Many in the travel industry reacted with dismay this week to the loss of another supplier, as 73-year-old GOGO Vacations shuttered its doors.

Even as it closed the GOGO brand, though, parent company Flight Centre Travel Group (FLT) said its goal is to better focus on the “strong leisure and corporate growth opportunities in the large U.S. market.” FLT is launching a new brand, Envoyage, with an eye to “its best performing sectors,” the independent and luxury sectors.

“With the wholesale model struggling in recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to justify the high costs of maintaining this brand,” said FLT Americas president Charlene Leiss. But “a transition team will remain in the business to service the existing GOGO bookings and support our customers throughout this period with the complete backing of Flight Centre Travel Group.”

An email to travel advisors promised that “all of your existing bookings are secure and will continue to be managed by a dedicated and professional team of wholesale consultants” and that “GOGO’s doors will not close until your last customer has returned home, and your commissions have been paid.”

While GOGO Vacations is no longer accepting new reservations, travel advisors can continue to use their Helio login to existing FIT bookings, and Softrip login for groups, and can access the online support team via chat, email, or phone to assist with booking modifications, schedule changes and general support, the company said.

Still, some travel advisors were feeling nervous. “I am very worried about my current bookings. I can’t cancel without a penalty but I’m reluctant to have clients pay them anymore money. I am not sure yet what my client wants to do; I am going to let them decide,” said Donna McClaugherty of Cruise and Travel by Donna.

And across the industry, many mourned the loss of a partner of many years.

“I’ve worked with them for 30 years on and off, and their closing leaves a void in the market,” said Travel Leaders Network VP of Sales Karen Viera. “They were a great company, very agent-friendly, with great products, and I am sorry to see them go. I’ll look up all our agents that sell GOGO and see how we can help them sell other preferred partners.”

“I’m literally sick over this,” said Angie Rhodes of Rhodes to the World. “GOGO is my go-to. I have been using them for 40 years.”

But many agreed with FLT that GOGO’s business model no longer fits the industry as well as it once did.

“I’m doing more complex FITs than fun in the sun, and I have found less and less need for that type of wholesaler,” said Linda De Sosa at Travel Experts.

More information is available on the GOGO website at Homepage | GOGO Worldwide Vacations (gogowwv.com).

Second in a series on the influx of new travel advisors in the industry. Check out part one here.

Justin Hinkle has spent more than a decade dreaming of owning his own business. Despite having an MBA, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering and a corporate job as a systems engineer for a ballistic missile defense system, he was searching for something more meaningful, something that put him in charge of his own destiny, something that better fit his personality. And something that incorporates his absolute favorite thing to do, travel Read the rest of this entry »

Last week, after ASTA responded to American Airlines’ move to deny frequent flyer privileges to customers who are not booking through its New Distribution Capability (NDC), I had the good fortune of speaking with William McGee. He is one of the top authorities on airlines, and a consumer advocate in the never-ending battles between airlines and the public they are mandated to serve. There is no better way to get clarity on airline issues than to speak with McGee Read the rest of this entry »

It may not last forever, but for now the new Delta Digital ID speeds passengers through security faster than PreCheck or CLEAR—and it’s free to boot.

After successful beta testing in Detroit and Atlanta, the biometric program now has expanded to LAX, LGA and JFK, and since the program is so new, its dedicated security lines rarely have a wait.

Delta Digital ID lets customers quickly move through bag drop and security checkpoints without having to show photo ID to an agent. To register, travelers must have:

• TSA PreCheck® membership
• Their passport information and a Known Traveler Number stored in their Delta profile
• A (free) SkyMiles membership
• The Fly Delta app

Eligible customers will receive a notification in their Fly Delta app when traveling from a Digital ID-enabled airport, or can opt-in through their SkyMiles profile on Delta.com once the four requirements have been met.

They then can use the dedicated bag drop line – the one with the green “Delta Digital ID” icon – and security line.

Using Digital ID this week, I walked right through security behind just one other passenger at LGA, while my husband spent 10 minutes in the CLEAR line.

First in a series on the influx of untrained newcomers to the industry

“I am looking to join a host agency and feeling a bit overwhelmed,” reads a recent Facebook post. “I am looking for a smaller agency that is personable, honest, and helps you reach your goals. That is either low-cost or free. Sells cruise lines as well as Disney, all-inclusives, and more. Offers CLIA. High commission split and no requirements on how much you sell.” Signed, Anonymous.

We’ve all seen posts like that and cringed. And last week, Angela Hughes addressed it in an open letter to the industry—and to those looking to enter it—that I thought was worth sharing Read the rest of this entry »

Seine River Cruise Prices is part of a continuing series of comparison charts and articles featuring European River Cruises offered by world class river cruise lines. Our goal is to provide a True Per Diem for each cruise, or the daily cost breakdown of the trip once all extra fees are added to the cruise fare. Read the rest of this entry »

Citing the fallout from Covid-19, cruise operator Hornblower has filed for bankruptcy, and its American Queen subsidiary has ceased operations.

Private-equity firm Strategic Value Partners has agreed to acquire majority ownership of Hornblower and “provide a significant equity investment in the business,” but the deal will require approval from the US Bankruptcy Court in Houston, the Wall Street Journal reported. Private-equity firm Crestview Partners will retain a minority interest and become the sole owner of Journey Beyond, the leading experiential travel provider in Australia.

Hornblower said in a statement that American Queen Voyages hopefully will be sold; if no buyer is found its operations will be wound down.

Hornblower also provides ferry services to the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis National Museum of Immigration in New York, and to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco. Those services will continue operations.

Guests who have booked an American Queen Voyages cruise should visit the line’s dedicated refund website to submit a claim form and begin the refund process, or call (888) 202-5784.

Hornblower said it expects to move through the bankruptcy process quickly and emerge from Chapter 11 in about four months. It has a commitment for $300 million in financing from Deutsche Bank, $121 million in new-money financing from SVP-managed funds and Crestview.

“The steps we are taking today will enable us to address AQV and strengthen our financial foundation as we continue serving our guests and commuters around the world. With the support of our financial stakeholders, we will continue to advance our business initiatives and drive growth. We thank the entire Hornblower team for their hard work and dedication, as well as our vendors and partners across our businesses for their continued support,” said Hornblower Group CEO Kevin Rabbitt.

In the latest step toward pushing customers to book direct, American Airlines today announced that it will only grant AAdvantage® miles and loyalty points to customers who book through an AA or partner site, a corporate account, or a “preferred agency” that books at least 30% of its trips through the American Airlines NDC.

At the same time, the company raised fees on baggage checking and pets in the cabin.

The NDC ruling takes effect May 1, 2024. Customers can receive points only if they book through AA or its partner airlines, are an AAdvantage Business™ member or have a contracted corporate travel account, or book through an “eligible preferred travel agency.”

“All agencies on a 2024 contracted incentive agreement issued by American are eligible to qualify into the preferred agency program at American’s sole discretion, which enables travelers booking through your agency to continue earning AAdvantage^® miles and Loyalty Points,” the company website now states (Preferred agency program – American Airlines Global Sales (exploreamerican.com). “Agencies will be evaluated on the criteria outlined below, which focus on the use of Modern Retailing technology to provide the best possible traveler experience when booking and servicing tickets. Agencies must be approved by American Airlines to qualify as a preferred agency, and agencies should contact their Modern Retailing business manager to discuss their individual approval process and timeline.”

There are three qualifying criteria:

1. Agencies must be on a 2024 incentive agreement issued by American at American’s sole discretion. If, at any point, their incentive agreement with American ends, the agency will no longer be able to participate in the preferred agency program.
2. Agencies must adopt and implement American’s NDC and shop and book through American’s NDC connections, meeting the progressive NDC thresholds below. Shopping and booking must be done in accordance with American’s connection and capacity requirements.

3. As customers consider purchasing an American Airlines offer, fare rules, product attributes, and fare restrictions should be fully displayed and clearly communicated. A new product attribute of American’s offers is the ability to earn AAdvantage^® For an agency to be considered preferred, they must demonstrate their ability to clearly communicate to customers when they earn AAdvantage^®miles in the online booking tool throughout the booking flow before a purchase is finalized.Agencies must contact their Modern Retailing business manager to begin the review and approval process on display criteria.

   The deadline for the display qualification criteria is July 1, 2024, to allow time for the completion of any necessary updates.

   If an agency meets the criteria for the first NDC threshold on April 21, 2024, customers with tickets issued by the preferred agency between April 21 and June 30 will earn miles and Loyalty Points. In order for customers purchasing a ticket July 1, 2024, and beyond to earn, however, the agency must meet the display criteria.

Basic Economy fare tickets will only earn when booked directly with American and eligible partner airlines.

“We want to make it more convenient for customers to enjoy the value and magic of travel,” said Vasu Raja, American’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Not only does booking directly with American provide the best possible experience, it’s also where we offer the best fares and it’s most rewarding for our AAdvantage members.”

Baggage Fees on the rise

Also in the announcement were new rates for baggage on trips booked beginning tomorrow.

The new fee for domestic flights including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as Canada and short-haul international flights, is $35 for the first checked bag if purchased online or $40 at the airport. A second bag will cost $45 whether purchased online or at the airport.

AAdvantage® status members, customers in premium cabins, active-duty U.S. military personnel and most AAdvantage® credit cardmembers flying domestically will continue to receive complimentary bags.

The fee for oversize bags that are only slightly larger than heavier than regular bags will be lower, however. Bags that weigh less than 70 pounds currently cost $100, but will be charged just $30 effective April 17.

The pet-in-cabin fee was raised to $150.

Using a popular dating sequence as a model to work from, the process might begin by accepting a safe invitation to a movie. Following the success of that single gambit, you might suggest a trip to the hamburger stand or ice cream parlor. Good vibes? An intimate dinner might be the logical next step in the process, followed by a little “Texas Two-Stepping or some fancy “Boot-Scooting.” Read the rest of this entry »

Recently, three prominent river cruise companies have unveiled their latest offerings. Uniworld’s Biggest Flash Sale takes center stage, promising unmatched savings on all-inclusive luxury river cruises—an exclusive event marking the leap year with special discounts. Then, Riviera unveils its newest fleet additions, vowing to redefine the cruising experience with innovative features and spacious accommodations. And lastly, Riverside invites travelers to spectate on a captivating French odyssey Read the rest of this entry »

New York, NY. “We’re in the renaissance of the travel advisor in the distribution channel, driven by the general public,” Travel Leaders Group president John Lovell told a group of trade reporters last week.

Travelers in February are accustomed to keeping an eye on the weather before they depart for the airport. But this year, it’s wise to keep up to date with where the strikes are being held.

This weekend the action will be in France, where two large unions representing railroad workers will walk off the job in the middle of the country’s winter school holidays, upsetting the plans of skiers and visitors alike.

Train conductors are set to strike from Friday, Feb. 16, through Sunday, Feb. 18, on Zones A (including Grenoble, Lyon and Bordeaux) and C (including Paris and Toulouse), canceling half of all trains. Additional unannounced actions are expected from Thursday evening into Monday morning.

SNCF has urged travelers to move their trips to different days if possible, and promised “exceptional compensation” for those affected by the strike. And Jean-Pierre Farandou, chief of the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français (SNCF, France’s state-owned railroad) noted that “we will try to run all the trains that head to the Alps and the Pyrénées for the winter holidays.”

In other labor disputes, meanwhile, rail workers in Spain have been striking every Monday in February, and bus and metro workers in Paris are threatening to strike any time from now through September 9, including the Olympics. Tens of thousands of flight attendants yesterday picketed at more than 30 US and UK airports as part of the Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action. Uber and Lyft drivers are striking today; Alaska Air flight attendants yesterday voted to strike; travelers to Europe last week faced mass cancellations and delays due to ongoing strikes in Germany and Finland.

If you’re headed to a cruise in the Bahamas, it might be a good idea to pay now for that excursion to their private island. Prices are likely to go up after March 1, when the Bahamas begins charging a new 10% Value Added Tax (VAT).

The Bahamian government will be adding the VAT to all purchases of goods and services at any private island operated by a cruise line—including food and beverages, recreational activities, equipment rentals, spa services, cabana rentals and shore excursions bought on islands including Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay, MSC’s Ocean Cay, Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay or the new Carnival Half Moon Cay.

The proposal ends a nine-year VAT exemption for the private islands. Normally retailers in the Bahamas charge a 12% VAT on all goods and services.

Announcing the change, Bahamas’ Financial Secretary Simon Wilson told local news that “originally, we were under the impression given to us by the cruise lines that any commercial activity on the private islands was an extension of the package purchased [by passengers] on ship—they were indistinguishable. That’s not the case. The private islands are much bigger, much more diverse in their operations, and they actually compete with Bahamas-based businesses for onshore excursions.”

While the cruise industry has until February 16 to provide feedback on the VAT changes, Wilson said he expects the tax to take effect as planned on March 1.

Visitors to the Bahamas can get refunds for VATs they pay on purchases of more than $100. But they must shop at designated retailers, request a VAT refund form at the point of sale, complete the form, and present it to a Customs officer when they leave the country.

The Bahamas last year increased its cruise passenger tax 27%, from $18 to $23, for ships stopping at Nassau and Freeport, and to $25 for those going to private islands, and also added a $7 per person tourism tax. Meanwhile, the US State Department issued a travel advisory cautioning travelers about violence ashore, after 18 people were murdered so far this year. And yet, CocoCay is the number-one preferred destination for Royal Caribbean guests.

AAT Kings has announced two new short break tours in Australia’s majestic Northern Territory, presenting travel agents with exciting new packaged offerings. Lasting 3-4 days, these immersive experiences balance efficient travel with in-depth discovery of Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon.

Among many other “goings-on” in life, I can’t explain where I come up with my nightly dreams. They are extremely detailed and often times creative. And I am neither detailed nor creative.

Nonetheless, there I was in my latest dream entering a coffee shop I frequent regularly. I might add that this particular dream is a recurring one. (Something else I have yet to come to grips with.)

I entered and as I usually do, greeted the owner by name 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 »

In May, I’ll be reporting from AmaLyra as we sail along the Seine river from Paris. The season for the seven-night Paris & Normandy itinerary kicks off on March 14, 2024, with rates starting at $3,099 per person, plus $224 in port charges not included in the price. On about half-a-dozen dates during 2024, AmaWaterways is offering a two-night Paris extension. Those are worth a look as they offer exceptional value. See the listing of dates here Read the rest of this entry »

The Travel Institute, celebrating its 60th anniversary, has partnered with Royal Caribbean to send ten lucky advisors aboard Royal Caribbean’s new ship, Utopia of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean, a long-time supporter of The Travel Institute’s non-profit initiatives to promote education and professional development for agents, has offered up a great opportunity to preview the new ship.

The ten advisors chosen will receive a free, double-occupancy stateroom aboard the preview sailing in July 2024 of Utopia of the Seas. An excellent chance to experience and report back to clients on your travels.

To qualify for this drawing, advisors must:

• Enroll in the CTA® program by March 31
• And, complete the Bachelor of Adventure program through Royal Caribbean University by April 15

“At Royal Caribbean, we value agent success and are committed to supporting them. The Travel Institute’s CTA serves as the foundation for their success and is widely recognized in the industry as the pinnacle of professionalism. Obtaining their CTA, agents demonstrate dedication to the highest standards of excellence in the travel industry, gaining confidence, expertise, a competitive edge, and the potential for higher sales.”

“We’re in the renaissance of the travel advisor in the distribution channel, driven by the general public,” says Tavel Leaders Group president John Lovell. Groups are back; corporate is growing; luxury is blossoming, he told a group of trade reporters at a press conference in the beautiful Ritz Carlton Nomad in Manhattan on Tuesday.

Travel Leaders Network president Roger Block was quick to agree. “2023 was a heck of a year in terms of growth, profitability, business moving upscale, membership – you name a metric and 2023 was outstanding – and 2024 is looking as good, if not better,” Block said. TLN has signed up 300 new travel agency members in the United States and 42 in Canada (for a net gain of 155), projected to sell $635 million worth of travel.

That’s not including the first 2024 new member, “mega-host agency” Inteletravel, which claimed $800 million in 2023 sales.

Among the biggest growth areas for TLN advisors is luxury, where 2924 sales already are up 19% over 2023. The 328 members of Travel Leaders’ Luxury Leaders Advisor Alliance racked up a total of $450 million in sales last year, averaging $1.37 million each.

Group travel also is on a wave; it “really didn’t come back in 2023, but now people are taking out speculative groups; affinity groups are coming back together; businesses are getting teams together and doing incentive trips,” Lovell said. “We’re really seeing group business come back very strong.”

Indeed, the biggest issue seems to be finding employees, Block and Lovell agreed. Where in the brick-and-mortar past newcomers to the industry started as full-time employees, today’s travel advisors are more inclined to start out as independent contractors on their own. “Those ICs used to be the pipeline for full-time employees,” Lovell noted—and now the pipeline is gone.

“We’re trying to attract new talent, but we’re getting 10 here and 10 there—and we need hundreds,” he said. So perhaps the most important thing for those looking to hire is to get out the word that being a travel advisor is a great job opportunity.

Here’s the pitch for you to use, compliments of Lovell: “What industry can you put your finger on and say it’s going to grow 8%? If you look at the hotels, ships, and river cruise ships being built, you can see it is going to grow 8% –and the travel advisor distribution channel is getting more and more of the market. Royal Caribbean just built a $2 billion ship—now that’s a vote of confidence!—and we sell 30% of their inventory. It’s a great time and a great moment in time,
for us as an industry.”

WeTravel, the leading all-in-one travel business management platform, recently announced the launch of their new virtual L(a)unch-N-Learn series. Designed to create and foster a sense of community among travel professionals, these lunchtime gatherings will provide an opportunity to come together and discuss key topics impacting the world of multi-day travel Read the rest of this entry »

Cruisers looking for something a little different will find lots of options on Crystal this year, as the line rolls out themed cruises for lovers of film, theater and golf.

The fun begins in February, when Grammy-nominated musical theater star Christine Allado will perform on the Film & Theater Enthusiasts sailing (Feb. 16-28) to Hong Kong. Broadway musical historian Steven Friedman, former regional marketing director for United Artists and Columbia Pictures Andrew Friedenberg, and movie and TV actor Bruce McGill will also be onboard to provide insights and anecdotes at fireside chats.

In Europe, the July 18-30 sailing from Lisbon to Dover will host golf instructors David Leadbetter and Roberto Borgatti, who will help players of all skill levels perfect their swings—and help those who are interested pass the PGA Player Ability Test.

In the fall, two sailings between New York and Quebec (October 10-18 and 18-26) will highlight the Great White Way, featuring actress and singer Rachel York, known for her iconic stage roles in City of Angels, Les Miserables, and Kiss Me Kate. More names from Broadway marquees will be announced in the next few weeks.

“We are thrilled to bring back our themed cruises, each tailored to provide an immersive and enriching experience for our guests,” said Vice President of Entertainment Keith Cox.