Sam Yaffe. (Source: Sam Yaffe)
Success Stories focus on successful travel advisors and how they achieved that success. Here’s a look at Sam Yaffe, chief executive officer of Miller Place, N.Y.-based Crafty Getaways.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
My love for the travel industry began in 1998 when I started my career in the hospitality industry. I spent seven years working at The Plaza Hotel in various front office positions and moved over to the Westin Times Square to work in their business traveler department. I became curious about the world outside of New York. I listened to stories and wanted to learn more about the world around me. Those stories inspired me to travel and explore, which led me to the exciting world of planning travel. I wanted to create experiences create excitement around what the world has to offer.
How did you build your business over the years?
Over the years I was able to travel more and more. I began to put together unique experiences and offer them to friends and family, and eventually to strangers I have never met before. My motto has always been to do something different and by following that motto, I was able to gain customers through recommendations and word of mouth. From uniquely crafted tours to once-in-a lifetime travel opportunities, my travel business kept growing I was always on a quest to discover new opportunities, new partnerships with travel providers and new ways to create memories for customers.
What characteristic make you a successful advisor?
My passion for travel not only fuels my own wanderlust but also allows me to relate to and understand the desires of my clients The travel landscape is ever evolving with new destinations, trends and technologies. By staying up to date and adapting to these changes, I am able offer my clients the latest and most relevant information, ensuring they have a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Moreover, my dedication to customer service plays a crucial role in building strong relationships with my clients. My attentiveness to their needs, quick response times and ability to handle any challenges that arise during their trips make them feel valued and supported throughout their journey. This level of personalized care fosters trust, resulting in satisfied and loyal clients who confidently return for future travel plans.
What have been your greatest challenges been?
The pandemic was certainly a challenge. Having to navigate through all of the cancellations, uncertainties and restrictions certainly put a strain on everyone in the industry. This was something that nobody was ready for but we worked together to get through. One of the things I love about this industry is the fact that we have no competition. We work together to not only better ourselves but to also improve the industry.
What have your greatest accomplishments been?
I have two. The first is opening up my business in the heart of the pandemic in the fall of 2020. I took a chance and it has been absolutely amazing. Our business has grown over 100 percent since opening our doors and we have never looked back.
My second accomplishment is creating relationships and partnerships within the music industry. Come 2024, my team will be running tours for some of the biggest artists in the world. We will not only take care of the travel and hospitality portion of the tour we will also take care of production and everything else that comes along with a tour. We will have an amazing opportunity to work with Niall Horan, Imagine Dragons, Green Day, Harry Styles, Shaggy and more.
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry
Know your niche. Identify a specific area or type of travel that you are passionate about or have expertise in. Focusing on a niche will allow you to become an expert and cater to a specific clientele effectively.
Establish connections with airlines, hotels, tour operators and other travel providers. Having a reliable network will enable you to access better deals, exclusive offers and seamless arrangements for your clients.
Stay up to date with travel-related technology and platforms. Utilize travel agency software, online booking systems and social media to streamline your processes to reach a wider audience.
The travel industry is ever changing. Invest in ongoing education and training to keep your knowledge and skills relevant and up to date. Attend industry events, webinars and workshops to stay informed about the latest trends and developments.
Exceptional customer service is the key to building a loyal client base. Be attentive, responsive and go the extra mile to exceed your clients’ expectations. Word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers can be a powerful tool for your business.
Establish yourself as a knowledgeable travel expert by creating engaging content. Start a blog, share travel tips on social media and showcase your own travel experiences to build trust with potential clients.
Travel planning involves managing numerous details. Use tools like calendars, task lists, and project management software to stay organized to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Tailor your travel recommendations to suit each client’s preferences and needs. Understand their interests, budgets and travel goals to create personalized itineraries that leave a lasting impression.
Building a successful travel agency takes time. Be patient and stay persistent even during challenging times. Success in this industry often comes with consistent effort and dedication.
After completing a trip for your clients, ask for their feedback and reviews. Positive feedback can be used to showcase your services to potential clients, while constructive criticism helps you improve and refine your offerings.
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