Travel Edge Network (TEN) has announced it has launched a new "Champions" program that features a group of hand selected advisors who will act as brand representatives and ambassadors for the luxury travel host agency network. The advisors, who represent diverse regions across the United States and Canada, were chosen following a call for applications.
The host agency says it narrowed applicants based on strong supplier relationships and potential to grow further, interest in continuing education and training and ability to represent the network at various industry events and trade shows. Selected "Champions" will also be required to attend virtual and live events for the group.
Among the benefits for advisors in being part of this exclusive group include access to attend key industry events and trade shows such as ILTM, DUCO, LE and PURE among others. Advisors will also have opportunities to serve as resources for trade and consumer media.
“The creation of the Champions program is an extension of the training and development we are committed to providing for our advisors to help them grow their business, enhance their profiles and exposure, and recognize their growth and success with additional opportunities to represent the network,” said Nadiya Makarenko, Senior Vice President of Travel Edge Network.
“This group truly represents the highest standards for our network – as well as for the industry - offering clients their extensive knowledge and expertise about destinations and travel experiences around the globe combined with access to the best partners in the industry through our network’s longstanding relationships.”
Travel Edge's inaugural Champions group includes 2 Canadians among 16 advisors:
- Alli Allen – Travel Edge (Atlanta, GA)
- Lisa Boyd – Life is Short Adventures (Birmingham, AL)
- Katie Carew – Travel Edge (New York)
- David Hawkraven - Designed Travel (Seattle, WA)
- Shaiy Howard – Travel by Shaiy (Miami, FL)
- Maru Hyndman – Travel Edge (La Jolla, CA)
- Linda Janourova – Travel Edge (Berkely, CA)
- Ajay Karah – Plan A Travel Solutions (Canada)
- Laura Kelley - Elsewhere by Laura (Toronto, Canada)
- Debbie Kessler - Leisure Travel Artist (Bay Area, CA)
- Amy Metzger – Travel Edge (Atlanta, GA)
- Brian Pentek – Luxe Life Travel (Chicago, IL)
- Trisha Pergande - Seven Oysters Travel (Minneapolis, MN)
- Anna Bright Schulte – Anna Bright Luxury Travel (Nashville, TN)
- Angela Adto Tepper - AZA Luxury Travel (New York)
- Susan Zurbin-Hothersall - Travel Edge (New York)
“I am thrilled and honored to be selected as one of the TEN Champions," said Trisha Pergande, owner of Seven Oysters Travel, in a release. “I joined the TEN because of their forward-thinking approach to enhance value for travel advisors, suppliers, and our clients. In addition to having the most extensive industry relationships to ensure that we get the best rates and exclusive VIP perks for our clients, the ADX booking platform is an industry gamechanger that has streamlined my business processes to save me time while also all providing me the tools to easily monitor my key business metrics. Most importantly, I love being part of TEN because it has helped connect me to other amazing advisors who openly share best practices and support each other.”
“It’s really exciting to be part of this new group and the many opportunities it provides, particularly the ability to represent TEN at industry events that are vital for growing my business,” said Anna Bright, Owner of Bright Luxury Travel. “This is yet another tool that TEN provides that makes me feel valued and supported. I truly feel as if TEN cares about me as an individual and understands the nuances of my business. To that point and as a direct result of using the proprietary ADX platform, I am now booking flights with ease for the first time and making commissions in a sector that I had previously been missing.”
The Champions program is an extension of the other training and development programs Travel Edge Network offers. This includes its Knowledge Trips to help advisors gain critical firsthand knowledge of Travel Edge Network’s preferred partners for hotel, air, tour operators and more, as well as Edge Advantage, which is geared to both new-to-business advisors as well as for tenured advisors who may need training in limited areas.
