The Travel Institute is again offering its dedicated TRIPKIT^SM 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 »

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 »

Lea Diele, CTIE, vice president of education for Travel Leaders Network, was named the 2024 recipient of The Travel Institute’s Educational Excellence Award. This annual award recognizes organizations and individuals demonstrating a significant, ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive education for travel professionals 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 »

The Changing Face of Travel Agents 2023, the report released by The Travel Institute, offers valuable insights into the current state of the travel industry. Based on the findings, the gig economy continues to thrive, and more agents are interested in part-time work that provides greater flexibility and independence. Read the rest of this entry »

Looking to its profitable and resurgent group business, AmaWaterways on Tuesday announced an extension of its bonus commission program and its online AmaAcademy for travel advisors selling groups.

SVP Sales Alex Pinelo told TRO, “During the Covid period, there was a lot of uncertainty about when travel would resume and what restrictions might apply when it did. Travel advisors had a difficult time promoting new groups because of that uncertainty. Read the rest of this entry »

If Margaritaville can do it, why not Tommy Bahama?

Soon your wedding party will be able to put on those $100 Hawaiian shirts and sleep on colorful Tommy sheets in California’s Coachella Valley, at the upscale retail brand’s first hotel, the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. Read the rest of this entry »

For hosted advisors, knowing all the facts about different host agencies is a must. Yet, sometimes the facts found on the host company’s website aren’t the whole story. That’s where Host Agency Reviews will come to the rescue, in specific Host Week 2023. Now in its third year, registration is open for this virtual event featuring notable keynote speakers, offers, and information for advisors of all levels.

It’s time for the charter yacht sector to move beyond its old base of Sea Dog do-it-yourselfers and reach out to all those travelers looking for a great, unique, private, easy seven-day all-inclusive vacation for as little as $1,500. Read the rest of this entry »

One could say that Delta Air Lines is looking up and down for new ways to move customers to and from its planes. On the ground, it is partnering with trains in Europe to speed flyers on their way to midtown; in the air, it is looking at mini helicopters to pick them up. Read the rest of this entry »

Southwest Airlines is offering fares as low as $59  available for departures through February 2023. The deep discount applies to select domestic and international flights.   Read the rest of this entry »

“Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am,” the song goes. “It’s so hard to keep the smile from my face.” Ok it’s not a Katy Perry song, but that’s how we all were feeling, I think, aboard the elegant new Norwegian Prima in Reykjavik Read the rest of this entry »

It’s an honor system now onboard the mainstream cruise lines, as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity move to allow guests to board based on unmonitored home tests. Read the rest of this entry »

Taking one more step toward opening cruising, Royal Caribbean Group in its quarterly report today announced it will be allowing vaccinated guests on voyages of five days or less to board without Covid testing — and is “transitioning to the point where everyone will be able to vacation with us.”. Read the rest of this entry »

Royal Caribbean Group today announced it has received court approval to acquire the former Crystal cruise ship Endeavor. Originally delivered to Crystal Cruises in 2021, the ship will be renamed Silver Endeavour when it officially joins the Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, Silversea Cruises’ fleet, this month. Read the rest of this entry »

Regent Seven Seas invites seasoned travelers to cross five continents in five months aboard Seven Seas Mariner for its latest world cruise offering called “Away in Wonder,” which departs from Miami on January 7, 2025. Bound for San Francisco, this voyage will cross three oceans and call on 97 ports across 25 countries. Highlights include 16 overnight stays including Rio de Janeiro and Bora Bora; the opportunity to visit 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Rapa Nui National Park on Easter Island; and a choice of 395 included shore excursions — all included in the fare. Read the rest of this entry »

At All Points Travel in Salt Lake City, Corina Johnson made an easy sale yesterday. A member of her Theater Lovers whom she books trips three or four times a year, saw a post about an interesting offering from Norwegian Cruise Line: “The Broadway Cruise” to Bermuda, launching in March 2023. Read the rest of this entry »

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the company that controls the image of Elvis Presley and which licenses all use of his image, Authentic Brands Group, has issued a cease-and-desist letter to chapels in Las Vegas performing wedding ceremonies with chaplains dressed as the King. Read the rest of this entry »

Personal finance website Wallethub has released a report on the best summer travel destinations. Read the rest of this entry »

A recently released Priceline “Wedding Travel Report” indicates travel for weddings will surge this year as people make up for two years of lost time. The report estimates that Americans spend more than $2,700 on average to attend a wedding “out of town.” Read the rest of this entry »

Adventures by Disney this week announced new 2023 itineraries, including programs to Sicily and the British Isles. Their Private Adventures program, for groups of up to 12 guests, will return as well and will be available to book on May 13th. Read the rest of this entry »