Global Travel Collection (GTC), a distinguished division of Internova Travel Group, has announced an innovative strategic plan, “The Path Forward,” designed to revolutionize its support for travel advisors and strengthen its collaborations with valued suppliers. This initiative underscores Global Travel Collection’s commitment to leading the luxury travel sector by equipping its network of experienced travel advisors with cutting-edge tools, enhanced support, and expanded opportunities for growth. As a premier collective of travel brands, the global travel collection is proactively shaping the future of travel advisory services.
“The Path Forward” is a comprehensive strategy developed in response to the evolving landscape of the travel industry. Recognizing the unprecedented challenges and opportunities of recent years, Global Travel Collection has seized the moment to reinvent its operational framework and reinforce its dedication to its community. This transformative plan introduces a refined account management structure, advanced technology solutions, robust business development resources, and extensive training programs. These enhancements are specifically tailored to alleviate the administrative burdens faced by advisors and foster a unified, growth-oriented culture within the global travel collection.
While specific details of “The Path Forward” remain proprietary, the overarching vision is clear: to maximize growth potential for travel advisors, facilitate succession planning for those seeking it, offer clear career progression pathways for employees, and cultivate more productive partnerships with suppliers to boost revenue streams. The full implementation of this strategic redesign is slated for completion by Q3 of this year, signaling a rapid and decisive move towards a more empowered and efficient future for the global travel collection.
Angie Licea, President of Global Travel Collection, emphasizes the significance of this initiative, stating, “The last three years were unlike any others in the history of this industry, and this gave us a unique opportunity to reinvent ourselves and our business. ‘The Path Forward’ was developed and evolved during those uncertain times.” This proactive approach highlights the global travel collection’s resilience and adaptability in the face of industry-wide shifts.
A cornerstone of “The Path Forward” is the creation of an “Advisor Success engine” and a reinforced core culture. The Advisor Success teams are strategically focused on driving sales opportunities, increasing advisor engagement, bolstering recruitment and retention efforts, and fostering portfolio growth. This engine is powered by a portfolio management system that allows for personalized support and guidance. Smaller groups of advisors will benefit from the direct mentorship of dedicated managers who will act as advocates for their individual businesses. These managers will tailor resources based on specialized services across all advisor verticals, including corporate, leisure, entertainment, and production travel, ensuring that advisors receive expert consultation and support relevant to their specific areas of focus within the global travel collection.
To attract and onboard new talent, Global Travel Collection is implementing a refined onboarding plan. This program is designed to provide new entrants with an optimal environment for building relationships and leveraging business marketing services, setting them up for success from the outset within the global travel collection network.
Further enhancing advisor capabilities, “The Path Forward” includes expanded Business Consultation services. Building on the success of three pilot programs launched in the summer of 2022, which assisted advisors in analyzing their business portfolios, these enhanced consultations will empower advisors to become more innovative in their business management strategies. These services are crucial for advisors looking to diversify their offerings and unlock new growth potential within the global travel collection. Moreover, recognizing the evolving needs of its advisors, the initiative will introduce enhanced advisor “sunset” programs, providing a structured and supportive exit strategy for those planning their retirement. This forward-thinking approach not only ensures a smooth transition for retiring advisors but also facilitates a seamless handover of their client portfolios, supporting continued business growth and client service continuity within the global travel collection.
Top-performing advisors within the global travel collection can anticipate a revamped suite of benefits under “The Path Forward.” This enhanced programming and value services will include tailored incentive trips, exclusive rewards, tiered support service desks for prioritized assistance, media training to elevate their personal brands, credits towards paid support services, and a range of additional benefits currently under development. These enriched perks are designed to recognize and reward excellence, further incentivizing top performance and loyalty within the global travel collection.
Strengthening supplier partnerships is another vital pillar of “The Path Forward.” Global Travel Collection is adopting a more targeted approach to supplier engagement to maximize selling potential and cultivate meaningful collaborations between suppliers and advisors. A refined identification process will connect advisors with client portfolios that are optimally aligned with preferred supplier products across all sectors, including hotels, cruises, airlines, and destinations. This strategic alignment aims to foster mutually beneficial relationships and drive increased revenue opportunities for both advisors and suppliers within the global travel collection ecosystem.
Providing advisors with exclusive benefits remains a key competitive advantage for the global travel collection. This year saw the launch of a new consumer-driven website, and the upcoming April launch of OLTRE magazine will further enhance client engagement. This new publication will be distributed to 100,000 clients of GTC advisors, providing a compelling platform for advisors to inspire their top leisure and corporate clients and maintain strong, ongoing connections. Global Travel Collection anticipates sharing further developments and enhancements in the months ahead, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and advisor empowerment within the global travel collection.
“With this ‘Path Forward’ plan which will unfold throughout the year, we’re looking to create an environment for our advisors that is both proactive in support and engagement, and progressive in the tools and value we provide them every day,” continued Licea. “With our leadership team focused on this mission and positioned in the new account management structure, we look forward to rolling out the enhanced support initiatives that are part of this ‘Path Forward’. I believe creating this environment is critical for our advisors to truly be able to thrive, especially in the tumultuous travel market of today. This is our vision statement, and the path to lead us into the future” for the global travel collection and its valued network.
Travel advisors interested in discovering more about the opportunities within the global travel collection are encouraged to contact [email protected].
About Global Travel Collection
Global Travel Collection (GTC), a division of Internova Travel Group, stands as the world’s largest collective of international luxury travel agencies. This prestigious collection encompasses well-established networks such as Protravel International, Tzell Travel Group, and Colletts Travel, alongside esteemed brands like Andrew Harper, In the Know Experiences, All Star Travel Group, and R. Crusoe & Son. GTC advisors and agencies are recognized industry leaders in delivering premium travel services to discerning leisure travelers, corporate executives, and the entertainment industry. The unparalleled global reach and collective leverage of the global travel collection translate into exceptional value, industry recognition, and preferential treatment for its global clientele, solidifying its position at the forefront of luxury travel.
