Le Meridien launches agent incentive scheme Bid to boost global travel with cash rewards

In a bold attempt to stimulate more global travel, luxury hotel group Le Méridien, has unveiled “Le Guest Book”, a dramatic upgrade of its commission and incentive programme to travel agents worldwide.

From January 1, 2002 every pre-registered travel agent in the world will personally earn two per cent commission on all valid bookings they make. In addition, the agencies where those registered agents work will receive an extra two per cent commission on the bookings made – increasing the total agency commission to 12 per cent.

Demonstrating his commitment and long-term confidence in the future of the hotel industry, Le Méridien’s chief executive, Juergen Bartels said: “The worldwide agent community is at the very heart of our business, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to help each and every one of them to jump-start bookings in our 144 hotels across the globe. Our new Le Guest Book programme will help them, to help us, achieve this.

“As many countries continue to feel the effects of a travel slow-down, it is our responsibility to demonstrate our full financial support to our travel agents, some of whom are facing an increasingly uncertain future.”

Le Méridien’s new Le Guest Book programme is open to every agent who pre-registers by following the link from www.lemeridien.com. Following this registration process, agents are given clear guidelines on which rates generate the personal two per cent agent benefit and the additional two per cent agency commission.

According to Sami Zoghbi, regional managing director for Le Meridien, Le Guest Book is unique in offering agents a cash payment, rather than gifts or prizes, on fulfilled bookings within a week, or so, of guests checking out.

“Payment is via a electronic payment card registered in each individual agent’s name, which then can be used for shopping or cash (at ATMs),” he said.

“And, Le Guest Book is open to all agencies, regardless of whether they are IATA/TIDS members.”

In addition, agencies that do not wish to permit individual payments can arrange for pooling of the bonus commissions.

“The scheme is designed to be very flexible, and agents can even move their registered membership to another company if they change jobs,” added Russel Sharpe, regional vice president, sales & marketing, Le Meridien.

The agent commission programme launched by Le Méridien forms part of the group’s new strategy to invest to grow its business. Following the appointment of Juergen Bartels as chief executive this summer, Le Méridien announced a USD850m global investment designed to dramatically upgrade its facilities and catapult the brand to the top of the hotel industry rankings in three years.

Notes:

The Le Guest Book incentive programme starts on January 1, 2002, but travel agents can register now on www.lemeridien.com

How it works for the travel agent:

- Agent enrols by following the Le Guest Book link on above website

- Personalised vouchers are sent to the registered agent

- Agents book Le Méridien via GDS, Internet or Le Méridien’s reservation centres

- Agent sends completed voucher to Le Méridien

- Voucher is scanned, checked and approved

- For first-time payment, agent is sent electronic payment card with commission value pre-loaded on the card. Subsequent payments are loaded remotely

- Agent can use the card for shopping and cash via ATMs

How it works for the travel agency:

- At time of normal commission payment, agency will receive additional two per cent commission