Q: Dennis, the launch of Exoticca in Australia has been the talk of the travel industry. For those who missed the announcement, what is Exoticca and what does it offer?
A: Exoticca is a multi-day tour operator, who also offer private tours. Exoticca has been operating trips since 2013 and Australia is the newest point of sale.
We have more than 300 trips to more than 60 destinations such as Africa, Central America, Europe, Far East, Indian Subcontinent, Middle East and North Africa, North America, South America and South East Asia.
From Australia, we only sell via travel advisors therefore our focus is 100 per cent on supporting the trade.
Q: Why have you decided to launch Down Under now?
A: Australia has always been part of the long-term plans for Exoticca. After successful B2B launches in Spain, France, Germany, Colombia and more recently the USA, Canada and the UK, we thought it was perfect timing to bring the technology and product offering to this market.
As we know, Aussie’s love to travel and the current figures show year on year growth of more than 25 per cent for outbound travel from Australia to many of the destinations offered by Exoticca.
Since the pandemic we have all seen the continued growth with Australian consumers booking via their preferred travel advisor, so as a B2B operator the timing just made sense on many levels.
Q: Why should Australian travel agents be excited about the launch?
A: We are only selling B2B, so Australian based travel advisors can confidently promote and book Exoticca knowing their clients are not going to try and book direct and ask to price beat or worry about their clients booking direct next time.
Our trips include return airfares from all major Australian airports and we pay full commission on all components, including air, taxes and fees. I cannot think of another multi-day tour operator offering this right now!
For Australian based travel advisors, Exoticca also offers a very flexible private group conditions and payments, allowing advisors to create bespoke trips and market to their clients without any financial risk.
Q: Is there something in this for consumers as well?
A: Exoticca’s pricing is going to be the most attractive for consumers, with our one-stop-shop functionality, this will allow travel advisors to spend more time connecting and supporting their clients.
With flights, accommodation, transport, touring and even some meals all locked onto one booking, we hope travel advisors find this useful and their clients appreciate having all components in one easy itinerary.
While in destination, Exoticca offers an app for travellers, with an easy to follow day to day itinerary, including timings, notes and a 24/7 assistance line.
Q: Are there plans to expand Exoticca to other countries down the track?
A: Yes! Exoticca have been operating very successfully for more than 11 years now, with Australia the eighth point of sale.
There are several other opportunities in the pipeline that are even closer to home. New Zealand is the next most logical in our global expansion, so watch this space!
Q: Your role will be to build relationships with Australian travel agencies and partners. How will you accomplish this?
A: My main focus right now is to educate travel advisors on the unique Exoticca product offering, the range of trips and destinations, the all-inclusiveness with air, the earning potential and flexibility of working with us.
We will do this via webinars and events and opportunities to attend expos and stores.
I really want travel advisors to know how easy we are to work with and how booking their clients onto one of our trips will not only make their job easier but will also see their clients return happy and ready to book with them again and again as they explore the Exoticca range of trips globally!
Q: Finally, how do you see Exoticca developing in the future in Australia?
A: We have big plans to continue to grow Exoticca from the Australian market, specifically in the B2B space.
Not only to continually review and enhance our unique product offering, but to also ensure we are one step ahead with our technology and trends.
Next steps are to focus on building a strong B2B sales team and contact centre to serve our valued travel advisors. We promise to listen and make working with Exoticca a delight.
