Maria Lenhart, Skift
While Hawaii is not the only destination reeling from the impact of short-term rentals from Airbnb and other providers, its already sky-high housing prices and limited land make the problem especially acute. Regulatory measures to control the number of illegal rentals may provide some relief.
1 month ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
The recent terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka underscore the need for addressing traveler safety. While mitigating risk does not come with the same obligations for leisure travel advisors as it does for those on the corporate side, there are still steps they can take to protect clients.
2 months ago
Andrew Sheivachman, Skift
Travel Leaders has turned to a membership model instead of franchising or partnerships to build out its global presence in the corporate space. It's one way to grow without costly acquisitions, although more acquisitions are probably on the way too.
2 months ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
Training for travel advisors has become a big priority for consortiums and host travel agencies, particularly as more people enter the industry from previous careers. There seems to be a shift from mostly educating new agents about destinations to including sessions on sales strategies and marketing.
2 months ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
Ensemble Travel Group hired its first CEO, a veteran travel advisor and agency owner. The move signals a realization that first-hand understanding of the daily challenges faced by travel advisors can only help a consortium better serve its members.
2 months ago
Paul Biasco, Skift
Host agencies are seeing an influx of prospective travel advisors, many coming from other careers, and are creating education programs to ensure the newcomers are up to par. There are a wide range of options out there, so potential agents should do their research before choosing a host.
2 months ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
Contributions to the American Society of Travel Advisors’ political action committee are up this year, indicating growing awareness of the value of political advocacy. Making politicians aware of the particular needs of travel agencies — something many have little understanding of — is crucial.
2 months ago
Allan Leibowitz, Skift
The number of people with disabilities is increasing and travel advisors need to understand this demographic. If they don’t, not only will they lose business to specialist agencies, they may also risk prosecution.
2 months ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
Supporting advocacy efforts on the state and federal levels for the rights of travel advisors is gaining momentum. Among indicators are growing contributions to ASTA’s political action committee.
2 months ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
Travel advisors serving the top end of the market these days are seeing an influx of clients with newly made fortunes eager to spend some of it on dream vacations. Satisfying their demands takes ingenuity and is redefining the nature of luxury travel.
2 months ago
Allan Leibowitz, Skift
Who would have thought that people would pay to do back-breaking work and enjoy the experience? Voluntourism is gaining momentum and putting pressure on advisors to match traveler skills and expectations with community and conservation needs.
2 months ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
Ultra-wealthy travelers are growing in number, and many are willing to pay for expertise in fulfilling their champagne wishes and caviar dreams. However, serving these clients, especially the newly rich, can put advisors to the test.
2 months ago