7 Sales Tips for Travel Agency Success

Navigating the competitive world of travel sales can be challenging, but with the right strategies, your travel agency can flourish. Whether you're a seasoned travel advisor or just starting out, these seven tips will help you boost your sales and grow your business. 

1. Never stop learning. The travel industry, suppliers, cruise ships, resorts, products, and destinations are always changing. If one ever reaches a point when they think they know it all and stops actively learning, they risk missing out on opportunities to upsell clients, provide their clients with the best value, or may even lose credibility if they don't come across as an expert. 

1. The fortune is in the follow-up. Clients today have a wide selection of booking options to choose from and have grown accustomed to having information and results available at their fingertips. They're also instant gratification oriented, which means they are motivated by desires fulfilled sooner rather than later. As a successful independent travel agency owner, timely follow-ups are key at every point in the vacation planning and booking process, and will keep you top of mind. If they have to wait, they'll move on. 

Bonus tip: Follow up quickly and consistently! Travelers are booking their vacations faster than ever before. If you wait even just two days between contacting your client, they could potentially book somewhere else! 

1. Understand your unique selling proposition. Provide your client with the answer to the question “Why should I book with you?” before they ask it. If they ask it, it could potentially be too late and might signify that they've been thinking about it all along and haven't heard you provide an answer. Communicate your value and what sets you apart from the competition from the get-go, and supplement with the next tip. 

1. Focus on long-term impact. Travel sales is about developing relationships rather than focusing on transactions if one wants to develop long-term repeat clients and referrals. If you find yourself focusing heavily on just making the sale, take a step back and remember why you decided to become a travel advisor. Was it to simply make sales, or was it because you have a passion for travel and want to pass that on to others and help them create lasting memories? Build and nurture relationships with your clients. Once they get to know you and you them, you'll be able to cultivate a long-term, fulfilling relationship and maybe not just a client for life, but quite possibly a friend as well. 

1. Specialization isn't limited to a product or vendor. It could be an entire niche or a demographic. Find out what you are passionate about and enjoy selling — or who you enjoy selling to! Then focus on fine tuning your skills and expertise in that area. 

Bonus tip: Reach out to our Brand Sales team for exclusive 1:1 quote coaching sessions and supplier-specific support. They'll help you narrow down your niche so you can maximize your sales! 

1. Anticipate and address. By being a specialist, you'll know your client's needs and concerns before they do. Be proactive with your communication, recommendations, and follow-ups - the best defense is a good offense. 

1. Authenticity is key. People buy from people they like. Your personality and uniqueness are your superpowers! Booking with a travel advisor brings back the element of human connection and, aside from the many other benefits of using a travel advisor, that's one of the main reasons many travelers choose to book with an advisor.  

Bonus tip: Don't forget to have some fun while you're at it! 

Looking for even more helpful tips as you prepare for your journey as a travel advisor? Visit us at www.AvoyaNetwork.com or call 1-855-875-5861 and get connected with an Independent Agency Affiliation Specialist today!