An Olympic Moment for Homeric Tours
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Homeric Tours president Nikos Tsakanikas is a man with a mission: building awareness of the value of Greece as a world class destination among travel agents, including independent Home Based travel sellers. In this interview with Travel Trade senior editor George Dooley, Tsakanikas, who is chariman of USTOA, details the powerful attraction of Greece since the successful 2004 Olympics in Athens and the travel agent friendly programs of Homeric Tours — which, he said, has 37 years of experience and sends more Americans to Greece than any tour operator.)
Travel Trade: What impact has the 2004 Athens Olympics had on travel to Greece?
Tsakanikas:Of immediate interest to travel agents is increased consumer awareness of Greece as a destination. The Olympics opened marketing opportunities and created a new infrastructure.
Hotels have been built or renovated, mass transportation has improved and the country is extremely prepared and ready to welcome visitors.
The Greek Government is also committed to expanding travel to Greece using a new advertising campaign. Post-Olympics, Greece has a lot more to offer visitors.
TT: What new agent programs are planned for 2006?
Tsakanikas:We will continue to develop programs that support and motivate travel agents. Currently, 95% of our sales are through travel agents and this includes a growing number of independent and Home Based agents.
In the year ahead, we will add new online booking capabilities and continue to expand our online capabilities, including online brochure orders and booking packages for clients. Agents can also register with us at our site, www.homerictours.com
TT: What is Homeric’s commission policy?
Tsakanikas:We offer commissions of up to 13%, depending on the annual level of sales by an agency. Also, every summer we offer travel agents vacations to Greece — some with island stays and others with Greek Island cruises. All visit Athens as well.
TT: Does Homeric serve other destinations in addition to Greece?
Tsakanikas:In 2006, we are celebrating our 37th year in the travel business. We are number one in bringing U.S. travelers to Greece. We have land packages, cruise and land tours, Greek Island stays and combination packages to satisfy every interest and budget.
Over the years, we have expanded our program to include Italy, Egypt, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Central and Eastern Europe.
In each area, we offer competitive pricing and deliver value and quality products to the clients of our agents.
Homeric is a USTOA member and a full service tour operator. We have an array of services from airline tickets to complete packages. This includes independent tours, escorted motorcoach tours, fly/drive programs, Greek Island tours. honeymoon packages and FITs.
With Homeric’s strong buying power, we can offer competitive international air and charter flights. We also have the capability of handling special interest travel, business and ethnic groups to any of our destinations.
TT: Can agents be confident that their customers will be satisfied on a Homeric tour?
Tsakanikas:Very. A high percentage of our clients return to take another Homeric vacation. And our travel agent support is excellent. We value our clients and our agents.
We continually strive to improve our services and the quality of our programs and itineraries so we can maintain a reputation for integrity and value.
We want satisfied clients for our agents and to deliver fulfilling and memorable vacations. We believe in treating each agent and each client as unique.
TT: How has Homeric succeeded in some of the world’s most competitive markets?
Tsakanikas:Since we began in 1969, Homeric Tours has grown to become one of the largest tour operators in the U.S. We have posted a profit every year and believe we have broken new ground in efficiency and professionalism.
We succeeded because of agency support and, as I mentioned, a strong commitment to client service and competitive pricing. We have also evolved from our beginnings when we launched a successful trans-Atlantic charter program that opened new markets.
Today, every market is competitive and travel agents can choose which tour operator they want to use for what destination.
This is good. It means that every cruise and tour program will be tested in the market with the best surviving. Homeric has the advantage of sound management, solid financing, a strong market position and the attractions of some of the world’s most popular destinations.
TT: Are groups important to Homeric?
Tsakanikas:Yes. Groups are vitally important to us and I believe to travel agents who want to increase their sales.
We have a very large group department that arranges travel for all types of groups — student, religious, alumni, special interest, weddings and singles.
Our group department can arrange trips — not only to the destinations we specialize in, but also to any destination.
Many of our groups and group leaders are repeat clients due to our competitive prices, superior service and high-quality products.
Complete information, in-cluding up to date specials, is available at www.homerictours.com. Agents can also E-mail info@homerictours.com or call (800) 223-5570.
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