Jamie Biesiada
When it comes to social media in the time of coronavirus, Dorie Fader Teitelbaum, founder of Chicago-based Andiamo Travel, suggests travel advisors carry on as usual, albeit with captions that make sense.
"I think it's important to still post things, but with the caveat of 'We can't wait until we can get here,'" or a similar message that fits with the post, she said.
That might be something like, "Thinking of brighter days," or a call to engage, like asking viewers what their favorite warm and cold weather destinations are or to tag their three favorite travel buddies, Teitelbaum said.
The caveat should accompany normal posts: inspirational photos, inspirational videos and the like, she said.
In addition to posting inspirational content and content that seeks audience engagement, Andiamo Travel is considering posting culinary dishes from around the world, as well.
Her best advice to travel advisors right now: "Hang in there," Teitelbaum said. "Really try to work with your clients on postponing their trips. I think it's important to stay relevant on social media, to constantly post about your favorite past getaways or things that you're looking forward to in the future.
"I think it's important to stay up to date with your clients," she continued. "Check in with them, see how they're doing, see how their families are doing. You want to make sure that once these few months pass, you're not forgotten."
Above all, she stressed that it's important for the industry to remain hopeful. While the current situation has been devastating, Teitelbaum said she firmly believes that people will come out of this with a different appreciation for everything in their lives, including travel.
Signs of pent-up demand
There has been a lot of talk about pent-up demand once the spread of coronavirus has been quelled.
One destination management company, Excursionist, believes it is already seeing a glimmer of that hope.
Excursionist focuses on the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.
Elan Nissenboim, Excursionist's vice president of travel and operations, said that, as of last April 7, the company was getting one to two solid inquiries each day for travel. Some are for more short-term travel, but more are for further out travel, planning into the fall and winter.
"The appetite seems to be coming back, but it will take time," he said.
That is one of the reasons Excursionist will be featuring trips that people can take by car from major cities, so they can more quickly feel confident traveling.
Excursionist has also had some interest from people who want to travel now. Nissenboim said the company is not promoting travel right now, but for clients that really feel the itch to go, Excursionist is sending them to remote destinations in compliance with local quarantine or shelter-in-place measures (think a 14-night stay at a remote ranch in Montana).
Teitelbaum agreed that, once the virus' spread stops, the industry will benefit from pent-up demand, but exactly when that will be is a mystery.
"Based on the client conversations that I've had, everybody is going to be itching to travel," she said.
It might be a different form of travel than many are used to -- close to home or looking for isolated retreats like private islands -- but Teitelbaum encouraged advisors to think outside the box about it when clients are ready to go.
"The most important thing, I think, is to make your clients know that you want to do whatever's most comfortable for them," she said. "Otherwise, they're going to feel like they're being pushed into something they don't want to do."