Dugan's Travels Invests in Next Chapter of Advisor Support with Enhanced Education, Technology, and Supplier Partnerships

BREMERTON, WA – Dugan's Travels, a host agency founded in 1997 by Jennifer Dugan, is investing in the people, tools, education, and relationships that help independent travel advisors build successful businesses. As the travel industry evolves, the agency is taking a thoughtful approach to what advisors need today and in the years ahead, focusing on strengthening the team behind the advisors, improving internal processes, evaluating technology, expanding educational opportunities, and building meaningful supplier partnerships.

“We've never wanted growth just for the sake of being bigger,” said Jennifer Dugan. “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.”

One of the biggest areas of focus is the support structure working behind the scenes. The agency is refining responsibilities across areas including advisor education, new-agent support, supplier relationships, events, Five Star advisor development, webinars, peer-to-peer learning, internal processes, and everyday advisor support. The goal is to ensure the right people are focused on the right things. “We have talented people with very different strengths,” Dugan said. “Part of my responsibility as a leader is recognizing those strengths and figuring out where each person can make the biggest difference.”

Education continues to be an important part of the advisor experience, but the agency is looking beyond simply offering more training. The focus is on creating actionable opportunities. Dugan's Travels is strengthening its webinar program, developing programs for advisors at different stages, and the Five Star community will continue to provide opportunities for established advisors to connect and learn. At the same time, the agency remains committed to helping newer advisors build strong foundations.

Peer-to-peer learning is becoming increasingly important. Through its Hear From Our Peers series, advisors learn directly from fellow advisors about what is working in their businesses. Upcoming programming will include an advisor sharing how her love of Scotland became part of her travel business, giving other advisors an example of how personal interests can develop into a specialty.

Dugan's University (DU) remains a cornerstone of the community, bringing together advisors, team members, and supplier partners for education, relationship building, and networking. The agency is planning future DU events with a focus on making them experiences that strengthen relationships and provide ideas advisors can use.

Technology is also being evaluated with purpose. The agency is reviewing CRM options, focusing on functionality, usability, cost, and practical needs. “We want technology to solve problems, not create new ones,” Dugan said. The agency is taking time to test and evaluate whether systems genuinely improve the advisor experience.

Supplier relationships are another key focus. Through its Inner Circle program, Dugan's Travels develops deeper relationships with supplier partners that want to actively engage with the advisor community. These partnerships create opportunities for education, marketing, events, and business development. Planning is underway for the next year of Inner Circle partnerships.

Importantly, Dugan's Travels recognizes that better support doesn't always mean more. Sometimes it means improving what already exists—clarifying processes, giving ownership to the right people, improving communication, eliminating unnecessary steps, or reconsidering tools that no longer serve well. “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?”

As Dugan's Travels moves into its next chapter, the agency intends to continue evolving while staying grounded in the principles of people, relationships, education, and support. For nearly three decades, the agency has remained committed to developing professional travel advisors while maintaining a supportive, relationship-driven culture. More information can be found at Dugan's Travels.