To alleviate the current advisor shortage, agencies across the country are prioritizing the recruitment and development of new consultants. A recent survey of TRAVELSAVERS Canada advisors sheds light on the qualities member agencies seek in recruits and the methods they use to train them.
An overwhelming of 96% of advisors say that training is essential or important for new entrants to the profession. A variety of methods are used to develop the skills of new consultants, with Job-shadowing the most common, along with supplier training programs, industry programs and webinars and specialized agency programs.
TRAVELSAVERS Canada survey participants say programs designed to cover a range of crucial advisor skills are less common. Twenty per cent say their agency offers a specialized program for new advisors. Eighteen per cent depend on KORE, a comprehensive advisor education curriculum recently launched in Canada, and 16% use an industry training program such as The Travel Institute.
Jane Clementino, TRAVELSAVERS (Photo Credit: Jane Clementino, TRAVELSAVERS)
“Although there’s a phenomenal amount of job shadowing made available by our agency partners, which is terrific, there is still an element of structured yet flexible online instruction required to round out the training process," said Jane Clementino, Senior Vice President and General Manager, TRAVELSAVERS Canada.
“We’re delighted that KORE is now available here as we really believe it’s the best-in-class training platform, and we encourage all of our agencies to enroll new recruits into the program. The investment will pay off!”
The Things New Advisors Really Need To Know
When asked about the most important elements advisor training should cover, the top three were customer service at 58%, sales at 47%, and booking travel at 44%. Thirty-one per cent cited solid communication skills, and 29% chose customer service. In addition, one in four named passion for travel and sales savviness as keys to being successful.
Training that covers a range of skills is essential, especially given that many agencies are looking for potential among prospects, rather than advisor experience. Sixty-five per cent are seeking candidates with a travel industry background and 33% are looking for people with client service experience.
The Pay-Off: Why Advisors Love What They Do
Once recruits are on board, survey respondents suggest they will enjoy multiple benefits in their new profession. The survey found 47% of respondents treasure the flexibility to work as much as they like from wherever they are. And 47% also delight in making people’s travel dreams come true. Over one-third appreciate the opportunity for continuous learning and development, and 27% love travel discounts and perks.
“Being a travel advisor is a very rewarding job and a great field for a lifelong career,” said Clementino. “Recruiting is a top priority now, and we also need to provide proper training to ensure the gems that we hire are fulfilled and successful. Our clientele must always experience excellent client service, and they will when dealing with our well-trained TRAVELSAVERS Canada advisors.”
Survey result highlights are as follows:
Importance of training for new advisors
● 80% essential
● 16% important but not mandatory
● 4% other
How agencies train new advisors
● 67% job shadow with colleagues
● 38% supplier programs
● 36% industry webinars
● 20% agency program
● 18% KORE
● 16% industry program
Most important training elements
● 58% customer service
● 47% sales
● 44% booking travel
● 38% supplier types
● 28% technology
Top traits for new advisors
● 64% travel industry experience
● 31% communication skills
● 29% customer service
● 24% sales savvy
● 24% personal passion for travel
● 20% detail orientation
Top career benefits
● 47% flexibility to work as much as you like from wherever you like
● 47% help make people’s dreams come true
● 36% continuous learning and development
● 27% fits with your passions and interests
● 27% travel discounts and perks
Advisors from TRAVELSAVERS and Affluent Traveler Collection affiliate agencies in Canada took the survey from March 21 to April 14, 2024.
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