About 14 handpicked and specially trained local agents located on the ground in different country areas have signed franchising agreements to build up the business in return for sometimes lucrative commissions on bookings made through the central Web site. So when they arrive at their destination, the travellers are dealing with people who really know what they're talking about. The agents are ordinary folk living in the country who are inexperienced in the travel industry, but who have extensive local knowledge of their region. They also need the right equipment - a scanner, a computer and a mobile phone. They work out of home.
None are travel agents or have ever done work in travel.
They include former dairy farmers and a former CEO of hospital. Some have small PR companies in country areas and they run our business, in addition to other things they do. The agents, who were signed up after responding to advertisements placed in regional newspapers, are required to confirm a booking by 11am on the day after a customer makes an inquiry on the Web site. They must build up a network of tourism operators such as bed and breakfasts and tour providers, as well as liaise with travellers when they arrive if needed. We're building a business together.