Author: Torry K.

L-R: Franca Luele, Director of Partnership Marketing for Ensemble; Shahla Lalani, SVP of Marketing, Navigatr Group; Jenni Berg, National Accounts Director, TTC Brands; Michael Johnson, President of Ensemble; Jenn Kotacka, Senior Director of Training & Development; Annabelle Seow, Senior Director, Member Operations, Ensemble. Following its rebranding initiative propelled by the acquisition of Ensemble by the Navigatr Group, the company is thrilled to announce that it has received the prestigious **TTC (The Travel Corporation) Tour Brands’ 2022 Partner Award** for “Outstanding in Innovation.” This recognition underscores Ensemble’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience through innovative solutions. **New Initiatives Driving Growth** In…

BermudAir Launches AnguillAir Service: Nonstop Flights to Anguilla from the Northeast U.S. In a significant expansion of its operations, BermudAir has inaugurated flights under its new AnguillAir brand, marking a pivotal development in travel options to the serene island of Anguilla. The first flight took to the skies on December 17, connecting Boston directly to Anguilla, with subsequent routes from Newark and Baltimore launching on December 18 and 19, respectively. Route Details and Frequency All three Anguilla routes will operate twice weekly until April, providing travelers the only nonstop access from the U.S. Northeast to this scenic Eastern Caribbean destination.…

As the holiday season draws near, several river cruise lines are expanding their offerings with new Christmas market itineraries for the upcoming year as well as for 2027, in response to soaring demand from travelers. Avalon Waterways is set to enhance its offerings by introducing seven additional Christmas market departures in 2024, marking a significant 15% increase in capacity. This expansion presents the company’s largest selection of festive voyages, featuring approximately 40 departures across 19 distinct itineraries throughout popular European rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, and Main. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is also making waves by adding Christmas market cruises…

Grand Canyon National Park is halting all overnight accommodations on the South Rim starting Dec. 6, with closures to remain in effect “for the foreseeable future.” In a recent announcement, the National Park Service revealed that the temporary closure of lodging facilities on the South Rim is due to “a series of significant breaks” in the Transcanyon Waterline. This vital 12.5-mile pipeline supplies water to the South Rim area, and currently, no water is being pumped. Adversely affected accommodations include popular options such as El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, and Maswik Lodge managed by Xanterra Travel Collection, along with Yavapai…

Canada has made a significant stride in expanding its travel and trade horizons through a new air transport agreement with the Republic of Albania. This groundbreaking deal allows for multiple airlines to operate scheduled services between the two nations, facilitating up to 14 passenger flights and 10 all-cargo flights each week for both countries. This agreement opens access to various points across each nation’s territory, promising fresh opportunities for travelers and businesses alike. Airlines are poised to commence operations immediately, enabling travelers to explore one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies. According to the World Bank, Albania’s GDP is anticipated to grow…

NEW YORK — Jamaica’s tourism sector anticipates a significant rebound, projecting visitor arrivals to reach about 80% of pre-hurricane levels by the end of 2026. In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica in late October, the island nation has made impressive strides in its recovery efforts. Though the initial response helped salvage the critical holiday travel season, significant work remains to be done. Current Recovery Status During a media event on December 18, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, and the Director of Tourism, Donovan White, provided updates on the recovery timeline. In 2024, Jamaica welcomed around 3…

The refreshing chill of Champagne and a gentle breeze felt a world away from the sweltering heat of New York City as I embarked on a unique sailing adventure. In the heat of August, aboard a 70-foot Herreshoff sailboat, around 15 guests set sail through New York Harbor. The picturesque backdrop included iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, creating a stunning visual experience. The friendly and skilled crew served an array of culinary delights, including Maine lobster rolls, chilled oysters, and crisp Gulf shrimp, all while ensuring glasses were filled with fine wines and sparkling…

With Christmas around the corner, many travel advisors are winding down. However, December represents a hidden opportunity for business growth in the travel industry. Jasmine Grant, Regional Director of Business Development for Canada at AIC Hotel Group, emphasizes that advisors can utilize the final weeks of the year to reconnect with clients and lay the groundwork for 2026 bookings. A Golden Opportunity in December December might be perceived merely as a holiday month, but it’s an ideal time for travel advisors to reinforce relationships with past clients, explore new opportunities, and cultivate a successful 2026. Here are effective strategies to…

Trees for Life’s flagship rewilding centre, Dundreggan and its tree nursery located in the Scottish HighlandsCourtesy of Trees For Life In a significant development for environmental conservation, the TreadRight Foundation, an initiative of The Travel Corporation (TTC), has unveiled its latest partnership with Trees for Life. This collaboration aims to support the charity’s transformative Wild Pine project, which focuses on restoring Scotland’s vital Caledonian Forest and its distinctive wildlife. Focus on Nature-Based Solutions This partnership marks TreadRight’s first announcement since pivoting towards supporting nature-based solutions (NbS) within its broader sustainability strategy encompassing Planet, People, and Wildlife. The foundation, known for…

VBT Bicycling Vacations and Country Walkers have introduced their new Discovery collection, featuring small-group walking tours tailored for travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences at a leisurely pace. Explore Diverse Destinations in 2027 Launching in 2027, the Discovery collection offers five unique itineraries set in captivating locations: Egypt, Australia, India, Patagonia, and Colombia. Each itinerary is designed to prioritize a slower travel pace, offering ample free time for guests to authentically connect with local culture. Cultural Immersion and Authentic Experiences “Discovery tours are designed to go deeper,” explains VBT trip designer Kevin Wilks. “With a more relaxed pace and built-in free…