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DALLAS–()–Luxury coach service Vonlane resuming all routes in Texas and Oklahoma on July 1st; introduces whole coach vacation charter and package delivery.
Vacation Rental Market 2020-2024 | Adoption of Effective Promotional Strategies to Boost Growth | Technavio
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LONDON–()– #GlobalVacationRentalMarket–The Global Vacation Rental Market will grow by USD 62.97 bn during 2020-2024
Bluegreen Vacations Corporation Suspends Regular Quarterly Cash Dividends
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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.–()–Bluegreen Vacations Corporation Suspends Regular Quarterly Cash Dividends citing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sandals & Beaches Resorts Hold Sandals Select Runcation Reggae Marathon LIV+ Event
Sandals Select guests turned their vacation into a “Runcation” for the 19th annual Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica
The Luxury Included® resort company recently concluded their Sandals Select LIV+ Runcation event planned around the 19th annual Reggae Marathon on December 8, 2019, in Negril, Jamaica. Thanks to an exclusive LIV+ package, Sandals Select guests staying at Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril could participate in Jamaica’s premier marathon, half marathon and 10K race situated along Negril’s famed 7-mile white sand beach while enjoying Luxury Included® perks along the way.
The LIV+ Runcation event, which took place from December 5-10, kicked off with a special welcome cocktail reception for runners to mix and mingle while picking up their Reggae Marathon packets and Sandals Select Team swag. To carbo-load before the big race, guests indulged in a pasta party at Sandals Negril’s delicious Cucina Romana. After completing the race, runners headed to the Finish Line Beach Bash & Award Ceremony hosted by the Reggae Marathon, before unwinding at a post-marathon massage and “Spa-ty” with Sandals and Beaches’ award-winning Red Lane® Spa. Guests were then treated to a special awards dinner at Sandals Negril’s Bayside Restaurant before enjoying a full day dedicated to rest, relaxation and recovery. With over a dozen participants from North America and Europe, Sandals Select guests ran in all distances – the full marathon, half and 10K – with one participant in her late 60s notably completing her 46th half marathon, inspiring and motivating the entire group.
Sandals Select Rewards – Sandals and Beaches® Resorts premier rewards program – offers guests the chance to earn points redeemable toward future and free stays, special recognition and VIP gifts, amazing discounts and access to exclusive LIV+ packages like the Sandals Select Runcation event. Sandals® Resorts recently made enrolling in Sandals Select Rewards Program more attainable than ever by allowing anyone to join without previous bookings, making these exclusive add-ons just a click away.
Next year’s Sandals Select Runcation Reggae Marathon LIV+ event will take place December 3-8, 2020, for the 20th annual Reggae Marathon on December 6. For more information on next year’s Sandals Select event, please click here.
MEDIA CONTACT: Alexa Mechanic for additional information or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson. 646-935-3999. alexa.mechanic@ketchum.com
UNIGLOBE Travel South Asia grows to 60 locations with the addition of a new agency in Hyderabad
UNIGLOBE Focus Travel & Tours is the newest member of UNIGLOBE Travel South Asia.
Located in Hyderabad, the state capital of Telengana in southern India, UNIGLOBE Focus Travel & Tours has been in business since 2002. The agency offers a broad range of services including corporate and group travel management, visa services, and a network of personal travel managers serving clients across India.
“UNIGLOBE shares our company philosophy and helps us to bring more savings and choice to our clients through global fare technology and preferred group pricing,” says UNIGLOBE Focus Travel & Tours CEO Venkatesh Muthigi. “As well, I have known Regional President Ritika Modi and the leadership at UNIGLOBE for many years. They are highly trusted and knowledgeable in India markets and business travel trends.”
UNIGLOBE Travel South Asia now has offices in 29 cities in India. With the addition of UNIGLOBE Focus Tours and Travels, the region now has four locations serving clients in Hyderabad.
Says UNIGLOBE Travel International founder and Chief Executive U. Gary Charlwood, “All of us at UNIGLOBE congratulate Ritika and her team on reaching the 60 location milestone. It is our pleasure to welcome Venkatesh and his team to our global family.”
About UNIGLOBE
Working globally to serve clients locally across more than 60 countries, UNIGLOBE Travel leverages current technologies and preferred supplier pricing to save clients time and money on business and vacation travel planning. Since 1981, corporate and leisure travelers have depended on the UNIGLOBE Travel brand to deliver services that go beyond expectations. UNIGLOBE Travel was founded by U. Gary Charlwood, CEO and has its world headquarters in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. The annual system-wide sales volume is $5.0+ billion.
Media contact: media@uniglobe.com
UNIGLOBE Travel International welcomes new location in India
UNIGLOBE Travel International has added to its global network in India with the addition of UNIGLOBE SilverSky Travel, based in New Delhi.
Agency directors and entrepreneurs Dinesh Chauhan and Sanjay Sharma gained experience in the travel industry before venturing out to start their own agency in 2015. UNIGLOBE SilverSky now has two locations, in Delhi and Chennai, serving primarily business travellers. The team also has a dedicated team of vacation travel experts.
UNIGLOBE Travel South Asia will formally welcome UNIGLOBE SilverSky at the region’s 14th annual conference, to be held August 23-25 in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. “Thanks to regional president Ritika Modi and her leadership team, India remains one of our strongest markets in South Asia and continues to attract top agencies. I am so pleased to welcome Dinesh and Sanjay to our growing family in the region,” says UNIGLOBE founder and CEO U. Gary Charlwood.
The UNIGLOBE Global Partner program is open to top-performing travel management companies in select markets. With the addition of this partner location, clients of UNIGLOBE Travel worldwide now have access to expertise from more than 50 UNIGLOBE locations across 27 cities in India.
About UNIGLOBE
Working globally to serve clients locally across more than 60 countries, UNIGLOBE Travel leverages current technologies and preferred supplier pricing to save clients time and money on business and vacation travel planning. Since 1981, corporate and leisure travelers have depended on the UNIGLOBE Travel brand to deliver services that go beyond expectations. UNIGLOBE Travel was founded by U. Gary Charlwood, CEO and has its world headquarters in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Annual system-wide sales volume is $5.0+ billion.
Media Contact: media@uniglobe.com
UNIGLOBE Travel gives $25,000 to Plan International UK education program for child refugees
Leaders from UNIGLOBE Travel International were in London to present Plan International UK with a gift of $25,000 USD toward the organization’s Safe Schools for Refugees in Ethiopia project.
UNIGLOBE Travel agencies raised the funds during the company’s recent bi-annual global conference in Vienna. UNIGLOBE has been a supporter of Plan International for several years, with staff around the world trekking, cycling and climbing to raise funds for the charity. Since 2015, UNIGLOBE agencies have given approximately $150,000 USD to Plan International initiatives to help give every child every chance in life.
Sam Davies, Head of Major Partnerships at Plan International UK, said: “This is a significant contribution to our Safe Schools for Refugees program. We are immensely grateful to UNIGLOBE members for their support, which will help to ensure that displaced children in Ethiopia and around the world are not forgotten.”
About UNIGLOBE
Working globally to serve clients locally across more than 60 countries, UNIGLOBE Travel leverages current technologies and preferred supplier pricing to save clients time and money on business and vacation travel planning. Since 1981, corporate and leisure travelers have depended on the UNIGLOBE Travel brand to deliver services that go beyond expectations. UNIGLOBE Travel was founded by U. Gary Charlwood, CEO and has its world headquarters in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Annual system-wide sales volume is $5.0+ billion.
Media contact: media@uniglobe.com
MSC Cruises partners with Martha Stewart
MSC Cruises – the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line – is partnering with internationally acclaimed home and lifestyle expert Martha Stewart on new, exclusive culinary and discovery experiences on board and ashore to make MSC Cruises’ guests vacation moments even more special and memorable. The partnership — themed Celebrate, Discover, Experience — includes specially curated shore excursions, celebration surprise gift packages, and onboard special holiday dinner menus and recipes.
“MSC Cruises is committed to developing enriching guest experiences and as such we partner with world-class experts in their field to create together something truly unique,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises. “Martha Stewart’s philosophy and passion for discovery is a perfect match for MSC Cruises and we are excited to bring her innovation, style and expertise to life in this special partnership designed to help our guests create memorable vacation moments with friends and family.”
“I’ve always enjoyed introducing people to new experiences, and I’m thrilled to be working with MSC Cruises on a partnership that embodies the true celebratory nature of travel, exploration and discovery,” said Martha Stewart. “The excursions showcase some of my favorite activities and help MSC Cruises’ guests discover some of the authentic and hidden treasures of destinations throughout the Caribbean. The holiday dinner menus and surprise gift packages encompass what I believe celebrations should include: good food, good company and commemorating great adventures and inspiration wherever we are.”
Ideal ocean cruise ship: Ship sizes and what they mean for your cruise
Ships sizes range from megaships (over 4,000 passengers) to very small vessels and luxury yachts whose passengers number in mere dozens, and knowing the differences is key to planning your best cruise vacation.
Cruise experts have divided today’s ships into six categories and provides information on the benefits each provides: XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL.
Extra, Extra Large Ships (XXL) – 4,000+ passengers
These megaships boast unparalleled options in entertainment and amenities. They truly give the impression of being on board a floating city and provide endless choices in dining, activities and shopping (some are so large as to even incorporate a “mall” area with brand name stores). If you desire a resort-type feel from your cruise or worry about sea-sickness, this may be your best option.
Some benefits of XXL ships:
•A large variety of cabin options in every price range
•Dining options that range from small, informal cafes to 5-star restaurants
•Over the top entertainment options that include Broadway-quality shows, 3-D movie theaters, large casinos, extensive waterpark areas and more
•Extremely comprehensive children’s programs and amenities
•Increased ship stability; little sea motion
Example XXL ships:
•Royal Caribbean International: Allure of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas; Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas
•Disney Cruise Line: Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy
•Costa Cruise Line: Costa Diadema, Costa Venezia, Costa Smeralda
•MSC Cruises: MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Virtuosa; MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seaview, MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina MSC Splendida,
•Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape
•Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Panorama, Carnival Vista, Carnival Mardi Gras
Extra Large Ships (XL) – 3,000-3,999 passengers
These extra-large ships are a destination unto themselves and are especially good for families and multigenerational cruises due to the many amenities found onboard. There is something for everyone, and many cruisers enjoy their time onboard as much as they do the destinations they visit.
Some benefits of XL ships:
•An abundance of cabin options in many different price ranges
•A variety of dining options, ranging from ultra-casual to very upscale and formal
•A popular favorite with families due to the extensive children’s amenities and programs
•Round-the-clock facilities and activities, such as casinos, water parks, gyms and spas
•Excellent entertainment options and Broadway-quality shows like Royal Caribbean’s productions of Chicago, Hairspray and Saturday Night Fever
Example XL ships:
•Royal Caribbean International: Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas
•Princess Cruises: Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Majestic Princess, Ruby Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Sky Princess
•Carnival Cruises: Carnival Splendor, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Dream, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Magic, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunrise
•Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Reflection,
•MSC Cruises: MSC Poesia, MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica,
•Costa Cruises: Costa Fascinosa, Costa Favolosa, Costa Magica, Costa Pacifica
•Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Joy
Large Ships (L) – 2,000 to 2,999 passengers
Large ships offer many of the same amenities as the XL ships, on a slightly smaller scale. They don’t necessarily require a ship map to navigate to entertainment and activity options, and tend to have more personal touches.
Some benefits of L ships:
•Many cabin options in different price ranges
•Numerous dining options, ranging from very casual to formal
•A popular favorite with families due to the extensive children’s amenities and programs
•Also popular with older cruisers, as the pace onboard is not as frenetic
•A variety of activities, such as casinos, gyms and spas and often there are bridge instructors on longer itineraries
•Entertainment options may include things like a fireworks display, outdoor movies and stage shows
•Onboard lecturers are often more cerebral with topics like history, politics and geography.
Example L Ships:
•Royal Caribbean International: Enchantment of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas
•Princess Cruises: Coral Princess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, Star Princess, Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Sun Princess
•Cunard Cruises: Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2
•Holland America Line: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Koningsdam,, Nieuw Statendam
•Disney Cruises: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder
•Carnival Cruises: Carnival Elation, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Pride, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Victory, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Conquest
•MSC Cruises: MSC Opera, MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Orchestra, MSC Seaview
•Costa Cruises: Costa Mediterranea, Costa Luminosa, Costa Deliziosa, Costa Serena, Costa Fortuna, MSC Sinfonia
•Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Solstice Celebrity Silhouette
•Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Star, Pride of America
Medium Ships (M) – 951 to 1,999 passengers
Medium ships generally offer a slower pace than their large counterparts, with fewer crowds, less noise and more modest offerings when it comes to activity and entertainment options. Many cruisers prefer this size of ship for its “relaxation” vibe. Many of these ships tend to be more luxurious with more personal service.
Some benefits of M ships:
•Many of the premium cruise lines have ships that fall into this category
•Several dining options
•Medium-size ships still tend to have amenities like casinos, pools and spas
•Entertainment options tend to include more enrichment activities
•Attracts a more mature crowd that is focused on relaxation and enjoyment of the voyage
•Smaller size of the ships open up options as far as itineraries and ports
•Itineraries are likely to be 10 days or longer
Example M Ships:
•Holland America Line: HAL Maasdam, HAL Veendam, HAL Amsterdam, HAL Rotterdam, HAL Volendam, HAL Zaandam, HAL Oosterdam, HAL Westerdam, HAL Zuiderdam, HAL Noordam
•Princess Cruises: Coral Princess, Island Princess, Dawn Princess, Sea Princess, Sun Princess
•Crystal Cruises: Crystal Serenity
•Oceania Cruises: Oceania Riviera
•Costa Cruises: Costa Classica, Costa Victoria, Costa neoRomantica, Costa neoRiviera
•Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line: Grand Celebration
•Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Sun
Small Ships (S) – 950 passengers or less
Small ships fill a niche for cruisers that are looking for more in-depth exploration of the regions they visit. They can visit ports that are inaccessible to larger ships, and exotic itineraries are the standard. Most river cruise ships and almost all the luxury lines have ships that fall into this category.
Some benefits of S ships:
•Most cabins are suites and have balconies
•Luxury and service are frequently a focal point of a small ship voyage
•Amenities, while limited, tend to be very high end, including dining, shore excursions, spas and enrichment activities.
•Small ships trend toward a truly all-inclusive fare
•Smaller dining and shared areas lend themselves lively conversations and closer relationships with fellow passengers.
•Itineraries tend to be 10 days or longer
Example S ships:
•Princess Cruises: Pacific Princess
•Crystal Cruises: Crystal Symphony
•Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Explorer
•Oceania Cruises: Oceania Insignia, Oceania Nautica, Oceania Regatta, Oceania Sirena, Oceania Marina
•Silversea Cruises: Silver Muse, Silver Moon
•Azamara Club Cruises: Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit
•Costa Cruises: Costa Voyager
•Viking Ocean Cruises: Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Sun, Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter
•Seabourn: Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation
Extra Small Ships (XS) – 201-499 passengers
Very small ships offer a private, exclusive ambiance, along with personalized service and the advantage of being able to port almost anywhere. Passengers get a feel for the water and experience destinations in a very close-up, personal way.
Some benefits of XS ships:
•The most important benefit of small ship cruising is an immersive experience in the destination. Very small ships allow an in-depth exploration of nature, culture, history and learning not possible on larger ships.
•Passengers tend to be a well-traveled, worldly crowd who enjoy the pursuit of education and exploration of the destinations they visit
•Very personal attention from the crew; with luxury cruises this translates to personal attendants that see to your every need
•More solitude and the opportunity to relax and pursue your own interests
•Seating is usually open, with no set tables
Example XS ships:
•Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Seven Seas Navigator
•Silversea Cruises: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit
•Seabourn: Seabourn Legend, Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Spirit,
•Windstar Cruises: Wind Surf, Star Pride, Star Breeze, Star Legend
•Paul Gauguin Cruises: MS Paul Gauguin
•Voyages to Antiquity Cruises: MV Aegean Odyssey
•Star Clippers: Royal Clipper
Extra-Extra Small Ship-XXS- Under 200 passengers
Example of XXS ships:
•Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Flora-100 Celebrity Xpedition, Celebrity Xperience, Celebrity Xploration
•SeaDream Yacht Club: Sea Dream I, SeaDream II
•Silversea Cruises: Silver Discoverer, Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos
•Windstar Cruises: Wind Spirit, Wind Star, Wind Spirit,
•Star Clippers: Star Clipper,Star Flyer
Beach Vacation: What you do if a shark is about to attack?
Shark attack! The United States is the most dangerous country in the world when it comes to bloody encounters between people and sharks. It’s especially true in regions where tourism is big business.
In Hawaii, children are always taught two things about the ocean and sharks.
Today a 65-year-old visitor vacationing on the Island of Hawaii was bitten on her right inner upper thigh by a shark. The bite mark was approximately 12 inches in diameter.
She was around several hundred yards offshore and brought in prone on a kayak via bystanders and does not remember events prior to being bitten. The victim was transported in stable condition to the hospital. A helicopter conducted a shoreline check within an hour of the incident, surveying several miles of ocean and along the coastline with no shark sightings.
What children are always taught in Hawaii about the ocean and sharks is to never turn your back on the ocean because then you won’t be aware of wave swells or anything heading in your direction. They are also taught to never go in the ocean alone. You never know when you will need someone’s help or you will need to help someone in distress.
When you enter the ocean, you are going into the domain of many aquatic animals, the scariest of which is the shark. Are there ways to avoid being attacked by a shark? Here, knowledge is definitely power.
If you see a shark and it is behaving aggressively, the best thing you can do is remain calm and as motionless as possible. While it may be hard not to panic, by not thrashing the water or screaming, this will likely be the biggest factor in whether or not you may be bitten.
Don’t attract attention to yourself by wearing jewelry that shines and reflects light. It can cause sharks to mistake you for a fish in murky water.
If you see a bait ball, get out! A bait ball is when small fish swarm in a tightly packed spherical formation and is a last-ditch defensive measure when they are threatened by predators – as in sharks.
Before you even go in the water, if you see animal remains on the beach, like dead seals, fish, or whales, there are more likely to be sharks in the water.
Although a shark will be in the water at all times, they mostly hunt at dawn, dusk, and at night because the low light makes it harder for prey to see them coming, and many fish are most active at dusk. Plan your ocean activities accordingly.
Be vigilant around areas with a steep drop-off, because certain species like the great white shark will use the deep water to ambush potential prey.
If despite all your best efforts to avoid a shark, an attack occurs, punch the shark in the nose or eyes, and use anything you have (surfboard, dive tank, etc.) to put it between the shark and yourself.
Immediately seek help from others. If no one is around, use your shirt, wetsuit, surf leash, or anything long enough to tie a tourniquet above the wound on yourself or the person attacked. If the incident occurs while surfing, put the person on a board.
Stay in a group as this will deter sharks from investigating further.
When you get to the beach, keep the legs elevated by pointing the attacked person’s head toward the water as the shore slopes down into the ocean.
Apply pressure directly to the wound with a towel or shirt until emergency responders arrive.
And in the ultimate prevention, first aid and CPR classes are extremely valuable for unexpected situations like a shark attack. Preparation is key and will increase your confidence in the ocean and in life.
Here is a story on the Great White Shark Attack in Australia.
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