Signature Travel Network recently concluded its 2024 Regional events, a series of gatherings designed to connect and empower over 1,200 travel professionals. These events, which took place in Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Fort Lauderdale, featured over 7,000 appointments and over 50 presentations, marking a significant milestone in the travel industry’s calendar.
A Comprehensive Approach to Industry Advancement
The 2024 Regionals encompassed three pivotal components:
- Regional Management Meetings: These meetings focused on network growth, sales performance, and strategic use of Signature’s marketing, sales, training, and technology tools. The emphasis was on leveraging these resources to drive business growth and enhance client satisfaction.
- Embark Sales Bootcamp: Tailored for new-to-industry advisors, this boot camp aims to cultivate strong client relationships through intensive training and practical exercises.
- Travel Exchanges: These sessions provided a platform for advisors and Signature’s preferred partners to network, share experiences, and collaborate on innovative solutions.
Impressive Sales Growth and Market Trends
During the Regional Management Meetings, Signature Travel Network reported notable sales growth across various segments. Preferred cruise sales have surged 21% for 2024 compared to 2023, with luxury and river cruises leading the charge. River cruise sales for 2025 have seen a remarkable 45% increase from the previous year. Inland travel, FIT and luxury segments have grown by 25% in 2024 compared to 2023, and projections for guided tours and FIT/luxury travel for 2025 indicate a 25% rise. Additionally, Exploration Travel, which includes expedition cruises and adventure experiences, has experienced a 14% increase in 2024, with bookings for 2025 up by 36%.
Unique Destination Experiences
Each Travel Exchange location offered exclusive destination experiences. Highlights included evenings with South Africa Tourism and African Travel, Inc., Tourism Fiji, and the Aruba Tourism Authority. In Chicago, Ignacio Maza, Travel Weekly’s 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, delivered inspiring keynote sessions on “Asia: Beyond the Ordinary” and “Solo Travel: Our Next Great Opportunity.”
“The small group setting was incredibly beneficial,” remarked Amanda Arias, Travel Advisor at Sun Travel. “The combination of lecture time and group work fostered an open and collaborative environment, making the experience both enjoyable and productive.”
Strengthening Industry Connections
Corey Lassman, Director of National Accounts at Villas of Distinction, emphasized the value of these interactions. “The opportunity to network and collaborate with dedicated travel advisors was invaluable. In an industry fueled by connection, fostering and strengthening relationships with members across the network allows us to better serve advisor partners and their clients.”
Supporting Local Communities
Along with its Travel Elevates program, Signature Travel Network collaborated with local Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale organisations, including Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, The People Concern, and Visit Lauderdale. These partnerships resulted in donations to Sojourn for survivors of domestic violence and Seafarers’ House for refugees, demonstrating Signature’s commitment to community support.
Looking Ahead
“This year’s Regionals were incredible. Seven events in four cities allowed us to engage with 75% of our owners, 200 partners, and more than 1,000 advisors,” said Alex Sharpe, President and CEO of Signature Travel Network. “The exchange of information and the strong connections formed between advisors and preferred partners enhance travel experiences for our clients.”
Signature Travel Network’s next major event will be its annual conference, scheduled for November 11-14, 2024, at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information about Signature Travel Network and its initiatives, visit Signature Travel Network.
Written by: Michelle Warner
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