Author: Torry K.

Tour operator Trafalgar has unveiled its highly anticipated 2027 river cruise itineraries, building upon the success of its inaugural season in European river cruising. This expansion emphasizes Trafalgar’s commitment to offering unique travel experiences on the water. New Ships and Sailing Routes for 2027 In 2027, Trafalgar will deploy two vessels: the Trafalgar Verity and Trafalgar Reverie. These ships, previously known as the River Queen and River Princess, were chartered from Trafalgar’s sister company, Uniworld. Looking ahead, the company has exciting plans to introduce a new vessel in 2028, further enhancing its river cruise offering. Unique Land Extensions To enrich…

Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas recently celebrated its fifth anniversary and is making headlines for negotiations to host the NFL’s Super Bowl 63 in February 2029. This enclosed stadium, which opened amid the pandemic without an initial crowd, has since become a monumental site, attracting over 6 million visitors to more than 700 events. Transforming Las Vegas’s Tourist Landscape Allegiant Stadium fills a significant gap in Las Vegas’s tourism offerings. As highlighted by Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the stadium has transformed the city in a way reminiscent of the Mirage’s influence…

The latest findings from Contiki’s Voice of a Generation 2025 survey reveal a significant shift in the travel priorities of young Canadians aged 18 to 35. This year’s report indicates a strong inclination toward valuing vacation days over monetary compensation, as well as a notable appreciation for nostalgia and stability in their travel experiences. Key Insights from the 2026 Travel Outlook Analyzing data from over 1,000 Canadians, the annual survey outlines expectations for travel in 2026. A notable trend is the commitment to responsible exploration — a striking 70% of respondents expressed a willingness to bypass popular destinations in favor…

Bruce Poon Tip, Founder of G Adventures Bruce Poon Tip, the visionary founder of G Adventures, has recently been distinguished as an Officer of the Order of Canada. This prestigious award recognizes his exceptional “services to humanity,” marking him as the first individual within the travel industry to achieve such an honor. The announcement was made public on June 30, 2023, as part of a comprehensive list of appointees to the Order of Canada. According to the Government of Canada, the title of Officer acknowledges “achievement and merit of a high degree,” particularly in relation to service to Canada and…

Friday newsletters consistently spotlight luxury travel initiatives, featuring contests, insightful tips, and the latest industry trends. Today’s headline: Beond Airlines Unveils Global Expansion Plans, Including U.S. Operations Beond Airlines, recognized as the world’s premier premium leisure airline, has announced substantial global expansion, promising exciting developments within the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives. Following a strategic partnership with New Pacific Airlines and the establishment of Beond America, the airline is set to broaden its operations significantly. Alongside long-term commitments to the Maldives and direct flights to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport, Beond aims to grow its current fleet…

Family-Friendly Luxury at Cheetah Plains Lodge Cheetah Plains, a luxury safari lodge nestled in South Africa’s renowned Sabi Sand Nature Reserve—adjacent to the iconic Kruger National Park—has launched an exciting new initiative designed to attract families. Effective immediately, children under 12 can stay free in one of the lodge’s exclusive-use villas, making luxury safari travel more accessible to families. This compelling offer is valid for eligible bookings through May. A Shift in Luxury Safari Travel The introduction of this policy signifies a notable shift in the high-end safari sector, where age restrictions often limit family participation. NJ van der Merwe,…

BeOnd, an innovative all-business-class airline, is making waves with its ambitious plans to expand into the U.S. market. Currently operating from its hub in the Maldives, BeOnd services six cities across Europe and the Middle East. The airline’s new venture, BeOnd America, aims to introduce a distinct travel experience in the United States. BeOnd America: The Future of Business-Class Travel The initial launch will see BeOnd America operate a fleet of eight aircraft in collaboration with New Pacific Airlines, an Alaskan charter airline equipped with a U.S. commercial air operating certificate. While specific launch dates and flight routes have yet…

Princess Cruises has exciting news for travelers looking to explore the Caribbean. The cruise line will begin offering port calls at Celebration Key, a private destination developed by Carnival Corporation on Grand Bahama Island. This stunning location opened earlier this summer for Carnival’s sister line and is now set to welcome guests from Princess Cruises. Upcoming Port Calls at Celebration Key The inaugural Princess Cruises visit to Celebration Key will take place on November 1, 2026, with the Star Princess scheduled to dock at this exclusive destination. Following that, on November 9, 2026, the Regal Princess will also make a…

As the festive season approaches, Christmas market cruises are rapidly filling up, prompting several river cruise lines to inform travel advisors about the urgency of booking for 2026 and beyond. This year, traditional trends of shorter booking windows have been flipped on their head for holiday cruises. According to Richard Marnell, executive vice president of marketing at Viking, an impressive 64% of its 2026 cruise offerings have already been booked. “Effective availability for this year is nearly nonexistent,” Marnell noted, encouraging travelers to book early for optimal selection in staterooms and departure dates. Last-Minute Options Still Available In a contrast…

OTTAWA, Canada — During its annual Travel Exchange event, the National Tour Association (NTA) announced that a significant majority of its members are experiencing business growth in 2025 compared to the previous year. This optimistic trend is expected to continue into 2026, coinciding with two major anniversaries: the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the centennial celebration of Route 66. Growth Expectations for Tour Operators According to NTA’s findings, 47% of tour operators anticipate a moderate rise in customer numbers in 2025, while an impressive 7% project an increase of 10% or more. These figures underscore…