I’ve probably had thousands of calls with travel suppliers over the course of my career, but I had never gotten choked up on a work call before this past week. Of course, that’s a sign of the times we’re living through — when every day brings a situation that is completely surprising.
The telephone call was with a tour operator I’ve worked with quite a bit. And I was expecting it to be full of gloomy and depressing updates like so many calls I’ve been on recently. Instead, the tour operator just wanted to know how I was doing, to make sure I knew how much they valued my partnership and to say that one day — hopefully soon — we’d be back to doing business together and laughing about what a crazy time we had overcome.
I was so caught off guard that I actually got a lump in my throat. But it made me think about how many kind moments and generous interactions I’ve witnessed in the travel industry recently — albeit mostly online. In fact, I’ve never seen so many suppliers reach out with such strong support for travel advisors who are on the frontline of this crisis, as well as advisors offering encouragement to fellow agents. If there’s a silver lining to this chaos, it’s that the industry has come together to stand united and remain focused on the importance of creating a successful future for all.
If there’s a silver lining to this chaos, it’s that the industry has come together to stand united and remain focused on the importance of creating a successful future for all.
While we’re certainly facing an unprecedented situation, I’ve already sensed that our industry has adapted to the new reality. Advisors have recovered from the initial shock and are busy making plans that will set them up for success once the crisis passes. As one agent told me recently: “Sales are on hold, but business never stops.”
Looking ahead to what will happen after this travel pause lifts, please know that TravelAge West will remain a resource you can count on no matter what the future brings. We will stand with you, just as we have done for 50 years, certain in the belief that your success will lift us all.
