What a good destination management company (DMC) does for your agency, the questions to ask before you send clients, how to test a new partner, and the warning signs.
1. What a DMC does for you
A DMC is your team on the ground: it contracts hotels and transport, designs and runs itineraries, provides guides, and looks after your clients when something goes wrong. Your clients will judge your agency by the DMC's service, so choose as carefully as you would hire staff.
2. What to check
Before you send a client, confirm these.
3. Questions to ask
Ask the same questions to every DMC you consider, so you can compare answers.
4. Test with a first booking
Start with a simple booking, or a staff trip, before sending your most important clients. Measure response time, accuracy of the confirmation and vouchers, and the feedback from travellers.
5. Red flags
Think twice when you see these.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a DMC and a tour operator?
A DMC is based in the destination and provides ground services there, mostly for other agencies and tour operators. A tour operator packages trips, which may include services from one or more DMCs.
Should I work with more than one DMC per destination?
Many agencies keep one main DMC and a second as backup, for capacity in peak season and for comparing prices.