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Connexxus is a key part of the UC Working Smarter initiative, aimed at balancing cost savings and traveler benefits. With a goal of 80%-85% participation, the current level is at 40%. Offering an advanced information system and a network of preferred suppliers, the program is now moving into a new phase with innovative technology and web portal redesign. Automated traveler insurance and security management processes are in place, emphasizing traveler choices. Partnered with STA Travel, Connexxus provides exclusive airfare deals for students, faculty, and staff, with flexible conditions and global support. STA Travel's Travel with Purpose program promotes responsible travel with projects in 34 countries, enhancing the overall travel experience. With a strong presence on UC campuses, Connexxus and STA Travel offer personalized service and support for seamless bookings and assistance, ensuring a dynamic and rewarding travel experience for users.
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Connexxus Today • Connexxus nearing its five year milestone as a UC systemwide travel program • Component of the UC Working Smarter initiative • UC Central Travel Office growth • Balance systemwide savings with value added traveler benefits • Target of 80%-85% participation, current level at 40% • Advanced information system • Well established network of preferred suppliers and service providers • Entering new phase featuring innovative technology and web portal redesign • Automated UC Traveler Insurance and Security Management process • Continued focus on “choices” for travelers CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
Participation in Connexxus: 2010 vs 2011 Utilization Utilization Goal Data Source: iBank and Campus Estimated Air Travel Spend CONNEXXUS TRAVEL
Who is STA Travel • Globally • STA Travel, the worldwide leader in student travel, serviced its first customers in 1971. • We now have 330 stores in 14 countries and travel partners in another 64. • STA Travel's success rests on three pillars: • A high profile in target markets • Staff who provide peer-to-peer advice to customers • A product range that matches the price/performance expectations of its customers. • In the USA • Headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth area • We operate16 retail stores throughout the U.S. • We are online at www.statravel.com • We operate a 24-hour sales and support center in Chandler, AZ CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
STA Travel Mission • Bringing you face to face with the world • We at STA Travel are PASSIONATE about travel and bring this excitement to our customers. • We work to be RESPONSIBLE to our customers and the environment and always bring a high level of EXPERTISE to every inquiry we receive. • STA Travel employees know that WORKING TOGETHER makes us a dynamic team while being CUSTOMER OBSESSED ensures that you, the client, are confident that we are here for you! CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
Connexxus and STA Travel: The Partnership • UC and STA Travel: History of successful relationships • STA Travel: A Contracted Connexxus Service Provider • A Specialized Provider For: • EAP Programs • Summer Sessions • Faculty Led Group Programs • Quarter Abroad Programs • Other Abroad Programs • Connexxus and STA Travel: • Solid synergies • Fills a service gap • Represents a needed specialty • Enhances Connexxus service network CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
Participation through STA Travel CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
Participation by School Past 12 Months *denotes a retail store is on or near campus. CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
Air Pricing and STA Travel’s SATA tickets • Exclusive fares for students, youth & teachers on the world’s top airlines. • The Best Value for Money • Flexible Conditions Usually Associated With More Expensive Fares • Tickets Refundable and with Lower Change Fees • Tickets valid for 1 year or longer • On-the-road TRAVEL HELP • US Based 24/7 support both on and offline • Chat via Skype, web or 800 number • Support in Over 90 Countries CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
STA Travel’s Global Air Partners- Sample Pricing CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
STA Travel’s Airfare Deposit Program CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
STA Travel’s Travel with Purpose Program • STA Travel believes in the benefits responsible travel can bring to people worldwide and is helping to realize these through its partnership with Planeterra. • Over 80 projects in 34 countries that will have positive impact on local communities. • Projects range from working with animals, in conservation, with children or in communities. • Fully customizable volunteer programs for student and youth groups • Independent projects • Add-Ons to current study abroad programs CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
The Role of the Retail vs Chandler, AZ • STA Travel has retail stores on or near 5 UC schools: UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego & UC Davis: • We are active participants in the university community • Kick off meetings at campuses to present partnership • Invited existing contacts in study abroad • Leveraged existing relationships that local staff have on campus with advocates, asked those people for referrals • New business development remained in line with our expertise – students and groups CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
The Role of the Retail vs Chandler, AZ • For any UC customer not on one of those 5 campuses, students or faculty can call a dedicated 800# and will be serviced by specially trained staff in Chandler, AZ. • There are no true “online” transactions at this time. • Calls can “roll” between stores and Chandler to avoid any long hold times and both channels can see and service all Connexxus bookings seamlessly. • Additional our 24/7 Travel Help team is in Chandler and will assist any Connexxus customer who is “on the road” and in need of assistance changing their travel plans. • Requests for Group space made using our online booking portal are actioned the same day they are received. • Depending on the airline a quote can take between 2 hours and 2 days, with foreign carriers generally taking longer. • Space can be held for a $150 deposit per customer • Full payment is not due until 60-90 days prior to departure • Quotes for accommodation, ground transportation, sight seeing, etc can take up to a week as we coordinate with vendors on the ground in foreign destinations. CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
Accountability, Effective Services & Responsiveness • For leisure (individual) travellers we send a Customer Service Questionnaire upon completion of their sale. There are 6 simple questions to encourage as many people as possible to complete the survey: • Of 2,695 Retail Customers surveyed (7% of total served): • 91% of customers scored us an 8+ on a scale of 1-10 on “Would they recommend STA Travel to a friend?” • 95% of customers thought we planned the “Perfect Trip”for them • 94% of customers thought we offered the “Best Value” • All scores lower than a 7 in any area are followed up on by the manager directly with the customer to see how we might improve our service. • Any written complaint or escalated verbal complaint is communicated to Connexxus and the university along with our explanation and solution for the customer. • All customer feedback is responded to the same business day and we aim for complete resolution within 3 business days. CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
What is a Connexxus Booking? • Every single customer who either walks into one of our retail stores on each of those 5 campuses - or – who calls our dedicated Connexxus line is asked during the initial discovery phase of the consultation which school they attend and which program they are traveling on. • Each folder we create is then tagged and reported on monthly. • School • Program details (eg. EAP, Summer Sessions, Independent Study, etc.) • Ticket cost (base and tax) • All flight information (segments, ticket numbers, etc.) • Cars • Hotels • Each booking is sent to iJet for UC Risk Management purposes CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
Systemwide Outreach • Created custom STA information and contact page for campuses • Hosted kick-off mixers at select campuses • Participated in UC EAP’s 50th Anniversary celebration • Met with several campus International Student Union key contacts CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
STA Travel’s Role in Future Growth and Expansion • EAP Partnership • Scholarship Program • Student Ambassador Program • Create buy in with Program Coordinators • Increase promotion of scholarship program to accepted students • Student Groups • Example: Alternative Breaks at UCSD • Short term faculty led programs at all campuses • Continued outreach to campus to reach students and faculty • Mobile offices at UC San Diego, UC Riverside and UC Berkeley • Study Abroad and travel fairs on campus • Brand Ambassadors CONNEXXUSTRAVEL
Connexxus Future Growth & Expansion 2013 - 2014 Air Volume Utilization Rate Transaction #’s Online Utilization Program Scope 20 CONNEXXUSTRAVEL 2012 2014 Current Key Status Indicators