Author Archives: TRO Staff
There are 270 articles by TRO Staff published on this site.
Maitland, FL—October 24, 2024— As the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) latest rule on airline refunds approaches, Travel Industry Solutions (TIS) has unveiled an industry-leading guide specifically designed to support travel agents of all types, including those who are not the merchant of record. This guide delivers clear explanations of the new regulations, practical steps for compliance, and valuable communication tools to handle customer inquiries effectively. The free guide is available for immediate download here. Read the rest of this entry »
PRESS RELEASE FROM OUTSIDE AGENTS
Jacksonville, FL, October 22, 2024 – OutsideAgents.com, America’s premier host travel agency, recently held its annual conference at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina and onboard Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas. With a theme of Turn Passion Into Profit, over 500 participants were in attendance for the eight-day event including member agents, preferred vendor representatives, industry leaders, and OutsideAgents.com staff. Read the rest of this entry »
PRESS RELEASE FROM COLLETTE
Discounts of up to $350 are available for select departures of “London & Paris,” “British Landscapes,” and “Spotlight on Paris.”
Pawtucket, RI (October 16, 2024) – Collette is offering a discount for select tours to Great Britain and France as a part of October’s Hot Deals. Travelers can save up to $350 when booking the November 6, 2024 departure for “Spotlight on Paris,” the December 1, 2024 departure of “London & Paris,” or the February 24, 2025 departure of “British Landscapes.”
“Both Great Britain and France are amongst the most popular European travel destinations,” said Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, chief executive officer at Collette. “Our Hot Deals for October encourage travelers to take advantage of some great savings ahead of the holiday season. London and Paris, specifically, are Read the rest of this entry »
PRESS RELEASE FROM VOLANS GROUP
MIAMI, FL, OCTOBER 17.- Volans Group, a travel and technology industry leader, is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming World Travel Expo (WTE) Miami edition. The expo will take place from October 22 to 23 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, bringing together a dynamic mix of travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and tourism professionals from around the globe. Read the rest of this entry »
The Travel Institute is again offering its dedicated TRIPKITSM Scholarship Fund, providing tuition assistance on the education leader’s award-winning new agent training program.
First launched in January 2024 in celebration of the non-profit educator’s 60th anniversary, the TRIPKIT scholarship is available during October while funds last Read the rest of this entry »
Collette, a renowned tour operator, has stepped up to the plate with an innovative solution tailored specifically for travel advisors. Introducing the Encompass Campaign – a comprehensive suite of tools designed to empower advisors, elevate their businesses, and foster a thriving advisor community.
At the heart of the Encompass Campaign lies the Travel Advisor Portal, a one-stop-shop that puts the power of Collette at your fingertips. Behind your secured login, you’ll find a wealth of resources to deepen your understanding of Collette’s offerings and drive your business forward.
Read the rest of this entry »When you think of US destinations that embody the “travel as a living classroom” theme, Washington DC is undoubtedly at the top of the list. With back-to-school season here, there’s no better way to enhance your child’s education than with a fun and enriching family getaway to our nation’s capital this fall. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building and beyond, it’s an experience filled with countless teaching moments. Beyond the iconic monuments and memorials, Washington DC boasts incredible museums, stunning architecture, rich culture, natural beauty, and so much more.
Read the rest of this entry »Nestled between the vast Atlantic Ocean and the serene Mediterranean Sea, the border that Spain shares with France is a blend of geographical marvels and rich cultural tapestries. Stretching from the rugged Basque coastline to the stunning peaks of the Pyrenees and dipping down into the charming landscapes of Catalonia, this cross-border region is a living mosaic of history, art, and nature. Travelers exploring this area are treated to a magnificent variety of landscapes and an intriguing mix of cultural influences that tell a story of centuries-old connections between the two nations.
Read the rest of this entry »In a bold stride to strengthen its dedication to advisor education and training, American Marketing Group (AMG) has grown its professional development team, focusing on delivering the exclusive benefits of its innovative programs to a broader audience. With the recent appointment of Diana Hnatov and Clare Burke, advisors affiliated with AMG’s renowned travel agency networks—TRAVELSAVERS, NEST, and The Affluent Traveler Collection—can expect significant advancements in their professional development journeys. Read the rest of this entry »
Avanti Destinations is America’s premier travel management specialist located in Portland, Oregon. Since 1981, we have worked exclusively with Travel Advisors and we’re excited about helping you and your clients design their custom travel experience. We are recognized as the pre-eminent provider of independent travel in Europe, Central & South America, Asia, North Africa & the Middle East, and the South Pacific focused on delivering authentic experiences with great service. Read the rest of this entry »
There’s a buzz in the travel industry today as The Travel Institute kicks off its 11th Annual Promote Your Professionalism (PYP) campaign. Running through July, this beloved event aims to shine a light on the immense value of travel professional education and offers an incredible opportunity for all industry professionals—from travel agents and agency owners to suppliers—to access scholarship funds across its renowned 3-tier certification program, including its CTA®, CTC®, and CTIE® designations. Read the rest of this entry »
There is probably no aspect of the entire spectrum of marketing that is as problematic as advertising. Done properly, travel agency advertising will influence a target audience. Done poorly, it will, well, make you poor. It’s no wonder that so many travel agencies advertise so minimally, and thereby lose out on a significant opportunity to make people aware of their services.
One of the secrets to an advertising campaign that works is to have the proper expectations going into the campaign. Understand what advertising can, and cannot, do for your travel agency. Advertising can interest people in travel. Advertising can make people aware of your existence. Advertising can motivate people to call your office. Advertising can bring a consumer to the doorstep of your travel agency. Read the rest of this entry »
For over two decades, Beyond Times Square has been the go-to destination management company for travelers seeking personalized, behind-the-scenes experiences in major US cities like New York, Washington D.C., Boston, and Philadelphia. Now the luxury travel experts are have announced the addition of two new destinations to their exclusive portfolio—the quintessential Southern charmers of Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina Read the rest of this entry »
CCRA Travel Commerce Network recently announced a series of significant updates aimed at advancing the company’s growth strategy and supporting independent travel advisors. Building on momentum from the past two years, CCRA is making strategic investments in its membership services division, updating its TRUE accreditation requirements, and introducing fresh initiatives to benefit advisors. Read the rest of this entry »
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Costa Rica, the small village of Tortuguero is a true ecological gem. Nestled within a vast protected national park, it is one of the most important nesting sites for sea turtles in the Western Hemisphere. Each year, thousands of endangered green turtles arrive en masse to lay their eggs on the long, isolated stretches of beach. This incredible natural phenomenon draws visitors from around the world hoping to witness one of nature’s ancient reproductive rituals.
Read the rest of this entry »AAT Kings has announced two new short break tours in Australia’s majestic Northern Territory, presenting travel agents with exciting new packaged offerings. Lasting 3-4 days, these immersive experiences balance efficient travel with in-depth discovery of Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon.
Read the rest of this entry »WeTravel, the leading all-in-one travel business management platform, recently announced the launch of their new virtual L(a)unch-N-Learn series. Designed to create and foster a sense of community among travel professionals, these lunchtime gatherings will provide an opportunity to come together and discuss key topics impacting the world of multi-day travel Read the rest of this entry »
OutsideAgents.com, America’s premier host agency, is excited to announce the hiring of travel industry professional Andrea Wright as Vice President, Luxury Sales. She joins OutsideAgents.com with over 25 years of hospitality experience.
Wright will spearhead the formulation of an exclusive deluxe brand designed to answer the escalating demand for luxury experiences. She will be responsible for working with agents to drive business across all sectors of luxury travel and collaborating with premium suppliers to create unique journeys that agents can promote and offer to their clientele.
Wright has held a variety of positions with Playa Hotels & Resorts and was most recently their Vice President of Sales, USA, managing the U.S sales team and overseeing resort partnerships and marketing initiatives. Prior to Playa Hotels and Resorts, Wright held sales management positions with Club Med.
Steve Muraca and Chad Burt, Co-Owners of OutsideAgents.com stated, “We are absolutely delighted and privileged to announce the addition of Andrea Wright to OutsideAgents.com. Her depth of experience and profound knowledge in luxury travel enriches our team and brings additional value to our members and preferred partners.”
American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that it has five more new ships under construction, all scheduled for delivery over the next two years. These are in addition to the three ships the Line took delivery of this year. All five ships will be for the U.S. market and will include a mix of American Riverboats and Coastal Cats. The new ships will further American’s expansion on the coasts and renew its focus on the Mississippi and Columbia Rivers, where the Line’s acclaimed modern riverboats lead the U.S. market.
American Cruise Lines has specialized in river and small ship cruising for over 50 years and has ordered the vast majority of all American-built cruise ships during that time. The company operates the only fleet of 100% U.S. registered riverboats and cruise ships in the world.
“The new contract is an exciting expansion of the American Cruise Lines fleet,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “After several years building the coastal fleet, we are once again ready to begin building out the U.S. River cruise capacity.”
The new ships will be built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD; more details, including schedules, will be available in Q1 of 2024.
About American Cruise Lines:
American Cruise Lines is the largest small ship and river cruise operator in the U.S.A. The company’s award-winning ships offer luxury experiences in 35 states that explore the history, spirit, and culture of the United States. The Line’s rapid introduction of new ships has led to an innovative array of new itineraries, amenities, and experiences. In 2024, American will operate 19 ships, each accommodating just 90-180 passengers, which cruise more than 50 domestic itineraries.
WeTravel, a booking and payment platform, has recently released a Where to Go 2024 list outlining hot spots in travel for 2024. They’ve based the suggestions on bookings through the WeTravel platform. London, Ghana, Paris, and more. These recommendations are complete with popular activities from cruises to festivals, and museums to nature. Read the rest of this entry »
Australis has been taking travelers to some of the most remote and sought-after views in the world since 1990, Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. At the southern tip of South America, these regions are famous for glaciers, fjords, subpolar forests, and fantastic marine and terrestrial wildlife. Some of these sights can only be experienced on an expedition and education cruise, which is where Australis shines.
Read the rest of this entry »