We have covered a few different niches already for holiday planning and perhaps some will give you as an ITA some ideas of where you would like to specialize.
Here we will focus on ski holidays a niche that is still wide open to specialize in and one that can be pretty lucrative at that!
Ski holidays offer clients an unforgettable experience, but navigating all the multiple options can be overwhelming for clients. As an ITA, you can help them find the perfect ski vacation that fits their budget and interests.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge to become a ski holiday expert for your clients.
a) Begin by Understanding Your Client's Needs:
Their Budget: Discuss their budget openly and honestly and what they would like to spend in its entirety. Once you know this you will be able to explore last-minute deals, all-inclusive packages, and lesser-known resorts for cost-effective options to get them the best value for money.
Their Experience Level: Are they beginners or experienced skiers? Different resorts cater to various skill levels, and some offer skiing lessons if they are beginners. Pro skiers will want to traverse the best slopes and visit the best in professional skiing locations.
The Travel Dates: Flexibility with travel dates can open doors to better deals, especially with last-minute offers. Investigate weather patterns at destinations and the best times of the year for enjoyable skiing vacations.
Group Composition: Is it a family trip, a couple's getaway, or a group of friends going on a fun ski trip? Understanding the group dynamic and how many clients are in the group or even if it’s a solo skier will help you tailor their activities and accommodation choices.
b) How to Find Them the Perfect Ski Resort:
- Research Thoroughly: Utilize all online resources and travel agent databases to find resorts that match your client's criteria and keep a list for future reference if you are going to specialize in this niche.
- Focus on Value: While luxurious accommodations at top ski resorts are tempting, rather focus on prioritizing resorts offering your clients good value for the price.
- Consider All-Inclusive Packages: All-inclusive deals are always popular with clients and great value too. These can simplify budgeting for what they wish to spend, and sometimes offer them better deals compared to booking everything separately.
- Look Beyond the Big Names: Big-name resorts charge premium prices which is to be expected Lesser-known resorts often provide excellent skiing experiences at a lower cost and give your client all round better value...
- The Slopes: Investigate the variety and difficulty levels suitable for all skiers in the group, or when it is a family vacation.
- The Activities: For beginners and intermediate skiers look at the availability of après-ski options, (Resorts with Spas, saunas and heated pools), snowboarding, sleigh rides, etc., depending on the client or family’s interests.
- The Amenities: Does the resort offer ski lifts, childcare facilities, proximity to airports/towns, etc?
> Be on the Alert: Many resorts offer significant discounts on lift tickets, accommodation, or packages closer to the travel date. This will help you give more value to your client for their budget
> Act Quickly: Last-minute deals are just that; often disappearing quickly, so be prepared to book swiftly if it aligns with all your client's needs.
> Don't just focus on price: Balance affordability with the overall experience and quality of the resort. Give them as much as possible for what they wish to spend overall in activities, accommodations and skiing fun.
Communication is key: Clearly understand your client's needs and preferences to create the perfect ski vacation.
By using these guidelines and your expertise as an ITA, you can become a trusted resource for clients seeking budget-friendly ski holidays. You can become a niche pro in skiing holidays.
With careful planning and research, you can help them create a memorable winter getaway that won't break the bank.
e) Additional Tips for this Niche:
- Include high-quality images of various ski resorts in your marketing materials.
- Consider creating client testimonials highlighting successful budget-friendly ski vacations you planned.
- Partner with reliable travel companies specializing in affordable ski packages.
