7 SMS Marketing Strategies for Travel Agencies to Maximize Their Reach [Templates Included]

Once hit by COVID-19, the travel industry has now flourished and the pandemic’s impact on people’s travel plans has taken a backseat. According to one report, the global travel market is estimated to grow by $3392.95 billion with a CAGR of 14.18% between 2023 and 2027.

Recently, I traveled to Mexico after I found that my travel agent was offering a great discount on the package for a family of 4. Do you want to know how he communicated this to me?

SMS! That’s right. He had just sent a simple text message to my wife’s number and she was excited about this travel package that included great expeditions and tourist attractions. And that’s not the end, he made it a practice to keep us informed throughout the journey and sent some travel tips that were helpful during the travel.

Taking inspiration from him, I want to share some SMS marketing strategies for travel agencies to drive more bookings and boost revenue.

7 Travel Agency Promotion Ideas to Maximize Your Reach Using SMS

Here are 7 SMS for travel agency promotion ideas to maximize reach and promote travel packages, send alerts, share updates and tips, and do much more.

1. Promote Exquisite Travel Destinations

The journey to your travel agency’s success with SMS starts by sending swoon-worthy destination suggestions to your prospects. To implement this idea, you must first segment customers based on their travel interests, like adventure, luxury, or budget.

Your text messages should evoke wanderlust in your prospects by highlighting the unique features or attractions of the destination. You can add images or GIFs of the destinations for visual appeal or offer an exclusive deal to incentivize the booking.

End your message with a compelling call to action, such as “Book Now” or “Explore More” to encourage immediate action.

Here’s a sample SMS template to get started with:

Dreaming of a perfect getaway? Explore our exquisite travel destinations and turn your dreams into reality! From stunning beaches to cultural wonders, we have the perfect destination for every traveler. Book now and enjoy exclusive discounts!

Regards
Your Agency Name

2. Offer Exclusive Travel Deals & Discounts

Promotional text messages are another travel agency promotion idea to inform your customers about exclusive deals and discounts. Sending targeted offers and discounts that resonate more with your audience is likely to increase the number of bookings and ROI.

You can personalize your messages by addressing customers with their names and sharing offers that match their interests. Also, remember to send these texts during peak travel times, such as before holidays or big events like March Madness, to maximize engagement.

Here’s a sample SMS template you can use:

Morning [first],

Have you traveled to the [destination] yet? Our new travel packages include this destination. 50+ people have already booked their spots. Only 10 more available. Book now from here: [Booking Link] and get 20% off. Reply ‘STOP’ to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Name

3. Send Booking Confirmation and Updates

Another great SMS marketing strategy for travel agencies is to use this texting channel to notify customers about booking confirmations, cancellations, or itinerary changes. SMS is a quick and efficient way to reach your travelers and send them updates about their travel plans.

These SMS notifications can give travelers enough time to adjust to changed or modified itineraries or work as a reminder for their upcoming travel plans. For example, you can send a confirmation after a customer has booked a package, update them about their flight delays, or remind them about upcoming trips.

Here are some example templates you can use:

1. Booking Confirmation

Good news [first],

Your trip is confirmed. Here are the details:

1. [Destination]
2. [Flight Details]
3. [Hotel Name]
4. [Confirmed Dates]

Pack your bags for an amazing adventure!

Regards
Your Agency Name

2. Flight Delay/Change Alert

Hello [first],

Important Update: Your Flight (Flight Number) to (Destination) has been delayed by (Time). We apologize for any inconvenience. Check-in with the airline for more info.

Regards
Your Name

4. Send Follow-Up Texts for Increased Booking

Follow-up text messages come in handy when you want to reach your prospects again after they fill out a form on your website, call you for an inquiry, visit your office in person, or ask more details about a package.

You can also send a follow-up text after customers return from a trip, thanking them for choosing your travel agency and asking them about their experience. Using automated text messaging tools like Textdrip, you can send follow-up text messages on autopilot.

Here are some follow-up text message templates you can use:

1. Follow Up Leads After Sending Requested Details

Hi [first],

We hope you received the travel details you requested. Any thoughts or questions? We’re here to provide more info or customize your itinerary. Let’s make your trip unforgettable! Reply ‘STOP’ to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Name

2. Follow-up Leads After They Visit In-Person

Hi [first],

Thanks for visiting us! We hope you enjoyed exploring our travel options. Still, have some doubts? Let’s plan your perfect getaway together. Explore more travel options here: [Link]. Reply ‘STOP’ to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Name

5. Nurturing Prospects through SMS

Nurturing your prospects is also possible through the SMS channel. It involves creating a sales funnel for sending targeted and personalized messages to engage your prospects and lead them toward making a booking. You can send them travel inspiration texts, travel tips, abandoned cart messages, customer retention texts, etc.

Don’t forget to add value to your messages, whether it’s highlighting a popular travel destination, or including a testimonial from a past customer. You can also incentivize the message by offering a deal or discount to encourage prospects to take the next step.

Here are some lead nurturing text message templates you can use:

1. Travel Inspiration

Feeling adventurous, [first],

Discover new horizons with our handpicked travel suggestions. Explore our latest destinations and find your next escape. View options here: [Link]. Reply ‘STOP’ to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Name

2. Abandoned Cart

Hey [first],

It looks like you left some amazing destinations in your cart! Ready to turn those dreams into reality? Complete your booking now and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount. Click [Link] to resume. Reply ‘STOP’ to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Name

6. Booking Deadline Reminders

SMS reminders are another essential marketing strategy for travel agencies. Often people get busy with their work and forget about your exciting travel plans and discounts. This is where reminders help you keep your users informed about your booking deadlines.

Through SMS marketing automation, you can send timely reminders to your customers and ensure that they take immediate action. Booking deadline reminders through SMS help create urgency and encourage users to secure their getaway to paradise before it’s too late.

Here is a text message templates you can use:

Hurry [first],

Time is running out to book your getaway to paradise. Secure your spot before it’s too late. Don’t miss out on creating unforgettable memories. Reply ‘BOOKNOW’ to reserve your spot.

Regards
Your Name

7. Feedback and Referral Requests

As mentioned, SMS is a quick and reliable way to reach thousands of your customers with bulk text messaging software. You can use SMS to ask for feedback from your past customers or refer your travel agency to their friends and family.

A simple text after customers have returned from their holiday or trips can work wonders and prompt them to leave a review for your travel agency. Additionally, you can ask them if they had a good experience with your agency and if they would be kind enough to refer your agency to their friends or family.

Here are some SMS templates you can use:

1. Feedback Request

Hi [first],

We hope you had a fantastic trip with us! Please take a moment to share your feedback and help us improve. Click here to complete our survey: [Survey Link]. Reply ‘STOP’ to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Name

2. Ask for Referrals

Hey [first],

We hope you had a fantastic trip with us! Please share your experience with your friends and refer them to us to get this [Promotion] for your next holiday retreat. Reply ‘STOP’ to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Name

Fly High with Textdrip

Often overlooked, SMS marketing is a priceless marketing strategy for travel agencies to promote their packages, follow up with users, nurture their prospects, and do much more. It provides you with a seamless way to communicate with your users and redefine customer experience.