Virgin Vacations is introducing a new program specifically designed to help agents sell group travel.

Under its Group Therapy program, Virgin will provide a full-service consumer-facing web page customized for the agency. The web page provides complete program and destination information, as well as a seamless booking and payment system.

“The web site does everything for the agent, from promotion through payment. Agents don’t have to worry about creating promotional materials, setting up the booking process, or collecting payment, as clients pay directly through the web site,” says Nigel Osborne, president, Virgin Vacations.

The group program was developed in response to growing demand from travel agents. Agents can choose from two group types, reducing the risk for both agents and their clients.

Group bookings for Escorted Tours and River Cruises allow agents to block space on the departure of choice. According to Osborne, Virgin Vacations will work with agents to determine the best price based on the departure date. Agents will receive 10% commission on the land portion, plus 1 free place (Land Only) for 20 paying passengers on all regular-priced bookings. Virgin will secure best available pricing on air rates, but air fare is priced at net.

Custom Group bookings include one free land for each 15 passengers booked. Rate quotes are net for escorted, independent, cruise vacations, and air, allowing agents to add their own mark up.

Agents can choose from Virgin Vacations‘ 50 different escorted group tour and cruise itineraries, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia/New Zealand.

“We want to provide agents with a simple solution that gives their clients value for their dollar and also maximizes profits for the agent. It’s all part of our mission to forge a strong relationship with the travel agent community,” said Osborne.

Virgin Vacations, www.virgin-vacations.com