Last week, we discussed how to prepare for a shift in the travel industry as many are shaking off that post-COVID travel bug. In today’s competitive travel industry, personalized service has become a key differentiator for travel pros seeking to build loyalty and ensure repeat business. As travelers have many options, travel professionals must emphasize bespoke experiences to maintain their edge. Here are some thoughts!
Travelers today seek unique experiences that resonate with their individual preferences and needs. By understanding and catering to these desires, we can offer something that online platforms can’t—that deeply personalized touch. Whether remembering a client’s favorite hotel brand or arranging special surprises during their trip, these personal touches can significantly enhance the travel experience and your client’s loyalty. Some examples:
- A travel advisor arranged a private dinner on the Great Wall of China for a client celebrating a milestone anniversary. This required meticulous planning, coordination with local vendors, and ensuring a seamless experience, which left a lasting impression on the clients.
- Another helped a client track their ancestry in Italy. The advisor arranged the trip and coordinated meetings with local historians and guided tours of ancestral villages. This experience provided an emotional connection that an online booking platform could never replicate.
- Finally, a luxury travel agent once organized a surprise concert by a famous musician during a client’s stay at a private villa. This involved coordinating with the artist, managing logistics, ensuring privacy, and showcasing the advisor’s dedication to creating unforgettable moments.
I am not suggesting that these experiences are easy to create or that they come without cost. But to orchestrate service like this, you should regularly engage with clients, seek feedback, and stay updated on their evolving preferences. You have a CRM for a reason—run it through its paces!
Personalized service is a powerful tool for travel pros looking to differentiate themselves and secure client loyalty. Seek it out, execute it, and reap the rewards!