TORONTO (December 2, 2025): Travel advisors are entering 2026 confident of growing sales and their professional value – even amid headwinds on the horizon. A new survey of advisors affiliated with TRAVELSAVERS Canada agencies reveals that 71 per cent expect revenue growth in the year ahead.

2026: A Promising Year for Advisors

This optimism is fueled by sustained demand for travel, which consumers increasingly view as a vital part of their lives rather than a discretionary luxury. Travellers are turning to advisors for their expertise, especially for creating and booking personalized itineraries and luxury journeys.

“Looking ahead to 2026, the outlook is incredibly positive,” said Jane Clementino, Senior Vice President and General Manager of TRAVELSAVERS Canada. “Travellers are prioritizing experiences more than ever, seeking personalized and meaningful journeys. Advisors are perfectly positioned to meet this demand, providing the guidance and expertise that turn ordinary trips into truly unforgettable adventures.”

Advisors Assert Value Through Fees

Reflecting growing confidence in their worth, the survey found that 70 per cent of advisors now charge professional fees:

● Twenty-eight per cent charge for transactions

● Sixteen per cent charge for time

● Eleven per cent collect multiple fee types

● Nine per cent charge for specialized services such as FIT design or air ticketing

● Six per cent apply plan-to-go fees rolled into bookings

An additional 18 per cent are considering introducing fees in the future. This trend reflects both industry shifts, such as reduced airline commissions and pandemic-era losses, as well as the rising demand for tailored, time-intensive itineraries. Advisors are also using fees to reinforce their professionalism and the value they deliver to clients.

AI Adoption Accelerates Among Advisors

Generative AI is rapidly becoming a trusted time-saving tool for advisors, with usage more than doubling in the past year: from 20 per cent to 50 per cent. TRAVELSAVERS AI Connect program has further fueled adoption and awareness.

More advisors report that they’re familiar with AI, even if they haven’t tried it:

● 25 per cent now use it frequently, up from 11 per cent

● 25 per cent use it occasionally, rising from 9 per cent

● 25 per cent say they are still not knowledgeable enough about it, down from 33 per cent

Advisors also view AI in a more positive light:

● 44 per cent now see it as a great tool, up from 27 per cent

● 15 per cent say they’re still not familiar enough with AI, down from 32 per cent

“In just one year, we’ve seen a dramatic shift in advisors embracing AI as a powerful ally rather than a threat,” said Tim Paul, TRAVELSAVERS Vice President of Marketing. “AI can be an incredible partner, helping busy advisors work smarter and faster. Those using our AI Connect program say they can’t imagine life without it.”

Anticipated Challenges Ahead for 2026

Despite their optimism, advisors remain mindful of potential obstacles for next year. The top concern is the persistently high cost of travel, cited by 43 per cent of respondents. Competition is also on their radar:

● 29 per cent worry about suppliers marketing directly to consumers

● 24 per cent point to online travel agencies

● 16 per cent cite competition from AI

Survey Results 2026 Sales

● 48% predict sales will increase somewhat

● 23% predict sales will increase significantly

● 23% predict sales will stay the same

● 5% predict sales will decrease somewhat

● 1% predict sales will decrease significantly

Charging Fees

● 28% charge a service fee for transactions

● 16% charge a consultation fee for their time

● 11% charge two or more fee types

● 9% charge a fee for specific services such as air ticketing or FIT design

● 6% charge a plan-to-go fee rolled into the cost of the trip

● 18% don’t charge fees but are considering them

● 9% don’t charge fees and aren’t considering them

AI Usage

● 25% use it frequently

● 25% use it occasionally

● 13% have tried it

● 9% plan to try it

● 3% don’t and won’t use it

● 25% aren’t familiar enough with it

AI Attitude

● 44% say it’s a great tool for advisors

● 23% say it has potential for advisors

● 10% say it’s neither good nor bad

● 3% say it’s not good for advisors

● 1% say it’s a threat to advisors

● 15% aren’t familiar enough with it

Greatest Challenges Facing Advisors

● 43% high cost of travel

● 29% competition from suppliers going direct to clients

● 24% competition from online travel agencies

● 19% adopting new technology

● 17% competition from AI

Advisors from TRAVELSAVERS Canada agency affiliates participated in the survey between Oct. 16 and Nov. 4, 2025.