Author: Torry K.

The vibrant lifestyle brand Canopy by Hilton has launched a new hotel in Nashville’s popular Gulch district, situated at the intersection of Division and Overton Streets. The Canopy by Hilton Nashville The Gulch proudly features 154 modern guestrooms and 27 luxurious suites. Notably, the hotel’s suites include connecting terraces that provide stunning skyline views. The extravagant two-story presidential suite boasts a private rooftop terrace, an elegant full bar, a translucent baby grand piano, and the ability to connect with adjacent suites for larger gatherings. A guestroom at the Canopy by Hilton Nashville The Gulch. Photo Credit: Hilton The hotel’s decor…

Karen Hardie, General Manager, Canada, Virtuoso Virtuoso has appointed Karen Hardie as the new General Manager for Canada. With over two decades of leadership experience in the global luxury travel sector, Hardie’s extensive background positions her well to influence the company’s growth in the region. This transition follows the appointment of former GM Una O’Leary to her new position as Vice President of Global Partnerships. Background and Experience Prior to joining Virtuoso, Hardie served as Vice President of Global Sales for Rocky Mountaineer. Her previous role is just one highlight in a career that includes significant positions at Jetset Travelworld…

Collette has reported remarkable achievements in 2024, marking it as the most successful year in the 107-year history of the travel company. This impressive growth is largely attributed to the rising preference for small-group travel experiences. The Rise of Small-Group Tours Small-group tours, with a maximum capacity of just 24 participants, have consistently been recognized as the most favored travel style. “Small group Explorations tours have seen incredible growth over the past four years,” stated Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, President & CEO of Collette. “Not only do we want to support this growth, but we want to propel it to an entirely…

India’s civil aviation authority has conducted thorough safety checks on 24 of Air India’s 33 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, concluding there are no significant safety issues. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported on Tuesday that the aircraft and their associated maintenance systems met current safety standards. These inspections were prompted by the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 on June 12, which resulted in the loss of 270 lives, both among passengers and on the ground. To ensure ongoing safety, the DGCA is set to complete two additional inspections on Tuesday and one more on Wednesday. Of the…

This summer, the iconic Pan American Airways brand makes its return, thanks to a newly established tour operator eager to introduce the historic Pan Am experience to modern-day travelers. Beyond Capricorn, co-founded by private jet expert Gary Bartelings and industry veteran Steve Ridgway of Criterion Travel, is launching a 12-day private-jet itinerary that commenced this week from New York JFK. This unique travel venture marks a significant revival of the Pan Am brand, which was originally founded in 1927 but ceased operations in 1991. Through a licensing agreement with Pan American World Airways, which maintains rights to the Pan Am…

On Saturday, American Cruise Lines celebrates the inaugural sailing of the American Patriot, the flagship vessel of its new Patriot Class. The American Patriot is a state-of-the-art cruise ship designed to accommodate 130 passengers and will embark on stunning 15-day New England itineraries, setting sail round-trip from Boston. This innovative vessel reflects a commitment to modern traveling while celebrating the scenic beauty and rich history of the New England coastline. In addition to the American Patriot, three more ships in the Patriot Class are slated for launch over the next 16 months. The American Pioneer is expected to debut later…

Cuba. Sunwing Vacations Photo Sunwing Vacations has launched an innovative three-tier system for Cuban resorts under its new initiative, Cuba Collections, designed to assist travel advisors in effectively aligning vacation offerings with their clients’ expectations. “Cuba is one of our most popular destinations, thanks largely to the commitment of travel advisors,” stated Samantha Taylor, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer of Sunwing Vacations Group. “Our goal with the Cuba Collections program is to provide transparency and set clear expectations regarding what each resort offers, enabling advisors to help clients discover the unique aspects of Cuba that will create memorable experiences.” Understanding…

Nascent Saudi Arabian carrier Riyadh Air has made a significant leap in its operational capabilities by placing firm orders for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The announcement, which took place during the Paris Air Show, also included options for an additional 25 A350-1000s, marking Riyadh Air’s commitment to becoming a key player in the international airline market by 2030. With this latest development, Riyadh Air’s order book now boasts a total of 124 aircraft. This includes not only the A350-1000s but also 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 60 Airbus A321neo narrow-body planes. Furthermore, the airline has options for 33 additional Dreamliners,…

In a significant escalation of geopolitical tensions, a coordinated airstrike by Israel targeting Iranian nuclear and military installations has led to unprecedented disruptions in global air travel. Following the strike on June 13, 2023, airspace over Iran, Iraq, and Jordan was swiftly closed, marking the initiation of what Israeli authorities describe as a long-term campaign. Immediate Impact on Air Travel The repercussions for airlines were immediate and severe, with nearly 2,000 flights rerouted or canceled, heavily impacting one of the world’s essential east-west aviation routes. This disruption comes at a time when airspace over Russia and Ukraine is already off-limits…

Contiki, the renowned tour operator catering to travelers aged 18 to 35, is set to enhance its African adventure offerings with four new itineraries, making it easier for young explorers to immerse themselves in this captivating continent. New Itineraries in Africa The newly launched itineraries in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Eswatini are designed to deliver a classic safari experience infused with adventure and cultural exploration, all at an accessible price point. Contiki reports a growing interest in travel to Africa, with year-over-year bookings experiencing an increase of 46% for Eswatini and 11% for Tanzania. Unique Travel Experiences One of…