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Happy New Year, everyone!
I hope you all had a good holiday season and are ready to expand and grow in 2026.
🗞️ Industry News Roundup
Luxury Segment Expected to Be a Bright Spot in 2026 Travel
New research indicates luxury travel demand is strong heading into 2026, with travelers planning personalized, meaningful experiences, multi-generational trips, and wellness-focused journeys.
Why it’s impactful
Highlights opportunities in the luxury segment where clients are willing to spend more.
Suggests trends you can leverage in marketing (wellness, culture, bespoke experiences).
Useful for positioning premium offerings and upsells in your year-ahead strategy.
NCL Removes Non-Commissionable Fares for Travel Advisors
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is eliminating non-commissionable fares (NCFs) on all 2026 sailings — meaning advisors will earn commission on the full fare, including items that were previously excluded, like port charges and taxes.
Why it’s impactful
Higher earnings: Advisors can earn commission on the total cruise fare, boosting revenue potential.
Simplified structure: Removes complexity from commission calculations and reduces administrative effort.
Stronger supplier relationship: NCL’s move signals a stronger commitment to the travel trade, potentially increasing focus and support for advisors.Why the travel advisor’s moment isn’t slowing down
Mistakes Travel Advisors Should Avoid in 2026
An advisory article outlining key pitfalls that travel advisors should watch out for heading into 2026 — from operational missteps to strategic blind spots.
Why it’s impactful
Actionable planning: Helps advisors proactively avoid common errors and refine business strategies.
Performance optimization: Offers reminders on client communication, pricing strategies, and workflow efficiencies heading into the new year.
Useful for training: Can be used as a discussion topic or resource for your community’s professional development sessions.
🌍Destination Trio: Three unique destinations to recommend
Cape Verde (Santo Antão Island)
This Atlantic archipelago of 10 volcanic islands offers incredible diversity—from Santo Antão's dramatic hiking trails and Sal's pristine beaches to Fogo's active volcano and São Vicente's vibrant music scene. Cabo Verde combines African culture with Portuguese influence, year-round sunshine, world-class water sports, and authentic Creole culture. Each island has a distinct character: adventurous Santo Antão, beachy Sal and Boa Vista, cultural São Vicente, and historic Santiago, all with genuine warmth and exceptional safety.
Best Time to Visit: November - June for dry weather and ideal conditions
Peak Season: December - March (coolest, driest weather, perfect for all activities and island-hopping)
Shoulder Season: November and April-June (good weather, fewer tourists, excellent value)
Avoid: August - October (rainy season with occasional heavy showers, though temperatures remain warm)
Oulu, Finland
Sitting where the Oulujoki River meets the Bay of Bothnia, Oulu has just been named European Capital of Culture 2026 for its forward-thinking approach to climate science and creative expression. On the fringes of the Arctic Circle, this vibrant Finnish city offers world-class museums, art galleries, music festivals, fine-dining restaurants, Northern Lights viewing in winter, and midnight sun in summer—all with authentic Nordic culture without the crowds or costs of Helsinki or Stockholm.
Best Time to Visit: June - August for midnight sun, or December - March for winter experiences and Northern Lights
Summer Season: June - August (midnight sun, warmest weather, outdoor festivals)
Winter Season: December - March (Northern Lights, winter sports, snow experiences, very cold)
Shoulder Season: May and September (mild weather, fewer tourists, good value)
Avoid: October - November and April (dark, wet, shoulder season limitations)
Corsica, France
Often overshadowed by mainland France and Sardinia, French Corsica offers dramatic mountain landscapes meeting pristine Mediterranean beaches, a unique French-Italian-Corsican culture, world-class hiking trails including the famous GR20, and charming hilltop villages. Napoleon's birthplace in Ajaccio, stunning coastal drives, authentic Corsican cuisine, and French sophistication combine with rugged natural beauty, all without the tourist saturation and prices of the French Riviera.
Best Time to Visit: May - June and September for ideal weather and manageable crowds
Peak Season: July - August (warmest, best for beaches, but very crowded and expensive)
Shoulder Season: May - June and September (excellent weather, hiking conditions, fewer tourists, better value)
Avoid: November - March (many businesses closed, cold, limited ferry service)
Read More
Voyagr Update
Starting in a few weeks, we will begin charging a monthly subscription fee to use Voyagr. All of our early users will be exempt from this fee. This fee will help maintain the Voyagr platform and help us build faster.
2026 will be a big year for Voyagr. We will be launching the itinerary/proposal builder, client intake forms, commissions tracking, and more travel products (cruises, flights, Project Expedition, car rentals, multi-day tours).
Thanks for reading! Forward this to a colleague who could use these insights, and if you have tips to share with fellow advisors, reach out to be featured in an upcoming issue.
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