Avoya Travel has made a significant leap in the travel industry with the introduction of its Avoya Live Bookings engine, allowing consumers to take control of their cruise reservations directly through the agency’s website. By enabling self-service booking but retaining the essential support of a travel advisor, Avoya has positioned itself at the forefront of a trend that balances autonomy with professional guidance. Unlike traditional travel agencies that tend to handle every aspect of the trip for the client, this new system empowers travelers while simultaneously enhancing the roles of independent contractors.
The concept of the Live Bookings engine is innovative to say the least, as co-CEO Jeff Anderson captured during a recent media briefing, “Leads are great. But what’s better?” This rhetorical inquiry underscores Avoya’s commitment to enhancing the booking process beyond simple lead generation. For travelers seeking the freedom to explore their options, this platform provides a comprehensive toolset that is crucial for a modern travel experience.
Launched with the caveat of being in beta testing, the Avoya Live Bookings engine has already amassed over $600,000 in revenue since its inception in August. This impressive figure reflects not only consumer interest but also the platform’s potential as a revenue-generating tool for both the agency and its advisors. By facilitating bookings that can reach upwards of $10,000, Avoya demonstrates how its booking engine can cater to high-ticket fare travelers.
The foundation of the booking engine lies in Avoya’s direct connectivity with leading cruise lines, which was developed in-house. This strategic move allows for streamlined transactions that can enhance the client experience while also providing advisors with a significant opportunity to work with high-value clients frequently. The goal is remarkably ambitious: to develop “the best booking engine in the world for cruise,” a claim that sets a high benchmark in the online travel marketplace.
Harnessing Advisor Expertise
Once a customer completes their booking, the transition to an Avoya travel advisor kicks in seamlessly. This collaborative arrangement benefits all parties involved—the consumer receives tailored support, while advisors can manage ancillary services such as flights, insurance, and hotel accommodations. This approach not only increases the scope of services offered to the client but also helps create long-term relationships, as advisors can continue to assist with future travel needs.
Phil Cappelli, Avoya’s chief sales officer, highlighted the significance of sharing these bookings among the advisors, reinforcing how support and expertise are paramount to maximizing the client experience. Consequently, even though the booking process commences online, the personal touch remains a crucial element that characterizes Avoya’s service model.
In recent years, Avoya has focused on onboarding rookie advisors, but an evident shift is underway. The agency is now courting experienced professionals to bolster its Elite 100 program—an initiative that allows seasoned advisors to retain 100% of their commissions on their respective clients. The strategic decision to attract proven talent indicates Avoya’s desire to build a robust and knowledgeable team that can effectively leverage the advantages of the new booking engine.
Alongside these changes, the introduction of a $5,000 “quick-start incentive” for top producers acts as an attractive lure for experienced advisors considering the shift. With reported increases in commissions—32% across the network and 44% for Elite 100 advisors—Avoya’s efforts appear to be paying off, suggesting a lucrative future for both the agency and its advisors.
A Celebrated Legacy in Innovation
As Avoya Travel commemorates its 60th anniversary, it clearly stands at a pivotal moment in its progression as one of the industry’s leading host agencies. The recent initiatives, including the Avoya Travel Conference onboard the Norwegian Joy, showcased the agency’s commitment to innovation and growth, symbolizing a remarkable blend of tradition and cutting-edge technology.
The introduction of the Avoya Live Bookings engine not only revolutionizes the cruise booking experience for consumers but also enhances the roles of travel advisors, creating a symbiotic relationship that leverages both self-service capabilities and professional expertise. As the travel landscape continues to evolve, Avoya’s forward-thinking strategies may very well redefine how cruise bookings are executed, ensuring that the agency remains a formidable player in the travel sector for years to come.