When I entered the travel industry from banking 12 years ago, risk management was often viewed through a fairly traditional lens. The focus was on policy compliance, preferred suppliers, and having a response plan if an emergency occurred. The industry had already undergone a significant shift following 9/11, which fundamentally changed how organizations approached traveler safety and duty of care. At the time, the emphasis was largely on physical security and knowing how to respond when a major event occurred.
Today, the conversation is much broader. Over the last decade, we've seen a global pandemic bring travel to a standstill, cyberattacks disrupt airlines and travel providers, geopolitical conflicts create uncertainty across regions, and severe weather events become more frequent and impactful. Risk management is no longer just about helping travelers during emergencies. It's about navigating an increasingly complex environment where disruption can come from physical, digital, political, or environmental sources, often with little warning.
What has not changed is the value of business travel. Relationships are still strengthened face-to-face. Business is still won in conference rooms, at customer sites, and through in-person collaboration. But as travel remains essential to growth, organizations have a greater responsibility to ensure their employees are supported throughout their journey. That means understanding where travelers are, communicating quickly when conditions change, and having the resources in place to respond effectively.
The organizations that manage disruption best are those that treat risk management as a business strategy, not simply a compliance requirement. Strong risk management programs protect people, support business continuity, and help organizations remain resilient when the unexpected happens. In today's environment, that resilience has become a competitive advantage.
If your travel risk management program hasn't been evaluated recently, now may be the right time. A review of your duty of care processes, traveler tracking capabilities, communication protocols, and response plans can help identify gaps before they become challenges. If you'd like an objective assessment of your current approach, our team would be happy to start the conversation.
-Jennifer Harrison
Executive Vice President
Airfare Increases Expected in Q3
A new forecast from Advito predicts higher airfares worldwide during the third quarter, driven by elevated fuel costs and limited airline capacity. While Europe is expected to see the sharpest increases, North American business travelers should also anticipate modest fare growth. The report also projects continued upward pressure on U.S. hotel rates, reinforcing the importance of proactive planning and budget management for corporate travel programs.
TSA has launched a new initiative that would allow more airports to partner with private contractors for passenger screening while maintaining federal oversight and security standards. Officials say the program is designed to improve efficiency, accelerate technology upgrades, and enhance the traveler experience, though it has generated debate about the role of private operators in airport security.
Airlines Reducing Capacity as Travel Demand Remains Strong
Airlines are reducing available seat capacity ahead of the July 4 holiday period while travel demand remains elevated, creating upward pressure on fares. The combination of fewer seats and strong demand is contributing to a more expensive and competitive booking environment for both leisure and business travelers
TSA has expanded its touchless identity verification capabilities through a new integration with Google Wallet, providing eligible travelers with a more seamless security screening experience. The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize airport security and reduce friction at checkpoints.
Our team will be heading to Chicago for GBTA Convention 2026, and we're looking forward to connecting with clients, partners, and industry colleagues throughout the week.
One topic that continues to shape conversations across business travel is finding the right balance between technology and service. While technology continues to evolve, relationships, expertise, and personalized support remain just as important as ever.
At Campbell Travel, we believe the best travel programs combine both. We provide the tools, reporting, and analytics that organizations need to make informed decisions; backed by dedicated account management and a team that understands your travel program and business goals.
We'll be spending the week discussing industry trends, sharing best practices, and exploring new ways to help clients drive stronger travel program performance.
If you'll be attending GBTA, we'd love to see you. Stop by Booth #3314 to say hello or connect with our team while you're in Chicago.
We look forward to seeing many of you there!
Exploring Explora Journeys: A Mediterranean Cruise that Exceeded Expectations
Written By: Bob Campbell, CEO
Having cruised on several different cruise lines over the years, it takes a lot to impress me.
So when my wife,Tina, and I boarded an Explora Journeys cruise in Venice for a Mediterranean sailing that would eventually end in Athens, I was curious to see what all the buzz was about.
A week later, I understood.
The first thing that stood out was how easy everything was. Embarkation was probably the smoothest we've ever experienced. We had uploaded our passport and travel information ahead of time, and when we arrived at the terminal, the process was quick, organized, and stress-free.
Even the safety drill felt different. On most cruise lines, you're gathering your life jacket and heading to a designated muster station. On Explora, we simply watched the required safety videos from our suite. A small detail, but one that immediately signaled that this wasn't going to be a typical cruise experience.
And speaking of suites, every room onboard is a balcony suite. When we arrived, a bottle of champagne was waiting for us, which was a nice welcome after a day of travel. The ship itself is modern, elegant, and incredibly well designed. What I noticed almost immediately was that it never felt crowded. Whether we were at the pool, walking the decks, or enjoying an evening cocktail, there always seemed to be plenty of space. That's not something you can say about every cruise ship these days.
If there was one area where Explora truly exceeded expectations, it was the food. I've been on enough cruises to know that every cruise line claims to have great dining; but Explora delivered. The restaurants were excellent, but what surprised me most was The Marketplace, Explora's version of a buffet; but is not at all what you expect when you hear that word. Instead of long serving lines and heat lamps, you move through individual stations where chefs prepare dishes fresh for you at stations like seafood, overflowing with lobster and scallops, fresh sushi or made-to-order pasta. The quality was exceptional throughout the entire voyage.
The atmosphere onboard was equally enjoyable. Dress was mostly casual, which fit the overall vibe perfectly. People were relaxed, friendly, and genuinely interesting to talk with. One thing we loved was how international the passenger mix was. I'd estimate Americans made up maybe a third of the guests, with travelers from all over Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond making up the rest. English was the common language onboard, but everywhere you went you heard different accents and conversations from around the world. The French passengers seemed particularly committed to starting every morning with champagne, and honestly, who can blame them?
Then came disembarkation, which somehow managed to be even easier than embarkation. As we entered the luggage area, an Explora team member immediately greeted us, walked us directly to our bags, and coordinated with our driver. Less than ten minutes after leaving the ship, we were on our way to the airport. After years of cruising, that's about as good as it gets.
So what's my overall verdict?
The service was a 10. The food was a 10. The ship's design and spaciousness were a 10.
More importantly, everything worked exactly as it should. There was an ease to the entire experience that allowed us to simply enjoy the destinations, the ship, and the journey itself.
For anyone considering a Mediterranean cruise, or for those who think they've already seen everything the cruise industry has to offer, Explora Journeys deserves a spot on your list. It's one of the best cruise experiences we've had, and it's a cruise line I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
Have questions about Explora or Mediterranean cruising? I'd be happy to share more about our experience.
Explora Journeys is redefining luxury ocean travel with a collection of elegant ocean-front suites, penthouses, and residences designed to feel more like a private yacht than a traditional cruise. From exceptional dining and curated destination experiences to intuitive service and holistic wellness offerings, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to create a more relaxed, immersive way to explore the world. Guests enjoy an all-inclusive experience featuring fine dining, premium beverages, onboard gratuities, complimentary Wi-Fi, wellness programming, and much more.
This July, Campbell Travel clients can enjoy exclusive Journey Experience Credits to enhance their voyage. Travelers booking a new Explora Journeys reservation between July 1 and July 31, 2026 will receive up to $800 per suite in onboard credit, depending on accommodations selected. These credits can be used toward destination experiences, specialty dining, spa treatments, and other onboard indulgences, allowing guests to personalize their journey even further.
Ready to sail? Contact a TravelDesigns by Campbell advisor and book between July 1 and July 31, 2026 to take advantage of this exclusive Explora Journeys offer and discover a new standard in luxury ocean travel.
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