As non-essential travel was again allowed, and passenger flights resumed, 16 of our BAC colleagues travelled across the country to visit the Belgian travel agents and listen to their concerns, exchange ideas and tell them about the measures put in place at Brussels Airport to allow safe travel.
For many years, the Aviation Development team at Brussels Airport Company has maintained good relations with the travel agents in Belgium through newsletters, specific campaigns, fun contests, the BRU-card advantage card and in-person visits. And in these difficult times, the latter are more important than ever. Because our nation-wide study shows that 34% of the Belgian population are booking their flight vacation through a travel agency (16% in a physical agency and 18% online).
16 colleagues travelled across the country
In June and July, 16 BAC colleagues went to visit the travel agents in person to tell them about the health and safety measures we took as an airport, armed with daily updated presentation and the handy 8 steps brochure. In total, our colleagues visited no less than 335 travel agencies. Not only did they tell them about the destinations that were served from Brussels Airport again, the precautionary measures at the airport and the comfort services for passengers, they also listened to the concerns and frustrations of the travel agents, which gave them precious insights.
The reactions to the visits of our Sales Blitz teams were always positive and there was much appreciation for the fact that we took the trouble to provide them with first-hand information. The brochure which explains the 8 steps for passengers at our airport too was well received and we were told it is indeed often used.
One of the Sales Blitz team members was Information Manager Anke Rombaut.
"Sales Blitz was a nice opportunity for me after a long period of temporary unemployment. The personal contact with the travel agents helps us to keep our finger on the pulse of the travel industry and have an idea of what to expect in the coming months."