Author: Torry K.

In an exciting development for cruise enthusiasts, the Celebrity Xcel is set to sail a full Mediterranean season in summer 2027, while the Celebrity Edge will embark on an extended Alaska season. Celebrity Xcel’s Mediterranean Itineraries Slated to debut this November, the Celebrity Xcel will be one of seven Celebrity ships navigating European waters in 2027 and 2028. It will offer Mediterranean cruises ranging from seven to 12 nights, promising breathtaking destinations and memorable experiences. Travelers can look forward to exploring iconic ports of call while enjoying the luxurious amenities on board. Other Celebrity Ships in Europe Alongside the Xcel,…

As the Canadian tourism landscape continues to evolve, the focus turns to the intricate relationship between Canadian travelers and U.S. destinations. Recent trends indicate that although Canadian trips to the U.S. have experienced cancellation surges, this does not signal a total departure. Instead, it presents an opportunity for U.S. destinations to recalibrate their marketing strategies and reconnect with this vital demographic. **Understanding the Current Landscape** Recent headlines surrounding Canadian tourism highlight a decrease in travel to the U.S., driven in part by ongoing trade tensions and concerns surrounding safety and political climates. As the exchange rate fluctuates, many Canadians are…

TravelBrands is set to elevate its Loyalty Rewards Program with exciting changes beginning August 1, 2025. Aimed at enriching the experience for travel agents, the enhanced program introduces a new sales-based tier structure alongside expanded redemption options and upgraded benefits across all product lines. New Tiered Structure for Enhanced Rewards The upcoming enhancements include three distinct tiers: Pro, Plus, and Elite. Each tier is tailored to reward agents based on their annual sales: PRO: $0–$49,999.99 in annual sales* PLUS: $50,000–$149,999.99 in annual sales* ELITE: $150,000+ in annual sales* Starting August 1, 2025, agents will be assigned to Level 1, with…

The Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) has officially transitioned to a for-profit model, propelled by a renewed vision spearheaded by its new president and CEO, Robin Ruiz. This significant change comes after the organization, which was initially established as a nonprofit in 2018, faced financial challenges leading to its dissolution in May. Ruiz, the founder and CEO of Wellness in Travel & Tourism (WITT), aims to reinvigorate the WTA’s mission to promote wellness tourism, emphasizing the importance of travel as a catalyst for well-being. Acknowledging the organization’s past accomplishments, Ruiz stated, “This relaunch is a recommitment to changemakers who see travel…

Air India to Suspend New Delhi-Washington Dulles Route Starting September 1 Starting September 1, Air India will suspend its New Delhi to Washington Dulles flight route. This route has been operational three times a week with a stop in Vienna since mid-June. Prior to this adjustment, Air India offered a nonstop service connecting the Indian capital directly to Dulles International Airport. The airline announced that the suspension is necessary due to a fleet shortage. Currently, several Boeing 787-8 aircraft are undergoing modernization, which includes the introduction of upgraded interiors and new business class suites. Air India expects that many of…

Blue Diamond Resorts has officially rebranded to Royalton Hotels & Resorts, consolidating its operations under the renowned name of its flagship Caribbean hospitality brand. This transition marks a significant milestone for the company, which operates 24 all-inclusive resorts across seven stunning Caribbean destinations. The rebranding reflects the increasing recognition and strength of the Royalton brand, known for its luxurious accommodations and exceptional guest experiences. As part of this rebranding initiative, Blue Diamond’s other hotel brands will also fall under the Royalton umbrella. The Hideaway at Royalton will officially be known as Royalton Hideaway, while Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts will…

To effectively manage the rising tide of tourism, the city of Amsterdam has announced a plan to limit river cruise ship dockings to 1,150 annually. Changes to River Cruise Calls in Amsterdam Following a record of 1,950 river cruise calls in 2024, Amsterdam aims to implement stricter regulations through a new tourism strategy. This initiative will enable river cruise operators to receive an annual reduction quota based on previous year’s bookings, adjusting the number of vessels permitted to dock in the city. Collaborative Efforts with the European River Cruise Association The European River Cruise Association (IG RiverCruise) has stepped in…

Panama’s Portobelo National Park Welcomes the Luxurious Ordovician Beach Resort Set against the stunning backdrop of Panama’s Portobelo National Park, the newly opened Ordovician Beach Resort on Isla Grande offers a splendid retreat with 47 luxurious rooms. This $31.5 million transformation of the previous Bananas Village Resort aims to redefine luxury in eco-conscious hospitality. Resort Highlights: Overwater Bungalows and Exclusive Access Guests at the Ordovician Beach Resort can now indulge in the comfort of exquisite overwater bungalows, complete with stunning views of the Caribbean. The property includes an on-site helipad, allowing for convenient access for those arriving by air. This…

Disney Cruise Line is expanding its reach and enhancing brand visibility in new regions, as revealed by CEO Bob Iger during Disney’s fiscal Q3 earnings call. The highlight of this expansion is the introduction of the Disney Adventure, the largest cruise ship in Disney’s fleet. Set to sail from Singapore starting in December, the Disney Adventure boasts a capacity of 6,000 to 7,000 guests, significantly more than the 4,000-passenger capacity typical of Disney’s Wish-class ships. Iger emphasized that this expansion is a strategic move to immerse a new audience in the enchanting world of Disney. “This will give us an…

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled its exciting lineup for the 2027-28 season, featuring an array of global itineraries that promise travelers a chance to explore stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich histories. From Africa to Alaska, this diverse program includes unforgettable experiences aboard luxurious vessels like the Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Explorer, and Seven Seas Splendor. Africa and Arabia: Immersive Journeys Await Ships: Seven Seas Mariner Regent’s Africa and Arabia itineraries will allow travelers to embark on three unique cruises lasting between 14 and 21 nights. Guests will immerse themselves in the captivating landscapes and rich cultures of…