Avoya Travel

I am a seasoned professional in another field, but travel business is new for me and is my passion. I had one goal in mind, it was to teach customers that given the proper planning that anyone can afford to travel. After completing travel agent training, I was wondering what was next. What I did know, is that I wanted to start my own business. A consultation with the school’s counselor led me to researching Host Agency. I researched several different host agencies and finally decided to join Avoyatravel Host Agency. There were a few factors that led me to that decision, all of which was because I was extremely new to the business.
The first factor was familiarity – They were an American Express Travel Representative and that spoke volume for me because of the massive reputation of American Express.
The second factor mandatory training program - As I was researching host agencies, I talked with other host agencies that required the attendance of a costly training program prior to joining. Since I was new and just completed a travel agent program, I did not think that was the direction I wanted to go. What I needed was hands on training with live customers, not really another year of training at that point. Avoyatravel accepted my training program.
The third factor was the lead program - This was important to me because I did not have a customer base and needed to build one. However, more importantly I needed additional training in dealing with live customers and planning different types of travel. I knew that their lead program would offer the training that I needed and allow me to work with customers out of the gate. Marketing a business and learning at the same time would have been very challenging and may have become too cumbersome for me to continue in the business.
Here I am celebrating my third year in the travel business, all of which with one Host Agency -Avoyatravel. I can honestly say that today, I am glad I made the decision to join Avoyatravel. My only expectation with joining Avoyatravel was to learn the travel business and to work with customers. I accomplished that and much more. I will start off with their education program.
Education - First, I think that education is a priority for Avoyatravel. Their educational programs are exceptional and are first rate. I had the opportunity to participate in their Mastermind program, which is a program that help build the skills for new and seasoned travel agents. The program is much more than an education program; to me it is also a mentoring program. This program provided training that focused on building your business and improving your travel skills. Additionally, they provided one on one training that is helpful because it allows you to improve your weakness, while enhancing your strengths. This program on more than one occasion has been a life saver, it is almost like a life line, which I think is so beneficial for newly travel agent. However, Avoyatravel does not stop with just the Mastermind program, they have invested in so many educational programs that are free to all independent travel agents. They offer training on different vendors and educational programs on horning your business skills.
The Lead Program - This was key for me and tipped the scale when deciding on a host agency. The one stand out feature was the ability to work with customers as I learn the business. Like any business there are peak times and then there are times when business is slower, the travel business is no different. However, the lead program was instrumental for me because it helped me build a customer base and taught me very important skills. This is a great program, especially for new agents. After three years, I am building a loyal customer base, which I think is important for the travel business. The lead program is a major investment for Avoyatravel, I can tell because during the bi-weekly meetings you hear how much effort they put into building the program. The opportunity to participate in the lead program has been great for my new business and a wonderful opportunity.
I will close my review with these notes. Working with Avoyatravel is a wonderful experience. I think they genuinely care about the success of your business and their customers. I realize that having a profitable business is the main goal for most business owners, but for me it is building a strong business so that it is profitable. Moreover, professional relationships, such as professional development and education are paramount. Customers have so many options today, I know because I hear it from the customers, but the best feeling is when they say I decided to come back because of the pricing and customer service. I would have not had those customers, had I not joined Avoyatravel. I would highly recommend them as Host Agency. I read some of the reviews where some stated issues with customer support. In the three years, I have been with Avoyatravel, not one time did I have a bad experience with customer support or any personnel at Avoyatravel. I will share this, which I forget to mention when selecting a host agency. When I first joined I was assigned an individual that was available to me for a few months as I learned the ropes. I was able to reach out to the individual whenever I needed assistance. Even today, that same individual will still reach out to me and check on me once in a while. Not just that individual, also instructors of the Mastermind program and leadership will do the same. If you are seeking a host agent that really care about you and your business, then Avoyatravel should be your first choice.

First I want to assure everyone that I am a real person, I am not employed by Avoya Travel, I own an agency that is affiliated with Avoya Travel, meaning I am definitely an independent contractor.

I joined Avoya about 3 years after jumping feet first into the deep end of the pool with another host agency. Technically I am still with that host agency too. I joined Avoya because I came to know my strengths and while selling travel is way up there, finding clients is certainly not. I hated the marketing aspect. My plan was to sell the live leads through Avoya and sell my own clients through the other host. Why? Simple, my commission split was higher with the other host. I quickly found though, that it wasn’t really the best value, for my clients or even for me.

What I found was that not only does Avoya provide leads, they also have some of the top industry offers available. This is fabulous when you need something to push a client over that tipping point. There are lots of clients out there who aren’t savvy, who take your word for a good deal, but there are tons more who know what they are doing, who have done their own research and who want a bit extra. Avoya helps provide that. I have since started booking all clients, and even my own reservations through Avoya. The tradeoff for the small percentage difference I make on personal clients is more than made up by the volume I’m able to close with the perks offered. I am not talking about rebating either. I am not a fan of that at all. Simplifying down to one host has made things much more streamlined and saves me ton of time- and there’s no confusion about which log in to which vendor and where the info is stored.

Lots of people have talked about the live leads- here’s my take. Some are crap. Some are awesome. You know what, I feel the same way about personal clients and even friends and family. Not every travel inquiry they come up with is gold.

One thing I haven’t read a lot about in reading other reviews is the incredible system they have. Agent Power is AMAZING. I really can’t stress this enough. It is an all one booking engine for cruises, CRM, really, it is my own personal assistant. The calendar, messaging system, email program… I could go on and on. This program right here is worth the cost of admission, even if you weren’t interested in leads. I searched and searched and searched for CRM’s before joining Avoya, I tried them all. The really good one’s cost more than it does to join Avoya and don’t have half the features that Avoya’s provides.

The last thing I want to talk about is the support and educational offerings. As an independent contractor, none of these are required. They are strictly voluntary. They also have no added cost, so if you are trying to improve anything it is crazy not to at least check them out. First there is the “Avoya University”. This is your fast track into learning Agent Power and the booking engine. Some of it was fun, it was all useful, some of it was boring but necessary. A relatively new program they offer is called “University Live”. These are live webinars that are offered on various subjects. Again, totally optional. I have done a couple of them on things I needed help understanding or on because I wanted to get more out of something. Then there is the Mastermind Program. The MM program has different levels based on your sales and where you are in the program. It is set for smaller groups and designed to get you deep info quickly. What you get out of the program directly coincides with what you are willing to put into it. This program is no joke. I just recently took a “Mastermind Academy @ Sea” cruise and I learned so much I’m still processing it all. This program wasn’t about Avoya, not really. This program was about me. How I work and how I sell. Then it helped me figure out ways to work smarter, how to best use my selling style with varying buying styles and how to improve things I was already doing well to bring them to the next level.

Just like when you are trying to find the right cruise line fit for your client, finding the right host for you is important, and it’s not one size fits all. Avoya is not for everyone. But it is definitely right for me. They give you the tools (first class tools!) but it is up to you to use them.

I joined Avoya Travel as an Independent Affiliate in April of 2016.
I was an employee of Avoya Travel and when I made the decision to become a business owner and open my own travel agency, I was given nothing but support from Avoya Travel and all of the members in the various departments.
I was provided information on a Travel Agent school which they recommended.
I completed a very thorough training with that school, obtained an LLC and "opened my doors" so to speak for business.
I then went through Avoya University, a very comprehensive training program that Avoya offers at no charge.
Support from the Avoya Team is responsive in a timely manner and they are very patient with "newbies" such as myself.
My commission is such that in my first 6 months that I have never had to pay any monthly fees and do not see paying any in the future either.
The Live Lead program is invaluable to my business and it is actually a challenge to keep up with all of the leads that are available to me!
The relationship that Avoya has with the Suppliers and the respect that they have garnered from them, insure that my clients are going to get the best deal possible for their vacations.
I highly recommend Agents from all levels of experience who are interested in growing their business, Join Avoya and take advantage of all this company has to offer its Independent Affiliates.

Avoya Travel has been an amazing host agency! Not just because of Avoya University and the educational training they provide, but also because of the support I get as a Independent Agency under their umbrella. I have discovered a wealth of information on the industry and now relish in the stellar reputation they have garnered in the industry! The Live Lead program is also a great way to grow your business! It was the best decision ever to join a winning team!

I have been affiliated with Avoya for almost a year now. I am very pleased with the Agent Support, everyone is always so helpful. What you put into this business is what you will get out of it. I know that the live leads are always out there, and I can work when I want to. There are days I can not be working during the day, but I know I can work that evening if I want to. "The sky is the Limit"

I am very grateful to be hosted by the Avoya Agency!!!

As a newbie to the travel industry, I can honestly say I am so happy I have affiliated with Avoya! I have found EVERYONE to be extremely helpful & supportive.
I find the Live Leads program to be amazing! Like I said, I am brand new to the travel industry & have no clients of my own. Yes, some of the leads can be bogus...but I have found that with building a relationship with the people calling in or making an inquiry online is the way to be successful in this business.
As for the negative reviews about having to work or be available 24/7...you OWN your business. No matter what business you own, you have to work at it. If you don't want to work, you won't have a successful business.
I love the Avoya family & am so incredibly happy I have affiliated with such a wonderful group of people.

I am new to the industry just 5 months. Avoya Travel is a great host agency.The Avoya University training is superior. All of their backstage staff is great and so helpful and supportive

Avoya has been a very successful match for me so far. Being relatively new in the business, I found I was struggling to get enough leads to be where I wanted to be. While it's true that the commission split on leads is not what one would make with one's own bookings, the split is certainly better than zero! The leads have forced me to jump right in and to really learn about all the suppliers so much better. It's great on-the-job training for me, and it's something I was missing before.

I know I could be working 24/7 as another reviewer said, but it's entirely possible to set the pace. It's tempting to take as many leads as possible at first, but I am learning that just a few a day are manageable and profitable.

I have found every single one of the support staff people to be just great. There's a lot to learn, and the trainers are patient and encouraging.

All-in-all I am very pleased with my decision to affiliate with Avoya.

What first interested me in Avoya was the Live Leads Program. When I began thinking about starting a travel agency the biggest concern was, "how am I going to find clients". Booking only family and friends isn't going to pay the bills and shelling out marketing dollars wasn't going to be possible. Lives Leads is definitely reason #1 to join.

The 2nd reason is the integrity of the Company and the relationships that Avoya has with the vendors. After researching Avoya, I found that they really had the relationships and respect of the major cruise lines. That meant a lot to me. I'm a young professional and I wanted to be with a company that wasn't just about SALES SALES SALE but had a mission to support Travel Agents in their goals.

The 3rd reason is the Master Mind Program. Right after I joined I learned about the Sales Training I could receive FREE of CHARGE from the Mastermind program. I thought that since it's free and I'm new to this, it's stupid not to try it out. Joining that group was the 2nd best decision I made after deciding to join Avoya. I received so many insights on how best to set-up systems, tracking my own sales success by understanding my agency scorecard, and learning helpful tips for other agents who have been in the business a lot longer than me. It's easy to feel alone when you're working from home, and in sales it's easy to get in a rut. The Master Mind team and fellow members, 100% prevent that from happening.

Avoya is NOT for passive travel enthusiast looking to book only a handful of trips a year and hoping to just take advantage of industry perks. If you're looking to make a career as a travel professional you should definitely consider affiliating with Avoya. I've been with Avoya for going on 2 years. After seeing the power of the Live Leads Program and the support of Avoya I've made the decision to have my Travel Agency be my sole source of income. If you're a hardworking intelligent entrepreneur I don't see how you could fail with Avoya.

At first Avoya sounds great but it's not really a host agency. Despite how often they say you are an Independent Agency that's not really true compared to other host agencies. Avoya basically expects you to be available 24/7 365 days a year. The marketing structure causes people to think you are an employee in a call center. No matter how hard I tried to explain most people do not understand that you are not an employee and then get mad. I was constantly surprised at how much was deducted from my commissions.

The customer service is not that good. The assumption of Avoya Support is that you have done something wrong and its your fault. I was accused and reported to the VP because I booked a client with the same last name. The Support person said I couldn't book travel for myself and reported me - but I didn't she didn't look at the first name on the booking!

If the IRS investigated Avoya I have no doubt that the IRS would declare that everyone is an employee.

People who are willing to sit by a phone and computer 24/7 and are willing to talk to 12 to 15 "tire kickers" for every sale might make it.