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Exciting Overnights on Crystal’s 2022 World Cruise

A lot of ground—and water—can be covered in 116 days. Crystal Cruises is excited to share the highlights of what’s in store for the 2022 World Cruise. The experience is going to be a trip of a lifetime, as the journey includes 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 50 ports around the world. Travelers will be able to view famous monuments and learn the history of the various destinations visited. Crystal is especially excited for guests to experience the multiple overnights on this much-anticipated adventure. Overnight stays allow for visitors to explore a destination more in-depth

Spotlight

Tourisme Montreal

Tourisme Montréal is a private, non-profit organization, founded in 1919 and incorporated in 1924. It comprises more than 900 members and partners from Montréal’s tourism industry, who share the common goal of promoting the city as a premier travel destination to non-local markets.

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Hospitality Management

Bump Revenue with Flight Ticket Reservation System

Article | June 20, 2023

Flight carriers across the world are constantly processing bookings from travelers. To keep up with the demand, they need to be on top of everything. Technological advances have helped airline reservations move away from a manual system. At a time when commercial aviation relied on physical systems, they offered tickets through dedicated reservation centers dotting popular cities. Such facilities had employees to assign paper tickets to travelers. These paper tickets represented the sale of a seat on a flight. But as more and more people could afford air travel, alterations became necessary and a stressful process. The challenges in airline reservation were mostly related to mobility, alterations, and refund and the solution was an online flight ticket reservation system that addressed them all at once. Cut to 2022. Today, we book flight tickets on-the-go using an automated passenger reservation system, thanks to the computerized reservation systems that are crucial for any airline company or tour operator to offer outstanding customer experience to travelers. Airline Reservation System: Getting into the Nitty-gritty The airline industry is not an exception to cut-throat competition, as the number of airline companies has seen a rapid increase in the last few decades. Every company is trying to adopt a new technological solution or business strategy that can help generate higher revenue, offer its customers a satisfying customer experience, and remain up-to-speed with the dynamic demands of the industry. This need to stay ahead of the game led to the creation of the airline reservation system. An airline reservation system is a web-based flight booking engine used to conduct flight bookings. The bookings are made by collating information such as airline schedules, fare tariffs, passenger reservations, and PNRs with the help of global distribution systems. This system provides real-time inventory and rates for travel agents and travelers so they can choose from the many options available. Flight Ticket Reservation System Streamlines Flight Booking Processes A flight reservation system streamlines air ticket booking with key features that make it easy for a travel agent or traveler to book a ticket from their computers or phones. Here are the components of online flight ticket reservation system: Reservation Management Inventory Management Multi-city search Option Payment Gateway Integration A Mobile-friendly design A Customizable System Online Reservation Facility Multi-language Compatibility Why Airline Companies and Tour Providers Depend on Travel Tech Providers? Airline companies like yours make it a point to use a computer reservation system to achieve their revenue goals. Tour operators also rely heavily on flight ticket reservation system so that they can offer their end customers a platform for mobile airline reservation. Let us take a look at the many ways an online flight ticket reservation systems has changed the airline industry: Bookings Don’t Have to Wait Tour operators and travelers can buy flight tickets 24/7 without having to visit a physical counter. This increases convenience and makes the process of booking a ticket hassle-free. Consequently, your business remains available for your customers through your flight ticket reservation system provider around the clock, so they don’t have to struggle to book the ticket. Your Staff Can Focus on More Important Tasks With the help of an online booking system, you can reduce the administrative time that your staff spends on tedious filing and noting down customer information. Easily automate key tasks such as payments, report generations, waiver signing, and reservation and let your staff focus on other important tasks. Additionally, customer success teams can give their time to important issues than mitigating smaller challenges. API Integrations are Your Best Friend Online booking systems allow API integrations with large distributors and well-known brands within the travel sector. This can make your airline visible to a larger customer base. Such tech integrations can get you more bookings and help you with branding. Offer an Enhanced Customer Experience When you integrate flight ticket reservation system solution into your website, you offer end customers a seamless experience. They are in charge of the entire process, right from exploring the flights you offer to checking-in at a time that is convenient for them. Get Insights into Your Business You can get valuable insights through the analytics dashboard that tells you about popular sellers, add-ons, time-slots, and seasons using a flight ticket reservation system technology. You can get a clear idea on what’s working for the customers and what isn’t. You can improve your offerings and business processes to achieve business growth. Last Thoughts Integrating an online flight reservation system into your airline or tour operations business can help you keep up with the current market trends, and grow your sales and market share.

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Hospitality Management

How to Save Time, Money and Effort on Business Travel with a Corporate Lodging Solution

Article | June 19, 2023

Business travel is a huge expense for many companies. Did you know that the average cost of a business trip totals $1,286? Lodging accounts for the majority of that figure, while meals, flights and car rentals make up the rest. But it’s not all bad news. For every dollar spent on business travel, companies see a $2.90 increase in profit and a $9.50 increase in revenue. So, business travel is at least well worth the investment. Nevertheless, wouldn’t it be great if you could make that same amount of profit and revenue with a smaller business travel spend? That idea isn’t as crazy as you might think. Many companies rely on an unmanaged business travel system. They waste time, effort and money by manually organizing their work trips. By choosing a corporate lodging solution for all of your hotel bookings, you automate a lot of the process, achieving cheaper and more efficient business travel as a result. So how exactly does a corporate lodging solution save companies time, effort and ultimately, money? Let’s dive into the details

Read More
Hospitality Management

Leveraging AI English Language Training Tools to Address Travel Surge

Article | June 29, 2023

Following the relaxation of travel restrictions worldwide, the travel and hospitality industries are bracing for a surge in demand, which will be exacerbated by the upcoming holiday season. As widespread delays and cancellations become more likely, companies like airlines are looking for new ways to put customer experience first. In a global workplace, not being able to speak more than one language, especially English, can hurt productivity and customer service. For this reason, people who work with customers need to have good communication skills. Investing in AI English Language Training Tools Traditional training for staff in the travel and hospitality industries requires in-person sessions. It can be expensive and impractical because employees have tight work schedules and staff operates in different time zones. AI app-based training alternatives solve these key issues, allowing employees to learn "on-the-fly" whenever possible. Digital training alternatives can provide greater levels of personalization for task assignment and user feedback. This individualized approach to staff development is difficult to replicate in large in-person sessions. Because all tasks are given and done digitally, management teams can track each user's progress and how well training is going for the whole department. Offering Excellent Customer Experience English communication is vital to offering an excellent customer experience and long-term profitability as the travel industry recovers. Artificial intelligence-powered English language training solutions stand out from the crowd. This technology has the potential to constantly advance and improve over time, thanks to its own learning community. Ed-tech learning tools that incorporate future-proofed AI technology will enable providers to confidently invest in training, increase staff engagement, and provide best-in-class customer experiences to global travelers. As a result, companies in the travel and hospitality industries that put communication skills training at the top of their list of priorities and speed it up can increase customer loyalty and stay competitive with other market leaders.

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Travel Technology

Streamlining Business Operations with Travel Management Agencies

Article | May 2, 2023

Contents 1. Introduction 2. Enhancing Operations of Travel Businesses 2.1 Constant Assistance 2.2 Increased Efficiency 2.3 Travel Spend Reduction 2.4 Advice and Insights 2.5 Travel Policy Compliance 2.6 Greater Knowledge and Visibility 3. Leveraging Business Functions with Services of Agencies 3.1 Travel Management 3.2 Passenger Assistance 3.3 Consulting 3.4 Marketing and Internal Communication 3.5 Technology 3.6 Leisure Services 4. Conclusion 1. Introduction Travel management agencies empower business travel with in-depth analysis, reporting and constant assistance. They improve efficiency in business operations and reduce travel spending through a subscription or one-off payment for their services. With their profound knowledge and vast network of service providers, they offer more discounts and offerings to the travel company’s clients. This feature enhances the visibility and customer reach of the company. They also ensure travel policy compliance, consulting, and other services for better results. 2. Enhancing Operations of Travel Businesses 2.1 Constant Assistance It becomes challenging to manage multiple providers simultaneously, so travel management agencies fill the communication gaps and prevent confusion during travel planning. They reach out various customer support teams and keep track of all communications as an all-in-one solution for global business travel. Some TMCs also assist in day and night shifts to assist with last-minute travel booking and urgent changes in the travel plan. 2.2 Increased Efficiency Travel management agencies help to streamline the booking process. The travel agents would design a comprehensive travel program with travel arrangements as per the requirement of the clients. In addition, they would handle the logistics of making travel arrangements for multiple clients simultaneously. 2.3 Travel Spend Reduction Travel management agencies may charge for a subscription or one-off payment via business travel credit cards for their services. But it leads to significant investment savings, cutting costs over an extended period. They have a vast network of travel service providers offering unique discounts for multiple services. The TMC officials have sound knowledge of reservation availability during particular periods and the destinations at the cheapest fares; that takes care of complex, repetitive and time-consuming travel processes of businesses. Such services make it easy to plan trips, make changes to reservations, and get reimbursed for travel costs. 2.4 Advice and Insights TMC professionals understand the working of the travel industry at its core. As a result, they provide valuable advice on spending the company’s money for greater productivity. In addition, they are experts with in-depth knowledge of new destinations, the best routes for intra-city travel, and general compliance with policies of national and international trips. Moreover, travel management agencies can help to ensure that travelers are fully prepared and equipped for their journey by providing expert guidance and advice on travel requirements, health and safety protocols, and other important considerations. 2.5 Travel Policy Compliance Compliance with travel rules, regulations and policies is vital for travel expense management. It ensures transparency and safeguards the privacy of travel companies or individuals. The travel management agencies adopt a travel policy to ensure efficiency in executing travel business processes. 2.6 Greater Knowledge and Visibility Unclear travel processes cause malpractices and conflicts between travel companies and their clients. Travel management agencies minimize these risks through transparent travel processes. They provide real-time reports of reservations and bookings. They help manage travel within strict budgets, offering travel trend analyses for better decisions. In addition, they manage travel itineraries and assist businesses in every process. 3. Leveraging Business Functions with Services of Agencies 3.1 Travel Management Travel management is the base of organizing and handling travel business, reservation of transport tickets, searches for accommodations, car rental, etc. Still, new technologies have transformed the traditional methods of travel operations. In addition, it undertakes price comparisons or strategies for more deals and discounts. 3.2 Passenger Assistance As global travel continues to increase in frequency and complexity, travelers are often faced with a myriad of unforeseen problems and issues that can potentially derail their plans. Such issues may include repatriation due to illness, accident, or emergency, lost luggage or documents, flight cancellations, and many others. In order to effectively manage and resolve these issues, it is essential to rely on the expertise and resources of travel management agencies. These agencies specialize in providing comprehensive travel solutions and support services to individuals and organizations alike. 3.3 Consulting Consulting services require taking care of different aspects based on the information of interest for the traveler, like traditions of the destination country, recommendations, cultural references, mannerisms, etc. Furthermore, their efforts are geared towards minimizing costs, maintaining control, and offering up-to-date guidance on travel policy. 3.4 Marketing and Internal Communication As a travel management agency gains expertise, it becomes proficient in furnishing robust assistance in the formulation of travel policies for businesses, along with facilitating efficient communication among employees. The process of policy preparation entails regulations pertaining to business travel expenses and management, which the agency is adept at handling. 3.5 Technology Utilizing the most up-to-date and advanced technology is crucial for any travel company in today's world. This allows travel companies to request and compare travel services such as booking tickets, finding suitable accommodations, managing billing, and providing emergency services in a more efficient and effective manner. With the latest business travel software, the companies can leverage automation and artificial intelligence to streamline their operations and offer personalized services to their customers. For instance, chatbots can assist customers with their travel plans, provide recommendations, and handle queries in real-time. 3.6 Leisure Services Travel management companies also offer direct discounts or revised policies for travel and leisure activities in exceptional cases for the company’s employees and relatives. They provide value-adding services meeting the current expectations and needs of the companies through a comprehensive management of corporate travel. 4. Conclusion Travel management agencies help travel companies in every aspect of their business, from travel management, passenger assistance, consulting, marketing and internal communication, and technology to leisure services. They provide constant help, increased efficiency, valuable insights and business advice. In addition, with profound years of experience, knowledge and a solid network, they give enhanced visibility to travel businesses. They reduce travel spend and ensure travel policy compliance between travel companies and their clients, encouraging customer loyalty and trust.

Read More
Hospitality Management

Discover Top 10 Books on Hospitality Management to Elevate Expertise

Article | June 20, 2023

Flight carriers across the world are constantly processing bookings from travelers. To keep up with the demand, they need to be on top of everything. Technological advances have helped airline reservations move away from a manual system. At a time when commercial aviation relied on physical systems, they offered tickets through dedicated reservation centers dotting popular cities. Such facilities had employees to assign paper tickets to travelers. These paper tickets represented the sale of a seat on a flight. But as more and more people could afford air travel, alterations became necessary and a stressful process. The challenges in airline reservation were mostly related to mobility, alterations, and refund and the solution was an online flight ticket reservation system that addressed them all at once. Cut to 2022. Today, we book flight tickets on-the-go using an automated passenger reservation system, thanks to the computerized reservation systems that are crucial for any airline company or tour operator to offer outstanding customer experience to travelers. Airline Reservation System: Getting into the Nitty-gritty The airline industry is not an exception to cut-throat competition, as the number of airline companies has seen a rapid increase in the last few decades. Every company is trying to adopt a new technological solution or business strategy that can help generate higher revenue, offer its customers a satisfying customer experience, and remain up-to-speed with the dynamic demands of the industry. This need to stay ahead of the game led to the creation of the airline reservation system. An airline reservation system is a web-based flight booking engine used to conduct flight bookings. The bookings are made by collating information such as airline schedules, fare tariffs, passenger reservations, and PNRs with the help of global distribution systems. This system provides real-time inventory and rates for travel agents and travelers so they can choose from the many options available. Flight Ticket Reservation System Streamlines Flight Booking Processes A flight reservation system streamlines air ticket booking with key features that make it easy for a travel agent or traveler to book a ticket from their computers or phones. Here are the components of online flight ticket reservation system: Reservation Management Inventory Management Multi-city search Option Payment Gateway Integration A Mobile-friendly design A Customizable System Online Reservation Facility Multi-language Compatibility Why Airline Companies and Tour Providers Depend on Travel Tech Providers? Airline companies like yours make it a point to use a computer reservation system to achieve their revenue goals. Tour operators also rely heavily on flight ticket reservation system so that they can offer their end customers a platform for mobile airline reservation. Let us take a look at the many ways an online flight ticket reservation systems has changed the airline industry: Bookings Don’t Have to Wait Tour operators and travelers can buy flight tickets 24/7 without having to visit a physical counter. This increases convenience and makes the process of booking a ticket hassle-free. Consequently, your business remains available for your customers through your flight ticket reservation system provider around the clock, so they don’t have to struggle to book the ticket. Your Staff Can Focus on More Important Tasks With the help of an online booking system, you can reduce the administrative time that your staff spends on tedious filing and noting down customer information. Easily automate key tasks such as payments, report generations, waiver signing, and reservation and let your staff focus on other important tasks. Additionally, customer success teams can give their time to important issues than mitigating smaller challenges. API Integrations are Your Best Friend Online booking systems allow API integrations with large distributors and well-known brands within the travel sector. This can make your airline visible to a larger customer base. Such tech integrations can get you more bookings and help you with branding. Offer an Enhanced Customer Experience When you integrate flight ticket reservation system solution into your website, you offer end customers a seamless experience. They are in charge of the entire process, right from exploring the flights you offer to checking-in at a time that is convenient for them. Get Insights into Your Business You can get valuable insights through the analytics dashboard that tells you about popular sellers, add-ons, time-slots, and seasons using a flight ticket reservation system technology. You can get a clear idea on what’s working for the customers and what isn’t. You can improve your offerings and business processes to achieve business growth. Last Thoughts Integrating an online flight reservation system into your airline or tour operations business can help you keep up with the current market trends, and grow your sales and market share.

Read More
Hospitality Management

10 Must-Attend Hospitality Management Events for Professionals

Article | June 19, 2023

Business travel is a huge expense for many companies. Did you know that the average cost of a business trip totals $1,286? Lodging accounts for the majority of that figure, while meals, flights and car rentals make up the rest. But it’s not all bad news. For every dollar spent on business travel, companies see a $2.90 increase in profit and a $9.50 increase in revenue. So, business travel is at least well worth the investment. Nevertheless, wouldn’t it be great if you could make that same amount of profit and revenue with a smaller business travel spend? That idea isn’t as crazy as you might think. Many companies rely on an unmanaged business travel system. They waste time, effort and money by manually organizing their work trips. By choosing a corporate lodging solution for all of your hotel bookings, you automate a lot of the process, achieving cheaper and more efficient business travel as a result. So how exactly does a corporate lodging solution save companies time, effort and ultimately, money? Let’s dive into the details

Read More
Hospitality Management

Improve Efficiency with 7 Trending Hospitality Management Software

Article | June 29, 2023

Following the relaxation of travel restrictions worldwide, the travel and hospitality industries are bracing for a surge in demand, which will be exacerbated by the upcoming holiday season. As widespread delays and cancellations become more likely, companies like airlines are looking for new ways to put customer experience first. In a global workplace, not being able to speak more than one language, especially English, can hurt productivity and customer service. For this reason, people who work with customers need to have good communication skills. Investing in AI English Language Training Tools Traditional training for staff in the travel and hospitality industries requires in-person sessions. It can be expensive and impractical because employees have tight work schedules and staff operates in different time zones. AI app-based training alternatives solve these key issues, allowing employees to learn "on-the-fly" whenever possible. Digital training alternatives can provide greater levels of personalization for task assignment and user feedback. This individualized approach to staff development is difficult to replicate in large in-person sessions. Because all tasks are given and done digitally, management teams can track each user's progress and how well training is going for the whole department. Offering Excellent Customer Experience English communication is vital to offering an excellent customer experience and long-term profitability as the travel industry recovers. Artificial intelligence-powered English language training solutions stand out from the crowd. This technology has the potential to constantly advance and improve over time, thanks to its own learning community. Ed-tech learning tools that incorporate future-proofed AI technology will enable providers to confidently invest in training, increase staff engagement, and provide best-in-class customer experiences to global travelers. As a result, companies in the travel and hospitality industries that put communication skills training at the top of their list of priorities and speed it up can increase customer loyalty and stay competitive with other market leaders.

Read More
Travel Technology

Streamlining Business Operations with Travel Management Agencies

Article | May 2, 2023

Contents 1. Introduction 2. Enhancing Operations of Travel Businesses 2.1 Constant Assistance 2.2 Increased Efficiency 2.3 Travel Spend Reduction 2.4 Advice and Insights 2.5 Travel Policy Compliance 2.6 Greater Knowledge and Visibility 3. Leveraging Business Functions with Services of Agencies 3.1 Travel Management 3.2 Passenger Assistance 3.3 Consulting 3.4 Marketing and Internal Communication 3.5 Technology 3.6 Leisure Services 4. Conclusion 1. Introduction Travel management agencies empower business travel with in-depth analysis, reporting and constant assistance. They improve efficiency in business operations and reduce travel spending through a subscription or one-off payment for their services. With their profound knowledge and vast network of service providers, they offer more discounts and offerings to the travel company’s clients. This feature enhances the visibility and customer reach of the company. They also ensure travel policy compliance, consulting, and other services for better results. 2. Enhancing Operations of Travel Businesses 2.1 Constant Assistance It becomes challenging to manage multiple providers simultaneously, so travel management agencies fill the communication gaps and prevent confusion during travel planning. They reach out various customer support teams and keep track of all communications as an all-in-one solution for global business travel. Some TMCs also assist in day and night shifts to assist with last-minute travel booking and urgent changes in the travel plan. 2.2 Increased Efficiency Travel management agencies help to streamline the booking process. The travel agents would design a comprehensive travel program with travel arrangements as per the requirement of the clients. In addition, they would handle the logistics of making travel arrangements for multiple clients simultaneously. 2.3 Travel Spend Reduction Travel management agencies may charge for a subscription or one-off payment via business travel credit cards for their services. But it leads to significant investment savings, cutting costs over an extended period. They have a vast network of travel service providers offering unique discounts for multiple services. The TMC officials have sound knowledge of reservation availability during particular periods and the destinations at the cheapest fares; that takes care of complex, repetitive and time-consuming travel processes of businesses. Such services make it easy to plan trips, make changes to reservations, and get reimbursed for travel costs. 2.4 Advice and Insights TMC professionals understand the working of the travel industry at its core. As a result, they provide valuable advice on spending the company’s money for greater productivity. In addition, they are experts with in-depth knowledge of new destinations, the best routes for intra-city travel, and general compliance with policies of national and international trips. Moreover, travel management agencies can help to ensure that travelers are fully prepared and equipped for their journey by providing expert guidance and advice on travel requirements, health and safety protocols, and other important considerations. 2.5 Travel Policy Compliance Compliance with travel rules, regulations and policies is vital for travel expense management. It ensures transparency and safeguards the privacy of travel companies or individuals. The travel management agencies adopt a travel policy to ensure efficiency in executing travel business processes. 2.6 Greater Knowledge and Visibility Unclear travel processes cause malpractices and conflicts between travel companies and their clients. Travel management agencies minimize these risks through transparent travel processes. They provide real-time reports of reservations and bookings. They help manage travel within strict budgets, offering travel trend analyses for better decisions. In addition, they manage travel itineraries and assist businesses in every process. 3. Leveraging Business Functions with Services of Agencies 3.1 Travel Management Travel management is the base of organizing and handling travel business, reservation of transport tickets, searches for accommodations, car rental, etc. Still, new technologies have transformed the traditional methods of travel operations. In addition, it undertakes price comparisons or strategies for more deals and discounts. 3.2 Passenger Assistance As global travel continues to increase in frequency and complexity, travelers are often faced with a myriad of unforeseen problems and issues that can potentially derail their plans. Such issues may include repatriation due to illness, accident, or emergency, lost luggage or documents, flight cancellations, and many others. In order to effectively manage and resolve these issues, it is essential to rely on the expertise and resources of travel management agencies. These agencies specialize in providing comprehensive travel solutions and support services to individuals and organizations alike. 3.3 Consulting Consulting services require taking care of different aspects based on the information of interest for the traveler, like traditions of the destination country, recommendations, cultural references, mannerisms, etc. Furthermore, their efforts are geared towards minimizing costs, maintaining control, and offering up-to-date guidance on travel policy. 3.4 Marketing and Internal Communication As a travel management agency gains expertise, it becomes proficient in furnishing robust assistance in the formulation of travel policies for businesses, along with facilitating efficient communication among employees. The process of policy preparation entails regulations pertaining to business travel expenses and management, which the agency is adept at handling. 3.5 Technology Utilizing the most up-to-date and advanced technology is crucial for any travel company in today's world. This allows travel companies to request and compare travel services such as booking tickets, finding suitable accommodations, managing billing, and providing emergency services in a more efficient and effective manner. With the latest business travel software, the companies can leverage automation and artificial intelligence to streamline their operations and offer personalized services to their customers. For instance, chatbots can assist customers with their travel plans, provide recommendations, and handle queries in real-time. 3.6 Leisure Services Travel management companies also offer direct discounts or revised policies for travel and leisure activities in exceptional cases for the company’s employees and relatives. They provide value-adding services meeting the current expectations and needs of the companies through a comprehensive management of corporate travel. 4. Conclusion Travel management agencies help travel companies in every aspect of their business, from travel management, passenger assistance, consulting, marketing and internal communication, and technology to leisure services. They provide constant help, increased efficiency, valuable insights and business advice. In addition, with profound years of experience, knowledge and a solid network, they give enhanced visibility to travel businesses. They reduce travel spend and ensure travel policy compliance between travel companies and their clients, encouraging customer loyalty and trust.

Read More
MORE ARTICLES

Spotlight

Tourisme Montreal

Tourisme Montréal is a private, non-profit organization, founded in 1919 and incorporated in 1924. It comprises more than 900 members and partners from Montréal’s tourism industry, who share the common goal of promoting the city as a premier travel destination to non-local markets.

Related News

Hospitality Trends, Hospitality Management

Sonesta Announces First Sonesta Es Suites Ground Up Development

PR Newswire | January 24, 2024

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced plans for the construction of a new Sonesta ES Suites in Port Charlotte, Florida. This new property, expected to open in Spring 2025, marks the first Sonesta ES Suites brand project developed from the ground up. "We are excited that Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte will be our first purpose-built location for the brand," said Brian Quinn, Sonesta's Chief Development Officer. "The Sonesta ES Suites brand stands out as an attractive choice for franchisees looking for an upscale option to capitalize on the continued dependable performance of extended stay hotels." "Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte will benefit business travelers and tourists who are looking for accommodations near the beaches, golf courses, parks and other attractions that Port Charlotte has to offer," said Alan Lane, one of Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte's owners. "The addition of Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte to our diverse portfolio reflects Commonwealth Hotels' unwavering commitment to providing an unparalleled guest experience through visionary development, ethical practices and a steadfast dedication to superior service," said Jennifer Porter, President of Commonwealth Hotels, the hotel's management company. To be located at 1321 Claburn Circle in Port Charlotte, Florida, the Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte will be an upscale extended-stay hotel spanning four floors and offering 117 rooms with amenities including breakfast and dining services, an outdoor pool, fitness room, market pantry, guest laundry, onsite parking and more. The location of the new hotel is close to over 20 colleges and universities, two hospitals, more than 70 parks and recreational spaces, more than 12 miles of beaches, 14 golf courses and numerous other attractions. Guests of this location will be able to earn or redeem points in the award winning Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.

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Travel Technology, Airlines and Airports

Trip.com Group and LATAM Airlines Group Partner to Enhance Travel Experience Through NDC Technology

PR Newswire | January 22, 2024

Trip.com Group, a leading travel service provider, announced today the signing of a new NDC agreement with LATAM Airlines Group. This agreement between the two companies aims to provide a contemporary and streamlined ticketing experience for global travellers. It also offers unparalleled connectivity to over 144 destinations covered by LATAM Airlines across 22 countries and regions, including Latin America, the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. The key benefit of this agreement is the adoption of NDC standard technology. This technology gives customers access to a complete and more comprehensive selection of airline offerings and the option to buy additional products, services, and add-ons such as baggage allowance and seats. Moreover, customers can access a broader range of ancillary services and more detailed information by browsing the change and cancellation policy section during checkout, leading to improved Trip.com Group and LATAM Airlines Group's after-sales services. Juan Villanova, Sales Manager of Trip.com for Spain and Latin America, comments: "Trip.com is a cutting-edge online travel company that leads the way in technology. Our commitment is to improve our product offerings to guarantee the highest customer satisfaction. With this tech solution, our passengers will have access to an improved and more competitive selection of flights and products." The agreement will include integrating a shopping engine for ticket sales via some of Trip.com Group's leading brands, offering a cost advantage to both suppliers and customers. Henk Van der Velde, Regional Director for Southern Europe and Latin America for Trip.com Group's flight Department, adds: "We are delighted to collaborate with LATAM Airlines Group in the implementation of an NDC standard, and offer solutions for everyone via a shopping engine, which has yielded excellent results. I look forward to continuing this collaboration and bringing new features that positively impact our customer's travel experience." Andreas Schek, Vice President of Sales and Branding of LATAM Airlines Group, adds: "We are proud of this collaboration with Trip.com Group on the implementation of the NDC standard, as it allows us to explore ways to enhance its efficiency further. This is a significant milestone in the future of distribution that will benefit our global customers."

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Travel Technology, Destination and Tourism

Exodus Adventure Travels Announces New Trips in Partnership with Royal Canadian Geographic Society

PR Newswire | January 23, 2024

Exodus Adventure Travels, the international award-winning leader in adventure travel, today announced its new 2024 RCGS Quests trips, a series of expert-led tours developed in partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. These limited edition, small group trips are what travel legends are made of – adventures that are designed to offer travelers unparalleled opportunities to explore some of the planet's most awe-inspiring destinations and led by noted hosts in their respective fields. This year's line-up features such noted hosts as World Elephant Day co-founder, Patricia Sims; bestselling author, Robin Esrock; Indigenous education advocate, Charlene Bearhead, and others. "We are honored to partner with The Royal Canadian Geographical Society on these highly anticipated adventures," said Sam Seward, President at Exodus Adventure Travels. "This is our third year operating our RCGS Quests program, with continued demand to explore further and experience more, pushing these trips to new heights and featuring another stellar line-up of hosts to add even more depth to each itinerary." Exodus' 2024 RCGS Quests Series features the following six adventures: RCGS: Highlights of the Amalfi Coast with Scott Forsyth Discover the land of la dolce vita for a wondrous week on the Amalfi Coast led by an expert local guide and hosted by professional photographer and fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Scott Forsyth. Explore one of Europe's most dramatic stretches of coastline and be spellbound by this land's natural beauty and cultural treasures. The Host: Scott Forsyth is an award-winning photographer who specializes in Canadian landscapes. Devoted to exploring Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific and Arctic Ocean coastlines, Scott is a Fellow of both the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the Explorer's Club and is Canadian Geographic's Photographer-In-Residence. Eight-day itinerary priced from $2,240 USD. Departing April 6, 2024 RCGS: Classic Kenya 4WD Safari with Patricia Sims No country, perhaps, is more synonymous with a classic African safari than Kenya. Step into scenes from 'Out of Africa' as you explore Kenya's best safari sites led by an expert local safari guide and hosted by award-winning Canadian filmmaker, Royal Canadian Geographical Society fellow and World Elephant Day co-founder, Patricia Sims. The Host: Patricia Sims is the co-founder of the annual World Elephant Day (Aug. 12), a global awareness campaign that brings attention to the critical threats facing elephants. From swimming with wild dolphins and whales in oceans around the world to getting up close and personal with monkeys in the jungles of Borneo and elephants of Thailand, Patricia is also an award-winning filmmaker who always has a passionate eye on conservation. Patricia is a Fellow International of The Explorers Club and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Seven-day itinerary priced from US$4,649 Departing August 10, 2024 RCGS: A Week in Jordan with Sarah Legault Explore the wondrous historical and archaeological highlights of Jordan on this week-long adventure. From the incredible history of the Wadi Rum Desert to strolling through ancient Roman cities and floating in the Dead Sea, this Jordanian adventure contains all the highlights of this fascinating country. It is led by an expert local guide and hosted by Vice President of Philanthropy for the RCGS, Sarah Legault. The Host: Sarah Legault has been the head of advancement at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society since 2018 and has worked at charitable organizations throughout her career. Her vast understanding of the Society, Canadian Geographic and all associated programs is extraordinary. As the current Vice President of Philanthropy and Fellow of the RCGS, Sarah's mission-aligned values of environment, people, culture, and geographical literacy support engaging and forward-thinking initiatives which she always is keen to share and discuss. Seven-day itinerary priced from US$2,550 Departing October 19, 2024 RCGS: Rome, Assisi & Magical Umbria – Premium Adventure with Robin Esrock Explore Rome and Assisi's historic landmarks and classical ruins. Walk through Italy's unspoiled countryside staying in a picturesque four-star resort in the hills of Umbria, led by an expert local guide and hosted by bestselling author, TV host, public speaker and Royal Canadian Geographical Society Fellow Robin Esrock. The Host: Dubbed "King of the Bucket List" by Travel + Leisure, Robin Esrock's success as a global adventurer, travel writer, bestselling author and international TV personality started with a one-year solo round-the-world backpacking adventure to 24 countries. During this year, Robin uploaded weekly reports, photography, videos, reviews, and interviews with every person he met. In doing so, he ushered in a new era of multi-platform, switched-on wired-in travel journalism, leading to adventures beyond his wildest dreams. Robin's stories have been published in noted publications worldwide, including National Geographic Traveler, The Guardian, Chicago Tribune, Toronto Star, Reader's Digest, and more. Eight-day itinerary priced from US$4,050 Departing October 19, 2024 RCGS: Egypt Nile Cruise with Charlene Bearhead Follow in the footsteps of the ancient pharaohs and ride the sands of time back thousands of years on this classic Egypt Nile cruise led by an expert local guide and hosted by Indigenous education advocate, author, Vice President of Learning and Reconciliation at Canadian Geographic, and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Charlene Bearhead. With ancient tombs and mysteries around every bend, unrivaled legacy and mind-blowing history await. The Host: Charlene Bearhead is an Indigenous education advocate and author with over 30 years of regional, national and international experience. Previously Charlene served as education days coordinator for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, education coordinator for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, education advisor for the Canadian Geographic Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada, a member of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Indigenous Education working group, and the first education lead for both the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba and the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at UBC. She is also the co-author of the children's book series Siha Tooskin Knows. Eight-day itinerary priced from US$2,380 Departing November 16, 2024 RCGS: Highlights of Vietnam with Lynn Moorman Discover the complex culture and history of Vietnam on this intoxicating exploration of Vietnamese life highlighted by superb landscapes and amazing cuisine. Led by an expert local guide and hosted by Lynn Moorman, a lifelong geographer with a love for exploring remote landscapes and environments. The Host: Lynn Moorman is a prominent geographer and a professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Mount Royal University, in Calgary, Canada. Lynn's teaching and research interests lie at the intersection of geography, learning sciences and applied visualization technologies, including virtual and augmented reality. Her work has taken her to the highlands of northern Vietnam, to map agricultural productivity, to the frozen Arctic Ocean where she works with Inuit in Canadian Arctic communities to use near-real time satellite imagery to keep ice travel safe. Lynn is a Fellow, former Board member and current Chair of the Research Committee of the RCGS. 10-day itinerary priced from US$2,170 Departing November 17, 2024

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Hospitality Trends, Hospitality Management

Sonesta Announces First Sonesta Es Suites Ground Up Development

PR Newswire | January 24, 2024

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced plans for the construction of a new Sonesta ES Suites in Port Charlotte, Florida. This new property, expected to open in Spring 2025, marks the first Sonesta ES Suites brand project developed from the ground up. "We are excited that Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte will be our first purpose-built location for the brand," said Brian Quinn, Sonesta's Chief Development Officer. "The Sonesta ES Suites brand stands out as an attractive choice for franchisees looking for an upscale option to capitalize on the continued dependable performance of extended stay hotels." "Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte will benefit business travelers and tourists who are looking for accommodations near the beaches, golf courses, parks and other attractions that Port Charlotte has to offer," said Alan Lane, one of Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte's owners. "The addition of Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte to our diverse portfolio reflects Commonwealth Hotels' unwavering commitment to providing an unparalleled guest experience through visionary development, ethical practices and a steadfast dedication to superior service," said Jennifer Porter, President of Commonwealth Hotels, the hotel's management company. To be located at 1321 Claburn Circle in Port Charlotte, Florida, the Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte will be an upscale extended-stay hotel spanning four floors and offering 117 rooms with amenities including breakfast and dining services, an outdoor pool, fitness room, market pantry, guest laundry, onsite parking and more. The location of the new hotel is close to over 20 colleges and universities, two hospitals, more than 70 parks and recreational spaces, more than 12 miles of beaches, 14 golf courses and numerous other attractions. Guests of this location will be able to earn or redeem points in the award winning Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.

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Travel Technology, Airlines and Airports

Trip.com Group and LATAM Airlines Group Partner to Enhance Travel Experience Through NDC Technology

PR Newswire | January 22, 2024

Trip.com Group, a leading travel service provider, announced today the signing of a new NDC agreement with LATAM Airlines Group. This agreement between the two companies aims to provide a contemporary and streamlined ticketing experience for global travellers. It also offers unparalleled connectivity to over 144 destinations covered by LATAM Airlines across 22 countries and regions, including Latin America, the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. The key benefit of this agreement is the adoption of NDC standard technology. This technology gives customers access to a complete and more comprehensive selection of airline offerings and the option to buy additional products, services, and add-ons such as baggage allowance and seats. Moreover, customers can access a broader range of ancillary services and more detailed information by browsing the change and cancellation policy section during checkout, leading to improved Trip.com Group and LATAM Airlines Group's after-sales services. Juan Villanova, Sales Manager of Trip.com for Spain and Latin America, comments: "Trip.com is a cutting-edge online travel company that leads the way in technology. Our commitment is to improve our product offerings to guarantee the highest customer satisfaction. With this tech solution, our passengers will have access to an improved and more competitive selection of flights and products." The agreement will include integrating a shopping engine for ticket sales via some of Trip.com Group's leading brands, offering a cost advantage to both suppliers and customers. Henk Van der Velde, Regional Director for Southern Europe and Latin America for Trip.com Group's flight Department, adds: "We are delighted to collaborate with LATAM Airlines Group in the implementation of an NDC standard, and offer solutions for everyone via a shopping engine, which has yielded excellent results. I look forward to continuing this collaboration and bringing new features that positively impact our customer's travel experience." Andreas Schek, Vice President of Sales and Branding of LATAM Airlines Group, adds: "We are proud of this collaboration with Trip.com Group on the implementation of the NDC standard, as it allows us to explore ways to enhance its efficiency further. This is a significant milestone in the future of distribution that will benefit our global customers."

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Travel Technology, Destination and Tourism

Exodus Adventure Travels Announces New Trips in Partnership with Royal Canadian Geographic Society

PR Newswire | January 23, 2024

Exodus Adventure Travels, the international award-winning leader in adventure travel, today announced its new 2024 RCGS Quests trips, a series of expert-led tours developed in partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. These limited edition, small group trips are what travel legends are made of – adventures that are designed to offer travelers unparalleled opportunities to explore some of the planet's most awe-inspiring destinations and led by noted hosts in their respective fields. This year's line-up features such noted hosts as World Elephant Day co-founder, Patricia Sims; bestselling author, Robin Esrock; Indigenous education advocate, Charlene Bearhead, and others. "We are honored to partner with The Royal Canadian Geographical Society on these highly anticipated adventures," said Sam Seward, President at Exodus Adventure Travels. "This is our third year operating our RCGS Quests program, with continued demand to explore further and experience more, pushing these trips to new heights and featuring another stellar line-up of hosts to add even more depth to each itinerary." Exodus' 2024 RCGS Quests Series features the following six adventures: RCGS: Highlights of the Amalfi Coast with Scott Forsyth Discover the land of la dolce vita for a wondrous week on the Amalfi Coast led by an expert local guide and hosted by professional photographer and fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Scott Forsyth. Explore one of Europe's most dramatic stretches of coastline and be spellbound by this land's natural beauty and cultural treasures. The Host: Scott Forsyth is an award-winning photographer who specializes in Canadian landscapes. Devoted to exploring Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific and Arctic Ocean coastlines, Scott is a Fellow of both the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the Explorer's Club and is Canadian Geographic's Photographer-In-Residence. Eight-day itinerary priced from $2,240 USD. Departing April 6, 2024 RCGS: Classic Kenya 4WD Safari with Patricia Sims No country, perhaps, is more synonymous with a classic African safari than Kenya. Step into scenes from 'Out of Africa' as you explore Kenya's best safari sites led by an expert local safari guide and hosted by award-winning Canadian filmmaker, Royal Canadian Geographical Society fellow and World Elephant Day co-founder, Patricia Sims. The Host: Patricia Sims is the co-founder of the annual World Elephant Day (Aug. 12), a global awareness campaign that brings attention to the critical threats facing elephants. From swimming with wild dolphins and whales in oceans around the world to getting up close and personal with monkeys in the jungles of Borneo and elephants of Thailand, Patricia is also an award-winning filmmaker who always has a passionate eye on conservation. Patricia is a Fellow International of The Explorers Club and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Seven-day itinerary priced from US$4,649 Departing August 10, 2024 RCGS: A Week in Jordan with Sarah Legault Explore the wondrous historical and archaeological highlights of Jordan on this week-long adventure. From the incredible history of the Wadi Rum Desert to strolling through ancient Roman cities and floating in the Dead Sea, this Jordanian adventure contains all the highlights of this fascinating country. It is led by an expert local guide and hosted by Vice President of Philanthropy for the RCGS, Sarah Legault. The Host: Sarah Legault has been the head of advancement at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society since 2018 and has worked at charitable organizations throughout her career. Her vast understanding of the Society, Canadian Geographic and all associated programs is extraordinary. As the current Vice President of Philanthropy and Fellow of the RCGS, Sarah's mission-aligned values of environment, people, culture, and geographical literacy support engaging and forward-thinking initiatives which she always is keen to share and discuss. Seven-day itinerary priced from US$2,550 Departing October 19, 2024 RCGS: Rome, Assisi & Magical Umbria – Premium Adventure with Robin Esrock Explore Rome and Assisi's historic landmarks and classical ruins. Walk through Italy's unspoiled countryside staying in a picturesque four-star resort in the hills of Umbria, led by an expert local guide and hosted by bestselling author, TV host, public speaker and Royal Canadian Geographical Society Fellow Robin Esrock. The Host: Dubbed "King of the Bucket List" by Travel + Leisure, Robin Esrock's success as a global adventurer, travel writer, bestselling author and international TV personality started with a one-year solo round-the-world backpacking adventure to 24 countries. During this year, Robin uploaded weekly reports, photography, videos, reviews, and interviews with every person he met. In doing so, he ushered in a new era of multi-platform, switched-on wired-in travel journalism, leading to adventures beyond his wildest dreams. Robin's stories have been published in noted publications worldwide, including National Geographic Traveler, The Guardian, Chicago Tribune, Toronto Star, Reader's Digest, and more. Eight-day itinerary priced from US$4,050 Departing October 19, 2024 RCGS: Egypt Nile Cruise with Charlene Bearhead Follow in the footsteps of the ancient pharaohs and ride the sands of time back thousands of years on this classic Egypt Nile cruise led by an expert local guide and hosted by Indigenous education advocate, author, Vice President of Learning and Reconciliation at Canadian Geographic, and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Charlene Bearhead. With ancient tombs and mysteries around every bend, unrivaled legacy and mind-blowing history await. The Host: Charlene Bearhead is an Indigenous education advocate and author with over 30 years of regional, national and international experience. Previously Charlene served as education days coordinator for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, education coordinator for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, education advisor for the Canadian Geographic Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada, a member of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Indigenous Education working group, and the first education lead for both the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba and the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at UBC. She is also the co-author of the children's book series Siha Tooskin Knows. Eight-day itinerary priced from US$2,380 Departing November 16, 2024 RCGS: Highlights of Vietnam with Lynn Moorman Discover the complex culture and history of Vietnam on this intoxicating exploration of Vietnamese life highlighted by superb landscapes and amazing cuisine. Led by an expert local guide and hosted by Lynn Moorman, a lifelong geographer with a love for exploring remote landscapes and environments. The Host: Lynn Moorman is a prominent geographer and a professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Mount Royal University, in Calgary, Canada. Lynn's teaching and research interests lie at the intersection of geography, learning sciences and applied visualization technologies, including virtual and augmented reality. Her work has taken her to the highlands of northern Vietnam, to map agricultural productivity, to the frozen Arctic Ocean where she works with Inuit in Canadian Arctic communities to use near-real time satellite imagery to keep ice travel safe. Lynn is a Fellow, former Board member and current Chair of the Research Committee of the RCGS. 10-day itinerary priced from US$2,170 Departing November 17, 2024

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TRAVELCON 2024

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IPW 2024

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TRAVELCON 2024

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