A large part of your job is to educate your clients, and—as the gold standard in travel education—The Travel Institute’s job is to educate you!
We are excited to continue to bring you the most up-to-date knowledge you need to succeed in one of the fastest growing markets in the industry: Wellness Travel. In collaboration with the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA), we are thrilled to launch the 2nd Edition of our very popular Wellness Travel Specialist Course! It is included in your Premium Library!
Here is a sneak peek at an amazing interview with one of the course Insiders, Jackie Roby, Chief Excellence Officer at Inspired Journey Consulting.
According to Jackie, the four basic points in selling the wellness travel product are:
1. Alignment with clients’ goals (detox, emotional healing, relaxation, etc.)
Determining what clients are looking for from their wellness travel experience is the first step. While qualifying, you’ll learn if they are interested in detox, emotional healing, rest and relaxation, outdoor fitness adventures, etc. We know that if your clients are interested in cross-country skiing, sending them to a warm destination will not meet their needs. Similarly, a client looking for emotional healing may be unhappy at a weight loss retreat.
2. Level of customization/personalization
Finding a wellness resort, wellness retreat, or other facility that will spend time getting to know the client prior to or upon arrival is important. Those with programs that cater to different dietary needs, health concerns, and preferences can make or break the experience for your client. Many wellness travel suppliers customize itineraries or direct clients to curated programs that will accomplish their goals, and this may be just what your client is looking for.
3. Geographically suitable (timing, desire, pricing)
Depending on needs, wants, and how much time your client has to travel will determine the best geographic destination to some place near or far. Clients also will want to balance their financial spend priorities of transportation versus the experience itself.
4. Accommodation style (luxury, shared, private)
Wellness tour operators, retreats, and resorts have a variety of accommodation levels, so do consider your client’s comfort zone. The choices could include private rooms, sharing with someone in the group, luxury, minimalist, and even camping or “glamping” experiences.
5. Final tip
If the travel supplier meets the first three selling points but not accommodation style, still consider offering it to your client. Communicate the benefits and be clear on the accommodation style to manage expectations. Accomplishing their wellness goals may exceed their need for a luxury suite.
Jackie Roby is Founder and CEO of Boston-based Inspired Journey Consulting. She hosts the podcast Through Inspired Eyes, founded the #TravelCanHeal Initiative, is a co-author of the best-selling book The Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Soul-Aligned Business, and was selected as one of the Top 30 Inspiring Women to Look Out for in 2022 by Entrepreneurs Herald.
