Signature Travel Network recently held its 2024 Regional events, reinforcing its commitment to educate and connect advisors and partners. The events, held in Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles and Ft. Lauderdale, drew more than 1,200 attendees and featured 7,000+ appointments and 50+ presentations over the course of one month.
The Regionals comprised three key components:
- Regional Management Meetings: Focused on network growth, sales performance, and priorities for leveraging Signature’s marketing, sales, training and technology tools.
- Embark Sales Bootcamp: Designed for new-to-industry advisors with an emphasis on building strong client relationships.
- Travel Exchanges: Facilitated networking and experience sharing among advisors and Signature preferred partners.
As part of the Regional Management Meetings, Signature Travel Network reported impressive sales growth across various travel segments. Overall preferred cruise sales are up 21% for 2024 compared to 2023, with luxury and river cruises leading the way. River cruise sales for 2025 have shown a remarkable 45% increase compared to the same time last year. In the land travel category, FIT and luxury segments are performing exceptionally well, up 25% in 2024 compared to 2023. Additionally, guided tours and FIT/luxury travel for 2025 are up 25% compared to the previous year. Exploration Travel, which includes expedition cruises, active and adventure experiences, has seen a 14% increase in 2024, with bookings for 2025 up by 36%.
Each Travel Exchange location offered unique destination experiences, including evenings with South Africa Tourism and African Travel, Inc., Tourism Fiji and Aruba Tourism Authority. In Chicago, Travel Weekly’s 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Ignacio Maza, delivered keynote sessions on “Asia: Beyond the Ordinary” and “Solo Travel: Our Next Great Opportunity.”
“The small group setting was incredibly beneficial,” said Amanda Arias, Travel Advisor at Sun Travel. “The combination of lecture time and group work fostered an open and collaborative environment, making the experience both enjoyable and productive.”
“The opportunity to network and collaborate with dedicated travel advisors was invaluable. In an industry fueled by connection, fostering and strengthening relationships with members across the network allows us to better serve advisor partners and their clients,” said Corey Lassman, Director of National Accounts, Signature Travel Network Preferred Partner, Villas of Distinction. “I truly appreciate the chance to engage with passionate professionals in our industry, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration with Signature Travel Network advisors.”
In an effort to support local communities through its Travel Elevates program, Signature Travel Network partnered with local organizations in L.A. and Ft. Lauderdale (Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, The People Concern and Visit Lauderdale) to donate materials and proceeds to Sojourn for survivors of domestic violence and Seafarers’ House for refugees.
“This year’s Regionals were incredible. Seven events in four cities, and we were able to engage with 75% of our owners, 200 partners and more than 1000 advisors,” said Alex Sharpe, president and CEO of Signature Travel Network. “It’s invigorating to see the exchange of information, knowing the knowledge and strong connections between advisors and preferred partners create for even better travel experiences for members’ clients.”
Signature Travel Network’s next opportunity to bring advisors and partners together will be at its annual conference, taking place November 11-14, 2024 at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada.