Latest news with #GlobalTravelAdvisorDay
Malaysian Reserve
07-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Internova Travel Group Marks Global Travel Advisor Day, 10th Anniversary of Family Bonds Foundation
Charitable initiative to help those in need in the travel industry has distributed more than 250 grants since its founding in 2015 NEW YORK, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the world celebrates Global Travel Advisor Day, Internova Travel Group is also marking a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of Family Bonds Foundation, its nonprofit initiative dedicated to supporting travel professionals and their families through life's toughest challenges. Since its founding in 2015, the Foundation has provided more than 250 emergency grants to individuals across the U.S. affected by illness, job loss, natural disasters and other unexpected hardships. These grants have helped advisors rebuild their lives, often after devastating personal losses. 'This day is about honoring the dedication of travel advisors around the world,' said J.D. O'Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group, one of the world's largest travel services companies representing more than 100,000 travel advisors. 'But it's also a powerful reminder of our responsibility to stand by the people who make travel possible when they need us most.' In 2024 alone, Family Bonds Foundation raised a record-breaking $650,000, thanks to Internova's advisor network and the incredible generosity of supplier partners. Globus family of brands, Outside Agents, Pavlus Travel and Signature Travel Network served as Diamond sponsors, while Allianz Partners and AmaWaterways have already signed on as Diamond Plus donors in 2025, each committed to contributing at least $100,000 this year. To mark its 10-year anniversary and build on this momentum, Internova has set its most ambitious fundraising goal yet—$800,000 in 2025—with major fundraising events planned at two flagship conferences: Travel Leaders Network's EDGE Conference, June 9-12 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, and Nexion's CoNexion Conference, Sept. 8-10 at the Universal Orlando Resort. Both events will feature public silent auctions and raffles with travel prizes including cruises, luxury stays and premium flights. Bidding opens online one week before each event. 'This foundation is not just for our company, it's for the entire travel advisor community,' said Jackie Friedman, President of Family Bonds Foundation and of Nexion Travel Group, a premium host agency within Internova Travel Group. 'We encourage all travel agencies and networks to join us in supporting the people who make this industry so special. Together, we can make an even bigger impact.' The Foundation accepts nominations year-round, and anyone in the travel industry can nominate a U.S. colleague in need. The next nomination deadline is July 15, with recipients notified by August 1. This year, the Foundation aims to award more than 100 grants. For more information on how to become a corporate donor, or to nominate someone or make a donation, visit About Internova Travel Group Internova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world with a collection of leading brands delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients. Internova manages leisure, business and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with a presence in more than 80 countries. CONTACT: Elizabeth Gaerlan egaerlan@ 1-212-944-1125 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Internova Travel Group
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Internova Travel Group Marks Global Travel Advisor Day, 10th Anniversary of Family Bonds Foundation
Charitable initiative to help those in need in the travel industry has distributed more than 250 grants since its founding in 2015 NEW YORK, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world celebrates Global Travel Advisor Day, Internova Travel Group is also marking a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of Family Bonds Foundation, its nonprofit initiative dedicated to supporting travel professionals and their families through life's toughest challenges. (PRNewsfoto/Internova Travel Group) Since its founding in 2015, the Foundation has provided more than 250 emergency grants to individuals across the U.S. affected by illness, job loss, natural disasters and other unexpected hardships. These grants have helped advisors rebuild their lives, often after devastating personal losses. "This day is about honoring the dedication of travel advisors around the world," said J.D. O'Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group, one of the world's largest travel services companies representing more than 100,000 travel advisors. "But it's also a powerful reminder of our responsibility to stand by the people who make travel possible when they need us most." In 2024 alone, Family Bonds Foundation raised a record-breaking $650,000, thanks to Internova's advisor network and the incredible generosity of supplier partners. Globus family of brands, Outside Agents, Pavlus Travel and Signature Travel Network served as Diamond sponsors, while Allianz Partners and AmaWaterways have already signed on as Diamond Plus donors in 2025, each committed to contributing at least $100,000 this year. To mark its 10-year anniversary and build on this momentum, Internova has set its most ambitious fundraising goal yet—$800,000 in 2025—with major fundraising events planned at two flagship conferences: Travel Leaders Network's EDGE Conference, June 9-12 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, and Nexion's CoNexion Conference, Sept. 8-10 at the Universal Orlando Resort. Both events will feature public silent auctions and raffles with travel prizes including cruises, luxury stays and premium flights. Bidding opens online one week before each event. "This foundation is not just for our company, it's for the entire travel advisor community," said Jackie Friedman, President of Family Bonds Foundation and of Nexion Travel Group, a premium host agency within Internova Travel Group. "We encourage all travel agencies and networks to join us in supporting the people who make this industry so special. Together, we can make an even bigger impact." The Foundation accepts nominations year-round, and anyone in the travel industry can nominate a U.S. colleague in need. The next nomination deadline is July 15, with recipients notified by August 1. This year, the Foundation aims to award more than 100 grants.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
YOUR PASSION, OUR GRATITUDE: SANDALS® RESORTS CELEBRATES GLOBAL TRAVEL ADVISOR DAY
"Sandals Resorts has consistently been one of the most dedicated and impactful allies in our industry, and their ongoing commitment to supporting the travel advisor community is truly invaluable," said Zane Kerby, President and CEO of ASTA. "This year's Global Travel Advisor Day celebration went beyond expressing gratitude—it was about empowerment, progress, and a shared vision for the future we are shaping together." Streaming on ASTA's Facebook page at 2:00 PM EST, a Facebook Live event will feature ASTA President Zane Kerby and Gary C. Sadler who will come together to share industry updates, giveaways and reveal new initiatives designed to drive advisor success, such as the redesigned Travel Advisor Portal , now featuring a refreshed dashboard with tools for revenue tracking, booking management, customizable invoices, and more. Sadler will also dive into the recently launched Sandals Elite Advisor (S.E.A.) Program , a tiered recognition platform designed to reward top-performing advisors with exclusive benefits—including productivity bonuses, booking incentives, enhanced resort experiences, and dedicated sales support–and WAVE by Sandals, a new digital marketing platform offering content management, AI-driven customization, and performance tracking to help advisors grow their online presence. "Sandals Resorts celebrates travel advisors every day, but Global Travel Advisor Day provides an opportunity to reflect with even greater gratitude," said Gary C. Sadler, Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, Inc., an affiliate of the worldwide representatives for Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts . "Travel Advisors are the backbone of the travel industry, driving economies and connecting travelers to unforgettable vacation experiences. This is a special occasion, and we're truly committed to making this year even more meaningful—bringing more opportunities, exciting giveaways, and heartfelt recognition to the incredible professionals who make the world of travel so extraordinary." MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of the passion, dedication and meaningful impact of the travel advisor community, Sandals Resorts–the Caribbean's leading all-inclusive brand–proudly partners with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) as the global sponsor of Global Travel Advisor Day 2025. This year's celebration features a lineup of dynamic events, exclusive programming, and unmissable incentives to honor the true champions of Caribbean travel. Story Continues Five Islands, Twelve Resorts, 450+ Travel Advisors: It's Back to the Beach From the digital waves to the Caribbean shores, Unique Vacations, Inc. executives and Business Development Managers (BDMs) came together to host the highly anticipated annual 'Back to the Beach' event through May 8th. With over 450 travel advisors in attendance across 12 Sandals and Beaches Resorts, the five-day experience invited advisors to engage in hands-on sessions focused on travel trends, destination weddings, dive programs, and the latest in social media marketing strategies—all while soaking in the beauty and warm hospitality of the islands. To commemorate Global Travel Advisor Day, each participating resort is hosting a special luncheon where local officials and Sandals team members will pay tribute to the advisors' invaluable contributions to tourism across the region. Advisors staying at resorts in Jamaica, Nassau, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Turks & Caicos are setting sail on celebratory catamaran cruises—blending appreciation with a dose of island adventure. Recognizing the vital role advisors play beyond bookings, the event also highlights the deep ties between the travel advisor community and the Caribbean. Through the Sandals Foundation, attendees are participating in the Pack for a Purpose program, donating school supplies and clothing to support local families. In Jamaica, advisors are also taking part in Reading Road Trips—visiting area schools to help students strengthen literacy skills and build confidence in the classroom. "Travel Advisors play a critical role in helping our guests connect with Caribbean communities, in more ways than one," said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. "Through various community routes, tours, volunteer opportunities and key experiences, a vacation now becomes an opportunity to improve and invest in the livelihood of the community. We are eternally grateful to the TA community for always sharing the multiple avenues for guests to give back to the islands in which they visit, together we are sharing the best of the Caribbean and positively changing lives." Trevello Joins the Caribbean Celebrations Canada's largest host agency, Trevello, is also making waves in Jamaica, hosting its annual conference through May 9th. To commemorate Global Travel Advisor Day, Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, opened the event with a heartfelt speech recognizing the invaluable contributions of travel advisors. He highlighted the exciting expansions underway at Beaches Resorts, including the new Treasure Beach Village in Turks & Caicos, and new resorts coming to Jamaica, Barbados, and the Exumas. "Today we celebrate the incredible partners who help bring our Caribbean vision to life," said Stewart. "We're reimagining what all-inclusive luxury can be to bring the soul of the islands to every guest experience. For travel advisors, it means more opportunities to sell up, earn higher commissions, and build lasting client relationships. It means aligning with the strength, trust, and vision of the Sandals brand—and becoming part of the most rewarding partnership in travel. It's about innovation and evolution. This is what we call Sandals 2.0." Amplifying Advisor Voices On the Sandals Palmcast: Tune in to hear Kristi Upton, owner of AdventurUS Travel, as she shares her expert insights on the role of travel advisors, how they elevate your vacation experience, and why working with an advisor can lead to a smoother, more personalized and enriching getaway. Listen here: How a Travel Advisor Elevates Your Luxury Vacation On the Sandals Blog: Four seasoned travel advisors reveal why booking with an expert makes all the difference in crafting unforgettable Caribbean escapes—true matchmakers who tailor every detail to your dream vacation. Read here: "On Global Travel Advisor Day, This is Why We Need the Matchmakers" About Sandals Resorts: Family-owned Sandals® Resorts offers adults-only getaways that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Pioneers of the all-inclusive vacation experience in the region, Sandals has 17 beachfront resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, each reflecting the genuine vibe of its island home. From local food favorites and global flavors to butler service and signature suites, including the Caribbean's first Overwater Villas, Sandals makes it easy for guests to go all in on vacation mode. Beyond the resort gates, immersive destination experiences, like a newly piloted Island Inclusive dining program and MINI Coopers for island exploration, raise the bar on the all-inclusive vacation. Championing the region it calls home, Sandals demonstrates the transformative power of tourism and its impact on lives through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation. For more information, visit . About Beaches Resorts: Family-owned Beaches Resorts is the Caribbean playground where families can live their best island life. With all-inclusive family resorts in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, and soon-to-come locations in Barbados and The Bahamas, Beaches offers fun-forward family all-inclusive vacations - from a dynamic selection of restaurants and vibrant food trucks to all-you-can-enjoy water sports, live shows and epic water parks. Kids discover magic with Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street®, Kids Camps, and hangouts for teens, while parents enjoy peace of mind with certified nannies, sensory-friendly programming and multi-bedroom villas perfect for bringing generations together. At Beaches, every member of the family finds joy, connection and memories made to last a lifetime. For more information about Beaches Resorts, visit . About the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA): ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry and the traveling public. Its members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel. Together with hundreds of internationally based members, ASTA's history of industry advocacy traces back to its founding in 1931 when it launched with the mission to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. For more information about the Society, visit our mission statement . Media Contact: mediarelations@ Sandals South Coast in Jamaica, where Global Travel Advisor Day will be marked with a special luncheon featuring local officials and Sandals team members honoring travel advisors for their invaluable contributions to tourism in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Sandals Resorts logo (PRNewsfoto/Sandals Resorts International) Cision View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Sandals Resorts International
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EXPEDIA GROUP CELEBRATES GLOBAL TRAVEL ADVISOR DAY AS A PART OF ONGOING INVESTMENT IN TRAVEL ADVISORS
Expedia Group hosts a series of worldwide events to commend its travel advisor partners. Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) expands to the U.A.E., giving more travel advisors access to the booking platform. Expedia Group rolls out ways for advisors to maximize earnings and new flexible payment methods. SEATTLE, May 07, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Expedia Group is celebrating Global Travel Advisor Day by hosting several events across the world to recognize and show appreciation for its Expedia TAAP travel advisor partners and the vital role they play in the travel ecosystem. To celebrate, Expedia Group is organizing exclusive gatherings, including breakfasts, lunches, and evening receptions, across key markets including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the U.K., Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, China, and Japan. These events serve as a dedicated moment to recognize travel advisors, express gratitude for their contributions, and share exciting updates. Expedia Group will also showcase new products and enhancements to its Expedia TAAP global booking platform, which connects travel advisors to its extensive portfolio of hotels, vacation rentals, flights, packages, car rentals, and activities. "Global Travel Advisor Day is an opportunity for Expedia Group to celebrate and support travel advisors worldwide," said Robin Lawther, Vice President of Expedia TAAP. "With today's announcement, we're reinforcing our commitment by expanding into new markets and launching initiatives that help advisors attract customers, personalize experiences, and grow their businesses. By investing in tools that improve cash flow management and create new revenue opportunities, we're empowering them to thrive in an evolving industry." Expanding supply and launching to new markets Expedia TAAP advisors in the U.S. point of sale can now book Southwest flights, further enhancing the platform's value. With multiple connectivity sources including GDS, direct airline connections, and NDC, advisors can effortlessly search, compare, and book flights. Additional perks like bundled packages provide travelers with even more flexibility. As demand continues to rise in a thriving travel market, Expedia TAAP is expanding its presence in the U.A.E., strengthening its support for travel advisors in the region. This expansion reflects the company's commitment to empowering Middle Eastern partners with access to a vast travel inventory and unlocking new revenue opportunities. Maximizing earnings and flexible payment options To further empower travel advisors, Expedia TAAP has introduced the agency service charge to majority points of sale, allowing advisors to add a discretionary fee to lodging bookings. This feature helps advisors get compensated, on top of regular commission, for their expertise when the booking is made, without requiring a separate transaction.
Business Wire
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
EXPEDIA GROUP CELEBRATES GLOBAL TRAVEL ADVISOR DAY AS A PART OF ONGOING INVESTMENT IN TRAVEL ADVISORS
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Expedia Group is celebrating Global Travel Advisor Day by hosting several events across the world to recognize and show appreciation for its Expedia TAAP travel advisor partners and the vital role they play in the travel ecosystem. To celebrate, Expedia Group is organizing exclusive gatherings, including breakfasts, lunches, and evening receptions, across key markets including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the U.K., Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, China, and Japan. These events serve as a dedicated moment to recognize travel advisors, express gratitude for their contributions, and share exciting updates. Expedia Group will also showcase new products and enhancements to its Expedia TAAP global booking platform, which connects travel advisors to its extensive portfolio of hotels, vacation rentals, flights, packages, car rentals, and activities. 'Global Travel Advisor Day is an opportunity for Expedia Group to celebrate and support travel advisors worldwide,' said Robin Lawther, Vice President of Expedia TAAP. 'With today's announcement, we're reinforcing our commitment by expanding into new markets and launching initiatives that help advisors attract customers, personalize experiences, and grow their businesses. By investing in tools that improve cash flow management and create new revenue opportunities, we're empowering them to thrive in an evolving industry.' Expanding supply and launching to new markets Expedia TAAP advisors in the U.S. point of sale can now book Southwest flights, further enhancing the platform's value. With multiple connectivity sources including GDS, direct airline connections, and NDC, advisors can effortlessly search, compare, and book flights. Additional perks like bundled packages provide travelers with even more flexibility. As demand continues to rise in a thriving travel market, Expedia TAAP is expanding its presence in the U.A.E., strengthening its support for travel advisors in the region. This expansion reflects the company's commitment to empowering Middle Eastern partners with access to a vast travel inventory and unlocking new revenue opportunities. Maximizing earnings and flexible payment options To further empower travel advisors, Expedia TAAP has introduced the agency service charge to majority points of sale, allowing advisors to add a discretionary fee to lodging bookings. This feature helps advisors get compensated, on top of regular commission, for their expertise when the booking is made, without requiring a separate transaction. Expedia TAAP has long offered deferred payments, giving travel advisors the flexibility to book now and pay later, helping them manage cash flow. Building on this, new enhancements now allow advisors to book accommodations up to 365 days in advance and make post-booking itinerary changes, offering even greater control and convenience. Additionally, to meet the diverse payment preferences of global markets, bank transfers are now accepted on Expedia TAAP in regions where this method is favored. On Global Travel Advisor Day and beyond, Expedia TAAP continues to prioritize travel advisors and agencies by consistently investing in improvements and offering ongoing support. Learn more at About Expedia TAAP Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP), a division of Expedia Group, is the trusted global retail booking platform that connects travel advisors to Expedia Group's global portfolio of hotels, vacation rentals, flights, packages, car rentals, and activities. Established with the mission to empower travel agencies by granting them access to Expedia's worldwide travel inventory, Expedia TAAP remains dedicated to fostering the growth of travel agencies through its cutting-edge technology, diverse travel supply, impressive rates, and comprehensive support services. About Expedia Group Expedia Group, Inc. brands power travel for everyone, everywhere through our global platform. Driven by the core belief that travel is a force for good, we help people experience the world in new ways and build lasting connections. We provide industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success, while facilitating memorable experiences for travelers. Our organization is made up of three pillars: Expedia Product & Technology, focused on the group's product and technical strategy and offerings; Expedia Brands, housing all our consumer brands; and Expedia for Business, consisting of business-to-business solutions and relationships throughout the travel ecosystem.
