ASTA Launches New Career Pathway Training Courses

A summer getaway to Alaska just got easier.   Alaska Airlines is launching the longest flight in their network, a direct from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Anchorage, Alaska. The seasonal flight will be the only direct route from the New York hub to Anchorage, and will begin daily operations on June 13, 2024.  Due to the 3,386 mile distance of the route, the flight will be operated on a new Boeing 737-800, which can accommodate the longer flight time, according to a statement from the airline. In addition to the flight to New York, Alaska Airlines also announced the launch of a new nonstop from Anchorage to San Diego starting on May 18, 2024. This service will operate weekly, utilizing a Boeing 737 aircraft.  «During our peak summer days, we'll have a robust flight schedule of 63 departures a day from Anchorage,» Alaska Airlines Regional Vice President Marilyn Romano said in the release.

There are new options for travelers looking to visit Canada and beyond from a major Midwest airport hub.

An airline known for its semi-private service is expanding its footprint on the East Coast.

Just in time for snowbird season, semi-private air carrier JSX has just announced three new seasonal routes on the East Coast connecting the New York Metropolitan Area with Florida.

Yonder Travel Insurance, a travel insurance comparison site, is thrilled to announce its partnership with battleface. Yonder customers will now be able to view, compare, and purchase highly innovative and customizable battleface plans in just minutes. “This new partnership with battleface offers our users greater opportunity to find the right policy for their trip,” said Terry Boynton, president & co-founder at Yonder. “With additional benefits for exploration-based activities, the Explorer plan is a great fit for trips centered around nature. For travelers seeking hard-to-find add-ons like vacation rental damage, pet coverage, and cancel for any reason, the Discovery plan makes it easy to get the coverage you want.”

Destinology, the award-winning luxury tour operator to the stars and Premier League, has today launched one of the World’s most expensive family holidays - an astounding three-month long once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa, India, Asia, Australia and Dubai, costing a million pounds for a family of four. The meticulously curated itinerary beautifully blends off the beaten track wildlife and wilderness excursions with explorations of some of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the world, with every detail taken care of. Accommodation throughout has been specifically selected to include only the finest hotels in the most desired city locations, exclusive wilderness lodges, beautiful rainforest cabins and luxury glamping. All air travel is Business Class or by private helicopter charter.

Portugal has long been a popular spot for tourists, but that demand has reached new heights. In fact, the first half of 2023 saw record foreign visitors to the country. So, it should come as no surprise that its national carrier — TAP Air Portugal — has increased its presence within the U.S. in recent years.

Northern California’s Tomales Bay – a long, narrow inlet located along West Marin’s scenic coastline – has long been known for its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor pursuits, vineyards, creameries, and oyster farms. Lodge at Marconi, a historic fixture of the area for decades, is now open and welcoming guests after a multi-million-dollar renovation under the astute purview of Oliver Hospitality. The upscale, modern coastal retreat sits on 62 sprawling acres off Highway Route 1 within Marconi State Historic Park, offering visitors immersive access to the region’s intoxicating woodland setting.

While I was born and bred here in New Zealand – or Aotearoa, the country's Māori-language name – I’ve spent enough years away to understand how it’s a destination that can feel comfortingly familiar and completely strange to visitors all at once. 

There’s a new kid on the English Channel block as a new train company aims to launch high-speed service from London to Paris.

The new Saudi Expert program is an added tool to help travel advisors sell Saudi Arabia. It is a go-to resource that will help increase your business' exposure to business and leisure tourism opportunities within the Kingdom. 

WHY IT RATES: The appointments are noteworthy as the team works to drive visitation to its 13 member states and Washington D.C.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor