If you haven’t already, it’s time to set resolutions to boost your travel business in 2019. Think about what you want to accomplish in the coming year, and how you’ll stay motivated to reach those goals throughout the year. With your goals in mind, you can do these five things to work toward achieving them.
Learn One New Supplier
With so many destinations, new ships being built, and resorts opening around the world, there will never be enough time for agents to learn everything in the industry. To continue your travel agent education in 2019, expand your horizons by learning one new travel supplier. Consider which supplier you think would appeal to your current clients or one which may help you attract new clients. Whichever supplier you choose, dedicate time to completing that supplier’s educational courses and becoming familiar with their marketing resources.
Attend an Industry Event
Between Boot Camps, FAM trips, and ship inspections, a travel agent could probably spend all of 2019 at one travel-related event or another. If you want to connect with your host agency more, KHM Travel Group hosts several events every year exclusively for our agents. Boot Camp is a chance for newer agents and those looking to kickstart their businesses by learning the basics of the travel industry and running a small business. Destination Success offers topic-specific sessions and the chance for agents of all levels to connect face-to-face with our suppliers and with each other.
For agents who are looking to attend a local event, Team-Ups are hosted around the country. At these gatherings, KHM Travel Agents get together to exchange tips and ideas for working their travel businesses.
FAM trips, ship inspections, and Seminars at Sea provide firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge of destinations, sailings, and ships that you book for your clients. They can also refuel your passion for travel and sharing the world with their clients.
Agents who want to be in on the latest developments in the travel industry should consider attending an industry event like the EDGE conference hosted by our consortia Travel Leaders Network, The Mark Travel Corporation Summit, Delta Vacations University, or Cruise360. These events gather thought leaders, suppliers, and agents from across the country to share knowledge, and forecast the changes coming to the travel industry.
Explore Your Tools
In the hustle of running your own travel business, you may not have taken the time to explore all of the tools at your fingertips. This year, set aside some time to explore them, especially MyTravelAgentPortal and myTravelCRM.
From educational courses to travel suppliers to social media graphics and everything in between, MyTravelAgentPortal is full of information and resources for agents. You can sign up for upcoming webinars, and watch previously recorded webinars. The Portal is an important website to visit often because we are always adding and updating this resource. If you have questions about where to find something in the Portal, don’t hesitate to contact our Agent Support Team.
Keep better track of your clients and bookings, and communicate more effectively with your clients in 2019 through myTravelCRM. Beyond entering your bookings, this tool can allow you to send your clients information about their trip, monthly newsletters about travel, and even messages to wish them a happy birthday!
Get Fresh Travel Inspiration
Glossy travel photos, recaps of exotic dishes, stories about meeting locals during a night on the town: all of these can capture the imagination and rekindle the desire to see the world. Renewing your passion for travel and finding new destinations that intrigue you will give you the chance to offer your clients fresh travel inspiration for their vacation.
Subscribe to e-newsletters from reputable travel websites and follow your favorite travel suppliers on social media so that you can be among the first to know what’s new and noteworthy in travel. Don’t forget about print publications too! Magazines like National Geographic Traveler, Conde Nast Traveler, and Agent at Home, there are many travel-focused magazines available to inspire you and your clients with stunning photos and expert insight.
Try a New Marketing Technique
As families begin to think about summer vacations and newly engaged couples start to plan their destination weddings and honeymoons, travel agents should be thinking about ways to get in front of these potential clients. Channel the momentum of the new year into revitalizing your marketing strategies by trying something new.
After considering where you can reach your target audience, put a plan into action. Consider adding a new social media network to your marketing. Or dedicate time to posting more strategically on the social media platforms you already use. Perhaps you participate in a local trade show or opt to create a new series of flyers to post on community bulletin boards.
Whichever you choose, allow yourself time to create your marketing materials, set a realistic budget, and have a way to ask new clients how they found you. This way you will know if your new marketing strategy is effective. You can find more ideas for your marketing efforts in MyTravelAgentPortal and on our blog.
Are you considering starting your travel business in 2019? KHM Travel Group is dedicated to helping independent travel agents launch and grow their businesses. To find out more, fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 1.888.611.1220.