U.S. travel agency air ticket sales hit a record for any six-month period following a report at the close of the first half of 2024 by Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC). Sales topped $53 billion from January to June this year, which is the highest total ever recorded by ARC.
Total sales, passenger trips, domestic trips and international trips for the first half of 2024 were all up versus the same period in 2023. The average ticket price dropped 1 percent to $552.
In June, ticket sales dropped 6 percent from 2023 numbers and 16 percent compared to May. That said, total passenger trips were up 2 percent. The average ticket price dropped 3 percent from May and 5 percent from June 2023.
Speaking on the report, Steve Solomon, chief commercial officer at ARC., said, “Travel demand remains strong for both domestic and international trips, with average ticket prices down year-over-year for the first six months. Both corporate and leisure travel spending are experiencing similar growth rates and airlines look to continue this momentum through the end of summer and into the fall.”
In separate news, The Travel Corporation (TTC) this week announced it has been acquired by Apollo, a “a high-growth, global alternative asset manager.” TTC has been privately owned and operated for more than a century by the Tollman family. The transaction includes nearly all of TTC’s brands, including Trafalgar, Uniworld, Contiki and Insight Vacations. The Red Carnation Hotel Collection was not included in the deal and will remain under the stewardship of the Tollman family.
Travel Agency Network News
Global Travel Collection (GTC) has unveiled a partnership with Ten Lifestyle Group, a provider of premium concierge services. Through this, GTC is creating a white-label service that will enable its 1,500 travel advisors to work with on-the-ground concierge experts, securing top tables and exclusive experiences such as VIP tickets for concerts, sporting events, art exhibitions and more.
Elsewhere, travel industry veteran Elizabeth Crabill has been tapped to lead the expansion of b’s first major host agency, Trevello Travel Group, as it moves into the United States after 30 years in Canada. She will be responsible for expanding Trevello’s host business model into new markets, building the global business by increasing its network of independent travel professionals, growing profitability and market share, maximizing sales revenue and building brand awareness.
Also expanding its reach, Ensemble welcomed Helloworld Travel Limited into its membership. The Australian travel company has a network of over 2,400 independent travel advisors and brokers across Australia and New Zealand. “While our primary focus remains North American based, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded organizations around the world that share our vision of empowering travel professionals,” said Michael Johnson, president of Ensemble.
Lastly, Dream Vacations is recruiting military veterans to enlist in its 13th annual “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest. To participate, candidates must complete an online entry form and an introductory phone interview with a franchise development manager. Candidates will be required to submit a candidate profile, business plan and video. Finalists will be invited to participate in follow-up phone interviews before the winners are selected. Each grand prize is valued at $12,300.
Cruise Deals
AmaWaterways is offering a range of savings to commemorate its 22nd anniversary. Travelers can enjoy discounts of up to 20 percent on 46 different European itineraries in 2024 and 2025. This offer can be combined with AmaWaterways’ AirPlus Promotion, allowing travelers from all U.S. gateways to enjoy economy airfare to Europe at $899, premium economy airfare at $2,299 or business class airfare at $4,299. Solo travelers can avail themselves of single supplements offers of up to 25 percent on select 2024 and early 2025 departures.
Scenic Group also announced new offers on select 2024 to 2026 Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours yacht and 2025 Emerald Cruises river itineraries. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is offering “2-for-1” fares plus free air with “Pay in Full” offers and bonus savings. The “2-for-1” fares are available on all 2024-25 European river cruises, Southeast Asia river cruises and Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht voyages. As part of Emerald Cruises’ new Q3 deals, travelers can Receive “2-for-1” fares on all 2024-25 Europe river cruises, Southeast Asia river cruises and luxury ocean yacht cruises, besides a free “Flexible Booking Plan” for all new 2025 river cruise bookings.
Need to Know
Starting August 1, the entry fee to visit the Galápagos Islands is set to double. According to the Galápagos National Park Authority and Ecuador Minister of Tourism, the “groundbreaking move” is intended to advance conservation efforts and fostering sustainable tourism in the destination. It marks the first time that the entry fees to the Galápagos have been adjusted in over 25 years. Foreign adults will have to pay $200, while children 12 years and under will have to pay $100.
A Moment of Your Time
Travel Agent has launched the latest iteration of its quarterly "Travel Trends & Advisor Insight Survey." We use these surveys to learn more about the current state of the travel industry, as well as your business. Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey; following its conclusion, we will publish the findings here, so you will gain insight into the larger travel ecosystem and your colleague's businesses.
Related Stories
Luxury Hotels Gain Satisfaction; Affordable Segment Declines
Maui Farm to Host Festival to Aid Those Effected by Wildfires
Norwegian to Homeport in Philadelphia as Part of its 2026 Season