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Is Your Use of “That” Photo Legal?

The growth of sites such as Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay have so revolutionized the stock photography landscape that giants like Getty Images, which now owns Unsplash, and Canva (Pixabay and Pexels) are now major players. It all seems most attractive. A no-cost registration gives the travel professional millions of images to use on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms without laying out any money at all. It is the best of all worlds for the travel marketer.

Or is it?

Read the rest of this entry »

LABADEE, HAITI - February 4,, 2019: Labadee is a port located on the northern coast of Haiti. It is a private resort leased to Royal Caribbean for the use of passengers of its three cruise lines.
RCCL’s Adventure of the Seas in Labadee

 

Royal Caribbean has canceled excursions from Labadee, its private island in Haiti, but is keeping the island open.

“Out of respect to our local communities surrounding Labadee, Haiti, and to ensure our guest and crew safety, we’re temporarily adjusting our tour offerings,” RCCL told passengers.

Passengers on social media reported cancellation of jet skiing, kayaking and walking tours, as they were asked to remain within the resort at all times.

The cancellations follows days of violence in the country, where armed gangs roam the streets and Americans are being evacuated. The Department of State in July issued a Level 4 travel advisory (“do not travel,” the highest warning level) citing “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure,” and this morning sent in a Marine anti-terrorism unit to guard the US embassy in Port-au-Prince.

Travel advisors, meanwhile, are reporting minimal concern among clients, though some are not getting off the ship in Labadee and some are calling to express concerns about the Dominican Republic. The DR shares the island on which Haiti is located but has closed its border.

Many also mourn for the people of the island.

“I have a real heart for Haiti; I have helped missionaries and aid workers with flights in the past, and I have seen how they are helping the orphanages and people there,” said travel advisor Margie Lenau of Wonderland Family Vacations LLC in Grand Rapids, MI, who rued the earthquakes and hurricanes and political violence that have upended the island’s stability.  “The question we get most often is whether it’s okay to travel to the Dominican Republic. I tell my customers that Haiti and the Dominican are two very different countries, and there is a mountain range and some distance between them. So far Dominican has kept away from the violence.

”The world can be a dangerous place. With the cruise lines and with travel advisors, safety is always number one. It’s nice to know that cruise lines and tour operators are keeping track to keep travelers safe.”

Labadee, RCCL’s first private island, is 130 miles from Port-au-Prince. Independence of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas are scheduled to stop there in coming weeks.

*Editor Update 03/14/24*

As of now, RCCL has cancelled all stops to Labadee due to the current unrest in Haiti.

Michael Bayley, RCCL CEO, stated on Facebook “We have suspended calls into Labadee, Haiti for the next 7 days and will continue suspension on a rolling basis with 3 days advance notification to our guests sailing on itineraries impacted and changed as we monitor and evaluate the situation in Haiti.”

Star Breeze. Photo courtesy of Windstar Cruises.

 

Windstar Cruises is inviting its Yacht Club members to sail off into the sunset with the company’s president—to a destination as yet unknown.

It’s the company’s first-ever Mystery Cruise, promising “lots of new, thrilling, and exciting experiences” without announcing where exactly the 312-passenger, all-suite Star Legend is headed.

Each port will be announced just 24 hours before arrival. But Windstar president Christopher Prelog promises, “it’s going to be a lot of places—the majority of them, if not all of them—we haven’t been before.”

Even Prelog does not know the exact ports of call, he says. “I’m looking forward to the anticipation of finding out where we’re going along with the guests on board.”

Prelog says the idea was inspired by a recent Star Breeze Tahiti sailing, where just 2 days into the 11-day itinerary, the approach of Tropical Cyclone Nat forced the crew to craft a completely new itinerary.

“The positive response from guests, including a keen sense of adventure, sparked leadership to lean into this idea, and so the ‘Mystery Cruise’ concept was developed. It’s something different, something really interesting. It’s a cruise for guests who like adventure, and who don’t want to plan everything out.”

Windstar also this month announced a complimentary all-inclusive package for all groups sailing the Mediterranean this winter, and expanded its group program to include one tour operator credit for every seven guests booked, a 10% discount and a $100 onboard credit for every guest for 2024 and 2025 sailings to the Greek isles, Tahiti, the Mediterranean, Iceland, Costa Rica and the Caribbean. Groups must register (with no financial commitment) by March 31 to qualify.

Screen with powerpoint text of "Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion"

 

Onboard Celebrity Reflection for its Crystal Awards cruise last week, host agency KHM Travel Group took the opportunity to offer tips for travel advisors whose clients are among the 25% of the US population that has some kind of disability, and to highlight two of the industry’s best inclusion and diversity programs—one by KHM and one by Celebrity and its sister brand, Royal Caribbean.

A new award this year, for “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Action,” went to travel advisor Amy Garner, and the new DE&I Supplier Award went to Celebrity. An eye-opening tour of the Reflection with Amy and Ron Pettit, RCCL’s director of disability inclusion and ADA compliance, pointed out the many touchpoints on the ship that most people don’t even notice, but that make sailing easier for many guests. They include:

The Royal Caribbean/Celebrity contact center for travel advisors has a staff of 45 available to answer questions and make arrangements.

All ships have at least two pool lifts. You can arrange with Guest Relations to meet you at the pool and they will be there to help you.

The Spa Café has a variety of food options for guests with specific dietary needs.

There are ramps throughout the ship and in some cabins. Some cabins have ramps leading to the balcony.

All venues have tactile and Braille signage.

Camp at Sea is autism-friendly, and like the ship in general, it tends to be quieter and less crowded than the kids programs on Royal Caribbean ships—making Celebrity a good choice for children with autism. Celebrity also is working to bring on Autism on the Seas, a respite service that gives caretakers a break.

On Celebrity ships, the Sunset Bar is multilevel so you can belly up with the rest of them.

For clients who use CPAP machines, Celebrity provides extension cords and distilled water; the newer ships have outlets near the bed.

The Reflection Theater has spots for people in wheelchairs and their guests at the front and back, and double-wide seats for those who need more room.

There are low tables at “iconic spots” around the ships, including tables for Texas Hold Em, blackjack and roulette at the casino, at Celebrity’s Martini Bars, at Boleros on newer Royal Caribbean ships, and at the Guest Relations and Shore Excursions desks.

There’s an accessible treatment room in the spa, with a massage table that lowers to wheelchair level.

And here’s a couple of tips from Pettit for travel advisors working with customers with disabilities:

Have them buy a Sunflower lanyard, available online and at most airports, so suppliers are aware they may need a little extra attention without the client having to say anything.

If you wonder about the correct words to use, follow the client’s lead. Royal Caribbean takes a people-first approach – “I have a client in a wheelchair” – rather than leading with the disability, “I have a wheelchair-bound client.”

When speaking to the client, don’t ask what they have. Ask what they need.

At KHM, meanwhile, Amy Garner last year created a library of resources on DE&I travel, going beyond the usual to include traveling as a single mom or a solo female – “all those niches that need a little extra support,” she told TRO.

Image of Kilkenny, Ireland waterfront with Collette logo

 

On February 29, Collette announced that US travel advisors will earn an extra $100 for each booking made in March 2024. This applies to tours departing through March 31, 2025.

And, for the big questions, there is no limit on what US advisors can earn with this offer… and Collette has said the bonus cash will be paid out in April 2024, even if the travelers cancel their bookings. The booking must be active at the time of payout.

“We value travel advisors and want to see them succeed,” said Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, chief executive officer at Collette. “This offer is one more way for us to show them our appreciation when they provide their customers with their expertise in planning a dream vacation.”

Adding to this, advisors will earn up to a $200 bonus with Collette’s Advanced Commission Program. These bonus cash payments are valid on new retail bookings only and are not applicable for group bookings.

For more information, please visit https://www.gocollette.com/en.

Travel Industry Mourns the Loss of Gogo

GOGO Vacations logo

 

Many in the travel industry reacted with dismay this week to the loss of another supplier, as 73-year-old GOGO Vacations shuttered its doors.

Even as it closed the GOGO brand, though, parent company Flight Centre Travel Group (FLT) said its goal is to better focus on the “strong leisure and corporate growth opportunities in the large U.S. market.” FLT is launching a new brand, Envoyage, with an eye to “its best performing sectors,” the independent and luxury sectors.

“With the wholesale model struggling in recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to justify the high costs of maintaining this brand,” said FLT Americas president Charlene Leiss. But “a transition team will remain in the business to service the existing GOGO bookings and support our customers throughout this period with the complete backing of Flight Centre Travel Group.”

An email to travel advisors promised that “all of your existing bookings are secure and will continue to be managed by a dedicated and professional team of wholesale consultants” and that “GOGO’s doors will not close until your last customer has returned home, and your commissions have been paid.”

While GOGO Vacations is no longer accepting new reservations, travel advisors can continue to use their Helio login to existing FIT bookings, and Softrip login for groups, and can access the online support team via chat, email, or phone to assist with booking modifications, schedule changes and general support, the company said.

Still, some travel advisors were feeling nervous. “I am very worried about my current bookings. I can’t cancel without a penalty but I’m reluctant to have clients pay them anymore money. I am not sure yet what my client wants to do; I am going to let them decide,” said Donna McClaugherty of Cruise and Travel by Donna.

And across the industry, many mourned the loss of a partner of many years.

“I’ve worked with them for 30 years on and off, and their closing leaves a void in the market,” said Travel Leaders Network VP of Sales Karen Viera. “They were a great company, very agent-friendly, with great products, and I am sorry to see them go. I’ll look up all our agents that sell GOGO and see how we can help them sell other preferred partners.”

“I’m literally sick over this,” said Angie Rhodes of Rhodes to the World. “GOGO is my go-to. I have been using them for 40 years.”

But many agreed with FLT that GOGO’s business model no longer fits the industry as well as it once did.

“I’m doing more complex FITs than fun in the sun, and I have found less and less need for that type of wholesaler,” said Linda De Sosa at Travel Experts.

More information is available on the GOGO website at Homepage | GOGO Worldwide Vacations (gogowwv.com).

Delta’s Digital ID Is Faster Than PreCheck

Woman in front counter with Delta Digital ID
Credit: Delta Air Lines

 

It may not last forever, but for now the new Delta Digital ID speeds passengers through security faster than PreCheck or CLEAR—and it’s free to boot.

After successful beta testing in Detroit and Atlanta, the biometric program now has expanded to LAX, LGA and JFK, and since the program is so new, its dedicated security lines rarely have a wait.

Delta Digital ID lets customers quickly move through bag drop and security checkpoints without having to show photo ID to an agent. To register, travelers must have:

  • TSA PreCheck® membership
  • Their passport information and a Known Traveler Number stored in their Delta profile
  • A (free) SkyMiles membership
  • The Fly Delta app

Eligible customers will receive a notification in their Fly Delta app when traveling from a Digital ID-enabled airport, or can opt-in through their SkyMiles profile on Delta.com once the four requirements have been met.

They then can use the dedicated bag drop line – the one with the green “Delta Digital ID” icon – and security line.

Using Digital ID this week, I walked right through security behind just one other passenger at LGA, while my husband spent 10 minutes in the CLEAR line.

Phoenix, Arizona – April 8, 2019: American Airlines Airbus A320 airplanes at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport (PHX) in Arizona. Airbus is a European aircraft manufacturer based in Toulouse, France.

The latest attempt by American Airlines to disintermediate the retail travel community came down this week via an announcement from the airline that, as of May 1, it will stop awarding loyalty points to passengers who are booking through what American calls “non-preferred” agencies. Those non-preferred agencies are the ones that have not adopted American’s NDC, or “New Distribution Capability.” The airline also pulled 40 percent of its inventory away from agencies that are not plugged into the NDC.

The move comes a year after American deployed the NDC and tried to push agencies to adopt it, when it was not yet fully developed and still had a lot of bugs, according to ASTA President Zane Kirby.

According to a statement issued by ASTA, “Last April, AA forced an underdeveloped technology onto channel ‘partners.’ Nearly a year after its self-imposed NDC launch date, problems associated with basic servicing functions such as comparative shopping, split tickets, limitations on cancellations, booking multiple people on the same itinerary, and rebooking remain, creating extraordinary challenges for agencies and their travelers as they attempt to distribute American Airlines’ services to the traveling public.”

ASTA filed a lengthy formal complaint with the Department of Transportation (DOT) alleging unfair practices in American’s implementation of the NDC, including its pulling away 40 percent of its inventory from non-NDC channels.

The complaint cuts to the core of airline deregulation issues that are heating up again over an airline industry dominated by four major carriers that exercise monopolistic powers over their respective territories, and a rising wave of consumer dissatisfaction over airlines services, which seems to have fallen on deaf ears for decades.

The ASTA complaint goes into depth about issues that date back to the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. Because the airlines were granted anti-trust immunity, according to the complaint, “The overall effect on the industry was a regime characterized by excessive restrictions on competition and, concomitantly, significant harm to consumers in the form of both above-market prices and limited services.”

American filed a response to ASTA’s complaint, and then ASTA filed a rebuttal to American’s response, saying that American had overstated the functionality of its NDC and had falsely claimed that it was instituted in response to consumer demand. The rebuttal also claims that American created a false impression of the state of competition in the airline industry.

ASTA stated that it is not opposed to progress or new merchandising models, but it is opposed to “monopolists abusing their market power to force change that no one, including AA itself, is ready for.  And, because of their monopoly power, making everyone else pay—including the consumer—the price for said change.”

It’s not a fight over new technology, says ASTA, it is the effect of a new technology that is reducing competitive pressure on a handful of major airline corporations that control almost the entire U.S. market, and treat it like a captive market, which in effect it is.

ASTA is asking its members to join the fight by getting involved with its grassroots advocacy efforts, which can be accessed at https://www.asta.org/advocacy/stateAndFederalCampaigns.

ACL Modern Riverboat_Crew Aboard

 

On the heels of news that a major competitor is up for sale with its parent company declaring bankruptcy, American Cruise Lines opened the 2024 season with five riverboats cruising the Mississippi, in its largest season ever. This year, it will sail 16 itineraries on the Mississippi and its tributaries, the Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers.

American Cruise Lines has nearly tripled its US fleet over the past five years, introduced a new ship every year since 2018, and recently announced that it has five more ships under construction. Rival Mississippi steamboat company American Queen Voyages, meanwhile, has failed to fully recover from the pandemic, its parent Hornblower has announced, leaving Viking River Cruises as its only competitor on the river, at least for now. Hornblower last week entered chapter 11 and shut down operations at American Queen (for more on this see American Queen Is Up for Sale as Hornblower Files for Bankruptcy | Travel Research Online.)

In May, American will begin sailing several new Mississippi River itineraries, including an exclusive 12-day cruise in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a sailing from Knoxville to Nashville, cruising the Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland Rivers. Also coming in May is a 35-Day Civil War Battlefields cruise on the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Cumberland Rivers and Chesapeake Bay, visiting more than 20 Civil War battlefields. In August, American will sail the longest river cruise in US history61-day Great United States cruisedown the Mississippi, passing 20 states, 3 national parks, 4 rivers, and on to the Hudson River, visiting New York, Boston and Bar Harbor.

The Dalles, OR, USA - June 16, 2023; American Queen Voyages paddle boat American Empress
American Queen Voyages paddle boat American Empress

 

Citing the fallout from Covid-19, cruise operator Hornblower has filed for bankruptcy, and its American Queen subsidiary has ceased operations.

Private-equity firm Strategic Value Partners has agreed to acquire majority ownership of Hornblower and “provide a significant equity investment in the business,” but the deal will require approval from the US Bankruptcy Court in Houston, the Wall Street Journal reported. Private-equity firm Crestview Partners will retain a minority interest and become the sole owner of Journey Beyond, the leading experiential travel provider in Australia.

Hornblower said in a statement that American Queen Voyages hopefully will be sold; if no buyer is found its operations will be wound down.

Hornblower also provides ferry services to the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis National Museum of Immigration in New York, and to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco. Those services will continue operations.

Guests who have booked an American Queen Voyages cruise should visit the line’s dedicated refund website to submit a claim form and begin the refund process, or call (888) 202-5784.

Hornblower said it expects to move through the bankruptcy process quickly and emerge from Chapter 11 in about four months. It has a commitment for $300 million in financing from Deutsche Bank, $121 million in new-money financing from SVP-managed funds and Crestview.

“The steps we are taking today will enable us to address AQV and strengthen our financial foundation as we continue serving our guests and commuters around the world. With the support of our financial stakeholders, we will continue to advance our business initiatives and drive growth. We thank the entire Hornblower team for their hard work and dedication, as well as our vendors and partners across our businesses for their continued support,” said Hornblower Group CEO Kevin Rabbitt.

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 04, 2015: American Airlines Boeing 767 tail in new livery at Manchester Airport May 04 2015.

 

In the latest step toward pushing customers to book direct, American Airlines today announced that it will only grant AAdvantage® miles and loyalty points to customers who book through an AA or partner site, a corporate account, or a “preferred agency” that books at least 30% of its trips through the American Airlines NDC.

At the same time, the company raised fees on baggage checking and pets in the cabin.

The NDC ruling takes effect May 1, 2024. Customers can receive points only if they book through AA or its partner airlines, are an AAdvantage Business™ member or have a contracted corporate travel account, or book through an “eligible preferred travel agency.”

“All agencies on a 2024 contracted incentive agreement issued by American are eligible to qualify into the preferred agency program at American’s sole discretion, which enables travelers booking through your agency to continue earning AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points,” the company website now states (Preferred agency program – American Airlines Global Sales (exploreamerican.com). “Agencies will be evaluated on the criteria outlined below, which focus on the use of Modern Retailing technology to provide the best possible traveler experience when booking and servicing tickets. Agencies must be approved by American Airlines to qualify as a preferred agency, and agencies should contact their Modern Retailing business manager to discuss their individual approval process and timeline.”

There are three qualifying criteria:

  1. Agencies must be on a 2024 incentive agreement issued by American at American’s sole discretion. If, at any point, their incentive agreement with American ends, the agency will no longer be able to participate in the preferred agency program.
  2. Agencies must adopt and implement American’s NDC and shop and book through American’s NDC connections, meeting the progressive NDC thresholds below. Shopping and booking must be done in accordance with American’s connection and capacity requirements.

 

Date NDC booked threshold
April 21, 2024 30%
October 31, 2024 50%
April 30, 2025 70%

 

  1. As customers consider purchasing an American Airlines offer, fare rules, product attributes, and fare restrictions should be fully displayed and clearly communicated. A new product attribute of American’s offers is the ability to earn AAdvantage® For an agency to be considered preferred, they must demonstrate their ability to clearly communicate to customers when they earn AAdvantage®miles in the online booking tool throughout the booking flow before a purchase is finalized.Agencies must contact their Modern Retailing business manager to begin the review and approval process on display criteria.

    The deadline for the display qualification criteria is July 1, 2024, to allow time for the completion of any necessary updates.

    If an agency meets the criteria for the first NDC threshold on April 21, 2024, customers with tickets issued by the preferred agency between April 21 and June 30 will earn miles and Loyalty Points. In order for customers purchasing a ticket July 1, 2024, and beyond to earn, however, the agency must meet the display criteria.

Basic Economy fare tickets will only earn when booked directly with American and eligible partner airlines.

“We want to make it more convenient for customers to enjoy the value and magic of travel,” said Vasu Raja, American’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Not only does booking directly with American provide the best possible experience, it’s also where we offer the best fares and it’s most rewarding for our AAdvantage members.”

Baggage Fees on the rise

Also in the announcement were new rates for baggage on trips booked beginning tomorrow.

The new fee for domestic flights including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as Canada and short-haul international flights, is $35 for the first checked bag if purchased online or $40 at the airport. A second bag will cost $45 whether purchased online or at the airport.

AAdvantage® status members, customers in premium cabins, active-duty U.S. military personnel and most AAdvantage® credit cardmembers flying domestically will continue to receive complimentary bags.

The fee for oversize bags that are only slightly larger than heavier than regular bags will be lower, however. Bags that weigh less than 70 pounds currently cost $100, but will be charged just $30 effective April 17.

The pet-in-cabin fee was raised to $150.

Inside an empty high speed train, TGV in Paris, France.

 

Travelers in February are accustomed to keeping an eye on the weather before they depart for the airport. But this year, it’s wise to keep up to date with where the strikes are being held.

This weekend the action will be in France, where two large unions representing railroad workers will walk off the job in the middle of the country’s winter school holidays, upsetting the plans of skiers and visitors alike.

Train conductors are set to strike from Friday, Feb. 16, through Sunday, Feb. 18, on Zones A (including Grenoble, Lyon and Bordeaux) and C (including Paris and Toulouse), canceling half of all trains. Additional unannounced actions are expected from Thursday evening into Monday morning.

SNCF has urged travelers to move their trips to different days if possible, and promised “exceptional compensation” for those affected by the strike. And Jean-Pierre Farandou, chief of the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français (SNCF, France’s state-owned railroad) noted that “we will try to run all the trains that head to the Alps and the Pyrénées for the winter holidays.”

In other labor disputes, meanwhile, rail workers in Spain have been striking every Monday in February, and bus and metro workers in Paris are threatening to strike any time from now through September 9, including the Olympics. Tens of thousands of flight attendants yesterday picketed at more than 30 US and UK airports as part of the Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action. Uber and Lyft drivers are striking today; Alaska Air flight attendants yesterday voted to strike; travelers to Europe last week faced mass cancellations and delays due to ongoing strikes in Germany and Finland.

Sign that says "The Islands of the Bahamas"

 

If you’re headed to a cruise in the Bahamas, it might be a good idea to pay now for that excursion to their private island. Prices are likely to go up after March 1, when the Bahamas begins charging a new 10% Value Added Tax (VAT).

The Bahamian government will be adding the VAT to all purchases of goods and services at any private island operated by a cruise line—including food and beverages, recreational activities, equipment rentals, spa services, cabana rentals and shore excursions bought on islands including Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay, MSC’s Ocean Cay, Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay or the new Carnival Half Moon Cay.

The proposal ends a nine-year VAT exemption for the private islands. Normally retailers in the Bahamas charge a 12% VAT on all goods and services.

Announcing the change, Bahamas’ Financial Secretary Simon Wilson told local news that “originally, we were under the impression given to us by the cruise lines that any commercial activity on the private islands was an extension of the package purchased [by passengers] on ship—they were indistinguishable. That’s not the case. The private islands are much bigger, much more diverse in their operations, and they actually compete with Bahamas-based businesses for onshore excursions.”

While the cruise industry has until February 16 to provide feedback on the VAT changes, Wilson said he expects the tax to take effect as planned on March 1.

Visitors to the Bahamas can get refunds for VATs they pay on purchases of more than $100. But they must shop at designated retailers, request a VAT refund form at the point of sale, complete the form, and present it to a Customs officer when they leave the country.

The Bahamas last year increased its cruise passenger tax 27%, from $18 to $23, for ships stopping at Nassau and Freeport, and to $25 for those going to private islands, and also added a $7 per person tourism tax. Meanwhile, the US State Department issued a travel advisory cautioning travelers about violence ashore, after 18 people were murdered so far this year. And yet, CocoCay is the number-one preferred destination for Royal Caribbean guests.

Utopia of the Seas ship. Artist rendering courtesy of Royal Caribbean.

 

The Travel Institute, celebrating its 60th anniversary, has partnered with Royal Caribbean to send ten lucky advisors aboard Royal Caribbean’s new ship, Utopia of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean, a long-time supporter of The Travel Institute’s non-profit initiatives to promote education and professional development for agents, has offered up a great opportunity to preview the new ship.

The ten advisors chosen will receive a free, double-occupancy stateroom aboard the preview sailing in July 2024 of Utopia of the Seas. An excellent chance to experience and report back to clients on your travels.

To qualify for this drawing, advisors must:

“At Royal Caribbean, we value agent success and are committed to supporting them. The Travel Institute’s CTA serves as the foundation for their success and is widely recognized in the industry as the pinnacle of professionalism. Obtaining their CTA, agents demonstrate dedication to the highest standards of excellence in the travel industry, gaining confidence, expertise, a competitive edge, and the potential for higher sales.”

 

John Lovell, Travel Leaders President, speaks to the press

 

“We’re in the renaissance of the travel advisor in the distribution channel, driven by the general public,” says Tavel Leaders Group president John Lovell. Groups are back; corporate is growing; luxury is blossoming, he told a group of trade reporters at a press conference in the beautiful Ritz Carlton Nomad in Manhattan on Tuesday.

Travel Leaders Network president Roger Block was quick to agree. “2023 was a heck of a year in terms of growth, profitability, business moving upscale, membership – you name a metric and 2023 was outstanding – and 2024 is looking as good, if not better,” Block said. TLN has signed up 300 new travel agency members in the United States and 42 in Canada (for a net gain of 155), projected to sell $635 million worth of travel.

That’s not including the first 2024 new member, “mega-host agency” Inteletravel, which claimed $800 million in 2023 sales.

Among the biggest growth areas for TLN advisors is luxury, where 2924 sales already are up 19% over 2023. The 328 members of Travel Leaders’ Luxury Leaders Advisor Alliance racked up a total of $450 million in sales last year, averaging $1.37 million each.

Group travel also is on a wave; it “really didn’t come back in 2023, but now people are taking out speculative groups; affinity groups are coming back together; businesses are getting teams together and doing incentive trips,” Lovell said. “We’re really seeing group business come back very strong.”

Indeed, the biggest issue seems to be finding employees, Block and Lovell agreed. Where in the brick-and-mortar past newcomers to the industry started as full-time employees, today’s travel advisors are more inclined to start out as independent contractors on their own. “Those ICs used to be the pipeline for full-time employees,” Lovell noted—and now the pipeline is gone.

“We’re trying to attract new talent, but we’re getting 10 here and 10 there—and we need hundreds,” he said. So perhaps the most important thing for those looking to hire is to get out the word that being a travel advisor is a great job opportunity.

Here’s the pitch for you to use, compliments of Lovell: “What industry can you put your finger on and say it’s going to grow 8%? If you look at the hotels, ships, and river cruise ships being built, you can see it is going to grow 8% –and the travel advisor distribution channel is getting more and more of the market. Royal Caribbean just built a $2 billion ship—now that’s a vote of confidence!—and we sell 30% of their inventory. It’s a great time and a great moment in time,
for us as an industry.”

Crystal Symphony cruise ship

 

Cruisers looking for something a little different will find lots of options on Crystal this year, as the line rolls out themed cruises for lovers of film, theater and golf.

The fun begins in February, when Grammy-nominated musical theater star Christine Allado will perform on the Film & Theater Enthusiasts sailing (Feb. 16-28) to Hong Kong. Broadway musical historian Steven Friedman, former regional marketing director for United Artists and Columbia Pictures Andrew Friedenberg, and movie and TV actor Bruce McGill will also be onboard to provide insights and anecdotes at fireside chats.

In Europe, the July 18-30 sailing from Lisbon to Dover will host golf instructors David Leadbetter and Roberto Borgatti, who will help players of all skill levels perfect their swings—and help those who are interested pass the PGA Player Ability Test.

In the fall, two sailings between New York and Quebec (October 10-18 and 18-26) will highlight the Great White Way, featuring actress and singer Rachel York, known for her iconic stage roles in City of Angels, Les Miserables, and Kiss Me Kate. More names from Broadway marquees will be announced in the next few weeks.

“We are thrilled to bring back our themed cruises, each tailored to provide an immersive and enriching experience for our guests,” said Vice President of Entertainment Keith Cox.

ACL’s American Constitution. Credit: American Cruise Lines

 

American Cruise Lines will be sailing its American Revolution 11-day itineraries round-trip out of Washington DC in 2024.

The only cruise ship that sails the Potomac into Washington, American Constitution will depart from The Wharf and sail the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac and the York River, with calls in the historic ports of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Jamestown, Mount Vernon, Annapolis and Norfolk.

It’s a particularly interesting offer for the drive-to cruise market, “allowing many guests to skip flights and jump on board hassle- free,” noted American’s Director of Business Development Melissa Young

Cruises on the American Revolution itinerary will run in the spring and fall 2024, beginning March 26 and including Cherry Blossom season. They all include entertainment and enrichment, as well as regionally inspired cuisine featuring Maryland’s famous Blue Crabs. Excursions in Washington include guided tours of the Capitol and the Smithsonian museums, as well as Arlington National Cemetery, the Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad exhibit, Colonial Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement, and Virginia Beach, and an authentic sailing on “Skipjack” through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Wave season specials include savings up to $1,500 plus complimentary airfare on select Spring dates. There is also an option to add a pre-cruise hotel stay at the Four Seasons, D.C.

The largest small ship and river cruise operator in the United States, American Cruise Lines will sail 19 ships in 35 states, with more than 50 domestic itineraries.

 

London Rail Strike Affects Airport Travel

Motion blurred view of London underground platform and tube trai

 

A strike by train drivers is crippling London transit today (Tuesday) and causing delays for travelers headed for the airports.

Members of the ASLEF union are on strike against the Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, Thameslink, South Western Railway and Great Northern railroad lines over the week of January 30 through Monday, February 5.

The union will hold two more 48-hour strikes on the London Overground, on February 19 and March 4. And on the London Underground, the Central Line is suspended between North Acton and Ealing Broadway due to a “points failure.”

The strikes are causing widespread delays for travelers trying to get to and from London airports.

London Heathrow is accessible on the Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth Line, and the Tube. But other major airports will be badly affected—with most trains canceled on strike days.

For example:

London Gatwick will have no Gatwick Express nor Thameslink service on Tuesday, January 30. Passengers headed to London can use a Southern shuttle service, nonstop between the airport and Victoria, or the GWR link from Gatwick to Redhill, Guildford and Reading.

London Stansted will have an hourly skeleton service on Friday, February 2, with “service alterations” on the other days.

Manchester airport will have a drastically reduced rail service on Wednesday, January 31, with only an hourly link on Transport for Wales to and from central Manchester, Chester and North Wales.

Birmingham airport is likely to be inaccessible by rail on Saturday, February 3, except for Transport for Wales from Birmingham New Street.

Blue background with text, "Host Week 2024"

 

Independent contractors are the backbone of the industry, Lee says, at the Host Week 2024 kick-off.

There have been four notable trends in the hosted travel advisor market, says Steph Lee:

  1. A ton of new advisors are coming down the pipeline and interest in a travel career is at an all-time high.
  2. Independent contractors with three years of experience are earning an average of $60,000.
  3. Hosted advisors make up the majority of the travel advisor distribution channel.
  4. More agencies are expanding into hosting than ever before, and the largest agencies are growing fastest.

Those are the takeaways from the opening session of Host Agency Reviews’ 2024 Host Week, a weeklong online love and education fest for independent contractors and their hosts that began today (Host Week 2024! | Host Agency Reviews).

There was “a crazy level of interest” in becoming a travel agent last year, and inquiries to host agency reviews are up a whopping 66%, Lee said. And that’s good news for the industry as a whole, as a huge influx of advisors is going to need their support in this busiest year ever.

“In an industry that’s bogged down with customer requests, we’re so excited that you’re here!” she said.

For HAR’s recent survey of the industry, one out of four respondents was new to the industry, up 11 percentage points from the previous year. The Travel Institute reports that 71% of travel advisors are now independent contractors.

Independent contractors are more professional than they used to be, too. In 2019 50% of hosted advisors were working in travel full time–but in 2022, the number rose by more than a third, to 66%.

The “average” independent contractor today has annual sales of just under $500,000 and earns an income of $60,000 after three years in business. Her number-one product is ocean cruises, and her commission split is 80% for the first three years and 90% thereafter.

There were 150 host agencies in 2019—a number that leaped to 204 last year and 243 today. They each host an average of 393 agents, up from 376 last year, with most growth at high end, among networks that host more than 500 agents. The number of hosts with more than 1,000 agents saw a huge jump, to 4,000 today from 2,900 in 2019.

Find Your Niche

One way top travel advisors stand out from the crowd is to develop a niche area of practice. Though we hear the advice to specialize,  the concept of niche marketing is often misunderstood. Niche marketing is a way of helping you focus on locating new clients, not a set of restrictions on your business offerings. Niche marketing is not necessarily about gearing your entire business to a particular type of travel but rather about segmenting your marketing efforts to focus on particular groups of people.  Many travel consultants avoid it as a concept out of fear of having to turn away business outside the chosen niche or being too closely identified with the niche. Properly executed, however, niche marketing is a terrific way of locating and marketing to a group of potential clients in a highly effective and cost-efficient manner. Read the rest of this entry »

Southwest Flight Attendants Vote to Strike

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 plane during flight

 

There’s no word yet on when Southwest Airlines can expect its flight attendants to walk off the job—but the likelihood is much stronger following an overwhelmingly pro-strike vote this week.

About 98% of voting members voted to go on strike, Transport Workers Union Local 556 reports—many more than the 64% who turned down the airline’s contract proposal last month. If they do, it would be the first strike by flight attendants in Southwest’s history.

“98% YES sends a strong message of solidarity,” the union wrote on X. “We will do whatever it takes to get a Contract that recognizes our contributions to the success of our co.”

As a first step in their protest, many Southwest flight attendants will join thousands of airline workers on the picket lines for the worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action on Feb. 13. Organized by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, it will include picketing at more than 30 airports globally.

The flight attendants cited cost of living increases as well as a better deal offered to pilots, whose new contract includes a 50% pay raise over the next five years.