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The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) recently made it even easier for visitors to participate in voluntourism through the Malama Hawaii program. Launched by HTA and Hawaii Tourism United States in [...]

There is a lot to love about the destination wedding, honeymoon and romance markets, according to travel advisors and suppliers. The Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialists Association (DWHSA), a network [...]

River cruising is experiencing significant growth, with an increase in products and destinations for 2025. River cruise lines are adding more ships, destinations, and itineraries, focusing on longer cruises, solo travelers, and groups. The trend of longer cruises is popular, with many travelers opting for back-to-back combinations of multiple river itineraries to create extended vacations. Additionally, there is a rise in solo travelers, leading to the introduction of new cruises exclusively for solo travelers by various river cruise companies. Group travel is also on the rise, with companies like Transcend Cruises offering exclusive buyout river cruise travel experiences. [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 explores the growing market for destination weddings, honeymoons, and romance travel. It highlights the increase in destination wedding bookings, with couples now inviting friends and family to join them on their trips. There is also a trend towards "minimoons" - shorter honeymoons taken close to the wedding date. Cultural immersion is an important aspect of modern romance travel, with couples seeking authentic experiences and local flavors. The article discusses various travel experiences and accommodations that cater to couples seeking romantic and personalized experiences, including resorts and hotels that offer cultural activities, private accommodations, and unique experiences. It also mentions the trend of personalization in destination weddings, with suppliers offering custom packages and unique venues. The size of destination weddings varies, with some couples opting for smaller guest lists to ensure a more inclusive and fulfilling experience for everyone involved. [Extracted from the article]

The 2024 Virtuoso Luxe Report highlights the top five European destinations as Italy, Greece, France, England, and Spain. The report also mentions the growing trends of immediate family and multigenerational travel, as well as concert-focused travel. Various travel companies are making additions and improvements to their offerings, such as AmaWaterways adding a new itinerary in France and Collette introducing four new small group Exploration tours. Viking has opened bookings for its 2026 ocean voyages, and Air Canada is now offering air-to-rail booking options for customers traveling to Europe. Hotel capacity in Paris has increased, and Club Med is undergoing a major upgrade to its portfolio, focusing on upscale properties. The company plans to expand its portfolio with three to five openings or renovations per year. There are also developments in various European destinations, including new properties in Portugal and upcoming events in France, Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Viking, Air Canada, and AmaWaterways are highlighted as travel options, each offering unique experiences and services. [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]

The Luxury Travel sector is experiencing significant growth, with future sales projected to increase by 38 percent in 2025-2026. High-end travelers are increasingly seeking exclusive-use experiences such as luxury yachts and private residences, as well as personalized itineraries. Trends include a rise in solo travelers, particularly women, and multi-generational family trips. Luxury travel advisors emphasize the importance of personalization, privacy, and unique experiences tailored to individual preferences. [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]