Global Travel News

Booking.com and Mariah Carey are offering travellers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to vacation just like Mimi this summer, with a special overnight trip package at the singer’s favourite Beverly Hills vacation rental on Booking.com, where she’s been living it up for the past three months. And it will only cost $6.21.

With Carey now ready to hand over the keys to her ritzy summer reprieve, Booking.com has created a single trip package that includes a two-night stay ‘Mariah’s Beverly Hills Escape,’ complete with an itinerary curated by Carey herself that spotlights her favourite places to dine, sightsee, and shop in Los Angeles.

‘Mariah’s Beverly Hills Escape’ will be available to book exclusively on Booking.com on June 21 at noon E.T., for a single stay taking place June 24-26. Priced at only $6.21, in honour of the first day of summer, the unique one-time trip package will feature:
• A two-night stay at the luxurious Beverly Hills estate that Mariah rented this spring (photo)
• Reservations at Mariah’s favourite restaurants, such as The Terrace, Cara, Nobu Malibu, Dan Tana’s and Craig’s
• A private consultation with a fashion stylist to get Mariah-ready along with beauty and self-care tips from Mimi herself, and
• A guide to Mariah’s favourite local attractions, including Will Rogers State Beach, Runyon Canyon, The Getty, The Hammer and The Skirball
• Note: Air and local ground transport not included

“Sometimes a week or two isn’t enough to get away. That’s why I was thrilled to stay for a few months in a gorgeous Beverly Hills estate, which I found on Booking.com,” said the award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and record producer. “My family and I enjoyed all the luxuries this beautiful home has to offer and now, one of my Lambs has the opportunity to experience LA in true Mimi fashion by staying in the same home and visiting all my favorite places in the area!”

For more information on Booking.com and Mariah’s Beverly Hills Escape, visit: https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/mariahs-beverly-hills-escape.html.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Air Canada is returning to Singapore after more than three decades, launching new service from Vancouver, effective April 3, 2024. Operating four times a week, flights will be the only non-stops from Canada to the southeast Asian city-state, and will offer a further gateway to Southeast Asia, Southern India and Western Australia via Singapore’s Changi International.

The airline says seats can now be booked aboard Flights Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft featuring three cabins of service, including Signature Class with lie-flat seats, Premium Economy, and Economy Class.

“Air Canada continues to adapt its international network strategy in response to evolving global trends and is broadening its presence in the Indo-Pacific region to capitalize on growing business links and Canada’s changing demographics,” says said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada.

He adds that the airline is “committed to growing YVR as a premier trans-Pacific hub – and Singapore is a top global financial centre, a multicultural destination that offers an abundance of tourism and food experiences, as well as an important gateway to beyond destinations… Our newest flight will be equally appreciated by international business travellers, as well as those seeking an exciting holiday destination, or simply visiting friends and family.”

The airline says the schedule – departing YVR Monday-Wednesday-Friday- Saturday (returning Tues-Thur-Sat-Sun) has been built to conveniently connect to and from destinations across North America via Air Canada’s Vancouver hub and, in Singapore to and from destinations across Southeast Asia, South India & Western Australia with Star Alliance and codeshare partner Singapore Airlines.

Transport minister Omar Alghabra commented: “It’s no secret that the last few years have been hard on the air sector. This announcement of the first non-stop flight between Canada and Singapore by Air Canada is great news for the sector and for Canadians as the industry continues to recover. Improving access between Canada and Singapore will help keep the air sector here in Canada competitive, while helping communities stay connected with friends and loved ones between our two countries.

Known as “The Lion City” Singapore is known for its multiculturalism, unique architecture, and attractions (like the Avatar-like Gardens by the Bay), shopping, gastronomy, and the original Raffles Hotel – home of the Singapore Sling cocktail – and consistently top-rated airport, Changi, which includes a hotel, shopping outlets, entertainment venues, and the world’s largest indoor waterfall, The Vortex, which welcomed 50 million visitors in just its first six months after opening.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Celebrity Cruises has unveiled for the first details about what travellers can experience on board the brand’s newest resort at sea, Celebrity Ascent, when it sets sail this December out of Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The fourth ship in the cruise line’s Edge Series, Ascent will transport guests to some of the Caribbean’s popular destinations like the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands, before departing to Europe for a summer of Mediterranean cruises to Greece, Italy, Turkey, Spain, and France.

On board Celebrity Ascent, guests will enjoy the signature experiences of the brand’s Edge Series ships, including its industry-first outward facing design that maximizes views and outdoor areas allowing guests to connect with the world around them, a robust food and beverage program with 30 plus choices from casual to fine dining to satisfy all palates, plus spacious and sleek staterooms in a breadth of accommodation options catering to all travellers from solo adventurers and couples, to multi-generational family groups.

Incorporating all the features that made her sister ships in the Edge Series a TIME magazine “World’s Greatest Places,” Celebrity Ascent will bring back favoured signature experiences, like:

• The Theatre takes entertainment at sea to a new level with state-of-the-art technology and experiential, imaginative performances.
• The Rooftop Garden – the ultimate outdoor haven where guests can enjoy live music, movies, infinity float pools, and even al fresco dining at the Rooftop Garden Grill.
• The Spa – Where holistic wellness takes center stage through 120 destination-inspired treatments, the SEA Thermal Suite featuring eight distinctive therapeutic experiences inspired by nature, plus specialty treatment beds, a full-service salon and barber.
• The sprawling Resort Deck – Featuring a main pool lined with cabanas, two-story martini-glass-shaped hot tubs, and The Solarium, an adults-only, tranquil spa-inspired retreat built for relaxation and complete with pool, hot tub, and loungers.
• The Sunset Bar designed by Nate Berkus – Where an international beach club ambiance meets fresh sea breezes and boundless views.
• The Magic Carpet – The world’s first cantilevered lounge and gathering space at sea sits on the edge of the ship, offering a new way to drink, dine and socialise while enjoying unobstructed panoramic views.
• Inventive culinary experiences like the three-story Eden Bar and Restaurant featuring floor-to-ceiling views, or the fully immersive and animated Le Petit Chef dinner.
• The Grand Plaza and Martini Bar stuns guests with an interactive chandelier and jaw-dropping Flair, Flash, Fusion bartender shows.
• Modernized accommodation options such as the Infinite Veranda, which transforms from window to terrace with the push of a button, and the AquaClass staterooms built for wellbeing-seekers that are packed with thoughtful design and exclusive amenities.

New F&B

Celebrity Ascent will treat guests to a culinary journey that includes new experiences like:

• Redesigned Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud restaurant – First featured on Celebrity Beyond, the brand will continue its partnership with Boulud and introduce his second restaurant at sea. The reimagined space will offer an intimate fine dining experience inspired by the chef’s travels.
• Plant-based tasting menu at Eden Restaurant – Bringing guests closer to the earth through a culinary journey rooted in untouched, fresh and seasonal ingredients.
• Never-before-seen Le Petit Chef dinner – The crowd favourite dinner will feature an all-new animation and menu to match.
• Bourbon offerings and tastings – expanding on existing whiskey tastings, Craft Social will now offer high-end bourbons and new tasting seminars.
• More martinis at the Martini Bar – Aligning with the trend of low-sugar cocktails and fresh, crisp ingredients, the Martini Bar will feature brand-new creations and an expanded menu including lychee and passion fruit martinis.
• Revitalized main dining experience – Once again featuring four complimentary main dining options, each with a signature menu and rotating nightly dishes, Ascent will feature a redesigned Cosmopolitan restaurant inspired by the culture of champagne.
• Outdoor terrace at Blu – The clean-cuisine restaurant exclusive to AquaClass guests will feature an outdoor terrace with 24-person seating that will be available for daytime dining, from al fresco brunches to lunches.

Entertainment, art, and retailOn board Ascent, travellers will enjoy enhanced entertainment, art and retail offerings like:

• Nightly entertainment – As the sun sets the Resort Deck becomes the centre stage for the ultimate nightlife experience treating guests to an open-air celebration with live performances, live music, and a DJ creating a pulsating dance floor.
• New production shows – Building on Celebrity’s award-winning entertainment, the brand is partnering with industry-leading creatives to introduce three spectacular new productions shows in The Theatre, new interactive digital experiences and shows in The Club, and new engaging immersive shows in the Eden Bar and Restaurant, all featuring world-class dances, vocalists, musicians, and specialty artists.
• Redesigned Casino floor and brand-new games – A first for Celebrity Cruises, Ascent will feature an all-new gaming floor complete with a new layout, new design featuring deep reds and golds, and all new slot machines with the latest technology.
• Redesigned Art Gallery – The new space is thoughtfully reimagined, allowing guests to better experience priceless art pieces, and enjoy exclusive auctions and art events.
• The Sunset Collection by Nate Berkus – A collection of chic travel and home accessories available exclusively onboard Celebrity Ascent.

Itineraries

With a vast array of dates and itinerary options catering to all kinds of travellers, Ascent is slated for an exciting winter Caribbean and summer Europe season. Options to sail include:

• Join a monumental celebration by taking part in the 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Maiden Voyage on Dec. 3, 2023.
• Caribbean sailings that take place from mid-December to early April 2024, including the 7-night Bahamas, Mexico and Grand Cayman itinerary or the 7-night San Juan, Tortola and St. Kitts.
• Celebrate the holidays at sea during the 7-night Bahamas, Mexico and Grand Cayman Holiday Cruise departing on Dec. 24, or ring in the New Year on the 7-night San Juan, Tortola, and St. Kitts cruise departing on Dec. 31.
• Kick off the summer with the ultimate Mediterranean getaway on the 9-Night Italian Riviera and France itinerary; or cross Rome, Naples, Mykonos, and Santorini off the bucket-list during the 12-night Best of Greece and Italy itinerary.

“I am so excited to introduce the world to Celebrity Ascent and continue the legacy of Celebrity’s Edge Series,” says Celebrity Cruises’ President, Laura Hodges Bethge. “First launched in 2018, the Edge Series transformed what cruising could be and its ships like Edge, Apex and Beyond quickly became consumer favourites. Continuously striving to offer travellers a better way to enjoy travel and reach the world around them, we are so proud of what we have built and look forward to welcoming both seasoned and new cruisers alike.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

With Air Canada flying three times weekly to Saint Lucia this summer, there’s no time like the present for Canadians to take advantage of the amenities of the island’s sibling resorts, Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa and Serenity, travel agents were told at a Toronto event Friday.

Close to 20 agents were treated to a “working lunch” at an airport-area hotel, hosted by Canadian BDM Suzanne Fleming and resort marketing VP Natalia Greene, the latter who informed guests that Serenity had recently earned two prestigious TripAdvisor awards for 2023: No. 1 luxury resort in the Caribbean, and No. 3 hotel overall, while Coconut Bay snagged a new Good Housekeeping travel award (based on inspections, not voting).

The event was supported by Air Canada Vacations with area sales manager Dianne Pedroso detailing tour operator deals – and incentives – for agents to book the two side-by-side properties, which benefit from being located “two minutes – maybe three if you stop at the stop sign” – from the airport, which Greene pointed out allows guests to get to the beach quicker and stay longer than if transferring elsewhere on the island (but rarely subject to any noise).

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

The top-end four-star resort – “not all four-star resorts are created equal,” Greene emphasized – offers “two worlds” on an expansive 35-hectare oceanfront setting (with 1.6-km-long beach) on Saint Lucia’s south coast, close to many island attractions. The resort’s 250 air-conditioned rooms are shared between adult’s only Harmony and family-friendly Splash wings.

Facilities and amenities include nine restaurants, seven bars serving premium brand spirits, five pools (including two at Harmony), a full-service salon and oceanfront spa, the island’s largest waterpark, supervised Kidz Klub, free in-room Wi-Fi, concierge service, nightly entertainment, themed dinners, and full-service weddings including the exclusive Eternity Beach setting.

Sports and fitness offerings include a kitesurfing (in season) and windsurfing centre, tennis courts, basketball courts, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, paintball, fitness centre, and daily activities including yoga and Pilates classes and turtle watching (in season).

Last fall the resort completed a US$6-million makeover that included enhancements to guest rooms, the CocoLand Kidz Klub, the Wedding Centre, sports courts, main bar area, resort lobby, hallways, and more.

Serenity

Luxurious Serenity, meanwhile, boasts 36 plunge-pool butler suites – each unique – featuring four-poster mahogany beds; in-room personalized bar (fill out the wish list before arriving); outdoor patio and shower; and more. The resort has its own pool, restaurant, and bar, and reserved beach cabanas – ideal for a picnic lunch packed by guests’ personal butler.

Greene noted that Harmony guests can split stays between the two resorts – especially ideal for a family wedding at Coconut Bay and honeymoon at the even more luxurious Serenity, she suggested – though reminded that while guests at the latter can play at the former, reciprocal benefits don’t extend both ways.

Elaborate wedding packages are available at both resorts, with an onsite wedding planner to handle all the details, and agents can also learn about a host of incentives, including free nights for bookings, by registering at cbayrwards.com and serenityrewards.com.

While Air Canada is flying thrice weekly in summer, service expands to five times a week in the fall and daily for the winter. WestJet and Sunwing also fly to Saint Lucia.

Early booking rates are also currently in effect, with Greene advising that clients should take advantage, not just for the rates but to get space. Serenity, she warns, is often booked out four months in advance.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Last week, in a case of battling acronyms, ACTA and CATO were miffed at TICO; Canada also eased visa restrictions on 13 countries, Air Canada doubled its dose for a Caribbean island, Marriott boosted agent incentives, and Mexico welcomed a new adults-only all-inclusive.

NEWS

Fearing additional financial burdens on travel agencies and other registrants in Ontario, ACTA and CATO charged that they are largely being “kept in the dark” over the Travel Industry Council of Ontario’s ongoing review of its funding framework and fee structure, specifically worrying that their call for a consumer ‘insurance’ contribution model is not being considered. TICO counters that the review has been transparent, all funding options are on the table, and that stakeholders have and will continue to be engaged throughout the “broad consultation process.”

Transat AT Inc. saw revenues double – and losses shrink by more than two-thirds – in its latest quarter amid a major sales boost propelled by solid leisure travel demand on top of higher prices. And with more than 60% of capacity sold, “the stage is set for a dynamic summer,” says Transat CEO Annick Guerard.

Thirteen countries were added to Canada’s the electronic travel authorization (eTA) program, enabling eligible travellers from these countries who have either

held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa, to now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling to Canada by air. The full list of newly eligible countries includes Antigua/Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.

BY THE NUMBERS

Britain continues to be a favourite for Canadians with visitors from this country surpassing pre-pandemic travel levels in 2022. VisitBritain says Canadians topped arrivals and spend figures last year, with the former increasing 3% to 897,000 arrivals over 2019, and the latter registering a record-breaking £934 million ($1.57 billion), a whopping +27% up on 2019. The average length of stay for inbound Canadians grew by two nights to 11 nights.

AIR

The second collective bargaining agreement between WestJet and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) was officially certified by the union representing WestJet and Swoop pilots was ratified.

Air Canada plans to double its frequency to the Grenada to four weekly flights when the carrier’s seasonal flights to the island resume on Oct. 29. Flights will operate on will operate on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, departing at 9:30am from Toronto Pearson.

Meanwhile, Air Canada customers departing from Toronto’s downtown airport now have dedicated access to the only airline lounge at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), Designed in collaboration with Aspire, Swissport’s premium lounge brand, Air Canada Café marks the 27th lounge in the airline’s lounge network and the sixth Canadian location for Aspire.

For the first time since the 1980s, access to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is getting much easier with daily nonstop service from Miami to Beef Island/Tortola, via American Airlines. The three-hour flight offers an alternative to connecting in Puerto Rico or St. Thomas.

DEALS

A new sales event from Uniworld Boutique River Cruises offers savings of up to $4,000 for customers that purchase cruise and air together on select 2023 itineraries. This offer is valid on new bookings made now through July 31 for travel through 2023. Almost all Uniworld itineraries are included in the offer, with the exception of select departure dates.

The US Travel Association month-long Daily Getaways features starts June 12 with exclusive offers for travellers – including Canadians – from major travel brands that include discounts up to 50% off loyalty points, theme park tickets, vacation packages and hotel stays. Visit DailyGetaways.com.

Through June 30, Viking is offering a 25th Anniversary Sale, with a $25 deposit, special savings, and up to free international airfare on river, ocean and expedition voyages.

TOURS

For a limited time only, Canadian travellers who book Goway’s ‘Hong Kong World of Winners’ package will receive three free nights in Hong Kong when flying from Toronto or Vancouver with Cathay Pacific. The package includes first-class accommodation at the Park Hotel Hong Kong, private airport transfers, and a shared Hong Kong Island Tour, which includes a dim sum tasting at a Michelin-starred restaurant. The offer must be booked by June 23 (5 p.m.). More details on the website.

Kensington Tours is expanding its Beyond Villas by Kensington Tours offerings with several new itineraries in destinations ranging from Croatia to Jamaica, and Spain to Coast Rica. This private villa portfolio is geared towards travellers who seek the ultimate privacy in the form of a luxury villa, along with tailor-made customized itineraries with unique in-destination experiences; it first launched in February with an initial collection of more than 760 properties in the Caribbean, Europe, and South Africa, and includes more 1,000 villas, many featuring white-glove service and privately guided experiences.

HOTELS

The doors to the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace (photo) have now opened, offering “a refined oasis of discreet luxury in the heart of Rome.” Located on the Via Veneto, the glamourous hotel is steeped in history, occupying a landmark building originally constructed in 1900 to host ambassadors staying in Rome, before serving as the American Embassy Library in 1946. The hotel has 160 rooms and luxury suites in a style that combine neo-classical details with chic contemporary design. The hotel is a short walk away from many notable landmarks, including the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon.

The five-star InterContinental Bangkok has re-opened after a multimillion-dollar renovation. Located in Bangkok’s Central Business District directly adjacent to the BTS Chidlom Skytrain, the prominent property walking distance to the capital’s main lifestyle shopping locations and major business addresses.

CRUISE

On June 6, MSC Cruises officially named its newest flagship, MSC Euribia, at a ceremony in Copenhagen, featuring Godmother of MSC Cruises’ fleet and globally recognized screen legend, Sophia Loren. The ship is believed to have the most energy-efficient cruise ship design in the world and during her maiden voyage, completed a net zero GHG emissions journey from St Nazaire to the Danish captial. MSC Euribia begins sailings in Northern Europe this summer with seven-night sailings from Kiel, Germany, and Copenhagen to the Norwegian Fjords.

Citing strong demand, Viking has added additional 2024 departure dates on Viking’s newest Nile River ship. Set to debut in 2024, the Viking Hathor will join the company’s growing fleet of purpose-built ships on the Nile, which sail the popular 12-day ‘Pharaohs & Pyramids’ itinerary. Viking notes that it’s 2023 season is sold out and some sailings into 2025 already selling out.

RESORTS

Sunwing is reporting that its Blue Diamond and RIU resorts partners have received a host of accolades from both TripAdvisor and Forbes. Forty-five properties were recognized under the following brands: Royalton Luxury Resorts, Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts, Mystique by Royalton, Memories Resorts & Spa, Grand Memories Resorts & Spa, Starfish Resorts, RIU Hotels & Resorts and RIU Palace Resorts brands, some of which earned the Best of the Best Award, the highest honour from TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice. Resort destination spanned from Mexico to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Cuba.

Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya opened June 1 as the first adult-only resort within the Margaritaville all-inclusive Island Reserve collection. Located in Riviera Maya, Mexico, the luxury resort features the first oceanfront LandShark Brewery, 355 premium suites, nine world-class restaurants and bars, a 930-sq.-m. spa, and unforgettable wedding and event venues.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

During the month of June, Silversea is celebrating travel advisors with a new incentive, as part of its Travel Partner Appreciation Month. When travel advisors make a new confirmed booking on any expedition cruise during June, they will be automatically entered into a weekly prize draw for a chance to win a gift card. One winner will be selected each week of June. In addition, following the introduction of kicker commissions in early 2023, Silversea has doubled the kicker commission point from 1% to 2% on all expedition bookings made in June.

Marriott International has launched a new incentive program that enable agents to earn Bonvoy points on every booking logged with up to 1,000 points available per room, per night that can be used to redeem points for travel and experiences (like concerts). In partnership with My Bookings Rewards (MBR), the All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy Incentive Program is designed to boost agent member rewards on qualified bookings logged at www.mybookingrewards.com and give global scope to offerings. Agents can also use their points to add value to a client’s stay by redeeming them against upgrades and other added value extras.

EVENTS

After a hiatus of three years due to the pandemic, PATA Travel Mart 2023 will return Oct. 4-6 in New Delhi, India. The annual trade show of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will be hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. For information email PTM@PATA.org.

The 55th annual IPW will take place May 3-7, 2024, in Los Angeles. The event is US Travel’s signature travel trade event, which recently concluded in San Antonio, Texas.

www.PATA.org/pata-travel-mart-2023

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Familiar face Richard Todd has returned to Sandals and Beaches Resorts in Canada in the newly created role of Senior Sales Consultant. He worked in Canada from 1999 to 2005 and later held other roles with the company. In his new position as Senior Sales Consultant, Todd will serve as a high-level resource to both Barnes-Smith and Director of Sales C.J. Smith on overall sales strategy and execution for the Canadian market and will also service and support travel advisors in the Southwestern Ontario region. He can be reached at richard.todd@uvisandals.ca, 416-573-4165 or 1-800-545-8283 ext. 4963.

Goway Travel has named Jason Stratford as a new account manager. He previously served as APT’s Sales and Marketing Manager for North America for nine years, driving revenue growth and spearheading sales and marketing strategies in the region. Boasting three decades in the industry, he also worked as Director of Sales for Australia, New Zealand, and Iceland at The Travel Group in Vancouver, and as a Supervisor and travel consultant at ANZA Travel Vancouver, and at Travel Alberta in Edmonton.

DESTINATIONS

The Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans re-opened June 8 after completing its renovation of the Audubon Aquarium of Americas and Insectarium, the biggest renovation of the Aquarium since it opened on Canal Street in 1990. In 2020, Audubon announced it would be moving Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium from the US Custom House on Canal Street to the Aquarium campus on the river, building a combined experience that re-envisions Audubon’s downtown guest experience and educational programming.

Chicago recently announced a historic investment in neighbourhood tourism to drive visitors to its unique communities. Thanks to a US$5.5 million grant, Choose Chicago says it has the largest and most comprehensive neighbourhood program at any destination marketing organization in the country. The program includes advertising and promotions.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1683, the first public museum, The Ashmolean, was opened in Oxford, England; and in 1861, the “Maid of the Mist” became the first ship to navigate the Niagara whirlpool rapids.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News