The new zero interest deferred payment program offered by The Travel Agent Next Door is now being offered by its network.

We asked some of their suppliers how they feel about the program: Here are the comments from Dana Gain, Senior Director, Sales, Groups & Partnerships, ACV; Sandra Gardiner, Director of National Accounts, Canada, AmaWaterways; and Martha Tavio, Sales Director, Gateways International

What was your reaction to the new ZIP program?

Gardiner: I was delighted to learn that TTAND would be launching the new ZIP program that will encourage travellers to book knowing they are able to purchase their dream holiday and pay over up to twelve months interest free.

Tavio: Occasionally, passengers are unaware of the actual costs to obtain a quality journey, and they sadly need to re-evaluate their plans or postpone their journey. If presented with an opportunity to help turn a passengers’ travel dreams into reality even sooner, we are very happy to work with our partners at TTAND to offer it.

Gain: It’s always exciting to see an innovative company like TTAND put forward yet another new, fresh idea. We’re just beginning to see the trend in Canada towards offering payment options beyond the high-interest credit card option.

How do you see this benefitting your business?

Gain: It will essentially make vacation more affordable to Canadians. Perhaps that customer will go twice a year instead of once, or select more exotic destinations or choose a 5-star instead of a 4-star. And there will be others who perhaps could not afford to go on vacation at all, and now they can.

Gardiner: Guests can now make equal payments for their vacation and not have to put out that lump payment at one given time. It will encourage guests to book luxury trips that they thought they previously could not afford.

Would you consider paying for the program to encourage upgrades?

Gain: We would encourage any vehicle that allowed us to bring the best possible vacation experience to the customer.

Gardiner: I have already committed to paying the small fee in order to encourage guests to book their dream vacation with AmaWaterways.

What are your thoughts about a fixed cost, rather than variable rate?

Gain: The fixed cost model is ideal because the customer always knows how much they’re going to pay, unlike an interest rate.

Gardiner: There is great value in being able to manage or budget your payments equally over a specific term.

Have you seen success with this type of program in the past?

Tavio: Absolutely. Sears Travel had immense success with a similar program and we would love to see TTAND grow!

Gain: It’s only a new idea in Canada. Large travel companies in South America such as Argentina and Brazil have been doing it very successfully for many years. This sets a strong precedent for TTAND.