It’s not surprising that every list of travel trends these days mentions overtourism. The effects that overwhelming crowds of tourists have on iconic destinations can be seen across the world. However, while overcrowding is a major problem, it’s also a golden opportunity for travel advisors. After all, one of the benefits of using an advisor is to keep clients from making uninformed decisions that will ruin their vacations.
When faced with a request to visit a too-popular destination during high season, an advisor is probably going to suggest a better location, advise that clients go at a different time of year or find a supplier that provides exclusive access without crowds. In fact, as we point out in this issue’s cover story, there’s a slew of inspired, unexpected choices that agents can present to travelers.
We need to always stay one step ahead of our clients and find new ways to inspire them and give them new ideas.
This type of real-world, verifiable proof of how expertise can save the day is like gold to an advisor’s business. Once word of a client’s successful trip is shared with friends — and is compared to the horror stories told by others who had their dream trip ruined by massive crowds and sold-out hotels — the advisor will be fighting off new business.
Ignacio Maza, executive vice president of Signature Travel Network, put it best at this year’s annual network conference.
“One of the challenges we have as travel sellers is that we’re in this groove and we’re sending our clients to the same places,” Maza said. “We have to continue to open the minds of our clients and turn them on to new destinations and new places and new ways of experiencing the world. We need to always stay one step ahead of our clients and find new ways to inspire them and give them new ideas.”
Unfortunately, overcrowding is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, this will give advisors an opportunity to shine for a long time to come.
