The latest episode of On Deck with Avoya is here, and it's packed with valuable insights to help travel professionals maximize their success! Hosted by Chris Greene, Director of Network Expansion at Avoya Travel, this episode features expert perspectives, industry trends, and actionable strategies designed to help independent travel advisors grow their businesses.
Featured guests include:
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• Jim Cloonan, President of Showtime Marketing Group, discussing the sold-out Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum and its impact on the industry.
• Laura Burk, Director of Promotional Opportunities and Development at Avoya Travel, sharing monthly professional development tips to help advisors refine their sales approach.
• Connie Rush, an Independent Agency in the Avoya Travel Network, highlighting her success story and strategies for maximizing bookings.
• Avoya Travel Academy Updates, revealing exciting enhancements and training opportunities for independent advisors.
Let's dive into the highlights from this episode!
Industry Executive Spotlight: Alex Pinello, Senior Vice President, AmaWaterways
The featured Q&A segment, On Deck with Execs, welcomed Alex Pinello, who shared his extensive industry experience and AmaWaterways' record-breaking growth. Highlights from his discussion include:
• Record Demand for River Cruises – 2024 was a historic year for AmaWaterways, and 2025 is already surpassing expectations.
• Expanding Itineraries & Fleet – New ships and routes, including expansions on the Rhine, Douro, and Mekong rivers, plus the highly anticipated launch of operations in Colombia.
• Enhanced Travel Advisor Support – AmaWaterways remains 100% dedicated to travel professionals, offering marketing tools, co-branded opportunities, and personalized sales support.
Alex also emphasized the importance of staying ahead in the travel industry by engaging with preferred suppliers and leveraging their resources to grow sales.
Secrets to Success with Laura Burk
In the Secrets to Success segment, Laura Burk provided key professional development insights, including:
• Strategies for engaging clients throughout the year – not just during peak booking seasons.
• The benefits of using co-branded marketing tools and digital resources.
• How Avoya's training programs can help independent advisors enhance their expertise and close more sales.
Independent Agency Success Story: Connie Rush's Winning Formula
Connie Rush, a standout Independent Agency in the Avoya Travel Network, shared her story of success and the strategies that helped her achieve it. Key takeaways include:
• Staying ahead of industry trends and supplier promotions.
• Building long-term relationships with clients to drive repeat business.
• Utilizing Avoya's technology and support to streamline operations and increase sales.
Industry Insights with Jim Cloonan: The Power of Industry Events
Jim Cloonan, President of Showtime Marketing Group, discussed the significance of networking and professional development opportunities in the travel industry. He also highlighted the impact of the sold-out Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum, showcasing how in-person events can help advisors connect with suppliers, expand their knowledge, and grow their businesses.
Avoya Travel Academy Updates: Elevating Travel Advisor Training
Avoya Travel is continuing to invest in education for Independent Agencies with updates to the Avoya Travel Academy. Advisors can look forward to new training sessions, business development courses, and exclusive insights from industry experts to help them stay competitive.
Key Takeaways
This episode is a must-watch for travel advisors looking to stay ahead in the industry. With expert insights from Alex Pinello, actionable tips from Laura Burk, and an inspiring success story from Connie Rush, there's no shortage of valuable takeaways to help advisors grow their businesses.
Ready to Take Your Travel Business to the Next Level?
If you're inspired by what you saw and want to grow your success with Avoya Travel, now is the time to take action! By joining the Avoya Network, you'll gain access to exclusive tools, industry connections, and dedicated support designed to help you thrive in the ever-evolving travel industry. Don't miss out on this opportunity – fill out the form below to learn more and take the first step toward building your dream travel business today!
