Advice for Young Travel Agents From G Adventures’ Bruce Poon Tip

Book trailer for Looptail, by Bruce Poon Tip. // Video by G Adventures

Travel Agent recently got a chance to meet with G Adventures Founder Bruce Poon Tip to talk about the management philosophy detailed in his new book, Looptail, as well as how young travel agents can succeed in today’s industry. 

Young travel agents are uniquely poised to succeed in today’s market thanks to the social media revolution, Poon Tip said. 

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“The philosophy of Looptail is only possible because of the revolution of the past five years,” Poon Tip said, referring to the management philosophy detailed in the book, which focuses on a sustainable business philosophy and creating a culture of exchange within an organization. 

“Travel agents have had a tough ten years, where they’ve had to fight for their place,” Poon Tip said. “There’s been a thinning of the herd, where only the true professionals remain.”

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The social media revolution has meant that many of the tools now available to build an agent’s personal brand are free, Poon Tip said. The younger generation of travelers, like the young generation of agents, is using technology to make purchase and employment decisions. 

For agents just getting into the business, or looking to grow, Poon Tip advises looking to find a purpose in travel. 

“People don’t go into travel to get rich,” Poon Tip said. “It’s romantic. Find your passion, and even though it may be a small part of what you’re doing now, it can be something to work toward.”

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A purpose-driven business model, Poon Tip said, is more appealing when it comes to connecting with active, engaged travelers. “The all-you-can-eat buffet isn’t all that exciting to younger travelers,” he said. “It isn’t going to be selling commodity cruise and escort packages anymore.”

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