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U.K. Exec Urges Agent Activism in Distribution Battle

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Opponents of IATA’s New Distribution Capability should stop fighting and start working with the airline group to resolve the issues, says the chair of the U.K.’s Guild of Travel Management Companies. The principles of NDC “are fairly good,” but there are also real concerns for travel agents.

Foreign Tourism Boards Show Support for Boston

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Representatives from over 30 foreign tourism boards sent a letter of support to Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. They expressed sympathy for those hurt during the April 15 bombing at the Boston Marathon. The tourism groups also pledged to promote travel to the city.

Tourism Delegation Garners Legislative Support on Capitol Hill

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The first Destination: Capitol Hill lobbying event brought numerous industry groups together for the first time, with concrete results. Some 12 members of Congress signed on to co-sponsor the JOLT Act, a key piece of legislation designed to encourage job growth and facilitate inbound travel to the U.S.

Is Vertical Integration in Canada a Threat to Agents?

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

When travel suppliers operate across diverse sectors, it raises concerns about issues such as pricing parity and inventory control. In Canada, some agents worry they’re at a disadvantage when competing against large firms whose brands include both suppliers and retail travel agencies.

Canada’s Two Major Agent Assns. May Join Forces

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Canada’s two major travel agent associations, ACTA and CITC, will join forces, if the long-discussed integration is approved in a vote set for later this month. The move would save on operational costs and benefit the travel industry, according to ACTA.

Europe's Biz Travel Is Recovering, But Unevenly

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

European business travel spend is growing modestly this year and will post further gains in 2014, according to a new GBTA report. Spain, Italy and France still face challenges, while Germany and the U.K. are showing healthy increases.

China’s Pro-Travel Plan Is Good News for U.S.

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Chinese government announced initiatives aimed at encouraging travel. The move expands opportunities for U.S. travel sellers to tap a booming market. The initiatives promise to “reshape our industry,” says an NTA official. Here’s an update, including travel trends and promising growth areas.

U.S. Travel: Entry Delays Are Eroding Inbound Biz Travel

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

International travelers, especially those on business, are avoiding the U.S. because of lengthy and inefficient customs and entry procedures, according to a new U.S. Travel Association survey. Conditions will only worsen with the planned furlough of Customs and Border Protection agents. U.S. Travel is calling on Congress and the President to provide resources to improve customs.

Thomas Cook North America Sold to Red Label Vacations

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Thomas Cook Group is selling Thomas Cook North America to Red Label Vacations, a major online player in Canada’s travel market. The $5.2 million deal is expected to be completed by May 31. The sale comes on the heels of big cutbacks by Thomas Cook in the U.K. and Ireland.

ABTA: Thomas Cook Cutbacks Not Reflective of Industry Health

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Despite plans by Thomas Cook Group to make significant cutbacks in the U.K., ABTA, the leading association of British travel agents says this does not mean the industry is in decline. It says that the rate of agency closures in the U.K. is slowing and that many consumers still value agency services.

Emerging Markets Changing Face of Inbound Travel

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The face of the visitor to the U.S. is changing, increasingly favoring emerging markets such as China and Brazil, according to a U.S. tourism official. Inbound arrivals from these markets are not only growing faster than from long-established markets, these visitors spend considerably more.

Canada’s Storefront Agencies Continue to Thrive

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Like travelers everywhere, Canadians have embraced the Internet for researching and booking travel. But they are far more likely than their U.S. counterparts to consult a traditional travel agent. As a result, for many Canadian brick and mortar agencies, business is better than ever.

U.S. Travel Presses for Local Assist in Lobbying Blitz

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Travel Association is enlisting travel leaders nationwide in a campaign to turn their Congressional representatives into industry advocates. The Travel Blitz campaign provides industry members with tools and tactics to build relationships at the local level.

Destination Capitol Hill: Industry Groups Unite to Advocate for Travel

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

For the first time, travel industry groups will speak as one voice on Capitol Hill this spring. Destination: Capitol Hill will unite groups under the umbrella of the U.S. Travel Association to lobby on major industry issues, including visa reform, Brand USA and support for national parks.

As Temps Fall, Winter Travel Sales Rise in Canada

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

With a colder than usual winter, more Canadians are going for getaway packages to warmer climates, say travel sellers there. Many clients are opting for new and more exotic locations. Destination weddings and multigenerational travel are also big this year.

Govt. Support for Travel Still Lacking, Dow Says

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Despite its big gains in easing barriers to inbound tourism, the travel industry continues to face huge challenges when it comes to garnering robust government support. “This industry has support that is a mile wide and an inch deep,” says U.S. Travel CEO Roger Dow.

Canada’s Advertising Rules to Have Uneven Impact

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Travel agencies in Canadian provinces where travel sales had been unregulated run most risk of incurring a fine under Canada’s new rules about advertising airfares. Travel Market Report spoke with a travel industry attorney in Toronto to learn more about the rules’ impact on travel agencies.

NTA Closes Shanghai Office, Stays Focused on China Market

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NTA closed its Visit USA Center in Shanghai now that Brand USA will take the lead in promoting Chinese travel to the U.S. However, NTA will remain active in the inbound Chinese market, says Lisa Simon. Questions remain on how ready the U.S. is to serve Chinese visitors.

Canada's Inclusive Airfare Advertising Rules Take Effect

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Canadian Transportation Agency implemented rules mandating inclusive airfare advertising and barring "hidden fees." The objective is for consumers to “clearly see” the total price of an airline ticket, including all taxes, fees and charges.

Canada’s Vacation Packagers See Positive Trends Amid Keen Competition

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

In Canada’s intensely competitive vacation package market, the outlook for 2013 is bright, according to leading players. Product expansion, stronger pricing and earlier booking patterns are among the trends. Unfortunately for travel agents, profit margins on package sales likely will remain slim.

Canada’s Travel Industry Reflects on Key Events in 2012

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Air Canada’s new leisure airline, the sale of Thomas Cook’s Canadian franchise network and ACTA’s objections to IATA’s new distribution plan were top news events affecting Canada’s travel industry in 2012. A crackdown on airfare price transparency and vertical integration among Canadian suppliers also made news.

Carnival Australia & Agents Down Under Dodge Bypass Battle

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Travel agents Down Under erupted in fury when a Carnival Australia document that discussed bypassing agents in favor of consumer-direct sales was unintentionally made public. The uproar is linked to a longstanding debate around Australia’s Travel Compensation Fund.

Journey From Agency to Superstore Brings Profits

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Looking for a new business model? Consider Ron Pradinuk’s strategy. He expanded his Winnipeg, Manitoba, storefront agency to include a travel superstore, tanning salon and pre-travel health clinic. It’s been a long journey, but determination and marketing skills have made it a success.

Air Canada’s Leisure Strategy Draws Praise From Agents

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Air Canada announced the formation of an “integrated leisure group” that combines its tour operator business with a new low-cost carrier and brought in a well-known travel agency executive to oversee the operation. Canada’s travel sellers see the moves in a favorable light.

Brand USA Charged With Mismanagement, Waste, Cronyism

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In an initial investigation of Brand USA, Senators Jim DeMint (R-SC) and Tom Coburn (R-Ariz) are accusing Brand USA of mismanagement, waste and cronyism. The organization was created two years ago to promote international tourism to the U.S.