Monthly Archives: December 2025

Tourism Growth Spurs New Era of Resort Investment in the Middle East

As the line between leisure and sport tourism continues to blur, resorts are investing in experiences that generate both excitement and revenue. With surf tourism poised to reach nearly $96 billion by 2030, water-ride manufacturer WhiteWater partnered with Grand Hyatt Dubai to deliver the Middle East’s first FlowRider Triple, an attraction designed for high capacity, […]

Dream Vacations/CruiseOne Reveal 2026 Events & Training Calendar

Building on the momentum of its 2025 National Conference, Dream Vacations/CruiseOne is accelerating its commitment to travel advisor education with an expanded catalogue of training programs, and a robust 2026 events and training calendar. From AI-powered innovations to new certifications and advisor-focused learning series, the brand continues to invest in helping franchise owners succeed at […]

Report: Most Americans Favor Hotels Over Airbnb for Holiday Travel

As Americans prepare for the busiest travel season of the year, a new survey from Upgraded Points reveals that 62 percent of travelers prefer hotels to short-term rentals like Airbnb or Vrbo, citing better amenities, fewer fees, and greater price transparency as key factors in their decision. Surveying more than 2,000 U.S. travelers, the study […]

Celestyal Celebrates Record-breaking Mediterranean and Adriatic Season

Celestyal has concluded its most successful Mediterranean and Adriatic season on record, with Mediterranean passenger numbers increasing by 4 percent, and revenue up 10 percent over 2024. Operating from April to November, the line offered 10 “Heavenly Greece, Italy & Croatia” sailings, and 22 “Idyllic Greece” voyages on the 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey, with both itineraries […]

Holland America Breaks U.S. Sales Record Over Black Friday

Holland America Line broke its Black Friday weekend sales record in the United States, with 19 percent more bookings than its previous high watermark, set in 2023 for the same period from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. Bookings were especially strong among guests planning summer Alaska vacations in 2026, choosing cruise options as well as […]

TSA Introduces New $45 Fee for Those Without Real ID

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID but still want to fly will have the option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity-verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish their identity at security checkpoints beginning February 1, 2026. Travelers will be […]

American Cruise Lines Unveils New Sailings & Ships for 2026

American Cruise Lines has introduced 11 new U.S. itineraries and three new small ships for 2026. Sailing year-round, the company will honor the country’s 250th birthday on its portfolio of domestic itineraries exploring coast-to-coast—including new cruises on the Great Lakes, the Arkansas River, and the Gulf Coast. Next year, the world’s only 100 percent U.S.-flagged […]

Southwest Airlines Teams Up With Condor

Southwest Airlines has announced its new partnership with Condor, a German airline that offers nearly 70 destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas from its hub in Frankfurt. In the United States, Southwest will serve Condor passengers with domestic flights, bridging the Atlantic with same-ticket journeys that connect both carriers’ schedules at Boston, Las […]

JetBlue Expands in Upstate New York

JetBlue has announced new nonstop service from Buffalo (BUF) to both Fort Myers (RSW) and San Juan (SJU), along with new service between Syracuse (SYR) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) beginning in March. These additions continue JetBlue’s ongoing commitment to invest in and grow its presence across Upstate and Western New York, bringing more convenient travel […]