Background & Expertise
Adrienne's Connection to Israel: Married to an 18th-generation Jerusalem resident whose family came from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition. She first visited at 19, stayed 4 months instead of planned 6 weeks, and has returned almost annually, spending summers there with her children.
Current Market Conditions
Middle East Travel Impact:
* Israel travel has dramatically decreased since October 7th attacks.
* Egypt and Jordan also experiencing softened demand due to regional concerns.
* Dubai remains strong but airlines are adjusting flight paths for safety.
* Airlines proactively avoiding airspace over conflict zones.
Luxury Travel Market Resilience:
* Her high-end clientele continues booking despite global uncertainties.
* Still taking bookings for 2025 travel (August, September departures).
* Some hesitation for 2026 bookings.
* Price points: $500-2,000+ per person per day for luxury European travel.
* Italy has seen significant price increases ($7,000-8,000 more than previous year).
Currency & Destination Insights
* Euro impact: Currently about $1.15 to €1 (15% premium).
* Value destinations: Central America, Mexico, South America (Peru, Ecuador), Costa Rica, Belize, Morocco.
* Expensive: Italy has become particularly costly.
* Morocco praised for exceptional hospitality and cultural experiences.
Advice for New Travel Agents
Essential Steps:
1. Join strong host agency with good training and consortium connections.
2. Take ASTA VTA certification (Verified Travel Advisor course).
3. Get specialized education: cruise line certifications, destination courses.
4. Secure E&O insurance for protection.
5. Find your niche: destination weddings, spiritual travel, family travel, etc.
Building Credibility When New:
* Emphasize agency's longevity and team support.
* Bring in specialists for destinations you don't know well.
* Be transparent about partnerships and backup support.
* Focus on being an "advisor" vs. just an "agent".
Industry Challenges
* MLM schemes that promise "free travel" and damage industry credibility.
* Media sensationalism affecting destination perceptions unfairly.
* Poor industry marketing that focuses on product deals rather than advisor value.
* Need for agents to position themselves as advocates for clients rather than product pushers.
Key Success Factors
* Relationship building and earning trust over time.
* Ethical practices and proper professional conduct.
* Continuous learning about destinations and industry developments.
* Client advocacy - recommending what's best for the client, not highest commission.
* Leveraging team expertise when facing unfamiliar destinations.
Adrienne operates from a family agency established in 1955 and is part of the Signature travel network, emphasizing the importance of institutional backing for new agents entering the industry.
