In my 36 years in the group travel industry I have experienced many ups and downs that have influenced all of us in this field.
Oil embargoes in the 70s; Sept 11th, volcanos erupting; the Great Recession, airline strikes and catastrophes too numerous to mention. The one thing I do know is that when you think you have seen it all, you really haven’t.
I am now the age of many of our travelers. I was raised by parents from the Greatest Generation. That the World War II generation preserved through difficult times is a testament to their extraordinary character. Their remarkable actions, during times of war and peace, ultimately made the United States a better place into which I was born. At every stage of their lives, they were part of historic challenges and achievements of a magnitude the world had never before witnessed. The Greatest Generation gave all of us the freedom and affluence that we can enjoy today.
This has given me the ability to manage the fear of travel. I know my parents would not give up when the going got tough and I believe my generation believes in a very similar way. It is our responsibility to stand tall and spread the word it is safe to travel. For some, choosing “safe” destinations like traveling in the United States may be the way to go. Our great national parks are celebrating their 100th anniversary! |
