The Capacity Conundrum: ALG Vacations Outpaces the Fallout
Cancun's sun-kissed beaches and Jamaica's reggae rhythms have always been top draws for travelers, but the industry's capacity crunch has left many wondering if the demand is still there. According to ALG Vacations, the answer is a resounding yes – despite a 20% drop in air capacity for the second half of this year, the company's bookings have only dropped by 5% to 10%. It's a trend that's got the travel community abuzz, and one that's got experts like Ray Snisky, groups president of ALG Vacations, optimistic about the future.
Snisky spoke with travel advisors at the company's annual Ascend 2026 conference, where he revealed that ALG's momentum was going strong before the challenges in Mexico and Jamaica hit. Two days of cartel violence in Puerto Vallarta in February disrupted tourism across Mexico, with Cancun – ALG's No. 1 destination – feeling the ripple effects despite being over 1,600 miles away. And in Jamaica, the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Melissa, which slammed into the island nation in late 2025, has left its mark.
But despite these challenges, ALG is expecting a strong 2027, with Snisky predicting a full return of airlift by Q2. The company's not alone in its optimism – Jacki Marks, global head of trade brands, is seeing growth in domestic travel and shorter international trips reflecting cost pressures. And with airfare concerns on everyone's mind, ALG is encouraging advisors to book trips well in advance to beat further price increases.
It's a strategy that's already paying off, with ALG's early Black Friday Sale Oct. 23, the last day of the conference, offering a taste of what's to come. And as advisors at the Ascend event shared their own insights, it's clear that Cancun, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica are still top draws among clients.
While some may be hesitant about safety in Mexico, others are dismissing concerns, with Renee Manukin, an advisor for Uniglobe in Wheeling, W. Va., joking that more are worried about seaweed than cartels. It's a lighthearted take on a serious issue, but one that reflects the resilience of the travel industry and its ability to adapt to adversity.
In the end, it's a story of supply and demand – and ALG Vacations is outpacing the fallout. With its sights set on a bright future, the company is poised to capitalize on the trends shaping the industry. And as travel advisors and industry experts alike look to the horizon, they can't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation.
Written by: Shred & Dread | The Citizen Edition
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