While chasing numbers has never been the focus for the luxury network, the growth from seven agency partners to 25 in under two years was described by GM Nikki Glading as a “very exciting” chapter in line with a “careful growth” strategy.
“We still have really strict criteria around who we invite to be a part of the community and that hasn’t changed,” she told Travel Daily.
“For us, it remains about meeting that criteria, that means entrepreneurialism, a commitment to really strong customer service, and yes, selling a high percentage of luxury product,” Glading added.
The LTC chief conceded there are still many suited agencies in Australia the group is continuing to discover all the time.
“We keep getting introduced to these amazing young entrepreneurs or people that have been outside of the main focus and as a result we have just met so many wonderful new business leaders.”
Typically, prospective members are coming to LTC because they are searching for a new way to elevate their business, she said.
Meanwhile, Flight Centre Travel Group Global MD Luxury and Independent Brands, Danielle Galloway, told Travel Daily that its recent launch of The Club by LTC (TD 13 Oct) for solo independent agents and its affiliate model launched late last year (TD 14 Nov 2024) will hold LTC in good shape for growth.
“We have landed in a really good place that sets us up for some strong growth into the next 12 months with both these models in play,” she said.
While Link Travel Group member Complex Travel Group was the foundation of the affiliate model, LTC has since added fellow Link member Travel Project, as well as Envoyage member National Travel Group.
“It’s really wonderful for us because networks like Link have a really beautiful community, and
people like Mark Trim’s Complex Travel Group get to span both,” Glading noted.
LTC unveils digital age
Meanwhile, the group is preparing to roll out a new intelligent digital platform from early next year that will give its members more intuitive access to luxury product details and inspire long-term sales success.
Revealed during an update from LTC Global Head of Product Shannon Fogarty in Hong Kong, the Product Showroom will seek to inspire more ideas, provide a deeper level of product info, and eliminate search duplication through multiple platforms.
“When there is scattered information and a thousand clicks to get to something, it makes things very difficult, [this platform] will create one space to see a product’s unique selling points…in a meticulously organised intuitive interface,” Fogarty enthused.
“All the hidden gems that are part of our collection will be available and visible, and [members] will be able to show their clients experiences that they may never have thought of before and really create something unique and beautiful.”
Saving time will be another key benefit, Fogarty explained, with product listings to include a list of all the BDMs across the country for any training or assistance, as well as key details like commissions and tactical offers.
Members will be able to compare different products as well, with the new platform providing filters to narrow down product options faster and match the right client to the right travel experience.
Suppliers will also have added benefits, with the platform to feature the option to spotlight new or interesting product features for LTC members.
So that members will be ready to use the new tool upon launch, training materials will be sent out in the next few months.
