An end-of-the-year survey from Travelsavers and the Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (NEST) paints a sunny forecast for its travel advisor members’ businesses in 2026, while also highlighting potential challenges.
Most Travelsavers and NEST members are predicting an increase in travel sales next year, but anticipate roadblocks due to the high cost of travel and competition from other industry players. Survey responses were collected from affiliates in the U.S. and Canada between Oct. 16 to Nov. 4, 2025.
Our Analysis: There’s Optimism Ahead — But Advisors Must Navigate Competitive Pressures
First, the good news: Nearly three-fourths of respondents are predicting higher sales volume in 2026, with 23% forecasting a significant increase in sales, and 49% believing that their sales will increase somewhat. Add this to a higher number of agents (56%) charging professional fees and increased excitement and familiarity around AI, and many signs point to a lucrative year ahead.
However, some roadblocks are anticipated — in addition to the high cost of travel, 26% of those surveyed fear competition from suppliers who encourage direct bookings; 23% foresee competition with AI; 20% see challenges in adopting new tech; and 19% anticipate competition from online travel agencies. Advisors, it’s time to lean into and nurture those supplier partnerships to foster collaboration — and to show up for clients with empathy and tailored expertise, a winning combination no OTA or AI platform can match.
Fast Facts: Other Findings From the Survey
- Travelsavers and NEST members offered predictions for their 2026 sales: 49% predict sales will increase somewhat; 23% predict sales will increase significantly; 19% predict sales will stay the same; 9% predict sales will decrease somewhat; and 1% predict sales will decrease significantly.
- Fees are becoming mainstream. Nineteen percent charge a service fee for transactions; 11% charge a consultation fee for their time; 11% charge a fee for specific services such as air ticketing or FIT design; 9% charge two or more fee types; 6% charge a plan-to-go fee rolled into the cost of the trip; 25% don’t charge fees but are considering them; and 16% don’t charge fees and aren’t considering them.
- When it comes to AI usage, most advisors are using the tool. Twenty-nine percent use it frequently; 30% use it occasionally; 9% have tried it; 6% plan to try it; 7% don’t and won’t use it; and 16% aren’t familiar enough with it. The attitude around AI is also shifting: Forty-five percent say it’s a great tool for advisors; 25% say it has potential for advisors; 6% say it’s neither good nor bad; 4% say it’s not good for advisors; 5% say it’s a threat to advisors; and 11% aren’t familiar enough with it.
What They Are Saying: Positive Times Are Ahead for Travel Advisors
“2026 is shaping up to be another very positive year for travel advisors,” said Kathryn Mazza-Burney, chief sales officer of Travelsavers and president of NEST. “Consumers view travel as a must-have, and demand for personalized and luxury experiences is soaring. Advisors are uniquely positioned to meet this demand, offering the expertise to transform vacations into unforgettable journeys.”
“In just one year, we’ve seen a dramatic shift in advisors embracing AI as a powerful ally rather than a threat,” said Tim Paul, vice president of marketing for Travelsavers and NEST. “AI can be an incredible partner, helping busy advisors work smarter and faster. Those using our AI Connect program say they can’t imagine life without it.”
