What the Travel Industry Faces in 2018

This year has been a challenge to the travel industry.

A new administration, terrorist attacks and hurricanes have challenged travel agents and agencies alike. With the year coming to a close, what do travel agents think are the challenges facing the industry next year?

Getting People to Travel

“The biggest challenge I am finding for 2018 is the state of the world and also the damage done by hurricanes this past fall,” said Lori Wall of Destinations to Explore in Hyde Park, New York. “I have many clients that do not feel comfortable traveling to Europe right now or Mexico due to the state of the world and terrorist issues.”

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She also has had many cancellations for the islands that were affected by hurricanes this past fall.

“Some of those cancellations are even for areas that are open for business,” said Wall. “The feedback I am getting from clients is that even if they are open for business, they just don't feel like the areas hardest hit will be up to par by the time their vacations are here.”

Competing with OTAs

“Travel professionals must continue to stay in front of their clients because we do live in a time where booking online appears to be easy and convenient,” said Samarah Meil of Amarillo Travel Network in Amarillo, Texas.

“For me, that is being a part of events in my community, speaking to groups on travel topics, holding special travel events, working bridal and consumer shows and also having a presence on social media.”

“As a travel agent, the biggest challenge will be competition,” said Tom Karnes of LovinAway in Kenosha, Wisconsin. “The OTAs will always be an issue but the bigger problem is going to be the dramatic increase in Independent Contractors and companies such as Costco.”

READ MORE: Life Beyond the Travel Agency

Staying Relevant

Because of all of the OTAs, Marianne Deiulio of Just Travelin' in Mohegan Lake, New York said that her biggest challenge is going to be to stay relevant with her past clients.

“To keep in touch with them regularly via email, sending flyers in the mail, social media and good old fashion phone calls,” said Deiulio. “I want them to remember me as their great travel agent that was a necessity in planning their last trip. They can't receive my caliber of services from an online website.”

With current and new clients, DeIulio needs to keep on top of her clients’ deadlines, answering their emails and with social media: “When I travel for work or pleasure, I document it on Facebook so my friends, family and clients can see my great experiences, as well as what I am learning professionally.

"As a travel agent, you need to stand out and remind your clients that you are in fact still out there.”

READ MORE: The Travel Agent of the Year's Advice

Differentiating Yourself

“I believe the biggest challenge as a travel agent in 2018 will be to differentiate yourself from the agents or agencies that are either not experienced or not properly informed,” said Greg Antonelle of MickeyTravels LLC in Long Valley, New Jersey.

“The travel agent industry is growing significantly. Many agencies are hiring people that are either not qualified and/or not properly trained. While it is easy to book a vacation, it is increasingly more difficult to provide top-notch customer service.”

Unfortunately, inexperienced travel agents and the service they provide to their clients have allowed the entire travel industry to be stroked with a broad brush of negativity.

“Providing up-to-date training to your own agents and emphasizing the importance of customer service will benefit the industry as a whole,” Antonelle said.

What do you think the biggest challenge is facing the travel industry in 2018? Let us know in the Comments section!