Exclusive Resorts Travel Planners Discuss Their Roles

By: Destination Club News
Date: November 28, 2009

With members starting to return from Thanksgiving and Christmas, New Year's, and early 2010 ski vacations already planned, there is no greater time to appreciate the roles that travel planners across the destination club industry play in the membership experience. Virtually every club in the industry provides every member with a dedicated travel planner, committed to helping members enjoy hassle free travel at every stage of their vacation. In addition to generating travel itineraries and arranging airline reservations, these planners also work with members to generate grocery lists so members have their favorite foods waiting upon arrival, schedule dinner reservations, and remain available for any other last minute needs, sometimes even for trips outside of the club.

Exclusive Resorts, the world's longest tenured and largest destination club, recently sat down with a group of their Member Service Managers to discuss their duties with the club and the friendships they have made with members.

"I think it is really great that the membership services role works with the same people over and over and you're not just calling a call center, because we build a friendship," said Sarah Luebbers. "We remember the details of trips where you traveled four years ago so you don't have to reiterate it again. We make sure every time you travel with us is seamless."

"What we do as a Member Services Manager is we get to know you and your family," continued Daniel Rosalky. "We get to know the things about you that maybe your best friend of twenty years doesn't know about you, because it affects what sort of bedding configuration you want. What sort of food we put in the pantries. What sort of activities you want to do. We know dietary needs. We know the things that interest you. Whether it is art and museum or more adventure based. We'll sit there and speak to you on the phone for hours if necessary, and not talk about Exclusive Resorts, but talk about you and your family. To understand what it is going to make a truly great vacation for you."

A destination club membership is often favorably compared to second home ownership for the financial benefits, but the service component destination clubs offer undeniably edges out that of the more traditional vacation option. In our contacts with travel planners at several of the industry's leading clubs, many proudly disclose that they remain on call 24/7 to assist in any and all their members' travel needs, help members to surprise their significant others with anniversary and birthday vacations, or even drive or fly to meet with members to further the connection they have with their members.

Closing in on the 100,000 trip mark, Exclusive Resorts' posted a 90%+ satisfaction rate in 2008, due in large part to the role that their travel planners play in the membership. Other leading destination clubs like Ultimate Escapes and Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World also publish world-class membership satisfaction scores year over year.

If you are already a member, think of your travel planner next time you are off on vacation during the upcoming holiday season, and if you would like to learn more about the services offered by destinations club and the risks and rewards of membership, please request a free copy of our Destination Club Guide.