Articles tagged “travel agents”

The base fares advertised by many cruise lines rarely indicate the proliferation of onboard charges that can send the cost of the cruise soaring. Travel advisors are stepping in by counseling clients about the added costs and, in some cases, presenting all-inclusive cruises as a better value.

For increasing numbers of travelers, leaving home without a beloved pet (or pets) is unthinkable. While the travel industry has become more accommodating to this trend, the challenges are such that services from pet travel experts are in demand.

As more baby boomers and millennials take to the road with pets in tow, travel advisors will need to freshen up on their knowledge of rules and restrictions for travel. Hotels are beginning to cater more to pet owners, but the rules among airlines are in a state of flux.

To meet the travel needs of a CEO, is a luxury leisure agency a better fit than a travel management company? Leisure expertise is useful for serving the customized demands of VIPs, but travel advisors may find that even deluxe business travel requires a corporate mindset.

Some luxury-focused leisure travel agencies are finding success in handling their clients' business travel needs. The bleisure trend, as well as the desire for CEOs to keep their lavish travel a secret from employees, is creating opportunities for these agencies.

Former staffers from the closed Los Angeles office of the Mexico Tourism Board have regrouped to offer marketing services for Mexican destinations. Such services are needed, particularly for regions outside of Mexico's most popular tourist areas.

The true results of the Mexican government's dismantling of its tourism board likely won't be known for years, but former staffers in the Los Angeles office have formed a new marketing company they hope will fill in the gap. Keep an eye on neighboring tropical destinations, which are looking to swoop in on the opportunity.

Travel advisors who understand their clients’ interests and hobbies will likely find a themed cruise that meets their needs. But it may not be plain sailing since some operators seem to prefer to sell direct — and have the marketing reach to do so.

Breaking with the usual travel agency practices has proved to be a winning situation for two travel companies on this year's Inc. 5000 list. New approaches to hiring and travel planning are resonating in today's culture.

Eschewing the usual travel agency business model, two travel companies on the Inc. 5000 list are enjoying significant success by providing highly curated itineraries and hiring staff with specialized expertise. Their approach is clearly resonating in today’s on-demand culture.