Top 10 Stories of 2015
Truly, for the travel industry, 2015 was the best of years and the worst of years.
There was crazy weather and crazy terrorists; there was too much water in the rivers and too little; there were suppliers who’d steal a travel agent’s clients right out from under them and Disney taking another little piece of our hearts with an onboard commission cut.
But in the TMR newsroom, there were also tales of travel agents finding their footing again, fighting back against online competitors and winning, forming a first line of communication for and with travelers when things went wrong. There were new and growing niches (from Wellness to Pot Travel); new customer bases young and old; new ways to prove a human being really is a better advisor than a website.
So as we bid adieu to 2015, we’re making our lists—and checking them twice—of stories worth reading one more time.
Here are the Top 10 Stories of 2015, based on number of hits they garnered on our website.
Homeland Security Issues New ID Requirements for New Yorkers (and Others) Heading to the Airport
DHS rules that some state-issued IDs will no longer suffice for domestic flights or cruises, as they are no compliant with the federal REAL ID Act
10 Reasons Travelers Still Need a Travel Agent
Despite the internet, more than half of travel agents saw their revenue rise last year. Here are 10 reasons why.
TSA Ends Free Passes to Airport Pre-Check Lines
The TSA quietly canceled its Managed Inclusion Program, which allowed “low-risk” travelers to use TSA PreCheck lines
A Passport Crisis is Coming: What Agents Need to Know
Travel agents need to know how to handle an impending passport “crisis,” given the number of passports set to expire over the next 24 months coupled with an increase in Americans traveling abroad, said a senior government official speaking at ASTA’s Global Convention.
Travel Agents Save the Day as Lufthansa Strike Strands Thousands
Agents show their value as things break down during the weeklong airline strike.
The Hotel Experience trade show in Manhattan highlighted five things to watch for in 2016.
Hoteliers who don’t want to pay the OTAs’ commissions and marketing fees are aggressively launching ad campaigns to encourage consumers to book direct.
Homeland Security Gives States a Pass on Real IDs
Travelers from four states still can use their driver licenses as airport IDs, thanks to an extension of the Real ID requirements.
Disney Cruises Cuts Travel-Agent Commissions on Onboard Bookings
As travel agents give Mickey Mouse the thumbs down, Royal vows to ‘Find a Way to Do More’ for them.
From losing relationships to working with Chinese companies, insiders share their take on a new Starwood.
