According to a Travelsavers survey, the majority of travel advisors (96%) agree that training new consultants is essential.

"However, there is a mix of approaches in how to train, demonstrating a need for a more consolidated process as part of the overall onboarding, coaching and education experience," the company said in a release. 

The survey sheds light on the qualities agencies seek in recruits and how they train them. 

Varied Training 

An overwhelming number of advisors – 96% – say that training is "essential or important" for new industry entrants. 

However, agencies rely on diverse methods of developing new consultants. Sixty-seven percent offer a job shadow with colleagues, and 38% use supplier training programs. Thirty-six percent provide industry webinars. 

Programs designed to cover a range of crucial advisor skills are rare. Twenty percent say their agency offers a specialized program for new advisors. Eighteen percent depend on KORE, an advisor education curriculum recently launched in Canada, and 16% use an industry program such as The Travel Institute. 

"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, SVP and GM, 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!" 

Critical Skills 

When asked about the essential elements advisor training should cover, the top three were customer service (58%), sales (47%), and booking travel (44%). 

Thirty-one percent chose solid communication skills, and 29% chose customer service. 

In addition, around a quarter 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 percent are seeking candidates with a travel industry background, and 33% are looking for people with client service experience. 

Career Benefits 

The survey found that 47% of respondents treasure the flexibility to work as much as they like from wherever they are. And 47% also enjoy making people's travel dreams come true. 

Over one-third appreciate the opportunity for continuous learning and development, and 27% join the industry for 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 results 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 21MAR to 14ARP, 2024.