FTA Supplier Spotlight: Anakonda Amazon Cruises
Raúl García, known as “El Capi” (short for “The Captain”) is as much a travel expert as he is an ecotourism entrepreneur and pioneer. He is the founder and CEO of Anakonda Amazon Cruises, the only cruise line in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. In 1992, Raúl founded the travel agency Advantage Travel. He launched his…
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Americans Are Watching Their Wallets—But Keeping Their Vacations
Costs are going up, but that’s not stopping travelers from investing in their vacations. New MMGY research from their 2026 Portrait of American Travelers™ “Fall Edition” finds travel spending nearing a high as consumers make trade-offs to keep taking those cherished trips. The report also revealed that travel demand is rebounding this fall, with Americans expecting to…
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Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines Add Nonstop Routes to Japan and Tahiti
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are expanding their international networks with new year-round nonstop service from Seattle to Osaka, Japan, and Papeete, Tahiti, beginning in spring 2027. The routes will give travelers across the United States additional options for reaching Japan and French Polynesia, with connections available through the airlines’ combined network. Hawaiian Airlines will…
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Real Holiday Magic Lives in the Islands
It never gets old, watching their faces light up. The gifts under the tree are one thing. But the beach changes everything. This Christmas, give them something they’ll talk about long after the decorations come down. Beaches Resorts, where the days feel like they were made just for you. Celebrate the holidays with The Elf…
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Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Sandals Resorts announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with an investment from Royal Caribbean Group. Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort…
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FTA Member Spotlight: Journeys by Jess
Jessica Kinkead has been an advisor for 6 years, specializing in Royal Caribbean cruises and family travel. Launching Journeys by Jess in 2026, Kinkead has since became an active member of the travel community, seeking to share insight with fellow advisors. That includes a Facebook group discussing family travel, ocean and river cruising, and more.…
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GroupCollect Announces New ‘Works’ Product
GroupCollect, a company that builds technology for the group travel industry, has introduced a new product, GroupCollect Works, a modern group travel operations platform designed to help tour operators, suppliers, and destinations manage more of their business in one place. Works, as the company refers to it, brings together tools for: Supplier management Trip operations Payments Communications…
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FAA Pours Billions Into Airport Upgrades Nationwide
Airports across the country are getting a substantial infrastructure boost as the Federal Aviation Administration rolls out a series of investments aimed at improving runways, terminals, airfield safety and the technology used to keep airport operations moving. The latest round, announced Sept. 14 by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, sends $1.1 billion to airports…
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Soak up the Holiday Magic With The Elf On The Shelf ® at Beaches® Resorts
Image courtesy of Beaches Resorts Nov 27, 2026 – Dec 25, 2026 Celebrate the holidays with The Elf on the Shelf at Beaches Resorts through an exclusive lineup of themed parties, holiday movie nights, and magical family experiences-only at Beaches. Learn more at Beaches.com
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FTA Member Profile: Robin Wing Travel
For Robin Reiner, travel has always been more than just a job-it’s a way of life. Reiner’s journey started in the dive industry, where she spent years managing group travel for scuba diving adventures worldwide. As a biologist and former science teacher, she wanted to create experiences that allowed travelers to focus on what really…
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Air Travel Demand Stays Strong with Record Ticket Sales
The summer travel season wrapped up on a high note, according to new data from Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), with U.S.-based travel agencies and online travel agencies recording their highest-ever August air ticket sales. Travel agency air ticket sales reached $9.8 billion in August 2026, up 19% from August 2025 and 2% from July. The…
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Kauaʻi Updates Travelers as Hurricane Recovery Continues
Families planning a trip to Kauaʻi should check their itineraries before heading to the island, as communities continue to recover from Hurricane Lowell. According to the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, Kauaʻi is making steady progress following the storm, with crews working to clear roads, restore power and improve access around the island. Some hotels, restaurants, shops…
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