Travel Leaders Network enjoying double-digit revenue growth

Travel Weekly

10-06-2025

LAS VEGAS — Travel Leaders Network (TLN) revenue is up double digits so far this year, president John Lovell said during the group's Edge conference here, with luxury and river cruising particular bright spots. Theme park revenue is also up, thanks to a bump from the Universal Orlando Resort's newest theme park, Epic Universe, which opened in May.
TLN is part of Internova Travel Group. The Edge conference is ongoing this week at Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.
Revenue boost from cruise
As of the end of April, TLN's cruise and land revenue was up 12% compared to the same period in 2024, Lovell said during a media briefing. That number will "bump up a little bit" once May revenue has been calculated, he said, based on figures that have already been reported by suppliers.
Breaking that number down, cruise revenue is up 14.5%, and land revenue is up 6.5%, Lovell said.
He attributed the cruise increase to advisors selling high-quality cabins as well as gaining a bigger share of the market.
By segment, luxury cruise revenue is up 20% compared to the same time last year, while premium cruise revenue is up 16%, contemporary cruise revenue is up 8% and river cruise revenue is up 29%.
"We just wish they would dredge more river somewhere," Lovell said. "The growth there is just absolutely phenomenal."
Solid gains in land revenue
Though it's a smaller increase than cruise revenue, a 6.5% increase in land "is a really strong number," Lovell said. At the same time last year, comparing 2024 to 2023, land sales were only up around 2.3%, indicating land sales are growing.
By segment, land FIT and touring revenue is up 13% compared to the same time last year, fun and sun revenue is up 3.7% and theme park revenue is up 12%.
Lovell attributed a lot of the bump in theme park revenue to Epic Universe.
"Had you asked me these numbers in February for theme parks, it would have been vastly different," Lovell said. "But as soon as that date came out, the May launch of Epic, we just saw bookings flying in for the Orlando market."
Lovell said those bookings aren't just for Universal, as Epic's opening has driven a bump in business for the whole market.
In the past four years, TLN has grown its base by 1,175 members, representing $1.5 billion in preferred supplier sales, said COO Lindsay Pearlman.
To ensure all member needs are met, TLN has been expanding its field team that supports members, recently adding nine new employees, he said.
Business tips from Richard Branson
During the conference, Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, stopped by for an on-stage chat with Lovell. He shared stories about his famed companies as well as his advice on how to operate a solid business.
"I think the key to running a good company is to experience it yourself," Branson said.
It's a practice that Branson preaches. For instance, if he's on a Virgin Atlantic plane, he'll talk to each guest and employee, notebook in hand, seeking pain points and advice for improvement.
"On an average flight, I write down anything from five to 25 different items," he said.
Then he gets to work fixing problems and putting suggestions in place. He behaves similarly on Virgin Voyages ships.
"If you talk to your customers and you talk to your staff, they know what needs to be done," Branson said. "I think what makes an average company exceptional is getting those little things right."