TAUCK yesterday launched a new toll-free number for Australian agents to book via the cruise and tour company’s US-based HQ, with any new reservations made via the facility to not be managed or serviced under Tauck’s longstanding partnership with Travel the World (TTW) (CW 26 Feb). The new contact number,...
TAUCK yesterday launched a new toll-free number for Australian agents to book via the cruise and tour company’s US-based HQ, with any new reservations made via the facility to not be managed or serviced under Tauck’s longstanding partnership with Travel the World (TTW) (CW 26 Feb).
The new contact number, on 1800 178 489, is accessible Mon-Fri from 9am-1pm AEST, but “if you prefer to book with an Australian based reservations team or have questions on existing bookings, we continue our wonderful 40 year partnership with Travel the World,” Tauck told agents.
It’s understood that any decision to use Tauck’s “enhanced reservations” will not see the booking credited to Travel the World, with all financials, reservations, documentation and marketing to be done in the US.
Despite this, Travel the World is maintaining a local call centre dedicated to Tauck for all trade partners, and in addition to facilitating new booking requests, the team is looking after all existing Tauck bookings impacted by the COVID-19 situation.
As with agents impacted by cancellations, TTW’s commission is not being protected on any refunded Tauck bookings.
TTW also continues to support recently appointed Tauck country manager David Clark, as well as the NSW- and Qld-based National Account Managers, Helen Eves and Sarah-Louise Scales.
Clark, as well as Tauck’s VP of Global Sales, Steven Spivak, were not able to comment on the change before CW’s deadline.
Travel the World MD Andrew Millmore (pictured) said the decision to move forward with the direct booking plan at this time was disappointing.
“Given the unforeseen hardship caused by COVID-19 we would have welcomed if these plans could have been delayed, giving us the chance to recoup some of the cost outlaid to secure bookings up until the restrictions started,” he said.
“However we respect that they have made their decisions and we will support it,” Millmore added.
Tauck also yesterday confirmed a further delay to its operations, cancelling all cruises and land tours up until 30 Jun.
