The 10 Commandments of the Travel Industry

Running a successful travel agency means constantly staying up-to-date on the latest trends, destinations and even safety protocols.

But there are always 10 principles that remain tried and true no matter what’s going on in the world and we call them the 10 Commandments of the Travel Industry.

Let’s get into them:

#1: Thou shalt focus on safety first.
No matter what, especially given the global pandemic, safety should always be emphasized in all aspects of what you do. How can you make your clients feel safe when they’re traveling with your agency? Whether they’re in a group, in a foreign country or traveling solo, what steps do you need to take to ensure your client’s safety?

#2: Thou shalt be customer-centric.
This goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: let your client’s needs and desires determine the kind of services you offer on trips (and even merchandise!). Don’t rely on an “if you build it they will come” mentality. Instead, build after you’ve validated what they want.

#3: Thou shalt personalize.
What makes the best travel agencies stand out is their ability to create memorable experiences for their clients. You can do this by adding a personal touch – leave welcome gifts in the hotel room, send personalized emails and little birthday gifts, etc. The small stuff adds up to a big impression on your guests.

#4: Thou shalt be open to feedback.
Feedback is how you can improve your agency’s offerings. Listen to common complaints as well as things your clients love about your trips. Double down on what’s working and tighten up on what’s not.

#5: Thou shalt market consistently.
How will potential clients find you if you’re not out there talking about your trips? Create consistent marketing strategies to rev up reservations across multiple platforms.

#6: Thou shalt do thy research.
When it comes to planning trips, find trusted partners and vendors at your locations that you can rely on to give your clients exclusive experiences that aren’t the typical tourist haunts. This ups your wow factor and gives clients peace of mind.

#7: Thou shalt keep it real.
While clients are the heart of your business, it’s important to keep it real with them. Make it a part of your communication strategy to let them know what’s necessary for a successful trip, like updated passports, dress codes and the like. The more you communicate, the more prepared they will feel.

#8: Thou shalt be original.
There are thousands of travel agencies competing with you for customers. How is your agency different? Think long and hard about your unique selling proposition (USP) as a travel agency. Insert this throughout your messaging on your website, emails, social media and other marketing collateral. Don’t copy what anyone else is doing.

#9: Thou shalt niche down.
Niching down is one of the ways you can stand out as an agency owner. Focus on a specific group of travelers – nurses, entrepreneurs, families, etc – and their desires, pains and passions to make more sales.

#10: Thou shalt travel.
Yup, you need to travel if you own an agency. Pick up that laptop and take the work with you if you must, but you should be your own client, too, so you can understand and anticipate any challenges your customers might have.

These are just a few things you should always keep in mind if you want to secure reservation after reservation. Get more travel biz tips just like this when you join us in the TSA Lounge!