Shawna LevetHow Travel Agents Can Stand Out in 2023
Travel has become more complicated, more niche, more personalized than ever before. As the need for travel advisors has risen, so has the number of travel enthusiasts looking to turn their passion into a career. In a way, it’s great news for the travel industry. The profession, which many had predicted to be headed into a slow decline, is stronger than ever before. But the competition is tough. So how can you stand out in 2023?
1. Know your stuff
What will set you apart from other travel agents and even information travelers can get online? Knowledge! Learn the market inside and out; give insider tips that you can’t get just anywhere and your clients will notice.
2. Be up front
Transparency is not a strong suit for online travel agencies. Rules and regulations are difficult to find and, if a traveler runs into difficulties along the trip, help is hard to come by. Do right by your clients and keep them informed of all important details. Let them know what their class of service does and does not include. Ask them to double check their itinerary and spelling of their name on their documents. Be thorough and up front!
3. Own your niche
To really own your niche you may have to let go of offering services in areas that distract from your main objective. In order to be the best in your niche, you have to learn it, know it, experience it. Stick with what you love!
Related: How to Choose The Perfect Travel Niche
4. Keep traveling yourself
In this day and age, travel changes too much to rely on your past experiences. Get out there and experience travel for yourself as often as possible. Your personal experiences are one of the main reasons your clients trust your expertise.
5. Be sympathetic
Be a good listener and acknowledge your client’s worries and concerns, even if you don’t share them. Traveling can be stressful when it’s not your area of expertise (and even if it is). If you listen well, only then can you truly get to the heart of your client’s hesitations, frustrations, or fears and then provide a solution that will get them going with confidence.
6. Let your marketing shine
Potential clients will spend a lot of time getting to know you on the internet before they ever reach out to you personally. What does your internet presence say about you? Let your personality come through in your marketing. Be engaging, personable, and informative. An emphasis on doing your marketing well will really help you to get ahead of the competition in 2023.
Related: 5 Day Marketing Challenge for Travel Agents
7. Up your technology game
One of the things travelers like about using a travel agent is the human element. But that doesn’t mean you should totally throw out technology. Technology has its place – and it’s an important one. Figure out what systems of your business you can and should automate so you can give particular attention to what really matters. Make sure your website is up-to-date and mobile friendly.
