WHY IT RATES: Surging demand by consumers for professional vacation planners has led to increased competition among tour operators. Avoya sees that value in travel agents. – Rich Thomaselli, TravelPulse Senior Editor

PHOTO: Higher commissions are always a good thing. (Courtesy Thinkstock)

The travel industry is seeing a sharp rise in demand for travel professionals as time-strapped consumers opt for help in planning more intricate and customized vacation options that require greater attention to detail and less do-it-yourself planning on their part.

Consumers seeking value-driven, authentic experiences are turning to companies such as Avoya Travel®, one of the world’s leading travel networks, to plan their ultimate dream trip. With this surging demand by consumers for professional vacation planners, the more than 750 Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network continue to surpass the competition and reach higher sales volumes and customer satisfaction with the highest commissions*, innovative marketing, and technology.

A recent analysis revealed that on average the sales of Independent Agency members in the Avoya Network were up to 12 times more than other leading travel networks, producing the industry’s highest agency commissions.

SEE MORE: Life With Avoya

Avoya attributes its continued growth and success of Independent Agencies in the network to its Shared Success model and groundbreaking technology which includes the industry-first and only Live Leads™ program, Avoya Advantage™ marketing and innovative customer experience platforms to create highly valuable, mutually beneficial relationships between customers and Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network.

The Avoya Live Leads program generates new customer leads on behalf of its network members that are available exclusively for Avoya Independent Agencies. Using a refined, complicated and patented algorithm, the Live Leads program offers new customers 24-7 access to professional vacation planners in the Avoya Network in a way that ensures high levels of customer satisfaction, repeat and referral bookings and high sales for the Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network.

“My independent agency sold over $400,000 in my first three months with the Avoya Network,” said Ann Kent, owner of Sea Ya Travel, who joined the Avoya Network in July 2015. “I used to sell real estate, but I always dreamed of owning my own successful travel company. This January alone I booked $297k and I’m now on track to sell $2 Million in my first year in travel! With Avoya’s support, technology and their amazing Live Leads program my dreams have been realized.”

Avoya employs up to 17 times more support staff per Independent Agency member than other leading host and franchise organizations. Avoya’s staff is committed to offering support and helping with the aspects of running a business that take time away from selling so that Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network can focus more on planning vacations for today’s more discerning, informed and affluent customers while building a large roster of lifetime clients.

READ MORE: Avoya Selected as Royal Caribbean’s Marketing Partner of the Year

In addition to its high ratio of support staff to Independent Agencies, Avoya provides extensive resources for its network to earn unrivaled sales levels. Agent Power™, Avoya’s award-winning proprietary Travel Agency Operation System™, offers agents an integrated booking engine, global vacation packages and 24-7, dedicated agency support, including commission reporting and professional development opportunities.

“My agency sold over $1.7 million in our first year as a member of the Avoya Travel Network and that was just from Live Leads,” said Mary Arathoon, owner of Pursue Travel LLC, whose agency has been with Avoya since November, 2013. “Avoya Travel is very innovative – they have the best lead program, great support, and are in the business of helping travel professionals grow their agencies and reach even greater levels of success.”

“With Integrity and Professionalism we are committed to helping travel professionals build their businesses and plan unforgettable experiences for their clients,” said Brad Anderson, President of Avoya Travel. “Our patented technology and award winning marketing programs combined with our dedication to providing our network with the highest levels of support have empowered the Independent Agency members in the Avoya Travel Network to lead the industry in sales and success – filling more seats, cabins, and beds for Avoya’s global travel partners.”

Travel agency owners, travel professionals, and others interested in owning and operating their own travel business should contact Avoya Travel at 800-521-2597 or visit www.JoinAvoya.com. Travelers interested in booking their next vacation with Avoya Travel, should call 800-753-1463 or visit www.AvoyaTravel.com.

SOURCE: Avoya Travel press release (*2014 Data Accumulated From Public Sources)