Designer Travel’s Amanda Matthews encourages agents to ensure they are prepared for the busy period
As we draw to the end of another busy year in our wonderful industry, it’s a good idea not only to reflect on what has been but also to ensure that you are ready to start it all again in 2025.
This year has been great for us here at Designer Travel, with double-digit growth again, lots of new initiatives, growth in our homeworking and management teams, and so many amazing opportunities to see more of the world to help us become even more knowledgeable.
Getting ready for 2025, we have more exciting developments to further enhance our product knowledge as we continue to try to differentiate ourselves from other travel agency businesses. Our aim is to be the most professional and knowledgeable travel experts in our industry.
Words are easy, though – it is actions that count, and this is where we all need to take the necessary steps to ensure we are ready for peaks and beyond. Often the most successful plans are those built on the solid foundations of getting the basics right.
Do the basics
What do I mean by basics? I mean, are you connecting with your past bookers? Do you know when they booked? Have they booked already or are they on your target list for 2025? How are you connecting? Have you got an up-to-date database? Are your clients on your socials? Have you made calls to lapsed clients just to reconnect? What about your plans for Christmas cards or emails?
Another tactic to look at is recommendations. Could you ask clients for help with recommending you? Do you have a referral scheme, like we have, to reward clients who recommend friends and family?
And there’s more to consider. Have you tried a channel new to you, like TikTok? Do you make the most of LinkedIn? Have you written blogs? What about being the star of videos so your clients can put a face to a voice? Do you have up‑to‑date business cards or virtual contacts?
Are you asking clients for reviews? Everyone looks at reviews as part of their decision‑making, so investigate this if you haven’t already – many of the options are free.
Another good idea is to challenge yourself to go ‘fishing’ – find offers or content and proactively try to see if you can get any bites from your database.
Do your clients want Christmas present options, such as gift vouchers, and do they even know you can offer this kind of item?
Then, when business is a little slower, use your time to get up to date with paperwork and passport checks and make sure you have claimed all your vouchers and incentives from previous bookings.
Last but not least, have you got a clean and organised desk ready for peaks?
Use your time wisely
Update your own knowledge bank with notes about the places you visited in 2024 and the hidden gems you discovered. Also write down the things you experienced that will help your clients, such as restaurant recommendations or activities available in the resort. I always say write them down as it is so easy to forget in the months and years to come.
Use any downtime to learn, as there are so many free webinars and training assets from our wonderful suppliers – and, as we always say in travel, every day is a school day.
Take the time to catch up with your travel network and connections, and reconnect so that you are not forgotten. It is amazing how many opportunities come your way by reconnecting. Your existing contacts may have changed jobs or moved hotels which could open doors to more business for you.
A new year is a fantastic time to reset and refresh. As well as carrying on doing what really works for you, strive too to try something new and take yourself out of your comfort zone – you may well be surprised by the results.
Beware the maxims ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’ and ‘do what you always do and get what you always get’. Don’t let these statements sum up your new year. Go forward and flourish – and make sure you’re the one to watch.
Happy Christmas, and here’s to a successful 2025.