Author: Torry K.

Air Canada Vacations (ACV) recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with an extravagant gathering in Cancun, Mexico, welcoming over 350 partners and travel professionals to a three-night event across nine luxurious resorts. The festivities kicked off on November 4 with chartered flights from Toronto and Montreal, alongside a regular service from Vancouver, bringing an enthusiastic crowd together for this landmark occasion. Travel agents and industry insiders were greeted with ACV-branded bucket hats and tote bags as part of the celebratory experience. Erminia Gallina, ACV’s Director of Sales, addressed guests from the aircraft’s PA system shortly after reaching cruising altitude, expressing excitement…

Toronto recently hosted the final leg of ACV’s Canada-wide DreamMakers tour, a highly anticipated event that attracted 900 travel advisors and 70 suppliers. The event marked the conclusion of a successful series of gatherings, with ACV reporting a total of 2,500 travel agents participated across five cities, including a first-time stop in Edmonton. Key Highlights from the ACV DreamMakers Tour Title Sponsors Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts Sandals and Beaches Resorts Culinary Offerings Attendees enjoyed a taste of Mexico and the Caribbean at the World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection booth, showcasing varied culinary stations that added a vibrant flair to…

Addressing Tourism Challenges Through Collaboration As awareness grows surrounding the need for sustainable tourism, industry experts stress the urgency of their work, particularly in light of USAID cuts and the pervasive impacts of climate change. Tourism, particularly in vulnerable communities, is facing increasing pressures from environmental shifts, making sustainability a critical focus for all stakeholders. Amidst a surge in global travel, the natural environment is under significant strain. Experts advocate for all businesses within the tourism sector to embed sustainability into their operational models to ensure collective prosperity in the industry. Collaboration among competitors, although still uncommon, has become vital…

SAN NICOLAS, Aruba — Just a short drive from the picturesque Secrets Baby Beach Aruba, the terrain outside the van window unfolded as an expansive arid vista, punctuated by resilient cacti and patches of greenery, leading to pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. As the vehicle navigated a few additional bends, the Secrets Baby Beach Aruba emerged: a sleek, modern resort boasting a sand-colored facade complemented by dark wood and metal accents, harmonizing beautifully with the desert-like setting. The Secrets Baby Beach Aruba stands out not just within Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection but also in Aruba’s evolving tourism landscape. The resort opened…

Grand Metropolitan Hotels is set to take the helm of Sealeven Hotel in Opatija, Croatia, with an anticipated opening this spring. This exciting development promises to elevate the hospitality landscape along the picturesque Adriatic coast. Managed under the Destination by Hyatt brand, the Sealeven Hotel will showcase a unique structure comprising 11 interconnected buildings, blending luxury with the charm of coastal living. Overview of Sealeven Hotel Upon its opening, the Sealeven Hotel will offer an impressive array of accommodations, featuring 85 beautifully designed rooms and suites, all boasting stunning sea views. Guests can look forward to experiencing the quintessential Mediterranean…

As the federal government shutdown continues into its second month, national park itineraries remain largely unaffected, with many parks operational and accessible. According to travel operator Tauck, all scheduled tours are proceeding without any changes. Kelly Rossiter, Associate Director of Product for North America at Tauck, noted that Xanterra, the company responsible for managing concessions in several parks, is actively maintaining restrooms and public spaces. Parks such as Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Yosemite, and Sequoia National Park continue their operations normally, ensuring that visitors can enjoy their experiences. Other travel companies, including Intrepid Travel and the Globus family of…

In an exciting development for travelers, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has confirmed that its luxury resorts in Jamaica will reopen on **December 6, 2025**, following a comprehensive assessment after Hurricane Melissa. This announcement brings optimism to guests longing to return to the beauty of the Caribbean. Resort Openings in Ocho Rios and Negril With a meticulous cleanup and extensive repair efforts completed, several resorts—**Sandals Dunn’s River**, **Sandals Royal Plantation**, **Sandals Ochi**, and **Sandals Negril**, as well as **Beaches Negril**—are set to welcome guests back with all amenities fully operational. These properties, located in the picturesque regions of Ocho Rios and…

KHM Travel Group has recently partnered with the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA), marking a significant step in enhancing wellness tourism resources for travel advisors. This collaboration enables KHM Travel Group’s advisors to tap into a wealth of resources and opportunities within the wellness sector. Advisors will gain access to education programs, webinars, trend briefings, and insightful research dedicated to wellness tourism, all designed to help meet the growing demands of travelers eager for rejuvenating experiences. Focus on Health and Wellness in Travel “Health and wellness are some of the most dynamic travel segments today,” stated KHM CEO Rick Zimmerman in…

The year has witnessed an impressive array of travel-themed literature, making it a perfect time to consider thoughtful gifts for colleagues and clients in the travel industry. As the festive season approaches, several noteworthy titles stand out, appealing to both industry professionals and avid travelers alike. Among the highlighted books is Delivering the Wow, a memoir by Richard Fain, former CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. This engaging account explores Fain’s journey and contributions to the cruise industry, offering insights into how he shaped the company’s direction. Another notable mention is Calvin Stovall Jr.’s Hidden Hospitality: Untold Stories of Black Hotel,…

High demand for Japan is driving a wave of new Asia cruise offerings over the next two years. In recent years, there has been a significant uptick in interest in Japan as a cruise destination, prompting U.S.-based cruise lines to expand their offerings in the region. These cruise lines are not only extending their operating seasons but also introducing new ports and itineraries, with a strong focus on Japan. According to Jess Peterson, director of destination experience and itinerary planning at Windstar Cruises, “There’s sort of an unquenchable demand for Japan right now.” The need for additional departures arose sooner…