Collette Global Sales Conference Transforms Travel Advisory in Australia
Collette, a pioneering guided tours company, has redefined travel advisor training with its groundbreaking Global Sales Conference held across Australia and New Zealand. This innovative event brought together over 100 Business Development Managers (BDMs) from the United States, Canada, and Australia, marking a significant milestone in fostering authentic travel advisor collaboration and reflecting Collette’s commitment to transformative travel experiences through hands-on destination knowledge.
An Immersive Experience Across Two Nations
The conference departed from conventional boardroom settings, creatively utilizing the stunning landscapes of Australia and New Zealand to enrich the learning experience. Attendees explored breathtaking sites including the iconic Great Barrier Reef, the captivating vistas of Queenstown, and diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows. This unique approach aimed to equip participants with substantial on-the-ground knowledge pivotal for supporting travel advisors globally with enriched, firsthand insights.
The program included snorkeling expeditions at the Great Barrier Reef, where participants witnessed firsthand the marine biodiversity that attracts millions of visitors annually. In New Zealand, the team experienced adventure activities in Queenstown, from scenic helicopter flights over Milford Sound to wine tastings in Central Otago, providing them with authentic stories to share with travel advisors and their clients.
Christian Leibl-Cote, Collette’s Executive Vice President of Global Sales, highlighted the strategic significance of this immersive endeavor. “This kind of investment, especially during a challenging time for the industry, reflects who we are as a company. We know that the best way to support our travel advisor partners is to ensure our teams have deep, authentic knowledge of our destinations,” he remarked. Such direct engagement with key destinations strengthens attendees’ ability to offer nuanced and relevant guidance, ensuring that travel advisors receive authentic narratives to engage their clients effectively.
Strategic Growth and Industry Innovation
The Global Sales Conference served as a crucial platform for strategic discussions about the evolving travel landscape. Participants engaged in workshops covering emerging travel trends, including sustainable tourism practices, post-pandemic travel behaviors, and the growing demand for authentic cultural experiences. These sessions addressed how travel advisors can better serve clients seeking meaningful connections with destinations rather than surface-level tourism.
The conference also featured collaborative sessions where BDMs from different regions shared market-specific insights. North American representatives discussed the surge in multigenerational travel, while Australian team members highlighted the increasing interest in Indigenous cultural experiences. These cross-cultural exchanges proved invaluable for developing comprehensive strategies that resonate across diverse markets.
Karen Deveson, Managing Director of Collette Australia, shared her enthusiasm about the event’s impact. “I’m incredibly grateful to work for a company that truly invests in its people and products. At Collette, we don’t just sell travel; we believe in it. And how can we inspire clients to explore the world if we haven’t explored it ourselves? We are travelers too,” she expressed. This philosophy underscores the company’s commitment to experiential learning, ensuring internal teams align with the transformative experiences they offer clients.
Industry Leadership Through Authentic Experience
The Global Sales Conference reinforced Collette’s position as an industry innovator by demonstrating how firsthand destination knowledge translates into superior client service. By participating in real-world exploration, BDMs can now convey authentic stories to travel advisors, enhancing their ability to inspire and guide clients effectively. This approach addresses a critical industry challenge: the disconnect between sales teams and actual travel experiences.
The conference’s success has prompted discussions about expanding this immersive training model to other key destinations in Collette’s portfolio. Plans are underway for similar experiences in European and Asian markets, reflecting the company’s commitment to comprehensive destination expertise across all regions.
As 2026 progresses, Collette continues reinforcing partnerships through initiatives like this Global Sales Conference, demonstrating its unwavering belief in travel’s transformative power. “We are proud to showcase Australia to our international team while strengthening the foundation for exceptional client experiences worldwide,” noted Deveson, highlighting Collette’s ongoing commitment to innovative training approaches that elevate industry standards.
For more insights into Collette’s pioneering travel strategies and commitment to authentic destination experiences, visit their official website.
Sources
Information for this article was gathered from Collette’s official conference materials and interviews with company executives Christian Leibl-Cote and Karen Deveson during the Australia-New Zealand Global Sales Conference.
