In Celebration of Travel Advisors: Better Together

Travel advisors are a rare breed. Whereas the movers and shakers in most global business segments can be reasonably characterized as cutthroat, the advisor community leans more towards cooperation and support, working together to be better together, to provide the best travel experiences for their clients, and to make the entire travel industry stronger.

Here we would like to invite you to take a few moments from your busy day to celebrate with us the tremendous impact that travel advisors make in each other’s lives and in the travel industry around the world.

“The travel advisor community is remarkable for its willingness to support one another, even though we are competitors. We embody a spirit of ‘coop-petition’ — cooperating to strengthen our industry while maintaining healthy competition. This collective effort ensures that we all succeed and grow together,” says Shelli Nornes, president/CEO, of Romance Travel Group.

Along the same lines, Meg Kinnerk, founder & CEO, of Traveluxe, explains: “The camaraderie and support within the travel advisor community is truly remarkable. Everyone is always willing to share their knowledge, experiences, and tips, making it a collaborative and enriching environment. Most advisors believe in collaboration over competition, making for a vibrant and supportive community where everyone thrives.

“This collaborative spirit fosters a culture of shared success, continuous learning, and mutual respect, ultimately benefiting both advisors and their clients. When big issues arise, we all come together, pooling our resources and expertise to find effective solutions and support each other through challenges. This unity and teamwork are what truly set our community apart.”

Pushing boundaries, sharing resources

Just about any travel advisor would agree that building solid relationships with their peers helps them in their own businesses. From pushing boundaries to sharing resources, and so much more, actively participating in the advisor network is a key to success.

“Building relationships with other advisors has been invaluable for my business. Surrounding myself with inspiring peers sets higher goals and pushes me to work harder. Their challenges and encouragement have motivated me to take risks I wouldn’t normally consider, leading to significant growth for my business,” shares Nornes.

Kinnerk concurs: “Relationships with other travel agency owners have been incredibly beneficial to my business. These connections have provided me with invaluable insights into best practices, industry trends, and innovative strategies. Collaborating with fellow owners has allowed me to share resources, exchange referrals, and receive mentorship from more experienced professionals. Their diverse perspectives have helped me solve complex challenges, enhance my service offerings, and ultimately grow my business more effectively.”

Greater success together

We asked advisors what is one thing that makes their jobs easier. And yet again, it all came down to the people in their daily workplace, their colleagues.

“Having access to a network of experienced travel advisors and agency owners makes my job significantly easier,” says Kinnerk. “Being able to consult with others who have firsthand knowledge of destinations, resorts, experiences, and issues that arise, allows me to offer more accurate and personalized recommendations to our clients and team.”

She goes on to relay a success story where other advisors also played a role: “One of my success stories involves planning a once-in-a-lifetime family reunion trip to Europe for a large extended family. The itinerary included multiple destinations, special accommodations, and a variety of activities tailored to different age groups and interests. I collaborated with other travel advisors on my team who had extensive experience with European travel and family-oriented itineraries. They provided me with insider tips on the best family-friendly accommodations, unique local experiences, and efficient travel routes.

“With their help, I was able to create a detailed and personalized travel plan that exceeded the family’s expectations. The trip was a resounding success, and the family made unforgettable memories. This wouldn’t have been possible without the insights and support from my fellow travel advisors.”

Nornes agrees that “absolutely, without a doubt, my amazing team makes my job easier! Their excellence in handling the day-to-day operations allows me to focus on driving our business forward, fostering growth, and supporting their needs.

“There are many success stories involving other advisors. Recently, a group of us collaborated to approach a supplier about a policy change. By providing different perspectives, we achieved a win-win outcome. This collective effort wouldn’t have been possible on my own.”

A sense of appreciation

Travel advisors work tirelessly to serve their clients. No doubt, travel is one of the most fascinating and fun industries, but it still takes a significant amount of effort to achieve and maintain success. And surely, everyone wants to feel appreciated.

“I feel valued and appreciated when clients provide positive feedback and referrals, but also when fellow advisors acknowledge and appreciate my contributions to the community,” offers Kinnerk. “Being part of a supportive network where mutual respect and recognition are common truly enhances my sense of belonging and satisfaction in my profession.”

Nornes explains that she feels “most valued and appreciated when other advisors call me for help. Out of countless options, they trust my opinions, experience, and guidance. Collaborating with them provides balanced perspectives, and it’s rewarding to know my contributions are valued.”

Best advice

We know how much our readers like to hear practical tips from their peers that they can apply to help grow their businesses. So we leave you with these top suggestions from fellow advisors.

“My best tip for other travel advisors is to pick a niche you love and focus on that,” suggests Nornes. “You can’t be an expert in everything. Just like you’d choose a cardiologist over a general practitioner for a heart condition, specialize in your passion. Building your career around what you love ensures it never feels like work.”

And Kinnerk offers: “My best tip for other travel advisors is to always stay updated on industry trends and new travel opportunities. Networking with other advisors and attending industry events can provide a wealth of knowledge and open up new business opportunities.”

She adds: “Being part of the travel advisor community has not only helped me professionally, but also personally. I’ve formed lasting friendships and have been inspired by the passion and dedication of my peers. This community has enriched my life in many ways, and I’m grateful for the shared experiences and collective growth.”

We couldn’t agree more with Nornes, who says: “The travel industry is vast, yet it feels like a small world. I’ve made friends across the globe. If you embrace the community and get involved, you’ll find a welcoming and supportive network.”

FROM THE SPONSOR:
For over 50 years, ALG Vacations® has been dedicated to supporting travel advisors. ALGV gives you more with initiatives, like the Travel Advisors Get You There campaign and rewards programs, that prioritize advisor success. Bringing you more information about the suppliers and brands you need to know about to stay successful plus, our ever-evolving technology and special features are all designed to make your job easier. ALG Vacations fosters professional growth with events like Ascend, an annual learning conference, and offers numerous networking opportunities throughout the year, including our Kindness Conference and FAMs. Our approachable sales team and committed training teams are always ready to assist advisors. For more information and to connect with a BDM, visit ALGVacations.com/BDM.