Classic is obtained with at least one booking. Members receive 50 percent off best available rooms rates, dining and spa treatment at all Banyan Tree and Angsana hotels and resorts.
XTC Deluxe is valid for those who achieve between 250 and 450 XTC points. These members receive 75 percent off best available rooms rates and 50 percent off dining and spa services at all Banyan Tree and Angsana properties.
XTC Premier: This is the highest-ranking level and is valid for those who earn more than 450 XTC points. Agents who reach this level will get an al-expenses paid one-week vacation for two at a Banyan Tree or Angsana property, including dining and spa treatments.
The program will be promoted to the travel agency community this April, when Banyan Tree embarks on a roadshow that visits Los Angeles, Chicago and New York.
Banyan Tree Cabo Marques in Acapulco is opening with a promotional $600 nightly rate that is high for the Mexican resort area, but considerably low for Banyan Tree. Additionally, if consumers buy two nights, they’ll get the third night free.
Meanwhile, Banyan Tree is opening Banyan Tree Samui, a resort in the Thai Islands in July.
