Top Travel Advisors Shine Bright at ALG Vacation’s Elite Diamond Retreat

03.12.2024 - 21:21 / travelpulse.com / Isla Mujeres / Alg Vacations

Basking in the glow after winning half the 2024 Travvy Awards and debuting multiple new programs at its Ascend conference last month, ALG Vacations (ALGV) leaned into its gratitude-focused philosophy by honoring agency owners, managers and advisors with a luxurious four-night celebration at the recently opened Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres from Hyatt Inclusive Collection.

The 202 Diamond, Diamond Preferred, and Crown Jewel agencies – including 42 new member accounts – collectively sold $1.37B in 2024, making this the biggest retreat the company has ever had, noted ALGV group president Ray Snisky.

“Our history has always been America, but we’ve evolved into Mexico and international. The number one development area of hotels is in the luxury sector – it’s where everyone is looking to strengthen, and hotels in our Luxe by ALG Vacations program are up 40% year over year, and we’ve more than doubled our premium air,” said Snisky.

“We’ve had spectacular growth on the group side, and we're now over $150 million annually in Europe. Our team has a new goal: to grow over the next three years to over $500 million in Europe and beyond.”

Travel agency sales represent over 70% of ALGV’s total business, and this retreat extended its appreciation to attendees with a range of spa treatments and excursions, including golf, a catamaran to Isla Mujeres, shopping, speed boats and snorkeling. This year, ALGV introduced a first-timers lunch and regional cocktail hours. Elite advisors enjoyed resort activities like pool parties, a wellness walk led by global head of trade brands Jacki Marks and VP of sales Jim Tedesco, and a football-themed dinner where attendees were encouraged to find the matching image on the back of their name badge – the winners received three-night stays at two Secrets resorts, plus first-class air.

During Saturday’s general session, Marks shared ALGV’s goal to elevate advisors and help them succeed.

“I asked ChatGPT: What makes a diamond? It gave me six words: Rarity, durability, brilliance, transformation, individuality and symbolism. Those are the characteristics you represent, and this is our chance to celebrate the incredibly hard work you do and the opportunities we have ahead as we shape the future of travel together,” she said.  

“We want to make sure the world knows that you do more than plan vacations; you make dreams come true. We spend millions of dollars every year, driving as much traffic as possible to TravelAdvisorsGetYouThere.com so the world sees you the way we do: as heroes of the industry. You're the heart and foundation that makes our company successful.”

ALG Diamond Retreat. (Photo Credit: Will Bylington)

Snisky told agents to expect a deeper integration with Hyatt along with