Latest from Travel Weekly
Travel Weekly
6 hours ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
GTM Luxury event makes its debut
The inaugural GTM Luxury event kicked off Monday at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz. The event, produced by Travel Weeky parent company Northstar Travel Group, builds on the GTM premise, which pairs vetted travel advisors with suppliers for three days of one-on-one meetings, small-group Boardroom presentations and networking events. But the GTM Luxury show is all about luxury travel. For travel advisor participants to qualify, they must have annual individual sales of at least $1 million in 2024, proven luxury sales with a $1,000 per person, per day spend; at least two years of sales in the luxury sector; existing high-net-worth book of business; and established relationships in the upscale market. Through the Boardroom sessions and timed, individual appointments, the advisors get access to reps from a roster of premium and luxury travel businesses: Cruise lines, tour operators, destination management companies and specific destination reps.
Travel Weekly
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
The best of 'Friends' on display at new MGM Grand attraction
The Friends Experience opened at MGM Grand in Las Vegas this month, providing fans of the hit television show a place to reminiscence in set re-creations and to enjoy behind-the-scenes content. "The One in Vegas" features versions of Phoebe's taxi and the wedding chapel used by Ross and Rachel. Sets also include Central Perk, Monica and Rachel's apartment, Joey and Chandler's apartment, the couch and stairwell from the "Pivot" scene and the fountain from the opening credits. Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment, Original X Productions and Warner Bros. Television Group created the attraction that has appeared in 24 cities worldwide. • Cover Story: Set-jetting puts the spotlight on destinations "As a city that holds a unique place in the show's story line and stands at the heart of global entertainment, Las Vegas is a natural home for our next flagship location," said Stacy Moscatelli, CEO of Original X Productions. "We're proud to bring this experience to the Strip and are committed to delivering something truly memorable for the millions of 'Friends' fans who visit each year." A retail store has exclusive merchandise, including apparel and memorabilia. The attraction, which was originally planned to open last fall, is in the District at MGM Grand adjacent to Grand Garden Arena. Tickets start at $45 (plus tax and fees).
Travel Weekly
a day ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Teldar Travel, an agent-only hotel booking platform, makes its debut
B2B hotel booking platform Teldar Travel has launched in the U.S. An advisor-exclusive platform, Teldar offers travel agents access to more than 2 million accommodations around the world. Teldar is a subsidiary of Accor and part of the Gekko Group. The platform has been operating in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the U.K., Spain and Portugal. Teldar said its platform was designed for the North American market. It offers flexible payment options, including a pay-by-link feature enabling advisors to share a secure payment link with their clients. Commissions are transferred twice each month. The platform includes a tracking dashboard so advisors can monitor commissions and export the data. Teldar also offers API integration. Its loyalty program, Miles Attack, enables advisors to earn one mile for every $2 sold on Teldar. Miles can be used for personal travel discounts or converted into real dollars. "Our platform was built with the travel advisor in mind, from flexibility in payments to fast commission payouts," Adam McKnight, chief growth officer of Gekko Group, said in a statement. Sales director appointed Ed Jones Photo Credit: Teldar Travel In addition to launching the platform, Teldar has named 25-year industry veteran Ed Jones its director of sales USA. Jones has held roles at American Airlines, cruise lines and other B2B hotel platforms. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Jones plans to be on the road regularly to meet with advisors and attend events. "Teldar Travel offers a level of flexibility and efficiency that can truly make a difference in day-to-day operations," Jones said. "Every feature is designed to save time, increase earnings and strengthen client trust."
Travel Weekly
a day ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
TSA considers new private-sector partnerships
The TSA is exploring the feasibility of expanding its private-sector partnerships to include end-to-end, technology-driven solutions. A Request for Information (RFI) issued by the agency earlier this month asks vendors to put forward their visions for solutions that would reduce workforce requirements; incorporate AI-driven solutions for threat protection and remote screening; improve customer satisfaction; and increase the TSA's ability to adapt during high-traffic periods or when staffing is constrained. The request was issued under the TSA's existing Screening Partnership Program, under which private companies are contracted to run screening operations at commercial airports with TSA oversight. The program is only in place at airports that request to be a part of it. Currently, 20 airports participate in the SPP program, the largest of which is San Francisco Airport. In the RFI, TSA wrote that it is "exploring opportunities to modernize the program by incorporating integrated, technology-forward solutions." According to the trade publication Biometric Update, which closely follows TSA technology initiatives, the Screening Partnership Program has historically focused on the outsourcing of staffing functions. "But the RFI indicates a broader vision in which private entities are not just managing personnel; they are also integrating and operating advanced security technologies as part of a seamless, fully managed screening environment," the publication wrote. "The RFI could mark the beginning of a major transformation in how travelers are screened at U.S. airports," the publication said. The RFI is only a first step toward a possible expansion of the program and the scope of TSA's partnerships with private companies. The document states that it is for market research purposes only. "TSA may use the results of this RFI to inform future acquisition strategies and potential pilot programs at select airports," the document says. Biometric Update wrote that if the TSA receives high quality responses, it could use those to help tailor its next contract vehicle for Screening Partnership Program vendors, which is slated to take effect in September with an ordering period that lasts a decade. This latest move by TSA follows the agency' high-profile decision earlier this month to end the requirement that flyers remove their shoes in screening lanes. Department of Homeland Security director Kristi Noem has also said that changes to the TSA's 3.4-ounce liquid limit could also be on the way. Companies have until Aug. 1 to respond to the RFI.
Travel Weekly
a day ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Trade Secrets Tech Summit: TravelWits
Subscribe now using your favorite service: This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts. This week's featured company is TravelWits, represented by CEO Arman Bimatov. Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews' list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn't have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list. This episode was sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. Further resources TravelWits on the web TravelWits on Host Agency Reviews From TravelAge West: What is TravelWits? Here's why Virtuoso accepted the AI-powered platform built for travel advisors Mentioned in this episode Get in touch! Email us: tradesecrets@ Theme song Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod License See for privacy information.
