Connect and get in touch with HollyDay Travel

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People and Links mentioned in this episode:

• Anna Shannon

• Travel Agent Finder - Find a travel agent

• Find out how Travel Agent Finder works for travel agent marketing

EPISODE SUMMARY

Episode Focus
Topic: Travel Agent Finder Platform - Connecting Travellers with Expert Agents
Host: Holly Velardo from HollyDay Travel (Port Noarlunga, South Australia)
Guest: Anna Shannon - Founder of Travel Agent Finder

Anna Shannon's Background
Travel industry innovator and entrepreneur with 15+ years experience
Former corporate marketing professional for leading brands
Became travel agent, managed agency, developed loyal clientele
Embraced home-based model focused on repeat and referral clients
Returned to marketing during COVID to help small businesses with digital presence
Combined marketing expertise with travel agent understanding to create Travel Agent Finder

Travel Agent Finder Platform Overview
Mission: Connect travellers with right expert agents and empower travel specialists
Current scale: Over 1,000 members (majority travel advisors plus supplier partners)
Features: Thousands of monthly leads, hundreds of agent profiles, traveller reviews
Growth: Evolved from pandemic passion project to thriving business
Community: Travel Trade Connect Hub for industry resources and connections

Platform Inspiration and Development
How the Platform Works

Key Platform Features

• For Travel Agents
  Two-tier packages: Different support levels available
  Profile optimisation: Specialist categories, badges, credibility markers
  Blog functionality: Showcase expertise and personal experiences (higher tier)
  Review system: Personalised links for client review collection
  Marketing resources: Monday Marketing Tips, how-to videos (5–10 minutes)

• For Travellers
  Search and compare: Filter by destination, travel type, specialisations
  Review access: Over 3,500 traveller-submitted reviews
  Specialist badges: Certified destination expertise visible
  Direct connection: Contact forms straight from agent profiles
  Trust building: Real person interaction, not just business logos

Holly's Success Story
Recent bookings: Two bookings worth over $30,000 each in three weeks
Profile optimisation: Used Anna's guides to transform profile effectiveness
ROI: Annual fee paid back "100 times over" with just two bookings
Client preference: Face-to-face meetings, personal connection valued
Review strategy: Welcome home emails with both Google and Travel Agent Finder review links

Platform Development and Features

Anna's Marketing Philosophy
Human connection: Advocating for personal service over automated booking
Strategic planning: Platform designed during pandemic with 80+ hours/week to think
Accessibility: Quick, actionable tips for busy travel agents
Education focus: Step-by-step guides rather than just information
Community building: "Rising tide lifts all boats" mentality

Review System Strategy
Traveller behaviour: 99% check reviews first when comparing agents
Reply importance: Agents should respond to reviews to show they're real people
Trust building: Reviews show independent validation of service quality
Warm leads: Travellers have already researched before making contact
Dual platform: Encourage reviews on both Google and Travel Agent Finder

Industry Trends Observed
Europe strength: Consistently strong search category
Closer destinations: Shift toward domestic/regional travel
Digital marketing evolution: Move from traditional to modern approaches
Specialist focus: Independent and home-based agents most engaged
Technology adoption: Need to embrace AI and digital tools or be left behind

Content Creation Strategy

Platform Success Factors

Advice for Travellers
Specialist value: Working with expert will "amplify your trip"
Platform quality: "Incredible, talented people" with high expertise levels
Search process: Start with destination, then filter by travel type and preferences
No bad choices: Quality control ensures all agents meet high standards
Personal recommendation: Anna "would never travel any other way"

Key Takeaways
Market need: Clear gap existed for agent–traveller connection platform
Digital necessity: Travel agents must embrace modern marketing or be left behind
Community power: Collaborative approach benefits entire industry
Specialisation value: Matching right agent with right traveller creates better outcomes
Personal service: Human connection still valued over automated booking systems