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Get ready for a cruise-filled episode of Trade Secrets. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Royal Caribbean's Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, and Nick Weir, senior vice president of entertainment, onto the show. Hop aboard as we dive into everything from the brand-new Icon of the Seas — billed as the largest cruise ship at sea — to what it takes to entertain Royal’s millions of cruisers. This is the first of a two-part series featuring Freed; join us next time for a discussion on creating a strong advisor-supplier relationship. This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises.  Further resources Contact Vicki Freed by email or her personal cell phone, 305-458-0463 Follow Nick Weir on X (formerly Twitter) Royal’s trade marketing hub (also home to the link to register for Vicki’s Coffee Talk) Vicki Freed on Humans of Travel: Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed on breaking into the cruise industry _ and meeting the boss who helped shape her Icon of the Seas coverage Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas takes thrills to the max Royal Caribbean sets a new cruise benchmark with Icon of the Seas Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel advisors, are you stuck in the technological past? In this episode of Trade Secrets,  Brian Shultz, chief information officer for Cruise Planners, joins hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada to talk about the latest in tech offerings for advisors, game-changing generative AI use cases and tools that can save you both time and money.  This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises.  Further resources and related reading: Meet Cruise Planners’ Brian Shultz  Cruise Planners’ website and franchise site Trade Secrets episode on generative AI: How do I use generative AI to improve my travel agency’s workflow? From TravelAge West: WTTC report: Artificial intelligence has the potential to ‘revolutionize’ travel and tourism How travel advisors can get ahead using artificial intelligence From Travel Weekly: Travel takes on generative AI At Ensemble event, confronting the emergence of AI in travel Travel advisor Lorryn Langton’s poem created with generative AI, made for a group headed to Puerto Vallarta and posted in their private Facebook page: T'was the night before Mexico, in the Midwest so cold, the women were bustling, their spirits so bold. With tequila in mind and pools to explore, they readied themselves for adventures galore. Sunshine awaited, a tropical delight, a respite from winter, a warm welcome sight. Catamaran sailings and whale spotting too, an escape from the cold, a dream coming true. The bags were all packed, passports in hand, visions of palm trees and white sandy land. To Mexico they'd go, leaving winter behind, A getaway to unwind, a paradise they'd find. Spa time awaited, relaxation in store, A pampering session, leaving stress at the door. In the warmth of the sun, with a breeze so divine, They'd sip on cocktails, letting worries decline. So, on the eve of departure, excitement so high, the women embraced, beneath the moonlit sky. To Mexico they'd journey, from the cold they'd break free, a holiday adventure, just as it should be. Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada gaze into their crystal balls to reveal what 2024 might hold for the travel agency community. They share what’s in and what’s out for this year, along with major trends that will shape the advisor landscape. They’ll even share some resolutions for themselves and for the podcast.  Here’s a preview of what’s in and what’s out, according to our hosts. Emma’s “in for 2024” list: Using a travel advisor! High prices for both accommodations and airfare. Europe: Italy, Greece and Portugal are all hot spots. Group and event travel. River cruising for younger generations. Authentic, immersive experiences. Emma’s “out for 2024” list: Peak-season travel (book shoulder season!) Last-minute trips (book early!) Leaving sustainability out of the conversation. Working to the point of burnout. Being afraid of technology that can actually help business. Jamie’s “in and out for 2024” list: In: Being a traveler. Out: Being a tourist (credit to Signature Travel Network’s Ignacio Mazza) In: 201 destinations. Out: 101 destinations (credit to Jetset World Travel affiliate Sarah Sullivan) In: Slow travel. Out: The quick, cram-it-all-in trip In: On-time flights. Out: Flight disruptions (fingers crossed) Out: Economy class. In: Business and first (this is an aspirational joke for Jamie, who almost always flies economy) Further resources: Trade Secrets episode on burnout, balance and more Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets is on a break right now, but will be back starting Jan. 29 with brand-new episodes. In the meantime, we wanted to share one of our favorite episodes from season four. It’s also one of the most popular. This episode was recorded at the ASTA Global Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on May 2, 2023. Co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann rounded up some of the industry’s finest to offer their best advice to travel advisors. They touch on everything from sustainability, to entering the luxury market, and beyond. Further resources: The ASTA Travel Advisor Conference 2024  Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is Humans of Travel, hosted by Trade Secrets co-host Emma Weissmann, featuring AmaWaterways’ Kristin Karst. If you’ve worked in the travel industry for any length of time, you’re probably familiar with Karst. The co-owner and executive vice president of river cruise line AmaWaterways, Karst is a staple at most travel industry conferences, perhaps best known for her bubbly personality, welcoming demeanor and close, personal relationships with travel advisors. However, many travel industry colleagues may not know Karst’s unique backstory. She was born and grew up in Dresden, a German town along the Elbe River, in what was formerly Eastern Germany, under a regime that mostly kept Karst and her family isolated from the Western World. In this episode of Humans of Travel, Karst reflects on a childhood spent under the Socialist Unity Party of Germany, and how the limited travel her family was able to do allowed her to gain an appreciation for all that Eastern Europe had to offer and fostered an early love of tourism. Karst will also dive into what it was like when the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, and how she got her start in the travel industry as a leisure manager at American Express Travel, a role that she kept until she moved to Southern California and met Rudi Schreiner, her husband-to-be and the former president of Viking Cruises. Listeners will hear Karst reflect on the early days of AmaWaterways, how she keeps her work-life balance in check and what’s behind her unwavering positivity. Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is The Folo, hosted by Travel Weekly’s Rebecca Tobin. Each week, The Folo digs deep into a topic of interest in the travel industry. On this episode, Tobin talks to Trade Secrets co-host Jamie Biesiada, also a senior editor at Travel Weekly covering retail travel sales and theme parks, about Disney’s planned $60 billion investment in its parks, experiences and products division over the next 10 years. They talk about what Disney’s been up to, the competition and what could be coming down the road. Most especially, they hone in on what kind of changes travel advisors would most like to see. This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.  Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is The Last Resort, hosted by Travel Weekly’s Christina Jelski. The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast where travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. On this episode, Jelski talks to SmartFlyer-affiliated travel advisor Sarah Lopez and Travel Weekly managing editor Rebecca Tobin about their recent visits to the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Lopez and Tobin talk about the resort's prime position along Kauai's famed North Shore and why it offers an ideal wellness retreat-style experience, without being an "in your face" wellness destination. The pair chat about some of their favorite amenities at the resort, from delicious bagels at the property's Neighbors cafe to complimentary access to electric Audi e-tron vehicles. Lopez also discusses the negative impact that the recent Maui wildfires have had on Hawaii bookings as a whole.  This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.  Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did Christy Menzies, the owner of Menzies Luxe Retreats, achieve $1 million in sales in her first six months in business as a travel advisor? Find out the answer to that question and many more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, where Menzies shares her journey in the industry and offers sage advice on explaining the value of travel advisors, finding clients as a new advisor, rapidly growing sales and more. This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.  Further resources: Menzies Luxe Retreats on the web Christy Menzies on Instagram  Mentioned on this episode: Host Agency Reviews’ Stephanie Lee on Trade Secrets From TravelAge West: How Virtuoso Rising Star Christy Menzies Reached $1 Million in Sales in 6 Months Host Agency Reviews Jenn Lee on Trade Secrets Lucia, a freelancer marketplace Trade Secrets’ honorable mention as best travel and leisure podcast from Folio Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thinking of becoming a travel advisor? This is the Trade Secrets episode for you, featuring the sound advice of Steph Lee, founder of Host Agency Reviews. During this episode, delve into the world of travel advising as a profession, including what to know about starting a business, what challenges you may face and more. Already established in the industry? We’ve got plenty for you to mull on, too, from using host- or consortium-provided marketing materials, advice on moving into a management role and more. This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.  Further resources: Steph Lee’s Facebook, Instagram and email Host Agency Reviews (HAR) Friday 15 podcast Travel Agent Chatter podcast Questions to ask a host agency sheet Host Week Travel Jobs board Hosted Travel Advisor Report 2023 Independent Travel Advisor Report 2023 Seven-day agency setup program Lite Accelerator Course Mentioned on this episode: Travel Advisor Resource Center resources ASTA’s roadmap to becoming a travel advisor Lucia marketplace The Professional Association of Travel Hosts From TravelAge West: Travel advisors, here’s how to protect yourself from fraud Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel insurance is an important product for travel advisors and travelers alike, but it’s also an undeniably complex one. What should advisors talk about when selling travel insurance, and what shouldn’t they discuss? Is an annual plan a better deal than per-trip plans? What is a preexisting condition, and what does it mean for advisors? Find out the answers to those questions and more in this week’s episode, the second in a two-part series on travel insurance featuring Richard Aquino, vice president and head of sales for Allianz Partners. Find part one here.  This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM.  Further resources: Allianz Advantage, Allianz’s website for travel advisors  Mentioned on this episode, Jamie’s air ambulance coverage: Dispatch, Richmond: Onboard a Skyservice Air Ambulance Skyservice’s air ambulances swoop in when travel turns tragic Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel insurance is an important product for travel advisors and travelers alike, but it’s also an undeniably complex one. How should travel advisors position this product to clients? What insurance provider should they use? How do they parse through complicated plans? Find out the answers to those questions and more in this week’s episode, the first in a two-part series on travel insurance featuring Richard Aquino, vice president and head of sales for Allianz Partners. This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM.  Further resources: Allianz Advantage, Allianz’s website for travel advisors  Mentioned on this episode: Travel Weekly’s Legal Briefs, a column by industry attorney Mark Pestronk Trade Secrets’ season one episodes on travel insurance, part one and part two Thanks to our friends at Cruise Planners for helping solicit questions for this season of Trade Secrets! https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/ Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One month after wildfires devastated Lahaina, Signature Travel Network decided to move forward with its annual Owners’ Meeting at the Grand Wailea, located on an unaffected part of Maui.  This episode of Trade Secrets was recorded from the island. Hear from Signature CEO Alex Sharpe, travel agency owners and supplier representatives from Allianz Partners, Travel Insured International and Pleasant Holidays as they share their thoughts about promoting travel to the island. Listeners will also learn about Signature’s relief efforts, and the resounding takeaway for travel advisors who have visited: Responsible, compassionate tourism is welcome on the Valley Isle. Note: Although unaffected areas of Maui have remained open to tourism, the affected areas of West Maui will officially open on Oct. 8, according to Hawaii Gov. Josh Green.  This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM. Further resources: Coverage from Travel Weekly and TravelAge West: A visit to Maui, a month after the Lahaina fire: Aloha and welcoming hospitality for visitors As Maui thanks agents and urges travel, it plans a new marketing campaign Signature Travel Network to Proceed With Owners' Meeting in Maui On the ground in Maui: Signature’s Owners’ Meeting highlights ‘respectful, compassionate’ tourism to the island Go, postpone, cancel or move Maui travel? Advisors share how they're managing upcoming booking Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.