Highlighting Journey of Independent Travel Advisor Turned Franchisee
Contributed by: Cruise Planners
Cruise Planners, the leading travel agency franchise network, is excited to announce the release of a new video episode that highlights the transformative journey of Chandra, an independent travel advisor who made the bold decision to become a Cruise Planners franchisee. Recorded aboard the luxurious Celebrity Ascent, this episode captures the essence of Chandra’s career evolution and her insights into the advantages of joining a host agency or franchise network like Cruise Planners.
The episode, titled “From Independent Travel Advisor to Cruise Planners Franchisee,” delves into Chandra’s personal experience as she reflects on her early career, where she initially decided to operate as an independent agent. Despite her background in management at Fortune 500 companies, Chandra admits that going it alone was a “big, big mistake.” She reflects on the challenges of having the lowest commission levels, minimal support, and the high cost of managing her business without the backing of a host or franchise.
Chandra eventually joined Cruise Planners and now runs a thriving business as a franchisee, while also serving as an ASTA Chapter President. Her role as a leader has given her insight into the industry, allowing her to see how agents from other organizations struggle with the tools and support they lack. Chandra praises Cruise Planners’ proprietary tools like CPMAXX, which provide her with deep insights into her business and clients. “Second to none!” she says, noting that other advisors rely on spreadsheets and reports, while she benefits from a powerful system that offers a competitive edge.
Key Highlights of the Episode
- Journey to Franchise Success: Chandra shares her personal motivations for transitioning from an independent travel advisor to a Cruise Planners franchisee, emphasizing the stability, growth opportunities, and access to a larger customer base that the franchise model offers.
- Comprehensive Support and Technology: The episode explores the extensive support provided by Cruise Planners, from training programs to cutting-edge technology tools like CPMAXX that streamline operations and enhance client interactions.
- Nationwide Community: Chandra speaks passionately about the sense of community she has found as part of the Cruise Planners network. With a nationwide group of peers and colleagues, she benefits from idea-sharing and collective experiences that have helped her grow her business.
- Advice for Travel Advisors: Chandra offers three valuable tips for travel advisors, whether independent or part of a host/franchise:
- Get Out: Be visible in your community. Unlike franchises with a physical presence like McDonald’s, travel professionals need to actively engage with local groups and networks to raise awareness of their services.
- Get Niche: Specialize in a particular area of travel to better keep up with trends and offer focused expertise. Not every travel advisor can sell everything, and finding a niche ensures you provide value to your clients.
- Get Goals: Set measurable goals for your business growth. As Chandra says, “You create it, you build it, you develop it.”
“We are thrilled to share Chandra’s success story, which underscores the transformative power of joining the Cruise Planners family,” – “Our franchisees benefit from a proven business model, comprehensive resources, and a supportive community, empowering them to achieve their business goals and deliver exceptional service to their clients.”
About Cruise Planners
Cruise Planners is a leading travel agency franchise network, providing franchisees with the tools, training, and support needed to thrive in the competitive travel industry. With a focus on personalized service and innovative technology, Cruise Planners empowers travel advisors to build and grow successful businesses.