G Adventures is seeing the benefits of adopting new and unique agent training initiatives, as sales drastically increase in select regions.
The tour operator’s recently introduced travel education program sees tour guides of ‘Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) from overseas visit Australian agents in-store.
During their visit they take them on ‘micro-famils’, during which they share their first-hand stories.
This gives agents the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the destination.
And according to G Adventures, it’s making a huge difference in sales.
Tickets to some destinations have increased by more than 50 percent.
For example, a recent visit from the Peruvian team saw South American itineraries increase by 57 percent year-on-year, while Peru specifically jumped 67 percent.
Belinda Ward, Managing Director for G Adventures Australia and New Zealand, said G Adventures is always thinking of new ways to inspire both their CEOs and agency partners.
“CEOs and travel agents… are the front line to our travellers on a day-to-day basis. If G Adventures can help inspire agents by learning from our CEOs on the ground then we know travellers will be inspired too.”
Belinda Ward, G Adventures Australia and New Zealand MD
“Our travel education programs and ‘micro-famils’ have been a huge hit with travel agents locally, and we are excited to run more programs like this in the future.”
The innovative travel education program is part of an ongoing professional development program that G Adventures undertakes each year with its CEOs to deliver growth and development opportunities.