Dugan's Travels, a host agency based in Bremerton, WA, is making strategic investments to enhance support for its independent travel advisors. The agency is strengthening its team, refining educational programs, evaluating technology, and deepening supplier relationships to prepare for its next chapter of growth.
Jennifer Dugan, owner of Dugan's Travels, emphasized that the goal is not simply to become larger but to improve the quality of support provided. "We've never wanted growth just for the sake of being bigger," she said. "We want to be better. That means continually looking at what our advisors need, what our team does well, and where we can make improvements that provide meaningful support."
A key focus is the support structure behind the advisors. The agency is reassessing how its team—including Christina, Shari, Tracy, Joleen, Cecily, Barb, and Jennifer—collaborates and divides responsibilities. The aim is to align each person's strengths with areas such as advisor education, new-agent support, supplier relationships, events, Five Star advisor development, webinars, peer-to-peer learning, and everyday advisor support. This approach ensures that the right people are handling the right tasks, leading to clearer communication and more effective assistance.
Education remains a cornerstone of the agency's offerings, but the emphasis is shifting toward practical, actionable learning. Dugan's Travels is enhancing its webinar program and continuing to develop initiatives tailored to advisors at various stages. The Five Star community offers established advisors opportunities to connect and explore advanced topics, while newer advisors receive foundational training. Peer-to-peer learning is also gaining prominence through the Hear From Our Peers series, where advisors share real experiences and strategies. Upcoming sessions will feature an advisor discussing how her passion for Scotland became a niche specialty, illustrating how personal interests can translate into business success.
Dugan's University (DU) continues to serve as a vital community event, bringing together advisors, team members, and supplier partners for education and networking. The agency is planning future DU events with greater team ownership, aiming to make them more impactful and beneficial for attendees.
Technology evaluation is another priority. The agency is carefully assessing CRM options, focusing on functionality, usability, cost, and the practical needs of independent advisors. "We want technology to solve problems, not create new ones," Dugan noted. The agency is also investing in supplier relationships through its Inner Circle program, which fosters deeper partnerships that provide educational, marketing, and business development opportunities for advisors.
Importantly, Dugan's Travels recognizes that improvement doesn't always mean adding new elements. Sometimes it involves refining existing processes, clarifying roles, or eliminating inefficiencies. "We already do a lot," Dugan said. "Our next chapter isn't about seeing how many more things we can add. It's about looking at everything we're doing and asking: Is this useful? Is it working? Is the right person handling it? And does it ultimately help our advisors?"
Founded in 1997, Dugan's Travels has always focused on helping advisors build successful businesses while maintaining flexibility. The agency's commitment to people, relationships, education, and support remains unchanged, even as tools and technology evolve. As it moves forward, Dugan's Travels intends to keep listening, learning, and adjusting to better serve its advisors.
For more information about Dugan's Travels and its support for travel advisors, visit https://duganstravels.com/.
