Global Entry Reopens Amid Government Shutdown
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reopened Global Entry on Wednesday at 5 a.m. EDT, ending a 17‑day suspension caused by the partial federal government shutdown. The trusted traveler program allows pre‑approved passengers to skip standard passport control lines at major airports. Industry leaders welcomed the restart, emphasizing the program’s role in both security and airport efficiency. However, TSA security lines remain congested as staffing shortages from the shutdown continue to affect airport operations.
Universal Volcano Bay Nights Returns This Summer
Universal Orlando Resort will host Volcano Bay Nights on select evenings from May 3 to August 21, 2026. The after‑hours event offers lower wait times on flagship attractions, a Beach Bash with a live DJ, and meet‑and‑greets with DreamWorks characters. Guests receive an...
Explora Journeys Marks Fleet Milestones in Genoa
Explora Journeys celebrated three shipbuilding milestones at Fincantieri's Genoa yard, including the technical launch of Explora IV, a coin ceremony for Explora V, and the steel‑cutting of Explora VI. The event marks the third triple ceremony in 18 months, bringing the brand’s six‑ship...
Carnival Cruise Line Launches Express Dining
Carnival Cruise Line has rolled out Express Dining, a streamlined multi‑course service that delivers meals in under an hour for parties of six or fewer. The program is live on 15 ships and will cover the entire fleet by the...
Long TSA Lines Reported at U.S. Airports as Shutdown Impacts Staffing
Travelers at several major U.S. airports are facing unusually long TSA security lines as the Department of Homeland Security shutdown forces officers to work without pay. Wait times have stretched to three hours at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport and...
TROBBU Adds San Miguel All-Inclusive Villas This Summer
TROBBU will open its second all‑inclusive villa resort, TROBBU San Miguel de Allende, in July 2026. The property offers fifteen standalone villas of 2,200‑3,200 sq ft, each accommodating up to eight guests with private jacuzzis and full kitchen facilities. A 25% discount...
Scenic Group Adds Douro and Mekong Ships by 2028
Scenic Group announced three additional luxury river ships to be delivered between 2027 and 2028, expanding its presence on Portugal’s Douro and Southeast Asia’s Mekong rivers. The new vessels include the Emerald Nova, Scenic Aria, and Scenic Spirit II, each offering...
Atlas Ocean Voyages Reports Limited Availability for 2026 Mediterranean Sailings
Atlas Ocean Voyages announced limited cabin availability for its 2026 Mediterranean Epicurean Expeditions sailing from July through September. Each expedition includes a complimentary Atlas Immersive Experience, offering exclusive after‑hours access to sites such as the Ephesus Odeon, a Syros traditions...
Ride & Seek Offers New Hokkaido Cycling Tour
Ride & Seek announced a 14‑day historical cycling adventure across Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, launching on September 3, 2026. The tour, priced from $8,960 per person on a double‑occupancy basis, blends forest, coastal, mountain and volcanic terrain with stays in traditional inns...
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to Host 2026 Food, Wine & Garden Festival
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will host its annual Food, Wine & Garden Festival on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through May 10, 2026. The event showcases more than 65 international dishes, wines, craft beers and cocktails, plus a new series of wildlife‑inspired garden...
Avanti Destinations Releases Europe Travel Guide for Advisors
Avanti Destinations has launched a 200‑page printed Europe travel guide for advisors, covering 26 countries and featuring 113 new vacation packages, 351 new hotels, and 534 new tours for the 2026 season. Each itinerary includes a QR code that connects...
ASTA Advises Travel Advisors Amid Middle East Disruptions
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has released new guidance for travel advisors as the Middle East conflict disrupts air travel, cruises, and tours. The U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” alert for Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan...
Quasar Expeditions’ Darwin Family Cruise and Galapagos Exploration
Quasar Expeditions announced its 40th‑anniversary Darwin Family Cruise, an eight‑day Galapagos itinerary sailing July 18‑25. The trip aboard the newly renovated Quasar Evolution, limited to 32 guests, will visit both popular and remote islands such as San Cristóbal, Genovesa and Santa Fe....
Incentives Drive 2026 Riviera Cruises Across Europe
Riviera Travel launched a March‑April 2026 incentive program for North American agents booking European river cruises through 2027. The scheme offers a $75 gift card per reservation and a $3,000 grand prize for the top booker, measured by passenger count...
Scenic Group Simplifies Pricing With Four New Fare Options
Scenic Group will roll out a four‑tier pricing structure in the U.S. on March 9, 2026, replacing its long‑standing 2‑for‑1 model. The new tiers—Full Fare, Select Fare, Preferred Fare, and Preferred+ Fare—retain core inclusions while varying payment terms, discounts, and...
Caviar and Cuisine Meet at Hammock Cove Antigua
Elite Island Resorts’ Hammock Cove Antigua will host the Golden Goat Caviar Pop‑Up Weekend from May 7‑10, 2026, marking the premium caviar brand’s first appearance on the island. The four‑day event, timed with Antigua Culinary Month, features caviar‑centric dishes across...
Collette Launches Solo Travel Savings
Collette has launched a Solo Travel Savings Campaign offering up to $1,000 off select Explorations tours for solo guests traveling through March 2027. The promotion, running through July 15, targets the fast‑growing solo traveler segment, especially those over 50 seeking...
A | T Collective Introduces Evoke | Inspire Luxury Brand
Under A | T Collective, the company has launched Evoke | Inspire, a new luxury FIT travel brand that replaces Journese. The brand offers a curated portfolio of 4.5‑ and 5‑star hotels, private villas, yachts, jets and rail, supported by a dedicated...
Tourism Emergency Procedures Activated in Israel and Gulf Region
Israel's Ministry of Tourism launched Operation “Roaring Lion,” activating 24/7 virtual assistance and shuttle services to expedite tourist departures via the Taba border crossing. Four land border crossings remain operational with specific hours, while Destination Management Companies retain full logistical...
Wellness Retreats and Resorts Designed for Today’s Female Traveler
Luxury resorts are increasingly designing wellness retreats specifically for female travelers, capitalizing on the momentum of International Women’s Day. Ananda in the Himalayas offers a data‑driven, Ayurveda‑centric program for high‑performing women dealing with burnout and hormonal issues. In Phuket, Layan...
Rail Europe Joins Pleasant Holidays’ Global Rail Portfolio
Pleasant Holidays has expanded its global rail portfolio by adding Rail Europe, granting travel advisors access to regional and high‑speed train services across more than 20 European countries. The partnership brings major carriers such as SNCF, DB, Trenitalia, and Eurostar...
Southwest Faces Pushback on Assigned Seating One Month In
Southwest Airlines abandoned its 53‑year open‑seating model on Jan. 27, becoming the last U.S. carrier to switch to assigned seating. Within a month, passengers voiced strong dissatisfaction, citing standby assignments and family separations despite available seats. In response, Executive Vice President...
Uniworld Rolls Out New Advisor Training
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has launched a new Uniworld University course that gives travel advisors early access to the brand’s 2026‑2027 expansion roadmap. The program coincides with Uniworld’s 50th anniversary and offers exclusive advisor rates, CLIA credits, and a Preferred...
U.S. Department of State Issues Worldwide Travel Caution
The U.S. Department of State issued a worldwide travel caution on Feb. 28 after U.S. military strikes on Iran, urging Americans abroad to follow the latest embassy guidance, especially in the Middle East. Embassies in Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Iraq and...
Princess Cruises and The Travel Institute Launch Advisor Education Partnership
Princess Cruises has signed a year‑long strategic alliance with The Travel Institute to elevate travel advisor education. The partnership will launch a new Alaska Destination Specialist curriculum timed with the debut of the Star Princess cruise. Princess will fund scholarships...
Women Travelers Find New Freedom with Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises is launching a Zero Single Supplement program on seven South Pacific itineraries, eliminating extra fees for solo travelers starting March 2026. The small‑ship m/s Paul Gauguin, refurbished with private balconies and upgraded amenities, will sail to destinations...
Celebrating Women Who Shape Travel Advisor Success
Travel advisor platform Travelsavers highlighted two senior women executives for International Women’s Day. Chief Sales Officer Kathryn Mazza‑Burney credits crisis‑driven customer service and agency‑focused consulting for reshaping the business model. Marketing head Nicole Mazza says the pandemic taught her that...
This Week in Travel: Top Stories You Can’t Miss
Travel industry updates this week include Marival Group’s COO detailing how the hotel chain protected guests during the Jalisco cartel‑related unrest and confirmed that flights to western Mexico have fully resumed. TSA PreCheck will remain operational despite a partial federal...
20 Takeaways: How AI Is Redefining the Future of Travel Planning
A recent Recommend webinar gathered travel experts to discuss AI’s growing role in itinerary creation, client communication, and market analysis. Nearly half of attendees already use AI tools both personally and professionally, citing rapid itinerary generation and significant time savings....
Rediscovering Atlantis Paradise Island
Atlantis Paradise Island has completed a $250 million refresh, modernizing its iconic resort while preserving its mythic brand. The upgrade expands the 141‑acre Aquaventure waterpark, adds new marine‑habitat experiences, and introduces upscale dining concepts such as Paranza and Claudio’s, targeting families,...
Silversea Unveils Interiors of New Antarctica Gateway Hotel in Chile
Silversea has revealed the interiors of The Cormorant at 55 South, a 150‑room hotel slated to open in October in Puerto Williams, Chile. Marketed as the southernmost hotel on Earth, it serves as the land‑based anchor for Silversea’s Antarctica Fly...
Expanding Access Through ASTA’s Latest VTA Course
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has launched a new elective in its Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) certification focused on accessible tourism, developed with Accessible Travel Solutions. Announced on Feb. 26, 2026, the course equips advisors with practical methods to assess...
Azamara Cruises Introduces Travel Advisor Council
Azamara Cruises has launched a Travel Advisor Council composed of ten high‑performing advisors across North America. The council members, each with at least five years of cruise experience and AWA graduation, will commit to a 12‑month term to test ideas,...
Hyatt Vivid Grand Island FAM
Mexico FamTrips announced its 2026 Hyatt Vivid Grand Island FAM, scheduled for September 23‑26 in Cancun. The three‑night, all‑inclusive program costs $650 per participant, covering accommodations, transfers and on‑site training, but excludes airfare. Attendees will receive guided inspections and education sessions...
Elite Voyages’ 9-Day China FAM Tour
Elite Voyages is launching a 9‑day, 7‑night China familiarization (FAM) tour for travel advisors, with departures on March 29 and April 12, 2026. The itinerary spans Beijing’s Great Wall and Forbidden City, Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, and Shanghai’s Bund, offering a...
Explore the Habsburg Empire (Prague, Vienna & Budapest)
Tour Specialists Inc. is launching a seven‑day familiarization (FAM) trip for travel advisors that explores Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, the historic capitals of the former Habsburg Empire. The escorted program runs from May through October 2026 with five departure windows...
River Cruise FAM Opportunities
AmaWaterways, via FamTrips.Travel, is offering reduced‑rate familiarization (FAM) cruises for travel advisors in 2026, covering European rivers and Colombia’s Magdalena River. The program includes multiple sailings on vessels such as AmaReina, AmaMora, AmaLea, AmaDolce, AmaDante and AmaMagdalena, with pricing starting...
Carnival Cruise Line Rolls Out Fleetwide Lottery with $1M Prize
Carnival Cruise Line has introduced Carnival Millions, the cruise sector’s first fleet‑wide linked lottery, linking ships in North America and Europe for a daily draw that can award up to $1 million. Guests purchase tickets through the Carnival HUB app, receiving...
HX Expeditions Finalizes 2026 Alaska Season with New Inside Passage Sailings
HX Expeditions has announced its 2026 Alaska season, adding two new Inside Passage itineraries aboard the MS Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid, battery‑powered cruise ship. The 9‑night Fjords of the Great Land sails from Vancouver to Whittier, while the...
Classic Vacations Hits 2,600 Preferred Hotels Worldwide
Classic Vacations has grown its Preferred Hotel Portfolio to 2,600 properties worldwide, responding to advisor feedback for broader destination coverage. The expansion adds luxury assets across North America, Europe, Asia and Africa, including iconic hotels such as The Beverly Hills...
Stay and Explore Collection Reduces Hotel Changes in Europe
Railbookers has introduced the Stay and Explore Collection, a suite of ten European itineraries that anchor travelers in a single hub city for at least two nights before venturing out on day trips by train. The model eliminates nightly hotel...
Ensemble Travel Network Adds Aqua Expeditions To Supplier Lineup
Ensemble Travel Network has added luxury small-ship operator Aqua Expeditions to its supplier lineup, creating a direct channel for U.S. and Canadian travel advisors. The partnership will deliver coordinated trade engagement, marketing support, and product education to boost Aqua’s presence...
Up Norway Adds Three Small-Group Itineraries for 2026-2027
Up Norway announced three new small‑group itineraries for 2026‑2027, expanding its sustainable luxury portfolio in response to a 14 % year‑over‑year rise in small‑group bookings on TripAdvisor. The trips, limited to 10‑14 participants, include a women‑focused “Women, Blazing Trails” expedition, a...
Disney Cruise Line Reveals Summer 2027 Lineup
Disney Cruise Line opened bookings for its summer 2027 schedule, featuring the first European deployment of the Disney Wish and a renewed Alaska presence from Vancouver with the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. The lineup also adds extensive Caribbean and...
OUTRIGGER Maldives Expands Wellness Programming for 2026
OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels is rolling out an expanded wellness program at its Maldives Maafushivaru Resort for 2026, adding aerial yoga, bungee fit, TRX training and ocean‑front sound healing. The new Alchemy Bar introduces hands‑on workshops such as coconut‑oil cooking...
Transcend Cruises Strengthens Team with New Appointments
Transcend Cruises announced two senior hires to accelerate its growth in the European river cruise market. Bentlie Logan joins as Director of MICE and Agency Sales, bringing recent Carnival Cruise Line experience and a focus on expanding North American group...
MSC Cruises Expands Entertainment with AI Robotics, New Game Shows and More
MSC Cruises is overhauling its 2026 entertainment slate, adding AI‑powered robotic dogs and humanoid robots, new original game shows, and refreshed music and production shows across its fleet. The pilot on MSC Bellissima will expand to Asian sailings and the...
AKTG Expands Leadership Roles to Support Brand Growth
Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) has reorganized its trade sales leadership across the Americas, appointing Debra Fox as Chief Sales Officer – Trade. Fox now oversees global trade sales for all AKTG brands, reporting directly to CEO Cristina Levis....
AmaWaterways Rolls Out 2027 Solo and Group Booking Incentives
AmaWaterways has launched limited‑time 2027 booking incentives aimed at solo travelers and groups, with a 10% reduced single supplement on over 500 sailings and a doubled group discount of $500 per person. The promotions are available for reservations made through...
Free Roundtrip Flights to Anguilla With Zemi Beach House Stay
Zemi Beach House in Anguilla has teamed with AnguillAir to cover the full cost of round‑trip flights between Newark (EWR) and Anguilla (AXA) for guests staying three nights or more. The promotion runs for bookings made by March 15, 2026, with...