And Speaking Of... The Power of Mentorship in the Travel Industry

This week, I am OOO, attending Virtuoso Travel Forum 2025 in Ft. Lauderdale! I am looking forward to a productive event filled with professional development opportunities and partner meetings. While I am away, I asked Lisa Fletcher , Member Experience Specialist at Gifted Travel Network , to takeover my newsletter for this week. Lisa is such a wealth of knowledge, and I can't wait to read her article and all of your comments when I return!

-Vanessa

In the ever-evolving world of travel, staying ahead of the curve and navigating the fast-paced changes can be daunting. Whether you're a newcomer to the industry or a seasoned pro, mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping your career and ensuring growth. What makes mentorship in the travel industry particularly special is that it's a two-way street—both giving and receiving mentorship can be transformative for everyone involved.

Personally, I've worked in the travel industry in many different roles for over 40 (gulp!) years. About 10 years ago, I shifted my focus from selling travel to clients to mentoring and supporting entrepreneurial travel advisors. I feel it's incredibly important to share my experience and knowledge with those entering the industry, and it also feels like a natural segue into my "pre-retirement" phase. I gain tremendous satisfaction from helping newer, usually younger, advisors find their way and watching them soar as rockstars in the industry.

Why Mentorship Matters for Travel Pros

Let's start with the obvious: the travel industry is massive and diverse, and the answer to most questions often starts with "It depends…". From tour operators and travel advisors to technology specialists and host agency teams, there's no shortage of different roles and skill sets required. With so many moving parts, mentorship provides a valuable way to share knowledge, hone skills, and navigate the industry's intricacies.

For those just starting out in travel, having someone who's been through the ropes can be a game-changer. Mentors can offer their mentees invaluable insight into everything from the nuances of customer service to the behind-the-scenes operations that keep the industry running smoothly. But it's not just about practical tips—mentorship helps build confidence, gain perspective, and avoid the mistakes many of us made when we were getting started. At Gifted Travel Network, we've built a strong team of mentors, including both GTN employees and experienced advisors, who are available to our members on a regular basis through our different educational programs. The feedback and the results are incredible! It's so important for new travel business owners to realize they don't have to do everything alone—we are here to help them in any way we can.

On the flip side, experienced professionals also benefit from providing mentorship. Teaching others not only reinforces your own knowledge but also helps develop your leadership and communication skills. It's incredibly rewarding to see someone grow and succeed, knowing you had a hand in their journey. Over the past 10 years, I've had the privilege of mentoring hundreds of advisors, and the relationships we have built are strong, enduring, and full of mutual respect. Plus, as the travel industry evolves, sharing ideas with a mentee helps you stay sharp and in tune with new trends and technologies.

The Symbiotic Nature of Mentorship

One of the most rewarding aspects of mentorship in the travel industry is how it's a mutually beneficial relationship. A mentor gets to pass on wisdom and experience, while the mentee gains fresh perspectives and practical guidance. In return, mentors often find themselves inspired by the enthusiasm and new ideas that mentees bring to the table. It's not just about teaching—it's about creating an ongoing dialogue that fosters growth for both parties. A true "win-win".

And let's not forget that the travel industry thrives on connections and relationships. Mentorship helps build networks that extend beyond your immediate circle. It's a powerful way to foster relationships that benefit both personal and professional growth. These connections often turn into long-lasting friendships, partnerships, and collaborations that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. It's not always WHAT you know, as much as WHO you know!

Wrapping It Up

At its core, mentorship in the travel industry is all about sharing knowledge, building relationships, and fostering growth—both for individuals and the industry as a whole. Whether you're a fresh face in the field or a seasoned travel professional, there's something to gain from both giving and receiving mentorship. So, if you're looking to level up in your career or help others do the same, don't hesitate to embrace this dynamic exchange. The travel industry is built on connections and relationships, and mentorship, whether giving or receiving, is one of the best ways to keep those connections strong and uplevel the travel industry as a whole.