Eurobound—specialists in bespoke travel to Europe - reports that it continues to protect travel advisor commissions and client payments during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In cases where suppliers have applied cancellation policies, Eurobound has negotiated with the supplier and has offered to protect agents’ penalties and commissions when processing refunds, even when only a deposit has been paid.
Negotiating with small suppliers
Eurobound works largely with small, individual suppliers, each with their own refund and credit policy. “Some of our European suppliers have issued credits for future travel, while others have cancellation penalties,” explains Brigitte Armand, president. “Most European governments have passed mandates allowing suppliers to issue credit vouchers for future travel instead of refunds. We try to negotiate credits and refunds with every supplier, and we do our best to get as much as we can for the client.”
Upfront commissions
Armand explains that Eurobound prices each package at gross, with the travel advisor’s commission included in the overall client price. When processing refunds, travel advisors can choose to collect their commission or to refund all or a part of it directly to the client.
Payment of commissions is made with delivery of documents. “Travel advisors are the lifeblood of our business, and we have always paid commissions upfront,” says Armand.
Travel advisors respond
Going the extra mile to help clients hasn’t gone unnoticed. Eileen Hoolihan, of Travel Edge in Santa Ana, California, had been working with Eurobound for a year on a 2-week trip to Southern Italy for first-time Europe travelers who had put down a large deposit. Reluctant to cancel or postpone their trip, the clients waited until the last minute to cancel.
Hoolihan notes that it’s difficult to get refunds for land packages, especially those involving smaller properties. “The suppliers weren’t willing to give full refunds, but Eurobound negotiated with each property for the best possible refund. The clients are happy and looking forward to doing the same trip next year,” says Hoolihan.
Another travel advisor, Cristina Buaas, of River Oaks Travel in Houston, Texas, cited Eurobound’s responsiveness, when several other supplier partners were non-responsive or required hour-long waits on hold. Buaas had many clients scheduled to travel all over Europe between March and August.
“Small, local operators and services such as train tickets and ferries wouldn’t refund. It was a constantly evolving landscape from early March through May. Eurobound advocated on our behalf, keeping us up to date on progress with the various countries, DMC’s and hotels. They were good partners and made a difficult situation for everyone as easy as possible by being transparent and responsive,” said Buaas.
More information
Now celebrating its 25th year, Eurobound provides distinctive packages and itineraries for independent travelers and small groups, sold exclusively through travel advisors.
For the second consecutive year, Atout France, the French Tourist Office, named Eurobound “Tour Operator of the Year,” as voted by travel professionals. Eurobound is also the recipient of Switzerland Tourism’s bi-annual Gold Flower Award in recognition of the company’s professionalism, innovation and cooperation.
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