Travel
Delta to fly nonstop daily between Atlanta and Tulum, Mexico
Delta Air Lines has announced daily nonstop service between Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) and Tulum’s brand-new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) when it opens for international service in late March 2024. The service will...
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority issues latest guidance for travel to Maui, how to help
With the devastating wildfires still affecting the island of Maui in Hawaii, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) has issued guidance on travel to the island. "HTA will be providing communication updates to our travel partners - airlines, accommodations, ground...
United Airlines to resume daily flights to Beijing and Shanghai, China
United Airlines will be resuming daily flights to China's mainland in fall of 2023. The airline will resume daily flights between San Francisco and Beijing in November and will increase flights to Shanghai with daily flights from San Francisco, starting in October....
Paine Field changes name to Seattle Paine Field International Airport
Snohomish County has changed the name of Paine Field (PAE) to "Seattle Paine Field International Airport." The goal is to improve awareness of PAE among people searching for flights to Seattle. "We have always viewed Paine Field as a second gateway to the Seattle...
Seabourn reveals newest expedition vessel Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has revealed its new Seabourn Pursuit, expected to launch in August of 2023. Seabourn Pursuit will sail five voyages in the Mediterranean before embarking on two voyages across the Atlantic and through the Caribbean. On Oct. 10, 2023, the ship will arrive in...
REI Co-op adds Canadian & U.S. multi-day tours
REI Co-op is diving deeper as a tour operator, with the expansion of rentals, day tours, and multi-day adventures. They have launched three additional Canadian Rockies trips that will take place year-round — as well as new destinations in the United States. "We are...
Marriott and MGM enter into licensing agreement, creating ‘MGM Collection With Marriott Bonvoy’
Marriott International, Inc. and MGM Resorts International are entering into a long-term licensing agreement to create "MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy." The new partnership will launch in October of 2023 and will include 17 of MGM’s resorts, representing more...
Security breach means CLEAR passengers may undergo additional checks at the airport
Passengers enrolled with CLEAR's airport screening may now have to undergo additional security and identification checks due to a security breach in the summer of 2022. The screening program uses eye and fingerprint scanners at airport kiosks to confirm identities of...
Xiamen Airlines launches route between Xiamen and Paris
Xiamen Airlines has launched a nonstop flight between Xiamen, China and Paris France — the 12th intercontinental route of Xiamen Airlines, and also the first intercontinental route launched by the airline since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The Xiamen to Paris route is...
Alaska Airlines adds four new international routes: to Mexico and the Bahamas
Alaska Airlines has announced new routes to Mexico and the Caribbean from two of their West Coast hubs starting in December of 2023. The airline will fly nonstop to Nassau from Los Angeles and Seattle, as well as adding all-new service between Las Vegas and both Cabo...
United Airlines app features lets customers re-book flights and receive vouchers automatically
United Airlines has released new mobile app features in an attempt to shorten customer service lines at airport. The features include a self-service tool that will automatically present travelers personalized re-booking options, bag tracking information, and meal and...
Princess Cruises unveils new wedding packages, including ambassador Randy Fenoli
Princess Cruises is celebrating 25 years of hosting modern weddings at sea, and unveiled a new lineup of wedding packages on their sailings. Princess Perfect Weddings include grand ceremonies onboard The Love Boat and Randy Fenoli as Brand Ambassador for Love and...
Lindblad-National Geographic team up with Food & Wine sailings through Pacific Northwest
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has partnered with Food & Wine to bring "gastronomic expeditions" to the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion will sail on an eight-day expedition of the Pacific...
Outdoor recreation continues to grow, with more than 50% of Americans participating
A new report by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and Outdoor Foundation (OF) found that outdoor recreation is growing and that more than half of all Americans over the age of six participated in 2022. The report, the 2023 Annual Outdoor Participation Trends...
Alaska Airlines adds new cross-U.S. routes
Alaska Airlines is adding new routes for winter, including cross-U.S. routes. The routes include Portland, OR to Miami, Palm Springs to New York JFK, and San Luis Obispo to Las Vegas. "We believe our guests are going to love these new nonstops. We continue to see...
Disney Cruise Lines launches Halloween and holiday cruises for fall of 2024
Disney Cruise Line is adding or bringing back some offerings in 2024, including Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises. "With rare itineraries to Hawaii and the South Pacific and more opportunities to visit Disney's newest island destination in The...
MoonPass Lookouts showcase history of Great Fire of 1910
Kristie Wolfe, an airbnb owner who has created a number of unique experiences, including the Famous Idaho Potato airbnb (yes, you actually get to stay in a giant potato), has launched her latest property: MoonPass Lookouts. MoonPass Lookouts: An Elevated Forest...
Alaska Airlines launches Seattle/Everett to Honolulu flight
Alaska Airlines will be introducing a new nonstop flight between Seattle/Everett and Honolulu beginning in Fall of 2023. The flight will leave from Paine Field-Snohomish County Airport, and will launch on Nov. 17, 2023. The flight is Alaska's first new route to...
Thailand Tourism launches 2023 Let’s Go Thailand campaign
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Los Angeles recently announced the launch of Let's Go Thailand, a new campaign designed to help travelers create their own unique Thailand experience. Let's Go Thailand began running in May 2023 and will run through August, and...
Puerto Rico’s meetings industry ends year with record numbers
Discover Puerto Rico, the Island's Destination Marketing Organization, is closing fiscal year of 2022-2023 with record numbers in the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) sector driven by a diverse set of events hosted on the island. Puerto Rico...
Holland America launches new departures for 2024-2025 Asia season
Holland America has announced their 2024-2025 Asia season, with departures from Hong Kong, China; Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan; and Singapore. The routes will visit 10 countries, with a strong focus on Japan. “The demand for Asia remains strong as cruisers seek experiences...
National Geographic Expeditions announces 3 new itineraries in 5 new countries
National Geographic Expeditions has announced three new itineraries and five new countries to their travel portfolio for 2024. The new Signature Land trips visit Bhutan, Colombia, and the Baltics. Each itinerary is group-guided and "will provide an enriching, in-depth...
Sports travel industry embracing international NFL games
With the NFL regularly planning multiple games overseas each year, sports travel has become an important industry for fans wanting to attend the games. Sports Traveler was founded in 2000 and specializes in sports travel packages to major sporting events all over the...
Crocodile Creek allows visitors to experience Colorado’s dinosaur history
Morrison, Colorado is home to a vast prehistoric history, and a new viewing platform at "Crocodile Creek" on Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison gives visitors a sense of the watery Cretaceous landscape now preserved in sandstone. Guests can explore for free or pay for guided...
Marriott International to enter the ‘affordable midscale’ extended stay market
Marriott International, Inc. will be adding to their extended stay market portfolio, currently being called Project MidX Studios — although it's officially unnamed. With the launch, Marriott plans to expand their affordable midscale lodging segment. According to...
Pacifica Hotels purchases Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle
Pacifica Hotels has purchased the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle for $33.7 million. Pacifica plans to undergo a renovation of the property, including 125 guest rooms, hotel restaurant, and lobby. Pacifica Hotels is the largest owner and operator of boutique hotels...
Travelex Insurance launches new cancel-for-any-reason options for travelers
Travelex Insurance Services Inc. launched a new line of travel protection plans with an enhanced cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) upgrade covering up to 75 percent of trip cost, age-band pricing, and additional coverage benefits. Travelex's previous travel protection...
Viking to launch 3 new ships on the Nile River in Egypt
Viking Cruises is launching three brand new Nile River ships, including the Viking Hathor, to debut in 2024. Viking's 2023 season on the Nile River is already sold out. Viking's new ship will sail on the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, and will join the...
Marriott CEO to speak at Morgan Stanley Travel and Leisure Conference
Anthony Capuano, president and chief executive officer at Marriott International, Inc. will speak at the 2023 Morgan Stanley Travel and Leisure Conference on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Capuano will begin speaking at 8:35 a.m. (EDT) and will be webcast live. You can access...
France bans short-haul domestic flights
France will be banning short-term flights within the country, encouraging train travel instead. A new law requires any flights to be canceled that can be replaced by a train journey under two-and-a-half hours. The new law went into effect in mid-May, although many...
Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort completes $8 million renovation
The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa has completed an $8 million renovation to its public spaces. The renovation began in July 2022 and was completed in May 2023. The renovation included the redesign of the 403-room resort's entry, lobby, reception areas,...
MAP: Silversea’s 140-day 2026 World Cruise announces on-sale date
Silversea Cruises has announced details for their 140-day World Cruise 2026: "The Curious and the Sea." The World Cruise will embark Silver Dawn in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Jan. 6, 2026 and travel to 70 destinations in 37 countries, which is the most ever (so far)...
Hilton announces extended stay brand, Project H3
Hilton is adding an extended stay brand to their portfolio — to help meet the needs of the $300 billion workforce travel market. The brand will be for travelers looking for 20 nights or more in apartment-style accommodations. The new brand will launching in the U.S....
Holland America sailing first ship with Space X’s Starlink for internet service
Holland America Line guests and crew are now using SpaceX's Starlink internet on its Pinnacle Class ship Koningsdam, now sailing in Alaska. Starlink was installed on the ship during an April drydock. Starlink is Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology aimed at...
Cambria Hotels two open first 2 hotels in Pacific Northwest
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (CHI) is opening its first two Cambria Hotels in the Pacific Northwest. CHI has started construction on Cambria Hotel Pearl District in Portland, Oregon and Cambria Hotel Hillsboro in Hillsboro, Oregon. Both properties are expected to...
Visit Montana highlights Montana Dinosaur Trail for summer visitors
Montana is home to a busy prehistoric past, and Visit Montana wants travelers to know about the Montana Dinosaur Trail. "Winding its way through the state, the Montana Dinosaur Trail takes travelers back in time with 14 locations to learn about Montana's prehistoric...
Sabre unveils new group and leisure travel booking platform
Sabre has announced Sabre Vacations, a platform for travel advisors to book leisure and group travel booking. The roll-out to new and existing Sabre travel agency customers is expected to begin in July of 2023. Sabre Vacations is a travel comparison tool to allow...
Inaugural Bahamas Dive Week kicks off in San Salvador
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) is set to host the first ever Bahamas Dive Week on San Salvador scheduled for May 6-13. Dive Week Kicks off in San Salvador, and will also include destinations like Grand Bahama Island and Nassau....
Miami Beach kicks off summer with new itineraries and app
Miami Beach is ready to kick off the unofficial start to summer with a collection of events and experiences for visitors. To help make it even easier for those ready to plan vacations or staycations now, the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA) is...
JW Marriott’s new Clearwater Beach resort ready for your next event
JW Marriott has opened its newest property in Clearwater Beach, Florida. The JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is located on what has been called "America's Best Beach." The property is home to 20,000 sq. feet of event and meeting space. “We are excited to...
Feature: A conversation with CityPASS on the future of travel
Things have begun to return to normal in the travel industry, but most agree that travel will likely never be exactly what it was prior to 2020. For the companies who survived through the pandemic, the world of travel is a very different place. Companies have adapted,...
A&K Travel Group acquires Crystal Cruises’ name, 2 ships
A&K Travel Group has announced the acquisition of the Crystal Cruises name, as well as two ships: the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. A&K's goal is to relaunch the ships in 2023 after "extensive refurbishment" and will operate under the name "Crystal...
US to end COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers
The White House is expected to announce on Friday that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will lift their COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers re-entering the United States from other countries, according to CNN. The new ruling will go into...
Atlantis Paradise Island to undergo complete renovations
Atlantis Paradise Island is embarking on multimillion-dollar renovations at their resort in The Bahamas. The renovations include redevelopment of the Beach Tower, all Royal Tower guest rooms and suites, the Atlantis Casino, and the addition of another Michelin-starred...
United Airlines to launch or resume 30 transatlantic flights by June
United Airlines is launching the largest transatlantic expansion in its history, with 30 Transatlantic flights being launched or resumed between mid-April and early June of 2022. The new nonstop flight destinations include: Amman, Jordan Bergen, Norway Azores,...
Hawaiian Airlines to add Starlink broadband on all transatlantic flights
Hawaiian Airlines is the first major airline to sign a contract with Starlink to provide their broadband internet service to their transatlantic flights between the Hawaiian Islands and the continental United States, Asia, and Oceania. Hawaiian Airlines will include...
Silversea’s Antarctic cruises add departure from Puerto Williams, Chile
Silversea Cruises is launching an itinerary to Antarctica from Puerto Williams, Chile for the 2022-2023 season. The route will be traveled by the cruise line's three ice-class expedition ships: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, and Silver Explorer. "I extend my gratitude to...
Feature: Cypress Tours is ready to welcome the world back to Italy
There are so many tour companies taking travelers all across the world, but some of the more unsung heroes are the smaller or one-person companies introducing travelers to new locations and cultures. Lynette of Cypress Tours has been taking groups to Italy for more...
European travel by Americans to increase 600 percent in summer 2022
Although many Americans have opted to travel domestically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend for summer of 2022 is leaning toward European travel. According to a report by Allianz Partners, the Top 10 Summer European Destinations, travel to Europe...
Travel & Tourism industry expected to create 126 million new jobs by 2032
The World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) shows expected signs of recovery, with nearly 126 million new jobs within the Travel & Tourism industry within the next decade. The report also found that the new jobs created will...
Top 10 airports in the world show 2021 show travel recovery
Although 2020 and 2021 were not normal for travel, the busiest airports in the world remained (at least relatively) the same with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport taking the top spot once again. According to Airports Council International (ACI) World,...
Omni Hotels adds instant booking for groups and meeting planners
Omni Hotels & Resorts, along with Groups 360, have announced a new instant booking experience for groups and meeting spaces. GroupSync is Group360's proprietary online booking marketplace, and is available now at the Omni Frisco Hotel in Frisco, Texas, and will...
Southwest to increase service in California, Hawaii, Cuba
Southwest Airlines will be adding additional services to its flight schedules beginning in early June, including destinations like California, Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, and the Caribbean. “For a gamut of travelers seeking business opportunity, faraway fun, or...
Hawaiian Airlines to resume nonstop Honolulu-Auckland flights
Hawaiian Airlines is planning to resume its nonstop flights between Honolulu (HNL) and Auckland (AKL) after two years of pandemic-related travel restrictions. The flights between Hawaii and New Zealand will resume three times a week beginning on July 2. "Our July...
Hurtigruten Expeditions announces 2023-24 season
Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world's largest expedition cruise line, has announced their 2023-2024 itineraries. The new itineraries span five continents and 150 different itineraries, including to the Galápagos, Antarctica, Arctic, West Africa, the Caribbean, Canary...
Palms Las Vegas announces grand re-opening April 27
Palms Casino Resort has announced plans to reopen on April 27, 2022, with fireworks on opening night. They will be open for stays on April 28, 2022. The iconic hotel had undergone a more than $600 million renovation beginning in 2019. "Our goal is to deliver a truly...
JetBlue plans to acquire Spirit Airlines
JetBlue has announced it is proposing the purchase of Spirit Airlines, which would make it one of the largest airlines in the United States. "The combination of the two airlines would position JetBlue as the most compelling national low-fare challenger to the four...
Hyatt adds 100+ all-inclusive resorts to rewards program
Hyatt Hotels is adding to its rewards portfolio, with the addition of more than 100 luxury all-inclusive resorts across seven brands to its AMR Collection portfolio. The new resorts will join the program in phases, beginning with six Cancun resorts joining the World...
Four Seasons launches Tuscany driving tour
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts have unveiled Beyond by Four Seasons, "An Exclusive Driving Journey Through Tuscany," as their latest destination tour. The weeklong tour will be curated by the brand and showcase the Tuscan countryside by luxury car with the Four...
Oceania cruising with travel trends: adding solo cabins and sustainability travel
Oceania Cruises is rolling out new solo and sustainable travel options for their ships, after industry feedback in both areas. Their ships will add staterooms for solo travelers as well as the debut of Go Green and Beyond Blueprints shore excursion series as part of...
CDC ends COVID advisory for cruises
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially lifted their COVID-19 risk advisory for cruise ship travel, two years after initially issuing the warning. The CDC posted the news online, removing their "Cruise Ship Travel Health Notice." The notice...
WeTravel partners with Tourism Cares for Meaningful Travel Map of North America
WeTravel has announced they will be sponsoring Tourism Cares' Meaningful Travel Map of North America, which will help travel businesses connect with bookable, sustainable experiences by adding them directly to new or existing itineraries. Visit the Meaningful Travel...
Vail Resorts purchases majority of Swiss ski resort
Vail Resorts are moving into Europe. The company announced they are purchasing a majority stake in Andermatt-Sedrun Sport AG in Central Switzerland from Andermatt Swiss Alps AG (ASA). The purchase will help Vail Resorts invest in the Europe market, with a resort that...
U.S. Travel asks the White House to phase out COVID travel restrictions
The U.S. Travel Association is the latest association to call on the White House to phase out pandemic-era restrictions. The letter to incoming White House COVID-19 response coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha asked for travel to resume fully. The letter pointed to countries...
Air New Zealand launches flagship JFK-AKL flight
Just a few weeks after New Zealand announced their reopening to international travelers, Air New Zealand has announced a nonstop New York City to Auckland flight. The flight will operate three times a week and will run between John F. Kennedy Airport in New York and...
Survey: Majority of business travelers are ready to return to travel
Business travel was one of the segments affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world got used to online work, there were concerns that it would never return — at least not to the same level it was in 2019. But a new study found good news when it comes to the return...
Viking leads new Iceland cruise trend
Iceland has been a popular destination for travelers for year, in part to the country's tourism campaigns and in part to IcelandAir providing a stopover service for the country. And now cruise lines have taken the hint and are offering circumnavigations of the island....
Travel agency air sales hits highest point since February 2020
Travel agency air ticket sales hit their highest point since February 2020, according to a report by the Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC). The February 2022 sales totaled $5.4 billion by travel agencies. Air ticket sales also increased by 253 percent between February...
Report: EU’s tourism saw significant improvement in 2021
Those in the tourism industry understand how locations across the world have struggled since 2020. But as countries begin to open up and remove restrictions, tourism is making a comeback. The European Union's (EU) Eurostat found that tourism in the EU improved overall...
New Zealand will welcome visitors for first time since 2020
Just days after Australia announced they will be reopening to visitors, New Zealand is following suit. The island country closed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and remained closed the last two years. Beginning on April 13, vaccinated visitors from Australia...
ASTA asks White House to forego testing requirement for fully-vaccinated travelers
Many Americans are still avoiding international travel because of the testing requirement upon reentering the country, even if they are vaccinated. The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has asked the White House to reconsider testing requirements for...
Alaska Airlines launches flight subscription service for one monthly fee
Alaska Airlines is launching a subscription flight service, allowing travelers to take a large number of flights for a monthly fee. Alaska's Flight Pass will cost $49 and is rolling out to California first, with Flight Pass members able to take up to 24 roundtrip...
Southwest Airlines CEO opens door to assigned seating
Southwest Airlines may soon be getting rid of one of their most recognizable features, maybe. According to new CEO Bob Jordan, there is a possibility they could consider assigned seating on the airline. Southwest Airlines has traditionally had open seating on all...
Thailand to relax travel requirements, beginning in February
Thailand is planning to relax their entry requirements beginning in February, after getting through a short Omicron COVID surge. During a Thursday meeting of the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration, Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and the Thai...
Map: What countries are open & what are travel restrictions?
With constantly changing travel restrictions around the world, Sherpa has put together an interactive map to help travelers and travel advisors stay up to date on the current requirements and restrictions. The interactive travel restrictions map allows you to see the...
Crystal Cruises suspends operations
Crystal Cruises has suspended operations, due to its parent company's Genting Hong Kong's financial issues. The suspension was originally through April and may for ocean and expedition ships, respectively, but the new announcement means there is no reopening date for...
Wellness travel is expected to surpass $1.1 billion by 2025
Wellness tourism continues to grow, with an expected growth of 20.9 percent every year through 2025, according to a new report. The report, The Global Wellness Economy: Looking Beyond COVID by the Global Wellness Institute, found that the industry will reach nearly...
Italy to pay cruise lines after Venice ship ban
The Italian government is paying cruise lines for their decision to ban large ships from the Venice lagoon. According to Italian newspaper The Local, the compensation will come out to 57.5 million euros, or around $65 million. Around 30 million euros will be allocated...
Silversea’s first hybrid ship has a name: Silver Nova
Silversea Cruises has named its very first hybrid ship. Silver Nova is a new kind of ship, which is a part of Silversea's Project Revolution. Silver Nova is expected to be delivered in summer of 2023, and will be the first hybrid, luxury cruise ship free of local...
Restored Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park is unveiled
The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has completed the renovation of the Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park (USP), which is located off the West Coast of Grenada in the Molinere Beauséjour Marine Protected Area. A destination for snorkelers and divers, the Grenada...
Feature: Visit Sun Valley on the future of tourism, welcoming new types of visitors
Sun Valley, Idaho came to fame in the 1940s and 1950s when Hollywood arrived, with films from stars like Abbott & Costello, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, and Glenn Miller. The area was also home to Ernest Hemingway (he wrote For Whom The Bell Tolls there, as well...
Thailand’s reopening gives insight to other countries
Thailand's reopening has other Asian countries looking at how to open, and what that opening may look like. Although tourism in Thailand is increasing, it is slow and steady for the country. According to Reuter, Thailand has 106,117 foreign tourists between January...
Marriott CEO sees new desire for travel
Marriott is seeing the desire for travel — both domestic and international. Marriott International CEO Tony Capuano spoke during their third quarter earnings call, and is optimistic for the future. “It's been wonderful to see so many people traveling again and to...
Hyatt completes acquisition of Apple Leisure Group
Apple Leisure Group (ALG) has a new owner, as Hyatt Hotel Corporation has completed their acquisition of the travel company. The acquisition includes 100 hotels in 10 countries of ALG's AMR Collection, which will double the number of Hyatt resorts around the world....
Survey: 63% of Americans plan to travel for the holidays
Americans are looking to travel for the holidays in 2021, according to a survey by The Vacationer. The survey found that 63 percent of American adults (161 million people) are planning to travel for at least one holiday before the end of 2021, and 42 percent of...
Valencia and Bordeaux named 2022 European Capital of Smart Tourism winners
The European Capital of Smart Tourism (ECST) competition has selected two cities as their 2022 winners: Bordeaux, France and Valencia, Spain. The two winners will receive their official award at the Award Ceremony during the European Tourism Forum gala dinner on 16...
CDC extends conditional cruise order until 2022, with some small changes
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has extended their Framework for Conditional Sailing Order (CSO), with some minor changes. The CDC said the cruise industry has a unique opportunity to monitor, detect, and respond to any cases of COVID-19. "As a result,...
Royal Caribbean launches their own world cruise
Following the success of world cruises, Royal Caribbean has decided to launch its own Ultimate World Cruise. The itinerary includes 274 nights, seven continents, 65 countries, and more than 150 destinations. The new Royal Caribbean Cruise will sail on Serenade of the...
CRVA opens expanded $127 million Charlotte Convention Center
The city of Charlotte's new Charlotte Convention Center expansion opened this week after nearly two years of construction. The $126.9 expansion was welcomed by the city of Charlotte and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA). The new center broke ground in...
Grand Teton, Yellowstone visitor numbers shows growth of outdoor travel
Grand Teton Park in Wyoming has already surpassed their past visitor records in 2021, in the first nine months of the year. The park, as well as nearby Yellowstone, have shown an increase in visitors as people look to get outdoors. Between January and September 2021,...
US to allow foreign travelers starting in November, with stipulations
The United States will be allowing in foreign tourists beginning in November, as long as they are fully vaccinated, according to White House Assistant Press Secretary Kevin Munoz. "The US’ new travel policy that requires vaccination for foreign national travelers to...
Viking introduces new ship and 3 new itineraries
Viking is launching a new ship, Viking Saturn, which will join the cruise line's fleet in 2023. The ship will spend her maiden season with itineraries in Scandinavian and Nordic countries, including a 15-day journey to Iconic Iceland, Greenland, and Canada; a 15-day...
Report: Ryanair banning customers for credit card chargebacks
Ryanair has reportedly banned customers who were issued a chargeback by their credit cards for flights that were in operation. A chargeback is when a credit card customer disputes a purchase on their credit card, and is refunded — even if the company does not agree to...
U.S. to open land borders with Mexico and Canada to fully-vaccinated travelers
The United States announced on Oct. 12 that they will finally be reopening land borders with Mexico and Canada beginning in November. The openings will only apply to fully vaccinated travelers. Unvaccinated travelers will still be unable to enter the United States...
Fiji to reopen after nearly 2 years of being closed
After nearly two years of being closed, Fiji has announced they are reopening and are ready to welcome visitors, starting in December 2021. Fiji will be reopening with entry requirements in place, including required vaccines, providing negative RT-PCR tests taken...
World Travel & Tourism Council’s 2022 Global Summit will take place in Manila
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), has announced their 21st Global Summit will be taking place in 2022. The event, which was last held earlier in 2021 in Cancun, Mexico, will take place from March 14-16, 2022 in Manila Philippines. The WTTC will also be...
TSA lowers TSA Precheck online renewal fee by $15
If you are looking to renew your TSA Precheck any time soon, your fee just got a lot lower. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced the renewal fee for online renewals will be going from $85 to $70, effective Oct. 1. “TSA PreCheck was launched 8...
Australia will lift travel ban plan for citizens, months earlier than expected
Australia will begin lifting their travel bans for international travel starting in November, according to a new plan by Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Australia's government had originally said they would not be opening any sooner than 2022. The new plan would allow...
Top travel trending locations for holidays include Florida, Mexico
Travelers are once again looking forward to holiday travel, and are already planning. According to a survey conducted by Expedia, the top destinations include beach and mountain locations. "Whether you're hoping to spend your holidays on the sand or on a ski slope,...
Marriott brings back their hot breakfast buffet
Marriott will be rolling out their hot breakfast options for a "limited number of hotels" in their brands, including Residence Inn by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, and TownePlace Suites by Marriott. Travel trend: Wellness is an...
Travel trend: Wellness is an important part of future trips
Although wellness has always been a travel niche, it has been growing in popularity in the last few months. According to a poll conducted by American Express, 76 percent of travelers want to improve their well-being while traveling and 68 percent said they are...
MGM Resorts plans to acquire The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas
MGM Resorts International announced they will be acquiring The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas from Blackstone, for cash consideration of $1.625 billion. The Cosmopolitan opened in 2010, and was acquired by Blackstone in 2014. With the purchase, MGM will enter into a...
Survey: Families are ready to travel, but not too far
A new survey has found that the majority of families are hoping to travel in the next 12 months. The study, released by the Family Travel Association (FTA) and the NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, found that 88 percent of...
SE Asian islands are planning reopenings this fall
Much of Southeast Asia closed to tourists in 2020 due to COVID-19, but a few of them are reopening. Islands in SE Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, kept their COVID rates low in 2020 and 2021 due to the closures. Thailand officially reopened to tourism...
Study: Americans are ready to get out and travel
A majority of Americans are ready to travel again, according to a new survey conducted by Longwoods International. The study found that only 30 percent of Americans said COVID-19 will "greatly impact" their decision to travel in the next six months. Sixty percent said...
Vaccinated travelers to the Bahamas will no longer need a COVID-19 test before travel
The Bahamas has changed their visitor requirements for fully-vaccinated travelers. As of May 1, those travelers will no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the country. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated will still need to upload a...
NYC mayor: The city will ‘fully reopen’ by July 1
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said he expects the city to "fully reopen" by July 1, with all COVID-19 restrictions lifted by then, according to the Associated Press. "We are ready for stores to open, for businesses to open, offices, theaters, full strength," he...
Los Cabos expects return to pre-pandemic numbers by summer 2021
As things begin to reopen, locations that rely on tourism and meetings are figuring out the best ways to open safely and welcome visitors back to their towns. Los Cabos has done a lot since the beginning of the pandemic to be safe and encourage the reopening of travel...
Norwegian plans to sail from Caribbean, Europe starting in July 2021
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is planning to sail this summer outside of the United States. Because rules by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will limit their sailings, NCL announced they are planning to focus on the Caribbean and Europe by summer of...
CDC changes requirements for cruise return, plans for mid-July relaunch
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) sent a letter to cruise lines on April 28, telling them they can forego test sailings if 98 percent of their crew and 95 percent of their passengers are fully vaccinated. The letter, which was obtained by Travel Weekly, also said...
ASTA asks CDC to reconsider reentry rules when travel to Europe returns
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is asking the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to lift reentry rules for international travel into the United States. With the European Commission (EC) saying they were considering lifting a ban on American visitors,...
European Commission: Vaccinated Americans may visit Europe as early as summer
It looks like American tourists who have been fully vaccinated may be able to visit the European Union as early as summer 2021, according to the New York Times. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, told the New York Times in an interview that...
CDC says fully-vaccinated people are safe to travel
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its travel guidance for people who are fully vaccinated, and said that "people who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine can travel safely within the United States." The guidance does come with...
New York becomes first state to launch COVID passport for travel & events
New York has become the first state to launch a COVID vaccine passport, for travel, events, and restaurants. Excelsior Pass is a "free, voluntary platform" developed in partnership with IBM, according to a statement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office, "which utilizes...
Alaska Airlines joins oneworld as 14th member
Alaska Airlines has announced it has joined oneworld as the 14th full member of the global alliance. The alliance will allow the airline and its passengers a global network of flights to as many as 1,000 destinations across more than 170 countries. With its membership...
![Silversea’s 139-day world cruise sells out on first day [video]](jpg/silversea-cruise-139-day-world-tour-400x250.jpg)
Silversea’s 139-day world cruise sells out on first day [video]
Silversea Cruises' new 139-day World Cruise 2023 has sold out on the first day of its general opening. The cruise, named "South Side Story - All the World's a Stage," will travel to 66 destinations in 34 countries across five continents. The World Cruise 2023 will...
Travel industry asks White House to set timeline for reopening travel
Leaders in the travel and aviation industries in the United States sent a letter to the Biden administration to come up with a plan to reopen international travel. Twenty-six organizations signed the letter, including the U.S. Travel Association, the American Hotel...
Royal Caribbean will relaunch 3 ships in June, vaccine required
Royal Caribbean has announced a return to cruising in June, but not for everyone. The cruise line, as well as sister cruise line Celebrity Cruises, will require COVID vaccines for all adult passengers and crew members. Passengers under 18 will be required to provide a...
Iceland begins to accept all vaccinated travelers
Iceland has announced they will begin accepting foreign travelers beginning March 18, 2021 — with a certificate of vaccination for COVID-19. The requirements mean travelers who have been vaccinated will be able to travel to Iceland without a PCR test and quarantine,...
British Airways rolls out COVID-19 document trial on their website
British Airways is starting a trial for document certification for travelers. Travelers will be able to upload their negative COVID-19 test results and other travel declaration forms, including a vaccination form, directly to a portal on British Airways' website...
IATA: Increased confidence in travel, support for Travel Pass
Recent travelers are gaining confidence in returning to air travel, according to a recent poll by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The poll, which asked travelers about confidence in a return to air travel, frustration with current travel...
Hilton Grand Vacations to acquire Diamond Resorts
Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) has announced they will acquire Diamond Resorts International (DRI), which is managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management. HGV said the acquisition is expected to combine the brand and culture of Hilton Grand Vacations with Diamond,...
Travel brand KAYAK to open first hotel, in Miami Beach
KAYAK is planning to open their first hotel this year. The KAYAK Miami Beach is expected to open in April 2021. The company, which is a big name in the travel search industry, was founded in 2004 and has not yet ventured into the hotel owner field. “We see a big...
Hyatt Hotels launching Global Franchise and Owner Relations organization
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced a new Global Franchise and Owner Relations organization to help owners and operators improve guest relations and experience. The organization will create a key stakeholder group with the goal of expanding Hyatt's franchise...
JetBlue founder to launch new airline
The United States Transportation Department granted approval for a new airline, Breeze Aviation Group, by the founder of JetBlue Airways. Breeze Aviation has up to one year to begin flights, with up to 22 planes. According to the Associated Press, the company plans to...
Canada bans large cruise lines through February 2022
Canada has announced a ban on cruise ships, with a few exceptions. The restrictions will ban all cruise ships with more than 100 passengers through Canadian waters, including the Canadian arctic, through Feb. 28, 2022. Canadian minister of transport Omar Alghabra made...
Low-cost high speed rail will take passengers from Madrid to Barcelona
Spain is expanding their high-speed rail service with the addition of new lines on the Spanish state operator Renfe's low-cost, high-speed rail service Avlo. The new line will take passengers 300 miles (or 500 kilometers) between Madrid and Barcelona in less than...
Marriott to open more than 100 new Asia Pacific hotels in 2021
Marriott International is expanding their presence in the Asia Pacific, with 100 hotels expected to open in the area in 2021. In 2020, the brand opened 75 properties in the region. “I am proud of the way we have continued to grow and have moved quickly to adapt to the...
Hyatt to offer free COVID-19 testing at Latin American resorts
Hyatt Hotels has announced that they will offer free on-site COVID-19 testing at all their Latin American resorts through May 31, 2021. The tests will be offered to guests traveling to the United States after their stay. The offer is for 19 Hyatt resorts in Mexico,...
Rocky Mountain National Park considering permanent limited entry
Rocky Mountain National Park has learned a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is rethinking how to deal with the overcrowding they have been seeing for years. The park, located in Colorado, had implemented a time-entry reservation system in 2020 to promote social...
Most Disney properties to remain closed, for the time being
Most Disney theme parks are staying closed for the foreseeable future, with Walt Disney World in Florida the only one to open so far. Disneyland in California has been closed for nearly 10 months, with no immediate plans to reopen, and Disneyland Paris just announced...
Royal Caribbean sells Azamara to private equity firm
Royal Caribbean Group has agreed to sell their Azamara brand to a private equity firm, Sycamore Partners. "Royal Caribbean Group will work closely with Sycamore Partners to ensure a seamless transition of services as we move through this process, and you should expect...
More hotels & venues receiving GBAC accreditation, helping them hold safe in-person events
A new certificate program is helping to rank event venues who are providing safe spaces during the COVID-19 crisis. The Global BioRisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a subset of ISSA, has been working with events venues to work through their cleanliness and safety...
CDC to require negative COVID test for all travelers to the U.S., including U.S. citizens
Air travelers arriving to the United States from foreign destinations will now need to show proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of arriving back in the country, including U.S. citizens (ages 2 and older). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made...
Delta Airlines will no longer allow emotional support animals on flights
Delta Airlines has stopped accepting emotional support animals on their flights, and will now only accept Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved service animals. In December, DOT ruled that airline carriers are no longer required to recognize emotional support...
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