Region:
USA
Category:
Tourism

Alamo Highlights Its Global Strategy, the Role of the Wholesale Channel, and the Value of Service in the Car Rental Market at IPW 2026

  • Alamo Highlights Its Global Strategy, the Role of the Wholesale Channel, and the Value of Service in the Car Rental Market at IPW 2026.
    Alamo Highlights Its Global Strategy, the Role of the Wholesale Channel, and the Value of Service in the Car Rental Market at IPW 2026.
Region:
USA
Category:
Tourism
Publication date:
Print article

As part of IPW 2026, Alamo Rent A Car reinforced its position in the international market by presenting its global expansion strategy, its commitment to protecting distribution channels, and the importance of service as a competitive differentiator in the vehicle rental industry.

In an interview with ABC MUNDIAL, Enrique Tomé, Director of Sales for Latin America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, explained the company’s operational structure and international presence, highlighting that Alamo is part of a global network operating across key strategic markets, including the United States, Europe, and Asia, in addition to extensive coverage throughout Latin America under an integrated corporate structure.

Tomé emphasized the importance of respecting the commercial distribution chain in every market, especially in countries such as Argentina. In this regard, he explained that when travelers book through travel agencies or wholesalers, operations are managed directly through strategic partners such as Cristina MacDougall, with the goal of preserving commercial agreements, protecting the business structure, and avoiding disintermediation within the wholesale channel.

The executive noted that while the volume of meetings at IPW 2026 has been slightly lower compared to previous editions, the quality of strategic accounts remains high, with important meetings and continuity in long-standing commercial relationships.

Regarding the international tourism market, Tomé highlighted the impact of global economic factors on travel planning, including rising airfare costs, fuel prices, and tickets for major sporting events, creating greater caution among travelers when making purchasing decisions, especially for family travel products and events such as the FIFA World Cup.

In this context, he observed a growing trend toward advance bookings from Latin America, allowing travelers to secure better rates and greater availability, particularly during peak seasons such as summer in the United States.

Regarding consumer behavior in the car rental segment, Tomé recommended early planning, especially for high-demand categories such as minivans and SUVs, which account for a large portion of international customers. He also explained that these vehicle categories are essential for family tourism, where limited availability can negatively impact the traveler experience.

Finally, the executive stressed that Alamo’s primary differentiator is not based solely on price, but on service quality, customer experience, and transparency. In a highly competitive market, he noted that customer satisfaction and service ratings are crucial for loyalty, since poorly advised customers are unlikely to return.

With its participation at IPW 2026, Alamo reinforced its strategic message centered on global expansion, protection of the wholesale distribution channel, and strengthening service quality as key pillars for competing in the global car rental industry.