Navigating the Future: Thought Leadership in the Travel Industry

Perceptions of leadership in business hold varied meanings within each company and across industries. The travel industry is my passion. I’ve been in the business for 36 years in various capacities on both the airline and travel agency side. I have held roles in reservations, operations, supplier relations and account management. After investing years in this profession, it’s indeed remarkable to stay deeply engaged in an industry that ignites your passion. Finding success in a career, especially in the realm of travel, is truly a privilege.

As president of Global Travel Collection (GTC), I oversee a dynamic community of travel advisors, spanning luxury, high-end corporate, production and entertainment independent contractor businesses. Our core mission revolves around enhancing company oversight, fostering growth and shaping strategic direction. We are determined to empower our advisors and employees with unparalleled support, a commitment we uphold daily.

In today’s business landscape, for me, the role of leadership continues to evolve beyond its conventional confines. It involves how you represent yourself, support your company, confront challenges as needed, navigate conflicts and communicate effectively. Moreover, a vital component involves acknowledging the significance of coaching as an asset. The essence of coaching lies in ensuring that employees understand expectations and acknowledge areas for enhancement, while instilling confidence in their potential to excel in their business.

GTC was established in 2020 as the division representing Internova’s Travel Group’s high-service premium and luxury travel businesses. When I assumed the role of president, the timing aligned with the unveiling of our new brand, yet it occurred during a period of significant disruption, both on a global scale and across the industry, largely attributed to the pandemic. As colleagues in the travel industry, we’ve all encountered many challenges and roadblocks both on a personal and professional level over the last four years. In my extensive tenure within the travel industry, this was a challenge of unprecedented scale. It immediately raised the question: What does leadership mean for me, for our company at this moment?

With some internal reflection, this presented GTC with a unique opportunity to grow and reinvent the company. Throughout this period, my team and I began laying the framework for a new path and contemplated ways to enhance our company's support systems, to address new challenges and refine our internal communication strategies. It was an ambitious endeavor. We called it The Path Forward, envisioning it as a guiding force to become a unified culture within the company.

Our intention behind this was to create a strategy that sets us apart in the marketplace, drive maximum growth potential for advisors and successional planning for those who seek it, while offering career progression for valued employees and more productive partnerships to increase revenue opportunities with industry suppliers. As we continue to press forward with the implementation of new programming, technological solutions and growth opportunities under The Path Forward, I am eagerly anticipating the journey ahead with our advisors, partners and employees into the future of the travel industry.

Whether navigating through adversity or smooth sailing, leadership embodies a multitude of principles. It requires constant assessment, seizing opportunities for growth, setting oneself apart and adapting to the ever-changing landscape.

Moreover, recognizing and embracing failure, especially through unpredictable times, is crucial. Failure serves as the cornerstone for fostering learning, ultimately charting the course towards success and fostering a cohesive workplace environment.

As a company, our commitment to achieving and exceeding milestones motivates us to continually set new benchmarks within the travel industry. Every day, I am exhilarated to be part of the travel industry, embarking on this collective journey with optimism, unwavering determination and a shared dedication to excellence. Together, all of us in this industry are paving the way forward and shaping the future of travel.

About the Author

Angie Licea is the President of Global Travel Collection, part of Internova Travel Group, the most influential collection of international luxury travel agencies. More than 1,500 GTC advisors are industry leaders in providing premium travel services to leisure travelers, corporate executives and the entertainment industry. Angie’s commitment to excellence in the industry extends to service on travel-related and philanthropic Advisory Boards, including Nicer Travel and Family Bonds.