MIAMI -- Tara Tours is celebrating its 20th anniver-sary with a
party that will continue well into 2001.
The celebration well include eight to 10 agent fam trips, which
have become the hallmark of the company's marketing program.
"We believe that fam trips are the No.1 educational tool for
agents," said Tara Tours president Daniel Taramona, "for nothing
can match the experience of being there."
Agents who invest time and money in getting to know Latin
American destinations will find the payback is "the conviction one
gains in selling what you know and what you enjoy," he added.
Company co-owner Hermine Taramona is in charge of escorting fam
trips and introducing agents to the history, culture and natural
attractions in countries that include Costa Rica, Guatemala and
Belize to Peru and Ecuador and Argentina.
Since Tara Tours began operating the agent trips (which usually
include 12 to 16 participants), the firm has gained a loyal
following of retailers "who have learned that clients who have
everything [about their trip] organized, and who have someone on
site to fix any glitches in arrangements, end up with more
rewarding vacations."
The company originally sold trips to Peru, Ecuador and
Bolivia.
When political problems hit Peru in 1982 and 1983, Tara Tours
shifted its destination focus to Brazil and then north to
Guatemala, Costa Rica and Belize.
Now, business is more competitive, and the company has carved
its niche in customized itineraries of all kinds.
One of Tara Tours' key requirements is that the staff knows the
destinations. So, they get to visit most Latin American countries
so that "we all have made continuous inspections of hotels and
attractions and can provide first-hand information."
In his general recommendations to travel agents for increasing
sales to Latin America, Taramona said it is important to establish
a relationship with one tour supplier in order to negotiate better
rates with volume.
This also will enable agents to gain confidence in selling
travel to a particular country if the arrangements require precise
and elaborate ground operations.
For additional information on Tara Tours, call (800) 327-0080 or
(305) 871-1246 or access the Web site at www.taratours.com.