The future looks bright.
So says travel advisor members of Travelsavers, the Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (NEST) and the Affluent Traveler Collection, networks, under American Marketing Group, which surveyed its members late last year.
Here’s what the survey found.
Travel Advisor Sales Will Increase in 2024, With Luxury Leading the Way
Nearly half the respondents (48%) believe their 2024 sales will increase somewhat, while nearly one-third (31%) believe sales will increase significantly. Sixteen percent say their travel sales will stay the same, and only 5% predict a decrease in business.
“Travel has come roaring back,” said Kathryn Mazza-Burney, chief sales officer for AMG. “After so much built-up demand, travelers today are venturing far and wide and spending more on higher-end travel experiences. Premium and luxury are leading the way again for 2024.”
Travel has come roaring back.
Agents See Potential in Using Artificial Intelligence
This crop of agents is also optimistic about the role of artificial intelligence in the travel-planning process and their ability to use AI as a tool to better their business. Thirty-five percent of agents believe AI has potential for advisors — 16% say it’s a great tool — and 36% want to learn how to use it. While only 8% report using it frequently, 10% have tried it, and 14% report using it occasionally (24% don’t use AI at all).
“We’re excited about the power AI holds to help travel advisors with their planning and marketing tasks,” Mazza-Burney said. “We’re implementing it in our proprietary technology tools to free up an advisor’s time so they can focus on what they do best — providing excellent client service."
Air Issues Remain the Biggest Challenge for Travel Agents
Sky-high air prices — which don’t show signs of dropping anytime soon — top the list for the biggest challenges advisors are currently facing, with 25% of respondents citing high fares and the implementation of New Distribution Capability (NDC) as hinderances to business. This is followed by inflation/rising prices overall (16%); geopolitical issues (16%); direct booking competition (12%); and burnout (10%).
