News this week was a bit all-over-the-place but let’s dive into some of the headlines:
Intrepid Travel this week completed the acquisition of Dutch tour operator Sawadee Reizen from Travelopia in a landmark deal, signaling a major step into a new market and an ambition to grow its style of responsible small group travel in Europe. Intrepid and Sawadee have enjoyed a successful working partnership since 2011.
Under the deal, Sawadee will continue to be led by Managing Director Berend Simons, who will report to Intrepid’s managing director EMEA, Zina Bencheikh. Sawadee will remain based in Amsterdam and will continue to operate with its existing name and brand, which is well-recognized in the Netherlands.
In other tour operator news, Unforgettable Travel Company added Ireland to its portfolio of European destinations. The new sample itineraries visit all corners of the country and are geared towards film buffs, luxury travelers, foodies and golf enthusiasts. They are now available for bookings and can be fully customized. Ireland becomes the company’s 20th destination in Europe.
Separately, ALG Vacations (ALGV) launched its “Fun in the Sun” promotion, offering savings on vacations across all of its brands, including Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations, Travel Impressions, Blue Sky Tours and United Vacations. Vacations are available in the Caribbean, Europe, Florida, Hawaii and beyond. Bookings must be made by February 27 for travel through December 15 to avail of these travel deals.
Agency Network Moves
Looking at travel agency networks, Internova Travel Group has joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the U.K., with a presence in more than 80 countries.
Travel Planners International this week also announced that Jenn Lee will become its president. She will also continue to serve as president of the new Vacation Planners franchise agency, bringing the sister brands together under one umbrella.
After the launch of Vacation Planners last spring, Lee and other executives felt that there was some brand confusion among suppliers and advisors and the leadership changes solidify the "one family, two brands" approach. It also ensures continuity of both brands' culture, messaging, vision and shared services.
Travel to Italy
Booking a flight to Italy? First, you should know that Lufthansa Group has begun the integration of ITA Airways’ operations with its own. Passengers will now be able to benefit through the use of combined frequent flyer programs, the consolidation of flight operations at different airport terminals, additional lounge access, code sharing and coordinated European flight schedules.
In addition, Neos has launched the first-ever direct flights from the U.S. to Puglia. Starting June 3, the airline will fly from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Bari’s Karol Wojtyla Airport. Flights will offer two seating configurations and will operate seasonally until October 15. The route will operate from New York every Tuesday, with the return flight operating each Wednesday.
The Latest in the Caribbean and Mexico
By all accounts, 2024 was as good of a year as the Caribbean has had—even topping its previous record-setting 2019 (in terms of visitor arrivals). As the islands complete their tallies for 2024 visitation numbers, it seems there is a new high-water mark for future comparisons. Beyond that, however, many islands are bolstering airlift, seeing new and renovated hotel projects debut and focusing on sustainable growth to continue the buzz in their destinations. Among these islands are Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curaçao, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Sandals and Beaches Resorts also debuted their new Sandals Elite Advisor (S.E.A.) program. Recognizing the role of advisors driving sales, the program’s refreshed focus empowers travel advisors with updated tools, support systems and opportunities for advancement, fostering enhanced collaboration with agencies and continuing to reward loyalty.
In Mexico, Playa Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International have opened Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Resort, Riviera Maya, Adult All-Inclusive. The resort, which formerly operated as Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya, marks a milestone in the collaboration between Playa and Marriott, becoming the third luxury all-inclusive resort for The Luxury Collection and Marriott International. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, the resort offers 100 oceanfront suites, each with handcrafted furnishings, private terraces or balconies, and ocean views.
On the west coast, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort in Cabo San Lucas has announced a couples’ “Spring Break” package as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations. The three-night package will be available in March and April 2025. Guests receive a tequila or mezcal tasting, a cooking class, private golf lessons, a spa credit and under of the beach cabanas with butler service.
A Moment of Your Time
Travel Agent has launched the latest iteration of its quarterly "Travel Trends & Advisor Insight Survey." We will use these quarterly surveys to learn more about the current state of the travel industry, as well as your business. Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey; following its conclusion, we will publish the findings here, so you will gain insight into the larger travel ecosystem and your colleague's businesses.
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