Author: Torry K.

Asheville, North Carolina, a charming haven nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is experiencing a resurgence in tourism following last year’s devastating floods. With a metropolitan area housing approximately 380,000 residents, Asheville is a testament to the resilience of communities in the face of adversity, boasting a rich tapestry of history, arts, and culinary delights. ### The Importance of Tourism in Asheville Tourism serves as the lifeblood of Asheville’s economy. The local minor league baseball team, the Asheville Tourists, showcases the town’s tourist-friendly spirit, a name selected by fans in a vote held during the team’s rebranding in 1959. The…

Sunwing Vacations in Jamaica. Sunwing Vacations has announced its summer 2025 flight schedule, offering direct flights from six major Canadian airports to over a dozen sunny destinations. This schedule features increased flight frequency to popular locations, including Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba, and St. Maarten. Flight Details from Major Canadian Airports Starting from May 29, 2025, all package customers will benefit from flying on WestJet aircraft as Sunwing Airlines integrates with the WestJet fleet. Routes by City Toronto: Daily flights available to Cancun, Cayo Coco, Montego Bay, Punta Cana, and Varadero, alongside additional flights to Cayo Santa Maria, Holguin,…

The luxurious Kilolani Spa at the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui, now offers unique four- and six-night wellness retreats available for booking throughout the year. This prestigious spa provides a serene sanctuary, inviting guests to unwind and rejuvenate amidst the enchanting Hawaiian landscape. About Kilolani Spa Spanning an impressive 50,000 square feet, Kilolani Spa pays homage to ancient Hawaiian navigators and is inspired by the Hawaiian lunar calendar. Following a significant $55 million renovation, the spa reopened its doors last year and now showcases a wide range of state-of-the-art amenities. With 40 treatment rooms, a meditation lounge,…

In a significant move for the aviation industry, Qatar Airways has reached a historic agreement with Boeing for the acquisition of 160 widebody aircraft. This deal, formalized during a signing ceremony in Doha, includes an impressive 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 777-9 models, along with options for an additional 50 aircraft. The agreement marks Boeing’s largest order for widebody jets and its most substantial order for the Dreamliner series. The White House has valued this monumental agreement at approximately $96 billion, although this number may not reflect the considerable discounts typically associated with commercial aircraft transactions, as reported…

The Scenery Hotel is establishing its presence in Windwardside, occupying the site formerly occupied by the cherished Scout’s Place hotel. This new venture aims to create a harmonious blend with its natural surroundings, rather than standing out. Luxurious Accommodations at The Scenery Hotel Located at the base of Mount Scenery, The Scenery Hotel features the Grand Scenery Suites, which offer bungalow-style rooms crafted from natural materials. Each suite will come equipped with open-air terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows, providing breathtaking views that capture the essence of the island’s rugged landscape. Rates will begin at $275 per night when the hotel opens…

Despite U.S. Economic Uncertainty, River Cruise Bookings Surge into 2025 and 2026 River cruise companies report robust booking trends for 2025, even as economic uncertainty weighs on consumer sentiment in the U.S. According to industry insiders, multiple factors contribute to this positive outlook, including strong demand, strategic marketing approaches, and the ability to adapt to market trends. Viking Leads the Charge with Record Revenue As the industry leader, Viking River Cruises continues to dominate the market, showcasing impressive financial performance. The company reported total revenue of $897.1 million in the first quarter of 2025, marking a nearly 25% increase from…

Latam Airlines Adjusts Surcharges for GDS Bookings In a notable shift for travel advisors, South American airline Latam Airlines has announced a new structure for surcharges associated with Global Distribution System (GDS) bookings. The changes, effective May 12, 2023, aim to align costs based on the specific GDS utilized during the booking process. Current and Upcoming Fee Adjustments As it stands, Latam imposes a standard surcharge of $13 per segment for GDS bookings using outdated technologies. However, this fee will see increases for certain GDS platforms. For North American bookings made through Amadeus, the surcharge will rise to $15.96, while…

Tauck Expands North American Land Tours with Unique Glamping Experiences for 2026 Travel enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting expansion of Tauck’s North American land tours in 2026, featuring an innovative collection of itineraries that delve into the captivating landscapes of the American West. Among the standout offerings is the introduction of glamping, which will allow guests to experience nature without sacrificing comfort. One of the highlighted trips is the Paradise Valley, Yellowstone & the Tetons tour. This eight-day journey begins in beautiful Paradise Valley, Montana, and includes two nights of glamping at Under Canvas West Yellowstone. Guests will…

In 2025, Tauck celebrated a century of service and commitment to community engagement through significant contributions in both time and resources. The company proudly announced that its employees dedicated over 1,400 hours to various community projects aimed at making a meaningful impact. This initiative underscores Tauck’s mission of giving back and fostering innovation within the communities it serves. Community Engagement and Philanthropy Tauck’s employees actively participated in a range of community-focused projects, reflecting the company’s dedication to social responsibility. These efforts included hands-on volunteer work, which not only benefited local organizations but also strengthened the bonds between employees and their…

Immerse yourself in the unique sauna experience at Lapis Spa & Wellness, nestled within the upscale Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The sauna’s co-ed event space offers a blend of relaxation and ritual that is truly one-of-a-kind. Visitors begin their journey in the sauna, where the temperature reaches 165 degrees paired with 10% humidity. Calm visuals and serene music create a peaceful atmosphere as participants settle into the wooden benches. Shortly after, the aufguss ritual commences, elevating the temperature to over 175 degrees with increased humidity. Attendees are treated to aromatic infusions of essential oils, carried throughout the space by the aufguss…