Become a Home Based Travel Agent

The Top Three Secrets of a Luxury Travel Consultant

Sharon Concepcion

Sharon Concepcion, Operations Manager for the Luxury Travel Network host agency reveals the top three secrets of a successful luxury travel consultant and the top three benefits of the Luxury Travel Network host agency program. 

<!-First:  Treat your clients like a VIP and they will come back to you

It’s the little things that often count the most with luxury clientele.   Getting back to them as soon as possible (ideally within a few hours), following up with them before, during and after their trip, remembering vacations they mention they would like to try in the future, and getting to know them on a personal level.  It’s being a proactive travel counselor instead of a reactive agent – reaching out to them before they have even thought of reaching out to you.  By always going above and beyond for your client, you will become a valuable resource to them and they will look forward to booking all of their vacations with you.

<!-Second: Introduce your clients to new experiences and they will remember you

Clients come to you for guidance and inside information on the travel industry – particularly on new luxury products and experiences.  They want you to recommend new cruise ships and resorts, unique itineraries, and other special travel experiences you think they might enjoy.  Of course, they are hoping you know their preferences and what kind of experience they would be up for.  If your client likes to cook, stay on top of new and unique culinary travel experiences; if they love cruising but want to try something new, introduce an upscale European river cruise.  Instead of sending your clients on a van tour with 15 other people, suggest a private car and driver or helicopter tour.  Stay on top of innovations in the luxury travel industry and always keep your clients interests at the top of your mind. 

<!-Third: Align with a host that provides benefits to you and your clients

    Most travel consultants know that there are many benefits to becoming affiliated with a host agency.  You will typically receive better commissions, user-friendly technology, opportunities to improve your skills through education and training, and the list goes on.  In addition to providing you the tools you need to run your independent business, it is a good idea to ask yourself how your clients will benefit from your host agency selection as well.  Does your host offer extras such as vacation coverage for you so your client has someone available to help them when you are unavailable?  Does your host offer you access to other agents so you can gain information on trips for your clients that you may not have taken yourself yet?  These are just a few examples of how some host agencies help you provide that VIP service your clients’ desire.

The Top Three Benefits of the Luxury Travel Network

The Luxury Travel Network is a boutique luxury host agency dedicated to providing personalized service and support to our consultants working in the rapidly growing luxury travel arena.  The top three benefits of our host agency include: 

Personalized Support
We differentiate ourselves from some of the larger host agencies by developing real, personal relationships with each of our consultants.  Our experienced and professional support team is just a phone call away to answer questions, handle vendor issues, and provide connections to other LTN agents.  We connect face-to-face with our affiliates at our annual Luxury Travel Network conference, as well as at other industry events held throughout the year.   Our number one goal is to help our consultants succeed in any way we can!

Virtuoso Affiliation
Through our relationship with Cruise Specialists, one of the largest luxury travel providers in the country, we are able to offer our members a Virtuoso affiliation.  You will set yourself apart from other luxury consultants by offering your clients the lowest rates from the world’s leading luxury suppliers , the opportunity to sail on Virtuoso’s exclusive Voyager Club sailings, and access to Virtuoso’s approved network of approved five star tour guides located around the world.  Additionally, you can take advantage of Virtuoso’s top-rated marketing program to assist you in selling new luxury travel experiences to your existing clients, and help you reach out to new clients.

Top Commission Brackets
Our affiliates earn more money on luxury travel bookings because of our combined buying power and high sales volume with luxury suppliers.  We combine the sales power of our consultants with Cruise Specialists’ buying power which places us in the top commission brackets with luxury suppliers.  Most commissions start at 15% and are even higher with several vendors.  Our consultants also appreciate receiving bi-weekly commission payouts.

Luxury Travel Network affiliates at the 2010 annual convention

Luxury Travel Network is looking for experienced luxury travel professionals who desire the benefits and support of working with a luxury-focused agency.  Call us at 866-703-5244 or visit www.LuxuryTravelNetwork.com.