Travel Professional News

How to Start a Travel Agency has undergone a complete rewrite to align with the structural and technological changes shaping the travel industry in 2026. First introduced in 1999, the book has been revised multiple times over the years, but this edition reflects a comprehensive reworking of its content to address current business realities. The travel industry has evolved significantly over the past two decades. The rise of home-based agencies, host agency partnerships, cloud-based booking systems, and digital marketing platforms has reshaped how travel advisors operate. Traditional storefront models have largely transitioned into flexible, technology-driven structures that support remote work and global client bases. The rewritten edition reflects these changes by examining updated operational frameworks and modern business strategies. A major focus of the new version includes the integration of artificial intelligence tools into daily workflows . AI applications are increasingly used...

  Large Language Models (LLMs) are advanced artificial intelligence systems designed to process and generate human-like text. Built on vast datasets, they identify patterns in language to predict and produce relevant responses. In the travel industry, these systems are increasingly integrated into everyday workflows, supporting research, communication, and operational tasks. For travel advisors, time is often divided between client communication, supplier coordination, documentation review, and itinerary planning. LLMs can assist by drafting customized emails, summarizing hotel contracts, organizing trip details, or generating structured itineraries based on client preferences. They can also help translate messages, adjust tone for different audiences, and create outlines for marketing materials. Several platforms dominate the current LLM landscape. ChatGPT is widely recognized for conversational writing and creative tasks. Claude is often noted for handling lengthy documents and n...

  Sales within the travel industry operate differently from traditional retail transactions. Travel decisions often carry emotional weight, financial commitment, and personal expectations. Because of this, a relationship-driven approach creates more sustainable results than a transaction-focused mindset. When sales conversations prioritize trust and alignment over closing techniques, the role of a travel professional shifts from seller to advisor. A foundational principle is evaluating whether a genuine fit exists between the client’s needs and the services offered. Instead of concentrating on “making the sale,” the focus turns to understanding motivations, preferences, and expectations. This mindset reduces pressure and creates space for honest dialogue. When prospects feel heard rather than persuaded, communication becomes more transparent and productive. Positioning oneself as a helper rather than a pitcher further strengthens this approach. Conversations centered on features, u...

Host travel agencies continue to serve as a structural foundation for independent travel businesses in 2026. Their rise began when supplier commission structures shifted, and maintaining direct industry appointments became increasingly complex and expensive for individual agents. Over time, the host agency model evolved into a comprehensive support system that enables independent professionals to operate efficiently without holding their own ARC accreditation. In today’s travel environment, maintaining ARC appointments, industry memberships, and required credentials can involve significant financial and administrative commitments. Host agencies consolidate these requirements under a shared structure, allowing independent agents to focus on sales, client relationships, and niche specialization rather than regulatory management and operational overhead. One of the defining advantages of host agencies is their established supplier relationships. Due to consolidated production volume, hos...

  Hands-on education played a central role in how Dugan’s Travels supported independent advisors throughout 2025. While digital resources remained available, emphasis was placed on firsthand exposure, supplier interaction, and peer-based learning to support practical understanding of travel products and services. Throughout the year, advisors participated in a series of in-person educational experiences across multiple destinations. These included cruise sailings, resort inspections, destination-focused travel programs, and industry events. Each experience was structured to provide direct exposure to supplier offerings, operational details, and real-world travel environments. This allowed advisors to gain familiarity with accommodations, itineraries, and service standards beyond what is typically conveyed through online materials. Supplier relationships were another key component of these experiences. Advisors had opportunities to interact directly with supplier representatives, ...

Shrinking attention spans have changed the role of video in travel marketing . Long-form ship tours and destination walkthroughs once set expectations, but short-form video now shapes initial interest . Viewers increasingly prefer concise, visually engaging clips that communicate a single idea quickly. Platforms favor content that feels natural and unscripted, rewarding authenticity over polished production. This shift reflects how audiences process information today, where speed, clarity, and relevance determine whether content holds attention or is skipped within seconds. The growing dominance of short-form platforms has altered how travel-related content is surfaced and consumed. Algorithms prioritize videos that immediately engage viewers, often within the first few seconds. As a result, messaging has become more focused, visual cues more deliberate, and storytelling more compressed. Instead of broad narratives, content now centers on a single moment, feature, or emotion designed t...