Wholesale personalized tour operator Avanti Destinations plans a 30% increase in its personalized groups department for 2024, with a significant portion of bookings coming from repeat customers.
To help advisors grow their groups businesses, Avanti has launched a new Groups webpage on the company's website. travel advisor portaloffering 10 sample group itineraries covering various group travel segments such as special interest groups, educational groups, sports enthusiasts, corporate groups, and spiritual and religious groups.
Avanti launched its Custom Groups department in fall 2018, catering to groups of 10 or more passengers. The business unit operates from its headquarters in the Seattle area, with additional offices in Munich and Barcelona.
Ricarda Haeger, director of group sales and operations at Avanti, highlighted the company's success and stressed the importance of advisors considering group travel in their business models. She noted that almost every advisor who has booked a group with Avanti returns before for other group itineraries.
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“We had a very successful year in 2023, and we anticipate continued growth during this year,” she said. “An important measure of our success is the fact that almost every advisor who has booked a group with us in the past returns for other group itineraries.
“This is one of the main reasons why advisors who have not yet expanded their business model to include groups should give it serious thought,” she added. “Not only do advisors make more money on an itinerary for 10 or more passengers than for couples or individuals, without having to do 10 times as much work, but when a group has a wonderful experience, it's highly likely that the same group returns. to this advise, not only as a group, but also as independent travelers. As many advisors tell us, there is a growing trend toward wanting to share travel experiences with other people.
Not only do advisors earn more on an itinerary for 10 or more passengers than for couples or individuals, without having to do 10 times as much work, but when a group has a wonderful experience, the same group is very likely to return to this advisor.
Haeger explained that Avanti's Groups department uniquely tailors each itinerary based on the group's interests, budgets, deadlines and accommodation preferences. The department manages both pre-formed groups and affinity groups, with a focus on inspiring, attracting and motivating group members.
The new group itineraries featured on the Avanti webpage offer diverse experiences, from culinary tours to historical explorations. Haeger emphasized the importance of a balance between organized activities and free time during group visits.
Group Travel Trends
According to Avanti, notable trends in group travel include a preference for smaller group sizes, averaging 18 passengers, and an average itinerary length of eight days. Avanti's offerings span destinations around the world, with accommodation ranging from boutique properties to spas and castles.
Avanti's Groups department prides itself on its attention to detail, experienced staff and fast response times, aiming to provide advisors with a trusted partner for group travel planning.
Editor's note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Avanti Destinations.
