A site inspection is a visit to a hotel, resort, cruise ship, or other travel supplier that allows travel advisors to experience a property firsthand.
Rather than relying solely on brochures, websites, or photos, advisors can see the accommodations, amenities, dining options, meeting spaces, and overall guest experience for themselves.
Site inspections help travel advisors make more informed recommendations to their clients.
Why Are Site Inspections Important?
Seeing a property in person gives travel advisors valuable knowledge they cannot always gain online.
During a site inspection, an advisor may:
- Tour guest rooms and suites.
- Visit restaurants and bars.
- Explore pools, beaches, and recreational facilities.
- Learn about accessibility features.
- Meet with the property’s sales team.
- Ask questions about the guest experience.
The more familiar an advisor is with a property, the more confidently they can recommend it to the right travelers.
Are Site Inspections Free?
Sometimes.
Some suppliers invite travel advisors to participate in complimentary site inspections as part of a familiarization trip, often called a FAM trip, or an industry event.
Other inspections may take place while an advisor is traveling independently or attending a conference.
Regardless of how they are arranged, site inspections are educational opportunities designed to help advisors better understand the products they sell.
How Careers on Vacation® Prepares Students
At Wanderlust Campus, Careers on Vacation® students learn the importance of firsthand product knowledge and building strong supplier relationships.
Throughout the comprehensive 12-week certification program and business mastermind, students gain an understanding of industry terminology, supplier partnerships, and professional development opportunities, including site inspections and familiarization trips.
Learn Through Experience
Site inspections are one of the many ways travel advisors continue learning throughout their careers.
The more properties, cruise ships, and destinations you experience firsthand, the better equipped you’ll be to match your clients with vacations they’ll love.
