Travel insights from Beth Kitzman, BDM for VAX VacationAccess

Diversity in Travel

Travel is beyond ramped back up! My business travel schedule has certainly hit the ground running at breakneck speed as well. My last few events have given me the opportunity to really spend some time talking to advisors about the main focuses in their business, the type of travel they feel confident selling and what kinds of travel they maybe don’t feel they are prepared to sell but would like to learn.

Diversity in travel is one of the areas that I hear many advisors feeling some doubt about. Many advisors feel that if they are not LGBTQ+ they have no right to sell to this community. I hear the same about ethnicity and accessibility, that perhaps if you don’t share the same diverse culture, you shouldn’t be offering travel advice to those that are not ‘the same as you’.

I beg to differ! I truly believe that if you approach clients with mutual respect, integrity and earnest sincerity in your willingness to do right for them with their vacation or travel experience, you should not shy away from clients that may intimidate you because they are not the same as you.

Summer 2021 Compass Magazine cover

There are resources at your fingertips that provide you most, if not all of what you need to be successful for your clients. The Compass digital articles, and the search on The Compass home page will provide you with an abundance of content that can offer travel inspiration, helpful destination guides and so much more. There is even an entire issue of The Compass magazine dedicated to diversity from Summer 2021 that has a wealth of rich content to enlighten and educate you.

I am, by no means, taking away from those advisors that do specialize this way. You have undoubtedly done your research to bring your specialized knowledge to you clients. We would love it if you might share some of your insight or advice to grow below as well!

In any case, it is crucial that clients are ensured a safe and enjoyable experience filled with positive memories of their travels.

About the Author

Beth Kitzman is the business development manager for Trisept Solutions' Agency Channel for VAX VacationAccess. Beth focuses on nurturing business relationships and finding exciting, unique ways for VAX to support travel agencies. With over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, beginning with Walt Disney World then working for airlines and now focusing on travel technology, Beth loves using her education degree to find ways to educate and empower travel agents to grow their leisure travel business.

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