2022 sales: $440 million
Previous ranking: 22
Employees: 110 full-time, 5 part-time
401 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 1400
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (305) 677-2308
Website Executives
CO-CEO: Jeff Anderson
CO-CEO: Michael Anderson
SVP, PARTNERSHIPS: Ashley Hunter
SVP, BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE: Daniel Rego
SVP, MARKETING: Sam McCully
SVP, SALES: Steve Hirshan
Company facts
* Privately held company.
* Anderson family and Certares Management are majority shareholders.
* A vacation platform company that provides resources, services, proprietary technology and patented solutions to companies that include cruise lines, tour companies, resorts and independent agencies in its network.
* Sales: 100% leisure.
* Works with 1,350 independent contractors.
* A member of Travel Leaders Network, ASTA, CLIA, IATA and the Professional Association of Travel Hosts (PATH).
2022 Developments
* Was awarded a patent for its Avoya Lead Scoring technology, which uses statistical modeling based on many signal points to identify the likelihood of a particular lead resulting in a sale.
* Added Scheduled Appointments, enabling clients to schedule a preferred contact time, resulting in a doubled closing rate for the Avoya Network on these leads.
* Advanced its lead programs by refining algorithms, training the Lead Scoring AI model, and enhancing its lead-processing system integration.
* Launched travel agent education to help new the business entrepreneurs. The program offers an online curriculum, regularly created new content and support from industry leaders and experts. Those who complete the program receive one year, free membership to CLIA and ASTA. More than 400 participated in the program's first five months.
* Announced its affiliation with Travel Leaders Network after months of research.
Looking ahead
* Updating its commission policy for independent agencies for the first time in more than 15 years, intended to increase Avoya's competitiveness in the host travel agency marketplace.
* Focusing on traveler experience from first impressions to repeat customers.
* Expanding product offerings, including the beta launch of Avoya Flights in February, investing in its platform to be an even more full-service model with competitive fares and commissionable rates. New preferred cruise and land partnerships also expand the menu of vacation options for travelers.
* Launching multichannel brand campaign, "Leave It to the Experts," which spotlights the benefits of using a travel advisor and the value of booking with Avoya.
* Launching "Passport to Professional Freedom" brand campaign, showcasing the opportunity to work as a travel advisor from virtually anywhere with Avoya's resources.
* Reported record-breaking sales in Q1 and a significant increase in new-to-travel advisors joining the Avoya Network, with 85% of new affiliates being new to the industry.
* Among the trends it is seeing: People are planning vacations further in advance than ever, opting for longer stays and still spending more during their trips. "Another emerging trend is the growing number of travelers seeking the assistance of travel advisors for the first time as they navigate the complexities of passports, visas, health-related policies, etc."
* Anticipates a "highly promising" 2023, driven by these encouraging trends and an increasingly engaged travel market.