Travel Market Report RSS Feed

Agents Laud Breakaway’s New York State of Mind

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Agents on the Norwegian Breakaway’s inaugural voyage praised the ship’s Big Apple theme and its appeal for families. There were also kudos for its spacious size and lay-out. However, a lack of availability for specialty dining was cited as a shortcoming.

Europe Sales Are Soaring, Tour Ops Report

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

With pent-up demand, stabilizing airfares and flat prices, business to Europe is robust. Tour operators report increases of 15% to 30% in sales, as well as changes in the patterns of travel. The U.K. and Ireland are the top-performing destinations.

6 Ways to Add a Touch of Serendipity to Your Clients’ Travels

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Often the best and most memorable travel experiences are those that are unplanned, or serendipitous. Travel educator Steve Gillick says creative travel agents know how to help serendipity blossom for their clients and create exuberant customers. Here are his suggestions.

Cracking Challenging Asia Cruise Market Is No Slam-Dunk

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

As cruise ports in Asia grow in stature, global cruise lines are taking on the not-so-easy task of selling to the Asian market. Travel agents are often key to the strategy, but there are many challenges on both the trade and consumer sides. Still, companies such as Carnival Corp. are investing heavily.

Travel Impressions Drives Agent Sales Via Social Media

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Travel Impressions is claiming positive results for its innovative Ambassadors Program, which harnesses social media to showcase travel agents’ expertise and drive sales. Facebook posts by ambassador agents are reaching 8,000 fans monthly. Here’s an update.

Agents Assess the Suite Life on Avalon’s Newest River Ship

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Avalon Expression's spacious suites, glass walls and warm décor won rave reviews from agents on board the ship during a preview cruise. Many remarked on the growing appeal of river cruises for a wide range of clients, including those younger than 55.

New Ireland, Eastern Europe Tours Showcase Unique Experiences

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Brendan Vacations is organizing a special Riverdance celebration in Ireland this summer. Also: TCS & Starquest Expeditions unveils an Eastern European itinerary by private jet; Insight Cuba offers savings and Travel Expressions expands its upscale property choices in Mexico.

In Hot Asia Market, Cruise Lines, Ports Jockey for Position

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Singapore is pouring big money into its port facilities, and North American cruise lines are signing on. Here’s a look at cruise lines’ plans for Asia, infrastructure development and the challenges.

Affluent Travelers Plan to Spend More, But Cruise Less

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Interest in cruising is waning among the wealthiest 10% of consumers, according to a new study from American Affluence Research Center. However, the consumers also indicated that they will spend more on travel this year. They study also indicated that they are growing more comfortable with booking online.

Disney Plans Major Makeover for Original Ship

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Disney Cruise Line is set to begin a major redo of the Magic, its original ship. Family-oriented enhancements will include a thrill water slide and play area with a super hero theme. Also in the works will be a nautical look for staterooms, an expanded spa and updated adult venues.

Cruise Lines Up the Ante on Suites, Shipboard Amenities

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Celebrity Cruises is investing $140 million to upgrade amenities and venues on its Millennium Class ships. Also: Tauck and Seabourn are offering more suite accommodations; Crystal cuts back on areas where smoking is allowed and CruiseOne and Cruise Planners announce conference details.

Mexico Tourism on Upward Track, as Safety Concerns Wane

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Tourism to Mexico is bouncing back this year, with some suppliers reporting record-breaking sales. Declining concern about safety is among the factors. At the same time, Mexico is improving infrastructure and promoting its diverse cultural appeal.

Q&A: The Future of Agent-Tour Operator Relations

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Tour operators continue to rely heavily on the travel agency sales channel. Is this trend likely to endure? General Tours exec Bob Drumm discusses tour operators’ changing relationships with travel agents, including OTAs.

Saltzman: Make Carnival’s Problems Work for You

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Carnival's PR problems are far from over. The media keeps rehashing the cruise line's rash of troubles. Travel agents can turn this to their advantage, says cruise expert Dori Saltzman.

Rail Tours Enjoy Upswing, as Travelers Seek New Experiences

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Rail tour firms are rolling out new products with an eye to attracting first-timers, including cruise passengers. Interest in rail trips in Europe and the U.S. is growing, execs say. Here’s an update on the trends, the product and agent training tools – along with sales advice.

Royal Caribbean Unveils Quantum-Class Ships

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Royal Caribbean showed off new signature features of its Quantum-class vessels this week. While novel features such as a capsule that pivots out over the sea will boost sales, the ships’ more flexible cabin configurations will be a big boost for agents and their clients, says one agency exec.

Carnival Details Fleetwide Safety Upgrades

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Carnival Corp. plans to spend as much as $700 million on upgrades to ensure guest comfort in the event of power failures on its vessels. The upgrades also address emergency and safety systems. Carnival is also calling on outside experts to staff a new safety board that provides third-party oversight.

Smaller Agents Are Vital Link, Norwegian Exec Says

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Even as other cruise lines are increasingly focused on consumer-direct sales, Norwegian Cruise Lines plans no such shift in its distribution, says VP Andy Stuart. In an exclusive interview, Stuart discusses the importance of agents, especially home-based agents, to its business strategy.

Jay-Z Trip Reopens Cuba Travel Debate

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Pop superstars Jay-Z and Beyoncé have re-ignited a conversation about restrictions on U.S. tourism to Cuba simply by going there. “Two spoiled rock stars going off to Cuba are not going to change the dynamic,” one agent says. But some see an opening for change. Here’s an update.

New Zealand Fam Trip Shapes Agents’ Sales Tactics

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Travel agents who visited New Zealand for the first time on a fam trip late last year came home with new appreciation for the destination and new ideas on how to sell it. Here’s how their firsthand experiences deepened their understanding of the destination and is shaping their sales tactics.

CruiseCompete Draws Carnival Warning, Agent Praise

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A Carnival exec has advised agents against trolling for customers on CruiseCompete, citing the potential for rebating. While critics charge that CruiseCompete prompts agents to discount sharply to lure price-driven shoppers, some agents say the site has proven effective for them.

Apple Leisure Group Acquires Travel Impressions from Amex

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Apple Leisure Group has agreed to acquire Amex’s global tour operator business, including Travel Impressions. The outcome has some agents concerned that the new ownership will lead to a direct distribution policy for Travel Impressions. Others view it as a beneficial move.

Food Tourism – How and Why Agents Should Seize the Opportunity

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Travel sellers who don’t pursue food tourism are missing out on a growing market, says an agent and culinary tour operator. Harold Partain, founder of Epicopia Culinary Journeys, shares his tips on getting started. Agents who already specialize in a particular destination can easily add a food and wine component to their business, he says.

Norwegian Warns Agents Against Bidding on CruiseCompete

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

In a crackdown on rebating, Norwegian Cruise Line has severed ties with CruiseCompete, a website where travel agents bid for consumers’ cruise business. The line has cautioned its agent partners against working with CruiseCompete and warns that doing so may be a breach of contract.

New Offerings, Plus Cash Incentives for Travel Agents

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

New tour offerings for 2013 include a new Ireland itinerary from Tauck, family-oriented vacations from Wildland Adventures, and new Europe cycling tours, among others. Also: Pleasant Holidays and Pacific Delight are offering cash incentives that apply to selected bookings this spring.