Posts by Maggie Mutch (Membership Coordinator)
Extraordinary Britain joins the FTA
Extraordinary Britain joins the FTA Photo courtesy of Extraordinary Britain. Extraordinary Britain is a UK based DMC specializing in bespoke luxury trips for families. It operates throughout the UK and Ireland as well as continental Eurostar destinations and the Normandy beaches. A family-run business, it was originally set up by Jane McCrum after many years…
Read MoreWatch Past Lunch & Learns in the Member Portal
Watch Past Lunch & Learns in the Member Portal The FTA frequently holds Lunch & Learns—short virtual seminars highlighting the latest data, destinations, experiences and more—and they can all be found in the FTA Member Portal. Recent topics include: – Hidden Gems: 5 Family-Friendly Destinations That Will Surprise You – Family Travel 2025: Uncovering the…
Read MoreBeaches Resorts Re-Launches Autism Certification Partnership
Beaches Resorts Re-Launches Autism Certification Partnership The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) created the Certified Autism Travel Professional program to help travel professionals assist families and individuals with special needs prepare for their perfect vacation, and Beaches Resorts is offering 50% off the cost to its valued travel partners, through 2025. Show that…
Read MorePlaya Hotels & Resorts to be Acquired by HyattÂ
Playa Hotels & Resorts to be Acquired by Hyatt Photo courtesy of Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. (NASDAQ: PLYA) today confirmed it has entered into an agreement with Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) under which an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Hyatt will acquire all outstanding shares of Playa for $13.50…
Read MoreHyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Announces Junior Suites
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Announces Junior Suites The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa has expanded its accommodations with the introduction of junior suites. These newly designed 475-square-foot rooms provide sweeping views of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and the Honolulu skyline. A total of 80 junior suites have been added, each featuring a spacious…
Read MoreUSTA Travel Price Index
USTA Travel Price Index The January 2025 Travel Price Index shows that inflation for travel-related goods continued to remain lower than overall U.S. inflation on an annual basis. However, for the fourth consecutive month, the TPI increased at a faster rate than overall prices on a seasonally adjusted monthly basis. In January, gas prices continued…
Read MorePrograms and Updates to Know About in the New Year
Programs and Updates to Know About in the New Year A new year is here and with it comes the continuation of technological advancements in the industry. Come along as we explore some industry-leading programs, platforms and the latest updates you’ll want to know about in 2025. GroupCollect—a registration, payment and operational tool for multi-day…
Read MoreRoyal Caribbean Group Announces Sixth Edge Series Ship
Royal Caribbean Group Announces Sixth Edge Series Ship Royal Caribbean Group recently announced that it has signed an agreement with Chantiers de l’Atlantique to order a sixth Edge Series ship for delivery to Celebrity Cruises in 2028. Edge 6 or Xcel 2 will be the sister-ship to Celebrity Xcel, which is preparing to take its inaugural sail later this…
Read MoreUSTA Winter Travel Forecast
USTA Winter Travel Forecast The U.S. Travel Association’s Winter 2025 Forecast has arrived, and it projects travel expenditure in the U.S. will continue to grow at normalized rates, driven by resilient consumer spending, sustained business investment and major events (such as the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics) promoting international visits. Total U.S. Travel…
Read MoreSlow Down, Take It Easy
Slow Down, Take It Easy While some travelers love a jam-packed itinerary, others might feel overwhelmed by it all and instead yearn for a more relaxed pace. It makes perfect sense then why “slow travel” is a concept being wholeheartedly adopted by many. Contrary to what some may assume, slow travel isn’t a luxury afforded…
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