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Thursday January 09, 2020

Editor’s Note — TRO wants to remind its Travelgram readers the articles presented here are meant to assist you in remaining informed and prepared to discuss travel news of the day with clients.


Destinations

Is It Safe to Travel to the Middle East Right Now?
The recent assassination of Iran’s top general Qassem Soleimani and Iran’s subsequent retaliatory missile attack targeting two U.S. bases in Iraq has ratcheted up tensions in the Middle East. Travelers may be wondering whether to postpone, cancel, or move ahead with travel plans. There are indeed increased risks in some countries, but there are also still safe places within the region…

Black Travel Vibes: Soak Up The Sun And Culture Of Haiti
Contrary to popular belief, there’s more to the island of Haiti than its well-documented struggles. Tranquil beaches, roaring waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes are just some of the beauty features that many overlook when it comes to the Caribbean gem. Add to that a rich history and culture that dates all the way back to January 1, 1804 when Jean-Jacques…

How the village that inspired 'Frozen' is dealing with overtourism
When a restaurant, hotel, street, town or city becomes "Insta-famous," it seems it's only a matter of time before overtourism follows behind. The Alpine village of Hallstatt, nestled in Austria's Salzkammergut mountains in the district of Gmunden, knows this only too well: a cascade of chocolate-box buildings surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lapped by crystalline water,…

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Tours and Activities

The woman saving Georgia's lost cheeses
According to researcher Ana Mikadze-Chikvaidze, Georgia may be the homeland of cheese – an accolade to complement the country’s more well-known claim as the cradle of wine. She says that the local Mtskheta museum, located about 26km north of Tbilisi, has archaeological evidence hinting that Georgians thousands of years ago may have been the first-known humans to…

Most beautiful castles in Denmark
Many modern visitors to Denmark are drawn by its groundbreaking Nordic cuisine, beautiful design, clean cities, windswept coastline or its cycle network -- all of which help make it one of the happiest countries on Earth. But there's another, older, set of travel attractions that make it worth visiting: castles. A kingdom to this very day, this small Scandinavian country has an…

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Cruise

Carnival Cruise Line bans 'offensive clothing'
Think your profanity-laced T-shirt would be fun to wear on your next cruise? Carnival Cruise Line says no. Guests should "ensure their clothing and accessories are respectful to fellow guests," reads Carnival's website FAQ. That means nothing worn during the cruise should "contain any message that may be considered offensive or contain nudity, profanity, sexual innuendo/suggestions.…

Cruise Lines Continue to Visit San Juan in Wake of Puerto Rico Earthquake
Cruises are continuing to call on San Juan, Puerto Rico in the wake of two earthquakes that struck the island. The latest quake, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake, caused widespread power loss on the island, with the local power plant designed to shut off at the first sign of vibrations in the earth. Much of the damage is centered on the southern edge of the island and primarily affects…

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Transportation

Ukrainian Plane Crashes in Iran, Killing All 176 Passengers on Board
A Ukraine International Airlines plane crashed in Iran shortly after taking off Wednesday, killing all 176 passengers and crew on board, the majority of whom were Iranians and Canadians, according to reports. The plane, which was headed to Kiev, took off from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini airport at 6:12 a.m. local time and crashed just minutes later, the BBC reported. The plane, a…

British Airways owner's boss Willie Walsh to step down
Willie Walsh, chief executive of International Airlines Group (IAG), the owner of British Airways, has announced he is to step down. He is set to retire as chief executive and from the board of IAG on 30 June. Mr Walsh said it had been a privilege to have worked on the creation of IAG after British Airways (BA) and Iberia were merged. Antonio Vázquez, IAG's chairman, described Mr Walsh…

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Lodging

Google’s Hotel Searches Will Get More Personalized in 2020
When it comes to booking a hotel, location is key. You could always stay in a popular neighborhood, but what if you’d rather have that off-the-beaten-path vibe? Or, what if you prefer to be within walking distance of the best nightlife? Good news: Google launched a new feature this week that will make it easier for travelers to book hotels and discover destinations, tailored…

New Luxury London Hotels To Check Into In 2020
From the ultra luxury to budget berths, high Victoriana and sleep-enhancing innovation, 2020 will bring some game-changing hotels to London. In February, the 700-bed Zedwell opens at Piccadilly Circus. By installing state-of-the-art soundproofing, filtered air and calming, fuss-free decor, this is a hotel that wants its guests to sleep as soundly as they might in the middle of the…

Other and Odd

Border Screenings Spark Travel Fears For Iranian Americans Amid Rising Tensions
Iranian Americans say they are scared to travel, and some are dropping international trips after U.S. citizens of Iranian descent were held by U.S. immigration agents at the Canadian border over the weekend. Immigrant advocates say some Iranian Americans are concerned about being unfairly targeted by Customs and Border Protection amid escalating tensions between Iran and…

Dangerous snow squalls are threatening travel in the northeast US
Potentially "dangerous" snow squalls are a major weather threat across the Northeast on Wednesday, forecasters warn. Snow squall warnings were issued to residents throughout parts of the Northeast on Wednesday morning, including in Rochester, New York, as well as around central Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia area, AccuWeather said. For the snow squall warning…

Today in History

The RMS Queen Elizabeth Burns and Sinks
The Cunard Line, then known as the Cunard White Star Line, launched the RMS Queen Elizabeth in 1938. Named for Queen Elizabeth (not the current Queen but her mother), the RMS Queen Elizabeth was the largest passenger liner ever built, a record she held for 56 years. During World War II she…

Press Releases of Interest

Central Holidays Unveils Last Minute Travel Deals in Europe and South America
Moonachie, NJ – (January 7, 2020) – Central Holidays is pleased to introduce amazing savings on last minute travel deals in Europe and South America that are fully commissionable to travel agents. “Our company is composed of travel pros that know the destinations we serve intricately and who are…

Departures

The Celtic Corner of England

Southwest England has some of the most iconic shores in the United Kingdom and nearby coastal countries. The craggy coasts are mystical, with rocky cliffs often obscured by fog. This area juts from the mainland into the Lizard Peninsula, where the ceremonial county of Cornwall sits. Recognized as one of the Celtic nations, Cornwall has kept a distinct identity from the lands next door for the traveler to discover. With prehistoric and Bronze Age monuments that tell a story of an ancient nation, Cornwall is vastly different from its…

  — Travel Research Online
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Luxury Travel Tips

It's Your Choice
by Dan Chappelle
Thursday January 09, 2020

As a travel industry professional, I have seen the following scenario unfold countless times—always with one of two endings.

When you first decided to become an independent travel professional, you were excited to be embarking on a new career that could take you all over the world, doing what others only dreamed about, and heck—you were even going to get paid for it! The thought of associating yourself with a trusted brand or finding a business model that worked for you made the decision that much easier. Regardless of the reason—you jumped in with both feet.

Now you feel like the pumpkin that was Cinderella’s beautiful carriage until the clock ticked past midnight. Your host agency provided many of the tools & training you need, but you…

  — Travel Research Online
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Mike’s 1-Minute Marketing Memos

When is It Time to Quit?
by Mike Marchev
Thursday January 09, 2020

Of all the notorious four-letter words, the word “quit” warrants top-shelf positioning. I am not sure when I started to disdain this word as I am sure along my life’s journey I managed to quit a time or two.

When it comes to business, and sales in particular, those in position to expand one’s customer list “throw in the towel” too soon in the majority of cases. When they hit an obstacle, challenge, roadblock or objection they opt for greener pastures and “ease on down the road.”

Seasoned professionals realize that it takes time to establish trust these days and it often takes in excess of five contacts before a buyer starts to feel comfortable enough to communicate freely with a…

  — Travel Research Online
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Upcoming Training Opportunities


Argentina For All Seasons

Argentina For All Seasons

Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST

Learn about Aerolineas Argentinas, the largest airline in South America. AR offers convenient connections from 37 domestic destinations in Argentina and 22 International destinations, including non-stop flights from New York’s JFK and Miami International Airport, seasonal flights from Orlando, and from Atlanta, code share flights with Delta Airlines.

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Blue-Roads Touring Co. The Small Tour Specialists in Europe, Asia, and North America

Blue-Roads Touring Co. The Small Tour Specialists in Europe, Asia, and North America

Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST

Join us for an informative webinar about Blue-Roads Touring Co, the experts in small group travel for almost 30 years! Known for their leisurely paced itineraries through Europe, Asia and North America. Blue-Roads Touring has won the Best Coach Holiday Company-Small-at the British Travel Awards for the past 5 years in a row.

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