Travel Advisor Innovation Report: Government Shutdown Puts Agents on Edge

As the U.S. government shutdown drags on, travel advisors are increasingly fielding concerns from clients about airport security and potential delays. For those with clients with plans to visit national parks or other federally operated attractions, there are other issues to address, including itinerary changes.

While not yet having an impact on business, some advisors, especially those who plan domestic travel, have trepidation about what a prolonged shutdown could mean for consumer confidence in travel.

For more coverage of pertinent issues, click here.

Any suggestions for the coverage you would like to see are welcome. Feel free to contact me at mbl@skift.com.

— Maria Lenhart, Travel Advisor Editor

Featured Stories

Travelers Not Yet Deterred by Shutdown But Agent Concerns Grow: The government shutdown is not yet a big problem for travel advisors and their clients, but it could become one if it doesn’t end soon. Airport security concerns and national park travel, which picks up in the spring, could become major issues.

Why Are So Many South Korean Travel Agencies Closing? Korean tour agencies got a harsh wakeup call last year. This year, they must prove their viability alongside foreign online travel agencies and booming travel startups.

Airline Group Turns to Blockchain to Bypass Entrenched Global Distribution Systems: As with the predicted demise of travel agents, the potential extinction of global distribution systems has been greatly exaggerated.

Airlines

United CEO Wants More Business Class Seats in Jets Flying Transatlantic: Today, United’s rationale makes sense. Premium demand in many markets is robust, and United could probably make more money with more seats to sell. But what happens if business class demand drops at some point?

Pros and Cons of JetBlue’s Possible European Expansion: JetBlue’s proposal to fly to Europe isn’t a bet-the-company idea. But it’s important, and the airline wants to get it right. It’s no surprise the airline has been studying transatlantic flights for several years. This year, it expects to finally make a decision.

Virgin Atlantic Steps In to Save Flybe: It’s good news for regional passengers who rely on Flybe’s services, but Virgin Atlantic will have to make sure it can make the most of a combined long-haul, short-haul operation.

Air France Looks to Shut Down Millennial Experiment Joon: Joon attracted derision when it launched, with many people wondering whether an airline targeting younger, cooler travelers would really work. We now have an answer.

meetings and events

Travel Leaders Acquires UK-Based Event Management Company: Another day, another acquisition for Travel Leaders Group. Consolidation continues in the global event management marketplace, with Travel Leaders Group investing more in international assets that expand its reach in a crowded market.

Secondary Cities Become Dynamic Destinations: Event planners in Pittsburgh are eager to try new ways to not just engage attendees, but keep them returning year after year. Technology is only part of the answer.

Road Trips

Car Companies Team With Luxury Hotels to Drive High-End Road Trips: This is the year of luxury brand collaborations. Two sectors that are coming together in a particularly big way are hospitality and automotive. We look at what’s driving the motor trend.

Skift Travel Advisor Editor Maria Lenhart [mbl@skift.com] curates the Skift Travel Advisor Innovation Report. Skift emails the newsletter every Tuesday. Have a story idea? Or a juicy news tip? Want to share a memo? Send her an email.