It’s always a highlight of the year when we produce the issue that showcases our Trendsetter Awards recipients. And this year is no different — the 2024 group of standout travel advisors represents the best of the profession.
If you had to pick a general theme for this year’s Trendsetters, you can say they combine inventive ideas with a dedication to their clients and their peers. From a Taylor Swift affinity cruise that went viral, to an advisors’ guide for accessible travel, to a master class in Disney’s Genie+ technology, these advisors identified a need in the industry, and took matters into their own hands to fill it.
This year, we also debuted a new category, Saving the Day, which highlights some of the actions advisors have taken to save their clients’ dream trips. Agents in this category went the extra mile for customers (sometimes literally). I found this category to be especially inspiring, because at the end of the day, this exceptional level of customer service is a big reason more travelers are choosing to book with advisors.
When I shared the Trendsetter stories with him, he began to understand the benefits of working with an advisor.
Recently, a good friend of mine took his family of five on a three-week trip to Thailand. Despite my advice, he booked everything himself, and, to be fair, they had a wonderful vacation. At the same time, other friends were getting stranded by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, and some had to deal with major flight disruptions on their European trips — situations that were resolved much more easily with the help of an advisor. So, it’s possible that my friend just got lucky.
In any case, when I shared the Trendsetter stories with him, he began to understand the benefits of working with an advisor. He simply had no idea of the value until he heard these concrete examples.
If you want to be notified about next year’s Trendsetter Awards, send an email to letters@travelagewest.com, and we’ll be sure to reach out when 2025’s entries open.
