Recap: Insights from the Virtuoso Travel Tech Summit
This month, Legends had the privilege of attending the Virtuoso Travel Tech Summit at ARIA Resort Las Vegas, where industry leaders came together to discuss the future of travel technology and its role in enhancing human connection. The summit was a compelling reminder of the critical role that data and technology play in delivering personalized travel experiences, yet also emphasized the importance of maintaining the human touch.
Key Takeaways: The Power of Data and Human Connection
One of the standout sessions featured Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso, in a conversation with Simon Sinek. They delved into essential topics like active listening, the importance of empathy, and the concept of leadership as a continuous journey of learning. Upchurch pointed out that while technology and data are vital, the real art of travel advising lies in understanding and genuinely caring for clients. He echoed the sentiment that great leaders—and by extension, great travel advisors—are always learning, constantly refining their approach to better serve their clients.
This resonates deeply with what we observed at the summit: in the travel industry, human interaction is irreplaceable. People crave genuine connections and want to feel that someone cares about their unique experiences and needs. While AI can automate many tasks, it cannot replace the warmth and understanding that come from personal interaction.
The Role of Data in Personalization
The discussions also highlighted a critical need: travel advisors must have access to accurate and comprehensive data to provide the personalized service that clients expect. Data is not just about numbers; it’s about understanding client preferences, hobbies, life circumstances and travel history. This information allows advisors to create tailored experiences that resonate on a personal level.
At the summit, we heard from numerous advisors about the challenges of gathering and managing client data. The process of qualifying leads and understanding a client's full profile can be daunting and time-consuming. Advisors shared how they often gather client details through multiple channels—social media, podcasts, discovery calls—each requiring time and effort.
This is where centralizing client information becomes crucial. A tool like TravelDNA™ can play a significant role by bringing together all these pieces of information into one accessible platform. This not only streamlines the process for advisors but also enables them to deliver more nuanced and personalized recommendations.
Human Connection and the Art of Travel Advising
The insights shared by Simon Sinek about friendship and genuine care struck a chord. He noted that feeling connected and valued is what clients remember most. Travel is more than just visiting new places; it's about building relationships and fostering a sense of community. This aligns with the notion that travel advisors are not just service providers but trusted partners who help clients explore the world in a way that enriches their lives.
Upchurch and Sinek’s conversation underscored that being a good travel advisor isn't just about being efficient or knowledgeable—it's about being a good friend. It’s about creating moments of connection that make clients feel understood and valued.
The Path Ahead for Personalized Travel
Our time at the Virtuoso Travel Tech Summit reaffirmed our belief that while data is crucial, it is the human touch that truly differentiates great travel experiences. By leveraging tools that centralize data, advisors can better understand their clients and, in turn, offer more personalized and meaningful travel experiences.
We’re excited to announce the beta launch of TravelDNA™ for travel advisors, designed to centralize all client information into one seamless platform. This tool aims to help advisors save time and enhance their ability to deliver customized travel recommendations. But above all, TravelDNA™ is about enabling advisors to listen more effectively and to create those special connections that make each journey memorable.
A heartfelt thank you to the Virtuoso team—Gilad Berenstein and Sarah Schnierer, and everyone involved—for an inspiring event. The conversations we had and the insights we gained will undoubtedly help us all in our mission to enhance the travel experience. We look forward to continuing this journey together, where technology and humanity go hand in hand.
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Influential Leader | Strategic Products | Speaker
2moReally enjoyed our conceptual prototyping session with Shaina Shiwarski where we got to think big in diverse small groups about challenges faced in our industry. Really excited to watch her leadership drive continued success for Legends!