Hello, I've been a LOYAL customer of Imaginative-Traveller for a number of years, but I just found out that ImTrav are not going to give any discounts in their Nov/Jan window anymore!!!
I was banking on booking holiday's with 15% discounts but am extremely dissapointed to hear that this is no longer the case...
Is ImTrav's finances on the rocks? It shouldn't be because their trips make a lot of money per tour, or are they taking loyal customer's for granted?
I've heard that if you've been with them you get an automatic 5% big deal! or another 5% if you book 6months or more in advance, now I'm not usually able to book that far in advance so a miserly 5% doesn't go far enough in my book.
This is bad customer service Matt West who runs ImTrav, bring this back don't just hike the prices to veil a discount by another way else I'll most likely take my business elsewhere
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I noticed back in September they changed the Specials page to "Late Availability" and got rid of the 20% discount. They didn't tell anyone either until asked which I thought was rather sneaky.
Over the last six months they don't seem to be as competitive as they were before and they are falling behind their competition. I've been on two imtrav trips but think it may be time to try out other operators.
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There are still discounts in the destination section. That threw me at first look.
You may also have noticed that there are less tours in some places.
Also - a real frustration for me is the trip I am planning in 2009 doesn't match dates with another tour any more... super annoying.
By the way - I heard that ImTrav is now owned by the same company as Perrigrin and Geckos. Defeats the purpose really.
T
Re: NO MORE DISCOUNTS???
Hi,
Thanks for your comments regarding the new brochure launch discounts. We are really sorry to hear that you are disappointed due to the fact that the new brochure discount is no longer in place.
As you pointed out we do always reward our existing clients with a 5% discount that is valid throughout the year and not just for a limited time period.
We also pass on to our clients another 5% discount if they book 6 months or more in advance. The main reason we recommend clients to take advantage of this specific discount is that often people try and book trips within 6 months and are disappointed to find that the tour is full. For operational reasons the earlier clients can book the easier it is to plan for passenger numbers on each tour. We do often put on extra departures for very popular trips even when we have reached maximum capacity so as to avoid disappointment.
Please don't hesitate to contact one of our travel consultants if you'd like to talk about planning your next trip further in advance.
I do hope that you travel again with us and continue to enjoy the experiences we provide.
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Thanks Imtrav for your answer, which only reinforces what I already know. That as a loyal customer with you I'll now be more tempted to look elsewhere if another company offers me a discount, 5% isn't good enough, and not everyone can book 6-months in advance...
I'd like to know what Matt West's response to this is because a lot of people can read this thread, it would be reassuring to know that the Boss of the company is more concerned with keeping loyal customer's, remember bad news spreads, and one disgruntled customer on average tells ten other people, so if he's not bothered to answer this then I know it's a reflection of the business, and I'll go speak to Tucan or Intrepid or some other company to book my tours.
What a shame...
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I
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Hi Matt,
Many thanks for responding to the forum about the concerns I had, it makes a big difference to know that you took the time to reply to my posting personally.
I understand the points you made, though naturally I'm very keen to know more when you'll bring online the Loyalty Scheme, that sounds like a postive step in the right direction especially for those members who have used ImTrav in the past, but do you have a plan of when this is likely to be happening for example if I booked now would I end up missing this in the near future like in December?
As for your point about my photo's it was totally unexpected but it was a pleasant surprise indeed to know that you would be interested, I'm happy to hear from you or your colleagues about that.
Re: NO MORE DISCOUNTS???
Hi, sorry again for delay in posting a reply and thank you for your comment. I suggest that you go ahead and book as soon as possible, try and book 6 months out if you can to get the 5% reward as well as the returning client reward. Give Nathan a call. Setting up a loyalty scheme is no small task and how we deal with clients who have already booked will be part of what we have to agree before we launch as the last thing we want to do is upset those who mean the most. The loyalty scheme will probably be along the lines of added value extras rather than discounts I expect but as I said, not sure yet, still working on it. We are very aware of the great value of repeat customers, early bookers and advocacy amongst those customers to their friends and colleagues. We have you in mind in everything we do.
Louisa or Hiedi will be in touch regarding your photo
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TaeinOz did comment "By the way - I heard that ImTrav is now owned by the same company as Perrigrin and Geckos". Can anybody verify this please?
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Hello Bibbi & TaeinOz, apologies for not answering earlier. I just got back into the office this morning having been on Imaginative Traveller tour, Jordon Connection. What a great week, I joined 14 other customers, climbed Mount Sinai for Sunrise, visited Wadi Rum, Kerak, Madaba, the Dead Sea, Jerash and the highlight Petra. Fabulous. One thing that stood out for me was the international mix of our customers
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I (along w/ 3 others travelling with me) booked Rajasthan In Style MORE than 6 months ahead and we never got a discount. On top of that, the tour departure city for 2008 was changed from Mumbai to Delhi, and since we had already booked our flights to fly into Mumbai, we have had to add on additional flights and expense to get to Delhi. So, not only did we not get a discount, we are paying the additional airfare. Of course IT WAS OUR FAULT for booking before the 2008 brochure went to print (as the possibility of itinerary change is in the fine print).
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Ouch Katcal - that has to suck.
/comfort
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That is terrible katcal. I suppose these things will be remembered when it comes time to book your next adventure.
Hope that you at least enjoy (or enjoyed) your holiday!!
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Hello katcal
Thank you for posting. I'm sorry to hear you were unhappy with the changes to the itinerary and start point, and would like to explain the reasons for the change to the starting city on this tour.
Our Destination Manager's office in India had noted that most clients preferred to fly in and out of Delhi, rather than starting in Mumbai and finishing in Delhi. We therefore changed the program and in the process improved the itinerary, so the new tour program now gives an excellent introduction to Rajasthan. The pace of travel is leisurely and the accommodation is based on an eclectic mix of atmospheric mansions, forts and palaces, and a deluxe tented camp.
The price of the tour has increased in 2008, however as you made your booking in 2007 we are pleased to honour your existing price.
With regards to you not receiving a 6-month Early Bird discount - please could you email me directly on kelly@imtrav.net with your full name / booking details so I can check into this for you?
Many thanks and best wishes,
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Thank you Kelly. We have been notified that we will receive our early bird discount!
We are SO SO excited about our trip to India --- just over 3 weeks away!
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Hello katcal,
Thank you for posting again. I'm pleased this has now been sorted out and you have the discount.
Have a fantastic time in India and remember to let us know how the trip was when you get home!
Best Wishes,