The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has made its 2026 Travel Industry Forecast session available to view online for ASTA Premium members only. Held during ASTA’s Legislative Day in April, the session brought together federal officials and leading travel industry experts to discuss the issues shaping the future of travel, including federal policy, corporate travel headwinds, advisor-supplier partnerships and the broader outlook for travel in 2026.
The program featured remarks from Pete Meachum, Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of Transportation, offering attendees a timely federal perspective on transportation and travel policy. The session also included remarks from Robert O’Leary, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism, U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration and ASTA leaders.
WHERE:
2026 ASTA Travel Industry Forecast is now available for online viewing at ASTA TV for ASTA Premium members only.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
The Travel Industry Forecast included two expert panels:
Overcoming the Headwinds in Today’s Corporate Travel Landscape
Moderated by Denise Jackson, President & CEO, Balboa Travel Management, this panel examined government contract uncertainty, policy-driven disruptions, impacts on jobs and commerce and what policymakers should understand about stabilizing corporate travel. Panelists included:
- Kathy Bedell, Senior Vice President, BCD Travel;
- Lea Cahill, President, Atlas Travel & Technology Group;
- Goran Glogorovic, Executive Vice President, Omega World Travel;
- Peter Vlitas, EVP Partner Relations, Internova Travel Group
Shared Clients, Shared Success: The Advisor-Supplier Relationship
Moderated by Jen Cochrane, Co-Founder & CEO, Gifted Travel Network, this panel explored the state of leisure travel, barriers facing consumers and how policy decisions affect travel access and growth. Panelists included:
- Angie Licea, President, Global Travel Collection;
- Connie Miller, Chief Relationship Officer, Your Travel Center/Montecito Village Travel;
- Alicia Onello, Director of Network Operations, Envoyage;
- James Ricks, Director of Member Relations, Ensemble
ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS:
Featured speakers included Zane Kerby, President and CEO, ASTA; Pete Meachum, Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of Transportation; Robert O’Leary, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism, U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.
WHY IT MATTERS:
As policymakers and industry leaders look ahead in 2026, ASTA’s Travel Industry Forecast offers a timely look at the forces affecting travel advisors, suppliers, corporate travel, leisure demand and the traveling public.
ACCESS:
The Travel Industry Forecast is now available to ASTA Premium members. Members must be logged into their profile on ASTA’s website to access the video on ASTA TV.
