Does the water go all the way around the island? What’s the temperature of Paros on July 13 three years from now? Like it or not, your clients think travel agents are the fount of all knowledge. Here’s why you need to take time for that next supplier update or industry function. For them.
When Journey Beyond’s Business Development Manager for Victoria and Tasmania Ines Iniesta tells you about Marla, South Australia, you’re instantly hooked. She moves in, her voice changes, and her smile gets bigger.
Through a screen, she’s compelling. But when in front of you, in the flesh, it’s hard to look away.
“We need to reengage,” she tells Karryon. “Because everyone’s over these Zooms and Team meetings and the webinars that we had in lockdowns.”
“That passion, that thrill of somebody telling you a gorgeous story of their own experience over some food and wine… you can’t get that online.”
File it away and play
Let’s say there’s an industry event on New Zealand in the calendar. You may not have any clients going there right now, but the information you learn and the people you meet will no doubt prove useful in the future.
“Because what you learn today might inspire sales down the track,” says Ines.
“It’s not an instant return. We know that.”
And the value of “just having a drink at a beautiful venue with like-minded people” can be just the inspiration a busy agent needs to remember that despite the hard slog, they do actually love their jobs.
Making the time
Having worked both sides of the desk, Ines knows how hard agents work. And how important it is to make their training not only worthwhile but memorable.
She understands that agents have the conviction and the passion, but simply don’t have the time to attend all the events.
“But there’s got to be a line for their own education and the education of their clients in order to have that win at the end.”
Karryon’s event manager Simran Mediratta says that it’s crucial travel suppliers and destinations consider the needs of advisors and organise their events and training accordingly.
“The industry is definitely playing catch up after lockdowns,” she says.
“The world changed and there are a lot of updates and loads of news from destinations and suppliers. Plus, there’s a real call for reconnection at the moment. And all of this means there are loads of events on.
“When I plan an event, the first thing I need to lock in is a date. So, I need to make sure there’s nothing else going on at the same time. That’s why I love the Event Calendar. I can see what has been scheduled and when, and find the best date that will suit our busy advisors.”
To keep on the pulse of what’s happening, check out the industry Events Calendar today.
