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🗞️ Industry News Roundup
1. Solo travelers were punished with extra charges. That’s changing.
Traditionally, solo travelers had to pay “single supplements” on tours, cruises, and sometimes even higher airfare per person. Now, many travel operators and hotels are waiving or reducing those surcharges, responding to the growing solo-travel market (especially among women).
Why It Matters:
Opens up a growing segment you can sell more readily (without the penalty mindset).
Gives agents a messaging edge: “no extra fee for going solo” is a compelling value proposition.
Requires staying updated on which suppliers have dropped single surcharges so you can offer those.
2. How Travel Advisors Help Improve the Air Travel Experience
This piece argues that advisors can add measurable value in air travel planning—beyond just booking seats. Examples include smarter routing, mitigating disruptions, leveraging technology tools, and providing insider tips (such as alliances, seat selection, and baggage policies). It positions travel advisors not just as sellers, but as experience optimizers.
Why it matters:
Reinforces the case for emphasizing value in air travel beyond just price.
Gives talking points you can share with clients who ask, “Why use an agent for flights?”
Encourages advisors to deepen their knowledge in airline operations, partnerships, and disruption handling as a differentiator.
3. Skift Global Forum 2025: 4 Insights From Industry Decision Makers
After the recent Skift Global Forum, the article distills four key themes: (1) increasing pressure on trust and transparency, (2) AI + automation as central levers, (3) sustainability and climate resilience in operations, and (4) the evolving role of distribution (B2B, partnerships) across travel.
Why it matters:
These themes signal where industry leaders believe growth or disruption will occur—advisors should align strategy (tech, product, messaging) accordingly.
Trust & transparency are repeatedly elevated—this is a domain advisors can claim as a differentiator.
Understanding how distribution and partnerships evolve gives advisors a chance to reposition or adjust how they integrate with channels.
🌍Destination Trio: Three unique destinations to recommend
Uruguay (Montevideo & Colonia del Sacramento)
Uruguay is set to take center stage in 2025 among underrated destinations with its lure of scenic beauty, rich history, and innovative tourism offerings. While Montevideo offers vibrant art, music, and gastronomy, Colonia del Sacramento provides cobbled streets and Portuguese-era buildings. This South American gem delivers sophisticated European-style charm, pristine beaches at Punta del Este, excellent wine regions, and authentic gaucho culture—all without the tourist crowds of neighboring Argentina or Brazil. Easy ferry connections from Buenos Aires make it perfect for multi-country itineraries.
The best time to visit: October - April for warm weather and beach activities
Tromsø, Norway
The Arctic capital located at 69° North offers two distinct, extraordinary experiences: Northern Lights from September to April, or Midnight Sun from May to August. Tromsø provides world-class aurora viewing, dramatic fjord landscapes, Sami culture, dog sledding, and whale watching—all with excellent infrastructure and a sophisticated dining scene. Perfect for clients seeking bucket-list Arctic experiences with Norwegian comfort and style. Direct flights from major European cities make this Arctic destination surprisingly accessible.
The best time to visit: September - March for Northern Lights, June - August for Midnight Sun
Puglia, Italy
While tourists flock to the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, Puglia offers a distinct coastal experience in Italy, featuring stunning Adriatic beaches, unique trulli houses in Alberobello, an incredible food culture, and exceptional value. This southern Italian region features Matera's ancient cave dwellings, the baroque beauty of Lecce, and fresh seafood that rivals anywhere in Italy. Clients get authentic Italian experiences, beautiful coastlines, and prices that make luxury accessible—all while exploring Italy's most underrated region.
The best time to visit: April - June and September - October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Voyagr Update
We are getting closer to launching the hotel booking system. We ran into a few more delays, and that has pushed us back a few more weeks. But we are ready to start onboarding advisors to the booking system. To do this, each advisor will have to go through a verification process. You will fill out a form with your business information, and we will verify the info with your host agency. Once the information is verified. We will grant you access to the booking engine.
If you would like to start your verification process, please CLICK HERE and fill out the form.
We will be pushing an update to Voyagr in the next few weeks. This update will have UI improvements and an AI chatbot you can ask travel-related questions.
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.
