The Independent Travel Group has launched a new “Book Safe” insurance policy designed to reassure consumers of the safety of booking with its brands following several high profile industry collapses.
The new product was announced at the ITG Business Forum in Singapore at the weekend.
Chief executive Tom Manwaring said the new policy was “vital to reinforce the strength and safety of the company’s brands in the eyes of consumers,” particularly in light of recent events which the liquidation of Value World Travel.
The new cover protects passengers for airline, preferred supplier and agency insolvency. All italktravel franchise stores will automatically qualify for the cover as part of its franchise agreement, with a new “Book Safe Agent” sign to be displayed in-store.
ITG members can opt in for the annual policy in order to display the “Book Safe Agent” logo and be recognised as premium agents within the network.
The insurance was accompanied by new ITG branding which have been designed to support agents.
Other initiatives unveiled at the forum included: “Express Performance”a system featuring product sales reporting and business management tools; the new “Express Wiki” centralised knowledge base; a training certification program via “Express Academy”; and enhanced marketing capabilities across the network.
