Ahead of the 2021 Avoya Travel Conference — taking place next week — Avoya Travel is celebrating a pretty major moment for the COVID-19 era. On Dec. 1, the company did $2 million in bookings, “a monster sales day,” as Jeff Anderson, co-CEO, put it.
The company sees that single-day sales figure as a vote of confidence in travel, as it reached the milestone in the midst of news about the Omicron variant’s spread, noting that sales and conversion rates have remained strong in the past few weeks. It’s just one of the latest positive signs that Avoya has seen for the industry, signaling strong traveler intent for 2022 and 2023.
Recent booking trends indicate a 30% increase in the upper premium and luxury segment for September to November bookings compared to 2019; a 200% rise in world cruises; and a 30% increase in land business. Avoya notes that 2019 was its best year ever, making the figures even more impressive.
Among other trends, the network shared that average booking value is up 30% over 2019, “driven by longer stays and higher per diem.” In addition, clients are booking much further out than in the past; while Avoya is seeing lower demand for the first quarter of next year, the rest of 2022 and even 2023 are already shaping up to be huge for the network’s members.
“2023 numbers are off the charts,” Anderson said, sharing that as of Dec. 1, bookings were up 144% compared to the same point in 2019.
In preparation for the expected rebound — and on the heels of the recent announcement that private equity firm Certares has become an Avoya shareholder — the company is resuming a growth-focused mindset (which was mostly paused thus far during the pandemic) and is heralding a return to normalcy.
To that end, Avoya is introducing a number of new events next year: a virtual independent agencies event March 15-17; a hotel-focused virtual event July 12-14; and a Luxury Virtual Forum Aug. 16-18. Member advisors will also be able to participate in new Immersion Academies in 2022. Featuring both in-person and virtual elements, the academies will focus on product experience, education, marketing and selling, serving as a deep dive into specific products.
Steve Hirshan, senior vice president of sales for Avoya, says the academies “are not for those looking for a vacation” — advisors who participate should be ready for immersive education, and to show a return on investment following the events. So far, 2022 academies are scheduled to include Windstar Cruises, Oceania Cruises, AMR Collection and Sandals Resorts, with more in the works.
Additional announcements are also expected from the Avoya team during its annual conference the week of Dec. 6.
The Details
Avoya Travel
