In this issue’s cover story “2005: A Look Ahead” (pg. 10), we asked
experts throughout the travel industry to take out their crystal
balls and make predictions about the coming year. We also created a
time line of major news stories in travel from 2004.
For our staff, the timing of this story couldn’t have been
better. As we put this issue to bed, we completed our move into new
offices and were in various stages of packing and unpacking. Forced
to make decisions about what to pack and what to leave behind, the
move has spurred all of us to reflect on the past as well as look
forward to a fresh start.
This year brought some big changes to TravelAge West. Starting
with our Jan. 5 issue (left), we redesigned the look of the
magazine and refocused our stories to provide the most informative
and exciting destination articles.
As part of this redesign we also went to a larger format. While
this ruffled a few feathers initially, we now hear from readers who
have gotten used to the new size and have come to appreciate the
way it enhances the design of our stories.
Looking ahead to next year, you can expect an even stronger
magazine particularly 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.
More than anything, however, you can expect TravelAge West to
continue to be your guide on the frontier of travel. It’s our goal
to always be valuable enough to make it into the moving box, and
not get left behind.
Seasons greetings and happy New Year.
