Delta passengers on a flight from Atlanta to San Juan on February 29 found out they'd be getting a free trip back to the Caribbean destination later this year.
13.02.2024 - 19:35 / travelpulse.com
As we continue into 2024, I have a few suggestions to make the job of travel advisor a bit easier:
Make sure you have a CRM that works for you. Take advantage of free trials to find the right fit.
Update your email list.
Schedule postings to Facebook and Instagram because resorts and BDMs do look at your numbers.
Find your BDM. You can visit the resort or destination website to find them. You can also ask in the various travel agent groups. There has been a lot of movement in the last year, so make sure you have updated contacts.
Once you find them, let your representatives know of your interest to visit.
Set your goals and work on a business plan to achieve them.
Plan your schedule. There are so many events. Pick those that will help you and your business grow.
Be sure to attend events when they are hosted in your cities. Make sure they have your correct information to receive invitations.
Be on the lookout for webinars. Fams are not as bountiful as they once were.
Sign up to log your bookings. Leave no money on the table. Set aside time to post,
Take Specialist training courses.
Sign up for Facebook Travel Agent Groups
Join travel organizations. ASTA is a great one.
BDMs, suppliers and destinations are eager to train you, so don’t hesitate to ask.
Build relationships with destination DMCs and transportation companies. They can be lifesavers when those in destination hiccups occur.
Make yourself stand out and remember when your clients are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries while traveling.
Remember to show yourself grace and self-care.
Here’s to a great 2024!
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Delta passengers on a flight from Atlanta to San Juan on February 29 found out they'd be getting a free trip back to the Caribbean destination later this year.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
An announcement this week from American Airlines created widespread concern and confusion in the travel advisor community. Once again, as with the NDC fare roll-out, we have a half-baked, significant policy change released to the marketplace without fully thinking through the ramifications or fully communicating specifically how advisors would be impacted.
Envoyage Logo. (Photo Credit: Flight Centre Travel Group)
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is calling on travel agencies and advisors to contact their respective members of Congress to make their case as to why they shouldn't be on the hook for issuing airline refunds to clients."For the first time since 2018, Congress is reevaluating federal aviation policy through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization process. This is our opportunity to influence sound policy that recognizes the value of the travel advisor in the greater travel industry," the organization states. "Travel agencies sell 40 percent of all air tickets, and travel agencies are considered ticket agents under both federal statute and government regulations."ASTA points out that the House version of the FAA Reauthorization bill contains clear language that travel agencies are not responsible for providing airline refunds if they are no longer in possession of the client’s funds. However, the provision was left out of the bill passed by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation earlier this month.ASTA is hoping to change that and is encouraging advisors to email their members of Congress—one House Representative and two Senators—through its grassroots portal.
Success Stories focus on veteran travel advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Becky Smith, owner of Becky’s Travel Biz Inc in Gainesville, Ga.
The Kimpton Banneker, a boutique Washington, D.C., property in a historic building near Dupont Circle, boasts 144 guest rooms and suites spread out across ten stories. The vibe is modern and trendy, setting a new tone in the heart of a capital city steeped in institutional tradition, and in a great location for both work and play, to boot. There are two on-site restaurants (including a beautiful open-air rooftop terrace) and an impressive range of traveler-friendly amenities for guests to indulge in to enjoy a comfortable visit. It’s also easily accessible to many well-known attractions like the National Mall, the famed cultural institutions of downtown D.C., and the sought-after restaurants and shops of Dupont Circle.
The news that American Queen Voyages (AQV) had ceased operations on Feb. 20, canceling all future cruises, did not come as a shock to the trade.
Passengers flying American Airlines will need to pack lighter or be ready to pay, the carrier announced Tuesday of its increased bag fees along with an array of other customer-facing changes.
Amtrak announced a new flash sale to help travelers looking to book a rail trip save money on their adventure this spring.
Unlike many in the hospitality and tourism space, who spend their career working solely in one particular facet of the business, I have been fortunate and have been able to change verticals several times. At ICON Park, it was attractions and restaurants; at Universal Parks, it was resort hotels and theme parks; as a board member at the Grand Canyon Resort, I helped promote an area of extreme natural wonder.
Booking a cruise may seem straightforward enough—pick a location, find a ship, pay your deposit and start packing. But, in reality, it can be one of the most confusing travel experiences to navigate on your own.