Introduction to GregTur
Renato Da Silva Gregorio is the principal manager of GregTur, a tourism agency based in São Paulo, Brazil. He oversees both the operational and financial aspects of the company, supported by a dedicated team of ten people. GregTur specializes in receiving tourists and offering transportation services across major tourist destinations in Southeast Brazil, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu, and Santos.
Renato started his career in the transportation industry at the age of 18, initially working as a taxi and executive driver before transitioning to a tour guide. He noticed a gap in the market for high-quality guided tours in São Paulo, a city often overlooked as a tourist destination. This realization led him to establish GregTur in 2012-2013, focusing on delivering exceptional guided tours with the help of highly knowledgeable tour guides.
The Challenge
As GregTur's reputation grew, particularly among international tourists, they faced significant challenges with payment processing. The primary issue was the requirement for a CPF (Brazilian taxpayer identification number) for credit card transactions, which was impractical for foreign clients. This led to complicated and unreliable payment processes, often involving workarounds that were neither efficient nor customer-friendly.
Discovering WeTravel
Renato and his team experimented with various payment solutions over the years, including PayPal and Payoneer, but each had its limitations. PayPal required customer registration, which was a barrier, and Payoneer eventually ceased supporting tourism transactions, among other roadblocks. In 2022, GregTur was introduced to WeTravel, a payment platform that seemed to address all their needs.
Implementing WeTravel
WeTravel provided a seamless solution for GregTur, allowing them to generate payment links quickly and send them to clients via WhatsApp or SMS. Clients could pay without needing to create an account, simplifying the process significantly. This change had an immediate positive impact, enabling GregTur to handle transactions smoothly and efficiently.
Results and Benefits
With WeTravel, GregTur was able to:
- Reduce Dependence on Platforms: Previously, 70-80% of their bookings came through online travel agencies (OTAs). Now, it's a 50-50 split, with direct bookings increasing by about 30%.
- Increase Profitability: By reducing the reliance on OTAs, GregTur saved on platform fees, making their services more competitive and improving their profit margins.
- Improve Customer Experience: The streamlined payment process enhanced customer satisfaction, leading to more direct bookings and repeat business.
- Enhance Operational Efficiency: The ease of use and reliability of WeTravel allowed GregTur to focus more on service quality and less on administrative hassles.
Renato's open-minded approach to trying new solutions and his commitment to improving customer service have been key to GregTur's success. By adopting WeTravel, GregTur has not only resolved its payment challenges but also positioned itself as a leading player in São Paulo's tourism industry.
Conclusion
Renato believes that a well-developed tourism sector benefits everyone, and he's dedicated to helping other businesses see the potential of platforms like WeTravel. His experience demonstrates how the right technology can transform operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive growth in a competitive market.
GregTtourur's story is a testament to the transformative power of WeTravel in overcoming industry-specific challenges and fostering business growth.
