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NOT SURPRISINGLY, given that their ages range from 20s to early 30s, Millennials are the prime target market for honeymoons, as well as for trips to celebrate engagements or have a bachelor/bachelorette party. Interestingly, this younger demographic also travels more often for vow renewals. With that in mind, we reached out to some top-selling Millennial travel agents, including several of Travel Agent's "30Under30" advisors, for their take on the what, how and where of selling honeymoons not only to their peers, but also across the romance spectrum. Here are some of their thoughts on the subject, along with a few observations and suggestions of our own.
Suggest Two Honeymoons
Rebecca Norrbom of Holiday Cruises & Tours in Las Vegas tells Travel Agent that she's been hearing a lot of the word "mini-moon" lately to basically describe a short, more affordable honeymoon that newlyweds can take while they save up for a more elaborate dream vacation.
"Couples may not be able to afford their dream honeymoon immediately after paying for a wedding," she says. "I am seeing more and more of the brides and grooms footing the majority of the bills. A mini-moon allows the couple to get away on a short two- to three-night [vacation] while giving time to save for their dream honeymoon. Leveraging consortia hotel partnerships and amenities is a great way to prove your value during the mini-moon."
Start Selling LGBT Weddings/Honeymoons
"LGBT is a growing market segment and it's only going to get bigger in the coming years. Not many agencies specialize in working with the LGBT community; why not you?" asks Andrey Zakharenko of Always Travel in San Francisco. "Start with looking at your local market and figure out a way to reach them. Then sit down and make a list of destinations, hotels, cruise lines that are LGBT friendly, highlight those that are taking the extra step to make [these travelers] feel welcome."
Note: During a panel discussion on LGBT travel trends and patterns at last September's Travel Industry Exchange, LoAnn Halden, communications director for the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), told the agents in attendance, "The biggest evolution is that we are recognized as a viable market now," adding that this market is estimated to be...