May 1^st is Global Travel Advisor Day, a day set aside to celebrate you, the illustrious travel advisor. If you’re new to the industry and this is your first time hearing of it, let me just say that we’re glad you’re here and extremely grateful for your passion and dedication. You’re the future of this industry.

I have been at this just a bit longer.

When I reflect upon my journey in the travel industry, it feels a bit like flipping through the pages of a well-worn passport, each stamp a testament to the evolving landscape of travel over the past four decades. I embarked on this adventure in 1985, armed with little more than an appetite for exploration and a knack for customer service. Back then, the tools of the trade were vastly different. Paper tickets were the norm, faxes were cutting-edge technology, and the occasional welt on my finger from writing manual tickets served as a reminder of the tactile nature of our profession.

And it wasn’t just booking and selling that were different. Our marketing arsenal consisted almost exclusively of creative window displays and glossy brochures, and specialization within agencies was a rarity. Business was predominantly local, and the thought of accessing a global clientele seemed like a distant dream. The new clients you could hope to attract were typically the ones who happened to walk by your storefront.

Then came the internet, initially perceived as a danger looming on the horizon, threatening to make us all obsolete. In hindsight, we realized it was a catalyst for transformation, unlocking endless possibilities and connecting us with travelers across the globe. It was staggering at the time, but little did we know that the pace of technological change would only accelerate from there.

Today, as I witness the rapid evolution of our industry, I’m struck by the resilience and adaptability of travel advisors. You have embraced technology, leveraging it to enhance the traveler experience in ways we couldn’t have previously imagined. But amidst this whirlwind of change, one truth remains constant: the value of the travel advisor.

In many ways, the role of the travel advisor has become more complex and entrepreneurial than ever before. You are not merely booking tickets and accommodations; you are the curators of experiences, the architects of precious memories, and the trusted confidants guiding travelers through unfamiliar territory. It’s a role that demands creativity, expertise, and a relentless commitment to professional excellence.

Today, I find myself both intrigued and inspired by the advisors of this generation. The intensity of your passion, your dedication, and your unwavering belief in the transformative power of travel, fill me with hope for the future. I believe that today could very well be a true golden age for our industry, with limitless opportunities waiting to be seized.

So, to all the travel advisors out there, I urge you to embrace this moment. Invest in yourself, hone your craft, and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Together, we can embark on a new era of travel—one defined not by our limitations, but by our boundless potential.

Jackie