Search Travel Market Report

cruise planners
ALG Sponsored
ALG Sponsored
mainlogo
www.travelmarketreport.com
  • News
  • Tours & Packages
  • Cruise
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Destinations
  • Retail Strategies
  • Niche & Luxury
  • Well-Being Travel
  • Training & Events
  • Who We Are
    • Anne Marie Moebes
    • Brian Israel
    • Dan McCarthy
    • Denise Caiazzo
    • Marilee Crocker
    • Paul M. Ruden
    • Dori Saltzman
ALG sponsored

Op-ed: While the Business Has Changed, the Resilience of Advisors Remains the Same

by Cheryle Velsor, Alluring Africa / June 29, 2021
Op-ed: While the Business Has Changed, the Resilience of Advisors Remains the Same


One of the advantages of being in the industry for a very long time is that it provides a lot of experience and perspective on the challenges that we all had to overcome.  Whether you are on the agency or tour operator side, we have adapted and evolved. By offering personalized customer service, along with sharing expert knowledge of a destination, that has kept the travel advisor in business.

Over the last 40 plus years (I am dating myself), I’ve witnessed a number of events that have caused all of us to re-group. From handwriting airline tickets to computer automation, commission caps, new host agency and consortia affiliations, the unfortunate events of 2001, service fees, financial crisis, independent contractors, and now the effects of Covid-19 on travel. 

The business model for the travel trade has certainly changed over the years but the resilience of the travel advisor has remained constant. Whether you are an “old-timer” like me or new to the industry as a second career, there is always something new to learn.

Travel advisors are specializing in types of travel and/or specific destinations with tour operators doing the same. The product we sell coincides with what today’s savvy travelers demand. They value experience along with a strong desire to “give back” to the community they visit or in a conservation effort.

The agent relationship with a destination-specific tour operator is very important to me, which is why I moved into the Africa market over 20 years ago. The emotional connection and love for the continent remain constant. There’s always something new to surprise and delight clients. The culture, the incomparable animal encounters and hospitality is something that never needs to be upsold to anyone, just planned really well. Acting as a conduit between Africa, agent and client brings me a lot of joy.

My decision to join with a long-time friend and another industry veteran Sunit Sanghrajka at Alluring Africa was important to me because both Sunit and I have the same ethics in respecting the travel advisor relationship and the value they bring. 

After the tough year everyone has had, I know that when travel advisors come to Alluring Africa, we will be able to continue to make them look like stars and leave a positive mark on the world. That’s a win, win for everyone.

Winning strategies for travel advisors:

  • A smile on your face reflects in your telephone voice.
  • Embrace new ways to connect with your clients.
  • Getting out of your comfort zone with a new destination helps you grow and find new clients.
  • Don’t be afraid of implementing service fees. You offer real value to your clients.
  • Network. Network. Develop new relationships.
  • Reach out to your Business Development Manager (tour operator or cruise line) for ideas.
  • Join travel associations.
  • Revisit your marketing and social media plan.
  • Focus on a niche market and/or destination.
  • Don’t be afraid to upsell.

To connect with Cheryle and learn more, visit the dedicated page to Alluring Agents and opt-in to tailored news for travel advisors: 

  2
  0
ALG Sponsored

MOST VIEWED

Brought To You By
  1. European Union Will Drop Its Mask Mandate for Travel Next Week
  2. 5 Client Types You Can Immediately Disqualify for a Virgin Voyages Cruise
  3. CDC Moves Four Destinations Into “High” Risk COVID-19 Level
  4. Trivago Hit With Massive Fine from Australian Federal Court Because of “Misleading” Conduct
  5. How Is the War in Ukraine Affecting the European River Cruise 2022 Season?
  6. American Express Confirms End to its Franchise Program

MOST EMAILED

Brought To You By
  1. European Union Will Drop Its Mask Mandate for Travel Next Week
  2. Japan Could Reopen to North Americans Next Month
  3. Japan Confirms Plan to Start Its Travel Reopening This Month
  4. 5 Client Types You Can Immediately Disqualify for a Virgin Voyages Cruise
  5. CDC Moves Four Destinations Into “High” Risk COVID-19 Level
  6. Greece’s Vaccination Requirement for Inbound Travelers Ends Next Week
ALG sponsored
TMR Subscription

Subscribe today to receive daily in-depth coverage, analysis of industry news, trends and issues that affect how you do business. Subscribe now for free.

Subscribe to TMR

TMR Recommendations
Daniel Zim
Zim Travel Law, PLLC. Demystifying Complexity with Down to Earth Advice. Attorney Advertising.
hbar
Rodney Gould
Rodney E. Gould concentrates in travel and tour-operator litigation and regularly counsels travel-related entities worldwide.
hbar
Tom Carpenter
Carpenter Law Office - Representing clients in the travel and tourism industries. Attorney Advertising.
hbar
Top Stories
Travel A.L.L.I.E.S. Society Launches Advisor Mentorship Program
Travel A.L.L.I.E.S. Society Launches Advisor Mentorship Program

The six-month program is designed to develop, promote and inspire young travel professionals.

Read...
MasterAdvisor 51: What's Trending In The Cruise Industry?
MasterAdvisor 51: What's Trending In The Cruise Industry?

What are clients asking about before they sail away?

Read...
ASTA’s Legislative Day Is Just Weeks Away
ASTA’s Legislative Day Is Just Weeks Away

Scholarships are still available for U.S. advisors interested in attending in D.C. next month. 

Read...
More Consumers Interested in Travel Insurance than Pre-Pandemic
More Consumers Interested in Travel Insurance than Pre-Pandemic

Online searches for travel insurance have increased by 70% since 2019.

Read...
ALG Vacations Shows Its Amped-Up Appreciation to Travel Advisors
ALG Vacations Shows Its Amped-Up Appreciation to Travel Advisors

For the entire month of May during Travel Advisor Appreciation Month, ALG Vacations® is showing its appreciation to its travel advisor partners with “amped-up gratitude.”

Read...
Headquarter Happenings: Avenue Two Travel's First-Ever Collective
Headquarter Happenings: Avenue Two Travel's First-Ever Collective

“We have long dreamed about hosting an event like this. It's so incredible to think the dream has come true on the heels of some of the most devastating times of our lifetimes." 

Read...
TMR Outlooks
Multi-Gen Outlook
Distribution Outlook (1)
New to Cruise Outlook
Expedition 2020
Wellness Outlook
River Cruise Outlook 2019
View All
Advertiser's Voice
https://img.youtube.com/vi/87ira8MA_b8/0.jpg
MasterAdvisor: What's Trending in the Cruise Industry?
About Travel Market Report Mission Editorial Staff Advisory Board Advertise
TMR Resources Webinars Calendar of Events
Subscribe to TMR
Select Language
Do You Have an Idea Email
editor@travelmarketreport.com
Give Us a Call
1-(516) 730-3097
Drop Us a Note
Travel Market Report
71 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
News|Leisure Travel|Land Vacations|Cruise|Canada Retail Strategies|Well-Being|Luxury|Training
© 2005 - 2022 Travel Market Report, an American Marketing Group Inc. Company All Rights Reserved | 243 South Street, Oyster Bay, NY, 11771 USA | Telephone (516) 730-3097| Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy