Travel Suppliers Continue to Embrace Travel Advisors
Travel suppliers increasingly are recognizing the value of travel advisors

as key partners in the industry. By collaborating with advisors, suppliers can benefit from their expertise, personalized service, and strong relationships with clients. Here are a few reasons why this trend is growing:
Travel advisors provide tailored experiences for clients, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Suppliers appreciate this level of personalization as it leads to repeat business. Also, advisors have established networks and clientele, allowing suppliers to reach diverse markets more effectively than traditional marketing methods. Travel advisors often have firsthand experience with destinations and products, providing valuable feedback that suppliers can use to improve offerings. Suppliers are increasingly hosting training sessions, FAM trips and events for advisors, fostering a deeper understanding of their products and enhancing advisor sales skills. Perhaps most importantly, collaborating with travel advisors can drive more bookings for suppliers, as advisors can promote specific products and deals to their clients.
Travel Advisor Appreciation Events
This past month I was able to participate in two different events, both of which displayed the value which suppliers place on their travel advisor partners. Sandals Jamaica Love Showcase 2024 brought over 700 travel advisors to Jamaica to experience the destination, stay in Sandals/Beaches Resorts and participate in a day long event at the Montego Bay Convention Center. Advisors heard from top industry speakers including: Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals/Beaches Resorts, Hon. Prime Minister Holness, Jamaica Minister of Tourism the Hon. Edmund Bartlett and executives from American Airlines and Air Canada all of whom spoke about the value of Travel Advisors.
Also this month was ALG Vacations annual Ascend Conference held in Cancun. Over 1300 Travel Advisors came together for a five day event including a two day FAM trip and a three day tradeshow and conference where advisors were treated to guest appearances by Carson Cresley, Chris Elliott and Laila Ali. This conference is hosted annually to educate travel advisors about ALGV products and show appreciation for advisors whom Ray Snisky, President of ALGV described as “the lifeblood of our company.
You can read more details about these two events in the Industry News section of this issue.
Ways Suppliers Assist Travel Advisors
Travel suppliers continue to employ various strategies to embrace travel advisors and enhance collaboration. Suppliers frequently organize FAM trips for travel advisors, allowing them to experience destinations, hotels, and services firsthand. This helps advisors better sell products and provide informed recommendations to clients.
Many suppliers create special promotions or incentives specifically for travel advisors. This can include higher commission rates, exclusive discounts, or bonuses for bookings made
through advisors.
Suppliers often partner with travel advisors for joint marketing efforts, such as co-branded email campaigns, social media promotions, or even hosting events together to reach potential clients.
Lastly, many suppliers have developed user-friendly online portals that provide travel advisors with resources, including booking tools, marketing materials, and access to exclusive deals.
These initiatives not only strengthen the relationship between suppliers and travel advisors but also enhance the overall travel experience for clients.