See Tokyo To Osaka On Elite Voyages Japan FAM
Elite Voyages is launching a 9‑day, 7‑night familiarization (FAM) tour of Japan for U.S. travel professionals from May 10‑18, 2026. The itinerary moves from Tokyo through Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, blending cultural landmarks with optional excursions. Pricing starts at $1,990 for land‑only participants and $2,990 for air‑inclusive packages, with a $600‑$800 deposit and a balance due 90 days before departure. The trip includes accommodations, breakfast, entrance fees and English‑speaking guides, positioning it as a comprehensive showcase of Japan’s premium tourism assets.
Slow Travel and Cultural Immersion with Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises is promoting sustainable luxury cruising in French Polynesia with 7‑night itineraries that prioritize cultural immersion and low‑impact travel. Guests can explore lagoons by traditional outrigger canoes, attend Polynesian cooking classes, and visit archaeological sites across Tahiti, Bora Bora,...
Paradero Todos Santos Debuts Wellness-Focused “Unbound” Experience
Paradero Todos Santos, an adults‑only resort on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, has launched Paradero Unbound, a fully bundled wellness experience that includes accommodations, spa treatments, airport transfers and more than 20 curated activities. The program emphasizes regenerative travel with sound...
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas Begins Sea Trials
Royal Caribbean has begun sea trials for Legend of the Seas, the third vessel in its Icon class, departing the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. Over the next ten days more than 2,000 engineers, naval architects and specialists will evaluate...
Denmark and Norway: Culture & Fjords
TWC Holidays is launching an eight‑day familiarisation (FAM) trip to showcase Denmark and Norway from July 3‑9, 2026. The itinerary includes three nights each in Copenhagen and Oslo, with guided tours of iconic sites such as the Little Mermaid, Kronborg Castle, the...
The Wonders of Ireland
Sunny Land Tours is launching an eight‑day familiarization (FAM) trip for travel advisors to showcase Ireland’s top‑selling regions, including Dublin, County Kerry and Galway. The itinerary blends guided tours, cultural immersion and product knowledge, featuring stops at Blarney Castle, the...
Contiki Expands Asia Tours with New Ride Experiences
Contiki is adding two small‑group adventure tours in Southeast Asia—Ride Vietnam and Ride Cambodia—centered on Vespas, motorbikes and tuk‑tuks. The eight‑day Cambodia itinerary caps at 14 travelers and includes sunrise at Angkor Wat, homestays on Tonle Sap and visits to...
Explora Journeys Partners with SailGP Swiss Team
Explora Journeys announced a multi‑year global partnership to become the title sponsor of the Swiss SailGP Team, rebranding the squad as the Explora Journeys Swiss SailGP Team. The deal launches on May 9, 2026 at the Bermuda event and will see the...
Cruise Ships Safely Transit Through Strait of Hormuz
Cruise ships stranded in the Arabian Gulf amid the Iran‑Israel conflict successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz after Iran briefly reopened the waterway on April 17. MSC Cruises confirmed its MSC Euribia passed through the strait and is now heading...
United States in Danger of Losing Its Tourism Crown, Report Says
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that U.S. travel and tourism GDP grew a modest 0.9% in 2025, far below the global sector’s 4.1% expansion. International arrivals to the United States slipped 5.5% year‑over‑year, and visitor spending fell...
Kensington Strengthens U.S. Sales Network and Reach
Kensington has grown its U.S. Outside Sales team to over 30 members, adding new directors and account executives across key territories. The expansion also reinstates a dedicated Canadian sales presence with two hires. Simultaneously, the company launched the Ultraluxe division,...
Voyager Class Marks Next Step for Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises announced an order for three new Voyager‑class ships, slated for delivery in late 2035, 2038 and 2039. Built by Italy’s Fincantieri, each 183,000‑gross‑ton vessel will accommodate roughly 4,700 guests and expand on the existing Sphere platform. The ships...
Cruise Industry: Momentum Builds
At Seatrade Cruise Global 2026, CLIA chief Charles “Bud” Darr announced that the cruise industry hosted 37.2 million guests in 2025 and is on track for 40 million by 2030, with roughly 90% of travelers expressing intent to cruise. He highlighted the...
Roam by Tauck Expands 2027 Collection with New Small-Group Journeys
Roam by Tauck has opened bookings for its 2027 portfolio, expanding to 12 curated small‑group journeys across five continents. The brand adds seven new itineraries covering Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Mozambique, Switzerland, Italy, Sicily and California. Each tour averages 16...
Silversea Unveils World Cruise 2029 Sailing Across 19 Countries
Silversea announced its 2029 World Cruise, "A Pacific Awakening," a 125‑day voyage departing San Diego on Jan. 5, 2029 aboard the Silver Whisper. The itinerary spans more than 60 destinations in 19 Pacific nations, featuring rare island stops such as Kalanggaman Island...
AmaWaterways Expands River Cruise Fleet
AmaWaterways announced an aggressive fleet expansion, targeting more than 50 river cruise ships by 2032, up from its current 31. The plan includes 15 new vessels across Europe, Africa and Asia, with eight ships confirmed for European waterways and seven...
Cruise Lines Accelerate Expansion with New Ships, Asia Deployment and River Fleet Growth
Crystal Cruises will debut the new luxury liner Crystal Grace in June 2028, anchoring a Mediterranean season before repositioning to North America and later Asia. Riverside Luxury Cruises is adding the Riverside Mahler to its European river fleet, expanding capacity...
Victoria Falls Luxury Steam Train Adds More Departures
The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara announced an expanded schedule for its Royal Livingstone Express steam‑train, adding a third weekly departure during the 2026 peak season. The train will now leave Livingstone on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays...
Earth Day Travel: Sustainability at the Center of Luxury
As Earth Day nears, luxury travelers are gravitating toward eco‑focused resorts that blend high‑end service with regenerative practices. BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia showcases a plant‑based I‑TAL dining program sourced from its two‑acre organic garden and on‑site honey. In Australia, Sal Salis...
Hotels Go All-In on Pet-Friendly Perks
Hotels are expanding pet-friendly offerings beyond basic accommodations, turning stays into experiential programs for dogs and cats. In Manhattan, Kimpton Hotel Eventi now hosts full‑service dog weddings, while The Muse New York offers a Pampered Pet Package with in‑room pet...
MSC Cruises to Debut Sandy Cay Private Island in the Bahamas
MSC Cruises announced the development of Sandy Cay, a new private island in the Bahamas slated to open in 2028 and reserved for MSC and Explora Journeys guests. The island will sit beside the existing Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, creating a...
Silversea Expands Venetian Society With More Perks
Silversea announced a revamp of its Venetian Society loyalty program effective July 1, 2026, adding two new milestones at 15 and 50 VS Days and expanding earn opportunities to land programs, city stays, and solo travelers. Members will now receive...
New Sunvivia by Fiesta Americana Offers Fun and Relaxation
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection has opened Sunvivia by Fiesta Americana Mazatlán, a beachfront resort in the city’s Golden Zone. The property features 12 room categories, from deluxe rooms to three‑bedroom penthouses that can host up to ten guests. Amenities include...
Europe’s Most Pet-Friendly Airlines Tagged
A new ranking from U.K. pet‑food maker Years lists KLM, Lufthansa, Air France, Vueling, Aegean, Iberia, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways as Europe’s most pet‑friendly carriers, primarily because they allow dogs in the cabin. To qualify, dogs and...
Sandals, Beaches Roll Out April Advisor Incentives, Curacao Sale
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have launched limited‑time advisor incentives for April 2026 bookings at Sandals Royal Curacao and Beaches Turks & Caicos. Advisors can earn cash bonuses up to $150‑$200 and extra commission tiers based on room category for...
Limited-Time Atlantis Offer Adds Value for Spring
Atlantis Paradise Island is rolling out a limited‑time Suite Life Tax Day Offer that discounts select suites up to 20% for three‑ to four‑night stays and up to 30% for five‑night or longer visits. The promotion targets Regal Suites and...
Cruise Lines Roll Out Renovations and Exclusive Offers
Cruise operators are upgrading ships and rolling out targeted offers to boost onboard experiences. Oceania Cruises will dry‑dock the Oceania Marina in October for a full OceaniaNEXT refurbishment, revamping staterooms, suites and public venues. Carnival Pride completed a 22‑day dry...
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...
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...