Cunard Offers Sweepstakes for Advisor Appreciation Month
Cunard is running a Grill Suites Sweepstakes from May 4 to June 30 to celebrate Travel Advisor Appreciation Month. Advisors who attend a May webinar, share a promotional post, and submit a deposited Grill Suite booking can win a seven‑night cruise aboard the Queen Victoria in February 2027, plus a $1,500 wardrobe credit and a virtual styling session with Micaela Erlanger. The promotion also offers extra entries for each additional Grill Suite booking deposited during the window. Cunard positions the sweepstakes as a way to deepen advisor relationships and drive premium sales.
Windstar Cruises Launches New Advisor Marketing Tools
Windstar Cruises has teamed with Approach Guides to roll out co‑branded marketing pages that give travel advisors a personalized version of windstarcruises.com. The launch coincides with the addition of two Star Class vessels – Star Seeker, which entered service in...
Brightline Taps Amadeus to Expand Advisor Access to Florida Rail
Brightline reported a 21% year‑over‑year increase in ridership, with March 2026 hitting a record 190,000 passengers and generating $23.6 million in revenue, up 14% from the prior year. The high‑speed rail service is now available on the Amadeus Travel Platform, allowing...
AKTG Globalizes 100 Club, Uniting Top Advisors in Chicago
Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) turned its biennial 100 Club conference in Chicago into a global gathering, inviting top advisors from the U.S. and abroad. The event showcased the full AKTG portfolio, highlighting Crystal’s first new‑build ship, Crystal Grace, slated...
Florida’s Luxury Hotel Scene: What’s New & Improved
Florida’s luxury hotel market is seeing major upgrades across Miami, Boca Raton, and Naples. In Miami, Minor Hotels will launch Anantara Miami Resort & Residences, a 50‑story mixed‑use tower slated for 2030 with 50 suites, 100 private residences and a...
United Airlines to Cut O’Hare Flights After FAA Safety Order
United Airlines will cut more than 100 daily departures at Chicago O'Hare starting mid‑May 2026 after the FAA ordered a 12% reduction to ease congestion and address air‑traffic controller staffing gaps. The airline is targeting short‑haul routes operated by 50‑seat...
Classic Vacations Launches Travel Advisors Sweepstakes
Classic Vacations has unveiled the Classic Loves Travel Advisors Sweepstakes, running from May 1 to November 30, 2026, to honor Travel Advisor Appreciation Month and sustain engagement year‑round. Registered U.S. advisors earn one entry for each new deposited booking, with no cap,...
MSC Cruises Brings Yacht Club Experience to Formula 1 Grand Prix
MSC Cruises will debut a floating MSC Yacht Club hospitality venue at the 2026 Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. The 50‑foot‑tall, 264‑foot‑long structure will sit along turns 5 through 9, providing spectators with panoramic views of up to five corners. The multi‑deck...
Cruise News: All Aboard for Summer Specials
Luxury and river cruise lines are rolling out summer‑season promotions to fill ships and attract price‑sensitive travelers. Explora Journeys is offering up to $2,000 off its Ocean Terrace Suites on Mediterranean, Western and Northern Europe itineraries through May 26. Trafalgar’s Spotlight...
What You Need to Know About the Spirit Airlines Shutdown
Spirit Airlines, the pioneer of the ultra‑low‑cost model, has halted most flights and stopped ticket sales as it files for a second bankruptcy within two years. The carrier faces a debt load over $2.8 billion, soaring fuel costs, higher labor expenses...
Virgin Voyages Marks Month of Access and Events for Advisors
Virgin Voyages is dedicating the entire month of May to its First Mate (travel advisor) community in North America through its annual First Mate Appreciation Month. The program, dubbed “VV Fest,” runs May 4‑29 and features a 16‑session virtual training series...
Travel Advisors Get Boost With May Bonus
Pleasant Holidays and EVOKE | INSPIRE are offering a May‑long incentive that awards TRIP points to travel advisors based on booking revenue. The program runs from May 1‑31, 2026, with a grand prize of 5,000 points for the top producer and a second‑place...
AmaWaterways Announces Cruise Giveaway and Advisor Incentives
AmaWaterways is marking Travel Advisor Appreciation Month with a suite of incentives, including a $200 e‑gift card for every new reservation made on select sailings between May 1‑31, 2026. The cruise line also revives its Sell 3, Sail Free program, granting a complimentary river cruise...
Riviera Travel Announces Travel Advisor Appreciation Month Incentives
Riviera Travel has launched its 2026 Travel Advisor Appreciation Month, running May 1‑31, offering incentives to U.S. and Canadian advisors. Each new paid deposit on a 2026‑27 river cruise, yacht cruise, or grand tour earns an entry for a VIP...
Perillo Tours Offers Limited-Time Incentive for Advisors
Perillo Tours is celebrating Travel Advisor Appreciation Month by offering a $100 Visa e‑gift card to registered travel advisors for each new 2026 booking on its freshly launched European itineraries. The promotion runs from May 1‑31, 2026, with deposits due by...
Win Florida Stays During Travel Appreciation Month
Recommend is marking Travel Advisor Appreciation Month with a giveaway tied to its new Undiscovered Florida Travel Program. The initiative launches three regional training courses—South, Central and North—granting participants an expert certification and entry into prize draws. Prizes include a...
Is War Giving Travelers Pause?
Travel Planners International’s Q1 2026 Trendcast shows travel demand remains robust despite the Middle East war and higher fuel costs. Advisors report strong bookings for cruises and land tours, especially in the Caribbean, Japan, and Europe, while some travelers are...
Cruise Lines Roll Out 2028 Itineraries
Cruise operators are unveiling 2028 sailings, with MSC Cruises expanding its Caribbean footprint and PONANT EXPLORATIONS launching a science‑focused expedition series. MSC will field six ships across the Bahamas and Caribbean, debuting the Sandy Cay private‑island experience and marking MSC...
Holland America Charts Epic Global Circumnavigation
Holland America Line unveiled two 2028 Grand Voyages—a 129‑day Grand World Voyage and a 90‑day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage—featuring extended shore time, Antarctic cruising, and rare ports like Null Island and Bora Bora. The itineraries launch from Fort Lauderdale on...
ASTA Hosts Live Event For Global Travel Advisor Day
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) will celebrate Global Travel Advisor Day with a Facebook Live event on May 6 at 2 p.m. Eastern, sponsored by Sandals. The two‑hour broadcast will feature guest speakers, prize giveaways and a digital toolkit of social‑media...
May Events Bring New Energy to Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza
Grand Prix Plaza, the world’s largest Formula 1 attraction in Las Vegas, is rolling out a slate of May events, including two live race‑day watch parties, themed dining menus, and special pricing for teachers, nurses, and service members. The Grand Prix...
New Tauck Journeys Explore Yellowstone and Canyon Country
Tauck opened bookings for its 2027 North America portfolio, adding two new small‑group national‑park itineraries: Yellowstone Awakens (a 6‑day spring/fall tour) and Bryce & Zion (a 7‑day southern Utah adventure). The Yellowstone trip limits groups to about 24 guests, includes...
New AmaWaterways Ship Strengthens Colombian River Sailings
AmaWaterways christened its second Colombian river vessel, AmaMelodia, in Barranquilla, marking a deeper foothold in South America. The 64‑guest ship, co‑designed with architect Camilo Restrepo, will sail the Magdalena River on new Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia itineraries,...
Pendry Sets Stage for Barbados Debut in 2027
Pendry Hotels & Resorts announced the topping‑off of its first Caribbean property, Pendry Barbados, slated to open in 2027. The resort will feature 80 ocean‑front rooms and suites, a 110‑berth private marina, and a suite of wellness and family‑focused amenities....
Avanti Destinations Offers Incentives, Giveaways & More for Advisors
Avanti Destinations is celebrating Travel Advisor Appreciation Month with a tiered gift‑card program, complimentary Avanti Insider walking tours, a Portland getaway, and weekly wine‑drawing contests. Advisors who book FIT land trips of $5,000 or more in May receive $25‑$100 gift...
Atlantis Enhances Luxury Offering With Imperial Club
Atlantis Paradise Island will launch The Imperial Club on May 1, 2026, a private lounge perched on the 19th floor of the resort’s East Tower. The club is reserved for suite‑level guests and select premium rooms, offering a dedicated check‑in,...
Windstar Cruises Launches Travel Advisor Appreciation Month Incentives
Windstar Cruises is celebrating Travel Advisor Appreciation Month with a May‑long incentive program that adds a $100 bonus commission per stateroom, a grand‑prize Tahiti cruise giveaway, and reduced‑rate familiarization (FAM) sailings. The promotion runs May 1‑31 and includes a complimentary all‑in‑package...
Costa’s 2028 Voyage Connects Cultures Across Oceans
Costa Cruises has opened bookings for its 2028 World Cruise, a 139‑day, 51‑destination voyage aboard the Costa Deliziosa that departs Savona on Nov. 25, 2027 and returns Apr. 11, 2028. The itinerary spans five continents and three oceans, featuring a...
Royal Caribbean Opens Royal Beach Club Santorini
Royal Caribbean has launched Royal Beach Club Santorini, its first European beach‑club destination, on a volcanic black‑sand beach overlooking the Aegean Sea. The club is bundled into the Ultimate Santorini Day shore excursion, which also transports guests to the iconic...
Kimpton Seafire Celebrates Ten Years in the Cayman Islands
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa on Grand Cayman celebrates its tenth anniversary, launching a year‑long "A Year of Milestones" campaign. The program offers personalized rates, concierge‑crafted itineraries, and exclusive experiences for couples and families along Seven Mile Beach. A sweepstakes...
Solo Cruising Expands With Riviera’s 2026 Lineup
Riviera Travel is expanding its solo‑traveler offering by removing the single‑supplement fee on five 2026 European river cruise itineraries, including the Danube, Douro, Seine, and Rhine‑Moselle routes. Prices start at about $1,800 per person, providing greater value and flexibility for...
SMART 2026 Puts the Region’s Tourism Industry in Focus
The Saint Martin/Sint Maarten Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART) returns June 22‑26, 2025 at the JW Marriott Sint Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, marking its 25th anniversary. Organized by the twin‑nation governments and the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, the five‑day event gathers tourism executives,...
Palladium And COYA Partner On New Ibiza Experience
Palladium Hotel Group and COYA Group are launching COYA Beach in Ibiza this summer, marking COYA’s first foray beyond restaurants into full‑service guest rooms and suites. The accommodations sit within the BLESS Ibiza luxury complex, blending the brand’s Latin‑American energy...
Celestyal Launches ‘Iconic Sale’ on 2026-27 Mediterranean Cruises
Celestyal announced its "Iconic Sale," running April 27 to June 2, 2026, to promote 2026‑27 Mediterranean and Adriatic cruises. The promotion covers 178 itineraries, with a 3‑night Greek Islands cruise priced from $579 and a 7‑night Idyllic Greece voyage starting...
Industry Leaders Honored at CLIA Cruise360
At CLIA Cruise360, A.J. Rick Mazza, founder of TRAVELSAVERS and NEST, received the 2026 CLIA Lifetime Achievement Award and Hall of Fame induction. Mazza’s agency network now spans over 3,000 agencies, 25,000 advisors and generates more than $20 billion in annual...
Scenic Group: 40 Years’ Expansion Takes Shape
Scenic Group celebrates its 40th anniversary by launching an aggressive nine‑ship program between 2026 and 2028, spanning river, ocean and yacht vessels under the Scenic and Emerald brands. The rollout begins with Emerald Kaia in spring 2026 and includes new...
Florida Water Parks Glow After Dark With New Summer Night Events
Florida’s two flagship water parks are extending their operating hours with after‑dark experiences this summer. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will host the H2O Glow After Hours event from June 2 through September 5 on 13 select evenings, featuring neon lighting, DJ entertainment and...
Travel Headlines You Can’t Miss
Geopolitical tension in the Middle East threatens jet fuel supplies, as roughly a quarter of the world’s fuel passes through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting airlines to anticipate flight cuts and higher fares this summer. Dubai’s tourism board is actively...
Air New Zealand Puts Economy to Bed
Air New Zealand will debut its world‑first Economy Skynest, a bunk‑style, lie‑flat pod, on new Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliners starting May 18, 2026. The pods sit between Economy and Premium Economy cabins and can be booked for a four‑hour sleep session at an additional fee....
Atlantis Celebrates May With Elevated Partner Perks
Atlantis Paradise Island is launching a three‑tiered partner program for May 2026 to celebrate Travel Advisor Appreciation Month. From May 1‑31, agents earn an 18% commission on direct or GDS bookings that generate stays through Dec 15, 2026. The initiative adds double...
New Routes and More Flights From Avianca This Summer
Avianca is boosting its U.S. network for Summer 2026 by adding 42 weekly flights, expanding capacity on existing routes and launching new services. The carrier will debut a nonstop San Francisco‑Guatemala City flight in June and resume several seasonal routes such...
Iran War: Jet Fuel Shortages Equal Expensive Summer Travel
The escalation of the Iran‑Israel conflict has choked the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for roughly 25% of global jet fuel, prompting airlines to slash routes and brace for higher prices this summer. Lufthansa Group announced the cancellation of 20,000...
Circa Brings Back All-In Package for Summer 2026
Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas is reintroducing its All‑In Package for the 2026 summer season. Priced at $400, the midweek bundle includes a two‑night stay in a single‑king room, a $100 dining credit, a $100 beverage credit,...
Tourism Leaders Highlight Dubai’s Stability Amid Conflict
Dubai’s tourism authority reaffirmed the emirate’s safety and operational continuity amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. CEO Issam Kazim highlighted that public services, infrastructure and tourism facilities remain fully functional, with Emirates and flydubai returning to regular flight schedules....
New Air Tahiti Nui Incentive Rewards May Bookings
Air Tahiti Nui is launching a May‑long incentive for travel agents using its Nui Hub platform, featuring a points‑based rewards system, a sweepstakes for a French Polynesia trip, and a group‑booking program that runs through 2026. Agents earn up to...
Central Holidays Expands Support for Advisors Targeting Group Travel Growth
Central Holidays announced expanded support for travel advisors focused on group travel, adding end-to‑end planning assistance, a suite of marketing assets, and cash incentives up to $2,000 per group. The incentive tiers vary by region, with higher payouts for larger...
Cruise News Roundup: Upgrades, Flexibility & New Flavors at Sea(weed)
Cruise operators are rolling out new initiatives to attract post‑pandemic travelers. Atlas Ocean Voyages unveiled Atlas Assurance, a flexible booking program that lets guests cancel up to 15 days before departure and retain a full fare credit for future travel....
Azamara Pursuit Launches Fresh Evening Entertainment
Azamara Cruises has launched a new evening‑entertainment program on the Azamara Pursuit, debuting four original productions during its Japan Intensive Cruise in April. The lineup mixes narrative‑driven performances, live music and theatrical design, with two shows – “Viva Vegas” and...
New Wellness and Dining at InterContinental Dominica
InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa has opened the 18,000‑sq‑ft Teya Wellness Sanctuary, offering Ayurvedic‑inspired treatments and nature‑focused therapies. The property also refreshed its dining, debuting Saltwood’s Mediterranean wood‑fire grill and expanding RumFire Bar’s cocktail menu with 43 bush rum...
Barbados Extends Wedding Promotion With JetBlue
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. has extended its All Aisles Lead to Barbados wedding promotion, partnering with JetBlue Airways and several luxury resorts. The program gives couples a complimentary JetBlue round‑trip flight for the bride and a five‑night stay at a...