Why Work with the Travel Trade
The travel trade connects your business with customers that would be difficult or costly to reach on your own. These buyers package together accommodation, travel, activities and attractions to create bookable trips for their clients. Many specialise in group travel, niche interests, education, or high-value individual travellers.
Working with the travel trade means you are plugging into a distribution network that delivers consistent, forward bookings. This helps fill gaps outside of peak season and supports longer-term growth.
There is usually a commission involved, typically between 10 and 30 percent, but it should be seen as a marketing cost. In return, your product is sold by professionals to audiences that trust their recommendations.
Who Are the Travel Trade
The travel trade includes businesses that sell travel experiences to consumers. This covers:
-
Tour operators who design and sell complete holidays
-
Wholesalers who supply packages to travel agents
-
Destination management companies who build bespoke itineraries
-
Group travel organisers and coach operators
Examples of trade buyers who may be interested in the Isle of Man include:
-
A walking holiday company looking for island-based routes
-
A DMC focused on authentic, lesser-known destinations
-
A school travel provider seeking educational experiences
-
A short break specialist offering ferry-inclusive packages from the UK or Ireland
How the Travel Trade Works
Travel trade buyers often plan their schedules and partnerships 6 to 18 months in advance. That means decisions for next year’s itineraries are made well before the current season ends.
To work with them, you will need:
-
Clear and consistent pricing
-
Commission rates and terms
-
Reliable availability
-
Good product information
-
Quality images and copy for promotional use
Be Trade Ready with a Product Sheet
One of the simplest ways to engage with the travel trade is to have a product sheet prepared. This is a document that includes all the key information a buyer will ask for. It helps you respond quickly and professionally, and ensures your team has everything they need to answer enquiries confidently.
Product sheets are also useful internally. If any member of staff receives a travel trade enquiry, they can easily refer to it and provide accurate details straight away.
Templates are available for:
