TravelOnly stars celebrated at President’s Club retreat on board Celebrity Beyond

TravelOnly recently hosted its seventh annual President’s Club retreat, held exclusively for the host agency’s top-producing associates, on board Celebrity Cruises’ brand-new ship, Celebrity Beyond.

The trip, which took place last month, brought together an esteemed group of travel pros that have earned more than $150,000 in revenue (or more).

“Our mission and goal as a company is to empower the advisor,” said Gregory Luciani, president and CEO of TravelOnly. “To share new ideas, experience luxury firsthand, and build relationships. That’s critical to our success.”

This year’s trip, which hosted 20 TravelOnly associates, unfolded inside the uber-chic Retreat Class section on Celebrity Beyond.

“This is an opportunity to reward people who work really, really hard,” Luciani noted. “This past year was the best year we’ve ever had, commission-wise, for our agents. They’re doing something right.”

A very special group

The President’s Club is a very special group, Mr. Luciani explained, noting that many top producers go out of their way to help each other and others within the company.

The Retreat gave advisors an opportunity to absorb epic ocean views, enjoy the refined elegance of the Retreat Class experience, and to fully embrace the Las Vegas-style shows.

There were excursions, too, notably in Costa Maya, where advisors dined, drank and swam at the famous Krazy Lobster – a popular beach club.

Quality time with suppliers

But the trip was much more than a luxurious getaway at sea. For top producers, it was an opportunity to spend quality time with TravelOnly’s preferred suppliers.

One-on-one opportunities, in a relaxed environment (which isn’t always achievable at industry events) is “the bedrock” of the retreat, Luciani explained.

“From a preferred supplier perspective, it’s a home run for them,” he said. “They get to sit down with our top people, build relationships, generate immediate sales and figure out new ways to work together.”

Above & beyond

PAX had an opportunity to spend time on Celebrity Beyond during its North American launch last year.  

All suites on Beyond come with access to The Retreat, which is now 40 per cent larger than any other suites-only area on Celebrity cruise ship.

This exclusive area has a private pool, lounge and dining area. For AquaClass fans, Beyond offers a new category of staterooms with AquaClass Sky Suites. 

With the ability to forge new relationships, associates can “reinvent” themselves, Luciani said.

Something that is key to TravelOnly’s success.

“We’re a collective group,” he added. “As we forge our relationships, we become stronger and more valuable to our partners.”

Believe in yourself

So, how do you become a top producer?

“First thing’s first is to believe you can do it,” Luciani said. “Associates have to believe in themselves. It’s a level of confidence that doesn’t come down to just knowing the product or having the client relationship.”

“It’s believing in yourself and having support to get you to that next level.”

Ann Luciani, TravelOnly’s owner and CFO, noted that top producers tend to sell products that are “more complex and require months of planning,” such as destination weddings, meetings and incentive trips, and niche-specific group travel.

“There are people watching the President’s Club trips who are motivated to earn more commission and become part of this group,” she said. “It’s an incentive for next year and we look forward to the next experience.”

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