American Marketing Group (AMG) has announced that its travel agency networks—Travelsavers, Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel, and the Affluent Traveler Collection—are the first in the industry to accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment. This move opens doors to a growing market of cryptocurrency holders, who tend to lean towards premium and luxury travel experiences.
Nicole Mazza, AMG's chief marketing officer, explained that accepting cryptocurrency aligns with the company’s goal of catering to affluent clients. "We see a very strong demographic that is looking toward travel advisors," Mazza said, emphasizing the importance of equipping advisors with the tools to serve cryptocurrency holders.
With over 560 million cryptocurrency owners worldwide, according to data from digital currency solution firm Triple-A, AMG's decision taps into a lucrative segment. The majority of crypto users are males aged 25 to 44, a group increasingly interested in luxury travel and working with travel advisors. Kathryn Mazza-Burney, AMG’s chief sales officer, noted that many travel advisors have begun asking clients about cryptocurrency, often to their surprise: "The more they started to ask, the more surprised they were that many do hold crypto."
AMG partnered with a third-party cryptocurrency bank to handle transactions. Clients can now select cryptocurrency as a payment option on AMG’s TripXpress platform, offering convenience and flexibility for luxury travelers.
In addition to the cryptocurrency announcement, AMG introduced AI Connect, a proprietary artificial intelligence tool designed to help advisors create marketing content quickly and efficiently. Integrated with Canva, AI Connect allows users to generate graphics using royalty-free images and complete marketing campaigns in under an hour. This tool aims to address advisors’ need for more time as they manage a growing number of clients.
As travel demand increases, time-saving tools like AI Connect are critical for handling business efficiently. A recent AMG survey revealed that 30% of agencies find recruiting and hiring travel advisors challenging, while 19% expressed concerns about meeting client needs with limited staff. Many agencies are considering expanding their teams, with 24% planning to add independent contractors and 17% intending to hire on-staff advisors this year.
"Our No. 1 priority is to assist them with tools that help manage their business more effectively," said Mazza, highlighting AMG’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance advisor productivity and client service.
