Have Your Best Wave Season Ever

The huge majority of Avoya Travel’s independent agencies plan to—or already are—preparing for the 2018 Wave Season, the three-month period when travel agents typically book a huge amount of cruises.

That finding comes from the host agency’s survey of the top producing agencies in its network, which produces more than $1 million in annual sales.

The survey found that a whopping 95 percent of Avoya agencies are readying for Wave Season. More than 85 percent cited these as the top three areas key to preparing for the season: organization and planning, bolstering customer relationships and professional development.

Others said networking and events are ways they get ready for Wave.

The Avoya agencies also revealed their top tips for how to capitalize on Wave Season:

—Set a goal: Beth Leonardt of Vacations by Beth LLC believes “Knowing what drives you and setting a goal are necessary for Wave. For me, it’s providing for my kids, and my family reaps the rewards when I put in the long hours to reach my goal.”

—Get organized with the right systems to maximize bookings: “Shared best practices in the Avoya Mastermind Program have helped me get the systems in place, including effective automated scripts and calendar follow-ups to keep me organized when I am claiming and working so many Live Leads,” according to Bobbi Wagner, Destined to Travel, LLC.

—Keep your scripts updated – and use them: “Have your scripts in place so you can easily stay in touch with your customers and prospects. This is vital for time-management and not missing deadlines,” advises Sue Peterson, Peterson Global Travel, Inc.

—Use an automated calendar: “Wave is busy and, to handle increases in customer Live Leads, I manage my calendar with reminders and automate scripted follow-ups in Avoya’s Agent Power to keep me organized,” said Phyllis Murray, Phyllis Murray Travel LTD.

—Reach out often to past clients and lost leads: “Update client lists, then reach out by phone, a scripted note or holiday cards,” said Cheryl Myerson, Unforgettable Cruises & Tours, LLC.

“Sending new promotions that I think both customers and prospects would like is a great way to stay top of mind with customers,” adds Carol Howell of Bloom and Howell LLC.

—Brush up on professional development and supplier education: “You’ll earn bookings when you’re an expert in your product specialties, the latest itineraries, policies, and developments from suppliers,” advises Lydia Santiago of Luxury Bound Travel LLC.

—Know the promotions: Experience Results Inc. Owner Christine Schwartz adds, “Having full understanding of Avoya’s promotions and exclusives that give me a competitive advantage is the most important preparation I do.”

—Get ready to work long hours: “Clearing personal calendars and getting small tasks done before January helps me be available for more clients,” recommends Sheri Mruz, Directions Luxury Travel LLC.

READ MORE: Make 2018 Your Greatest Success Yet

Tammie Richie, senior director of Avoya’s Mastermind Program, added, “Get ready now to capitalize on the increase in customer leads. Pre-wave is starting and the clients that will book the first couple of weeks of January are already looking. Travel professionals who wait until the first of January may already have missed out on two weeks of Wave.”

Avoya’s Mastermind Program offers business coaching and small group sales support aimed at helping agencies increase their sales to levels above the industry average for Wave as well as for year-round.

Avoya also plans soon to share its predictions for the 2018 Wave Season.