A good tourism partnership should produce more than a logo on a website and an annual request for updated rates. It should create genuine enquiries, confirmed reservations and a consistently good experience for the traveller.
Bill Harrop’s ‘Original’ Balloon Safaris works with travel professionals, tour operators, destination specialists, accommodation establishments and activity providers who understand the value of accurate information, responsible selling and reliable communication.
If your business would like to offer our Magalies River Valley balloon safari to clients, the first step is to apply to become an approved affiliate agent.
Why an application is required
A balloon safari is weather dependent, time sensitive and governed by important passenger and operational requirements. Guests need to receive the correct information before they book, particularly regarding check-in, age and height restrictions, physical fitness, medical suitability, payment and weather procedures.
The affiliate application helps us understand who will be representing the experience and how it will be marketed. It also allows us to verify company information, contact details, invoicing information and the suitability of the proposed sales channel.
Submitting an application does not create automatic approval. Every application is reviewed and verified before an agent relationship is confirmed.
Who should apply?
The programme is intended for legitimate tourism and hospitality businesses with an identifiable client base and a realistic opportunity to generate reservations. Suitable applicants may include registered travel agencies, tour operators, destination management companies, concierge services, activity providers and accommodation establishments.
We are particularly interested in partners who can explain the experience properly, communicate promptly with their clients and use approved rates, descriptions and imagery.
An application is unlikely to be a good fit where the primary intention is simply to copy rates, collect marketing material or advertise the experience without an active plan to generate business.
The application and approval process
- Complete the online Affiliate Agent Application Form with accurate company, contact and business information.
- Submit the requested supporting information so that the application can be reviewed and verified.
- Wait for written confirmation of approval before advertising agent rates or presenting your company as an authorised affiliate.
- Once approved, use the supplied rate sheets, terms and approved marketing information when quoting and confirming clients.
- Begin sending enquiries and reservations.
The practical value of any partnership is measured through real business, good administration and a positive experience for shared clients.
What approved agents need to communicate
Accurate selling protects the traveller, the agent and the operator. Approved agents are expected to make the following clear before accepting a reservation:
- Flights take place shortly after sunrise and remain subject to suitable weather conditions.
- Guests should set aside approximately three to four hours for the complete experience.
- Passenger age, height, mobility, medical and fitness requirements apply.
- Reservations require full pre-payment and are subject to the current terms and conditions.
- Only approved descriptions, rates and visual assets may be used to market the experience.
Commission should follow contribution
Preferential and commissioned rates form part of a commercial relationship. They are intended for agents who actively promote the product and produce reservations, not merely for businesses that request a rate sheet once a year.
Booking activity, communication, compliance and the overall quality of the partnership may therefore be considered when rates and future eligibility are reviewed. That is not red tape for the sake of it. It is simply sound business practice and helps us invest in partnerships that work for everyone involved.
Ready to apply?
If your business has clients who would value a professionally operated sunrise balloon safari in the Magalies River Valley, we would be pleased to review your application.
Please provide complete and accurate information. We receive an automatic notification once the online form has been submitted, after which the application enters the review, checking and verification process.
| Start the affiliate application Complete the online form to submit your company for review. Please wait for written approval before advertising the partnership. |
Contact us for more info:
Jacquie Pastor: Marketing Liaison | Adventure Ambassador
Nadia Terblanche: Head of Marketing & Sales | Chief Experience Officer
Telephone numbers:
Marketing Liaison (Jacquie) : +27 83 443 2662
Marketing Manager (Nadia) : +27 83 443 2663
Also available on WhatsApp during Business Hours.
Email:
jacquie@balloon.co.za / agent@balloon.co.za / nadia@balloon.co.za
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming your clients on board.
