Luxury agency's fam trip rules for homeworking trainees revealed

Trainees then receive a code of conduct, which includes basic etiquette rules for a successful fam trip. As well as being courteous to hosts and guests, they are discouraged from drinking excessively or from expecting freebies. Guidelines on appropriate attire are also given; trainees should dress smartly yet comfortably for showrounds, which can be long and physically demanding, and opt for formalwear at hosted dinners. 

Once they arrive at the property, trainees are required to take notes and complete fact sheets to ensure they fully understand the product. They are especially encouraged to enquire about room categories, such as which suites have the best views and which ones can be adapted for families. 

Trainees are required to take notes and complete fact sheets to ensure they fully understand the product

“A lot of luxury clients want space,” explains Amanda Matthews, managing director at Designer Travel. “So we make sure our agents ask about the largest villas and suites, and those with private facilities like pools and gardens.”

Trainees are also advised to consider the property’s location, such as its proximity to popular attractions and accessibility from the airport, along with the wellness facilities and dining options available. 

Another key aspect of the fam trip is networking; agents attend a dinner hosted by the general manager or head of sales of the hotel, which allows them to build the rapport that’s essential for a long-term working relationship. The itinerary also often includes experiences with the hotel’s partners, such as boat trip operators or local restaurants. 

While it’s a busy three days, the academy also ensures its trainees have free time to explore the property for themselves. This allows them to digest the vast amount of information they’re receiving, and also to learn more about areas that are most relevant to their client base. 

The academy also ensures its trainees have free time to explore the property for themselves

“We encourage them to post on social media during the fam trip and after it,” Hyslop explains, adding that agents are instructed to put Reels together of the destination for Instagram. This content is even then also shared into the Fab Bank, Designer Travel’s inhouse database of travel information shared exclusively among its 155 experts.