Long lines, delayed and canceled flights, staff shortages, inflation and fears of another virus variant – it’s all putting a damper on a full recovery for the travel/hospitality industry. And yet, airports are full of eager travelers taking trips – personal and professional – during the summer months, even though the experience doesn’t have a 2019 feel quite yet.

“The airlines are still experiencing staff shortages,” says Ellen Overcast, vacation specialist at Main Street Getaways, a Dream Vacations franchise in Kutztown, PA. “I recommend traveling a day earlier, especially if it’s for an event like a wedding or a business meeting. Otherwise, leave as early in the morning as possible.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Jan Louise Jones, professor of Hospitality and Tourism at the University of New Haven’s Pompea College of Business, recently took a trip with students to Italy for a month. While it went smoothly for her group, “I really feel for people working in the industry right now,” she says.

In this episode of Promo Insiders, Executive Editor Sara Lavenduski speaks with Overcast and Jones about the state of the travel industry and opportunities for promotional product sales, like incentive gifts for hardworking employees, branded merchandise for hotel guests and accessories for travel agents to promote their services, such as luggage tags and straps.