The Light at the End of the Tunnel for Travel Just Got a Little Dimmer
I received a very disheartening e-mail tonight. "Due the crisis of COVID-19, Voyager HQ will be ceasing its operations," effective immediately.
Here is a copy of the e-mail from Managing Director, John Matson.
While I only worked with the team at Voyager HQ for a short time, I can honestly say that some of the highlights of my 25 year career are connected to them:
- Shortly after being laid off by Hertz, was invited to Voyager HQ as an adviser by Taylor Culver, Founder of XenoDATA.
- Was invited by John Matson and Taylor Culver to participate in my first podcast appearance, the MouthMedia Network's "Travel is Your Business."
- Voyager HQ's passionate endorsement of its startups connected me with CashSwap where I was brought on as Vice President of Marketing by co-founders Ben Diallo and Nigel Riggens.
I left CashSwap at the end of September, 2019 and hadn't been back to Voyager HQ since. That said, I continued to follow its activities in the media. Having spent over 20 years working on eCommerce and Innovation in the traditional travel industry, I can say without question that when things get back to normal (whatever that is) that industry will be worse off without one of the strongest proponents of travel innovation out there.
For me personally, I will always be a little sadder knowing that the amazing work space on 25th St. isn't there any longer.
Sincerest thanks to John Matson and everyone that made Voyager HQ the environment that it was. I wish you all the very best in your next adventures and offer my assistance if there is anything I can do to support you in the future.
Head of Sales France | Samsung Ads
4 年It is with sadness that I also read this announcement today. It is unfair. Since my first exchange with John Matson, I had the feeling of discovering a new world of travel. John Matson 's professionalism and intellectual charisma did not leave me indifferent. Our partnership as a member of the SkyLads executive team was fluid and promising. My first Digital Travel Summit in May 2019 in the heart of Manhattan confirmed the leadership of John Matson and his team! Exceptional partners such as Amadeus, Lufthansa, Delta Airlines, Air Canada and even Evaneos were actively present there and all delighted with the quality of such an event! Despite this crisis, we had the opportunity on March 31st to live an unprecedented online experience and we were able to savor the Corporate Travel Pitch Night NYC, thanks to a great choice of talented speakers and a remarkable community. I sincerely hope that #VoyagerHQ continues to innovate in the travel industry, it is a key player and greatly deserves the support of its partners in these difficult times. Let's do it!
Exited Founder | Fractional Executive | Travel SME | Driving Growth Through AI Innovation, Strategic Partnerships & Scaling Operations
4 年Michael thank you for the kind words and the thoughtful write up. It's a difficult time for the travel industry, but we're hopeful and optimistic for the travel startup ecosystem, and will continue to support it however we can.