SAN DIEGO -- Sterling Tours, a Britain specialist here, created a
program geared to help retail agents shift more of their focus to
leisure travel.
Called Sterling's U.K. 2000, the initiative is designed to
provide agencies "with access to the full scope of British travel
attractions, with emphasis on the needs of retailers who may not be
fully informed on all the intricate details of the market."
According to Sterling, the U.K. 2000 program covers independent
itineraries by rental car, train or private car; London packages
featuring transfers, sightseeing, theater tickets and local
transportation; family vacations; small group tours;
special-interest trips on themes such as gardens and antiques, and
programs for travel in Scotland and Wales.
"By placing the whole itinerary in the care of Sterling, agents
will know that the full range of services will be confirmed and
prepaid, ensuring that the agency enjoys the highest earnings on
the booking," Sterling said.
The operator said that U.K. travel arrangements for a couple
typically generate at least $200 in agency commissions "achieved
with little more in-agency work than two or three telephone calls
or faxes."
U.K. 2000 is "not directed to budget-minded clients, but to
those whose lifestyles are more closely reflected by enjoying
good-quality services at fair prices," Sterling said.
The program has two levels of operation: SterlingSelect, based
on three-star accommodations and directed toward a midlevel
clientele, and Sterling-Elite, based on four-star lodgings and
directed toward upscale clients.
The firm offers an Agency Package to retailers, containing full
details of the various programs and prices.
Sterling Tours
Phone: (800) 717-4359
Web: www.sterlingtours.com