Inside Our AI Exploration Series: What Luxury Travel Advisors Need to Know

We recently hosted an AI Exploration Series featuring Gilad Berenstein, Founder of Brook Bay Capital, LLC, and Utrip, the first AI Trip Planning company. As a luxury host travel agency, we recognize the importance of staying ahead in our industry, which is constantly evolving with new technology. To achieve this, we have brought in three experts who are utilizing artificial intelligence in their travel businesses. We wanted to share the insights we gained from their collective expertise.

Why We’re Exploring AI

After more than 20 years as a Virtuoso member, we’ve watched plenty of technology trends come and go. But AI feels different. It’s not replacing the personal relationships that define luxury travel—it’s giving our advisors more time to focus on them.

What Our Experts Shared

Dr. Jill Schiefelbein on Smarter Communication

Dr. Jill, an award-winning business owner, author, and communication strategist, walked our group through her approach to working with AI tools. Her main point? Be specific about what you want. Vague requests get vague results.

She outlined eight elements for getting better outputs from AI:

Define the context clearly
Match your brand’s voice
Know your audience
Set specific goals

The best part? These aren’t just AI tips. They’re good communication principles, period.

Ken Aragon on Group Travel

Ken, Co-Founder and CEO of Viata, introduced our advisors to their platform designed for group bookings and events. It handles the tedious stuff—compiling destination research, organizing room blocks, tracking preferences across multiple travelers.

For our advisors managing incentive trips or destination weddings, this kind of automation means fewer spreadsheets and more time working with clients and suppliers.

Kevin Stäuble on Centralizing Your Knowledge

Kevin, leading product and operations at The Trip Boutique, demonstrated that AI serves as a central hub for client information, supplier details, and Virtuoso partnerships. Instead of hunting through emails or CRM notes, everything is stored in one searchable location.

The system can convert consultation call notes into client profiles, automatically update your CRM, and even draft personalized marketing emails based on client preferences.

How Our Advisors Are Actually Using This

Our panelists shared examples from their own practices:

Client Communication

Recording quick video messages with AI-enhanced editing
Translating and refining emails to international suppliers
Creating custom marketing content for different client segments

Operations

Converting call transcripts into detailed trip notes
Building itineraries based on past client preferences
Generating professional proposals faster

What This Means for Our Advisors

Luxury travel clients expect white-glove service. AI tools don’t change that expectation—they make it easier to deliver.

When our advisors aren’t bogged down in administrative tasks, they can spend more time on what matters: understanding what drives their clients, building relationships with suppliers, and designing trips that surprise and delight.

They can also handle more complex bookings without compromising service quality.

Starting Points

One theme that came up repeatedly during our sessions was not to adopt technology simply because it exists. Start with a problem you want to solve, then find the right tool.

Need better client notes after consultations? Look at transcription and summarization tools.

Struggling to keep track of supplier partnerships and Virtuoso benefits? Consider a knowledge management system.

Spending too much time on group logistics? Explore platforms built for multi-traveler bookings.

Why Andavo Invests in Host Agency Support and Training

We host these sessions because the travel industry moves fast. Twenty years ago, we adapted to online booking engines. Ten years ago, it was social media and mobile. Now it’s AI.

Our role as a luxury travel host agency is to help our advisors navigate these shifts without getting distracted by every new and shiny tool. We test things, bring in experts, and share what actually works.

As a Virtuoso member for over two decades, we’ve built relationships that give our advisors access to exclusive amenities and experiences. Technology helps them deliver those benefits more efficiently.

What Andavo Provides

Ongoing host agency support with regular training sessions and expert access to emerging tools
A 20+ year Virtuoso partnership with all the perks that bring your clients
A community of luxury travel advisors who share what’s working (and what isn’t)
Comprehensive marketing and operational support so you can focus on selling travel

Join Our Advisor Community

Whether you’re already using AI in your practice or just curious about what’s possible, we’d love to talk. Our advisor community at Andavo Travel includes everyone from individual advisors to those who have teams, all focused on luxury and experiential travel.

If you’re considering a luxury host agency partnership or want to know more about how we support our advisors, reach out. We’re always happy to have a conversation.