Tips From Million-Dollar Travel Agencies to Boost Sales During Wave Season

Wave season is right around the corner, and travel agents who prepare ahead of time to reach out to clients could have unprecedented success, starting the New Year off on the right foot professionally.

Avoya Travel has released its insights from the 2019 Wave Season Survey of the network's top producing Independent Agencies and found that 80 percent have a plan to prepare their business for Wave, which is one of the busiest times for bookings in the industry.

The survey also found that more than 90 percent of these top-producing agencies begin preparing their business one to three months before Wave-that means now.

Those looking for tips on planning for Wave season can take the advice of some of these high-earning agents.

"Review and update your specialties. I choose only a few so that I can know them thoroughly," recommended Nancy Miller, Trippin' Around The World, LLC.

CruzDiva Travel's Diane Bower said, "Being familiar with the products you sell means everything when talking to customers, they want your confidence and expertise."

"Study the offers. Avoya has great promotions and the best marketing to bring in new customers, and combinability with the cruise lines' deals means better client value and more bookings," said Debra Willms, Travel Works For Me, LLC.

"Get your office organized and do everything you can now to lessen your time spent on admin," shared Carol Howell of Bloom and Howell LLC.

For example, Janel Fidalgo of Janel Fidalgo Agency LLC makes sure if an existing booking needs flights or an add-on it gets done before Wave.

"Everyone needs a system that they're comfortable with so that their workflow is efficient and that they're not distracted with non-essentials during the day," said Gloria Quinan, Classic Travel Service.

"Having almost all email communications pre-scripted saves time-time you can use to take another new client lead," recommended Michael Gussman of Professional Vacation Planners.

"I send holiday cards to my clients and make sure to contact all past guests before Wave," said Beth Leonardt, Vacations By Beth, LLC.

Many agents agreed on the importance of making clients aware of special promotions now and getting them thinking about their next vacation.

According to Rick Amsden of Luxury Vacations LLC, it's important to reduce distractions and prepare to put in extra hours working.

Fidalgo doesn't make big plans during Wave: "I want to take full advantage of the plentiful Avoya Live Leads being offered during Wave."

"While preparing for Wave, don't give up on selling in November and December," said Lisa Long of Luxury Vacations LLC. Long finds that customers are still looking at and booking vacations now.