Author: Torry K.

Kenya is often synonymous with iconic wildlife safaris, the Great Migration, and the memorable film adaptation of “Out of Africa.” However, many people are unaware of the country’s rich cultural and eco-conscious experiences. With its sacred forests serving as the birthplace of tree-hugging philosophy, Kenya offers diverse opportunities for travelers aiming for immersive and fulfilling experiences. ### Shift Toward Cultural and Eco-Friendly Tourism A noticeable shift in American travel preferences has been identified, with increased interest in multifaceted travel experiences. As Lisa Saint from Meridian Global Travel observes, while wildlife safaris remain popular, there is a rising demand for cultural…

BASEL, Switzerland — In a thrilling event marked by tradition and celebration, Viking has officially named its 100th ship, the Viking Honir, along with eight other river vessels on October 21st. This dual ceremony spanned across six countries and three continents, reinforcing Viking’s reputation for grandeur in ship naming. With this latest addition, Viking’s fleet now boasts more than 100 vessels across its river, ocean, and expedition categories. Notably, Viking has a history of extravagant naming ceremonies, previously setting a Guinness World Record in 2014 by christening 16 ships in just 24 hours, followed by two additional inaugurations in Portugal.…

Nobu Hospitality has officially unveiled its plans for a new luxury hotel and restaurant in Nashville’s East Bank district. This project, featuring a 120-room Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Nashville, will be integrated into Oracle’s upcoming East Bank campus, which is expected to serve as the tech giant’s global headquarters. Luxurious Amenities at Nobu Hotel Nashville Guests at the Nobu Hotel will enjoy a variety of exclusive amenities designed for ultimate relaxation and entertainment. The property will feature: A ground-level outlet of Nobu restaurant, renowned for its exquisite Japanese-Peruvian cuisine crafted by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa. A lobby café, perfect for…

Porter Airlines celebrates its 19th anniversary, highlighting a remarkable journey of growth and innovation aimed at enhancing economy travel across North America. Over the past year, the airline has made significant strides, which are vital both for its operations and its passengers. Rapid Growth and Fleet Expansion In the last 12 months, Porter Airlines has expanded its workforce, increasing its team to more than 4,300 members – an addition of 400 personnel. The airline’s fleet has also seen transformation, now operating 48 Embraer E195-E2 jets, positioning Porter as the largest operator of this aircraft type worldwide, with aspirations to expand…

Air Canada Vacations (ACV) recently organized an impressive MegaFAM trip, welcoming travel agents to the picturesque paradise of Jamaica from November 14 to 17. Participants had the opportunity to explore a variety of luxury resorts and gain valuable insights into the hospitality options available in this Caribbean destination. Erminia Nigro, General Manager of Sales for ACV, emphasized the commitment to fairness and satisfaction among hotel partners during the event. “We ensured that all our hotel partners had the chance to showcase their properties by dividing the group into smaller segments, allowing for an equal number of hotel visits each day.…

WildPlaces Africa is set to enhance its luxury offerings with the upcoming launch of Kulu Ora, a new lodge scheduled to open in early 2026. This addition will mark the seventh property in WildPlaces Africa’s portfolio, and the second within the spectacular Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. Discover Kulu Ora: A New Gem in Murchison Falls National Park Located in a newly designated 290-square-mile low-impact zone, Kulu Ora will provide exclusive access to a secluded section of Murchison Falls National Park. The lodge shares this pristine environment with its sister property, Papa’s Camp, ensuring a private and…

When strolling along Vienna’s Ringstrasse, you’re walking in the legacy of Baron Theophil von Hansen, the pivotal architect behind this grand boulevard that encircles the heart of Vienna. Established in the latter half of the 19th century where ancient city walls once stood, the Ringstrasse is adorned with opulent museums, stately municipal buildings, luxury hotels, and striking monuments, akin to the iconic Champs-Élysées in Paris. Architectural Marvels of the Ringstrasse Hansen, a Danish-born visionary, crafted a breathtaking array of neoclassical structures that includes essential landmarks like the Austrian Parliament Building, the celebrated Musikverein, the Vienna Stock Exchange, Palais Ephrussi, and…

The U.S. lodging industry is facing a challenging landscape, prompting questions about whether it is entering a “hotel recession.” Hospitality analysts are closely monitoring ongoing declines in revenue per available room (RevPAR), which have persisted for six consecutive months, even as the overall economy remains robust. Jan Freitag In a recent episode of “Tell Me More: A Hospitality Data Podcast,” Jan Freitag, the director of hospitality analytics at CoStar Group, described the current environment as “uncharted territory.” Alongside co-host Isaac Collazo from STR, Freitag evaluated the troubling performance in the hotel sector. Freitag noted that two consecutive quarters of declining…

The cruise industry is experiencing a remarkable booking surge, prompting Nexion Travel Group to host its second annual Cruise Sales Summit. Scheduled for May 20-23, 2024, this essential event will take place in Vancouver, providing travel advisors with invaluable insights and networking opportunities tailored to maximize cruise sales. Event Details: What to Expect The summit will welcome 50 travel advisors from the U.S. and Canada, hosted at the Hilton Vancouver Airport. Participating advisors will engage with representatives from various cruise lines, including both ocean and river cruise operators, as well as partners dealing with insurance and land tours for pre-…

Collette has officially announced that it will provide full refunds to all travelers booked for departures to Israel through the first half of 2024. This decision comes as a response to ongoing safety concerns and aims to assist both travelers and travel advisors in planning alternative arrangements. In a press release dated December 19, Collette confirmed that it will cancel all tour departures to Israel through June 30, 2024. This includes the complete cost of tours, flights, and insurance for any traveler affected during this period. Prioritizing Traveler Safety Jeff Roy, Executive Vice President at Collette, emphasized the company’s commitment…