More technology, but less time.
More connections, but less connection.
More choices, yet less clarity.
But the silent killer is how much stress and burnout travel advisors continue to accept. Like so many industries, travel has become overwhelming — especially for young people navigating toxic leadership that fails to mentor, coach or prepare them for client and destination demands. We ask why they’re leaving, instead of examining what we’ve done to push them away.
They’re walking out because the experience isn’t worth their mental or physical health.
At the recent IMEX America conference, the message was clear: The demand for education and real-world preparation is urgent. Too often, courses skip what truly matters: emotional intelligence, psychological safety and tools for resilience.
The Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) and the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) unveiled the 2025 Incentive Travel Index (ITI) at IMEX. Produced with Oxford Economics and drawing on insights from 2,700 professionals in 85 countries, the study forecasts modest growth through 2027, tempered by rising costs, geopolitical risk, AI disruption and demographic shifts. Regions are consolidating locally, U.S. demand is slipping, and generational change is reshaping everything from destination preferences to reward structures. (You can find the full results of the study here.)
When I talk to industry professionals, I hear the same refrain that goes along the lines of this: “We’re not prepared for what’s coming,”
That’s not on them; it’s on organizations that refuse to invest in training. The result? Stress, anxiety and burnout.
We must practice what we preach: Build trust, safety and human sustainability. Too many leaders pay lip service to wellbeing but take little action.
At IMEX, I logged 20,000 steps a day meeting with destinations, CVBs, hotel reps and travel pros. Amid the bustle, something felt different — more human. Wellness was finally on the agenda, with 21 sessions dedicated to it (including my own on mental health). Yet when I asked respected leaders if the industry was truly prepared for the future, every one of them said no.
One senior executive told me bluntly that “mental health is an HR problem” and that business goals come first. That mindset is why so many feel unseen.
The industry’s leadership is aging, but the next generation is rarely invited into the conversation. There’s still too little dialogue around climate change, toxic leadership, sustainable practices or the new realities of risk and safety.
Has anyone taken a breath in the last five years?
Travel advisors today face risks we never imagined a decade ago. Entry barriers are lower, yet expectations are higher. Advisors are working faster, with fewer tools, serving clients who are themselves uncertain and anxious. The foundation is cracking and not because advisors aren’t capable, but because support systems aren’t keeping pace.
Some say business is good, but behind the scenes, many are exhausted, unappreciated and afraid to speak up. They crave purpose and social impact, but too often find organizations that lack empathy or care.
So, how do we move forward?
First, think like a human. Connect with clients and colleagues on a personal level. Ask how they’re really doing. That small act of empathy builds trust faster than any marketing campaign.
Second, protect your mental health. Drop the façade of perfection. Silence isn’t strength; it’s isolation. If you’re struggling, talk to your doctor, seek guidance and set boundaries. It’s okay to say no.
Follow leaders who are fair and flexible. Write down what’s bothering you. And, yes, beware of toxic positivity. You don’t have to smile through stress.
Find community. There are peers who’ve been where you are. Reach out, read their stories and learn from their survival.
For the industry, the mandate is clear: Embed emotional intelligence and psychological safety into every layer of education and leadership. This isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It’s the foundation of sustainable success.
Disengagement is a symptom of constant noise and disruption. Sometimes the healthiest act is stepping away from social media and reclaiming quiet.
Empathy must lead the next phase of travel. Without it, wellness remains a buzzword instead of a movement.
Ask clients what really matters to them. When I recently asked destination reps what they could show me that wasn’t on their sales sheet, no one had an answer. That’s the problem. We need fresh ideas, not recycled talking points.
Meet people where they are, not where you expect them to be. The next generation values authenticity over ego. They crave purpose-driven travel and experiences that give back and inspire growth.
Take a daily pause. Step outside. Breathe. The simplest actions can reset your energy.
How can we collectively create calm?
By accepting that disruption rewards patience. By learning to sit with discomfort.
Every story is unpredictable. There will be heroes, twists, and lessons.
Don’t give up. Seek advice.
Disruptors transform the world: sometimes painfully, but always with purpose.
Stay focused on what matters to you.
Related Stories
Post Ranch Inn Introduces Traditional Shamanic Experiences
Ozempic’s Effects Are Hitting the Travel Industry; Here’s How
Langham, Sleep Cycle Partner for In-Room Wellness Program
New Report Reveals Shift in Asia Pacific Luxury Travel Trends
