A chamber trip is a popular way to create an opportunity for non-dues revenue but is it worth the effort? What goes into the organization of the trip, what will you need to do to prepare for it, and how does it generate money for the chamber?
Organizing a Chamber Trip
Most chambers that decide to organize travel do so with the help of a tour operator. While this might not be the least expensive approach, it certainly saves a lot of headache. Tour operators know the area and have tried-and-true itineraries.
The one downside to using one is that they usually receive commissions from the stops they make. Many markets place a lot of pressure on chamber travelers to buy and your tour operator may share that desire because they may receive a portion in return.
The other option is to work with a sister city chamber to make arrangements. While this may provide a less expensive option with fewer crowded tourist destinations on the itinerary, you will be coordinating a trip for many people with few guarantees and a lot more work.
Profiting from a Chamber Trip
Most chamber travel companies provide the chambers with a percentage on each trip sold or a flat fee based on each participant. It’s an excellent source of non-dues revenue, but only if you get people to attend who aren’t related to you. This means marketing and lots of it. Most tour companies will have some marketing collaterals on the trip itself, but you have to drive traffic to your site to get your members or community to see it.
Even if you select a tour operator to help coordinate the trip, they won’t be handling a lot of the marketing for you. You’ll need to do that if you want to be successful.
But who has the time?
That’s why we’ve made it very easy on you with this Ultimate Social Media Marketing Guide for Your Chamber Trip.
It’s free to download and will give you creative ideas on getting the message out and how to get your information in front of the right people–those who would be interested in traveling.
Don’t waste your time on people who aren’t looking for this type of opportunity. Instead, present to those who are already warm to the idea. Learn how to locate those people by downloading it for free today!
