Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran travel advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Amanda Scott, owner and CEO of Tycoon Travel Club.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I have always had a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial drive, combined with a deep love for customer-centric careers. These passions naturally led me to start my own travel agency, where I could blend my dedication to excellent service with my enthusiasm for helping others.
How did you build your business over the years?
I built my business by cultivating strong, long-term relationships with my clients. Instead of merely booking trips, I invest time in understanding their travel dreams, preferences and budgets. This personalized approach enables me to create unique experiences that exceed their expectations. By fostering trust and showing genuine care, my clients become more than just customers; they become advocates for my services. Today, a significant portion of my clientele comes from referrals, highlighting the effectiveness of word-of-mouth marketing driven by trust and satisfaction.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
My unwavering tenacity, strategic planning and dedication to exceptional client experiences are what have made me successful.
Every aspect of my business is led with a strong foundation of core values, ethics, and integrity ensures trust and reliability. By collaborating with suppliers, hotels, in-destination transportation and tour teams, I meticulously plan and execute strategies that align with client goals and enhance their experiences. With deep knowledge and expertise in the luxury and corporate incentive travel sector, I provide clients with unparalleled insights and solutions tailored to their unique needs.
What have your greatest challenges been?
Scaling the agency has been one of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects of my entrepreneurial journey. While there are numerous hurdles in growing a business, I realized early on that finding the right talent was a particularly demanding feat. Initially, I explored contracting agents, but after trial and error, I discovered that building a supportive administrative team as my foundation was a more effective approach.
What have your greatest accomplishments been?
One of my greatest accomplishments was generating over half a million dollars in bookings within my first 12 months. This significant achievement elevated my agency to top-tier status with suppliers and garnered the attention of hoteliers. Since 2017, I have consistently maintained Platinum or higher status with prestigious brands such as Le Blanc and Palace Resorts; AIC Hard Rock Resorts and UNICO, and Sandals & Beaches Resorts.
In 2023, I quadrupled the standardized top production target for Playa Hotels, and Resorts, earning the distinction of being the No. 1 travel advisor nationwide for their branded Hyatt Ziva and Zilara all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. These achievements showcase my commitment to delivering exceptional results for my clients.
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
If you are just starting out, don’t take the path of greatest resistance the way I did. My recommendation is to either start with a host agency or work as an independent contractor for a reputable, established agency. This will enable you to align yourself with a valuable support community and learn the industry in a fraction of the time. It’s crucial to take your time conducting your due diligence so you can decide on the best fit for your goals and values.
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