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The Travel Weekly Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the travel industry. Past recipients include leaders from various companies such as Protravel International, Delta Air Lines, Carnival Cruise Lines, and United. These individuals have left a lasting impact on the industry and serve as role models for future leaders. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the challenges faced by port cities in Alaska, particularly Juneau and Sitka, in managing the increasing number of cruise tourists while addressing concerns of overtourism. Juneau has implemented measures to limit the number of cruise ships and passengers, serving as a test case for other communities. Sitka is also considering similar limitations to manage tourism. The article highlights the need for a balanced approach that supports cruise tourism while ensuring the well-being of local communities. Additionally, it mentions efforts by cruise lines to extend the season and explore alternative ports in Alaska. [Extracted from the article]

According to a study by MMGY Travel Intelligence, 76% of Americans plan to take a vacation in the next 12 months, indicating a strong rebound in the travel industry. Top domestic destinations include Hawaii, Florida, Colorado, and California, with Hawaii being popular for its newly opened resorts and appeal to multigenerational families. Europe, particularly Lisbon and Prague, as well as Japan, are in demand for international travel. Travelers are seeking a variety of experiences, such as cultural and nature-focused trips, luxury cruises, and active adventures. Luxury travel is also booming, with increased bookings for cruises and destinations like Amsterdam, Ireland, Athens, and Istanbul. New developments in various locations, such as Universal Orlando's DreamWorks Land and Mexico's new hotels and experiences, provide fresh reasons for travelers to explore this fall and winter. [Extracted from the article]

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has partnered with Kanu Hawaii, a local non-profit, to create a new dashboard that makes it easier for visitors to participate in voluntourism through the Malama Hawaii program. The dashboard, launched in April 2024, allows visitors to quickly find voluntourism opportunities and potentially qualify for special discounts or free nights from participating hotels. In addition to the dashboard, there are other volunteer opportunities available in Hawaii through hotels and non-profit organizations. Voluntourism is seen as a way for visitors to have more authentic experiences and contribute to the preservation of Hawaii's natural resources and cultural heritage. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Travel Weekly challenges the perception that African safaris are exclusively high-end experiences, highlighting the availability of budget-friendly options. Industry experts emphasize the need to shift focus from luxury lodges to wildlife-focused camps and lodges to make safaris more accessible. Travel advisors play a crucial role in creating affordable safari experiences, with options ranging from $150 to well over $1,000 per day, comparable to European vacations when viewed as all-inclusive packages. The article also addresses misconceptions and practical challenges that deter Americans from considering safaris, while highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to make African safaris more accessible to travelers of all budgets. [Extracted from the article]

Luxury travel is thriving despite higher prices and increased demand, with affluent travelers seeking vacations that prioritize wellness, sustainability, personalization, and unique experiences. Travel advisors are experiencing growth in the luxury travel segment, with many surpassing their 2019 sales. Luxury travelers are looking for personalized experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations, culinary experiences, and wellness retreats. Multigenerational travel and bleisure travel are also on the rise. Hotels and cruise operators are attracting luxury travelers through various means, such as offering unique spa treatments, transportation options, and introducing new suite classes on ships. The article highlights specific luxury destinations and resorts, including Club Med, Celebrity Cruises, Paradisus Los Cabos Adults Only, The Palm Beaches, and Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun All Inclusive Spa Resort. [Extracted from the article]

Mexico is undergoing a major infrastructure boom, with new highways, airports, and rail projects opening up previously inaccessible destinations. This development is expected to disperse tourism from overcrowded areas and bring economic growth and job opportunities. However, there are concerns about the negative impacts of rapid tourism growth, such as environmental degradation, gentrification, and the loss of traditional culture. It is important for the government, developers, travel professionals, and tourists to work together to ensure responsible and sustainable development. [Extracted from the article]

The second part of the Consumer Travel Editors Roundtable discusses trends in luxury travel, cruising, and all-inclusive resorts. The conversation explores the concept of all-inclusive luxury and provides examples of resorts that offer generous amenities. The participants also discuss the appeal of traveling in a "bubble" and the benefits of not having to make decisions while on vacation. The article touches on the issue of affordability in luxury travel and the emergence of hotels that aim to connect with local communities. Perspectives on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the travel industry are also discussed, with some believing it has the potential to revolutionize travel planning and customer service, while others argue for the importance of the human touch provided by travel advisors. The article emphasizes the importance of sustainability in the hotel industry and the trend of repurposing heritage buildings as hotels. Overall, the travel industry is seen as making positive strides in offering unique experiences and prioritizing sustainability. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the efforts being made to control the number of cruise ship visits to various destinations in order to address issues of overtourism. Many destinations have implemented measures to reduce cruise ship traffic, such as pushing ships out of city centers or limiting the number of daily ship visits. Cruise lines are collaborating with municipalities to self-regulate their numbers and impact, and are also adjusting their schedules and adopting more environmentally friendly practices. The article highlights the importance of travel advisors in educating clients about overtourism and helping them make more respectful travel choices. [Extracted from the article]

The year 2023 was eventful for the travel industry, with various significant stories making headlines. The cruise industry made a comeback after being heavily impacted by the pandemic, with Royal Caribbean Group, Carnival Corp., and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings all returning to profitability. Maui experienced devastating wildfires, leading to a crisis-level emergency for the island's tourism industry. American Airlines faced backlash for restricting content to NDC connections, leading to a complaint from ASTA. The issue of timely commission payments to travel advisors was highlighted, and Disney faced challenges, including a feud with Florida's governor and the closure of its Star Wars hotel. The industry also grappled with an advisor shortage and controversies surrounding resort fees. Wars in the Middle East and Europe, as well as the implosion of OceanGate's submersible, had significant impacts on travel. JetBlue faced setbacks with its Northeast Alliance partnership and its bid to acquire Spirit Airlines. Overall, 2023 was a turbulent year for the travel industry, but it also marked a significant step forward in recovery from the pandemic. [Extracted from the article]

The Travel Weekly Lifetime Achievement Award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the travel industry and achieved extraordinary results within their respective enterprises. The recipients of this award collectively shape the current environment of the travel industry and serve as a model for future leaders. The list of past recipients includes individuals from various organizations such as American Express, The Walt Disney Company, United, Delta Air Lines, and Carnival Cruise Lines, among others. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a summary of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement award recipients. Vicky Garcia, the COO and Co-Owner of Cruise Planners, was recognized for her leadership and advocacy in the travel industry. Mark Conroy, a Senior Advisor at Silversea, was acknowledged for his exceptional results and close relationships with travel agents. Ignacio Maza, the Executive Vice-President of Signature Travel Network, was honored for his extensive experience and contributions to the travel industry. Alison Taylor, the Chief Customer Officer at American Airlines, was recognized for her role in creating exceptional customer experiences. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides a comprehensive list of winners in various categories for the year 2023 in the travel industry. The categories include airlines, car rental companies, destinations, theme parks, hotels, tour operators, and travel technology providers. The winners are divided by region and type of service, and include well-known companies such as Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Emirates, Walt Disney World, Sandals Resorts, Marriott International, and Globus. The document aims to recognize and highlight the achievements and quality of these companies and destinations. Additionally, it provides information on various cruise lines and their destinations, categorized by region and type of cruise experience. It includes details on domestic and international itineraries, as well as specialized cruises in specific regions like Alaska, Antarctica, the Caribbean, Europe, and Hawaii/Pacific. The document also highlights cruise lines that excel in areas such as family-friendly experiences, cuisine, entertainment, private islands/destinations, group programs, shipboard technology, and short itineraries. It further mentions the top river cruise lines and their new ships, as well as the overall best cruise ships in different categories. [Extracted from the article]

The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards celebrate excellence in promotional campaigns and travel product design across the travel industry. Winners are recognized in categories such as cruise marketing, destination marketing, ground transportation, and hospitality. The awards highlight the creativity and hard work that goes into creating exceptional travel experiences. Winners are acknowledged for their excellence in design, service, marketing campaigns, and technological innovations. The awards also recognize efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, giving back to communities, and implementing innovative strategies. [Extracted from the article]

Florida's tourism industry is experiencing growth, with record numbers of visitors in 2023. The state is attracting travelers looking for adventure and off-the-beaten-path locations. New attractions, hotels, and transportation options are being added, including the expansion of the Brightline rail system. Other developments include new hotels in Miami, a cruise app for Port Tampa Bay, and the addition of training modules for travel professionals. Orlando is introducing more theme park attractions, while Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale are seeing enhancements to their lodging and dining offerings. Fort Myers is also opening new resorts and restaurants. [Extracted from the article]

The Travel Weekly Travel Industry Survey 2023, conducted in partnership with Phocuswright, provides insights into the current state of the travel agency landscape in the U.S. The survey gathered responses from 1,328 travel advisors, primarily based in the South, West, Midwest, and Northeast regions. The survey reveals that travel advisors target older and wealthier clients who value personal relationships, customer service, and expertise. Home-based advisors are becoming increasingly popular, and international bookings dominate the industry. Travel costs have become the top concern for travel advisors, with airfares and hotel prices exceeding inflation. Facebook remains a popular communication tool for younger users, and newer travel advisors face financial challenges. Despite these challenges, the majority of advisors have a positive outlook for the future of the agency landscape. [Extracted from the article]

Economists are divided on whether a recession is imminent and how severe it will be, but experts believe that the travel industry is well-positioned to withstand a turbulent financial climate. While leisure travel is often one of the first areas where consumers cut back during economic downturns, positive economic indicators such as moderating inflation, solid job growth, and wage moderation suggest that travel may remain resilient. However, economists are torn on the outlook for the travel industry, with some predicting a mild slowdown in travel demand while others believe that travel will be uniquely resilient during the expected mild downturn. Factors such as consumer savings, strong forward bookings, and the need for face-to-face meetings in a remote work environment may contribute to the industry's resilience. Additionally, international inbound travel to the US is expected to rebound, and a potential increase in unemployment could benefit the travel industry by providing more workers. Travel advisors are also well-positioned to thrive, particularly in the long-haul leisure market. [Extracted from the article]

Building connections The partnership between the Rosebud Sioux, Travel South Dakota and TTC is just one example of the growing number of connections that have developed over the past few years between Indigenous tourism concerns in the U.S. and Canada and the traditional travel trade. The Visit Native California platform of the Visit California website includes information on all sorts of tribal tourism offerings around the state, including this canoe excursion with the Yurok Tribe of Northern California. Signature is now working with Tourism Australia, Tourism New Zealand and the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau to create similar partnerships in those destinations, Alestra said. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the growth of the global wellness industry, with wellness tourism projected to reach close to $1.2 trillion by 2025. Luxury travel advisors are seeing a rise in demand for personalized holistic wellness experiences, with clients seeking transformative experiences that promote long-term well-being. The industry is focusing on holistic health, offering personalized wellness programs that integrate physical, mental, and emotional well-being, as well as incorporating nature-focused wellness experiences to enhance mental and physical rejuvenation. [Extracted from the article]

Orlando's tourism market remains strong despite a slight dip in hotel occupancy in 2024. The decrease in occupancy and demand is attributed to a more normalized travel pattern compared to the previous year. However, the city saw steady visitor numbers of around 74 million in 2023, with international tourism growing by 25%. Orlando is actively promoting its non-theme park offerings, such as outdoor activities and cultural attractions, to diversify its visitor base. The opening of Universal Orlando Resort's third theme park, Epic Universe, in 2025 is expected to further boost tourism in the area. [Extracted from the article]

Last month, Viking launched the Viking Aton, a sister ship to the Viking Osiris, which launched last year. Solo travelers have also been booking more Egypt itineraries with operators that offer itineraries curated with the solo traveler in mind as well as guided group trips that solo travelers are welcome to join. "We attract more adventurous travelers booking multicountry tours in Northern Africa and the Middle East, including Egypt, Israel and Jordan.". [Extracted from the article]

The resort has both open-air and indoor venues that are pictureperfect for romantic beachfront weddings. traveler profile OUTRIGGER Ka'anapali Beach Resort and OUTRIGGER Kaua'i Beach Resort & Spa appeal to both families and couples. "Hawaii's visitor industry and community partners across the islands continue to provide new and enhanced offerings, including hotel renovations and newly launched cultural initiatives, exciting tours, activities, and attractions, restaurant and store openings and various festivals and events honoring our heritage", said llihia Gionson, public affairs officer at the Hawaii Tourism Authority. "In addition, the ongoing investments in airport modernization improvements on Hawaii Island, Oahu and Maui aim to enhance the overall experience while emphasizing safety and efficiency. [Extracted from the article]

Reserve your clients' stay with your preferred travel partner and your guests instantly qualify for a complimentary welcome gi1b on your behalf. "The Hawaii Tourism Authority's visitor education and branding efforts are guided by the Hawaiian concept of me2lama, which means to care for", said Ilihia Gionson, the organization's public affairs officer. Ten dollars from every night a guest stays at The Ritz-Carlton is contributed to the project, with the hotel matching an additional $10; in return, guests receive a $20 nightly resort credit. [Extracted from the article]

Like every market segment in the tourism business, luxury travel has changed in recent months. But whether it's bespoke experiences, sumptuous private escapes or rejuvenating wellness programs, many elements that [...]

It was the evening before the day we were to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, but the guides and I were debating whether to send my 19-year-old son, Dash, down in a [...]

According to the 2023 Global Travel & Tourism Whitepaper by YouGov, consumers are spending more on travel, booking longer trips, taking more vacations and shortening their bucket lists. WHO'S TRAVELING Multigenerational luxury travel appears to be on the upswing for a number of travel advisors. WHAT'S BEHIND THE Luxury travel boom When it comes to booking windows, timing depends on the client, according to Heather Haas Gragg, a luxury travel advisor and partner at Synergy Luxury Travel in League City, Tx. [Extracted from the article]

NEW YORK - You don't have to watch Amazon Prime's hit series "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" to appreciate a sightseeing tour of the show's locations, especially when guided by one of its regular back-ground actors, who's dressed in character. 1) On a "Lord of the Rings" excursion with Celebrity Cruises in New Zealand, guests can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set used in the film series. Blockbuster benefits A blockbuster film or hit television show can mean blockbuster gains not only for the site or destination featured on the screen but also for the greater region. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides an outlook for the travel industry in 2024, as seen by industry professionals. Despite economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, executives are cautiously optimistic about the industry's momentum. The U.S. economy is viewed as stronger, and there is increasing demand for travel, especially in the ultraluxury category. The cruise industry is navigating geopolitical challenges well, and there is strong demand for expedition cruises. Affluent travelers are still investing in luxury travel, with bucket-list destinations, safaris, and Dubai remaining popular. Social media plays a significant role in influencing travel decisions, and despite the crisis in the Middle East, bookings in that region have not been significantly impacted. The document also highlights the perspectives of various industry professionals, including the CEO of Young People Travel/Global Edge, who emphasizes cultural appreciation and founded a nonprofit for immersive travel experiences for students. The CEO of Rail Europe discusses challenges and opportunities in the global travel market, particularly in relation to train travel in Europe. The CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association emphasizes the impact of geopolitical events, concerns about inflation, and the growing importance of culture in adventure travel. Overall, there is cautious optimism for the future of the travel industry, with both challenges and opportunities on the horizon. [Extracted from the article]

Themed cruises have become increasingly popular in the travel industry, catering to travelers who share common interests, fandoms, and dietary restrictions. These cruises offer unique experiences and activities related to specific themes, such as music, sports, food and wine, and popular culture. Cruise lines have recognized the value of themed cruises and are incorporating them into their offerings, with Norwegian Cruise Line even creating a division dedicated to building unique experiences. Themed cruises provide a sense of community and allow travelers to connect with like-minded individuals who share their passions. [Extracted from the article]

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched an investigation into the rewards programs of the four largest U.S. airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, and United. While consumer groups are applauding the probe, critics argue that it is regulatory overreach. The DOT is demanding that the airlines respond to a list of questions regarding devaluations of reward points, dynamic pricing for reward redemption, fees charged to customers, and monitoring of competing loyalty programs. The investigation aims to protect airline consumers from unfair practices, but airlines argue that loyalty programs are a way to thank customers and should continue to be offered. [Extracted from the article]

The travel industry is facing a critical challenge in recruiting and training new travel advisors. With more consumers relying on travel advisors for their expertise, agencies are struggling to attract qualified applicants to meet the growing demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a three percent increase in travel advisor positions from 2022 to 2032, with 8,600 openings each year on average. However, many experienced advisors have left the industry during the pandemic, and agencies are finding it difficult to replace them. Consumer research shows that 50 percent of travelers are more likely to use a travel advisor after the pandemic, highlighting the need for more advisors. The survey also reveals that many candidates lack the necessary skills and training to succeed in the role. Training is considered essential for new entrants to the profession, with agencies using various methods such as job shadowing, supplier programs, webinars, and specialized programs. The importance of training is emphasized, as educated agents tend to be more successful. American Marketing Group offers a comprehensive travel advisor educational program called KORE, which covers essential travel knowledge, business skills, and real-world insights from industry experts. The program is self-paced and fully digital, allowing new advisors to train at their convenience. Graduates of the KORE program are paired with a mentor and have the opportunity to work with an agency after graduation. The program has received positive feedback from graduates, who feel well-prepared and confident in their new careers. [Extracted from the article]

"YPS is that place for a new generation of travel advisors." Navigating the professional landscape as a young travel advisor can be lonely. Looking ahead Among the efforts Millennials in Travel is working on for 2023 is encouraging more millennials to not only join the travel industry but to join other industry organizations, which Smith said "keeps the industry thriving.". [Extracted from the article]

The travel industry has seen a surge in demand for luxury experiences, prompting travel advisors to focus on unique, bucket-list journeys that cater to diverse client requests. Luxury travel is growing exponentially, with suppliers offering innovative and curated experiences for travelers seeking elevated adventures. Travel Weekly provides a guide showcasing top trends in luxury travel, including immersive culinary experiences and wellness-focused vacations, to help advisors create unforgettable opportunities for their clients. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the need for improved airport mobility technology for travelers with disabilities in the air travel industry. Whill Mobility Services has introduced autonomous wheelchairs at various airports, including Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle-Tacoma, Winnipeg, Tokyo, and Osaka. These chairs are designed to assist individuals who can walk but require wheelchair assistance for long distances in airport terminals. The autonomous chairs are programmed to navigate to designated gates, avoid obstacles, and provide users with autonomy and independence. Other vendors, such as Alba Robot and Cyberworks Robotics, are also developing similar autonomous wheelchair products for airports. [Extracted from the article]

Recent challenges related to aging infrastructure and natural disasters have created obstacles for tourism in Cuba, with power grid issues, hurricanes, an earthquake, and declining visitor numbers impacting the industry. Despite these difficulties, tour operators emphasize that most tourism is continuing normally, particularly in Havana, with the private sector thriving. Luxury travel in Cuba remains resilient, with some businesses even experiencing growth, although concerns about the impact of potential political changes in the U.S. on tourism to Cuba persist. [Extracted from the article]

The Travel Weekly article discusses the intense competition for consumer attention within the travel industry, highlighting the need for innovative promotional campaigns and product designs. The 16th annual Travel Weekly Magellan Awards recognize companies that excel in communicating and serving their guests through creative marketing strategies. Winners of the Magellan Awards are praised for their ability to inspire travelers through carefully crafted communications that push the boundaries of what travel can offer. [Extracted from the article]

Travel Weekly recently won three Eddies at the Folio awards, which recognize excellence in journalism and design. Editor in chief Arnie Weissmann's column "From the Window Seat" and his coverage of OceanGate's "Mission Titanic" were awarded, along with the "Trade Secrets" podcast co-hosted by Jamie Biesiada. The publication also received honorable mentions for its 2023 Travel Industry Survey and an article on the evolution of economy seats. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the growing demand for "authentic" travel experiences in response to overtourism, with a focus on Indigenous culture in Australia. It highlights various tours and activities that aim to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Aboriginal traditions and history. The author reflects on the challenges of defining authenticity in tourism and emphasizes the importance of cultural comprehension over mere bragging rights. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the increasing competition in the travel industry, with the World Travel & Tourism Council predicting significant growth by 2034. New destinations and businesses are expected to emerge, challenging existing players to maintain market share. The importance of sustainability in travel is highlighted, with insights from industry leaders on balancing sustainability with competitiveness. Intrepid Travel's CEO shares how the company stays sustainable and profitable by working with local providers and maintaining ethical standards throughout its supply chain. [Extracted from the article]

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched an initiative called Together in Travel to support small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in the travel industry, which make up 80% of the sector. The initiative provides resources such as social media tips, networking opportunities, and educational programs to SMEs. Through Together in Travel, SMEs can access economic impact reports and research to enhance their businesses and showcase their importance in the industry. The initiative aims to foster pride, inspiration, and practical tools for SMEs to succeed in the competitive market. [Extracted from the article]

In the book "Nexus," Yuval Noah Harari explores the impact of information systems on civilizations throughout history. He contrasts societies and institutions that have self-correcting mechanisms, such as a free press and independent judiciary, with those that do not. Harari argues that autocratic governments and certain religions lack robust paths for self-correction. In the travel industry, pundits and critics, including Travel Weekly's staff columnists, play a role in the self-correcting ecosystem. Other notable travel pundits mentioned include Doug Lansky, Chris Elliott, Yeoh Siew Hoon, Brad Gerstner, Bill Gurley, Herb Hiller, and Peter Greenberg. These observers contribute to moving the industry forward, albeit in uneven steps. [Extracted from the article]

But an ever increasing number of destination marketers aim to convert those moviegoers in the Midwest (and elsewhere) from passive viewers to globe-hopping visitors, and they're hoping an appearance in [...]

A NAHEIM, Calif.--The U.S. Travel Association's annual IPW conference has always served as a platform for destination marketers to tout the fruits of their visitor-number successes. And there was some [...]

Journalists covering developments in tourism are de facto tastemakers, reviewing the merits of resorts, cruise ships, tour operators, restaurants, airlines, even entire countries. Each year, Travel Weekly's readers hear the [...]

History has not been kind to Poland during most of the previous two centuries. Situated among powerful, empire-minded neighbors, its narrative has often been told only in relation to the [...]

Scott Avera, president of Alexander + Roberts, said 2023 bookings for Japan are currently at 98% of 2019 levels and that 57% of those bookings are new business. Last month, Hashizume led a small group of nine American travelers, myself included, on Alexander + Roberts' first tour to operate in Japan since April 2020, an 11-day itinerary called From Japan's Inland Sea to the Alps. Suddenly, bookings started to appear on Yuka Hashizume's calendar. [Extracted from the article]

- Johanna Jainchill SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS THAT ADVISORS USE TO SELL TRAVEL FACEBOOK IS STILL THE MOST IMPORTANT SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM, BUT TIKTOK USAGE HAS DOUBLED. And perhaps more important than enticing millennials to become travel advisors, millennials use travel advisors. For the 2022 Travel Industry Survey, Travel Weekly teamed up with its sister brand, the travel research company Phocuswright, to examine trends among travel agencies and travel advisors in the U.S. The information presented in this report was obtained by distributing an online questionnaire to Travel Weekly and TravelAge West subscribers as well as members of various consortia and host agencies, inviting them to participate in the research project. TOP 5 TRAVEL PRODUCTS ADVISORS FOCUSED ON ADVISORS' FOCUS IN 2021 WAS ON ALL-INCLUSIVE AND OCEAN CRUISES. [Extracted from the article]

Barbra Merwin, the president of Travel Insured International (TII), has had a successful career in the insurance industry, starting as an intern and working her way up to her current position. She has gained extensive experience in various aspects of insurance, including claims, risk management, and marketing. Merwin's leadership style emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and inclusivity. She encourages a culture of change and innovation within TII. As a female executive, she has faced obstacles but encourages women to pursue their goals and advocate for positive change. Merwin is committed to supporting travelers and travel advisors by providing comprehensive insurance coverage and empowering them through resources and education. She also recognizes her responsibility to the travel industry as a whole, promoting transparency, integrity, and the well-being of travelers and industry professionals. [Extracted from the article]

The number of cruisers in Alaska is expected to remain relatively flat this summer after a record-breaking year in 2023. This stability is seen as a positive development, allowing communities to manage cruise traffic and tour operators to refine their operations. Some destinations are looking to build new docks and ports to accommodate larger ships and spread out cruise traffic. Cruise lines are also increasing their presence in Alaska, with newer and larger ships being deployed to the region. This indicates confidence in the Alaska market and the potential for continued growth in the future. [Extracted from the article]

Catherine Gergely, a New York City-based travel advisor at Protravel International, part of Global Travel Collection, agrees about Mexico's durable appeal. For Mexico's tourism industry, this year is likely to be one for the records. e nation expects to receive 40 million international tourists this year, a 2.9 percent jump from pre- COVID times in 2019, according to the nation's secretary of tourism, Miguel Torruco Marques, who spoke at the recent Tianguis Turistico, the nation's annual tourism conference. [Extracted from the article]