Skip to main content

Happy New Year! There’s nothing like the fresh start of a new year to set some goals and think about how you want your travel agency to look in 2025. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at this for a while, now is the perfect time to figure out what you want to create this year. It’s never too late to relaunch your business and find success — trust me, I’ve seen it happen.

Look Back Before You Move Forward

Before you dive into planning, take a second to look back at last year. What went well? What didn’t? Be honest with yourself, not to beat yourself up, but to figure out what’s worth keeping and what you might want to change. The best part about reflecting is it helps you focus on what matters most for the year ahead. Do not look at past failures as a weakness. We learn from our challenges.

Dream, Then Plan

Start by asking yourself some big-picture questions:

  • What kind of business do I want to have?
  • Who do I really want to work with?
  • What can I focus on to stand out?
  • How can I make my clients feel extra special?

Once you have a vision, break it down into smaller, doable steps. Maybe you want to specialize in destination weddings or cruises. Or maybe you just want to organize your bookings better. Whatever it is, write it down and plan to get there. If writing it down makes you nervous, don’t be nervous. You can do this.

Set Goals You Can Actually Reach

Here’s the thing about goals: they need to be realistic. Instead of saying, “I’ll book a ton of trips,” try something more specific like, “I’ll book five groups by June.” Having clear, realistic goals will keep you motivated and help you track your progress. We all want more business, but having goals that are reachable are necessary to start the year off.

Freshen Things Up

The new year is a great excuse to give your business a little makeover. Maybe it’s time to update your website, create a fun new logo or try out a fresh marketing strategy. Even small changes can make a big difference and show your clients you’re serious about what you do.

Learn Something New

The travel industry is always changing, so why not take some time to learn something new? Sign up for a webinar, check out a training program or dive into a destination you’ve never sold before. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel — and confidence is contagious. Learning is a great part of our business.

Build Relationships That Matter

If I’ve learned one thing over the years, it’s that relationships are everything. Spend time building connections with your clients, suppliers and even other agents. The stronger those relationships are, the easier it will be to grow your business. And don’t forget to follow up with your clients after their trips — it shows you care and keeps you top of mind for their next vacation. People need connection to feel valued.

Be Ready To Roll With It

Let’s face it, in this business things don’t always go as planned. The travel world can be unpredictable, so it’s important to stay flexible. If something doesn’t work out, don’t sweat it. Learn from it, adjust and keep moving forward. Every challenge is a chance to grow.

You’ve Got This!

The start of a new year is the perfect time to take charge of your business and make it what you want it to be. Whether that means rebranding, learning new skills or just getting more organized, the possibilities are endless. And remember, you don’t have to do it all at once — small, consistent steps will get you there.

Here’s to an amazing 2025 for you and your travel agency. I can’t wait to see what you create!


About the Author

Author image

Jennifer Dugan is an experienced travel professional and owner of Dugan’s Travels. She has over 25 years of experience in the travel industry and when not busy running her business, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.


comments

1000 characters remaining
Comment as:

Betty V. | 02/14/25 - 09:07 AM



  | reply

CL R. | 01/14/25 - 05:56 PM

1   | reply


show less

The Compass Search

Find articles that you might be interested in reading