Destinations
10 Surprising Countries Where Tourism is Booming in 2017
The latest United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has revealed the world’s fastest growing tourist destinations for 2017 – and the results throw up a few surprises…
— Telegraph (London)
The Wild, Private Island Where Coral Reef Is Center Stage
For those drawn to coral, Bawah Island is an unparalleled place in which to encounter it. The formations are almost immaculate—there are some visible scars left by fishing boats and anchors—and because the water is so uncontaminated and light, there’s often a view span of 31 to 36 miles…
— Vogue
Three Tokyo Day Trips Step Into Japanese History
It's hard to fathom that there are easy day trips that can take you as far back as 900 years and remove you from that 21st century head space without letting you forget you’re in Japan. Kamakura, Nikko and Yokoham are favorite destinations for their history, temples and ease of access from Tokyo…
— LA Times
Tours and Activities
In Paris, a New Museum to Celebrate Yves Saint Laurent
The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris, scheduled to open to the public next week, will showcase the designer’s creations in the settings where they were conceived…
— New York Times
10 Things You Have To Do In Lodz
Łódź knows the transformative power of a lick of paint and a little imagination. Once you’ve wrapped your brain – and your tongue – around that, here’s what to do in this charming city…
— The Independent
Justice Clarence Thomas gets Exhibit in Smithsonian's African-American Museum
The display recognizes both Thomas and the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, the only two African-Americans ever to serve on the nation's highest court…
— Fox Travel News
Cruise
Cruise Ship that made Hstoric Return to Cuba to Become Azamara Pursuit
Most notably seen in Florida sailing under Carnival Corp.'s short-lived Fathom brand, Adonia, will be switching companies, getting a makeover and become Azamara Pursuit…
— Sun Sentinel
Carnival Announces Two Full-Time Ships for Australia and Golden Princess to Transfer to P&O
In 2020, Carnival Cruise Line will have two ships sailing full-time in Australia, Golden Princess will be transferred to…
— CruiseCritic.com
Transportation
Alaska Airlines Retiring Its Unique Boeing 737 'Combis'
Alaska Airlines is retiring its last four "combi" planes, special Boeing 737-400s designed to carry cargo in the middle of the plane and 72 passengers in the rear, company vice president Marilyn Romano told The Associated Press ahead of this week’s unveiling of the first of three new cargo planes for the state…
— USA Today
World's Longest 'Direct' Flight is Actually Making Stopovers in Australia
The world’s longest non-stop flight has been reduced to a protracted one-stop trip due to Auckland airport running short of jet fuel. Qatar Airways flight 921 is scheduled to cover the 9,025 miles from New Zealand’s largest city to Doha in 18 hours…
— The Independent
At Puerto Rico's Main Airport, Heavy Hearts and Long Waits
The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is normally a bustling and happy place, full of vacationers and warm family reunions. Since Hurricane Maria, however, the airport, the Caribbean’s busiest, has been a place of concentrated anxiety, with limited power and services and no air-conditioning…
— New York Times
Lodging
IHG To Start New Midscale Hotel Brand
InterContinental Hotels Group has revealed the name of its new midscale brand: avid hotels. The new brand became franchise-ready this week. More than 150 owners have already expressed interest in it…
— USA Today
Inside New Zealand’s Luxury Lodges - the Private World of Zillionaires
New Zealand’s top lodges feature often on international “best” lists for good reasons. In a country that’s known for knock-your-socks-off scenery, they occupy some of the best spots…
— Escape
Other and Odd
Sustainable Travel Can Be Budget-Friendly
The term sustainable travel has been inextricably tied to opulent eco-travel. Fueled by a desire for guiltless extravagance and increasing attention paid to climate change, sustainability became a misused, industrywide buzzword associated with far-flung, expensive trips…
— New York Times
Would You Pay a Travel Service to Get You Lost?
For travelers seeking the ultimate challenge, luxury travel company Black Tomato has launched Get Lost, a new travel service that aims to get their clients back to the roots of discovery…
— Vogue
Today in History
The First Model T
On this day in 1908, the first production Model T automobile left the factory at the Piquette Plant in Detroit, Michigan…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
The Best Way To See The Best Of Africa? Ethiopian Holidays
Let the tour division of the continent's #1 airline, Ethiopian Airlines, be your guide on your next African adventure…
— Travel Research Online
Windstar Unveils New ‘Unexpected’ Ad Campaign and Impressive 2018 Voyage Collection Brochure
Windstar Cruises announces the launch of an intriguing new marketing campaign that introduces a brand evolution for the award-winning small ship cruise line, emphasizing the line’s specialty in creating vacation experiences that are 180 degrees from ordinary…
— Travel Research Online
Point-to-Point
ASTA Independent Agents Report
by Kevin Wang
Wednesday September 27, 2017
Part of the Ame rican Society of Travel Agents’ (ASTA) wide-ranging benchmark reporting program, the upcoming 2017 Independent Agents Report provides a snapshot of the independent agents community within the broader travel agency industry.
The National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA), was established in 1986 as the original association with a mission to represent the interests of the individual travel consultant, and now has expanded to all professional sellers of travel. NACTA host travel agencies and suppliers support this growing distribution…
— Travel Research Online
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Mike's Morning Missives
Don't Be Like Shaq!
 Have you ever wondered what life would be like without a bunch of really tall men running up and down a hardwood court tossing a ball around before jamming it through an iron hoop? I am talking about the NBA.
A few years back I was reminded of one of life's most important lessons while watching a playoff game between two very talented teams. I've said it a thousand times; I've known it for years; and I'm about to say it again.
ENTHUSIASM…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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TRO and The Travel Institute Scholarship Program
TRO believes ongoing training is important to the health of the travel professional. Therefore, we have partnered with The Travel Institute to assist travel agents to earn their Certified Travel Associate designation. TRO will be awarding a $100 scholarship to at least one attendee of TRO webinars each webinar. If you want to be considered for the scholarship you need only to register here:
http://www.thetravelinstitute.com/troscholarship/
and then attend TRO’s webinars. Winners will be selected and notified immediately after each webinar!
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Upcoming Training Opportunities
Iconic Australia on Sale with Qantas and Goway
Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 2 pm EDT/11 am PDT
You don’t just visit Australia, you live it. Because it’s just not a place you see, it’s a place you feel. Let Goway and Qantas create the perfect Australia vacation, one that includes iconic Aussie destinations - just for your valued clients. Australia and Qantas welcome you with open arms and invite you join this informative webinar where we will teach about some of the amazing destinations that makes Australia so special. We will be featuring the Whitsundays, South Australia, Northern Territory, Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and of course Qantas.
Register Now ➠
Experience deluxe river cruising with Emerald Waterways
Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Emerald Waterways, a virtual newcomer to the river cruise industry just 3 short years ago, has now grown to seven purpose built ships cruising the Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone & Douro rivers.
Register Now ➠
Discover hidden treasures of Flanders, Belgium
Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Flanders, Belgium is known for beer, chocolates, its well preserved architecture and UNESCO world heritage cities such as Bruges. But Flanders has so much more to offer. Experiences that we haven’t covered in great detail in previous webinars. Join us for this webinar and discover what hidden treasures Flanders has to offer. Learn about Belgian wines and whiskey. Get to know some amazing castles and off the beaten bath landscapes. Find out about world renowned museums. Understand multi-generational and accessible travel in Flanders. And discover why the world famous Smurfs are just one of many Belgian comics.
Register Now ➠
Getting to Know Scenic – All-Inclusive, All Luxury, All the Time
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Only Scenic Luxury Cruises creates and delivers a truly all-inclusive experience for travelers who seek extraordinary experiences and exceptional service. When your clients travel with Scenic, you can be confident that we have thought of every detail, and every single aspect of their comfort and peace of mind has been considered. On this webinar, you will learn all aspects of Scenic and our five-star, truly all-inclusive luxury river cruise vacations, including:
Register Now ➠
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