As Dondra Ritzenthaler steps into her role as CEO of Azamara, she is determined to make significant changes to the way the cruise line interacts with travel advisors. Recognizing the pivotal role that advisors play in the booking process, Ritzenthaler is focusing on adjusting financials to increase commissions, bonus commissions, and other incentives for these
Airbnb has recently expanded its product lineup with the introduction of the Icons category. This new category features unique experiences such as a living room performance by Grammy-winning artist Doja Cat or an overnight stay hosted by Bollywood royalty Janhvi Kapoor in India. These offerings aim to provide guests with unforgettable and one-of-a-kind experiences that
Air Vanuatu, a South Pacific state-owned carrier, has recently found itself in a dire situation, leading to the filing for bankruptcy protection on May 10th. This move came right after the airline made the difficult decision to cancel all international flights, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. The cancellation of more than 20 flights to and
Siem Reap in Cambodia is not just known for its temple tours and cultural experiences. It has also gained a reputation as one of the top global travel destinations. Tourists flock to Siem Reap to witness the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO world heritage site that attracts visitors from all corners of the
A recent development in the airline industry has sparked controversy, with major U.S. carriers such as American, Delta, and United suing the Biden administration over a new rule aimed at increasing transparency in fee disclosures. These airlines, along with their trade group Airlines for America, argue that the rule would inundate consumers with unnecessary information
Noma, the renowned Nordic restaurant by chef René Redzepi, is set to make a comeback in Kyoto this fall for another exciting pop-up event. Following the tremendous success of the 10-week pop-up dinner at Ace Hotel Kyoto in spring 2023, Noma Kyoto will once again grace the ancient city with its presence from October 8
Preferred Hotels & Resorts is gearing up to introduce a new portal designed specifically for travel advisors, set to be unveiled in the fourth quarter of this year. This exciting announcement was made by the company’s president, Michelle Woodley, during the recent Global Conference 2024. The portal is aimed at providing a seamless and user-friendly
In an exciting development for Oahu’s hospitality scene, Romer House Waikiki is set to open on June 1. This new adults-only hotel, with 179 rooms, is a sister property to the Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador. The hotel is located off Kuhio Avenue and promises to offer guests a unique experience that pays homage to
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is known for its luxurious voyages and impeccable service. With the addition of a new Tuscany itinerary to its Immersive Overnight collection, guests can now experience even more of Europe’s charm and beauty. The 12-night Sunset Over Tuscany itinerary aboard the Seven Seas Mariner promises an unforgettable journey through Italy and
Barcelona is not only known for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent weather, but also for offering a wide range of outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy. Golf, a sport synonymous with luxury, is a popular choice for those seeking a serene Mediterranean getaway. It not only provides stress relief but also encourages mental focus, making
Venturing into the bustling city of Los Angeles for a factory tour may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those interested in the success story of Country Archer, it is a journey worth taking. Eugene Kang, the mastermind behind Country Archer’s delicious jerky, has been on a remarkable trajectory since his recognition on
The international tourism industry is showing signs of recovery in the United States after a challenging period. With expectations of reaching 98% of 2019 levels this year, up from 84% in 2023, there is hope for a full recovery by the following year. Some states are already seeing promising results, with Visit Florida predicting that
Hyatt Hotels Corp.’s president and CEO, Mark Hoplamazian, expressed optimism during the company’s recent earnings call regarding the business travel demand in 2024. He highlighted that the systemwide first-quarter revenue from the business travel sector was up by 6% year over year, indicating a strong recovery trend. Revenue from business-travel stays globally showed a consistent
As international travel appears to be making a comeback in the U.S., it is important to note that the recovery is not uniform across all destinations. Some areas are benefitting more than others, leading to a fragmented recovery overall. According to the U.S. Travel Association’s annual IPW conference, international travel to the U.S. is expected
When it comes to romantic getaways, many couples overlook the hidden gem of Statesville, North Carolina. Tucked away in the midland mountain region, this town exudes Southern charm and offers a unique blend of luxury and relaxation, perfect for reconnecting with nature and each other. Statesville may not be the first place that comes to
Hot-sauce aficionados may be in for a disappointment as Huy Fong Foods, the maker of the popular sriracha sauce, has announced a temporary production halt due to supplier issues. This is not the first time Huy Fong has faced challenges with its suppliers, with the latest problem revolving around the red jalapeno chilis not meeting
In the aftermath of Choice Hotel International’s unsuccessful attempt to acquire Wyndham Hotels & Resorts through a hostile takeover, CEO Patrick Pacious faced questions during the first quarter earnings call about the company’s future M&A plans. Despite the setback, Pacious did not completely rule out the possibility of revisiting a potential merger with Wyndham in
Recently, the Department of Transportation (DOT) finalized regulations expanding the circumstances under which air passengers are entitled to a ticket refund. Part of these new rules includes requiring ticket agents, who act as the merchant of record, to be responsible for issuing refunds. This decision has sparked controversy within the travel industry, particularly among agencies