In today’s travel landscape, being a tour operator or running a travel agency is about more than just booking flights and hotels. It’s about designing smooth, stress-free journeys that start from the moment your client steps off the plane.
One of the most overlooked but impactful ways to elevate your service? A professional Meet & Greet service.
Whether you’re an aspiring travel consultant, a small agency, or scaling up your operations, this article outlines how to set up a VIP-style arrival service that enhances your clients’ first impression and sets the tone for the entire trip.
What Does “Full-Service” Mean in Travel?
Being a full-service travel provider means managing every aspect of your client’s journey:
Flights
Accommodation
Transfers and logistics
Support before, during, and after the trip
Clients choose full-service agencies not just for convenience, but for peace of mind. When you control the full experience, you ensure quality at every step.
What Is a Meet & Greet Service?
A Meet & Greet service is a high-touch welcome for travelers arriving at an airport. It’s typically offered in partnership with a ground handler or destination management company (DMC). Here’s what it involves:
A representative meets clients at the arrivals terminal.
The rep holds a branded welcome board and wears a professional uniform.
Clients are assisted with luggage and shown to the correct transfer area.
Orientation support is provided: forex, SIM cards, directions, and more.
Travel documents are reviewed and explained in a relaxed setting.
It’s a personal touch that says: “We’ve got you.”
Why Offer a Meet & Greet?
Benefits to the client:
Immediate support in a foreign airport
Less anxiety about logistics
Personalized assistance right from arrival
Benefits to you (the agent):
Higher perceived value of your packages
Reduced post-arrival support calls
Differentiation from generic online booking platforms
How to Set It Up for Your Clients
Here’s a simple way to structure this service:
Partner with a local ground handler
Choose providers known for professionalism and consistency.
Ensure they use branded welcome boards and wear uniformed attire.
Create a standardized booking format
Include:
Arrival city (e.g., Cape Town, Johannesburg)
Number of passengers
Flight arrival details (including whether domestic or international)
Onward transport details (car hire, hotel transfer, connecting flight)
Any special requests or mobility concerns
Decide on pricing strategy
Option A: Include the cost in your full-service packages (most elegant approach)
Option B: Offer it as an optional upsell
Example NETT Rates (for reference):
1–3 pax: R344
4–8 pax: R696
9–12 pax: R1112
Note: These rates are usually billed to you by your provider. Consider absorbing them as a free value-add.
What the Service Can Include:
Personalized airport welcome signage
Assistance with luggage
Guidance to car rental, Uber/taxi stands, or transfer drivers
Escort to forex counters or mobile phone services
A seated walk-through of the travel itinerary using a tablet
These steps create a soft landing and make clients feel cared for from the moment they arrive.
Final Thoughts
In an industry where attention to detail makes or breaks reputations, offering a Meet & Greet service can be a game-changer. It sets the tone, removes uncertainty, and elevates your brand.
Whether you run an agency like Eat Sleep Play or you’re building your own operation, integrating this one service could be the difference between a good client review and a glowing referral.
