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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
‘Authentic’ travel experiences are hard to find — but not in this country
Colorful prayer flags flutter auspiciously across snow-capped ranges. Good intentions float through breathtakingly rugged terrain. Like the centuries-old fortresses (dzongs) and monasteries (lakhangs) that shine flecks of white and gold against the verdant foothills of the Himalayas, Bhutan — which means the Land of the Thunder Dragon — is steeped in mystery. Enveloped by the Indian plains to…
— CNBC
Italy Is Reopening in Bits and Pieces—Here's What It Feels Like
"If you love Italy, keep your distance." This was the message from Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte when he announced plans for stage two of Italy’s exit from eight weeks of coronavirus lockdown beginning May 4. Now this country—which has been among the worst affected by COVID-19—is taking the first tentative steps out of one of Europe’s most stringent lockdown regimes while the rest of…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Asia Is Slowly Beginning to Reopen Travel. Here’s What the World Could Learn
As the world struggles to reopen and establish a new post-coronavirus normal, global travel is likely to be the last activity to go back to business as usual. Every country and territory in the world has imposed travel restrictions of some kind. In many places, particularly in Asia, where the pandemic hit first, travelers must quarantine for 14 days to ensure they are free of the virus—if they are allowed in…
— Time
Tours and Activities
Make a Cocktail Inspired by Your Favorite Destination for World Cocktail Day
This May 13, celebrate World Cocktail Day by mixing up some drinks inspired by your favorite destinations. You can travel to the Italian coast with a delicious Aperol Spritz, or add a splash of rum to a Disney classic for an adult version of a popular theme park treat. Don’t have the ingredients on hand? Don't worry, as alcohol delivery services like Saucey can have your booze of choice (and mixers) at…
— Travel+Leisure
Watch Five Renowned Indigenous Chefs Cook Up A Delicious Feast This Week
Indigenous tourism is a fast growing travel sector and allows visitors to learn more about a place from the people that know the land the best. You might not be able to hear about how Indigenous ancestors explained the northern lights or experience a thrilling dog sled ride over the ice of the Canadian Arctic Ocean right now. But even in lockdown you can still enjoy some of the benefits of…
— Forbes
Cruise
What life is like for more than 90,000 cruise workers that have been stuck at sea for two months
Lauren Carrick and fiance Joe Harrison haven’t had a good night’s sleep in weeks. The two dancers on Celebrity Cruises’s Infinity say being held aboard ships for almost two months has left them emotionally drained. “I cried all day,” said Carrick, 29. “We need to have alcohol to sleep -- that’s how bad it is. We’re worried, tense, stressed out. We just want to get home.” Carrick and Harrison are…
— Fortune
Due to Demand, Cruise Line Opens 2022 Cruises for Bookings
Due to increased demand, award-winning luxury cruise line AmaWaterways has opened a majority of their 2022 cruises for bookings six months ahead of schedule. All itineraries in France, Portugal, Holland and those traveling the Rhine and Moselle rivers are open for reservations, with added rewards for guests who book early. By May 20, the remaining 2022 river cruise voyages with pre- and…
— Cruise Fever
Transportation
United Will Now Notify Passengers If Their Flights Are Full After Backlash From Viral Photo
United Airlines said it will start notifying passengers if their flight is going to be full and offer alternative options following backlash from a photo of a totally full flight went viral. Starting next week customers will be notified if their flight is "expected to be closer to full capacity," and will have the option to rebook a different flight or receive a travel credit. The airline said it will try to notify…
— Travel+Leisure
You've Never Heard of the Most Important Person at an Airport
Prepping a plane for takeoff has never been an easy feat. Even before the coronavirus pandemic, the process was a choreographed dance of cleaning the aircraft, loading supplies, and filling fuel tanks that required meticulous planning and coordination. During the current crisis, however, the logistical puzzle of airport operations looks drastically different and is even more complex. But who…
— Conde Nast Traveler
DOT warns airlines – again – to issue refunds for canceled flights after receiving 25,000 complaints
After a surge in traveler complaints about airline ticket refunds during the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued its second warning in as many months to airlines on Tuesday. The agency said it has received more than 25,000 air travel service complaints in March and April. That compares to an average of 1,500 in a typical month. “The Department…
— USA Today
Lodging
MGM Resorts Unveils Its Health And Safety Plan For Re-Opening
MGM Resorts International has released a new report that outlines the newly established health and safety protocols the company is planning to implement leading up to its domestic properties and resorts re-openings, which have been closed for just over two months in response to the global pandemic. “Preparing for the moment we can re-open our doors, MGM Resorts focused on developing a…
— Forbes
Want to pay for a hotel but not book your date yet? Iowa hotels offer bonds to use after coronavirus
Des Moines, Iowa, metro hotels are participating in a "Buy Now, Visit Later" hotel bonds campaign that will give guests who purchase a $100 voucher now an extra $50 when they book a room later, reports the Des Moines Register, which is a part of the USA TODAY Network. The campaign, sponsored by Catch Des Moines, is aimed at giving hotels a boost during the coronavirus pandemic. People…
— USA Today
Other and Odd
Two-week quarantine: Summer vacations with strings attached
As two-week quarantine requirements around the world become de rigueur amid loosened travel restrictions, would-be summer vacationers now face a new conundrum: Is travel with such strings attached worth it? For many travelers, the answer will likely be a hard no. After weeks or months of being asked to stay home, boarding an aircraft for a far-flung destination only to be instructed…
— CNN
International College Students Still Stranded In U.S. As Coronavirus Travel Bans Continue
The coronavirus pandemic sent some college students packing two months ago, but not all of them could get home to their families. Some international students who were studying in our country are still living alone on shuttered campuses. This would have been a busy week on college campuses — finals, then graduation — but instead Abie Rawad Akhand has the place nearly to himself.…
— CBS New York
Today in History
The First FM Radio Station
On May 13, 1939, WDRC signed on to the air on FM radio bandwidth, the first commercial FM radio station. Unlike AM radio frequencies, FM bandwidths and broadcasting technique allowed high fidelity and stereo broadcasts. It took many years for FM broadcasting to become the accepted norm in the…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
American Extends Cruise with Comfort Plan and Protects Travel Advisor Commissions
Guilford, CT—May 12, 2020—American Cruise Lines announced today that it has extended its popular Cruise with Comfortprogram and will continue to protect 100% of travel advisor commissions on all Cruise with Comfort bookings. The program will now include all cruises departing through October 31st,…
— Travel Research Online
Mike’s 1-Minute Marketing Memos
Be a Fixer
 Does it often seem that the only time people contact you is when they are in a jam? When they have a problem? When they need help? Never when things are going smoothly? Congratulations. That is exactly how you want it to be.
Although I am a better than average swimmer, I am comforted when I see a lifeguard present and on alert. I don’t remember ever approaching a lifeguard stand to just “shoot the breeze.” In most cases, lifeguards are summoned when something goes wrong, and usually without advance notice. Then, a highly trained professional springs into action with an efficient, thorough, and polished display of expertise — and without an attitude.
The same analogy pertains to firefighters. They are on active duty for long and,…
— Travel Research Online
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Upcoming Training Opportunities
The Blue-Roads Touring Difference
Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Join us to learn about what is new for the 2021 Season with Blue-Roads Touring. We will discuss the Blue-Roads Difference in tour that will entice your clients to want to travel with us. They will enjoy the company of a small group as our tours in Europe have between 14-18 passengers per coach.
Register Now ➠
Can You Rebuild Your Travel Business in Half the Expected Time?
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 11 am EDT/8 am PDT
Travel will likely begin again in a few months, but most likely years before the industry fully recovers to pre-virus levels.
Experience is a great teacher and after every major crisis, those who focus on the fundamentals typically recover much faster than those who don’t.
Why? Because over the years, we have made the business much more complicated than it really is.
Register Now ➠
Hungary - Hidden Traditions, Culinary and Nature Gems
Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
As you prepare for future travel, Hungary is committed to providing you exceptional unforgettable experiences, wide open spaces, delicious cuisine.
Hidden in the centre of Europe is a country where you can always find something historic or modern that touches your soul, and the atmosphere is vibrant and relaxing at the same time. Where the ”aszú” grape berries are harvested during autumn, from which beautifully balanced “gold wine” is produced. Where on hilltops, deep in the valleys and on endless plains, you find the hustle of small, centuries-old villages, charming towns, luxurious castles.
Register Now ➠
Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Overview
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Learn what’s new and exciting at Universal Orlando Resort, along with a quick review of tickets, packages, and how to sell Universal to your clients.
Register Now ➠
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