Latest news with #traveladvisors
Travel Weekly
21 hours ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Travel Pro Theory
Subscribe now using your favorite service: This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts. This week's featured company is Travel Pro Theory, represented by founder Kate Thomas. Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews' list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn't have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list. This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands. Further resources Travel Pro Theory on the web and Instagram (feel free to DM) Kate Thomas' previous appearance on Trade Secrets talking about advisor-supplier relationships From TravelAge West: 10 ChatGPT prompts every travel advisor should use Get in touch! Email us: tradesecrets@ Theme song Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod License See for privacy information.
Travel Weekly
a day ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
ASTA's Zane Kerby addresses key issues for travel advisors
ASTA CEO Zane Kerby sat down with tours and river cruise editor Brinley Hineman at the Society's Salt Lake City conference last month, where they discussed AI and the impact it will have on travel advisors, the organization's key priorities for advocacy efforts and how members' businesses are faring amid an uncertain economy. Zane Kerby Q: What are some key advocacy efforts underway? A: We have really important touchpoints with the Department of Transportation and with Congress to try to get our members from under this onerous provision [about merchant of record refunds] that was written into the FAA [reauthorization bill]. It doesn't affect a whole lot of our members, but for the ones that it affects, it is extraordinarily dangerous, so we want that fixed immediately. We also have written to DOT secretary [Sean] Duffy, who reached out to groups like ASTA to ask them which regulations were no longer in the public's interest. Q: How is AI impacting things for members? A: I talked to the ASTA board about this the other day, and I feel like I'm the most concerned about it of any of the 15 advisors that sit on our board. They're still looking at it as a really good research assistant. The reason that our profession is sturdy is because of the trust that exists between consumers and travel advisors. I'm not sure that AI is going to supplant that trust with a bunch of haphazard recommendations. It doesn't feel to me like it's replacing the trust at all that exists between consumers and travel advisors. Q: There's a lot going on, with economic uncertainty and with the U.S. projected to lose $12.5 billion in inbound travel. What's on your mind? A: I'm really thankful that my job is not inbound tourism to the United States. The vast majority of our members are executing and planning trips that are outbound from the United States, and that business is very, very good. We certainly understand that public policy decisions that affect Americans' willingness to travel abroad is important to keep our eye on. As we have talked to our members, both here and in surveys beforehand and anecdotally over the last several months, so far -- touch wood -- business is going very, very well for members. Obviously, it's something we want to keep an eye on, and we try to be proactive. But it's certainly not helpful to opine on every public policy decision that's made. When public policy decisions that are made affect our members' businesses, we will react and act appropriately at the time. Q: So it's not affecting advisors planning outbound travel? A: That's largely the case. Now, there are pockets: We're in the D.C. area, and so when I talk to advisors in the D.C. area, on the luxury side, everything is going gangbusters. But for those who are affected -- there's a large federal workforce in the D.C. area, and so some of that uncertainty [that comes] with layoffs and proposed layoffs has affected some travel in that sort of midtier range. Q: What about members planning domestic travel? A: Members are getting a lot of questions around the national parks this year, for obvious reasons. I think that it is having some effect, but it's not [having a big impact]. Even the domestic business is good -- pockets of stress, but nothing I'm worried about.
Travel Weekly
a day ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Travel advisor survey shows bookings decline, but not across the board
A majority of travel advisors say that bookings are down this year compared to last, with the economy, consumer confidence and price sensitivity all playing roles. A Travel Weekly survey fielded last month found that 27.8% of respondents reported a significant decrease in bookings so far in 2025, while 29.9% reported a slight decrease. That adds up to 57.7% who are reporting some kind of decrease. Ten percent reported no change in bookings, 18.5% reported a slight increase, and 12.8% reported a significant increase. Travel Weekly's survey, fielded online from May 12 to 25, had 358 respondents who are either travel advisors or travel agency owners/managers. It sought to understand how travel agencies and their clients have been impacted by consumer confidence, the economic outlook, changes at the federal government level and recent air travel safety incidents. The economy and consumer sentiment stood out as issues impacting client bookings for many advisors. In total, 57.6% of respondents said the economic climate and consumer confidence has either slightly or significantly decreased their clients' willingness to book travel. Travelers are also becoming more cost-conscious compared to last year, with 62.7% of respondents saying clients are either slightly or significantly more price sensitive. In the comments section of the survey, respondents expressed concerns about a number of factors, such as the impact of tariffs, stock market volatility and broad economic uncertainty. One advisor based in Naples, Fla., pointed out that middle-class families especially have shared their concerns about traveling, canceled plans or held off on booking because of the economy. "Many who have plans that have not canceled have expressed great concern and anxiety regarding both financial aspects and the way they will be treated when they travel," the advisor wrote. Fading worries about government changes While most respondents are grappling with reduced bookings, their level of concern regarding federal government changes has decreased since March. In a survey fielded then, Travel Weekly found that 51.7% of respondents were very concerned about the long-term impact of federal government changes on their travel business, while only 20.2% were not concerned. The remaining respondents were either moderately (19.7%) or slightly (8.4%) concerned. In the May survey, 20.3% of advisors said they were very concerned, while 26.1% said they were not concerned. The number of advisors reporting slight or moderate concern, 29.9% and 23.8%, respectively, increased. Similarly, advisors were asked in March and again in May how concerned they were about the long-term impact of government changes on the industry as a whole. In March, the majority, 54.9%, were very concerned. That number dropped to 26.4% in May. The number of advisors reporting they weren't concerned increased from 18.2% in March to 24.5% in May. Still, 58.9% of advisors in the most recent survey said shifts in international relations or geopolitical events had significantly or slightly influenced clients' international bookings. And clients' concern about the reception of Americans in other countries largely stayed the same in the March and May surveys, at 59.5% and 61%, respectively. In the latest survey, 21.7% reported cancellations due to the perception of Americans abroad, a number unchanged since March. 'This too shall pass' Despite the business downturn, many respondents expressed their belief in the resilience of the travel industry. And some said business was booming or at least on par with last year. "Thankfully, the travel industry has been able to remain viable over the years no matter what monkey wrench gets thrown our way," said Dee Framson, a Boca Raton, Fla.-based advisor. An advisor based in Encinitas, Calif., has also seen a positive trend: last-minute summer travel requests. "I think people were holding out in Q1 to see what the immediate effects of our new administration were going to be, then decided to just go forward with their plans in Q2," the advisor wrote. One New York-based advisor said the industry has learned to ride out such headwinds. "Shifting economic conditions and geopolitical uncertainties may impact current and short-term travel demand in certain sectors, as seen by the recent inbound decline of tourists to the U.S.," the advisor wrote. "But what we have learned from past turbulent times is how resilient our industry is and how it quickly adapts to meet challenges [it] may have little control over." Another veteran advisor with 40-plus years in the industry said that 2025 sales are down, but 2026 and 2027 already look strong. "This is not the first economic downturn I've seen due to issues outside of my control," the advisor wrote. "This too shall pass." Little concern about air travel safety Despite several high-profile air travel incidents this year, advisors said that clients seem largely unconcerned. More than half (51.7%) of respondents said clients haven't shared any questions or concerns about air travel safety, and only 6.4% are hearing frequent concerns. Meanwhile, 85% reported no cancellations due to air safety or airport disruption concerns, while 10.9% have had cancellations and 4% were unsure. One air travel standout many commented on was Newark Airport, where delays, cancellations and technology failures have been rampant. Multiple respondents said clients want to avoid traveling through the New Jersey airport. One advisor wrote simply, "Don't book me through Newark!"
Travel Daily News
a day ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
The Grenada Tourism Authority accepted into Virtuoso
Grenada Tourism Authority joins Virtuoso's global luxury network, unlocking sales, marketing, and premium travel opportunities across 100 countries worldwide. ST. GEORGE'S, GRENADA – The Grenada Tourism Authority has been accepted into Virtuoso's exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners, comprising 2,300 preferred suppliers in 100 countries. According to Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, inclusion in Virtuoso will present new sales and marketing opportunities to the network's luxury travel advisors and their highly desirable clientele. Virtuoso agencies worldwide sell an average of (U.S.) $35 billion annually, making the network the most significant player in luxury travel. 'Virtuoso's acceptance process is incredibly selective, so becoming a preferred partner is a true honor,' said Roach. 'The reputation Virtuoso member agencies have for outstanding dedication to their clients is a perfect fit with our own bespoke approach to service. Now that we're part of this renowned network, we look forward to offering Virtuoso advisors and their clients the special amenities, values and experiences that surpass their expectations.' 'We're honored to welcome the Grenada Tourism Authority into the Virtuoso network,' said Virtuoso's Director, Alliances Javier Guillermo. 'Grenada brings a distinctive voice to Caribbean luxury, defined by its unspoiled beauty, rich culture and a deep commitment to meaningful, high-quality travel experiences. This partnership reflects a vision to engage high-value travelers seeking authenticity with elevated service. We're excited to support Grenada as it steps confidently onto the global luxury stage and deepens its connection with our advisor community and their clients.' The Grenada Tourism Authority joins Virtuoso's collection of the finest luxury hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour operators and other travel entities worldwide, including multiple properties in Grenada such as Spice Island Beach Resort, Calabash Hotel, Silversands Grand Anse and Six Senses La Sagesse. These partners, which specialize in world-class client service and experiences, provide superior offerings, rare opportunities and exceptional value for Virtuoso clients. These prestigious providers are able to market to Virtuoso clients via network vehicles and to Virtuoso agencies through multiple communications channels and events, including Virtuoso Travel Week, luxury travel's preeminent worldwide gathering. The Grenada Tourism Authority's acceptance into Virtuoso gives it direct relationships with the world's leading leisure travel agencies in North and Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. This recognition comes at a time of continued momentum for Grenada's luxury tourism sector. In December 2025, Delta Air Lines will launch new daily nonstop service from Atlanta to Grenada, making the destination even more accessible to high-end travelers from the southeast U.S. and beyond. Grenada continues to attract discerning visitors with exceptional new offerings, including the recently opened Six Senses La Sagesse and the intimate, design-forward Silversands Beach House. From world-class diving and sailing to immersive culinary experiences and wellness retreats, Grenada delivers authentic luxury with a sense of place, perfectly aligned with the Virtuoso traveler.
Travel Weekly
4 days ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Koreen McNutt joins Virgin Voyages' sales team
Virgin Voyages has added to its sales executive team, aiming to bolster support of travel advisors. Koreen McNutt Koreen McNutt is the new vice president of agency and business development, and Kristy Woolums is now senior director of national strategic accounts for North America. McNutt was most recently with MSC Cruises, where she was commercial sales officer and senior vice president of sales and trade engagement. She previously worked at Expedia Group. Stephen Hopkins Additionally, the vice president of growth and international sales and marketing, Stephen Hopkins, will now also handle sales acceleration. All three will work under chief marketing officer Nathan Rosenberg as part of what Virgin describes as a newly unified commercial team. Rosenberg took over the duties of John Diorio, who resigned as vice president of North American sales earlier this month. Kristy Woolums "By working in better coordination across our brand story, marketing strategy and sales execution, we reduce mixed messages and disconnected experiences for our First Mates," Rosenberg said. (First Mates are travel advisors.) "This creates integrated strategies that make it easier for them to sell Virgin Voyages successfully." Woolums was promoted from within Virgin Voyages and will now work exclusively on high-value strategic partnerships. CLARIFICATION: This report was edited to removed the implication that McNutt left MSC Cruises for Virgin Voyages.
