Dugan's Travels Revolutionizes Travel Agent Training with Immersive Global Experiences

Dugan's Travels is setting a new benchmark for professional development in the travel industry by implementing an innovative, hands-on training approach designed to elevate independent travel advisors' expertise and sales capabilities throughout 2025.

The host agency has crafted an ambitious calendar of educational experiences that goes beyond traditional training methods, offering agents immersive opportunities to directly engage with travel products and destinations. From cruise line seminars to international familiarization trips, Dugan's is prioritizing real-world learning that translates into enhanced professional competence.

The year's training initiatives began with strategic partnerships featuring prominent travel brands. In January, agents participated in a Virgin Voyages Seminar at Sea aboard the Valiant Lady, complemented by a hotel inspection in Key West. February saw advisors exploring Hawaii's premier resorts, gaining insights into multi-island destination marketing.

Cruise-focused training continued in April with back-to-back seminar-at-sea events featuring Celebrity Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. These experiences not only provided comprehensive product knowledge but also offered exclusive site visits to destinations like Sandals Royal Bahamian.

Looking forward, Dugan's has planned additional high-impact training events. The DU Seattle conference in July will feature ship inspections of multiple cruise lines and networking opportunities. The September DU Anaheim event promises interactive workshops and a trade show environment designed to foster professional growth.

A particularly noteworthy October program will send a select group of advisors on an Ireland familiarization trip with Globus, combining cultural exploration with targeted sales training for European escorted tours.

Supporting over 350 independent agents nationwide, Dugan's offers competitive commissions up to 90%, weekly supplier webinars, personalized support, and an exclusive agent community. This comprehensive approach demonstrates a commitment to empowering travel professionals through education and hands-on experience.

The agency's training model represents a significant shift in professional development within the travel industry, emphasizing experiential learning as a critical pathway to advisor success. By providing agents with direct exposure to travel products and destinations, Dugan's is effectively bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.