How To Gain More Group Travel Bookings

1. Identify Groups:

   • Look for groups of people connected by common interests or purposes, such as alumni associations, hobby clubs (like wine, pickleball, etc.), professional organizations, or retirees.
   • Ask existing contacts or clients about groups they belong to that might be interested in group travel.

2. Leverage Personal Networks:

   • Start with your own circle of family, friends, and acquaintances to identify potential groups.
   • Think about your connections to community groups, religious organizations, or local businesses.

3. Use Online Tools and AI:

   • Utilize tools like Google and AI platforms like Perplexity to research local groups, organizations, and their potential for group travel.
   • Search for organizations that have done group trips in the past, as they are more likely to be open to organizing more.

4. Engage in Fun Conversations:

   • Adopt an "antennas up" mentality, listening for travel-related discussions at social events, community meetings, or even casual settings like cafes.
   • Share your expertise casually to build rapport and explore opportunities.

5. Collaborate with Influencers and Media:

   • Partner with local radio personalities or influencers who can promote group trips to their audiences.
   • Offer co-branded "come along" trips where the influencer or personality joins and endorses the trip.

6. Focus on Decision-Makers:

   • Engage with leaders of organizations or group activities and ask about their travel history and interests.
   • Use qualifying questions to understand their travel needs and decision-making process, such as "How do you decide on your group trips?" or "What destinations excite your members?"

7. Create a Hit List:

   • Develop and maintain a list of potential groups, their contact information, past travel activities, and follow-up notes to track your outreach efforts systematically.

8. Attend Chamber of Commerce and Community Events:

   • Engage with local Chambers of Commerce and explore their networks for businesses and organizations interested in group travel.
   • Highlight the value of group travel for team-building or fundraising purposes.

9. Provide Value-Added Proposals:

   • Tailor group travel proposals based on the group's interests, such as culinary tours, sports trips, or cultural excursions.
   • Offer incentives like free trips for group leaders or unique perks for the group.

10. Qualify Prospects:

    • Focus on groups with a proven travel history or strong organizational leadership.
    • Be prepared to decline working with groups that lack commitment, clear leadership, or interest in travel to save time and effort.

Implementing these strategies can help an experienced travel agent build a pipeline of prospective clients for group travel bookings.