This week Donald Trump was re-elected as president of the United States. This will, of course, play a large role in the operations of the travel industry in the coming years. Notably, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) said this does not change its priorities in working to advance the interests of travel advisors.
Its priorities remain:
- Educating policymakers on the key role travel advisors play in the bigger travel community
- Continuing to press legislators and regulators to reverse a policy that forces ticket agents to repay their clients for flight cancellations before they receive those funds from the airline
- Strengthening the travel advisor voice within the Department of Transportation
- Reevaluating a Department of Labor overtime rule, which is forcing steep increases in salaries for small businesses
The U.S. Travel Association and American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) congratulated President-Elect Trump.
“As we embark on a mega-decade of sports—including the World Cup and Summer and Winter Olympics—a tremendous opportunity is ahead to maximize the competitive strength of the United States as a travel destination. We stand ready to work with the new administration to realize America’s full potential,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman.
AHLA’s interim president and CEO Kevin Carey added: “Through educating elected officials on the industry’s economic contribution and job-creating power, we seek an environment in which hotel professionals can focus on running and growing their businesses rather than confronting onerous laws and harmful policies.”
Industry Events, Education, Hires and More
ASTA this week also revealed its schedule of events for 2025, inviting travel advisors from around the country and abroad to connect, collaborate and gain industry insights. Upcoming events include the River Cruise Expo (March 12-16), the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference (May 20-22), the Caribbean Showcase (August 23-27), Travel Masters (September 17-20), Legislative Day (October 6-8) and the Premium Business Summit (November 5-6).
At its 2024 Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Trip in Costa Rica. Direct Travel honored its top-performing travel advisors. The event took place October 20-25 at the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. In addition to the award ceremony, attendees enjoyed coffee making and tasting, cold plunges, water sports, zip lining, spa opportunities, a Hacienda El Viejo Wetlands Boat Tour and a Rum and Cultural Experience.
In other news, Avoya Travel launched a new white label education solution called Our Travel Academy. According to Avoya, the key features the education solution offers agencies and advisors include:
- Ease of use – Learning styles for participants accommodated through both audio and video formats
- Backed by industry experts – Employ the same training platform trusted by the industry’s leading network of advisors
- Turnkey training – One-time set up, unlimited training success; no ongoing work needed
At Travel Leaders Network, Lindsay Pearlman has been announced as chief operating officer and senior vice president. Pearlman came to Travel Leaders Network family in 2019 when he was hired to work with international partners. Over the years, he has taken on additional responsibilities, including managing relationships with Associate members.
In his new role, Pearlman will oversee Affiliate and Associate membership teams in the U.S. and Canada and he will be responsible for new business development, as well as the growth of programs like online booking tools SNAP and Cruise Complete. He will also work closely with the internal marketing, industry relations and technology teams.
Good to know: Ahead of World Kindness Day on November 13, ALG Vacations (ALGV) is empowering travel advisors to spread kindness within their communities and the travel industry. As part of this initiative, ALGV has curated a "Kindness toolkit," available on its free marketing platform ALGV360°. The toolkit includes a variety of assets designed to inspire and enable travel advisors to share kindness with clients, colleagues and their social media audiences.
All-Inclusive Updates
Always the most-requested accommodation type among clients, according to our quarterly “Travel Trends & Advisor Insights” report, there is plenty goings-on in the world of all-inclusives.
On that front, Hilton plans to open a new all-inclusive resort in Cancun. To that point, the company has signed a franchise agreement for the upcoming conversion of The Sens Cancun Adults Only All-Inclusive Resort, Tapestry by Hilton. Prior to opening in 2026, the beachfront property will undergo a complete renovation, transforming all guestrooms and public spaces.
Blue Diamond Resorts also announced its expansion into Barbados with the introduction of Royalton CHIC Barbados, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort set to open in spring 2026. More than that, the property will join Marriott International’s Autograph Collection upon its opening. The resort will have 220 suites offering oceanfront views, swim-out access or ocean views from spacious balconies. Those seeking elevated indulgence can book the Diamond Club suite category, which provides personalized butler service, access to a private lounge, secluded areas and other premium amenities.
In Spain, Hyatt Hotels has announced the opening of AluaSoul Costa Adeje in Tenerife, further expanding its brand presence in the Canary Islands. As part of the Alua Hotels & Resorts brand within Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection portfolio, the adults-only AluaSoul Costa Adeje offers multiple boarding options designed to cater for every type of traveler. Open year-round, the newly renovated AluaSoul Costa Adeje has 226 guestrooms, most of which have private balconies or terraces. For those seeking a premium experience, My Favorite Club offers upgraded accommodations and amenities.
On-Site Report
Earlier this month, Travel Agent was given a tour of the newly reopened Hôtel Balzac by Nicolas Egloff, director of sales and marketing of Vivres-Les Maison’s Bertrand hotel group, which also owns other five-star hotels in Paris, including the Saint James Paris, Relais Christine, Chateau des Fleurs and The Norman. The Hôtel Balzac is located on a quiet, side street just off the Champs-Élysées, offering 58 rooms, including 11 suites, some with balconies or terraces, and 13 junior suites. The highest category of rooms are the two Eiffel Tower View suites on the fifth floor and the Paris Sky Suite on the sixth floor.
The newly opened Salon Café in the bar and lounge area in the lobby offers a casual menu of favorites and comfort food. The Salon joins the hotel’s three-star Michelin restaurant, Pierre Gagnaire, on the dining front. On the lower level is a Japanese-inspired spa.
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