A degree in hospitality management and former jobs managing hotels and restaurants allowed Tami Cortez to get her foot into the travel industry. But it was a love of exploring new places that landed her in her current role as Southern Europe product manager for FIT operator Avanti Destinations.
Cortez manages itineraries for the entire region, including hot spots such as Italy, Greece, Croatia, Spain and Portugal — some of Avanti’s best-selling destinations. We asked her what travel advisors can look forward to when booking with the tour operator.
What sets Avanti apart from other FIT operators?
I really believe our ability to customize trips and make them one of a kind helps us stand out. Avanti has been doing this for a long time, and it continues to be our mission. In fact, we’re able to put together every piece of a vacation that a client needs — flights, trains, ferries, hotels, meals, private cars and a wide variety of different out-of-the-ordinary experiences — while tailoring each trip to be exactly what the customer is looking for. In addition to customizing and connecting the dots for multi-destination itineraries, we’ve added better technology and hired more travel-savvy staff to handle the high volume of agents now booking with us.
How have Avanti’s Southern Europe offerings evolved?
We started noticing that people wanted to make the most out a trip by connecting with the destination, the people, the unique traditions and the local food — not just to check places off their bucket lists or see a few famous monuments. So, we began expanding the activities and experiences we offer.
In Italy, for example, we added more opportunities to eat in local homes — which often involves preparing dinner alongside the hosts — so travelers can talk to locals and learn about life in that country. We also began offering customizable packages in Italian villas owned by wine producers, where, in addition to a peaceful countryside stay, clients can spend time strolling through vineyards with the producers while learning how they make their favorite varietals.
What will be trending in Europe travel in the future?
I think it’s an exciting time to sell independent travel to Southern Europe. Because of overtourism, travelers are eager to venture off the beaten path. They don’t want to spend time in long lines or swim through crowds of tourists. We’ve also seen an increase in upscale clients looking for stays in a more rustic atmosphere where they can focus on a slower pace of life. The simple pleasures of good food, wine and relaxation are what is selling.
Tami Cortez, Southern Europe product manager for Avanti Destinations
Credit: 2019 Avanti DestinationsWhat’s one up-and-coming destination in your region?
Puglia, Italy, is a great alternative for people wanting to experience southern Italy and its beaches. While the Amalfi Coast is famous and beautiful, the huge increase in the number of tourists staying there over the past few years has created a lot of traffic on the roads to get to the coastline. Hotel space is hard to find if you don’t book well in advance. We have also featured Puglia (along with the regions of Piedmont, Umbria and Sicily) in a new e-brochure and educational campaign for agents, which is another reason it may soon grow.
What’s the key to creating relationships with advisors?
Hand-selecting our products carefully in each destination allows agents to feel confident in booking with us, especially if they are not familiar with the places themselves. We call ourselves “the travel agent’s travel agent” because we take pride in our knowledge of the locations we sell. The number of training trips that Avanti’s travel consultants take each year has increased as well, so now they can speak from experience when they advise agents.
Tell us about Avanti’s new technology.
We recently implemented a new phone system with a call-back feature, built a large team of reservation agents dedicated solely to working with advisors via email, and we’ve recently launched a brand-new website that includes an easy-to-use agent portal booking engine.
The Details
Avanti Destinations
www.avantidestinations.com
