Global Travel News

On a day when a toddler was shot in the head by a stray bullet while playing outside at daycare in Utah – just another day in the life of a country where gun violence has claimed nearly 17,000 lives in the first half of 2023 alone – the US Travel Association gamely tackled the issue of gun violence in America at last week’s IPW travel trade event in San Antonio.

Responding to a question from Travel Industry Today at US Travel’s signature annual event, which attracted an audience of over 5,000 delegates from more than 60 countries, the association’s president and CEO Geoff Freeman admitted that the issue is “obviously gut-wrenching and heart-breaking for many Americans – one that many of us struggle with.”

He added, emphatically, “Public safety and travel go hand in hand (and) there is no way to increase travel if people have concerns about public safety. So, one way or another, if our goal is to strengthen travel, if our goal is to strengthen the economy, then one way or another we need to find solutions to public safety problems that give people confidence. Those are discussions we’re having; those are the discussion we will continue to have.”

And while Freeman’s answer understandably was short on details on how the problem might be solved – how can US Travel single-handedly declaw a beast that has already led to more 257 mass shootings this year, more than one every single day? – the question alone garnered murmurs of approval and response from many delegates at the show, suggesting the issue really is the “elephant in the room” for a lot of visitors.

(Ed. note: Statistics from GunViolenceArchive.org as of May 29).

One journalist from Britain described a travel site web site littered with comments about packing a flack jacket to visit the US, while others discussed at length their conflicted feelings and fears over travel there. A Romanian journalist simply approached and shook my hand.

Meanwhile, some Canadian journalists chose to steer clear of IPW altogether in protest of Texas gun laws. Another suggested racism, homophobia and women’s rights were other issues of consequence.

Still, full marks to Freeman who reiterated, “I can’t stress enough that travel and safety go hand in hand, and we need to find ways to give people the confidence to travel safely.”

Before the question, the newly appointed head of US Travel had been addressing other, less controversial, barriers to travel in the US, which is nevertheless flourishing, despite being at 70% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Among the obstacles he cited were lengthy visa wait times, entry delays at US customs points, airport congestion and “the airline experience,” and increasing global competitiveness for US Travel.

Freeman further commented that “it took far too long to get our borders re-opened, and it was only days ago that the vaccine requirement lifted for international travellers.

“These barriers,” he said, “send the wrong message to the world. We want travellers to choose the United States and we want them to know that we want their business…

“As a country, we need to stay competitive; to see around the corners and anticipate challenges that weren’t on our radar five or 10 years ago,” he continued. “We need to be constantly evolving to meet new demands and to ensure our entry process is not only secure, but simple and welcoming.”

And safe.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

When Oceania Cruises launched Vista in this month, the cruise line set a new global standard for the upper-premium category of cruise ships. Designed with evolutionary style concepts and substantial luxe elements, the 1,200-passenger Vista – Oceania’s first new build in over a decade, and first of the Allura class vessels – approaches the luxury level of sister brand Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Both are owned by Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Vista increases Oceania’s fleet to seven ships, including four 684-passenger R-class ships – Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and Sirena – built and acquired in the late 1990s, plus two 1,238-passenger O-class vessels – Marina and Riviera – custom built by Fincantieri in Italy for Oceania in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Allura will debut in 2025.

Having previously experienced Insignia, Marina and Riviera, my anticipation for Vista was high. Fairly put, the 1,200-passenger Vista exceeded expectations in every category, from design, accommodations, dining and culinary finesse to experiential and active facilities, plus extensive varieties of shore excursions in every port.

Buonjourno, Vista

On first impression, Vista dazzled, its jaunty prow gleaming against the historic ramparts of Rome. Inside, the Atrium Lobby’s floor-to-ceiling crystal sculpture sets a glamorous tone, its illumination changing like the ocean under sunset, from blue to rose to crystalline hues. After quickly scoping out my Concierge Veranda stateroom – particularly delighted by the bathroom’s huge make-up mirror and corner bank of drawers – I set out to explore the ship. Starting at the very top deck 16, I found sporty entertainment options including an 18-hole mini-golf course, a netted-golf driving range, and a pickle ball court, among other activities.

Stepping down outdoor steps to deck 15, I followed the fitness track to unique clusters of sunning spaces-for-two, privately enclaved by curved wood divides. At aft, walking through the Aquamar Spa and Vitality Center, I found the Aquamar Spa Terrace. A haven for outdoor relaxing after spa therapies or fitness sessions, this sublime, window-protected space features two hot-tubs, a hydro-therapy pool, and plenty of secluded places to lounge.

The pool deck is creatively conceived with a curvilinear, asymmetrical design that emulates a resort at sea. Spanning beyond the pool itself is a wet platform with a couple of shaded pods, for a sense of lounging on water. The sunbathing area is enhanced by intimate spaces sheltered by curved wood divides, lovely for passengers craving seclusion.

Back in my suite – with just minutes to unpack and dress before welcoming cocktails at Martini’s bar – I was impressed by the abundance of electric outlets and device charging stations, located above the desk and each night table.

That evening, dinner at Toscana was a delectable delight. Of all the tantalizing options in Oceania’s signature Italian restaurant – designed with the atmosphere of a Tuscan trattoria – I chose dishes specially created for Vista by renowned celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, Vista’s godmother who would Christen the ship two days later in Malta. Giada’s Capri-inspired spaghetti topped with jumbo shrimp appeared in a lemon-cream sauce rich with mascarpone and parmesan cheeses, and fried capers. I loved the Branzino fish served on potato-fennel purée with pomegranate vinaigrette.

Cruising at sea the next day gave opportunities to indulge in Vista’s lifestyle. Myriad experiential options included learning the art of acrylic painting on a glass plate in the Artist Loft; or the craft of creating perfect cocktails at the Casino Mixology Bar; or participating in hands-on epicurean enrichment in the Culinary Center to prepare lemony dishes redolent of the Amalfi coast.

At a seminar, passengers learned about Vista’s distinctive elements designed to promote wellness and fresh air quality. Most impressive to me – as one who requires hypoallergenic bedding and pillows – was carpeting throughout the ship that has zero toxicity, as it is crafted from pure, undyed sheep’s wool. Who knew that diverse species of sheep naturally grow wool in shades of blue, gold, grey, white and brown that can be woven into beautiful patterns? As for the beds, their 1000-thread-count sheets and pillowcases are technically crafted to amplify comfort by cooling temperatures by 2 degrees centigrade for fresh, indulgent sleep.

By the time Captain Luca Manzi berthed Vista alongside the ancient port walls of Valletta’s Grand Harbour, passengers were hyped for the gala event celebrating Oceania’s 20th anniversary and the ship’s Christening. Following speeches by Oceania’s founder, Frank J. Del Rio – recently retired as president/CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings – and his son, Frank A. Del Rio, Jr., now president, Oceania Cruise Lines – Vista was ceremoniously blessed by Monsignor Charles Jude Scicluna, Archibishop of Malta and Rabbi Marc Labowitz of Florida, who jokingly dubbed his blessing a “bristening” and quipped he might “climb up the deck and snip a bit off the tip of the bow” to make it all kosher.

After Vista’s godmother Giada De Laurentiis smashed Champagne across the bow, the party continued with a performance by Harry Connick, Jr., and fireworks lighting the sky. The event itself – organized by VIVA Creative and held on the shoreside pier under a massive tent – showcased how travel advisors who plan corporate/incentive cruises could stage programs for, say, award-winning sales teams.

The next morning, teeming rain in Naples did not deter passengers from exploring the environs. An impressive 15 excursions included visits to the isle of Capri, Sorrento, the Amalfi coast, as well as culinary and wine-tasting tours. Choosing an all-day tour to revisit Pompeii and Herculaneum – mainly to see the progress of Hurculaneum’s excavations – I found myself seated at lunch break with an unassuming man clad in a T-shirt and cap who turned out to be architect Greg Walton, founding partner of Studio DADO Inc., which designed most of Vista’s interior and exterior spaces. Over pizza, pasta, tomato-bocconcini salad and fruity Italian wine, I learned the thoughtfully conceived inspirations for my favourite Vista spaces.

Design inspirations

Walton explained, “Every space tells a story related to travels by sea.” The floor-to-ceiling crystal sculpture in the Atrium Lobby – which on close view looks like zillions of fish swimming upriver – speaks of the journey of discovery. A level up, the Grand Lobby – which leads to the Grand Dining Room – gives the sensation of walking through a global art gallery, its cushy seating areas separated by etageres laden with an exquisite menagerie of sculpted ceramic and art glass.

Dining and eatery spaces

The Grand Dining Room itself is fashioned as a garden conservatory – say, in England’s Kew Gardens – with a series of archways creating intimate seating alcoves. Lively and airy, its embellishments include panels painted with gilt wisteria, and floral carpeting in subtle hues of yellow, gold and dove grey.

Each of Vista’s 11 dining venues is distinctly styled for atmosphere to elevate Oceania’s brand, The Finest Cuisine at Sea. The mosaic tiled entrance to Polo Grill – inspired by the Persians who held the first polo games – is a fitting entrée to the gourmet steakhouse. Toscana’s tiled wall – depicting birds perched on vineyard and olive branches – could have been plucked from an ancient trattoria in a Tuscan hilltop village. The glittery gold wall in pan-Asian Red Ginger references Indochina lantern festivals.

Vista debuts three new eatery venues for Oceania:

• Aquamar Kitchen – facing vast windows with seating plumped against white lattice divides – evokes a breezy Mediterranean coastal café, fitting for wellness-inspired breakfasts, lunches and its variety of non-alcoholic cocktails.

• Popular Baristas has an open bakery where chefs serve tempting pastries and snacks.

• As a new signature restaurant, Ember has the cachet of dining in a Napa Valley winery cellar, it’s curved brick ceiling, fireplace and open kitchen setting a casual tone for Americana favourites.

A side of tasty notes to travel advisors

For clients who are culinary aficionados and oenophiles, suggest indulging in the wine-pairing or Dom Perignon dinner.

• For cocktail lovers, the craft concoctions at Founders Bar, tucked behind the casino.

• For abstainers, Aquamar’s zero-proof cocktails made with Lyre’s non-alcoholic “liquors.”

• For dessert addicts, recommend Ember’s sinfully decadent triple chocolate brownie served with salted caramel, ice cream and crushed walnuts, or the yummy beignets at Baristas.

• For clients who prefer casual dining: Terrace elevates buffet dining with substantial gourmet offerings, including à la minute preparations of lobster, steak, fish, plus daily sushi, vegan dishes, and occasional specialties, including Beef Wellington.

• And for special celebrations, suggest an exclusive evening in Privee dining room.

Suites and all-balcony staterooms

As Greg Walton described, all accommodations are designed for nesting in calm and soothing environments.

Vista’s popular Concierge Veranda staterooms, at 291 square feet including ample balcony and big shower suitable for hefty guests, includes access to the Concierge Lounge. Concierge Level solo cabins, at 25 sq. m., include a spacious balcony. The smallest double rooms, at 22 sq. m., have French balconies that open to fresh air. Visit oceaniacruises.com for explicit details on top level suites.

Itineraries

Oceania itineraries are port intensive, with some overnight and extended evening port stays. Vista’s itinerary calendar spans from summer in the Mediterranean Sea to cruising Canada and New England in fall before heading south for a series of winter itineraries exploring Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean from her homeport of Miami. Vista’s 2024 summer season includes a series of Grand Voyages in the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas, including calls at ports in Italy, Turkey, Greece, and the Holy Lands.

Oceania’s pitch to travel advisors

Harry Sommers, new president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, enthusiastically addressed travel advisors: “We are 100% committed to the trade,” he said. “Your success is our success. Once you get guests on board, they return. It’s like an annuity for travel advisors.”

Meanwhile Sr. VP of sales Nikki Upshaw, teased new sales promotions launching mid-July, while praising the current Oceania’s OLife program, which allows guests flexibility in choosing from a variety of complimentary amenities, such as free shore excursions, drinks packages, or onboard credit, when booking a cruise vacation.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Last week, there was good news for Canadian trusted travellers; two Canadian carriers boosted their codeshare; Sandals unveiled its newest resort; there were flash sales galore; and Allianz stepped up – again – for Dreams Take Flight.

NEWS

The federal government will roll out a tweaked verified traveller program starting in June that will feature dedicated security screening lines at Toronto Pearson, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Edmonton. Eligible passengers will include Nexus members, aviation workers and military and RCMP officers, who will be able to pass through security more quickly. Program changes include allowing trusted travellers to keep laptops and liquids stowed in their luggage instead of placing them separately onto the X-ray conveyor belt. Children under 18 and adults 75 or older can also now accompany program members through the expedited queues.

Starting May 30, the Canadian tourism industry will be saying “Bonjour Quebec!” as its congregates in Quebec City for Rendez-vous Canada 2023. The annual tourism marketplace is held in partnership with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada with the aim of showcasing Canada’s “beauty and warm hospitality” to international travel trade.

American Airlines and JetBlue Airways must abandon their partnership in the northeast United States, a federal judge in Boston has ruled, saying that the government proved the deal reduces competition in the airline industry.

New data from UNWTO, expressed in its second World Tourism Barometer of the year, shows that the sector’s swift recovery has continued into 2023. Overall, international arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2023 with an estimated 235 million tourists having travelled internationally in the first three months, more than double the same period of 2022.

AIR

As part of the second phase of the codeshare agreement between Air Transat and Porter Airlines, the carriers have added more connections, enabling travellers to take advantage of additional routes linking Canada to destinations in the South, the US and Europe. The partnership, initially launched last October, will allow Porter Airlines’ domestic flights to be combined with Air Transat’s flights via a connection at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and now Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) effective June 1.

Canadians will be able to fly to Martinique directly from Toronto for the first time with the launch of new Air Canada flights this winter to the French Caribbean island, complimenting existing service from Montreal. The non-stop, five-hour flight between YYZ and Fort-de-France will be aboard Airbus A220 aircraft with a capacity of 137 seats.

Nonstop transborder service between Winnipeg and Atlanta by WestJet will commence on Sept. 6, operating five times weekly, on a year-round basis.

BY THE NUMBERS

Air Canada posted a record $4.9 billion in revenue in the first quarter – nearly double what it earned a year ago. The quarter also marked the second in a row where the carrier has turned a profit following 11 straight quarters of losses totalling $10.1 billion.

DEALS

It’s last chance for Elite Island Resorts’ “Summer Nights” Caribbean travel promotion, which give travellers their first night free on a minimum three-night stay. The incentive must be booked by May 31 for travel through Dec. 21 (new bookings only). Resorts include all of the company’s all-inclusive properties in Antigua (Pineapple Beach Club, St. James’s Club & Villas, and The Verandah Resort & Spa), as well as The Club in Barbados. Call 1-800-858-4618.

The ‘Book early, get plenty’ promo from Transat invites Canadian travellers to plan their winter getaway right away to benefit from plenty of perks, including up to $400 off per pair; Price Drop Guarantee up to $200/adult and $100/child; reduced deposit of $100 p.p.; future travel credit of $50/adult and $25/child; 50% off Option Flex Standard. Plus, travel agents get 5X BONBON per booking, which means $25 per room. Also, they get a chance to win one of five packages for two to a Hyatt Inclusive Collection resort. The promotion applies to new individual bookings of Transat South packages made by June 29 for travel between Sept. 1 and April 30, 2024.

Club Med’s flash sale, which offers up to 50% off stays, plus kids under 16 years old stay free (one child per paying adult) concludes May 30. Participating properties include Club Med Québec Charlevoix, Club Med Cancun, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Club Med Punta Cana, Club Med Turkoise,  Club Med Ixtapa Pacific,  Club Med Columbus, Club Med La Caravelle and Club Med Buccaneer’s. Travel must take place between June 17 and Dec. 15.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts is celebrating the opening of its newest location, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya, Mexico with a five-day flash sale. Dubbed the ‘5 O’Clock Somewhere Sale,’ guests will save up to 60% off their stay if they secure their trip between June 1 and 5. And to sweeten the pot further, the resort is offering a lucky guest the chance to win a free trip and invite-only access to the resort’s Grand Opening festivities through a massive sweepstakes. The contest’s winner will receive a four-day/three-night all-inclusive Island Reserve Inclusive stay for two, plus $1,000 towards airline tickets.

A limited time sale by Qatar Airways is offering fares starting at CDN$1,220 to the carrier’s 160 global destinations. The sale continues until May 30 for travel starting July 10 through March 31, 2024.

CRUISE

Cunard’s new luxury line, the Queen Anne, will set sail on her first-ever World Voyage on Jan. 9, 2025, visiting five continents and stopping at more than 30 ports on a 107-night voyage, roundtrip out of Southampton, England. She will offer nine overnight calls in destinations such as Honolulu, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Dubai, as well as three late evening departures, giving guests time to explore each city to the fullest.

TOURS

In 2024, a newly enhanced and “hassle free” 12-day New Zealand Adventure by Adventures by Disney includes the opportunity for guests to participate in the America’s Cup yachting experience in Auckland, dinner with a Maori family, seeing glow worms in an underground cave, visiting a kiwi bird hatchery, gazing a geysers in a geothermal park, and much more.

RESORTS

The all-new Sandals Dunn’s River has opened to guests as the 17th resort in the Sandals Resorts portfolio. Having debuted over 30 years ago, the 260-room Ocho Rios all-inclusive is “utterly transformed” – except for the stunning stretch of white sand beach it inhabits. Highlights include Tufa Terrace SkyPool Butler Suites, a first in Jamaica with glass panel edge infinity pools spanning the length of balconies flanked by views of the Caribbean Sea; Coyaba Sky Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suites with Private Pools; new culinary concepts, and the brand’s first-ever signature fragrance, which greets guests upon arrival to the open-air lobby.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts its preparing to open a new luxury property in the Moroccan capital of Rabat, the luxury chain’s fourth hotel in the country. Expected to open later this year, Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr will be set within a 19th-century palace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, 90 minutes from Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport. The property will feature seven restaurants and lounges; a spa with well-appointed treatment rooms and an indoor pool; several outdoor resort-style pools; as well as expansive conference and event space.

HOTELS

Over the next two years, Quebec’s Le Westin Tremblant is investing over $15 million to revitalize the hotel, including two new restaurant and bars operated by Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality, a world-class spa and fitness facilities, and the complete renewal of all 122 guestrooms, public spaces, meeting rooms, banquet and facilities.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opened May 23. The all-new experience in the United Arab Emirates features interactive family fun and eight themed realms to uncover.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Travel advisors will earn a booking incentive for each new custom safari (excluding specials, Classic Safari Vacation Packages, and groups) booked with TravCorp brand African Travel Inc. (ATI), through Dec. 15. Plus, advisors will receive up to 15% commission on land safaris and savings of up to 30% for themselves and a travel companion. When they have five plus bookings, advisors can travel with three guests. The tour operator encourages advisors to sign up for its specialist program for access to marketing and event support, educational trips, new client amenities, the Agent Academy, and the new ATI summer webinar series. To receive the travel discount advisors must be registered for the program and complete the Academy courses before travel. (www.africantravelinc.com/advisor)

As an added incentive, new bookings made with Karisma Hotels & Resorts for its Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts and the Margaritaville brands before July 31 for travel through Dec. 15 will receive Double Gourmet Inclusive points when registered by the agent in their account via Karisma’s travel agent portal.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Allianz Global Assistance (Allianz) reports it is again proudly sponsoring travel insurance for over 1,000 kids and volunteers who will take a trip-of-a-lifetime with Dreams Take Flight in 2023. Eight flights are scheduled throughout the year to give children facing mental, physical, or social adversity a magical day at Disney. For over 10 years, Allianz has been Dreams Take Flight’s national sponsor for travel insurance.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), the state agency providing tourism management for the Hawaiian Islands, has renewed destination brand management and marketing services in Canada with Toronto-based VoX International for another 2.5 years beginning on June 30 with an option for a two-year extension. VoX has managed the account since 2017.

Nada Semaan has been announced as Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority for a five-year term. CATSA is a Crown corporation mandated with protecting people through effective and efficient screening of air travellers and their baggage.

EVENTS

Having recently concluded its 41^st annual conference in Barbados, Jamaica was announced as next year’s venue for the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace. The event will take place next May in Montego Bay.

The Travel Agent Next Door’s 10th annual conference will be in Jordan in 2024, but never mind registering, it promptly sold out in 45 seconds. The event was announced at TTAND’s recent national conference and marks the first time it will be held outside North America. For the record, the 2024 event will be held in partnership with G Adventures and Royal Jordanian Airlines from April 20 to 24. Activities will include a candlelit private dinner in Petra and an afternoon at the Dead Sea. Bruce Poon Tip, founder and CEO of G Adventures will be a keynote speaker.

DESTINATIONS

Mexico’s Popocatepetl volcano has been coating nearby towns with ash and disrupting flights at Mexico City‘s airport, the busiest in Latin America. Approximately 25 million people live within 100 km of the mountain. Hundreds of explosions have spit lava from the snow-tipped peak of the volcano. Volcanologists say that, while a massive eruption doesn’t appear imminent, eruptions are likely to continue, as they have for three decades.

France has formalized its ban on domestic flights for journeys that can be completed in less than two-and-a-half hours by train. The move was included in a 2021 climate law is actually already in practice. The change mostly rules out air trips between Paris and regional hubs such as Nantes, Lyon, and Bordeaux, with connecting flights unaffected.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean as she landed in Northern Ireland, about 15 hours after leaving Newfoundland.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News