Reporter’s Notebook: The New York Times Travel Show, Part 1

Last week was a busy one in Manhattan, as industry insiders gathered for the 2016 Travel Industry Conference, the USTOA reception, and a CLIA event at The New York Times Travel Show at the soon-to-be-upgraded Javits Center. Here are the top stories the TMR staff heard (and overheard). 

Just when we thought the worst (Paris) was over, the market crashed during the very week the show opened. Still, the USTOA members on the State of the Tour Operators panel remained upbeat about prospects for 2016. 

Last January it was ebola and ISIS that people were concerned about; since the November scare in Paris, "it's interesting how quickly Europe has come back," said Tauck president Jennifer Tombaugh. "We're seeing a rebound already." Overall, Tauck has seen "great growth, and multigenerational travel has exploded" with Disney coming into the market. 

Still, "now we need to track the markets," she acknowledged. "Our bookings are tied to the Dow. But it's a surprise how resilient the consumer is." 

The most important week of the year"Next week in the travel business is probably the most important week of the year," said Insight Vacations president Phil Cappelli. Bookings to Europe, which had dropped "considerably" in December, came back last week, and last Friday was "a great day." 

At Travel Impressions, too, "2015 was a very good year for us," said president Jeff Clark. Falling airfares were a big factor, along with a lot of capital investment that added inventory and resulted in "aggressive pricing." Customers seemed to be traveling more in groups than alone; while FIT business was down, "groups were up dramatically"—with destination weddings and multigenerational travel soaring. 

While "overseas is a bit of a concern, we're holding our breath," he said. "The question is whether the North American traveler will travel or stay closer to home."  

Even while acknowledging that with his "affluent customer base, the stock market worries me more than anything," Cappelli said Insight Vacations "puts our faith in the travel agency community, and you deliver for us." 

Growth sectors deliverParis is Avanti Destination's number-one city, president Harry Dalgaard said that "by the end of the year the market had recovered" and delivered "record bookings to Europe and Paris the first four days of January as Americans showed their support of France." 

Avanti also so growth in multi-generational and Millennial travel, as college students became more adventurous and headed beyond Europe, to China and Latin , and their parents came to visit. 

"If people who are affluent continue to feel affluent, it will be a good year," Dalgaard said. 

--Cheryl Rosen 

                            

Highlights for 2016TMR asked some exhibitors at the trade show about what exciting developments they have coming in 2016. Some answers: 

- Andy Wartenberg, Regional Manager – Midwest, USVI Department of Tourism 

With LGBT weddings legalized, same-sex destination weddings are hot in the U.S. Virgin Islands, while on St. John accessibility continues to be a strong sales pitch.  Two of the island's hiking trails are accessible for disabled clients.  A side benefit is that they are also easy to navigate for young families with strollers. 

- World Quest Cruises, Max Chernyshev, Executive Vice President 

The Russian river cruise line will debut a new ship, Excellence Katherine, sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg in May. 

- AMResorts, Carlos Gonzalez, Regional Sales Manager, Southeast 

After adding 12 resorts in 2015, AMResorts will open six new properties in 2016.  Secrets Panama debuted last week. 

- interCaribbean Airways, Rozeta Mahboubi, Marketing Consultant 

Providenciales-based interCarribean, which added Santiago de Cuba in December, adds a route to Havana in March and is looking at Ft. Lauderdale for its first U.S. mainland route. 

- Pleasant Holidays, Kristin Romitti, Business Development Manager 

With its Caribbean, Mexico and U.S. Cities programs going "gangbusters," the company is launching its first-ever Ireland product this spring, taking advantage of a new Aer Lingus flight from Hartford. 

- Turks & Caicos, Pamela Ewing, Regional Marketing Manager 

Turks & Caicos is celebrating the Providenciales being selected as the number-one island  in the world in Trip Advisor 's Travelers' Choice awards. 

- East Bay Resort, South Caicos, Alain Prion, General Manager 

South Caicos will gain a new luxury offering via East Bay Resort, 87 condo units with about 120 keys. 

- Tahiti Tourisme, Kristin Carlson Kemper, Director of Marketing 

Aranui 5, a half-passenger, half-freight luxury vessel, now offers 14-day itineraries that bring clients to remote, off-the-beat track atolls and islands. 

- Globus Family of Brands, Barbara Canizio, Business Development Manager 

Special programs celebrating the 100th anniversary of America's National Parks are hot, while Pope Francis' declaration that 2016 will be a Holy Year of Mercy is making always-popular Italy even more in demand. 

- Malta Tourism Authority, Michelle Buttigieg, Representative 

After being absent from the U.S. for a dozen years, the Mediterranean island is hot following  publicity generated by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, a feature in The New York Times and a soon-to-be- launched travel-agent training program. 

- The Roman Guy, Jillian Madeira, Behind the Scenes Genius 

While the Jubilee year is increasing crowds visiting the Vatican by a factor of three or four, the Rome-based tour operator is excited about its ability to beat the rush with its before-hours access. 

- Belmond, Tom Alderink, Director of Sales, LGBT 

The luxury group known for its trains, high-end hotels, and boats is making the LGBT market a top priority.  A cross-company group comprising of representatives from HR, marketing, PR, reservations, sales, and operations is looking at how Belmond can ensure it is a preferred place for LGBT customers and ready to meet the needs of this lucrative market. 

--Doug Gollan 

TMR has so much more to tell you about the show! Stay tuned tomorrow for Part 2.

Source: Reporter's Notebook: The New York Times Travel Show, Part 1