Travel Advisor Success Story: Eli Wagner, Wagner Bespoke Travel

Eli Wagner. (Source: Eli Wagner)

Travel Advisor Success Stories spotlight accomplished advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Eli Wagner, founder of Wagner Bespoke Travel, an independent affiliate of Coastline Travel Advisors, a Virtuoso Agency.

How did you get your start as a travel advisor?

Before starting Wagner Bespoke Travel, I was an entertainment lawyer, working on some of the biggest game shows in the world. I’ve always loved luxury hotels. I would spend hours researching the best properties, experiences and hidden gems for my own vacations and be frustrated with the amount of ‘noise’ on the Internet and not knowing what the best fit would be. That passion turned into helping friends and family with their trips, and eventually, into creating Wagner Bespoke Travel. The transition felt natural because, like in entertainment, travel is about creating unforgettable experiences and handling high stakes under pressure.

How did you build your business over the years?

Building the business was all about creating personal relationships with both clients and hoteliers. I travel extensively to meet with partners, ensuring my clients get the VIP treatment. Referrals and word of mouth have been instrumental – delivering a high level of service and truly understanding what clients want has kept people coming back. Over the years, we’ve expanded our offerings to include full-scale planning for experiences beyond just hotel bookings, adding even more value to our clients.

What characteristics make you a successful advisor?

A few things make a travel advisor successful: attention to detail, strong relationships and a deep understanding of both the industry and the client. I prioritize listening to what my clients are looking for and use that information to tailor every trip to their preferences. I also keep up with travel trends and work hard to maintain strong partnerships with hotels and tour operators. These connections often translate into perks and upgrades that enhance the overall experience for my clients.

What have been your greatest challenges?

The travel industry can be unpredictable, especially with global events that are out of anyone’s control. Navigating these uncertainties, I’ve learned that flexibility and adaptability are key. Keeping up with the evolving needs of clients and the industry has been crucial in overcoming these obstacles, and ensuring we keep our clients top of mind is essential.

What have your greatest accomplishments been?

One of my proudest accomplishments is the reputation Wagner Bespoke Travel has earned for providing personalized, high-touch service. Being nominated and winning the Rising Star award at Virtuoso Travel Week 2024 was a highlight – it’s a recognition of the relationships I’ve built and my dedication to providing the best for my clients. In addition, being named by ‘Travel + Leisure’ as the A-List Italy specialist is also a true honor. We absolutely love planning trips to Italy, whether it’s a client’s first or 10th time, and providing them with a fresh perspective to create precious travel memories. Finally, I’m proud of how our business has grown through referrals and repeat customers, which speaks to the value we bring to people’s travel experiences.

What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?

For those just starting out, my biggest advice is to focus on building relationships – both with clients and with partners in the industry. It’s those personal connections that will set you apart. Always go the extra mile to ensure your clients feel valued and listened to, and don’t be afraid to specialize in a niche. Also, stay curious and keep learning. The industry changes rapidly, so staying informed is essential to success.

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore