Build Your Best Travel Business in 2019

Written By: Independent by Liberty Travel and Flight Centre Independent

 

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You’re eager, energetic, and love crafting unique experiences through your independent travel career. So how can you set yourself up for real success? Whether you’re a seasoned travel-selling pro, taking that first step toward a new career, or are already an established travel agency, Independent by Liberty Travel and Independent by Flight Centre will set you apart from the crowd. Reap the benefits, including the most support, resources, and recognition in the industry, along with an incredible number of tools designed with one goal in mind – to help you build your best business.

 

What’s Really in It for You

With us, you’ll benefit from the instant credibility of partnering with an iconic brand that your travelers have come to know and trust, backed by the global recognition of Flight Centre Travel Group. Plus, your customers will travel with confidence knowing that their adventure is backed by a respected, international travel network, in addition to your expertise and support.

 

As one of our Independent Advisors, you’ll earn more than ever. Independent brands are the key to unlocking the highest possible commissions on every booking from major hotel, tour, and cruise suppliers around the world.

 

And as a part of our family, you’ll get to offer the best in travel with access to Flight Centre Travel Group’s exclusive portfolio of air, land, cruise, and tour partners; ensuring you’ll maximize your earnings while your clients receive the best in service.

 

But your clients aren’t the only ones who will enjoy unbeatable support. Your support team has a voice, and it’s not computerized. From sales support to business development, we know that running your own business comes with its own set of successes and challenges, and that’s why you’ll always speak with a person when you need us most.

 

Want to brush up on your skills or find new ways to grow your business? Learn, sell, and soar thanks to Independent University. We’ll help you develop a personalized enrichment program to keep you at the top of your travel-selling game.

 

Of course, who can forget about all the perks? Booking travel is as rewarding for you as it is your customers. Pack your bags and sell to your heart’s content all while enjoying incredible discounts on most travel services, even earning free hotel nights. Plus, join your fellow agents on FAMs—or Familiarization Trips—around the world, so you can bring back first-hand advice and experience to your clients.

 

Soaring Higher: The Latest Updates from the US

The travel industry is ever growing and evolving, and Independent by Liberty Travel is always moving forward with new networking and educational opportunities and tools to keep you at the forefront. This year alone, we’ve exhibited at trade shows around the US, including the Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum, Cruise360, ASTA, the International Travel Agent Forum, and Cruise World, with many more planned for 2019. These offer both potential and current Independent Advisors and the Independent Support Team the opportunity meet in person. Join us for the next trade event to enjoy one-on-one time with the Independent team to learn more about the membership and seek advice for growing your business. Hear directly from our leaders from the spotlight of the main stage as they inspire conference attendees with their passion and pursuit of happiness in both their professional and personal lives.

 

Did you know? We at Independent by Liberty Travel also host own regional road shows, with stops in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York City in 2018, which will be expanding to other major metropolitan areas in the upcoming year. Showcasing our preferred partners, our regional shows allow our members to mingle with top suppliers and learn all about their unique selling points in a fun, casual day of learning. Best of all, our roadshows are completely free of charge.

 

New for 2019, we’ll be bringing Independent Advisors together for nights filled with dinner, drinks, and socializing with our preferred partners at Networking Evenings. We’ll also be launching iUniversity Live, in-person, classroom-style growth and development sessions from our headquarters in Montvale, New Jersey. Take advantage of multiple day sessions on sales, product, and destination training, as well as marketing and finance, all taught by your expert Independent support team.

 

Independent by Liberty Travel knows that the more tools you have, the better you can run your business. That’s why we’re bringing you even more ways to book flights in the new year. Whether you prefer Sabre or a simplified point-and-click platform, the choice will be yours. In addition to ClientBase online, the industry’s leading CRM tool, we’re also introducing ILT Express Sale, allowing you to input a booking into our system in less than a minute flat! It’s perfect for those advisors who are always on the move. And last but certainly not least, we’re excited to offer all Independent Advisors their very own personalized websites, perfect for promoting your business.

 

News from the North: Canada Briefings

Independent by Liberty Travel in the USA isn’t the only one on the move. Our Canadian family also has some big announcements coming your way, starting with the growth of our Regional Leaders program. This year, the program will focus on running regional events including social and giveback opportunities, education, and product learning sessions, as well as client events with booking incentives, co-run with our top suppliers.

 

Independent Agents will also have the chance to meet up with Independent by Flight Centre at the Travel Marketplace Trade Shows in Vancouver (in February) and Toronto (in June). And since good things always come in threes, we’re excited to host our Third Annual Cross Canada Meetup, where you’re invited to join us and your fellow agents in Vancouver this April to learn how to grow your business, network with agents and supplier partners and celebrate 2018’s top partners at the Independent Partner Appreciation Awards.

 

A fresh start means a bold new look. Independent by Flight Centre is giving its agent booking site a makeover, making it easier for clients to interact with their agents. Speaking of connecting, Independent by Flight Centre has also just launched a brand-new social networking program where agents can access a central library and easily pick and share content across their own social media platforms.

 

Being Independent, Together

Even though you work independently, it’s good to be reminded that you have a whole community behind you. Every year, we bring both USA and Canadian advisors together for an Independent Conference in an exciting destination. In 2018, we gathered on the shores of Riviera Maya at the beautiful El Dorado Royal for a full week-long reunion. Our advisors spent time reconnecting, learning from each other, our leaders, and our partners, and most importantly, having fun! We can’t wait to see you there in 2019.

 

The Sky Is the Limit

So, no matter where you are in your independent travel agent career journey, your dreams are within reach. Join a company that not only understands but shares your passion for travel, along with a network of like-minded individuals, all dedicated to ensuring your success. The Independent brands are here change the way you sell the world. Find out more at: www.independentlt.com and www.flightcentreindependent.ca.