In this very special episode of On Deck With Avoya, host Chris Greene, Director of Network Expansion at Avoya Travel, marks a major milestone: five years of travel insights, advisor inspiration, and celebrating industry resilience.
To honor this occasion, Chris sits down with two powerhouse leaders in travel: Avoya Travel's new CEO Marc Kazlauskas and Celebrity Cruises' Vice President of Sales for the Americas, Jennifer Suarez. This episode reflects on the past five years of transformation in the travel industry while looking boldly toward the future with fresh ideas, growth strategies, and powerful motivation.
Featured Guests Include:
Marc Kazlauskas, CEO, Avoya Travel - Talks candidly about his career, leadership vision, and Avoya's future. He shares how culture, technology, and growth will drive the brand forward.
Jennifer Suarez, Vice President of Sales, Americas, Celebrity Cruises - Reflects on her 20-plus year career and the innovations coming from Celebrity, including the launch of Celebrity Xcel and entry into the river cruise market.
Laura Burk, Director of Promotional Operations and Development, Avoya Travel - Offers actionable client retention strategies to help close out 2025 strong and start 2026 with momentum.
Gina Hoyt, Senior Director, Avoya Travel Academy - Highlights the importance of building strong supplier relationships to elevate advisor credibility and client trust.
CEO Spotlight: Marc Kazlauskas on Avoya's Vision
Newly appointed CEO Marc Kazlauskas made his On Deck debut with an energized vision for the future of Avoya Travel. In a conversation that ranged from reflections on the pandemic to strategic planning, Marc emphasized what makes the Avoya model stand out in a crowded field.
“This is not just about joining a club. It's about substance. It's about building real, scalable travel businesses, and we're proud of that legacy.”
His three strategic pillars:
• Culture: Building a supportive, service-driven community that includes Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network, staff, and partners.
• Technology: Upgrading systems and integrating AI to boost productivity and marketing.
• Growth: A renewed commitment to expanding sales, training, and opportunities for all members of the Avoya Network.
He also highlighted the strength of Avoya's lead generation, 60-year industry legacy, and unmatched support and training.
Celebrity Cruises: Innovation from Ship to Shore
Jennifer Suarez, Vice President of Sales for the Americas at Celebrity Cruises, joined the celebration with an inspiring look at the brand's past, present, and future. She reflected on her journey from a temp job at Royal Caribbean Group to becoming one of the top leaders at Celebrity, and how that journey taught her the value of long-term partnerships.
“This is the most exciting time for us. And the Independent Agency model continues to play a bigger and bigger role in our success.”
Secrets to Success: Laura Burk on Gratitude and Strategy
In her November segment, Laura Burk encouraged Independent Agencies to balance reflection with action. Her timely tips included:
• Celebrate the wins: Revisit and appreciate your 2025 milestones to refuel your motivation.
• Prepare now for wave season: Organize client lists, review promotions, and block time for training.
• Use November to reset: A small shift in focus now will create major momentum when bookings surge in January.
“Don't get overwhelmed by the wave. Be prepared to ride it.”
Insights from the Academy: Gina Hoyt on Building Supplier Relationships
Gina Hoyt, Senior Director of Avoya Travel Academy, returned with a valuable segment focused on one of the most overlooked keys to advisor success: strong supplier relationships. She encouraged advisors to treat suppliers as trusted partners, not just vendors.
She emphasized that:
• Personal supplier connections open doors to insider info, exclusive promos, and critical support in emergencies.
• Being proactive in building rapport helps advisors stay informed and deliver white-glove service.
• These relationships build advisor credibility and client trust over time.
“In travel, it's not just about the destination. It's about the connections that get you there.”
Final Thoughts: Charting the Course for the Next Five Years
Whether it was Marc's insight into Avoya's next chapter, Jennifer's forward-thinking updates, Laura's reminder to prepare, or Gina's call to deepen relationships, this episode is filled with strategies to help you move confidently into 2026.
As Chris Greene said in closing, On Deck With Avoya is all about you, the advisor. After five years of episodes hosted virtually, across multiple industry trade shows, and livestreamed onboard from Mexico, guest features, a Gold Magellan Award, and growing the Avoya Network, the show continues to champion the entrepreneurial spirit that drives this industry forward.
If you're inspired by what you've seen and want to explore how the Avoya Network can support your travel business goals, now is the time to take action. Fill out the form below to learn more about joining the Avoya Network and discover how our award-winning platform, lead generation program, and industry partnerships can help you thrive. Let's make your travel business dreams a reality!
