Step 1…the most critical step of all

Group Tour preparation can be daunting… even if you have experience arranging them, the idea can seem completely overwhelming… so choosing the right partner to assist you is your first critical step to tour success.

Today we want to share with you the first and most important question you need to ask any operator who you are considering partnering with.  It is a simple question and requires only a yes or no answer, but the answer should make or break your decision to work with the company you’re talking to.

Are you licenced and financially bonded? If their answer is “no”, your answer should be “no thanks”.

What does licenced and financially bonded mean?  It means at the most basic level that the company that you are talking to cannot use your tour funds for ANYTHING other than your tour.  No paying for rent, or power, or wages, or the staff Christmas party… the funds are held in an individual bonded, audited bank account to pay YOUR suppliers and YOUR costs when YOUR tour departs.  It’s as simple as that…your money will always be there to fulfil your tour.  Your money, simply put, is safe.

In New Zealand the bonding authority is TAANZ (Travel Agents Association of New Zealand). TAANZ hold its members to a higher level of accountability and only companies who stand up to their rigorous checks and audits will be accepted; so when you are working with a TAANZ bonded company, you know that you’re dealing with a reputable and ethical company with the best business practices, who will ensure your funds are secure.  It is even a Ministry of Education best practice guideline for Schools to use a TAANZ Bonded Company.

So, there you go, Step 1… the most critical step of all… by choosing a licenced and bonded tour partner, you’re stepping out on the right path to an incredible tour experience for you and your group.