Let’s say Covid was an ex, a bad one who kept you from your friends and isolated you to the point that you were scared to travel. Revenge travel was then like that first month of singledom. It was the bars, the new haircut, the late nights and doing all the things you said you would. It was freedom. And, because revenge is generally said to be: it was sweet.
But just like every night can’t be a late one, revenge travel has to come to an end.
Revenge is a dish best served cold
We still want to travel. There is certainly still strong demand, it’s just not as demanding as it once was.
People still have their bucket lists, but they’re not emptying their buckets circa 2014 ice-bucket-challenge style. It’s more of a slow and steady pour.
For agents, that means that the current level of busyness may not continue and it’s time to consider once again taking active steps to grow your future business.
Instead of relying solely on current demand, focus on building lasting relationships and fostering client loyalty. Agents need to adapt their strategies to ensure sustained success. It’s kind of like doomsday prepping with less canned goods.
Here are some practical things travel agents can do to navigate the end of revenge travel successfully:
Know your customer
- Data is king and right now you’re probably sitting on a lot of it. Harness that information and strategise accordingly.
- Invest in customer relationship management (CRM) tools to understand client preferences, track interactions, and tailor recommendations.
- Regularly communicate with clients, providing updates on travel trends, safety measures, and personalised offers.
Diversify offerings
- When you know what your clients like, you can explore a range of travel experiences and destinations to cater to their interests.
- Consider niche markets or specialised trips to differentiate services and appeal to specific demographics.
Know your product
- Stay informed about evolving travel trends, safety protocols, and emerging destinations.
- Showcase expertise through webinars, blogs, or social media to position yourself as a trusted advisor.
- Foster a culture of learning and adaptability within the agency.
Adapt to digital platforms
- Leverage digital marketing to reach a broader audience and stay connected with clients through social media, newsletters, and online platforms.
- Embrace technology for virtual consultations, online bookings, and contactless transactions.
Collaborate
- Foster partnerships with local businesses and communities both at home and at travel destinations to ensure you’re offering the best of the best.
- Tap your suppliers for help, that’s what they’re there for.
Plan, plan, plan
Set aside time for marketing and strategising.
By adopting these practical measures, travel agents can not only capitalise on the current travel boom but also build a resilient foundation for sustained success in the future.
And remember, the best revenge is to live well
The other thing about revenge travel, like revenge itself, is that it can be more about you than anything else. And now more than ever travellers need to be mindful of how they travel.
To counter this, travel agents could integrate sustainable travel options into your offerings, emphasising responsible tourism practices and educating clients on eco-friendly choices, highlighting destinations committed to environmental conservation.
