The attendees of Avoya Travel’s Million Dollar Showcase at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando are a prestigious group of travel advisors on track to achieve at least $1 million in gross sales this year. Described as “elite” by Avoya’s vice president of partnerships, Mickey McBride, these 81 Independent Agencies (IAs) are the cream of the crop in the luxury travel industry.
During a panel discussion, seasoned advisors shared insights on selling luxury travel. Penny Rushing emphasized the importance of being detail-oriented, as luxury clients often have specific preferences. Avis Leeper stressed the importance of listening to clients and understanding their needs, even if they are not explicitly stated. The overarching advice from these experts was to experience the products firsthand, as firsthand knowledge is crucial in selling luxury travel.
Representatives from various cruise lines discussed the latest market trends and consumer behavior. Marilyn Conroy highlighted the growing segment of solo travelers, with Riviera River Cruises offering dedicated departures for this demographic. Brittany Yochum noted the rise in popularity of private destinations like Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at Coco Cay, catering to travelers seeking controlled environments. Becky Helms discussed the emerging trend of expedition travel, with Antarctica being a particularly sought-after destination.
Storytelling emerged as a key component of luxury brand marketing during a panel session. Cindy Litzie of Silversea Cruises emphasized the importance of storytelling in reaching consumers and shared resources for advisors to paint a vivid picture of the Silversea experience. Kayla Corbett of Scenic Group highlighted the power of personal testimonials in generating leads for luxury travel. David Schoenberg of Ponant shared a success story of an advisor leveraging video testimonials to sell multiple cabins after experiencing an Antarctica sailing.
Explora Journeys took a unique approach to luxury travel sales by selling a story for two years before launching its first ship last summer. Kaitlin Krueger, a business relationship expert, highlighted the company’s innovative strategies in engaging travelers and building anticipation for its inaugural voyage.
Avoya Travel’s Million Dollar Showcase provided valuable insights into the luxury travel industry, from selling tips to market trends and brand marketing strategies. The event showcased the expertise and dedication of top travel advisors in catering to discerning luxury clients. As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed and adapting to new trends will be essential for success in the luxury travel market.
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