BUYING GROUND ARRANGEMENTS VIA LOCAL EXPERTS CAN BE BENEFICIAL
What is a Destination Management Company (DMC)?
A Destination Management Company (often abbreviated to DMC) is an organisation that will act on your behalf by providing relevant logistical services in their destination. In simple terms, services will include meet & greet, transportation, accommodation, excursions, activities, events, food & beverage options, and venue hire. A DMC should provide excellent local knowledge, and act as an extension of your company in the destination. It goes without saying that the best DMC’s fully understand their client’s needs by offering reliable, creative, and cost-effective ground services.
What does a DMC do? Here are just 5 points to consider!
1. One Stop Shop
Having just one point of contact and one place to pay for ground services can prove to be more beneficial than having to source various individual travel elements. Why waste time directly contracting a hotel, private transfers and / or guide when you can buy everything via a reputable partner with better buying power? We are certainly seeing more of the smaller and medium sized tour operators going down this path, due to lack of time, inadequate manpower and with the aim of making cost savings.
2. Local Knowledge & Connections
Sourcing a local expert should help to ensure that all aspects of the ground arrangements are of a high standard, that transport and accommodation have been personally checked to follow the health & safety levels expected and that customers are getting real value for money. Yes, people have become tech savy and information has become more accessible via the Internet, but it has to be said local knowledge and expertise are irreplaceable. A good DMC should be objective about venues and attractions, realistic about travel times and modes of transport, and can explain nuances that only local experts can share.
3. Creativity
We often think we know best but having an insider’s valuable point of view can be very beneficial in our decision-making process. Having the knowledge that something has been tried before and did or didn’t work can save a lot of time and potential concern.
4. Potential Cost Savings
A reputable DMC will have strong relationships with venues, hotels, transport companies, food & beverage providers, and tour guides, which should mean more flexibility and potentially better rates for your clients. Having one preferred partner to arrange everything will save you paying bank fees for each element booked.
5. Peace Of mind
For many tour operators, the biggest benefit of using a DMC, is having peace of mind knowing that there is someone who can support both you and your clients locally. You really can’t beat having a face on the ground to ensure that everything runs smoothly, from start to finish. If anything goes wrong, you will have a point of contact who can assist and try to fix the problem. Clients like to know that they have a local contact who they can connect with at any time.
We Can Help…
So, if you are looking for a strong DMC partner in Australia, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand & Vietnam, then don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be delighted to help with your future travel plans.
Select Representation is a travel sales & marketing representation company, headquartered in the UK. The perfect option for hotels and destination management companies (DMC’s), wishing to expand their business from the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Iceland. Representing the following DMC’s – Tour East + TBi + Transatour + one of the founder member of Global Travel Representation Alliance.