PRESS RELEASE FROM THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE

FRAMINGHAM, MA, November 13, 2024 – The Travel Institute announces the appointment of Alex Pinelo, CTC, senior vice president of sales for AmaWaterways to its Board of Directors.

“I could not be more pleased to have Alex as the newest member of our diverse and dynamic board. An industry leader and true professional, he has consistently been a strong proponent about the vital value that well-educated agents provide,” shared Gary Pollard, CTC, chairman of The Travel Institute Board of Directors; president and CEO, Ambassador Tours. “His willingness to serve now demonstrates the continued value Read the rest of this entry »

PRESS RELEASE FROM SKY BIRD TRAVEL & TOURS

Southfield, MI – November 14, 2024 – On November 7, 2024, the 10^th annual Travvy Awards were held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Presented by TravelPulse, part of Northstar Travel Group, this highly anticipated event celebrates excellence in the travel industry, recognizing top companies, products, agencies, and destinations. Read the rest of this entry »

Pawtucket, Rhode Island  (November 12, 2024)– Travel advisors who book Collette tours during their Black Friday sale can earn hundreds in gift cards with their “Holiday Shopping on Us” initiative.

Once qualified (make 2 deposited bookings), advisors will earn a $100 gift card for every booking they make during Collette’s upcoming Black Friday sale. Advisors can choose gift cards from more than 100 stores, redeemed electronically shortly after the sale in $100 increments.

“Travel advisors work hard all year long,” said Christian Leibl-Cote, Collette’s Executive Vice President of Global Sales. “We want to share our appreciation for their partnership by making holiday shopping just a little easier this year. With this incentive Read the rest of this entry »

Jacksonville, FL, November 14, 2024 – OutsideAgents.com, America’s premier host agency, is excited to announce the hiring of seasoned travel industry professional Lionel Garcia as Vice President, Sales & Agent Development. With over 22 years in the travel industry, Lionel joins OutsideAgents.com with a rich background of knowledge and a proven track record of success. Read the rest of this entry »

PRESS RELEASE FROM AVANTGARDE VACATIONS

New York, NY — 11/12/24 — AVANTGARDE VACATIONS, formerly known as Holidays with Downtown, announces a major rebranding as it embarks on a new chapter in delivering premium, personalized travel experiences. With a renewed focus on private-guided travel, the company has unveiled a bold new brand identity, which includes a fresh logo, redesigned website, and an enhanced social media presence.

“We are incredibly excited to introduce the new brand identity,” said Steven Borukhin, CDO of AVANTGARDE VACATIONS. “This transformation reflects a deep commitment to both our customers and our team Read the rest of this entry »

PRESS RELEASE FROM COLLETTE

Collette is inviting advisors to get hands-on experience with their product in 2025. The company’s Travel Advisor Reward Program is a simple way for advisors to save on big experiences and to explore the world in the same way that their clients do.

As part of the program, advisors will be rewarded for booking more travelers on Collette tours.

Starting with reduced rates of 50%, advisors will receive bigger savings on land tours the more travelers they book within a single year. Advisors will also receive reduced rates for companions, starting at 25%. Read the rest of this entry »

PRESS RELEASE FROM AVANTI DESTINATIONS

New E-Brochure Features Seven Vacations, 21 Hotels and Resorts, 26 Tours and Experiences To Customize for Unique Winter Getaways

Portland, OR, November 4, 2024 – To inspire advisors to recommend independent travel to warm overseas destinations during the winter months of October through March, custom FIT tour operator Avanti Destinations has launched Read the rest of this entry »

Guilford, CT—November 1, 2024—American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that it has signed contracts with Chesapeake Shipbuilding for 4 more new ships, bringing the Line’s total orderbook with Chesapeake to 10 ships over the next 3 years. All the newbuilds are expressly for the U.S. cruise market; the fastest growing segment of the river cruise industry. American Cruise Lines has been a trailblazer in that market for more than 50 years and will operate 21 small ships around the country next year. Read the rest of this entry »

PRESS RELEASE FROM TRAVELSMG

A New Era of Collaboration in Travel

(Boston, MA – October 30, 2024) European Travel Agent Forum (ETAF), an exclusive B2B event connecting North America’s top-performing Travel Agents with Europe’s leading vacation destinations and providers, recently concluded with strong optimism for a surge in business engagement.

Produced by Travel Show Marketing Group (TravelSMG), an independent event organizer catering to the Travel Agent market and in conjunction with the government of Terceira Island, this exclusive event took place throughout Terceira Island in the Azores of Portugal from October 16 – 20, 2024.

Agents in attendance were held to stringent standards during the event’s vetting process, adding to the overall level of productivity and ROI. ETAF’s hosted program model guarantees that only top-tier Travel Agents participate, ensuring their full engagement and commitment to the industry partnerships established.

The forum brought together over 250 travel agents, industry leaders, and tourism professionals from across Europe to explore the future of travel in a rapidly evolving market. Alongside strong participation from European suppliers, the event also drew in business and technology solution partners from across the globe. In total, representatives from over 20 countries were in attendance.

“TravelSMG is committed to empowering Travel Agents and fostering collaboration across the industry,” said Jim Cloonan, President at TravelSMG. “The European Travel Agent Forum has set the stage for meaningful dialogue and partnerships that will shape the future of travel across Europe.”

Agents in attendance had the opportunity to network with peers and industry leaders, fostering collaborations that will drive innovation and growth within the travel sector. They took part in unique experiences throughout the island to support their destination knowledge. Feedback from participants highlighted the value of the forum in creating connections, generating new ideas, and reinvigorating a drive for success.

Travel Agents and Suppliers took part in mutual interest appointments, generating nearly 3,500 connections. In addition to these formal business meetings, the educational program focused on the Azorean culture along with presentations from Kensington Tours, Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection European Resorts, Sagres Vacations and aliveXperiences. With a complete focus on European inbound holidays, the event offered opportunities for Travel Agents to gain in-depth knowledge while forging critical relationships with Suppliers across Europe.

The event also featured an exhibition showcasing the latest hotels and services from leading travel brands throughout the Azores, providing Agents with tools to enhance their offerings to the islands and better serve their clients.

Looking ahead, TravelSMG will announce plans soon for the 2025 European Travel Agent Forum.

ABOUT TRAVEL SHOW MARKETING GROUP

Travel Show Marketing Group (TravelSMG) is an independent organization offering solutions that drive success in the B2B leisure vacation market. Since 2009 TravelSMG has partnered with thousands of tourism clients to engage and empower the North American Travel Agent community through education, networking, and global experiences. Their diverse range of engagement solutions includes large-scale trade shows, specialized niche-focused events, and a comprehensive suite of digital opportunities. All of their solutions work together to help their Supplier Partners enhance their visibility among Travel Sellers. For more information on TravelSMG and their full suite of events, visit www.TravelSMG.com .

PRESS RELEASE FROM CENTRAL HOLIDAYS

Moonachie, NJ – (October 22, 2024) – Central Holidays is proud to announce the launch of a pioneering technology system aimed at simplifying and enhancing the booking process for travel advisors and group planners. The revolutionary system, developed over a two-year period with extensive input from industry professionals, includes a comprehensive website designed to streamline the booking of complex tour products and manage intricate travel arrangements seamlessly, all online. Read the rest of this entry »

Portland, OR, October 21, 2024 – To celebrate its 43^rd anniversary, custom tour operator Avanti Destinations is offering advisors a $25 gift card for each FIT* land booking of $4,000 or more made between October 1 and October 31, 2024 for travel any time between October 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025, with a deposit made by October 31. Bookings may be made either online at  https://book.avantidestinations.com or by calling Avanti’s reservation center.

“Because Avanti only sells through travel advisors Read the rest of this entry »

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 »

In countdown to its 10-year anniversary this December, full-service luxury villa companyRental Escapes today announced a special offer providing travelers with the opportunity to receive a credit of up to $2,500 for experiences or services booked through the company’s concierge team. The promotion will be applied to any new bookings made throughout the month of November 2022 with a check-in date occurring before December 31, 2023.

“As we approach the end of the year, many travelers are getting a head start on planning and booking their ideal villa stays for 2023,” said Willie Fernandez, chief marketing officer of Rental Escapes. “With this concierge credit offer, our personal concierge team is excited to work with our guests to assist with all of their needs and ensure it’s one of their most memorable trips of all time.”

Upon booking a luxury villa rental with Rental Escapes, every guest is appointed their own personal concierge team who can help manage various aspects of their trip. The personal concierge provides guests with exclusive access to a wide range of unique services and activities to truly customize each stay and provide an elevated vacation experience. From arranging a private yacht charter to a secluded beach or having a private villa chef for an intimate oceanfront dinner, the personal concierge is able to organize any additional amenities that the guest desires.

For more information on Rental Escapes, visit RentalEscapes.com. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following Rental Escapes on Facebook Facebook.com/RentalEscapes, Instagram@RentalEscapes, Twitter @RentalEscapes and LinkedIn.

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, unveiled its 2024-2025 Tropics and Exotics Collection of itineraries, which open for sale on November 2, 2022.

The new collection of 157 voyages spans seven continents and ranges from 7 to 200 days in length. Featuring more than 300 ports of call, the collection includes 14 new off-the-beaten-path ports. With 30% to 50% more time in port than premium lines, the itineraries include an astounding 451 overnight stays across 123 voyages.

“This new collection of itineraries showcases iconic ports of call along with a wealth of opportunities to explore corners of the globe nearly untouched by tourism, and with seven brand-new or better-than-new ships, the journey will be just as rewarding as the destinations,” stated Howard Sherman, President, and CEO of Oceania Cruises.

Travelers seeking to explore more of the world will revel in the selection of 70 Grand Voyages that afford opportunities for epic explorations across distinct regions and multiple continents. Destination immersion is another key element of the 2024-2025 Tropics and Exotics Collection, with a wide variety of voyages focused on singular destinations such as the Amazon, the coastal villages of Brazil, the Arabian Peninsula, Japan, and an epic circumnavigation of Australia.

For those seeking to chart a course less traveled, there are in-depth explorations of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the yacht harbors and tiny atolls of the South Pacific, and even an invigorating early-spring traverse of the North Pacific that combines Japan’s verdant northern prefectures with the rugged Alaska outposts of Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, and Whittier.

2024-2025 Tropics and Exotics Collection Highlights

• More than 150 itineraries featuring 123 cruises with overnight stays and 70 Grand Voyages spanning the globe
• With Caribbean, Mexico, and Panama Canal voyages, travelers can revel in new corners of the tropics with visits to refreshingly less-traveled islands such as Bonaire, Carriacou, Dominica, and Guadeloupe
• In South America, there are multiple adventures into the pristine landscapes of Patagonia, sailings along the Amazon River, or voyages that explore the golden coasts of Brazil and Uruguay
• Across Asia, explorers will delight in traveling to far-flung places and iconic attractions that many only dream of with expansive options for Southeast Asia explorations and a number of fascinating Japan-focused journeys
• Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific journeys reveal a blend of dynamic marquee cities as well as unsung treasures in delightfully off-the-beaten-track places such as the coast of Western Australia; Bluff, Gisborne and Timaru in New Zealand; and blissful islands in French Polynesia and Melanesia
• The collection offers a sweeping array of far-flung Grand Voyages, with options linking multiple distinct regions and region-specific journeys that feature in-depth explorations of South America, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and even extended Caribbean and Panama Canal journeys

New Ports of Call

• Camarones, Argentina
• Champagne Bay, Vanuatu
• Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, Tristan da Cunha
• Fernandina Beach, Florida
• Hambantota, Sri Lanka
• Hillsborough (Carriacou), Grenada
• Hitachinaka, Japan
• Hualien, Taiwan
• Isla de los Estados, Argentina
• Kupang, Indonesia
• Puerto del Rosario, Canary Islands
• St. Helier, Channel Islands
• Takamatsu, Japan\Waingpu, Indonesia

THE EVOLUTION OF PERFECTION – A BETTER-THAN-EVER EXPERIENCE

OceaniaNEXT is Oceania Cruises’ continual quest to evolve and elevate the guest experience. It focuses on the hallmarks that inspire guests to return to Oceania Cruises time and again: Exquisitely Crafted Cuisine, Curated Travel Experiences and Small Ship Luxury. Reflecting the crisp sophistication of Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Sirena, and Vista, the sweeping Re-inspiration of Marina and Riviera presents a symphony of entirely new suites and staterooms as well as elegant public spaces imbued with a new light, airy ambiance. The signature onboard experience is better than ever too, with the addition of an extensive collection of new flavors and culinary experiences that transforms dining into a sublime experience and service into an art form. The gourmet cuisine has been entirely reimagined, from a bounty of new flavorful dishes at The Grand Dining Room to a Dom Pérignon pairing dinner that is the only one of its kind. Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, Vista, offers multiple unique firsts in the realms of dining and guest experience. Across all ships, holistic wellness encounters at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center encourage a lifestyle of health and longevity while new destination experiences such as Go Green, Go Local, Beyond Blueprints, Culinary Discovery Tours™, Food & Wine Trails tours, and Wellness Discovery Tours by Aquamar encourage deeper explorations.

THE HEART OF THE EXPERIENCE
One aspect of the Oceania Cruises experience remains constant and unchanged: the trademark warm and personalized service. Whether guests are sailing for the first time or the fifteenth, they will note the ease with which the staff remembers their names and their preferences, along with the genuine smiles and enthusiasm that can only come from the heart.

For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA

Regent Seven Seas Cruises^®, the world’s leading luxury ocean cruise line, and Fabergé, the globally revered jewelry maison, announce a very special collaboration to create a rare, first-of-its-kind treasure for the line’s latest ship,Seven Seas Grandeur, which sets sail in November 2023. Read the rest of this entry »

Photo Bennett Goldberg

Expedition cruise company Lindblad Expeditions officially named their next generation, all-suite National Geographic Islander II this week in the Galápagos Islands. Read the rest of this entry »

CCRA Travel Commerce Network is celebrating the success of its two recent PowerSolutions LIVE events that were met with rave reviews from both travel advisors and suppliers. As well, the company is thrilled to share that last month reigned as one of the company’s largest recruiting months ever for both CCRA’s host agency – Travel Advisors Global Network (TAGN) and for TRUE Accreditation Code membership.

“We certainly have much to celebrate with the immense turn-out at our in-person PowerSolutions LIVE events in Philadelphia and Tampa as well as the outstanding successes we are seeing in member growth for both of the two unique tracks our company offers to become either individually accredited via TRUE or to become a member of our Host Agency TAGN. Last month was one of the best recruiting months our company has seen in our nearly 50-year history,” said Dic Marxen, President and CEO of CCRA. “Further, we are thrilled to be able to gather once again sharing the unparalleled value of meeting live and in-person to make the connections that will help grow business for both travel advisors and suppliers as we move into a bright new era of travel.”

CCRA recently hosted two successful PowerSolutions LIVE events attracting more than 300 travel advisors ready to connect with the products and solutions they need to power up their travel agency business. The events that were held in Philadelphia and Tampa featured valuable education and training sessions by industry experts and business development specialists, empowering speakers, face-to-face round table meetings between advisors and suppliers, and an interactive trade show for building key supplier relationships and networking with industry colleagues.

Asked how PowerSolutions LIVE went, Johanna González, Leisure Sales Manager, Discover Puerto Rico said,”(It was a) great event with quality travel advisors from Philadelphia! During Philadelphia Power Solutions, I was able to interact with a significant number of travel advisors that were eager to learn about my destination. The Power Solutions team did a great job with the organization and agenda, and the roundtables were a fun way to engage with smaller groups, teach them about the Island, and receive their feedback in a comfortable setting.”

Yolanda Carneiro, Vice President, Travel Industry Partnerships and Inside Sales for Carey International, said, “It’s always exciting when you hear ‘I need to use your service’ or ‘I didn’t realize Carey was worldwide’ …Everyone was so attentive, positive about travel, and hopefully ready to book Carey and earn commission!”

Deanna Reilly, owner Deanna’s Travel said, “Power Solutions was a great way to reconnect and learn!  It was a powerful event filled with networking, learning about destinations, suppliers and some new trends coming our way.  I even learned about a fantastic new tool to use to capture data seamlessly.  The Legal update was a priceless seminar filled with so much useful information and updates.”

Company executives say CCRA is poised for continued success in 2023. “Our goal is to continue on our growth trajectory and to bring even greater opportunities for agencies and advisors that we support as TRUE and TAGN members as well as to new advisors we introduce to the travel industry via our new Travel Advisor StartUp program,” said Marxen.

The next two PowerSolutions LIVE events will be held the December 1, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia and December 7, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Travel Advisors can register for the events online at: CCRA PowerSolutions LIVE Events.

Small group experts Blue-Roads Touring has today announced the launch of its 2023 ‘Save Your Seat’ sale offering a $175 per person discount on a range of their award-winning trips to the UK and Europe departing in 2023. The discount is available on new bookings made between Read the rest of this entry »