Author: Torry K.

GROWING DEMAND FOR TRAVEL ADVISORS The demand for tailored travel experiences is leading more individuals to seek out professional travel advisors. According to a report by Virtuoso, there has been a remarkable 76% increase in consumers reaching out to travel advisors through its platform. The network’s recently published 2025 Global Luxury Traveler Report reveals that 75% of clients prioritize safety and security when arranging their trips. Furthermore, 65% of these travelers consider the added assurance provided by advisors to be more critical than receiving special perks or upgrades. EXPLOSION OF SHOULDER SEASON TRAVEL Fall travel, which was traditionally seen as…

Viking Cruises Saturn Recently, Viking® (NYSE: VIK) has opened bookings for its highly anticipated 2027–2028 ocean and expedition voyages. This expansion features destination-focused journeys across all seven continents, enhancing the accessibility of Viking’s award-winning fleet and its most celebrated itineraries. Among the highlights is the introduction of Viking Lyra®, the newest addition to the notable ocean fleet, scheduled to sail in the Mediterranean and Scandinavia during her debut season in 2028. Viking has also launched a new expedition itinerary titled Into the Antarctic Circle, offering an exceptional chance for travelers to cross the 66°33′ latitude, which defines the Antarctic Circle.…

TravelBrands Pledges Support to SickKids Foundation with Unique Fundraising Initiative TravelBrands has announced a philanthropic initiative to benefit the SickKids Foundation. On August 14, 2024, the company will donate 1% of all sales to support the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). This commitment is part of a broader effort that has already raised over $1.8 million for the organization, demonstrating the company’s dedication to improving the lives of children and families. Significant Investment in Health and Well-Being In a statement about this partnership, Nathalie Tanious, the President & CEO of H.I.S. Canada Travel Inc. (the parent company of TravelBrands), expressed…

Club Med Announces Exciting Plans for New Resort in Manado, Indonesia Club Med has officially unveiled plans for a spectacular new vacation destination, a 250-room resort set to open in Manado, located in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province. This highly anticipated resort is expected to welcome guests in 2028 and will mark the all-inclusive brand’s third property in Indonesia. Prime Location and Accessibility The Club Med Manado will be ideally positioned along the picturesque east bay of Sulawesi, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. With a convenient location just 70 minutes from Sam Ratulangi International…

The Caribbean continues to be a cornerstone of the modern cruise industry, as highlighted by recent strategies from major cruise lines.Harry SommerNorwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has announced plans to increase its Caribbean fleet deployment by 10% in 2026, while reducing its European presence by 6%. This shift underscores the growing demand for Caribbean vacations, emphasized during the company’s Q2 earnings call in July. NCLH CEO Harry Sommer stated that the enhanced Caribbean itineraries were a direct response to consumer preferences seeking sun-soaked experiences.”Our goal is to curate itineraries that yield the highest guest satisfaction and repeat booking rates. This…

More than 10,000 hotels scattered across Europe have united for a class action lawsuit against Booking.com. In response to increased participation interest, the organizers have announced an extension of the deadline to join the lawsuit, now set for August 29. Originally, hotel representatives had until July 31 to partake in this legal endeavor. This coordinated action is spearheaded by HOTREC, a prominent hospitality association based in Brussels. HOTREC advocates for hotels, restaurants, and cafes across 36 European nations, representing over 30 national hotel associations. The roots of this class action trace back to a ruling by the European Court of…

Last month, speculation emerged suggesting that Universal Orlando Resort is exploring a partnership with Elon Musk’s Boring Company to develop an underground transportation network along International Drive. This proposed system aims to seamlessly connect Universal’s original campus with its upcoming park, the Epic Universe. The goal is to alleviate traffic congestion on I-Drive and provide guests a more efficient means of navigating the resort. While the details remain unconfirmed by either party, sources indicate that the proposed tunnel network could resemble the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop, where passengers are transported via Tesla vehicles to various locations. Universal has already…

As of August 5, 2024, Air Canada flight attendants are set to announce the results of their strike vote, following recent developments in contract negotiations that have left many issues unresolved. The current contract, which was negotiated back in 2015, expired at the end of March 2025. Discussions between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have been ongoing since the start of the year with the assistance of a federal mediator, but an agreement remains elusive. Contract Negotiations and Strike Vote Timeline On July 28, CUPE members began voting on whether to authorize a strike. This…

Intrepid Travel Launches Comprehensive Guide on Sustainable Travel Intrepid Travel has unveiled a new resource designed specifically for travel agents: a 12-page handbook titled “How to Be a Champion of Change: An Agent’s Guide to Understanding Sustainable Travel.” This essential guide aims to equip travel advisors with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively communicate and promote sustainable travel options. Why Sustainable Travel Matters Recent studies have shown a significant consumer interest in sustainable travel. According to research from Skift in 2022, an impressive 90% of travelers seek sustainable options, yet 70% feel daunted by the challenge of becoming more…

Italy specialist Perillo Tours has announced an exciting return to the Emerald Isle, launching its first guided itinerary to Ireland in over a decade. This move comes after an impressive surge in interest from guests eager to explore Ireland through a guided tour experience. The last time Perillo Tours offered an Ireland trip was 15 years ago, marking this as a significant milestone for the operator. New Itinerary: Heart of Ireland Perillo Tours has carefully crafted a memorable and immersive itinerary for those wishing to discover Ireland, leveraging their 80 years of operational expertise in Italy. The Heart of Ireland…