The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have left a profound impact on residents, businesses, and the travel industry alike. For many travel advisors, these fires are not just a distant tragedy but a personal and professional crisis. Advisors like Mickey Weill and Jerry Saxe are stepping up to support those affected, highlighting the resilience and unity of the travel and hospitality community.
Mickey Weill, vice president of advisor and partner engagement at Global Travel Collection (GTC), has been a beacon of hope during these challenging times. A former Los Angeles resident now based in Junction City, Oregon, Weill has been tirelessly coordinating relief efforts for GTC advisors and their clients.
Five GTC advisors have lost their homes in the Palisades fire, a loss that Weill describes as leaving one advisor “still in a state of shock.” The emotional toll is immense, but the practical challenges are equally daunting. From his home, Weill has leveraged his networking skills to provide resources and solutions.
For those in financial need, Weill is directing them to the Family Bonds Foundation, a nonprofit under the Internova Travel Group umbrella, which offers grants to help individuals in the travel industry recover from disasters.
Weill is also working with hotel partners, securing evacuation rates for those displaced. Companies like Hyatt, Hilton, and IHG have stepped forward to provide accommodations. Midway Car Rental has offered vehicles to affected clients, with an option to bill their insurance companies directly.
Weill’s message is clear: “The more we can support each other, the quicker we can help turn this around.” His efforts underscore the importance of community during such crises.
For Jerry Saxe, president of Carlisle Travel in Los Angeles, the fires are a personal ordeal. Based in Encino, just north of the wildfire-ravaged areas, Saxe has been living in a state of constant vigilance. Although not yet under evacuation orders, he and his family remain on high alert, bags packed and ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
“This is heart-wrenching,” Saxe said, describing the devastation he has witnessed. High winds and dry conditions have made his wooded, hilly property particularly vulnerable, despite annual brush-clearing efforts.
Saxe’s experiences mirror the widespread uncertainty gripping Los Angeles. He recounted false alarms and the stress of knowing loved ones and colleagues who have been directly affected. A close friend in Malibu lost their home, while one of Carlisle’s independent contractors had to evacuate from Pasadena, unsure of her home’s fate.
Adding to the challenges, Saxe’s parents in Sherman Oaks endured a three-day power outage, illustrating how the fires disrupt daily life even for those not in the direct path of destruction.
The Los Angeles wildfires come at a time when the city is preparing to host major global events, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the Super Bowl in 2027, and the Olympics in 2028. These events, which promise to bring significant economic benefits, now seem overshadowed by the immediate need for recovery and rebuilding.
The resilience of travel advisors like Weill and Saxe offers a glimmer of hope amid the chaos. Their efforts to unite the community, provide practical support, and offer emotional solace reflect the best of humanity during times of hardship.
As Saxe put it, “Reach out, support us all, and be there for us while we go through these really terrible times.” His words serve as a reminder that, in the face of adversity, empathy and solidarity can make all the difference.
The road to recovery for Los Angeles and its travel industry will be long, but the collective efforts of individuals and organizations demonstrate a spirit of perseverance. From providing temporary shelter to navigating the emotional toll, the community continues to rally together, proving that even in the darkest times, hope endures.
