Optimism Is High for a Strong Second Half in Travel; Your June 13 Industry Recap
“If you like people, be in this industry, if you don’t go code in a garage in Mongolia. This is a fun business. It’s really fun, and it should be fun… And it’s good to be in an industry that’s good for the world… Nothing is like the hotel industry, and you should be all excited to work in this dynamic industry where there’s something for everyone to do.” - Starwood Hotels Chairman Barry Sternlicht, speaking at the NYU investment conference.
Written by Daniel McCarthy
We're about a week away from the official start of summer (and just two weeks out from the official start of the second half of 2025), but things in the travel trade are already heating up.
The last two weeks saw two of the most significant agency groups gather to celebrate their members. First, TRAVELSAVERS and NEST members gathered for Travel Market in Orlando (pictured above), and then Travel Leaders Network members did the same for EDGE in Las Vegas. Messaging from both groups reflected the same trend: despite the political and economic uncertainty that has persisted since the beginning of the year, business is good and optimism remains high.
The optimism is riding a lot on higher-net-worth individuals. A new Allianz survey found travel confidence rates are double for Americans who earn at least $100,000 a year compared to those who earn up to $50,000 a year (76% compared to 45%).
This week also featured some major executive moves, including Marc Kazlauskas, currently president of FROSCH and managing director of JPMorgan Chase & Co., joining Avoya Travel; Aimee Price taking on a new role at Explora Journeys; and former head of sales for Virgin Voyages John Diorio landing a new role at Celestyal.
Here's what else happened this week:
Tern on Wednesday announced the acquisition of Lucia (by Tern), a contractor marketplace specializing in travel industry freelancers. As part of the agreement, Lucia founder Grace Van Hollebeke will join Tern as head of marketing.
PLAY Airlines, the Iceland-based low-cost carrier that launched in 2019, will halt all flights from North America this October.
Delta Air Lines shared the exact language defining what constitutes a “significant schedule change" for its new PNR rule.
Speaking to TMR, Rocky Mountaineer CEO Tristan Armstrong said of its new U.S. product: “There’s a lot of excitement. There’s an acknowledgement of our commitment to grow this product and work collaboratively with the trade.”
Ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer travel season, U.S. CBP is highlighting two screening options that it says will save travelers time when returning to the U.S. from abroad.
After one of its recent Ultramarine sailings, TMR took a look at 10 things travel advisors should know about Quark Expeditions, along with specifics on the Ultramarine ship.
Carnival Cruise Line launched an all-new travel advisor-focused campaign entitled “Funnel Faves,” designed to highlight how important advisors are to the cruise line.
New Uber helicopter and boat charters now offer luxury travelers seamless access to Capri and the Amalfi Coast. (pictured above)
For Luxury Travel Report, we reported on the international cities where five-star stays deliver serious value, sometimes at half the cost of U.S. rates.