No one knows VAX better than the people behind the platform: employees who spend countless hours improving the site for a better user experience and generating industry relationships to expand its offerings. In the final article of this three-part series — don’t forget to read parts one and two, where we talked to advisors and suppliers about why they love VAX — we’re spotlighting the voices of the platform to get their insider perspective.
Keep reading to get the full scoop from Andrea Risch, senior vice president of technology services at Trisept Solutions; Sue Ulickey, senior manager of account management at Trisept Solutions; and Sarah Kneisler, director of marketing and operations at VAX VacationAccess.
How have you seen VAX evolve over the years?
Andrea: As the largest U.S. leisure travel distribution platform for travel advisors, VAX has always been grounded on the premise that if you listen to your users, you will evolve with them. As travel advisors’ needs have changed over the years, so have the tools to help them continue to thrive, even through industry and customer behavior changes. That is how VAX remains relevant and provides the resources, capabilities and support needed, from the newest advisors just starting out to those that are industry veterans.
Sue: I have seen VAX evolve from being viewed as simply a booking engine to a must-have resource that incorporates a wealth of information to enable travel advisors to successfully execute and manage their business — supplier information, destination information, industry information, training, editorial content, offers for clients and incentives for advisors, marketing tools, etc. I’m also very excited about the latest evolution of VAX – the Community, allowing peer-to-peer information exchange. Yes, it’s still a great booking engine, but VAX has evolved into a necessary, all-encompassing tool to enable advisors’ success in the world of travel.
Sarah: Over the years, I’ve seen VAX evolve into a much more robust platform for travel advisors. The content, resources and tools have expanded to cover a wider range of advisor needs, making it a true one-stop resource. There’s also been an increased focus on an advisor-first mentality — every enhancement seems to be prioritized around what will help advisors succeed in their business. On top of that, VAX has really grown into a community, fostering stronger connections and relationships between advisors and the brands they represent.
What is your favorite feature on the VAX platform?
Andrea: The Email Sales Tool has been my favorite time saver for advisors. It allows you to curate choices for your client and then dynamically turn that into a professional quote, allowing clients to review the options on their own time and even conveniently book directly from the email at any time of day.
Sue: I love the VAX Brand Showcases. They allow travel advisors to learn more about the suppliers they’re selling. What’s their unique value proposition? How can I contact them? What new product features/specials are available? What’s coming? What additional resources are provided for me to better service my clients? The Showcases help advisors to better connect with suppliers.
Sarah: My favorite feature on the VAX platform is The Compass. The content there is incredibly valuable because it not only educates travel advisors but also serves as a quick and easy resource for content marketing. I especially like that it includes a built-in call to action, making it simple to share with clients in a way that drives engagement and business.
What is the biggest benefit VAX provides to its advisors and/or suppliers?
Andrea: VAX is a place where advisors and suppliers find that connection. It’s how the two come together to provide the leisure travel industry with information, products and solutions to reach and service customers. VAX fosters a healthy travel advisor community by making things easy to engage customers with the right experiences to create those lifelong memories through travel, which are so meaningful.
Sue: Efficiency/convenience. Travel advisors are extremely busy; VAX allows them to log in and take advantage of all the tools they need in one place.
Sarah: The biggest benefit VAX provides is the way it connects advisors and suppliers in a neutral marketplace. It gives both sides a place to engage without bias while also putting an incredible amount of resources, tools and information right at advisors’ fingertips. That combination of connection, neutrality and convenience is what really sets VAX apart.
comments