Bob Dylan Didn’t Have a Plan Either. Look How That Turned Out.

And while we’re ‘blowin’ in the wind’ mode…

Travel Industry News & Trends

Carbone, Bellagio, and a Side of Velvet

Major Food Group (link) is bringing Carbone Riviera to the Bellagio this fall, think Lake Como meets Rat Pack revival, with extra rigatoni. The iconic Vegas hotel is betting big on star-powered dining to lure a new wave of luxury travelers (and locals with expense accounts). LTA

We can’t wait for the day your clients ask for a table “with views of the fountains and the garlic bread.”

Smile, You’re Being Scanned (by AI)

Hertz is rolling out AI-powered scanners to inspect rental cars for damage. No staff, no clipboard, just cameras and code. They claim it’ll speed up returns and reduce disputes, but some travelers are bracing for automated overcharges and Kafkaesque customer service. NYTIMES (paywall)

Whether it’s progress or paranoia, this one’s going to generate some interesting DMs.

Norwegian Cancels 41 Cruises. Yes, 41.

Norwegian Cruise Line (link) just pulled the plug on 41 sailings scheduled for 2026 and 2027, citing “fleet redeployment.” Affected ships include Norwegian Encore, Jade, and Joy, with some sailings already booked by loyal guests. Travelers will receive full refunds and 10% future cruise credit, but that doesn’t undo months of planning. T+L

If your clients start questioning your psychic abilities, just remind them: “Not even AI saw this one coming.”

ME by Meliá Lands in Marbella

Meliá Hotels (link) has officially arrived on the Costa del Sol with the opening of ME Marbella, positioned between Puerto Banús and the Old Town. Expect Mediterranean minimalism, immersive experiences, a beach club with an indoor beach, and a Lacoste-collab uniform moment. From underwater wine tastings to open-flame cooking and olive oil beauty rituals, this is not your standard resort stay. LTA

Essentially, it’s where your clients go when Ibiza feels too loud, but silence is still not the ultimate goal.

🧭 The Guild Line | Don’t Fix the Strategy

Q3 got messy. That doesn’t mean your business plan is broken.

So, on this day in 1962, Bob Dylan wrote Blowin’ in the Wind in ten minutes.

A handful of questions turned into an anthem. Not because he had a master plan, but because he understood the mood.

We’re not here to wing it like Dylan. But we are here to read the room.

And right now, the room is full of noise.

• France’s election has added pressure at the heart of Europe, and the EU is quietly shifting its positions.

• The U.S. remains deeply polarized.

• Tensions are rising around Taiwan, Ukraine, and the Middle East.

• Trade wars are back in fashion.

• Cyberattacks are targeting critical infrastructure and transportation systems.

And travelers? They’re paying attention.

This week, during our internal meeting, we asked the question that’s probably circling your own mind: Should we adjust the Q4 plan?

The temptation is real.

But the truth is that desperate isn’t strategic.

Peter Drucker once said,

Scrambling feels like action, but it often leads you further from the business you’re trying to build.

You made a strategy for a reason.

Stick to it. Tighten the edges. Clarify the message. Lead with confidence.

Because when things feel uncertain, your clients don’t need new offers; they need your steadiness.

Stay steady and keep a watchful eye.

The Expert’s Guild Marketing Corner

📲 Instagram Stories Strategy for Travel Professionals

Turn daily content into lasting client trust.

✨ Sequence matters

Think of your Stories like a familiar travel flow. Start with an image to grab attention, follow with a short video for context or personality, and finish with a poll or question sticker. This rhythm encourages taps instead of exits.

✨ Keep it real

No need for lighting kits or polished edits. Your clients want real insights, not rehearsed scripts. A simple story from your phone, spoken with confidence and warmth, often performs better than high-production content.

✨ Focus on the first 3 slides

Most viewers decide whether to keep watching within the first few seconds. Use strong visuals, give immediate context, or lead with a clear, interesting question. The goal is to earn that next tap.

✨ Build value in slides 4 to 9

This is where people are most engaged. Use these slides to tell a quick story, break down an itinerary, explain a travel hack, or show the behind-the-scenes of a property or experience. Make it informative without overselling.

✨ Re-ignite interest after slide 10

Viewer attention may start to dip, so change the format or tone. Add a surprising tip, use a quiz or slider, or ask a question to re-engage. Keep them curious about what’s next.

✨ Post at least 6 slides per day

If you’re only posting 1 to 3 slides, you’re missing reach. The algorithm favors consistency and volume. More slides mean more chances to be seen by your audience throughout the day.

✨ Create slides worth saving

Include content your followers will want to return to. Bullet-point checklists, mini-guides, price breakdowns, or pro tips make great end-of-sequence slides. Keep them clear, visual, and easy to screenshot.

📩 Already reading the AI Jumpstart?

Email #2 of the FREE 5-Day AI Mini-Course for Travel Professionals should be in your inbox today.

If you don’t see it, check your spam or promotions tab. We don’t want you missing the good stuff.