You know that great feeling when you’ve just built the perfect trip for a client? Every detail lines up, and you can picture them having the time of their lives. But then comes the not-so amazing part: sending that “Don’t forget your flight time!” email and hoping it doesn’t get lost in your client’s inbox.
And if there’s a last-minute gate change while they’re racing through the airport? Suddenly, your well-planned trip has a stressful hiccup. It’s frustrating. You’ve done all the hard work, but the communication still feels shaky.
Fortunately, there’s a better way. Text messaging puts you in direct contact with clients, no matter where they are or what they’re doing. The message arrives, they glance at their phone, and they’re instantly updated. It’s as simple as that.
A look at how SMS marketing works
Getting started with SMS is much easier than it sounds. You’re not sitting there trying to text dozens of clients one by one from your personal cell phone. That would be a mess.
Instead, you use a specialized SMS tool, preferably built into an all-in-one marketing platform, so that you can manage text and email marketing from a central hub.
In this platform, you can easily handle the most important parts of SMS marketing:
- Getting permission: The platform helps you collect opt-ins the right way, like through a text-to-join campaign. This ensures you comply with SMS regulations and build your customers’ trust.
- Organizing your clients: You can import client data and group your contacts into different segments, just like with email lists. It’s how you’ll send relevant information at just the right time.
- Sending SMS messages: You can plan your texts early and choose exactly when they’re delivered. To save even more time, you can automate messages to go out based on client activity.
- Communicating with clients: When a client texts you back, the conversation doesn’t get lost. You can see the entire thread and reply directly from within the platform.
- Tracking performance: See at a glance what’s working. The platform displays delivery rates, reply rates, and more, allowing you to understand what your travelers find most helpful.
The result? Communication that’s faster, more reliable, and easier to manage than juggling phone calls and emails. SMS marketing simply makes sense for travel agencies.
Benefits of SMS marketing for travel agencies
When it comes to the travel industry, SMS marketing delivers immense value. It’s a straightforward strategy with powerful returns, from creating unbreakable client loyalty to making your daily operations run smoother.
Establishes a direct communication line
SMS lets you reach clients instantly. If there’s a weather alert, flight delay, or sudden schedule change, the update appears right on their phone. These messages keep travelers informed and engaged throughout the entire journey, from the early planning stages to their return home and beyond.
Streamlines your operations
Sending individual emails or making dozens of phone calls eats up hours of your time. SMS platforms let you handle everything in just a few clicks. Flight delayed? One message reaches everyone on that booking. Need to send a booking confirmation? It goes out automatically the moment a reservation is complete.
Boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty
You can build an excellent brand reputation with simple, helpful texts. When a client lands and gets an instant, tailored message with their pickup details, their stress disappears. That’s how you boost customer satisfaction, get glowing reviews, and earn their loyalty.
Tips for building your SMS subscriber list
Your text marketing strategy is only as good as your SMS contact list. You need people who want to receive your messages, not just phone numbers you’ve collected randomly. Otherwise, you risk SMS compliance issues, frustrated clients, and high opt-out rates.
To properly get consent from your target audience, try these tactics:
- Leverage your booking process: Add a checkbox (make sure it’s not pre-checked) to your online booking or inquiry forms. It can say something like, “Yes! Text me important confirmations, updates, and deals.”
- Create a text-to-join keyword: Choose a memorable SMS keyword clients can text to join your list, like “Text TRAVEL to 12345 for tips and alerts.” Share this keyword everywhere, including your email signature, social media pages, and business card.
- Run a text-to-win campaign: Run a giveaway, like “Text PRIZE to 98765 to win a luggage set.” Contests get people interested and willing to opt in. Just be clear in your rules that entering means joining your text list.
Steps to setting up your first SMS campaign
The tourism industry moves fast, and travelers rely on quick, accurate information. An SMS campaign helps you stay ahead, support your target audience, and deliver updates in real time. Here’s how to set up your first campaign.
Step #1: Set your SMS marketing campaign goals
Before you send your first message, set a goal to guide your initial text marketing efforts. Do you want to improve the customer experience with timely updates? Drive repeat bookings with a special offer? Your goal shapes everything from your message content to how you measure success, so take time to define it clearly.
Step #2: Pick an SMS marketing platform
Now, it’s time to pick an SMS marketing platform. If it’s already available through your existing marketing software, you’re already a step ahead. If not, look for a platform with powerful segmentation and automation features. Beyond that, the right platform should feel intuitive, saving you time on setup and management so you can focus on crafting great travel experiences.
Step #3: Import your SMS subscriber data
Next, you’ll import your customer data. Only include clients who have clearly agreed to receive SMS messages. You can usually bring this list in by syncing your customer relationship management (CRM) system or by uploading a spreadsheet from your booking platform.
Step #4: Segment your audience
Not every message should go to every person on your SMS list. Instead, segment your subscribers based on shared characteristics, such as their booking process stage, destination, or travel dates. You can then send each group personalized marketing messages at the perfect time, ensuring high customer engagement and fewer opt-outs.
Step #5: Write personalized messages
Always keep your SMS messages concise, friendly, and valuable. Use the customer’s name to add a personal touch, and ensure every message includes a clear call to action (CTA). A strong CTA, like “Reply YES to confirm your airport transfer” or “Tap here to download your digital travel itinerary for your Paris trip,” gently guides travelers to the next steps. Need inspiration? Try the ready-to-use SMS templates provided below.
Step #6: Create automated workflows
Set up automated texting sequences to trigger based on client actions or dates. This ensures timely and relevant communication without any manual effort. For instance, create a special SMS workflow for your loyal customers who have booked with you more than twice. After their third booking, they could automatically get a message like, “Thanks for your loyalty! We’ve applied a $50 credit to your account for future tours. Reply CREDIT to learn more.”
Step #7: Launch, monitor, and adjust
You’re all set to launch your campaign. But the work isn’t over once you hit Send. Closely monitor your key metrics, such as delivery rates, reply rates, and opt-outs. See which personalized messages your new and loyal clients engage with most and which CTAs drive the most action. Use these insights to continuously refine your approach to improve results with every campaign you send.
Ready-to-use SMS templates by message type
Effective SMS marketing for travel agents starts with having the right messages ready to send. Use these templates to get a head start, whether you’re reconnecting after past bookings or sharing new travel opportunities.
Promotional messages
Promotional texts get people to act fast without breaking the bank. This cost-effective marketing tool is perfect for sharing exclusive deals, winning back inactive customers, and rewarding loyal clients.
Exclusive deals
When you need to fill spots quickly, sending exclusive deals to specific segments can capture immediate attention.
“Flash sale alert! Save up to [X]% on getaways to [Destination]. Offer ends [Date]. Reply YES to find dates that work for you.”
Seasonal offers
Match your offers to the calendar. Travelers are already thinking seasonally, so meet them there.
“Thinking about a [season] escape? We’ve got seasonal deals on travel packages to [Destination]. Want me to send a few suggestions?”
Abandoned booking winbacks
Cart abandonment happens. A well-timed reminder can recover that lost sale.
“Hi [Name], you didn’t finish booking your trip to [Destination]. Want to learn about our promotional offers? Reply YES for more info.”
Loyalty program rewards
Recognition goes a long way. Show repeat customers they’re valued with exclusive perks.
“Thanks for your repeat business, [Name]! You’ve earned early access to our winter sale as our way of saying thanks. Shop now: [link]”
Referral promotions
The best marketing is a happy customer telling their friends. Boost bookings by giving them a reason to talk about your brand.
“Love traveling with us? Refer a friend, and you both get $50 off your next trip! Share this link: [link]”
Transactional messages
Transactional texts support travelers with timely, essential trip info. They’re ideal for automations from tour operators and other travel professionals who need to confirm bookings, send reminders, and provide quick updates throughout the trip.
Booking confirmations
Provide peace of mind by sending immediate booking confirmations. Include key details about the trip and mention any add-ons, like travel insurance.
“Booking confirmed! Your [X]-day [Destination] trip starts [date]. [Confirmation number]. Don’t forget to add travel insurance: [link]”
Payment notifications
It’s always a good idea to keep customers informed about their payment status and upcoming due dates.
“Payment received! Your $[X] deposit for the [Destination] package is confirmed. Balance of $[X] due by [date]. Pay here: [link]”
Itinerary updates
You can minimize stress by promptly notifying travelers of any itinerary changes or other deviations from their original travel details.
“Change to your [Destination] itinerary: The [Tour Name] moved from [date] to [date] at [time]. All other plans are unchanged.”
Travel day reminders
Pre-trip reminders ensure nothing gets forgotten in the excitement of departure.
“Today’s the day! Check your boarding pass and arrive at the [Airport Name] at [time]. Need anything before you go? Just let us know.”
Check-in instructions
Detailed check-in information prevents the “Where do I go?” panic at destinations.
“Your hotel check-in for [Hotel Name] is at [time]. Just show this booking confirmation number: [Code]. Need local directions? Just reply YES.”
Conversational messages
SMS lets you add a personal touch through conversational messages. These are all about two-way messaging, so be ready to reply.
Travel planning Q&A
Position yourself as a helpful resource by inviting your customers to send you planning questions.
“Hey, [Name]! Thinking about your next trip? We’ve just added [travel package] for [season]. Any questions? Just reply to this text.”
In-trip support
Show you care by regularly checking in during your loyal customers’ trips and offering support when needed.
“Hope you’re enjoying [Destination]. Need restaurant recommendations or travel tips? Reply anytime. We’re here to help make your trip perfect.”
Upgrades and add-ons
A well-timed upgrade offer feels helpful rather than pushy, especially as upcoming trips draw near.
“Heads up: Premium seats just opened up on your flight to [Destination] on [date]. Upgrade for extra legroom? Reply UPGRADE for details.”
Feedback requests
Post-trip feedback helps you improve while generating valuable social proof. All you have to do is ask.
“Welcome home from [Destination]. I’d love to hear about your favorite moments from your trip. What stood out most?”
Re-engagement check-ins
Don’t let past customers forget about you. Stay top-of-mind by reminding them it’s time to travel again.
“It’s been [X] months since your amazing trip to [Destination]! Ready for your next adventure? Reply YES for a few trip ideas I think you’ll love.”
Key takeaways
- Cut through the noise: SMS cuts through the digital noise, delivering urgent updates and offers straight to your clients’ phones exactly when they need them.
- Pick the right SMS platform: An all-in-one marketing platform helps you manage permissions, launch SMS campaigns, and track results from a central hub.
- Always get permission: You must obtain a client’s explicit consent before sending them marketing messages, which you can easily do with a simple website checkbox or a text-to-join keyword.
- Work smarter with automation: Automated text messages let you provide amazing service 24/7, like sending an instant “Welcome” text the moment a client’s flight lands.
- Deploy ready-to-use templates: Having a handful of go-to templates makes it fast and easy to send the right message to all of your valued clients.