Travel Industry Updates
July 18, 2023

Behind the scenes, our advisors and staff work hard to stay on top of all the constant changes in the travel industry. Take a peek into some of the things we've been a part of recently!

If a travel advisor is invited and selected to attend a conference, it is a privilege and always an extraordinary experience.

I was fortunate enough to attend LE Miami last month at the Miami Convention Center. This travel conference is attended by 1,800 participants – approximately 900 suppliers comprised of hoteliers, tourism boards and destination management companies (“DMCs”), 900 travel advisors from around the world, and another 40 members of the media. As a travel advisor, I was required to set 1-on-1 meetings with 50 suppliers over the course of three days. Each meeting was 15 minutes long. These meetings provided me with the opportunity to learn about new products and to develop and strengthen relationships with our suppliers and travel professional community. When a client has a request or requires further information, it is these relationships that are priceless and set us apart from online travel agencies. In addition to 1-on-1 meetings were hosted lunches, dinners, and parties. This was a great way to spend further quality time with our suppliers. Days are long, exhausting, exhilarating, and well worth the time invested.

During these meetings, the light bulb goes off and you meet the perfect hotelier for a client’s upcoming itinerary. Mic drop!

TravelAge West WAVE Awards | June 2023

For 49 years, TravelAge West has been the trusted voice of the travel industry and is a valuable resource for many advisors. Every year, the editorial team at TravelAge West reviews hundreds of travel suppliers and products. Review methods include product analysis, on-site visits, a travel agent survey, and online research. After careful consideration, a list of "Editor's Pick" nominees in a variety of categories are confirmed. Nominees are then placed on an official WAVE ballot, which is printed in TravelAge West, posted online, and promoted in email communications to travel advisors throughout the US. Finally, the WAVE Award winners are celebrated at a star-studded gala held in Los Angeles.

In June, several Plaza Travel and FROSCH advisors and staff were honored to be invited to attend the black tie WAVE Award gala at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. The event brought together honorees and travel advisors, while recognizing the outstanding qualities and services of the industry's leading travel suppliers.

Curious to see which travel suppliers won? Click here to see the 2023 winners.

Global Entry Interviews at FROSCH-Plaza Travel in Woodland Hills, CA

This year, our FROSCH-Plaza Travel office in Woodland Hills, California hosted four successful Global Entry interview dates in March, April, June, and July. On these days, TSA personnel came to our office to complete required in-person interviews with our clients who had been pre-approved for Global Entry.

If you travel internationally, you may find Global Entry to be a very worthwhile time-saving program. Click here to learn more about Global Entry. If you don't already have it and are interested in signing up, ask your travel advisor to keep you updated about our next Global Entry dates so you can be sure to get an appointment for an interview at our office.