whl.travel is the largest local-travel company connecting independent travel professionals in over 350 destinations spread across 100 countries worldwide. Originally started in 2002 as a pilot project of the IFC (World Bank Group), we were spun off as a private company in 2006. Since then we have grown into a franchise network of various award-winning travel companies.
Small local inbound tour operators know their destination best., but they need to partner with global technology and marketing partners to get their product to the global market.
We are a global network of companies that help to connect travellers to the unique experiences that only local tourism experts can offer. We empower our local partners who practice experiential and mindful travel and a local's knack for identifying, explaining and sustaining the distinctive qualities of a place.
We are that partner, but will only work with locals passionate about their destination and committed to a sustainable future
Our focus is on emerging markets and off-the-beaten-track destinations. We emphasize responsible travel and keeping things local by concentrating on smaller hotels, guesthouses and tour operators, particularly those in developing countries and emerging markets where the impact is greatest. After 8 successful years, we have become renowned as a market leader in the drive for sustainable tourism.
Whl.travel provides local partners (franchisees) with a complete business package to promote accommodations, tours, transfers and other services in their destination. Our partners are equipped with powerful tools, tips and training to help them compete in the modern e-marketplace.
Variety of products and services + Detailed information about the destination + High-quality network of trusted websites + Personalized and unique tips
= The possibility to become the biggest specialist and the key reference site in your destination, generating infinite business possibilities.
We are looking for people who: Run a small or medium-sized local, inbound travel agency Are looking for new opportunities Are truly passionate about their destination Understand the potential of the internet Believe in the value of sustainable tourism and responsible travel Would like to have the support of a global network Recognize that results only come after investments of time and money Keep in mind that each operator is a brand ambassador for every other whl.travel operator in the world, so we need to make sure that you're up there with the best!
Increased earning opportunities to sell your services, through online marketing, representation at trade shows, and through our global network. whl.travel destination website. You own and operate the local travel service website, which gives you the opportunity to earn income through both commissions and services providedaccommodations, tours, activities, transfers, events, etc.. A secure SSL encrypted payment facility with the option of various payment methods is also included. Sophisticated yet user-friendly destination website backend system. This includes a Content Management System and Booking Administration System with built-in hotel, tour, insurance, special package, car rental and transfer modules. The system also gives you access to a suite of business management tools and reports. Exclusivity in your destination. Whl.travel partners with one company in each destination. This means that all the business through our network comes to you exclusively.
Guidance in SEO processes. Whl.travel provides its partners access to online business tools like Google Analytics, support Some of hotel websites: with the setup of sponsored linkexamples campaigns through Google Adwords and training in optimizing their site. External companies typically charge a few thousand dollars for this http://www.novotel-hotel-athens.com service. http://www.art-hotel-laine-riga.com
http://www.vilnius-guesthouse.com Affiliate programs that allow a diversity of marketing and distribution opportunities via partner websites. http://www.hotelkerkini.com
Media, PR & Communications. Access to a professional media and communications team for assistance in the identification of local interest stories for local/regional media consumption. Regular media and PR activities are held at a global level to promote the whl.travel brand. Being part of a global network. Collectively we are able to leverage and build relationships which independent entrepreneurs or smaller networks cannot.
Guidance to build the website. A designated whl.travel Project Manager will work with and train your staff to build and run the website and operate the booking system. Whl.travel can guarantee online technical assistance, including support in creative writing and Web Marketing.
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Local partners/franchise owners can offer hotel websites to local accommodation providers on a commission basis. The websites offered are built professionally, with high quality standards, and allow instant bookings and a secure online payment gateway.
Some examples of hotel websites: http://www.novotel-hotel-athens.com http://www.oldrigapalacehotel.com http://www.vilnius-guesthouse.com http://www.hotelkerkini.com
You get commissions on all the bookings made via the web site. By offering a website to hotels, you put yourself in a better position to negotiate good rates and create partnerships for the distribution of your other products.
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Short duration experiential packages for independent travellers who want real experiences by connecting directly with local people.
Joining whl.travel brings much more than just a website and Google Analytics. As an entrepreneur, you are tapping in to our network, and leveraging the resources and creative drive of a global network of like-minded operators who can help your business grow in so many ways.
A fresh city guide offering great deals on the coolest things to do around town.
We facilitate relationships with like-minded people in tourism, from all over the world, so you no longer have to solve business issues alone. We hold regular meetings - international conferences, regional “meet & greets� and country events.
Eco-friendly (100% carbon offset) airport and inter-city transfer services.
We have established a dedicated intranet site with a 'Facebook' style social-media system to allow you to meet other operators from around the globe. Also by joining WHLtravel, you immediately have access to our international network across all our brands.
Day tours in and around 100 cities designed and led by local professionals. Joint venture with Intrepid Travel.
Only companies chosen by whl.travel's selection process are offered the opportunity to obtain a franchise. The cost to become a partner and own a destination franchise is USD 3,500.00. This is really more of a commitment fee, since the actual cost to WHLis much higher (USD 17,000.00). The whole investment is covered 80% by whl.travel and 20% by the partner.
There is an annual fee payable to cover the ongoing operating costs of the whl.travel network, technical, management and marketing support. This fee commences 6 months after you join the network and is USD 1000.00 in the first year or around USD 83.00 per month.
designed by Tenny Adamian, tennyadam@gmail.com
First off, we need to re-stress that this opportunity is limited to one operator per destination, and that we are seeking only the very best operators in each city to work with. This means that we go through an interview process with every single applicant as we believe it to be very important in ensuring the quality of our operators.
Complete an application form by visiting : http://sales.whl.travel/apply We'll review your application & if we believe it's a match- set up an interview (and if not, we'll let you know why not). Have a chat over the phone (or Skype) to get to know each other and ensure it's a fit. Review the fun stuff- contracts & legalities.