Independent Travel Consultants Thrive as Valued Advisors: Survey and Worldwide Conference Reveal Latest Trends
As an experienced travel agent, you can now work from anywhere in the world. Prepare for improved earning potential. Rely on backing from a reputable host agency.
These are just a few perks of becoming an Independent Travel Consultant (ITC).
A recent survey conducted by Flight Centre Independent and insights from the inaugural Worldwide 2024 Conference in Santiago, Chile revealed how ITCs feel about their roles, how they're adapting to best serve their clients, and how their perceived value has changed over the past three years. Read on to discover the results and see if going independent could be the next potential career step for you, too.
Valued Expertise: A Renewed Appreciation
Chantal Gouws, General Manager of Flight Centre Independent Brands, notes, "Over the past three years, travellers have realised the value of relying on the expertise of a travel advisor who provided them with the support and flexibility they needed when travel became unpredictable. They have since re-discovered the importance of the human touch in their journeys."
According to the Flight Centre Independent survey, a resounding 71% of ITCs feel their clients now have a greater appreciation for their services.
The Entrepreneurial Journey of ITCs
Aside from feeling valued, many experienced travel consultants choose the ITC route due to its impressive earning potential. In fact, this was the main driving force for up to 90% of respondents when making the career transition.
"There's a large earning potential for ITCs since their income is based on commission. They have complete control of the scale of the business they want to build. They work when they want to because they're their own boss, but they've also got the backing of a host agency like Flight Centre Independent to help grow their business," says Gouws.
The survey also highlights that 91% of respondents are satisfied with their decision to become ITCs, with 93% planning to continue as an ITC and 82% happy to recommend the career path to others. According to ITC Wendy Murray, who was a single mother of a four-year-old when she chose to open her own travel advisory business, it’s a good idea for prospective ITCs to first work out what they would need to earn before diving in. If you’re an existing travel consultant, it’s important to consider if your clients can cover the financial basics, and finally determine if your clients are willing to follow you once you become independent.
“It’s essential to have a contingency plan if you don’t earn the expected income in one month. Your earnings as an entrepreneur can vary significantly from one month to the next, ranging from R15,000 to R150,000, and it’s crucial to be prepared for such fluctuations. That’s what comes with running your own business,” comments Murray.
?Gouws has even more advice for anyone considering becoming an ITC:
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Community and Connections: The Power of Gatherings
The Worldwide 2024 Conference held in May 2024, highlighted the importance of community gatherings for ITCs. Khudija Moola, an attendee, emphasised the benefits: " The opportunity to meet with like-minded individuals and getting to know each other's businesses and operational techniques was so valuable”.
Gary De Sa added, "As this was the inaugural conference for Worldwide, I was excited to be a part of the first one and to have the opportunity to not only meet other colleagues from all over the world but to also experience the partners that contributed to the amazing few days." This sentiment was echoed by Zola Somzana, another South African travel advisor who attended the Worldwide 2024 Conference, "I had the opportunity to connect with people who have an amazing passion for what they do, which was truly inspiring. There was some great value gained from other independents, supplier interactions and keynote speakers, which will be beneficial to my own business."
The Growing Role of Digital Marketing in Independent Travel Consultancy
As more travellers turn to the internet for research and planning, ITCs are finding new ways to leverage digital tools to connect with their audience.
Digital marketing allows ITCs to reach a broader audience and showcase their expertise. It enables them to share valuable insights, travel tips, and destination recommendations through blogs, social media, and email newsletters. This digital presence helps ITCs attract new clients and reinforces their role as trusted advisors.
Moreover, as the survey indicates, clients appreciate the convenience of online communication. They value the ability to reach out to their travel advisors via various digital channels, making the booking process more accessible and efficient.
The Power of Collaboration Among Independent Travel Consultants
ITCs don't have to go it alone. Many are increasingly partnering with each other to offer a more comprehensive range of services -- whether it's specialised knowledge about specific destinations, travel niches, or unique travel experiences.
This trend benefits clients and strengthens the sense of community. It also fosters knowledge sharing, mentorship, and a supportive network, empowering independent travel advisors to excel in their entrepreneurial journey.
Michelle Page, reflecting on her Worldwide 2024 experience, stated, "The overall content of guest speakers, suppliers and of course meeting with other people within the FCI branded and unbranded space from South Africa - was a massive success in my mind!"
Ultimately, the conference insights highlight the importance of embracing collaboration and prioritising ongoing learning. These factors, combined with the unwavering trust of their clients, position dedicated ITCs for a bright future in the world of travel consultancy.
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