“Despite our best efforts, demand for overnight cruises has not recovered following the pandemic, and AQV has become financially unsustainable. We thank you for your support and deeply regret any inconvenience this causes you.”

That is a message no one wants to hear! However, that is exactly what you will hear when you call American Queen Voyages, which ceased operations last week. Read the rest of this entry »

We all specialize, right? Right?? As the travel world evolves, it becomes more important to make sure your marketing efforts are customized to your client. You can’t expect to sell many European vacations if you are featuring Caribbean beaches.  The key is to tailor your destination marketing to your client and be thorough with it. And be sure to consider the following when you do! Read the rest of this entry »

In the world of travel, airline commissions is a relic of the past. For today’s travel agents, the challenge lies in balancing increased revenue with delivering extraordinary customer experiences. Perhaps the most underutilized tool in achieving this balance is up and cross-selling.

Whether your agency is selling flights, tours, cruises, or FITs, mastering these the up or cross-sell can be a game-changer, simultaneously boosting your profits and creating loyal clients. Read the rest of this entry »

Online reviews can be your secret weapon in the travel industry, where itineraries are king and client satisfaction is the realm. Think of them as digital feedback and your backstage pass to credibility. Remember, no one likes to be “sold” to, but they are more than happy to “buy” from someone who comes recommended.

Let’s face it: in today’s digital age, online reviews are the new coffee shop chatter. About 84% of people trust online reviews as much as they do a recommendation from their chatty neighbor. Read the rest of this entry »

Toby, is the groundbreaking AI offering from TRO, with its innovative approach to streamlining travel planning, booking, marketing, and more to come. Toby promises to be a game-changer for travel professionals.  I am also intrigued by what it can do outside of the industry.  Recently, I saw a click-baity headline on Medium (BTW, a great publication) proclaiming the best AI Prompts to Change Your Life. It worked. I clicked. And then I got intrigued. Here’s the prompt. Read the rest of this entry »

There is never a dull moment in the travel industry. Successful agencies are the ones who adapt, innovate, and expand their reach. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by forming strategic partnerships with other businesses in the travel industry and outside of it. Consider this: Read the rest of this entry »

Today’s world in online! Newsflash- having a strong online presence is crucial for travel professionals and agencies looking to thrive in the competitive travel industry. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by harnessing the power of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Some simple strategies we can all take can help us climb search engine rankings and attract organic traffic, ultimately boosting our online visibility, and allowing us to complete with any of the big Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). Let’s dive right in! Read the rest of this entry »

Happy New Year! I am back and refreshed and hopefully ready to take on 2024. Today, I want to talk about measurements. When we were small, our parents likely drew a line on a door jamb every year as we grew.  But now, as relatively mature adults who own their own businesses, it is even more critical to measure your growth. Here are some thoughts for you to consider. Read the rest of this entry »

Guess what time it is, folks? Drumroll, please! It’s that magical time of the year when I officially declare a ceasefire against my overflowing inbox and chaotic calendar. After a year of sprinting ahead like a caffeinated squirrel, it’s finally time to hit the brakes. Some say there’s no such thing as a vacation in our industry, but I call their bluff! I’m outta here! Read the rest of this entry »

Today’s travel is so different than yesterday’s. And being a travel dinosaur myself, I wondered how different it was. So, I got out my old rotary phone and called up my dinosaur friends, cracked a beer, and discussed how to succeed in today’s travel world. And this is what we found! Read the rest of this entry »

After we’re done taking that last bag of trash from a wonderful Thanksgiving meal is a perfect time to clean up our travel businesses. Kids are back in school, and the holiday stress is kicking in. Who has time to think about planning a vacation? It’s the nature of the travel industry. Don’t waste this time; clean up! Read the rest of this entry »

Want to stand out in the competitive travel industry? It’s time to master your marketing strategy. In today’s digital age, a well-rounded approach that combines online and offline tactics is essential. You must think like an octopus and wrap your travel tentacles around your clients. Let’s dive into the key strategies that will help your travel agency thrive. Read the rest of this entry »

In an era dominated by social media, it’s tempting to funnel all your digital marketing efforts into platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter (or X or whatever Elon is calling it now). While these platforms undoubtedly offer a vast reach and engagement potential, a recent incident highlights the inherent dangers of relying solely on social media for your online presence. A cautionary tale is the unfortunate experience of a photographer who, after seven years of hard work, saw their business obliterated by Facebook scammers. Read the rest of this entry »

The son of a good friend of mine is embarking on a music career, and one of his songs is called “We’re All Gonna Die.” OK, it’s not the most upbeat thought ever, but it’s a reality at some point. Are you ready? Is your agency ready?

Embrace the wisdom of “Succession,” the wildly popular HBO+ series that unveils the meticulous orchestration of leadership transitions within colossal corporate empires. While your enterprise may not rival the grandeur of a Logan Roy conglomerate, rest assured, you need a plan! Read the rest of this entry »

Greetings, and Happy Halloween! I trust that your doorstep is ready for friendly ghosts and goblins tomorrow, and, if you’re anything like me, you’ve generously stocked up on full-sized candy bars to keep the demons (aka old teens) at bay. Halloween is a unique and singularly enjoyable holiday, standing apart from the cluster of others. It’s also a gentle nudge for my business, a reminder that the holidays are approaching. Read the rest of this entry »

As the ongoing Israel-Hamas war continues and State Department warnings are issued for worldwide travel for US citizens, many travelers may feel hesitant about planning a trip abroad. However, as professional travel agents, we must remind our clients that there are still options for exploring international destinations while staying safe and informed. Read the rest of this entry »

We craft comprehensive marketing and business plans each year to foster growth and engagement. While various strategies such as travel nights, travel shows, advertising, direct mail, email campaigns, and Facebook ads have traditionally constituted the marketing arsenal, there’s an often underutilized weapon in the marketing plan – sponsorships. If you haven’t considered incorporating sponsorships into your marketing strategy, you should, and here’s why. Read the rest of this entry »

As we all know, travel is an incredible experience that allows people to explore new places and cultures. However, many clients may reconsider some of their travel plans after the weekend news. With conflicts ongoing between Russia and Ukraine and now Israel and Hamas, international travel from the US may take a bit of a hit. Time will tell, but you must be prepared to suggest alternative destinations and experiences to your clients. Amazing experiences are not relegated to Europe and the Middle East. Here are five to consider! Read the rest of this entry »

Happy New Year! I know we have Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s to get through, but here me out. Things are slowing down in the travel world. Kids are back in school, and holiday stress is starting to kick in. Travel is likely not on the top of many to-do lists. We have three months! Don’t waste this time—clean up your act! Read the rest of this entry »

Fall is here—or so the calendar says. And for me, that is a dreaded time of the year. I love the weather, but fall always signifies the time of year when I need to knuckle down and figure out my business and marketing plans for the following year. But before pen hits paper, a lot of thought transpires. Read the rest of this entry »

2008. That’s when it all started! In September, Richard Earls made his first entry to TRO. And shortly after that, my first column appeared! It’s hard to believe it has been fifteen years since I began writing for Travel Research Online! In the time that has passed, so much has changed in the travel industry – and with TRO. From agent-submitted pieces to creating the TRO Community Forum and the latest, AI with Toby! Read the rest of this entry »