Costa Cruises Launches ‘Costa Cruisetelling’ Training Program for Advisors
Costa Cruises has introduced “Costa Cruisetelling,” an online training platform for North American travel advisors. The program features six interactive modules, each under ten minutes, covering the brand’s heritage, onboard product, and global positioning. Advisors who complete the course and pass a final quiz earn a “Costa Certified” badge and a certificate, plus a 10% discount on worldwide Costa cruise bookings. The initiative aims to boost advisor knowledge and sales readiness for the Italian‑style cruise experience.
American Express Expands Centurion Lounge Network At U.S. Airports
American Express announced a three‑airport expansion of its Centurion Lounge brand, adding a two‑story lounge at Boston Logan, a second “Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge” concept in Charlotte, and a 50 percent larger lounge at Dallas Fort Worth. The Boston lounge, slated for...
Dominican Republic Trade Show Showcases Culture, Connectivity and Tourism Growth
The fourth annual Dominican Republic Trade Show opened at Miami Beach Convention Center, blending cultural performances with business networking. The destination reported a record 11.6 million visitors in 2025, cementing its lead in Caribbean tourism. Cruise traffic hit 2.8 million passengers, a...
Florida’s Latest Hotels and Deals: From Miami to Orlando
Marriott’s Autograph Collection launches UNFRAMED in Miami Beach with 149 rooms, a rooftop pool and the first U.S. Vilebrequin La Plage restaurant. In Orlando, the former Holiday Inn reopens as Courtyard by Marriott Across Universal, adding 390 rooms, 134 family‑friendly...
Crystal Reveals First Look at Specialty Dining Renderings for New Crystal Grace
Crystal Cruises unveiled renderings for the specialty dining venues aboard its next ship, Crystal Grace, which is scheduled to set sail on June 11, 2028. The new designs refresh the Umi Uma Japanese‑Peruvian restaurant with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, re‑imagine the...
Virtuoso Announces Leadership Changes, Naming Brad Bourland President and Tristan Dowell CCO
Virtuoso announced two senior appointments as it prepares for its next phase of global expansion. Brad Bourland, who has served as chief operating officer since 2020, was promoted to president and will continue as acting COO until a successor is...
Southwest Airlines Adds Santa Rosa Service, Debuts Wine‑Friendly “Sip and Ship” Program
Southwest Airlines launched service to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, marking its 14th California destination and linking the wine region to markets such as San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver and Burbank. Daily flights to San Diego...
ASTA Announces The Summit Travel Industry Event in Denver
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) announced The Summit, a three‑day travel industry conference in Denver from Oct. 14‑16, 2026. The event uses a dual‑track format—Corporate Ascent and Leisure & Luxury Ascent—to serve both corporate travel buyers and leisure‑focused...
Paradisus Cancun Reopens Following $50 Million Upgrade
Paradise Cancun, a flagship all‑inclusive resort of Meliá Hotels International, has reopened after a $50 million renovation. The upgrade delivers 773 redesigned suites, nine new dining concepts, and expanded wellness and family amenities. Highlights include the Aquazone splash park, a revamped...
Grande Lakes Orlando Debuts Ritz-Carlton Signature Experiences
Grande Lakes Orlando has launched Ritz‑Carlton Signature Experiences, a curated portfolio of high‑end activities for guests at The Ritz‑Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. The collection spans four pillars—culinary, wellness, adventure and family—featuring a Daytona Supercar Drive, a private helicopter Space Exploration...
Eclipse at Half Moon Reopens in Montego Bay
Half Moon’s Eclipse hotel in Montego Bay reopened on April 7, 2026, marking a key step in Jamaica’s post‑Hurricane Melissa recovery. The luxury property offers 57 beachfront rooms, refreshed six‑ and seven‑bedroom villas, and a full suite of amenities including a spa,...
Earth Day Travel Ideas: Sustainable Cruises, Conservation Programs and Eco‑Friendly Experiences
Travelers are increasingly seeking purpose‑driven experiences, and three new offerings illustrate this shift. Ecoventura’s 20‑passenger yachts cruise the Galapagos while planting over 1,200 trees and partnering with local waste‑reduction programs. Casa Palopo in Guatemala blends luxury lodging with the Pintando...
New Economy Prime Service Set for TAP Long-Haul Flights
TAP Air Portugal will roll out Economy Prime, a new premium‑economy cabin for long‑haul flights, starting June 1, 2026. The product sits between standard Economy and Business Class on the airline’s A330 and A321LR aircraft, featuring 12 seats in a...
ASTA Leads Industry Effort Amid DHS Shutdown
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has launched a dedicated resource hub to guide travel professionals through the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown. ASTA is coordinating with the U.S. Travel Association and other partners to pressure Congress for...
Cunard Expands Entertainment on 2026 Transatlantic Crossings
Cunard announced an expanded entertainment slate for its 2026 transatlantic voyages on Queen Mary 2, highlighted by a partnership with the Olivier Awards. The schedule features a "London Theatre at Sea" event starting May 22, a Royal Shakespeare Company production...
Quick Hits: This Week’s Travel Headlines
Travel industry headlines this week highlighted a potential rebound in Asia‑Pacific tourism to pre‑pandemic levels by 2028, contingent on easing geopolitical and economic pressures. Norwegian Cruise Line celebrated the christening of its new ship, Norwegian Luna, in Miami, while Royal Caribbean...
Caesars Entertainment Launches All-Inclusive Summer Hotel Package
Caesars Entertainment unveiled an Inclusive Summer Package for stays from April through August 2026 at Harrah’s, The LINQ and Flamingo on the Las Vegas Strip. The offering starts at $200 per night, taxes and resort fees included, with additional guests...
Virgin Voyages Brings Brilliant Lady to LA with Wellness‑Driven Programming
Virgin Voyages has deployed its adult‑only ship Brilliant Lady to Los Angeles, marking the brand’s first West Coast homeport. The vessel arrived on April 6 after a 16‑day Panama Canal transit from Miami and will launch a wellness‑focused itinerary series. New onboard concepts...
Carnival’s Celebration Key Earns Autism Sensory Inclusion Certification
Carnival Cruise Line’s private island Celebration Key in Grand Bahama has earned KultureCity’s sensory inclusion certification, becoming the first cruise destination worldwide to meet the nonprofit’s standards. The achievement caps a six‑year partnership that has equipped more than 400 team...
Trafalgar Rolls Out 2026 Europe River Cruise Advisor Rates
Travel company Trafalgar has launched a 60% discount Travel Advisor Rate for select 2026 European river cruise sailings. Advisors who complete Trafalgar’s Masterclass eLearning can book up to two cabins on the Best of the Rhine & Amsterdam and Best...
New Classic Vacations Incentive Boosts Hotel Earnings
Classic Vacations has launched a limited‑time incentive that pays full commission on all new affiliate and preferred hotel bookings, running through April 30 2026 for reservations that travel by December 31 2026. The program covers its worldwide portfolio, with exclusions only for certain hotels,...
Xanterra Travel Collection Celebrates 250 Years of America
Xanterra Travel Collection has launched the “America’s 250th Travel Sale,” running April 17‑29, 2026, to mark both the nation’s 250th anniversary and the company’s 150‑year hospitality heritage. The promotion offers discounts of up to 30% at flagship national‑park lodges, a...
Azamara Reveals Next Phase of Its Fleetwide Upgrades
Azamara Cruises announced the next phase of its fleetwide renovation, Azamara Onward, which will enter a two‑week dry dock in November 2027. The program adds a new Chef’s Table restaurant, reimagines the Atlas Bar as a destination bar, and refreshes...
Canyon Spirit Expands U.S. Rail Route, Launches Travel Advisor Incentives
Canyon Spirit announced a new three‑day rail itinerary linking Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab and Salt Lake City, launching this month. The route travels through river canyons and desert landscapes, using glass‑dome cars that showcase panoramic views. The company also introduced...
Tauck Expands Fleet with New Riverboats
Tauck has launched two new riverboats, ms Lumiere and ms Serene, in Lyon to expand its French river cruise portfolio. The 443‑foot Lumiere holds up to 130 guests on the Rhône, while the 410‑foot Serene accommodates 124 guests on the...
Connecting Rivers And Oceans With Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises is launching a river‑to‑ocean cruising concept with its new all‑suite yacht Star Explorer, debuting in December 2026. The 224‑guest vessel can travel narrow rivers and then continue onto open‑water itineraries, eliminating the need for ship changes. A dedicated group...
Bahia Principe Refreshes Look and Streamlines Experience
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts unveiled a refreshed brand architecture that splits its portfolio into two audience‑centric segments—adults‑only Escape and family‑focused Explore—accompanied by a modernized sun logo and the "Fully & Freely" positioning. The overhaul aligns the brand with Hyatt’s...
Collette Debuts ‘University 201’ Training for Advisors
Collette has launched Collette University 201, an expanded self‑paced training platform for travel advisors. The curriculum is split into two tracks—one for advisors with five or more years of experience and another for newcomers. New modules covering brand storytelling, product...
AAT Kings Is Rewarding Top-Performing Trade Partners With Exclusive Tour
AAT Kings is relaunching its A‑LISTERS ON LOCATION incentive, rewarding top‑performing travel agents who book guided holidays and short breaks between Jan. 1 and July 31, 2026 for travel departing by March 31, 2027. Two agents per region will be selected based on highest passenger...
Shining Bright: Norwegian Luna Celebrates Its Official Christening
Norwegian Cruise Line christened its newest Prima Plus vessel, Norwegian Luna, at Port Miami, positioning it as a flagship for the line’s Freestyle cruising model. The 3,565-passenger ship boasts family‑focused amenities such as the Aqua Slidecoaster, Moon Climber, and Luna...
Trafalgar Adds New Tools And Savings For Family Travel
Trafalgar is targeting the booming family‑travel market for Summer 2026 with discounts of up to $1,500 per child on select tours departing June through August. The price cut translates to $100 per day per youngster and can be combined with...
Four Ways To See Barbados With O2 Beach Club & Spa
O2 Beach Club & Spa, part of Ocean Hotels Group Barbados, now offers four curated island tours that go beyond its beachfront amenities. The itineraries—Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, Island Discovery, Nature’s Hearts, and Heritage Escape—combine wildlife spotting, historic sites, and...
Atlas Ocean Voyages Transitions to an All-Suite Fleet
Atlas Ocean Voyages announced an industry‑first all‑suite fleet that will launch on April 2, 2026. The new model introduces a three‑tier suite hierarchy—Signature, the newly created Concierge, and premium Reserve—across all ships. Concierge suites debut on World Navigator, followed by World Voyager...
Royal Caribbean Unveils Hero of the Seas, Expanding Icon Class Fleet
Royal Caribbean announced Hero of the Seas, the fourth Icon‑class cruise ship, slated to debut from Miami in August 2027. The vessel will host nine distinct pool experiences, including the family‑friendly Coconut Cove and adults‑only Hideaway, and will feature the...
Exclusive Bonus for Ponant Smithsonian Voyages
Ponant Explorations has extended its exclusive partnership with Smithsonian Journeys through May 31 2026, adding a $1,000 shipboard credit and a $500 booking gift card to all 2026 sailings. The collaboration pairs Ponant’s small‑ship expertise with Smithsonian’s research and cultural authority, featuring...
New Transcend Ships Strengthen River Cruise Expansion
Transcend Cruises has inked a new‑build agreement with Den Breejen Shipyard for two additional river vessels, expanding its fleet to four ships by 2028. The company’s inaugural ship, Connect, is slated for a July 2026 launch as the first river...
Rental Escapes REwards Turns Bookings Into Villa Stays
Rental Escapes’ REwards program, launched in 2023, lets travel advisors earn points for every villa booking and redeem them for complimentary stays worldwide. Over three years the initiative has amassed more than 80 million points and facilitated over 90 free villa...
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[UPDATE] Senate Approves Funding for TSA
After six weeks of a partial DHS shutdown, the Senate approved a funding package that restores pay for TSA agents and funds most DHS components, including FEMA and the Coast Guard. The bill deliberately omits funding for Immigration and Customs...
Breathless Cancun Soul Adds Incentive for Midweek Gatherings
Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa has launched an Advisor Preferred Midweek Program, offering a higher 12% commission on group bookings of ten or more rooms for stays of at least two nights between Sunday and Thursday from May through...
The Best of Chile
Sunny Land Tours is offering a $980 per‑person familiarization (FAM) trip to Chile that covers Santiago, Valparaíso, and Viña del Mar, including airport transfers, three nights’ accommodation, guided tours and four meals. The core itinerary showcases the capital’s historic sites...
Bali & Beyond
FT Tours has launched a nine‑day Bali Deluxe FAM designed for travel advisors seeking deep destination expertise. The itinerary blends leisure with curated experiences, covering iconic sites such as Uluwatu, Ubud’s rice terraces, and Tanah Lot, before ending in the trendy Canggu...
Strong Growth Drives Swan Hellenic Antarctic Seasons
Swan Hellenic reported a 53% jump in guest numbers and a 66% increase in net revenue for its 2025‑2026 Antarctic season, underscoring rapid growth in luxury expedition cruising. Bookings for the 2026‑2027 season are already at 65% of capacity, 20%...
New Mediterranean Focus For Explora Journeys This Winter
Explora Journeys announced that its ultra‑luxury vessel EXPLORA II will operate exclusively in the Western Mediterranean from November 2026 through March 2027, replacing a planned Middle East deployment. The winter itinerary features ports such as Funchal, Casablanca, Ibiza’s Old Town, Barcelona...
Celestyal Adjusts Mediterranean Start As Conflict Persists
Celestyal announced the cancellation of three Mediterranean cruises scheduled for early April, citing ongoing regional instability linked to Middle East conflicts. The affected sailings include a 7‑night Greece‑Italy‑Croatia itinerary, a 14‑night Mediterranean Icons cruise, and a 4‑night Greek Islands voyage....
Rome, Tuscany & Venice FAM
Travel advisors are invited to an eight‑day Italy familiarization (FAM) tour that showcases Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Tuscany and Venice. The program mixes guided tours—such as skip‑the‑line Vatican access and Florence’s Duomo—with independent exploration and regional culinary experiences. Rates...
Peru Beyond the Route
PROMPERU is launching a July 9‑16, 2026 familiarization (FAM) trip called “Peru Beyond the Route” to showcase adventure‑focused destinations in Ancash and Arequipa. The initiative is part of the Peru Beyond the Route Marketplace, a platform that pairs international travel advisors with...
Kenya Safari FAM
FAMTrips, together with Liberty Africa Safaris and KAI Collection, is offering travel advisors an eight‑day escorted familiarisation safari across Kenya’s premier wildlife reserves. The program runs two times in 2026—May 26 to June 2 at an agent rate of $2,450 per person and November 5 to 12...
Posadas Exclusive: BOLO for New Luxury Isla Mujeres Resort
Grupo Posadas is accelerating its luxury push in Mexico, beginning with the takeover of Izla Beachfront Hotel on Isla Mujeres on April 1. The property will operate under the Fiesta Americana Travelty brand for a year before reflagging as Devossion by...
Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne Celebrates Renovation With Beachside Event
Miami’s iconic Ritz‑Carlton Key Biscayne has reopened after a $100 million, 25‑year‑overdue renovation. The beachside celebration, hosted by developer Gencom, showcased a redesigned resort featuring open‑air architecture, expanded dining venues, a 30,000‑sq‑ft spa, and new family‑focused amenities such as a Ritz...
Azamara Announces Bourbon Partnership at Sea
Azamara Cruises has teamed with Milam & Greene Whiskey to launch Bourbon Quest, placing one bourbon barrel aboard the Azamara Quest for the entire 188‑night, 2027 World Cruise that visits 37 countries. The barrel, originally filled in Kentucky in 2019,...
