Travel Agent this week unveiled its latest 30Under30 class—comprising some of the best young advisors in the industry. Travel advisors had the opportunity to nominate themselves and our editorial team selected the finalists.
These advisors specialize in a range of travel options, including luxury boutique hotels, “hole-in-the-wall” restaurants, honeymoon/romantic vacations, Disney destinations, Southern and East Africa, and much, much more.
Some have pulled off such feats as shipping in a “must-have” drink that was unavailable at a client’s luxury villa in St. Lucia; planning a trip for VIP client that visited Portugal, France, the Netherlands, U.K., Poland, Serbia, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and Colombia all in less than one month; and helping a client return home after a rogue wave hit their cruise ship en route to Antarctica. Several others even own and operate their own agency.
Out of Africa
Great Plains has unveiled a series of updates at its four Kenyan camps for the 2023 season. These include a new spacious two-bedroom suite complete with a private vehicle, butler and guide, updated décor, fire decks and in-room spa treatments. The updates have been carried out at Mara Nyika Camp, Mara Plains Camp, ol Donyo Lodge and Mara Expedition Camp.
Separately, Elewana has launched its new “Explorer by Elewana” collection of upscale safari lodges, which will cater to a wider audience through a more moderate price point, in addition to a wider range of activities in camp. The first lodge, Serengeti Explorer, is slated to open in January 2024; Ngorongoro Explorer will follow later in that year, while Tarangire Explorer is slated to open in 2025.
In South Africa, The Royal Portfolio announced the reopening of Africa House, the signature exclusive-use villa at its flagship Royal Malewane safari lodge, following an extensive redesign overseen by owner and designer Liz Biden.
Travel company Giltedge has unveiled a new travel brochure, which is designed specifically for travel advisors. The resource provides exclusive access to expert information on destinations and experiences across Southern and East Africa, as well as the Indian Ocean islands. The Giltedge travel brochure includes detailed information on travel experiences, preferred airlines, and explores the company’s commitment to sustainable and purposeful travel.
Industry Events and Insight
Fifty-five female leaders in travel from across the United States gathered at the Majestic Mirage Punta Cana for the fifth annual Female Leaders in Travel Conclave. The event, which took place June 3-7, 2023, offered attendees the chance to connect with each other, learn from industry experts, and share their experiences.
The conclave included a keynote address from Mary Pat Knight, founder of Leaders Inspired and author of the best-selling book, "The Humanized Leader." Knight shared her insights on how to be a more effective leader, and her message resonated with the audience. Another highlight of the event was presenting the Luminary Award to a deserving female leader who has lit the way for other ladies. This year’s recipient was Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, president and chief experience officer for Collette Vacations.
Much like our 30Under30 above who are trailblazing for their respective agencies, Allianz Partners USA found out that young Americans are setting many of the top travel trends for 2023. Among them, 18- to 34-year-olds are opting for “pay-cations,” mental wellness experiences and solo travel (with their pets in tow, of course).
About those “pay-cations:” More than just “bleisure” travel, these trips include working remotely from a vacation destination. Flexible remote work policies developed during the pandemic have given rise to the new trend, which was favored by younger travelers. Forty-two percent of that younger cohort are likely to travel to a vacation destination with the plans of working remotely.
After a federal judge ruled that the “Northeast Alliance” between JetBlue and American Airlines must be terminated, the airlines have begun the process of winding down their partnership. The ruling came in May, which American initially said it would appeal but JetBlue—looking to preserve its planned acquisition of Spirit Airlines (which has also come under scrutiny by the Department of Justice)—announced this week it would not appeal, ending the alliance.
In the interim, nothing will change for customers who have travel booked with JetBlue and American. In addition, travelers can continue to earn/redeem points and receive reciprocal loyalty benefits.
A Moment of Your Time
Travel Agent has launched the first iteration of its quarterly "Travel Trends & Advisor Insight Survey." We will use these quarterly 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.
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