A fundamental shift in traveler expectations is driving travel advisors worldwide to adopt transparent professional fees for their consultancy services, according to a comprehensive new study released by the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA).  “Today’s travelers want complex itineraries, upfront pricing, and 24/7 support, and they want advisors who can dedicate their full expertise […]

Editor’s Note: Last week, we published the first story in our two-part review of Celestyal Cruises’ Celestyal Journey. Because this is a brand that not all U.S. travel advisors are familiar with and we’ve been asked for more detail by many, our first story covered basics about the Crete-based brand, its hefty destination focus, the […]

Two major victories for the travel advisor community were tucked inside the sweeping federal budget deal signed into law last week. The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is celebrating the inclusion of long-sought provisions that offer both immediate financial relief and long-term career support for advisors across the country. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act […]

Dream Vacations is recruiting military veterans to enlist in its 14th annual “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest, and is accepting entries from now through September 1, 2025. Three military veterans will be awarded a free travel agency franchise, continuing a tradition that has given away 64 franchises valued at more than $787,200 since […]

Etihad Airways has touched down in Atlanta for the first time, expanding its U.S. footprint and connecting the cultural and commercial heart of the U.S. Southeast with Abu Dhabi and beyond. The launch marks another milestone in Etihad’s North American expansion. Etihad’s first flight from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport […]

Atlas Ocean Voyages has appointed Kristian C. Anderson as executive vice president of global sales. In this role, the seasoned luxury cruise executive will lead all sales initiatives as the brand deepens its trade-first strategy to expand in the luxury expedition cruise market. Anderson will report directly to President and CEO James A. Rodriguez. “It is […]

Celebrating 130 years of expedition heritage, HX Expeditions has unveiled “Sell 3 – Sail for Free,” its largest-ever global travel advisor incentive. As part of its anniversary celebrations, HX is rewarding travel advisors around the world with an exclusive opportunity: advisors who make three new deposited bookings on eligible HX expedition cruises between July 1 […]

As the cruise industry hits the mid-year mark, Cunard  announced a “significant uplift in demand” following the launch of its 2027 cruise schedules. The storied brand posted a 55 percent increase in nights booked during the first seven days compared to the equivalent period for the 2026 launch. Both the UK and North American markets […]

Atlas Ocean Voyages has launched a brand-new polar expedition for 2026: the “Canadian Arctic Discovery“, a 17-night expedition aboard World Voyager, sailing September 21 from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to St. John’s, Newfoundland. This journey offers explorers a rare opportunity to traverse the remote regions of the Canadian Arctic and Labrador, highlighting the untamed wilderness, rich cultural diversity, and wildlife encounters. This newly unveiled Arctic itinerary offers […]