Published on : Monday, July 18, 2016
Australian luxury travel agencies are on the hunt for more advisors, with almost 80% planning to increase advisor numbers in the coming year according to a comprehensive analysis of Virtuoso-affiliated luxury travel agencies across Australia.
Nearly 90% of agencies anticipate increased sales in the coming year, reflecting the strong demand for upscale international travel by Australians. While they are preparing to explore the world, travellers are also seeking the expertise, personal service and connections that only a professional travel advisor can provide.
“Being a travel advisor is a great career for people who want to channel that passion for travel and desire to serve into their profession,” Virtuoso Asia-Pacific Managing Director Michael Londregan said.
“One of the greatest benefits of being a Virtuoso travel advisor is being part of the magic created when clients have a life-changing travel experience, and working with a portfolio of travel products to assist clients in their investment to create their ‘Return on Life’.
“Of course advisors are also required to build their knowledge and relationship base, so the opportunity to travel is a huge benefit, with more than 80% of member agencies offering staff professional travel and more than 70% offering personal travel opportunities.
“Many advisors attend industry events like Virtuoso Travel Week – held each year in Las Vegas – where next month a dedicated group of Australian-based Virtuoso advisors will join around 5,000 travel professionals from 90 countries.”
Advisor attendance at Virtuoso Travel Week is often subsidized by the travel agency and provides advisors with invaluable education and networking opportunities with the very best in luxury travel.
In another sign of strong market growth, Mr. Londregan said a record number of Australian advisors would be attending Virtuoso Travel Week in 2016, with around 120 heading to Las Vegas for the week-long event, which starts August 6.
“It is very clear the travel advisor role is alive and thriving and the profession continues to evolve – with virtually all Australian-based Virtuoso agencies in business for more than 10 years and almost 60% celebrating more than 20 years in business.
“While the vast majority of advisors have more than 10 years experience, the greatest challenge for agencies is finding the right people to service an increasingly savvy client base.
“Today’s consumer is the most educated and informed traveller this industry has seen so travel advisors have to know how to cut through the clutter and curate experiences that go beyond the web. It’s a skilled profession and consumers are willing to pay for that expertise.
“Virtuoso agencies are looking for advisors with great customer service values, who are passionate about travel and who have an aptitude for problem solving and, while there is a perception out there that the industry doesn’t provide a viable career option, this is clearly incorrect.
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