Travel Professional News

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...

The home-based travel advisor model provides a structured approach to operating a travel business with minimal fixed expenses and flexible scheduling. Advisors typically manage supplier relationships, client communication, and bookings remotely while relying on host agencies for access to technology, training, and commission structures. This framework allows advisors to focus on productivity, service quality, and specialization rather than physical infrastructure. Operational considerations include business registration, bookkeeping systems, insurance selection, and compliance with local regulations. Establishing these foundations supports accurate commission tracking and long-term financial clarity. Technology also plays a central role, with CRM systems, automated email workflows, and AI-assisted marketing tools helping streamline administrative tasks and improve client management. Niche specialization is commonly used to differentiate services and align expertise with market demand....

  Travel patterns in 2026 reflect a growing preference for experiences that emphasize time, purpose, and connection. Slow travel has gained momentum as travelers choose extended stays over fast-paced itineraries, allowing greater immersion in daily life, local culture, and regional traditions. This approach prioritizes quality over quantity and supports a more sustainable rhythm of travel. Sustainability has also evolved beyond environmental awareness into experience design. Travelers increasingly value accommodations and activities that contribute positively to local communities, support small businesses, and reduce environmental impact. Experiences such as artisan workshops, conservation programs, and farm-based stays align with these expectations while offering meaningful cultural engagement. Nature-driven travel continues to play a central role, driven by demand for restoration and space away from urban density. Mountain regions, forests, rural coastlines, and remote islands ar...

  The best time to visit Turks and Caicos depends on seasonal weather patterns, ocean conditions, and travel priorities. Winter and early spring, from December to April, are marked by low humidity, calm seas, and consistent temperatures. These months are well suited for swimming, snorkeling, and family-oriented beach stays, particularly along Grace Bay where waters are typically gentle. From January through March, trade winds strengthen along Long Bay, creating favorable conditions for kitesurfing while maintaining shallow, sandy shorelines. This period aligns with increased demand for villas designed for active travelers and multi-generational groups. Availability during these months often requires advance planning due to limited inventory. Late spring and early summer, particularly May and June, bring warmer temperatures and reduced crowd levels. These months often allow for greater flexibility in villa selection while maintaining reliable weather conditions. November shares sim...