FTA Advisor Spotlight: Tara Jones – Luxura Travel Design
After more than a decade in the travel industry, Tara Jones recently decided to found her own company, Luxura Travel Design. Jones is passionate about bringing a warm approach, meticulous attention to detail, and insider knowledge of the world’s most captivating destinations. She says travel isn’t just about where you go-it’s about how deeply you…
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Lunch & Learn: Tips for Back-of-House Organization
We joined seasoned advisors Jessica Griscavage and Adam Consovoy as they shared practical strategies for staying organized, maximizing efficiency, and managing the “back of the house” like a pro. Questions were asked and answered at this interactive forum designed to help you build a stronger, more efficient foundation for your travel business. Watch Recording!
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International Inbound Travel Association Voices Serious Concerns Over New International Visitor Fee for Group Tours to U.S. National Parks
The International Inbound Travel Association (IITA), representing the U.S. inbound travel trade, recently expressed serious concerns about the Department of the Interior’s newly announced international visitor/nonresident surcharge for entry to 11 major U.S. national parks, scheduled to take effect January 1, 2026. Under the new plan, international visitors will be charged a $100 per person, per park surcharge, and the cost…
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Still Don’t Have REAL ID? TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option
Still Don’t Have REAL ID? TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option Starting February 1, passengers will be referred to the fee-based TSA “Confirm.ID” payment option if they do not present a valid, acceptable ID at checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form…
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Lunch & Learn: What’s New In Orlando
In this session, we learned how to boost your Orlando sales by showcasing the newest experiences available for your clients, the ins and outs of Orlando sales, and the new experiences Visit Orlando has to offer clients. We discovered exclusive benefits for travel advisors and stay up to date with the latest news from United…
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Dude Ranchers’ Association Commemorates History with Centennial Celebration
With 2026 fast approaching, the Dude Ranchers’ Association is kindling with anticipation for the 100th anniversary celebration that will commemorate the heritage of its founding members, the history of dude ranching in the West, and advocacy for the rich Western lifestyle that thrives today. The Centennial Celebration for the Dude Ranchers’ Association will kick off at…
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FTA Advisor Spotlight: Michelle Shumate – Fairy Godmother Travel
Since 2016, Michelle Shumate has been planning dream vacations with Fairy Godmother Travel, helping her clients create magical memories that last a lifetime. She understands the importance of well-planned, stress-free trips that cater to all ages, and has been blessed to work with hundreds of families and couples over the years. Beyond travel planning, she…
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Orlando Celebrates Holidays with 70 Days of Dazzling Festivities
Orlando’s holiday celebrations kick off this month, ushering in more than 70 days of festive experiences across the destination – from a Nutcracker-themed afternoon tea at the ette Hotel and Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to more than one million lights illuminating a three-quarter-mile trail with snowball fights and dazzling chandeliers…
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FTA Member Spotlight: Kensington Tours
Based in Toronto, Kensington Tours has been creating personalized trips for nearly 20 years. They offer a wide range of experiences, from a specific family-focused collection to their custom and privately guided cruises, wildlife & safari adventures, fully tailored villa experiences, and concierge services offering insider access and seamless assistance with bookings, reservations, tickets, and…
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Business and Tax Planning: What to Know This Coming Season
As we head into a new year, we also arrive at a new tax season. To help you prepare, we spoke with William J. Caldwell, CPA, Compass US Accountants & Advisors, and Lisa S. Curtin, CEO, Safe Travel Consultants LLC. KEY CHANGES AND ITEMS OF NOTE FOR 2026 According to Caldwell, travel and hospitality professionals…
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FTA Research Highlight: Kidfluence
The 10th Anniversary Edition of one of the most comprehensive surveys on family travel trends is here! One trend the survey highlights is the significant influence children have on family travel decisions. Children are no longer just passengers; they are now considered “co-pilots,” a concept the industry refers to as “kidfluence.” This study specifically explored…
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Carnival Cruise Line Launches All Inclusive Event For Travel Advisors
Carnival Cruise Line recently announced a unique opportunity for travel advisors to experience Celebration Key, Carnival’s exclusive destination, with a new program called Partners in Paradise. The program provides participants with an inside look at Carnival’s elevated vacation experience at Celebration Key while highlighting the potential for business growth through partnership with the cruise line. Participants will…
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