One year ago, in our Dec. 20, 2004, issue, I wrote in this
column: “Looking ahead to next year, you can expect an even
stronger magazine ... focused on emerging destinations, the latest
trends and the most innovative companies. We’ll also be debuting a
new Web site, with practical online tools and features agents can
use to enhance their business.”
Now, here we are at the end of 2005, and overall it has been a
great year for the magazine. We had many changes and additions to
our staff (including a new Cruise Editor, Alaska Editor, Associate
Editor and Assistant Editor, as well as a new Art Director), and
I’m proud to say that several of our regular contributing writers
published new books and/or won literary awards this past year as
well. Also, the magazine as a whole took home several major awards,
including two Maggies.
As promised, our stories focused on emerging destinations
(including South America, India and Dubai, see page 22), the latest
trends (river cruising, group travel, volunteer vacations, etc.)
and innovative companies (TRAMS, Sandals, KOR Hotels and more). We
also examined complicated topics that are especially important to
agents, such as disaster planning and vacation ownership.
Finally, we did indeed launch a Web site that, in addition to
having the magazine’s content, has practical tools and features
that can enhance your business.
I know, however, there is plenty that we can still do better.
Next year, in addition to our usual coverage, we will focus more on
technology, industry news and practical topics for agents, such as
marketing. We will continue to enhance and update our Web site as
well. And we have a few other surprises in the works, too.
We will continue working to create the best magazine possible,
however, we can’t do it alone. Please take a few minutes from time
to time to send me an e-mail and let me know what we’re doing right
and where we can stand to improve. As I said last year, “...you can
expect TravelAge West to continue to be your guide on the
frontier of travel.” That part will never change. K.S.
