Upon her return to the cruise industry as the CEO of Azamara, Dondra Ritzenthaler is determined to revamp the company’s approach to working with travel advisors. Recognizing the pivotal role that advisors play in booking Azamara cruises, Ritzenthaler plans to introduce a range of new financial incentives, including increased commissions, bonus commissions, and other perks
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The recent move by the Biden administration to require greater transparency from U.S. airlines regarding the fees they charge passengers has sparked a legal battle. Major carriers such as American, Delta, and United are suing the Transportation Department over concerns that the new rule will confuse consumers by inundating them with too much information during
Air Vanuatu, a South Pacific state-owned carrier, filed for bankruptcy protection on May 10, just a day after canceling all international flights, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. The airline cited “extended maintenance requirements” on their aircraft as the reason for the cancellations, impacting flights to and from Australian cities like Sydney and Brisbane, as well
Airbnb has recently introduced its Icons category, featuring unique experiences such as a living room performance by Grammy-winning artist Doja Cat and an overnight stay hosted by Bollywood royalty Janhvi Kapoor in India. This new category builds upon the success of limited-edition themed stays in the past, such as Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse and Shrek’s Swamp
Siem Reap, Cambodia is renowned for its temple tours and rich cultural experiences. It consistently ranks as a top global travel destination, attracting tourists from around the world. While its ancient wonders like Angkor Wat are a major draw, Siem Reap also boasts world-class golf courses and a plethora of luxury hotels and resorts. These
Noma, the renowned Nordic restaurant led by chef René Redzepi, is making its return to Kyoto this fall for another pop-up event. Following a successful 10-week pop-up at Ace Hotel Kyoto in 2023, Noma Kyoto is set to showcase the beauty of the fall season in the ancient city from October 8 through December 18.
The travel industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and platforms revolutionizing the way people book their trips. One such innovation comes from Preferred Hotels & Resorts, who recently announced the upcoming launch of a portal specifically for travel advisors. This portal aims to streamline the booking process and provide a user-friendly platform for advisors
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced its latest addition to the Immersive Overnight collection, featuring a Tuscany itinerary with overnight stays in every port of call. The 12-night Sunset Over Tuscany voyage aboard the Seven Seas Mariner will kick off in Trieste, Italy, on October 22, 2025, and wrap up in Barcelona. This unique cruise
On June 1st, Oahu welcomed its first adults-only hotel, the Romer House Waikiki. Boasting 179 rooms, this new property is a sister hotel to the well-known Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador. Located off Kuhio Avenue, Romer House Waikiki’s design pays homage to Waikiki’s mid-century apartment architecture, giving guests a taste of the local culture and
Barcelona’s coastal line is dotted with numerous incredible golf courses, making it a prime destination for those seeking a luxurious sporting experience. Golf is not just about physical exertion; it also emphasizes mental focus, making it an ideal choice for individuals of all ages. Whether you are looking to unwind with friends and family or
Eugene Kang, the founder of Country Archer, has been making headlines since his inclusion in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 food and drink list back in 2018. His journey from working at his family’s gas stations during his childhood to owning a thriving jerky business is truly inspiring. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the
International travel to the U.S. is on the rise after four long years, with the expectation to reach 98% of 2019 levels this year. However, the recovery is not consistent across all areas, with some states seeing more success than others. For instance, Visit Florida is anticipating international visitation to surpass prepandemic levels this year,
Hyatt Hotels Corp. has experienced a significant increase in business travel demand in 2024, according to the company’s president and CEO Mark Hoplamazian. The first-quarter revenue from the business travel sector was up 6% year over year, with some segments showing even higher growth. This positive trend is a clear indication that business travel is
As the international travel industry begins to show signs of recovery after four challenging years, U.S. destinations are experiencing a mixed bag of success. While some areas are seeing a surge in international visitation, others are still struggling to regain momentum. According to the U.S. Travel Association’s annual IPW conference, overall international travel to the
Statesville, North Carolina may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of romantic getaways, but this Southern town has a lot to offer couples looking to relax and reconnect. From luxurious wineries to scenic hot air balloon rides, Statesville is full of unique experiences that cater to romance. Whether you are
Huy Fong Foods, the famous maker of sriracha sauce, has recently announced a temporary halt in production due to a supplier issue with its red jalapeno chilis not being red enough. This problem stems from the fallout with its former longtime pepper partner, Underwood Ranches, which occurred in 2017. The inability to secure quality pepper
The landscape of luxury travel is evolving, as highlighted by a panel of travel advisors at the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Global Conference 2024. Silvio Rebmann, CEO of Cube Travel, noted a trend away from high-priced destinations like Italy towards places where clients can receive more value for their money. With hotel rates soaring, guests
After the failed hostile takeover of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Choice Hotels International is reevaluating its M&A strategy. During the recent earnings call, CEO Patrick Pacious hinted at the possibility of revisiting the merger in the future. However, he emphasized that the decision would ultimately rest with Wyndham shareholders. Pacious expressed confidence in the strategic