Global Travel News

Nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic making up the archipelago known as the Azores have a year-round, pleasant temperature which, when combined with the islands’ unparalleled nature, cover the two basic must-haves for a safe, fun family vacation or for those looking to relax and re-charge in isolation with nature.

Recognized and awarded as the “leading adventure tourism destination in Europe” and as “the world’s first leading sustainable tourism destination,” it’s no surprise that the Azores will become an off-the-beaten European destination on many Canadians’ bucket list this year.

Easy to reach in a bit over five hours flight time, nonstop flights from Toronto and Montreal bring Canadian travellers to Terceira and São Miguel with access to neighbouring islands by inter-island flights, ferries or private taxi. Flights are operated by SATA Azores Airlines using new Airbus A330 aircraft.

Travelling in the Azores is easy. Renting a car allows you to explore the island on your own timetable and make stops along the way to swim in volcanic craters, explore caves and lagoons, learn about the history and culture of the islands or take part in a pre-arranged sport activity.

The ocean around the islands are a permanent home and stop-off destination for more than 20 different types of whales and dolphin species which makes the Azores one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries and fastest-growing whale watching destination.

A tour for whale watching is highly recommended for family fun. Cave tours are also popular attractions with families as they are safe, educational and spooky fun. There are even tours that offer the unique experience of exploring inside an ancient lava cave, swimming in a volcanic crater or hot thermal springs. There’s a wide choice of aquatic sports available in the Azores, ranging from paddleboarding, surfing, bathing, whale- and dolphin-watching tours to sailing and thrilling scuba diving.

The fun continues on land where the islands offer a total of 83 official hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy strolls, horse- and bike-riding trails to extreme hiking and canyoneering with harness, helmet and appropriate rope systems. These ancient trails are definitely one of the most popular activities in the island that offers peace and tranquility. They are the home of unspoiled nature, valleys, lakes, forests and volcanic craters.

Senior travellers, even those with wheelchairs, can find themselves on a trail at a viewing point looking over the ocean, into dormant volcanic craters or onto charming, small villages. The viewpoints are easy to access for incredible views of the island. In the background, the only noise you hear is the sound of cows at a nearby farm or one of thousands of migrating birds that make the islands a favourite for bird lovers. Alone, but safe; isolated in pure, clean nature. Many call it “communing with nature” or “forest bathing.”

Unwinding in the Azores also means enjoying an organic volcanic massage, a day of golf or at a spa resort, swimming in the natural hot springs found inland or along the rocky coasts and enjoying the culture and food.

Nature is not the only draw of the Azores. Ponta Delgada, the main city on the island of São Miguel, reminds one of charming European villages with cobblestoned streets, picturesque, colorful plazas and street cafes, botanical gardens, museums, year-round street festivals and a booming culinary scene. The city also offers a unique tourist attraction nearby: Cozido das Furnas, a volcano-cooked meat stew buried underground and cooked using natural heat.

On the island of Terceira, the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site with must-see sites and beautiful promenades. Housed in a former Franciscan monastery, the museum of Angra do Heroísmo is a beautiful historical complex with informative exhibits that educate visitors on the rich history of the Azores due to its strategic geographical location and where NATO has placed a military airport. The Museu do Vinho (wine museum) is on the southern coast of the island in a gorgeous city with a beautiful vineyard landscape.

Ending a day of exploration, food is a main concern for families with picky eaters or health-conscious travellers. Rest assured, the kids will be asking for seconds. The Azores Islands are an epicurean delight for foodies. The archipelago’s many unique microclimates, an abundant supply of clean water and the volcanic nature make it possible to offer a variety of culinary experiences. Nearby farmers and local fishermen provide the salads, meat and fish you’ll enjoy in restaurants. Arrangements can also be made to enjoy an authentic, farm-to-table dining experience or visit the only tea plantation in Europe. There’s mouth-watering cheeses, delicious Portuguese-style pastries and local, organic wines to complete the meals.

The Azores are beautiful throughout the year but summer is the most popular time to visit. For those looking to explore natural beauty, and engage in many types of sports while enjoying excellent food, wine and culture, the Azores islands offer a vacation that’s sure to create extraordinary memories and epic Instagram posts.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

About eight million years ago, the first signs of the Azores islands started to appear in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean as a result of volcanic eruptions. Eventually, nine major islands were created about 1,2000 kilometres (800 miles) west of mainland Portugal. These islands make up the Azores archipelago and are Mother Nature’s gift from the centre of earth for us to enjoy.

Lava creates interesting underwater architecture from water arches, swim-through caves and tunnels which can be viewed along the coast. On land, it creates craters and geothermal springs and land with nutrient rich soil for plant life. The islands are truly a destination for water sports enthusiasts of all levels – from those who wish to swim in a a volcanic crater or soak in a volcanic hot spring to those who want to dive with the sharks and use hyperbaric chambers.

Here is where you can explore the inside of a volcano, one of the rarest experiences on earth – Algar do Carvão. Descending 90 meters (300 feet) down an ancient lava tube formed over 3,000 years ago with the world’s highest concentration of silica stalactites leads you to an incredibly rare and beautiful sight that will take your breath away. Imagine, you can even arrange to get married inside the volcano and it’s the only place in the world for such a hot spot wedding, or perhaps a special concert.

Another unique experience no other destination can offer is the geothermal dining experience known as Furnas. The ultimate foodie experience is a traditional Azorean dish that involves burying meats and vegetables in volcanic soil that is then cooked with volcanic heat. Volcanic rock eventually breaks down and forms some of the most fertile soils which can be reflected in the flavours of the Azorean cuisine that uses ingredients from local farmers and fishermen.

Descending into a volcano and eating volcano-cooked food is just the beginning of this jaw-dropping vacation. Lava also creates interesting underwater architecture in the form of water arches, swim-through tunnels and caves that can be easily viewed along the coastline by bathers, boaters and divers. On land, the lava left its mark with huge craters and thermal bathing pools. The Azores islands are definitely a water sports enthusiast’s paradise both in water and on land.

The Azores’ location and convergence of currents here makes these islands a haven for spotting amazing sea creatures. With sightings possible all year round, the waters surrounding the Azores islands are one of the largest sanctuaries for whales in the world and, therefore, one of the best places for whale watching. In addition to whales, visitors will be able to spot dolphins, sea turtles and birds in their natural environment. Scuba diving in the Azores offers world-class views of some incredible species, including blue sharks, whale sharks, mako sharks, mobula rays and manta rays.

Hiking is another wonderful way to explore the Azores Islands – with over 80 trails to choose from there is something to suit every hiker from a gentle walk to challenging hikes. Bicycles and horses are also available for exploring the island along trails that lead to beautiful landscapes of the ocean or the whole island, with some of them going through thick laurel forests and others leading to hidden waterfalls, volcanic craters and ancient ruins.

Along these ancient and mysterious trails, the only sounds you’re likely to hear is a cow from a nearby farm or some of the numerous migratory birds that, like the whales, pick the Azores as a resting spot during their long intercontinental trips. They know a good resting spot when they see it.

For more relaxing activities, the Azores Islands offer a vibrant culture and history, internationally recognized wine and cuisine, spa resorts with yoga and volcanic massages, UNESCO World Heritage city of Terceira’s Angra do Heroismo, the only tea plantation in Europe, natural thermal pools, fascinating caves and botanical gardens. Eating in the Azores means enjoying food that was nurtured by the special nutrients of volcanic soil and guarantees healthy meals with great flavour.

When it comes to relaxing, many believe that volcanic rock, also known as lava stone, is a grounding stone that gives one strength and courage. Supposedly, a calming stone, but then the entire Azores are a calming experience with its charming villages reminding one of the picturesque cobblestoned streets of Europe without the mass tourism. The Azores welcomes its visitors as a safe destination which is ideal for solo or senior travellers who want an off-the-beaten tourist track experience and who like to explore in isolation with nature but are concerned about safety.

Considered one of the world’s top 10 most sustainable destinations, the Azores were again voted Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination, by World Travel Awards. Known for natural wonders like stunning waterfalls and lagoons, impossibly blue lakes, hot springs, hydrangeas, and volcanic craters, the nine islands of the Azores have been likened to “the Hawaii of the East” with their combination of lush forests, pristine beaches, and volcanic coastline.

Yet, despite its popularity and awards, the Azoreans have a long history of protecting its natural environment and are keen on sustaining their natural beauty. They’ve learned how to harness geothermal energy and geothermal powerplants supply a significant share of the archipelago’s electricity. Renewable generation technologies are installed on all nine islands.

As of December 2019, the Azores has been officially recognized as the world’s first island archipelago to be certified under the EarthCheck Sustainable Destination program, making it one of the most sustainable tourism destinations in the whole world. This tremendous honor is one currently shared by only 13 regions across the entire globe.

Both Terceira and São Miguel islands are closer than you think. SATA Azores Airlines operates non-stop service to the islands of Terceira and Sāo Miguel, a bit over 5 hours flight time. Both Terceira and São Miguel act as gateways to the other islands. One can fly between the islands, take ferries or arrange a private water taxi depending on your island-hopping desires.

With year-round pleasant temperature and the myriad of enticing outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, diving, snorkeling, whale watching, swimming with dolphins, canyoning, golfing, and kayaking/paddle boarding, it’s no wonder the islands are one of the favourite locations for nature and adventure tourism in the world.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Ensemble has launched a new familiarization program for members and Flight Centre is “fizzing with inspo” in a cheeky, new promotional series on YouTube this week’s retail round-up. Also, well-earned acknowledgements for Trevello and The Travel Agent Next Door.

Ensemble

Ensemble has announced a new familiarization (FAM) program for members. ‘Further Your World; Exclusive Educational Trips,’ is designed to provide members with firsthand in-destination experiences to build greater knowledge of and relationships with the consortium’s partners.

Through the program, advisors will gain direct access to in-demand destinations, emerging themes, and new products, along with the opportunity to engage in networking, and participate in educational programs to elevate their performance and help grow sales.

For members, specific goals and benefits include advancing the ability to:

• Effectively market and promote destinations and experiences to current and potential customers.

• Develop and enhance relationships with Ensemble’s partners including hotel staff, DMC’s, cruise lines, shuttle drivers, tour guides, restaurant owners, airlines, etc. that inspire trust and loyalty.

• Attend educational learning sessions and gain access to concrete sales and marketing tools that highlight the unique features of each destination.

For partners, benefits include being able to:

• Showcase their products and offerings while equipping agents with the tools, information, and resources to better sell them as a result of firsthand in-destination experience and personal testimonials.

• Grow their social media exposure and content creation for destination/experience

The FAM program debuts with five trips in the remainder of 2023 with partners including:

• Silversea (July) – A cruise aboard the Silver Moon to Reykjavik
• AMA Waterways (Sept.) – This trip features a cruise along the Mekong River through Cambodia and Vietnam
• Egypt & Beyond (Sept.) – The group will get an immersive experience to learn about ancient Egypt
• G Adventures (Oct.) – An exploration of the culture, nature, and people of Ecuador
• Intrepid (Dec.) – An Antarctica Adventure

“We are excited to add yet another new resource to the complement of programs we’ve launched in the past several months,” said Michael Johnson, President of Ensemble. “FAM programs are key to helping members have the firsthand experience they need to guide their clients about new products and emerging destinations. That knowledge and expertise then leads to more bookings and ultimately increased revenues for members and partners alike.”

Flight Centre

Partying with the Hiltons in Las Vegas, marvelling at Mongolian traders aboard the Trans-Siberian, meeting your future spouse in a supermarket in Ghana… Flight Centre that, as travellers, its people have a lot of stories to tell. And now they’re being shared in a series of one-minute videos in a series that can be seen on YouTube.

Dubbed ‘This One Time,’ the video series “straddles decades and continents, laughs and woah-moments, joys and outright face-palms to offer you the ultimate aperitif to travel,” says Flight Centre Global Head of Marketing Clinton Hearne.

“Everyone has travel stories they share with those they know, so we wanted to give this instantly identifiable form of storytelling a platform that we hope will resonate,” he adds. “The result is a series of punchy videos that are fizzing with inspo.”

“People are getting excited about travel again, and we want to catch some of that excitement by sharing our very own experiences. We’re dropping these videos as little reminder notes that now is as good a time as any to plan that next trip, whether you’re eyeing up a summer escape to Europe, cultural immersion in Asia or a raucous tour of the USA.”

Hearne said Flight Centre’s YouTube channel had been experiencing something of a golden patch off the back of the popularity of its Kids Talk travel series.

“YouTube has become an indispensable channel for people sourcing inspiration and information to shape their travel plans,” Hearne says. “With a bit of customary Flight Centre cheek, where we don’t take ourselves too seriously, we hope our ‘This One Time’ series will spark many more travel stories.”

The Travel Agent Next Door

The Travel Agent Next Door has won the Celebrity Ambassador award for the second year in a row.

“This award represents the heart of what Celebrity Cruises is all about,” said Brenda Yeomans, Key Account Manager, Canada. “It is about putting people first. Doing this through your communities, sharing, caring, partnership and mentorship.”

She added: “The Travel Agent Next Door‘s people, put all of these into action each and every day. You are all Celebrity ambassadors who truly care about the success of each other. You are all great supporters in your local communities and charities – but also overseas with the Pencils for Kids Charity. We are very honoured and proud to help you in your amazing fundraising efforts. Your hearts are huge! Congratulations.”

Antje Splettstoesser, TTAND’s marketing director, said a supportive community takes place every single day and the award “means a lot to us and our agents since we jointly believe in giving and making this world a better place. Every year our agents go above and beyond to support our charity of choice Pencils for Kids. Through the charity, we were able to build four new kindergartens in Niger, West Africa.”

Trevello

Trevello Travel Group has been included by Windstar Club 180, an exclusive group of travel agencies that have demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the Windstar product and outstanding sales performance. Club members receive special benefits, such as access to the cruise line’s most sought-after itineraries, dedicated support from Windstar’s sales team, and opportunities to participate in Windstar educational programs.

Andrea Mendelson, Windstar Regional Sales Manager in Canada, praised Trevello’s commitment to promoting the Windstar brand and delivering exceptional service to their clients, stating, “Trevello’s advisors and head office teams are engaged, and their business is thriving. We are excited to welcome Trevello to the Windstar Club 180 and eager to continued growth of our mutual sales.”

Caroline Hay, GM of the Cruise Division at Trevello, added, “We are thrilled to be named to the Windstar Club 180. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our advisors, who believe in the Windstar brand and are confident that Windstar consistently provides their clients with extraordinary experiences on board. We are grateful for the incredible support we receive from Windstar to support our significant sales growth.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Few will dispute that Stratford-upon-Avon is all about Shakespeare. But what if you’re not barmy about the bard? Is a visit to the English town dedicated to the birth, life, death – and legacy – of the world’s greatest playwright worth the time? To visit or not visit, that is the question.

The answer, of course, is yes, for despite its reputation, the charming market town is one of Britain’s most tourist-centric destinations, and not because there’s much ado about nothing.

From its lively pedestrian mall to bucolic parks and river vistas, and a host of activities that definitely will not re-ignite any past terrors of English studies in high school, there is plenty to engage, or distract, even the most disinterested literary visitor.

Consider these suggestions for a Shakespeare-less visit to Stratford:

Walk-about: With a compact, walkable core, Stratford boasts 16th-century half-timbered buildings; a bustling pedestrian zone on Henley Street (often featuring street performers) with shops such Roly’s Fudge, The House of Spells, and The Teddy Bear Shop; and lively riverside park in front of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, which can include a pop-up outdoor food and craft market. And just down the street from the RST is The Dirty Duck pub, with outdoor seating, to enjoy a cleansing ale.

Punting on the Avon: Group boat tours from Avon Boating offer a relaxing sightseeing excursion (including gin tasting tours) with audio guides through town along the River Avon, but visitors can also do it themselves by renting a rowboat, canoe, paddleboard, or even a motorboat.

Ghost Walk: The award-winning Stratford Town Ghost Walk features professional entertainer guides who escort visitors around Stratford-upon-Avon to discover its “haunted” streets and hear “true tales” of ancient creaky buildings seeping with tales of ghosts, witches, murder, and misery.

Butterfly farm: Across the River Avon, the Stratford Butterfly Farm is home to exotic butterflies and some of the world’s largest and camouflaged caterpillers.

Shakespeare Distillery: Located on the outskirts of town, the Shakespeare Distillery crafts spirits with a twist of history. Taking inspiration from the Tudor herb garden, they fuse together complex, and often forgotten, botanicals with modern distilling equipment to produce exceptionally smooth real craft gins. The distillery is open to the public for tours, as well as a weekly ‘Gin School’ where visitors can distil their own unique gin.

Mad Museum: For kids of all ages, this interactive “mechanical art & design” museum, located in Henley Street, promotes various scientific disciplines through a kaleidoscope of colours, unusual sounds, flashing lights, and movements. More than 90 pieces of kinetic art and automata on are display from inventors from around the world.

Cycle tour: Stretching for 9 km from the centre of town, the Stratford Greenway follows a former rail line and is part the national cycle route. The traffic-free route meanders through a host of green space that can be explore on foot or by bike, which can be rented at Stratford Hire. The trail has picnic spots and abundant wildlife.

Warwick Castle: About 20 minutes from Stratford, the magnificent medieval castle features attractions and live entertainment for all ages with highlights including the scenic view from atop the Conqueror’s Fortress, the largest working catapult in the world, and 25 hectares of exquisite landscaped gardens.

The S word: Of course, Shakespeare, who was born and lived in Stratford, is omnipresent about town, and really ought not be ignored (even if one could). Skeptics should note that though the Bard may be the draw, many sites are interesting in their own right as focus points for history, social studies, and architecture.

Holy Trinity Church, for example, is a lovely setting beyond the attraction of Shakespeare’s grave, while Shakespeare’s home (‘New Place’) boasts beautiful gardens in the back. And Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is a stunning example of a half-timbered Tudor structure and gardens, while the top-rated Royal Shakespeare Theatre also puts on productions from playwrights besides Shakespeare.

Visitors will certainly discover countless references around town both to and from Shakespeare that they may not have connected to him, perhaps even prompting a new and unexpected appreciation. Such as the timeless wisdom imparted on one of his statues that reminds us that “Foolery, Sir, doth walk about the orb like the sun; it shines everywhere.”

To that end, if I may venture, it would be foolery to skip Stratford due to disdain, or even simple lack of interest, in Shakespeare. There is much to see and do in this Cotswold enclave, and, after all, as the playwright once penned, “All’s well that ends well.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Good news for both those needing passport and NEXUS cards was delivered last week; the heat is on Heathrow as it prepares for a strike leading up to Easter, and the world’s top airport was revealed by Skytrax.

NEWS

The federal government says it has now “completely eliminated” the backlog of passport applications that caused major delays – and major political strife – last year. New applicants will now get them on time, though people whose passports expire in 2023 are still urged to get them renewed immediately.

The feds have also announced that the NEXUS trusted-traveller program will fully ramp back up within five weeks with airport enrolment centres set to reopen for applicant sit-downs as follows: March 27 – Halifax and Winnipeg; April 3 – Vancouver; April 12 – Calgary and Edmonton; April 17 – Montreal-Trudeau; April 24 – Toronto Pearson and Ottawa. The new two-step interview will allow a sit-down session at a Canadian enrolment centre followed by an interview at a US preclearance location in a Canadian airport.

Singapore Changi has reclaimed its spot as the world’s top airport in the prestigious annual “Passengers’ Choice Award” rankings by Skytrax. Vancouver rated a respectable 20^th on the top 100 list, moving up eight spots from 2022.

Notably, both Montreal and Calgary also significantly moved up the list to 45^th (from 66th), and 92 (from 125), respectively, while Toronto Pearson dropped to 64^th (from 43^rd).

Heathrow Airport says it has contingency plans to remain open and operational if security workers walk off the job on March 31 as planned. The strike action – scheduled to take place at Terminal Five over the busy Easter Break – will last 10 days through Easter Sunday on April 9.

BORDERS

Advance customs declaration is now available to all travellers arriving on international flights at Edmonton International Airport (YEG). Express lanes are also available in the customs areas for travellers who complete their Advance Declaration to skip line-ups for Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIK).

AIR

 Vancouver has been boosted from a seasonal to year-round route by Icelandair with four flights a week to be available YVR. The service increases as the carrier increases is network capacity by 17% compared to 2019. Canadians will continue to be able to take advantage of Icelandair’s Stopover Program, which allows travellers flying to Europe (destinations include London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Amsterdam, and more) to add a one- to seven-day stopover in Iceland at no additional airfare.

 Air Canada has announced the addition of new, non-stop seasonal flights between Montreal and Amsterdam for the summer (June 2-Oct. 14). Flights will operate five-times weekly on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Lynx Air will offer seasonal summer flights between Toronto Pearson and Kelowna International starting April 13, and between Hamilton and Vancouver starting April 16. Both will go through Calgary.

New “Fly Your Way” branded fares from Fiji Airways offer customers the option to customize how they travel based on their needs with four categories – Lite, Value, Comfort, and Plus – offering a range of options. All categories will include meals, beverages, inflight entertainment, and a carry-on bag, with increasing value add-ons from Lite to Plus, such as checked baggage, ticket change and cancellation flexibility, seat selection and boarding priority.

RAIL

Until April 11, Rocky Mountaineer is offering $700 off per couple or (US$250 p.p.) on qualifying net new bookings on “Rockies to the Red Rocks” packages. The offer is available for any new bookings on travel dates in 2023, on both packages and rail-only for direct, travel agents, and wholesale bookings.

 VIA Rail Canada has received the Gold Parity Certification from Women in Governance. This certification recognizes VIA Rail’s efforts and achievements in promoting and supporting women’s leadership development, career advancement and representation at all levels of the organization.

BY THE NUMBERS

More than 28 million people visited the Caribbean in 2022, a more than 50% jump compared with the previous year and nearly 90% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to the CTO. Due to lingering travel restrictions, visits from Canada did not rebound as expected, with some 2.1 million reported. The diminished arrivals in 2022 amounted to 7.2% of total arrivals to the region, and only 60% of pre-pandemic totals.

DEALS

Air Transat’s Train + Air offer is back. Combining air and train service, in partnership with the SNCF, the service lets passengers pair an Air Transat flight to Paris with a railway travel to 18 cities in France and Belgium, or to combine both means of transport for the return trip to Canada. The Train + Air offer is available for bookings made through GDS and will also be available via the Air Transat website in the coming weeks.

TOURS

Travellers who purchase a package at a Grand Palladium Hotels and Resorts or TRS Hotels property with Sunwing by the end of the month for departures by March 31, 2024, will automatically receive 10 bonus contest entries for their chance to win a seven-night all inclusive stay for two at the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort and Spa in Riviera Maya with Sunwing. Non-purchasing customers are also eligible but limited to one entry during the contest period and must complete a contest form found on Sunwing.ca.

TravelBrands reports positive feedback for its ‘new and improved’ Access+ all-in-one travel platform. Among the new amenities are enhanced hotel search widget, dynamic fly & drive packages, and dynamic cancellation penalties, and a bilingual cruise booking engine.

RESORTS

Now open is The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya (photo). Located a short drive from both Cancun and Playa Del Carmen and beside the UNESCO World Heritage Sian Ka’an Reserve, the resort boasts avant-garde architecture and 124 lavishly appointed guestrooms and 19 suites, each offering ocean views and a private terrace or plunge pool. Guests of all room categories will also have access to the St. Regis Signature Butler Service. There are eight culinary venues, including a tea and chocolate salon; spa; Athletic and Beach clubs, and adult and family pools.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua recently unveiled its new luxury room category, the Fire Lanai Collection, completing the final phase of the resort’s US$100-million transformation. With the new room additions now open, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is one of the only resorts in the Hawaiian Islands offering rooms with private fire pits. The Fire Lanai Collection comprises 33 guestrooms and suites designed with island-inspired décor, an extended lānai with private fire pit, and custom outdoor lounge furniture, inviting guests to experience Maui indoor-outdoor living.

HOTELS

Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay has completed a full multi-million-dollar renovation project. As part of the design overhaul, the property is introducing refreshed and elevated amenities including a new lobby; coastal dining concept, Gold Coast Kitchen + Cocktails; as well as downtown Miami’s first M Club, the brand’s signature lounge. Located at 1633 N. Bayshore Dr., the towering 31-storey skyscraper has long been a fixture of Miami’s tourism industry. It now features 607 remodeled guest rooms and suites with a vibrant, oceanic design, many of which include a private balcony and all offer views of Biscayne Bay and surrounding cityscape.

Ritz-Carlton has landed in Melbourne, Australia. The 80-storey luxury hotel offers spectacular views of the city and, of course, the brand’s signature amenities, culinary offerings, and highly personalized service.

CRUISE

Transitioning from sister line Costa, Carnival Venezia officially joined the Carnival Cruise Line fleet last week in Cadiz, Spain, with Costa Captain Tihomir Muzic handing over the ship to Carnival Captain Claudio Cupisti. The ship will receive finishing touches over the next two months in preparation for her 15-day transatlantic Carnival Journeys sailing from Barcelona on May 29, ahead of the start of year-round cruising from New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal on June 15.

Further to its two existing Journey Together programs, Explora Journeys has now introduced another group travel program – ‘Journey Together Gatherings’ catering to extended families or friendship groups. Designed for travel advisors to book small groups, the new offering starts with five suites and a minimum of 10 guests. Travel advisors can benefit from a complimentary host berth, rewarding commission payments and each suite reserved comes with a complimentary Journey Experience credit to use onboard. Explora Journeys is the privately owned luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group. A fleet of six ships, two of which are under construction, starting this year through 2028.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKSDisney100 anniversary celebrations continued with the reopening of the Mickey’s Toontown (photo) at Disneyland Park in Anaheim last week. The reimagined attraction offers young families a distinct area of Disneyland Park with more open green spaces for gathering and play. Guests will experience thoughtful elements for different needs of young families, from companion restrooms and a quieter area for decompression to a curb-free land that helps make navigation easier for guests of differing abilities. Attractions include CenTOONial Park, Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard, Donald’s Duck Pond, and the new family-friendly attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, which debuted Jan. 27.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Agents who sign up for the Peru agent specialist program with PromPeru before the end of the month and attend its Rainforest webinar on March 30 will earn two chances to win a $150 Amazon Gift Card

Variety Cruises has launched two new cruises in Tahiti, the first time the company has operated in the destination. Sailing round-trip from Papeete port, the seven-night and 10-night itineraries explore the islands with a maximum capacity of 49 passengers. The company is the first cruise line to add the destination of Makatea to its official itinerary. Active travel professionals are invited to get familiarized with the new itineraries with special FAM rates. Contact the company for details.

EVENTS

ACTA has announced its networking events for 2023 They include:

• ACTA 2023 Eastern Canada Travel Industry Summit – Sept. 14

Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Rd, Etobicoke, Ont.

• ACTA 2023 Western Canada Travel Industry Summit – Sept. 21
  River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Rd., Richmond, BC
• ACTA 2023 Québec Travel Industry Summit – Sept. 27
  Centre de Congrès Palace, 1717 Blvd. le Corbusier, Laval, Que.
• ACTA’s Avalon European River Cruise Summit – Oct. 21-28 – is already sold out.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

The Globus family of brands has hired Matthew “Billy” Stewart as Business Development Manager (BDM) in BC. Based in Vancouver, Stewart will be responsible for building and maintaining travel partner relationships and regional sales goals across Vancouver Island, Fraser Valley and the Lower Mainland for Globus, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways. Stewart has nearly 20 years experience in cruising and touring including working at Exoticca and G Adventures.

Sjeidy Dijkhoff- Feliciano has recently been named as the new Area Director of North America for the Aruba Tourism Authority, overseeing the tourism board’s regional sales and marketing teams. Dijkhoff-Feliciano has been at the ATA since 2002, with her most recent role as Communications Manager, spearheading Aruba’s public relations efforts across 10 international markets.

DESTINATIONS

Leading up to Pride Month in June, Miami is packed with LGBTQ+ experiences, not least Miami Beach Pride (April 1-16), the destination’s largest LGBTQ+ event with expanded programming that includes a Pride pool event, an LGBTQ Family picnic, Queer Art Showcase, and the Pride March and Parade on Ocean Drive. Other notable events include the OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival (April 20-30); SweetHeat (May 16-22) is a dedicated event for women from the queer community; and Sizzle Miami (May 25-29), one of the most popular urban LGBTQ+ events for Black revellers and people of colour during Memorial Day weekend.

For the first time, the FIFA Women’s World Cup is heading Down Under, when 32 nations will go head-to-head across Australia and New Zealand (July 20-Aug. 20). With all of Team Canada’s games being held in Australia, now is the time for Canadian soccer fans to plan a “once-in-a-lifetime Australian adventure” that includes games in five cities and plenty to do beyond, says the country’s tourist board. The tourney is a chance to “not only catch one of the 64 FIFA matches but tick off some bucket list travel experiences around the country,” enthuses Tourism Australia.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1903, the Wright brothers applied for a patent on their airplane.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News