Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Save your spot for Prep for Wave Week :) https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/prep-for-wave-week

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776


Get ready for some real talk about building a travel business that actually makes money!

I brought together three incredible travel advisors at completely different stages.

From a newbie who hit $500K in her first year to a seasoned pro running multiple businesses, they're spilling just a few of their secrets.

You'll hear exactly how they're getting clients through word-of-mouth marketing, what tech they're actually using, and the biggest misconceptions about owning a travel agency.

Plus, they get brutally honest about their biggest pain points, from figuring out when to hire help to managing clients who span the globe.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale past seven figures, these insights will give you that boost your business needs.

Judi Lombardi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judi-lombardi-25580825/

Leah Iudice: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-iudice-90806316/

Stephen Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sscott2378/


Questions this episode answers:

• What are the best CRM systems for travel agencies and travel advisors?
• How do travel advisors get clients without spending money on advertising
• What tech stack do successful travel advisors actually use daily?
• How to scale a travel business from $500K to over $1 million in sales?
• What are the biggest challenges facing new travel agency owners?
• How do travel advisors track commissions and manage finances?
• What is the best way to get referrals for a travel business?
• How much do travel advisors charge in fees for their services?
• What are the biggest mistakes new travel advisors make when starting?
• How to choose the right suppliers and partners for a travel agency?
• What does it take to become a successful luxury travel advisor?
• How to transition from employee to independent travel advisor successfully
• What workflow systems do profitable travel agencies use?
• What are the pros and cons of specializing in specific travel niches?

Enjoy (and take action)!

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Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
rita@steeryourmarketing.com

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Save your spot for Prep for Wave Week :) https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/prep-for-wave-week

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776


Looking for tour operators who aren't just another name on the major booking platforms?

I'm breaking down the messy but wonderful world of finding those hidden gem operators who create truly unique experiences for your clients.

We explore the blurry lines between travel advisors and tour operators, decode confusing industry terms like DMCs and receptive operators, and tackle the real challenges around payments, communication, and building trust.

My guest Mitch Bach from Tourpreneur shares insider secrets on how to move beyond the big platforms and connect directly with local operators who can deliver those wow-factor trips your clients are actually asking for.

Plus, we cover the homework you need to do before reaching out and the best practices that turn one-time bookings into lasting partnerships.

Mitch's list of Tour Operator Terminology: https://tourpreneur.com/tour-operator-terminology/

Register for Tour Week: https://tourweek.travel/

Tourpreneur FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tourpreneur/


Questions this episode answers:

• What is the difference between a travel advisor and a tour operator?
• What are the different types of tour operators travel advisors should know about?
• What is a DMC and how does it differ from other tour operators?
• What is the difference between inbound and outbound tour operators?
• Why do tour operators prefer working directly with travel advisors instead of booking platforms?
• What insurance do travel advisors need when operating group trips?
• How can travel advisors build trust with tour operators?
• How can travel advisors find niche and specialty tour operators?
• What credentials should travel advisors look for when vetting tour operators?
• Where can travel advisors network with tour operators in person?
• What technology tools help travel advisors work with tour operators?
• What questions should travel advisors ask potential tour operator partners?

Enjoy (and take action)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
rita@steeryourmarketing.com

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Save your spot for Prep for Wave Week :) https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/prep-for-wave-week

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776



Ready to turn your travel expertise into speaking opportunities that actually grow your business?

I'm breaking down my exact process for crafting speaking topics that get you booked, from nailing the specificity that makes event organizers stop scrolling to strategically planning around the offers you want to pitch at the end.

You'll get my insider tips on what you actually need to submit when applying for speaking gigs, plus the etiquette and professionalism tricks that separate the pros from the not-yet-ready's.

Whether you're eyeing podcast guesting, formal presentations, or webinar hosting, I'm sharing the behind-the-scenes tactics that have helped me land speaking opportunities with other renowned industry leaders.

Apply to be a speaker at Host Week 2026: https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/speakers



Questions this episode answers:

• What makes a speaking topic specific enough to stand out from competitors
• How can I tailor my speaking topics to different audiences?
• What's the difference between podcast guesting and formal presentation requirements?
• How do I plan my speaking topics around what I want to sell?
• How should I dress and set up my space for virtual speaking engagements?
• How do I use ChatGPT to improve my speaking topic titles?
• What questions should I prepare for podcast interviews?
• How do I drop content mentions during my presentation without being pushy?
• How many speaking topic proposals should I submit to one event?
• How do I turn speaking opportunities into actual travel clients?
• What lighting and background setup makes me look professional on camera?

Enjoy (and take action)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
rita@steeryourmarketing.com