The Carnival Sunshine topped the news this week as our cruise editor took a journey aboard the newly renovated vessel, formerly known as the Carnival Destiny. We started the week with a look at the ship’s new atrium and guestrooms. Later, we circled back with some photos of the new Cloud 9 Spa, EA Sports Bar and Serenity adults-only relaxation area.
Across the pond, online agency Travel Click Holidays ceased trading. While travelers currently traveling through the agency should be able to finish their journey, UK travelers who have not yet departed will have to claim a refund through the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority.
In digital marketing news, we heard from Jet Set World Travel Owner Julia Douglas on making sales through social media. We spoke with her after she attended the ULTRA Luxury Exchange conference in Miami last month about using social media to establish an agency’s credibility and the importance of recommendations and referrals to the Millennial generation.
In Hawaii, Oahu became the latest destination to restrict smoking on public beaches as a ban is set to go into effect January 1. On our Facebook page, many of our readers supported the ban as a way of curbing litter on the beaches.
“As an ex-smoker, no,” said Dennis Jerrell of whether or not smoking should be allowed on public beaches. “Butts not disposed of all the time. Birds could eat, feeds bugs to break em down.”
“No, because they just throw the butts on the ground trashing the beach,” said Linda Martin. “Little kids making sand castles have to pick them out.”
A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck Wellington, New Zealand. Fortunately damage was minimal and there were only four reported injuries. Engineers conducted inspections on buildings, and parts of the city were cordoned off for repairs.
Finally, in the Caribbean, this week saw a host of new packages for Cuba travel. Our Caribbean editor rounded up the recent companies to announce itineraries to the country under the People-to-People program and provided a look ahead at what’s next for travel to the island.
Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for the latest travel industry news, trends and updates.