Karen Cantor explores the reasons why now is the ideal time to become an Independent Travel Advisor, and the top travel trends that offer promising prospects for success.
By: Karen Cantor, Marketing Project Manager, 1000 Mile Travel Group
The world has endured unprecedented challenges in recent times, with the global travel industry taking a significant hit. However, in the face of adversity, the travel sector has demonstrated its resilience and ability to bounce back stronger than ever. There is a huge sense of optimism in the air, and for aspiring travel entrepreneurs, this presents an exciting opportunity to venture into the realm of being an Independent Travel Advisor.
1. There is a Strong Rebound in the Global Travel Industry:
After a prolonged period of uncertainty and volatility, the travel industry is experiencing a much-awaited revival. As countries have now eased travel restrictions, there is a growing demand for professional and experienced travel advisors. Travelers are eager to explore new destinations, reconnect with loved ones, and embark on postponed adventures. By becoming an Independent Travel Advisor, you can play a crucial role in facilitating these dreams, providing personalized and premium travel solutions tailored to clients’ unique preferences and needs.
2. Surge in Business Travel:
One of the significant travel trends of 2023 is the resurgence of corporate travel. Global Business Travel Association’s (GBTA) – Business Travel Recovery Poll results revealed that 78% of Travel Managers expect the number of business trips taken by employees to be higher or much higher in 2023 compared to 2022. Additionally, 80% of travel suppliers anticipate increased travel spending by corporate clients. As businesses aim to regain momentum and strengthen their relationships, the demand for reliable and efficient travel services is soaring. This presents an excellent opportunity for Independent Travel Advisors to tap into the corporate travel market and offer top-notch services to businesses of all sizes.
3. Confidence in Leisure Travel and Budgets:
Another crucial aspect that highlights the perfect timing to start or elevate your travel business is the increasing confidence among travelers and flexibility in travel budgets. As more people gain confidence in traveling safely and with ease, the frequency of leisure trips and the expense of those vacations is on the rise. Furthermore, the current travel landscape is witnessing a surge in interest in new and novel travel destinations and “bucket list” experiences. As an Independent Travel Advisor, you can cater to these emerging trends, curating exciting and unique travel packages that appeal to adventurous souls seeking extraordinary experiences.
4. Remote Work Impact:
The shift towards remote and flexible work models was a game-changer during the pandemic. However, contrary to expectations, a staggering 72% of respondents do not believe that remote work will impact the number of business trips taken by their employees. Instead, 14% expect it will lead to more business travel. This indicates that the traditional value of face-to-face interactions and the necessity of in-person meetings continue to hold significance in the corporate world. As a travel entrepreneur, you can capitalize on this trend by providing comprehensive corporate travel solutions for corporate clients or cater to those who have a work from anywhere lifestyle now and wish to travel more often to take advantage of their newfound lifestyles.
The travel industry’s resurgence, coupled with the changing dynamics of business and leisure travel, creates a window of opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to venture into building their own travel business. As an Independent Travel Advisor, you can capitalize on the current trends, offering personalized travel experiences and services that cater to the needs of a diverse clientele.
With the travel sector on an upward trajectory, now is undoubtedly the right time to embark on an exciting journey of entrepreneurship and make a mark in the world of travel. So, if you’ve been contemplating starting your own travel business, seize the moment, and turn your passion for travel into a successful and fulfilling career.
1000 Mile Travel Group provides the business support services needed to transform travel careers into travel businesses, by providing Independent Travel Advisors with a tried and tested blueprint for success. Whether you’re taking your first step towards running your own independent travel business, or you are looking for better support services, improved buying power, more content, and better technology to support your growing independent business, look no further.