What are the most effective ways to advance your travel management career?

Learning new languages Having linguistic ability can help you many ways in your career in various industries but travel industry is definitely an advantage because it helps you to connect and build trust with relevant stakeholders easier in multiple platforms, learn about their cultures and make use of the resources much faster from the ability to speak their local languages.

With so many travel management companies around and with a plethora of travel related information available just at the click of a button, it is important to find a differentiating factor which enables you to solve a genuine problem in the travel industry and provides a competitive edge. This requires: 1. a thorough understanding of your audience and their requirements 2. keeping yourself updated with the latest industry trends 3. the focus on providing a high-quality customer experience 4. continuous innovation and improvement.

Network is very essential for building knowledge which will help your day today operation. It would also help you in understanding the day today market standards.

Travel is and always will be about relationships. The best way to grow your career is to be involved. With your company, industry groups and others in the field.

According to my experience, one of the best way to improve your professional skills is to be part of a community and specialized associations, in travel one of the most important globally is the GBTA and locally the MBTA. You will get networking, trainning, friendship and shared experienced.

The tourism industry has been through major upheavals over the past few years. As we moving into 2024, it’s a good time to identify skills we can upgrade to stay competitive and continue providing top-notch service. No matter your specific role - hotel, airline, tour operator, travel agency - Don't overlook the importance of soft skills either. Identify trainings or Travel Trade events on developing these interpersonal abilities even further. travel Marts events like @ATM @WTM @ IBTM can set you apart when addressing customer needs. Sustainability will also continue rising in prominence in the tourism industry. Gain expertise on your company’s environmental policies and certification standards so you can inform patrons.

Seek opportunities to work in different aspects of the travel industry. I've worked in event planning, corporate and leisure travel. Having diverse experiences helps develop well-rounded skill set.

Update your skills: "Encourage you not only to enhance your current skill set but also to stay abreast of industry trends and advancements. Continuous learning in areas such as technology and management will keep you at the forefront of your profession."

Yes, correct, reading blogs, participating in workshops, help you in your skills, experience & growth. Feedback is important for you to know the short coming in yourself, which you need to work on along with your team members.

The most difficult but most importantly way we can create value is doing things differently, in my experience one way we create something new is thinking out of the box, see opportunity where others just see the same, create and develop new processes, new forms to satisfy the needing within your company, then showcase your outputs and you'll see this will help you to achieve what others just dream.

In many of the job opening I have seen, there is always this important request: "proven track record" of your success! So in a data driven professional world we live, I think that metrics and KPIs are super important. This is a key direction where everyone should address and include in any of the challenges we take in our career. "Show me the result" it could be the best way not only to grow professionally, but also and above all to try your hand at ambitious professional roles.

In the vibrant world of the travel industry, showcasing your achievements isn't just a celebration; it's a passport to new opportunities. Whether it's elevating customer satisfaction scores, pioneering successful campaigns, or fostering innovative collaborations, your accomplishments tell a story of expertise and dedication. By spotlighting your achievements, you not only inspire confidence in your capabilities but also contribute to the collective success of the travel community. In an industry that thrives on excellence, your achievements are the compass guiding you towards even greater horizons.

Showcase your achievements: "Showcasing these strengths as the driving forces behind a successful career journey is crucial. Highlight your achievements in project management, team leadership, and any impactful initiatives you have spearheaded throughout your career."

Sharing your achievements and experience to showcase your abilities and skills necessary for your growth. Importantly, this will upgrade yourself in front streamline for career. Your colleagues will love to hear and see you with greater confidence.

I’m am always following up with resources and clients, this keep me on my feet at all times. Taking time to get out in the community as well. People will learn who you are as a Business Owner. Learning about the supplier partner and stepping out to create your small intimate groups.

Make sure to step out of your comfort zone and never stand still. Challenge yourself and be surprised of what you are capable of.

Seek new challenges: "Envisioning your future role as the Governor-elect of Rotary International, this journey becomes a compelling testament to your unwavering dedication to leadership and community service. Embrace new challenges enthusiastically, as they provide opportunities for personal and professional growth."

My experience is I always looking for challenging, this is the step to learn and develop yourself and help your colleagues and team members. Apply succession planning for development in your workplace, where you will remember for your milestone and achievement.

Seeking new challenges keeps us updated of latest research in the field and always curious about upcoming innovations. This also pushes us to think outside the box and network with professionals from various industries.

The travel industry is so broad there are many areas to specialize in even within corporate travel. If you have a genuine interest in sustainability, NDC, or AI, it’s easy to increase your value to your clients and become consultative in these areas. You have to do the work though and stay on top of the latest publications, webinars, and trainings. When a company decides they have a goal in the area of NDC, sustainability, or cost savings, they turn to someone who has already established credibility.

The advantage to my career has been finding my niche. I identified my passion for luxury and decided to pursue my new career around it . My interests spanned from Aviation , marketing and travel . I now stand out from the rest and continue to increase in demand and building my reputation around it .

Find your Niche... or where is the Gap in the Market? 1. Read your market 2. Assess the demand 3. Create the product 4. Spread the word 5. Capture your audience 6. Deliver.....

Find your niche: "Your background positions you not just as a seasoned professional in travel management but as a leader deeply attuned to the community-focused spirit of Rotary International. Identify and leverage this unique combination to carve out your niche and make a lasting impact."

Yes indeed. It's all about hospitality, niche will identify your strengths, focusing on current and exploring further segment for you.

Advancing your career in the travel industry demands passion, dedication, adaptability, continuous learning amid evolving technology, and a robust network within the travel landscape. On a personal level, investing in your own travel experiences and exploring destinations firsthand are crucial. This firsthand experience equips you to adeptly guide others to explore the world.

In my experience, investing in yourself, both personally and professionally, is the secret sauce for career advancement. Personally, it's about fostering resilience, maintaining a curious spirit, and nurturing a global mindset. Professionally, it involves staying ahead of industry trends, acquiring new skills, and cultivating a network of valuable connections. As you invest in your growth, you not only enhance your capabilities but also advance on a journey where personal and professional investments intersect, creating a roadmap to a fulfilling and successful career in travel.

Invest in yourself: "The Rotary International Learning Center, embracing digitalization, is poised to provide a tailored platform for your continued growth and development. Invest time in exploring the diverse range of resources available, from online courses to interactive workshops, to enhance your skills and knowledge."

The more you gain knowledge the more you become confident. Always first invest in yourself before investing anywhere else. Investing in yourself is not just about learning or taking some courses I mean to say invest in your physical health or invest in your mental health. If you are confident in how to make things in place, what else do you need? Be happy do what you want and make yourself a diamond. I think that, whatever or wherever you work be the expert in your field never stop learning, and be humble always.

One thing I have found useful is travel apps that are cost effective,fast and saves time during high season such as december up to january. In addition,investing in yourself to upgrade your skills make it more advanced in the travel career management

You must always have updated rules and regulations of airlines and communicate it to your clients/customers with the visa requirements to travel to any destinations and if there are any transit requirements needed to transit to get to the final destination. Always keep your clients/customers informed of the latest changes in the travel industry and immigration process.

I spoke recently with a couple of colleagues about this subject - and the answer was unanimous! Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. If you are in Sales now, try for a position in Product Management, if you are in Product Management try for a position in Marketing. Get to know our industry and your company in particular from different perspectives.

Here’s what else to consider: "This exciting prospect seamlessly intertwines the dynamic realm of travel management with the impactful mission of Rotary International, setting the stage for a fulfilling and impactful career ahead. Consider aligning your future goals with the broader vision of Rotary International, exploring avenues for collaboration and contribution beyond your immediate role."

Tell your personal stories that transcend the industry. You connect with clients, your internal network, and those outside the industry when you share your stories and experiences that demonstrate universal truths. I like to talk travel, but I also like to share my real world security experiences from the Army, challenges as a parent, or personal reasons for advancing DEIB.