Maria Lenhart, Skift
Congressional legislation in the United States that would bar hotels and short-term rental sources from advertising rates that don't include resort fees is getting support from the American Society of Travel Advisors. Advocating for transparency in pricing is an important cause for travel industry organizations to take on.
23 hours ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
The American Society of Travel Advisors' show of support for the Hotel Advertising Transparency Act of 2019 indicates growing distaste among agencies, as well as the general public, for resort fees, particularly when they are not disclosed up-front. Such support is a logical step for the organization, which has long advocated for pricing transparency.
2 days ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
Shore excursions offered by third-party companies are growing in popularity among passengers and travel advisors alike. Independent options tend to offer more customization than ship-sponsored tours while also offering financial benefits for travel advisors.
1 week ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
Independent shore excursions are proliferating, enabling passengers to avoid the crowds and travel advisors to earn commissions. With competition more intense, some cruise lines are attempting to improve their excursion offerings as a result.
1 week ago
Dennis Schaal, Skift
Travel advisors need to further diversify their revenue beyond commissions. That's for sure.
1 week ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
The low base fares promoted by some budget and mid-level cruise lines rarely indicate what the actual cost of a sailing will be. Travel advisors are stepping in to advise clients about onboard charges and, in some cases, showing that a higher-end cruise with all-inclusive pricing is actually a better value.
2 weeks ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
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.
2 weeks ago
Paul Biasco, Skift
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.
3 weeks ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
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.
4 weeks ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
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.
4 weeks ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
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.
1 month ago
Paul Biasco, Skift
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.
1 month ago
