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Grupo Xcaret has launched an exclusive booking tool to provide travel advisors with a seamless experience.

Monday Cleghorn. (Source: Megan Cleghorn)

The International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN) has adopted the American Society of Travel Advisors’ (ASTA) Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) certification as an officially recommended option within its agency accreditation process. 

This week, wholesale tour operator platform ARYYVE Vacations announced that it was going out of business and shutting down operations as of August 2, due to “deterioration of our financial standing”, as the company said in an email.  

Whether you're a seasoned veteran travel advisor or curious about starting a career in the space, you'll want to learn about what Fora has to offer today's travel professionals.

Travel Weekly’s annual Power List is out and this year the collection of the world’s biggest travel sellers includes an all-time high of 72 agencies.The Power List’s class of 2024 increased by 11 companies over last year despite the fact that a new $110 million threshold was established to qualify. (Last year’s qualifying threshold was $100 million.)The top six companies on the list for 2024 remain the same as 2023, though Travel Weekly says that’s likely to change next year if American Express Global Business Travel's (no. 3) acquisition of CWT (No. 5) moves forward.Also notable, survey responses provided by agencies as part of this year’s Power List compilation process reveal a “strong sense of buoyancy” throughout the industry, says TravelWeekly.Here’s a closer look at this year’s top 24 for 2024.

Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast!

As savvy as seasoned advisors may be on the nuances of travel, it’s not possible for them to have their fingers on the pulse of every destination on the planet. That’s where destination management companies (DMCs) come into play, say travel sellers who capitalize on their services.

In recognition of the vital role travel advisors play in luxury travel planning, the premier global villa rental company, Rental Escapes, is excited to announce the extension of its bonus commission offer. Originally rolled out for Travel Advisor Appreciation Month in May, this lucrative offer of up to $5,000 in bonus commissions will now be available through June 30, 2024.  

DALLAS - The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) announced at the 2024 Travel Advisor Conference that it would be making changes to its Verified Travel Advisor Certification program.

Custom tour operator Avanti Destinations is offering a new way for travelers and their travel advisors to easily access important travel documents: the new Mobile Documents app, available on all mobile devices. 

Cindy McCabe. (Source: Cindy McCabe)

Life is unpredictable. 

While summer might be beginning its swing in destinations across the globe, many travelers have just now started contemplating where they’d like to visit this summer. 

Shana O’Mara (Source: Shana O’Mara)

Luxury villa company Rental Escapes is celebrating Travel Advisor Appreciation Month with a bonus commission of up to $5,000 for eligible bookings made by travel advisors throughout the month of May. 

The U.S. government's agreement on a final bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) presents a mixed bag for travel agencies and advisors across the country, according to the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA).The organization was successful in its efforts to secure a provision that streamlines offline disclosures surrounding air travel and establish the Passenger Experience Advisory Committee within the Department of Transportation (DOT) to advise the Secretary and the FAA Administrator on improving the passenger experience in air transportation customer service."This will reduce frustration with the air ticket purchase process and lessen the unnecessary burdens on our members' business operations while keeping critical consumer protection intact," said ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby about the offline disclosure victory.However, ASTA expressed frustration with DOT's new airfare refund rules that could negatively impact agencies by leaving them on the hook to issue a refund as the "merchant of record" even if they've already passed the funds over to the airline."We were thankful when the House originally recognized this important distinction. Unfortunately, the final compromise between the House and Senate kicks this issue back to a DOT that has shown a clear lack of understanding of how travel agencies book air travel," added Kerby.

Global Travel Advisor Day. (Photo Credit: Northstar Travel Group)

WHY IT RATES: Individuals interested in attending the marquee event will have to join the waitlist now.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor