Global Travel Advisor Day 2025: Celebrating the heart of travel

Behind every extraordinary journey is a travel advisor whose passion, expertise, and personal touch turn dreams into reality. Today, on Global Travel Advisor Day, we pause to celebrate the travel professionals who make the world feel more connected, more vibrant, and more accessible — one journey at a time.

At 1000 Mile Travel Group, we believe that travel advising is more than just a profession; it’s an art form built on relationships, knowledge, and care. Our advisors are not just booking trips — they’re crafting life-changing experiences, offering peace of mind, and guiding travelers toward memories that will last a lifetime.

In this spirit of celebration, we’re shining a light on the strategies, habits, and values that set our top-performing advisors apart. From smart time management and niche development to building lasting client relationships and growing their businesses with the right support, our advisors exemplify what it means to thrive in today’s dynamic travel industry.

Throughout this blog, you’ll hear directly from our advisors and leadership team as they share their stories, insights, and advice — offering a glimpse into the dedication, creativity, and heart that define success at 1000MTG.

We are proud to walk alongside these remarkable individuals every step of the way, supporting their passion and empowering them to build businesses — and lives — that reflect their dreams.

To all travel advisors: today, we celebrate you. Thank you for inspiring the world to explore, connect, and dream bigger.

What are some of the key strategies or technologies you use to stay on top of your workload?

“I give lots of credit to my Outlook Calendar.  I use it to keep me organized through the day and I make daily task lists.  Prioritizing my days, hour by hour, for what needs to get done daily works best with keeping me on task.  Since being introduced to Tramada, my timing on finishing invoices and recording processes has massively improved. When I am working from home, there can be many distractions, but my family respects my professional space and the time I need to invest in it each business day.  This is paramount to having a productive and successful day.” – Andrea Keiderling Fehl, 1000MTG Affiliate Travel Advisor 

How did you decide upon and develop your niche?

“As far as developing my niche, I have really tried to concentrate on the luxury market since joining 1000 Mile Travel Group several years ago. We have access to so many great programs through Virtuoso and 1000 Mile Travel, it’s hard not to take advantage and make it the core of your business. Like the old saying, I find that quality over quantity works best when taking on new clients. Spending a little extra time with each client and adding the special touches to each itinerary keeps them coming back and referring me to their friends. This has been a steady way to grow my business while maintaining my focus on the luxury market.” – Bret Staehling, 1000MTG Affiliate Travel Advisor 

“Early in my travel career, I worked as a Travel Arranger who used a large TMC to book travel. I eventually ended up moving to that same TMC myself and worked in various roles throughout the leisure, wholesale, and then finally, the Corporate business. I learnt so much in the years leading up to joining the Corporate division, everything from being on the phone constantly, multi-tasking, attention to detail, and building relationships. As a travel arranger previously myself, I knew what I appreciated and needed to get the job done with the least amount of time and back and forth. All of this experience led me to thrive in the business world, where my clients all valued my knowledge, but also my speedy and accurate responses. I really found my niche because I realised how much my clients valued what I brought to them. I’ve travelled extensively myself, so I understand how to plan trips and ensure everything is taken care of, but also know how to fix problems if they arise, anything from flight cancellations to worldwide tech outages. I value the partnerships I’ve built with my clients over the years and really feel the best offering I have is to the Corporate world.” – Erin Price, 1000MTG Independent Travel Advisor 

How do you maintain long lasting relationships with your clients?

“Building enduring client relationships takes time and intentional effort. Every interaction matters—whether it’s actively listening to their needs, making them feel valued and supported, or tailoring travel solutions to fit their unique preferences. I strive to create experiences that resonate personally with each client, ensuring they feel understood and cared for. Equally important is seeking their feedback and reviews. This not only shows I value their perspective but also allows me to adapt and improve, elevating the relationship to the next level. When clients trust that you have their best interests at heart, it lays the foundation for a partnership that lasts.” – Ryo Arashima, 1000MTG Independent Travel Advisor

How has being part of 1000 Mile Travel Group impacted your business?

“I am a leisure agent in 1000 Mile Travel Group, and there are actually several key elements that have significantly impacted my business. Let me start with the three I consider most personally meaningful:

• Community, Suppliers, and Vibe (The Original Core)
  – Community: At conferences and office days, you talk to others, you get to know people, and see who is going to work with your business. You can also see a wide range of what is happening across travel, and everyone is up to have a conversation. It is also handy in case of problems that arise or something you do not understand, as there is someone to help within the network who is ready to help or has some knowledge.
  – Suppliers: The relationships that exist between suppliers and 1000 Mile Travel Group are second to none, there are great relationships and exclusives that have a benefit to my business and my customers/clients.
  – Vibe: As it was once said in the small Australian classic movie ‘The Castle’ it’s the vibe. In the movie, he was talking about the Australian Constitution, but in this context, it is 1000 Mile Travel. With 1000 Mile Travel Group, everyone, not only agents but the support staff and suppliers, is all about getting success for you, and this stems from the Founders of Nic and Ben, and passed through each country to create the great vibe of 1000 Mile Travel Group.
  Business Advantages (The Additional Impact)
• Credibility & Trust: Being part of 1000MTG has given my business instant credibility in the market. When clients see that I’m part of a larger, established network, it provides them with additional confidence in my services. This is especially valuable as a relatively new business in the travel industry.
  – Operational Support: The affiliation provides me with robust back-office support, allowing me to focus more on what matters most – creating amazing travel experiences for my clients. I have access to advanced booking systems and regular professional development opportunities, which help me stay at the top of my game.
  – Financial Benefits, through 1000MTG’s group buying power, I can access:
  – Enhanced commission structures
  – Exclusive rates and packages
  – Reduced operational costs: These benefits allow me to offer better value to my clients while maintaining a sustainable business model.
• Marketing Muscle: The affiliation gives me access to professional marketing materials and templates, plus the advantage of being associated with a respected brand in the travel industry. This has been invaluable in building my brand presence in the market.
  As an Independent Contractor with 1000MTG, these combined elements have created a strong foundation for my business, allowing me to focus on what I do best – helping people fulfill their travel dreams and achieve a more fulfilling life through exceptional travel experiences.” – Luke Jones, 1000MTG Independent Travel Advisor

“1000 Mile Travel Group has helped me feel like I have a partner walking this travel journey with me.  As an independent agent, there is no way to keep on top of everything.  We Travel Experts can be head down, knee deep in creating tours and trips of a lifetime for clients, thus we can’t be everywhere at once, reading everything travel-related. 1000MTG gives me added confidence that when I am selling a product that I can find on their vetted supplier list, I am good. If I come across a problem, I can talk to my Account Manager for help and advice, and sometimes just a voice to listen to what happened. They have given us tools to grow and track our business, which I found just enough.  I sell travel, not software. I am proud to be part of 1000MTG.  I could go to other HOSTS who have courted me, but so far, this is just what I need: a partner next to me for travel business.” – Kelly Nadir, 1000MTG Affiliated Travel Advisor 

From your perspective, what are the key habits and strategies that set top-performing 1000MTG advisors apart?

“After more than a decade working with independent travel advisors, I’ve found that what sets top performers,  like those who join 1000MTG,  apart from the rest of the industry is surprisingly simple. 1000MTG travel advisors don’t just book trips – they make travel effortless. From luxury getaways to corporate travel, they deliver personalised, high-touch service backed by smart systems and technology and trusted supplier partners. Clients keep coming back because every detail is handled, every time – and that kind of experience speaks for itself.” – Veronica, Business Partnerships Manager

“Top-performing 1000MTG advisors excel through strong client relationships, deep understanding of their clients’ needs, and consistently delivering high-touch, personalised service. They combine a sharp business mindset with innovative technology, strong referral networks, ongoing supplier training, and active engagement in industry forums like the 1000MTG Conference, Virtuoso and ILTM—while also investing in personal branding to position themselves as trusted travel experts.” – Lauren G, General Manager Australia

How does 1000MTG equip its advisors with the tools and resources they need to excel, whether in time management, niche development, or sales growth?

“At 1000 Mile Travel Group, our boutique model is intentional—it allows us to offer tailored, one-on-one support to every advisor. There’s no waiting in line or submitting tickets for help. Each advisor has direct access to our head office team and specialist support departments, ensuring they get the tools, guidance, and answers they need—quickly and efficiently. Whether it’s time management, niche development, or driving sales growth, our hands-on approach empowers advisors to thrive in their business.” – Chelsea, 1000MTG Strategic Resourcing Specialist

“We’re here to help our travel experts build the business they’ve always dreamed of — one that fits their lifestyle, their goals, and their passion for travel. At 1000 Mile Travel, success isn’t one-size-fits-all. We meet our experts where they are and give them the support to go as far as they want to go. Here’s how we support them every step of the journey:

• Smart Systems & Tools – From market-leading booking platforms to online reporting and automation tools, we give our travel experts everything they need to work efficiently and professionally.
• Sales & Business opportunity and advice – We offer tailored training and one on one support to help our travel experts grow revenue, build client loyalty, and confidently sell premium travel, in addition to providing business to help grow their travel portfolios.
• Training & Industry updates  – We offer regular training and supplier updates, as we know this is key to keeping up to date in this ever-changing industry.
• Niche & Brand Support – Whether it’s luxury, corporate, or adventure travel, we help agents define their niche and market themselves with purpose.
• Time Management Help – With proven workflows and community support, our advisors avoid burnout and focus on what really matters.
• A Thriving Community – We’re more than a network — we’re a team. Our travel agents collaborate, learn, and grow together with the support of our Head office team in every area of their business.” – Morgan, 1000MTG Sales and Account Manager

Have you seen any standout examples of collaboration making a difference?

“I’m always inspired by how generous and supportive the 1000MTG network is. I recently heard about two advisors who connected after one reached out for advice on corporate groups. It started as a simple exchange of advice, but it’s turned into an ongoing mentorship-style relationship that’s been become meaningful for both of them. More broadly, I’ve noticed more and more advisors reaching out to one another (and on 1000MTG Hub!) to collaborate on everything from supplier strategies to managing sub-agent teams. That kind of open dialogue and peer-to-peer support really speaks to the strength of this community.” – Amanda, Account Manager North America

What advice would you give to advisors who want to take their business to the next level?

“Back yourself and know your worth. Success comes when you align your passion with the right support, tools, and network.If you’re thinking about making the move—do it for your freedom, your income, and your future. You don’t have to do it alone, and with the right host, the sky truly is the limit.” – Natalie, Strategic Resourcing Specialist

“The single biggest piece of advice I can offer is: never underestimate the power of relationships. In this industry, relationships are everything. The connections you build—with your clients, preferred partners, fellow advisors, and especially your host network—can be the difference between a good business and a thriving one. At 1000 Mile Travel Group, you’re never going it alone. You’re surrounded by a community of like-minded professionals who genuinely want to see you succeed. The access we have to top-tier preferred partners means you’re always able to offer elevated experiences and added value to your clients, and those relationships are built on trust and consistency. When you show up and engage, those partners go the extra mile for you.Lean into the network. Collaborate with other advisors. Ask questions, share wins, and learn from those around you. 1000MTG isn’t just a host—it’s a powerhouse of support, mentorship, and opportunity. If you’re willing to invest in your relationships, the rewards come tenfold.Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to take your business to the next level, surround yourself with people who elevate you—and 1000MTG is exactly that kind of environment.” – Christy, General Manager North America

Taking business to the next level, the IC needs a host that supports their lead growth and works with them directly and guides them on marketing themselves, and provides key tools and solutions to do just that.  Joining 1000MTG – they receive a holistic host service, supporting them from onboarding through to building a business upon their desired goals.” – Alex, General Manager United Kingdom