Twitter reply becomes £1k booking for independent agent

An independent travel agency has secured its first booking through Twitter after being inspired by a US agent who specialises in using the social media site

A member of travel agency consortium Advantage has secured its first booking through Twitter after being inspired by a US agent who specialises in using the social media site.


Dan Horton of Southsea Travel was inspired by Elite Travel International president Stacy Small, who talked about making money from social media at the group’s 2011 conference in Madrid.


Horton created a Twitter profile – @DanTravelExpert – and responded to a tweet from a holidaymaker in Northern Ireland who had experienced bad service from a holiday company.


The customer tweeted him her holiday requirements and within 48 hours he had secured a booking to Ibiza worth £1,000.


Horton said: “This could be the start of something big and I am very excited. As a result of my help, the customer retweeted my details to her 900-plus followers and I am working on a few other enquiries that have come from it.


“I am also in contact with other tweeters who asked for recommendations for a good travel agent.”


Advantage Travel Centres online promotions manager Wendy Missenden said: “It’s great that members attending the conference are able to implement advice from our speakers, and to see such a direct tangible result from a session is really exciting.


“I discovered Stacy on twitter which resulted in an inspirational presentation and some top tips for members.”