From the organizers of Global Travel Marketplace (GTM) comes a series of articles about Travel Weekly's invitation-only conference. Here, a profile of Melissa Varela, one of the travel professionals who is attending the event this summer. For more information about GTM, including how to apply, click here.
Melissa Varela, owner of Modern Romance Travel in San Ramon, Calif., is a member of the GTM Advisory Board and will be attending GTM this year as both a veteran and a GTM success story. She attributes her sales growth to the relationships she formed while attending GTM.
Varela decided to attend GTM because it gained her recognition as one of the top travel advisers in the country.
Melissa Varela
"I wanted to attend GTM because I knew that it was an exclusive event for top-producing travel advisers," Varela said. "When you're selected to attend, you're included among the ranks of the best travel advisers in North America. I truly appreciate GTM's rigorous screening process. When suppliers meet you at GTM, they take you seriously and know you are credible because of this vetting process."
Varela was a selected participant in 2015 and attended again in 2016 as an Advisory Board member. Attendance at both events enabled her to establish and foster relationships with suppliers.
"The discussions I had at GTM were more powerful than those at any of the events I have attended," she said. "GTM definitely strengthened my business with Exclusive Group Travel. When I met Joe Jiffo, vice president of sales, in 2015 we immediately established a great connection. This relationship has now developed into a partnership, and my bookings with Exclusive Group Travel have grown 362% in the last year thanks to GTM."
GTM and GTM West are appointment-only events that connect the most productive travel advisers in North America with global travel suppliers in powerhouse, one-on-one appointments and exclusive boardroom sessions. This boutique-style event supports the best sellers in the business, encouraging them to expand their supplier portfolio and grow their global book of business.
GTM West will be held at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa in Henderson/Las Vegas May 18 to 20. Applications for GTM West will close in early April. GTM takes place at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale, Fla., July 9 to 11. Travel advisers who are selected to attend are fully hosted, including airfare, hotel and all meals during the event.
When asked why Varela believes travel advisers should make the commitment and apply to a GTM event, she said, "GTM provides exceptional relationship-building opportunities. You will be introduced to new suppliers and destinations. The travel industry is based on relationships -- with our clients, tour operators and suppliers. Partnerships and opportunities have been created from the relationships I have made from attending GTM."
If you would like to meet Varela and other top performers, apply for the GTM events. For more information on both events, please visit www.globaltravelmarketplace.com.