Maria Lenhart, Skift
Consumer research indicates that Baby Boomers are not only the highest-spending travel demographic, but the one most likely to place trust in a travel advisor. This is illustrated by the success of The Roaming Boomers, an agency that derives almost all of its business from the Woodstock generation.
5 days ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
Despite all the marketing interest in reaching millennials, it may be the baby boomer generation that is the most likely business source for travel advisors. It’s a high-spending demographic that values interaction with those they can trust.
6 days ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
Following up with clients after a trip is a critical part of the travel-planning process. However, getting clients to truly open up about their experiences takes finesse.
6 days ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
A growing number of travel advisors are offering mystery vacations, created by keeping trip details a secret from clients until the departure date. It puts the surprise element back in travel, which is something often lost these days, but the challenges for advisors are many.
2 weeks ago
Paul Biasco, Skift
The allure of a mystery vacation is growing for some travelers as the world continues to shrink thanks to an overwhelming flood of photos and videos in social media about the world's great destinations. We see this sector as one set to continue its growth in coming years.
2 weeks ago
Tassia Sipahutar, Bloomberg
Indonesia never drew so many visitors as it did last year, especially from Malaysia and China. But the country still missed its target to draw 17 million visitors, after it was struck by multiple earthquakes and tsunamis. We wish it better luck, on all fronts, next year.
2 weeks ago
Dennis Schaal, Skift
Virtuoso is a you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours kind of business. The luxury travel network has some good programs to help member agencies, and that increases engagement with Virtuoso. It also provides learnings on how to keep refining the company.
3 weeks ago
Maria Lenhart
ASTA's new Myanmar chapter and plans for training projects with Myanmar tourism should benefit travel advisors seeking more education about an intriguing destination once off-limits for travel. However, the fact that the country engages in ethnic cleansing is raising ethical questions about visiting there at this time.
3 weeks ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
ASTA’s new Myanmar chapter and planned partnership with Myanmar tourism will give travel advisors new opportunities to learn about an emerging destination. However, it also raises ethical concerns about supporting a country that engages in ethnic cleansing.
3 weeks ago
Isaac Carey, Skift
The letter ASTA sent was over-ambitious and a little dramatic, but ultimately a smart move and way overdue.
3 weeks ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
Several black-owned travel agencies in the U.S. will be sending clients on tours of Ghana this year to mark the Year of Return. African travel has been a pillar of their businesses for years, even before genealogical travel became a thing.
4 weeks ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
Henderson Travel, a black-owned agency founded back in the Civil Rights era, pioneered roots travel to Africa. Its continued success is a testament not just to the popularity of genealogical tourism, but a booming African-American travel market.
4 weeks ago