MVA: Most Valuable Agent—It’s Your Time To Shine

It’s official: This is the year of the deal. Whether your clients have money or not, they know they don’t have to pay rack rates. I recently searched pricing for a Caribbean cruise and, let me tell you, it was one of the most challenging tasks I have ever done. Onboard credits, complimentary land excursions, upgrades—the list seemed interminable. I finally did the sensible thing: I called a travel agent and announced my budget. One day later, I had several options to choose from.
As luxury travel advisors, you must promote the fact that you have mastered the art of the deal. Most suppliers will not admit it, but their pricing models are being compromised. In an up market, price parity is easy to administer. Today, even the chains are having a hard time controlling pricing. So, position yourselves as personal shoppers and watch your business grow in this down market.

John_qm2


This month’s cover story is on Dennis Pinto of Micato Safaris (see page 28). I call Dennis the “gentleman of luxury travel.” Why? Well, there is no one as polite or as cordial as Dennis. I have never taken a Micato Safari, but I feel like I know exactly what the experience would be like: bespoke, carefree and magical.


This family-run business is so passionate about what they do, and the warm personality they project is equally matched by the in-depth experience they have gained and cultivated over the life of the company.
Beyond that is the amazing work they’ve done with their AmericaShare foundation, which has helped thousands upon thousands of individuals over the years. We salute Dennis and his team for their unyielding passion for this very outstanding cause.
Excitement here is over our newly launched website, www.luxuryta.com. If you haven’t visited yet, take a look, you will find exclusive web stories, videos and value-added offers to supplement the great insider information you’ll find in our print publication. For luxury travel advisors, we also have a luxury social network just for you at AgentNation (www.travelagentcentral.com/agentnation). Join the revolution today!