Ready for Super Sunday Weekend?

In this issue:

• 📻 Travel Industry News & Trends

• 🌟 Featured Lodging Expert

• 🛟 Featured Story: River Cruises

• 📱 Marketing Corner

Travel Industry News & Trends

Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List 2025 Celebrated in Dubai

Last Friday, Condé Nast Traveler unveiled its 2025 Gold List, honoring top hotels and cruises, with a grand event at Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The celebration featured industry leaders and highlighted Dubai's growing significance in luxury travel. If you were there, let us know if it was as good and fun as it looks. CN TRAVELER

Important update from Santorini

The Greek island and other neighboring Aegean Sea islands are experiencing significant seismic activity, with over 200 earthquakes recorded since Friday. While experts attribute these tremors to tectonic movements rather than volcanic activity, they're monitoring the situation closely as it may indicate a larger event ahead. Local authorities have implemented precautionary measures, including school closures and increased flight options for those wishing to depart. PHY.ORG

“Paradise” is Real at Paraiso de la Bonita

Marriott International has unveiled Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Resort, in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, this adults-only, all-inclusive resort features 100 oceanfront suites with handcrafted furnishings and private terraces. Gu can enjoy diverse dining options, including a restaurant boasting a 5,000-bottle wine cellar and rejuvenate at the 22,000-square-foot Thalasso Spa Center. This marks Marriott's third luxury all-inclusive property, enhancing its upscale offerings in the Caribbean. TRAVEL MARKET REPORT

British Airways Overhauls Loyalty Program

British Airways announced significant changes to its loyalty program, rebranding the Executive Club as the British Airways Club effective April 1, 2025. The revamped program shifts from awarding tier points based on distance traveled to a spending-based model, where one point is earned per pound spent on eligible fares and charges. This change aims to reward high-spending travelers but has raised concerns among economy passengers and those flying with partner airlines regarding the increased difficulty in attaining elite status. THE TIMES

The Witchery by the Castle Named 'Most Romantic Hotel in the World

Edinburgh's The Witchery by the Castle has been crowned the 'most romantic hotel in the world' by Big 7 Travel. Located at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, this intimate hotel features historic architecture, luxurious amenities, and unique experiences, such as a secret bookcase in the library. It is a favorite among couples seeking a romantic getaway. THE SCOTTISH SUN

Featured Lodging Expert

Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

The Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht brilliantly reimagines a former public library as an artistic homage to Dutch culture, where history and contemporary luxury intertwine seamlessly.

Marcel Wanders' imaginative design weaves Golden Age elements throughout the 122 rooms, from tulip chairs to Delft Blue accents, creating a sophisticated and playfully engaging atmosphere.

The property's prime canal-side location places guests in the heart of Amsterdam's UNESCO-protected district. At the same time, the remarkable Barstro Prins & Aap offers a vibrant social hub where visitors and locals alike connect over crafted cocktails and seasonal cuisine.

With its extensive facilities, versatile event spaces, and attentive service, the hotel delivers an authentic Amsterdam experience that perfectly balances Dutch heritage with modern luxury expectations. Just check out the Delft Blue Room to see what I mean.

Who knew a library could have such a remarkable second chapter?

Luxury Cruises Are Booming: What You Need to Know 🚢

The luxury cruise market is experiencing a record-breaking resurgence, offering travel advisors a prime opportunity to sell high-end, all-inclusive experiences to affluent clients.

With a projected CAGR of 11.5% through 2030, the industry is seeing strong demand for both ocean and river cruises, personalized itineraries, and ultra-luxury small-ship experiences.

The Ocean Cruise Renaissance

Luxury ocean cruises remain dominant, accounting for 49% of global cruise revenue. However, travelers are now seeking more personalized, intimate experiences—pushing brands like Silversea, Seabourn, and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to offer concierge-level service, private yacht-style voyages, and immersive cultural stops.

Key trends driving ocean cruise sales:

• Expedition & Remote Destinations – Growth in Antarctica, Arctic, and Galápagos cruises.

• Smaller, Exclusive Vessels – Yacht-style ships with high-end, personalized service.

• Eco-Luxury Travel – Sustainability-focused cruise lines with carbon-neutral itineraries.

The Rise of River Cruising

River cruises are growing faster than ever, catering to seasoned travelers looking for immersive, slow-paced cultural experiences.

New luxury river cruise launches include:

• Viking Mississippi (2024) – A first-of-its-kind luxury American river cruise.

• AmaMagdalena (2025) – The first high-end cruise on Colombia’s Magdalena River.

• Sanctuary Pure Amazon (2025) – An ultra-luxury Peruvian Amazon expedition.

Selling Luxury Cruises in 2025 & Beyond

To overcome common client hesitations (crowds, lack of exclusivity, or post-pandemic concerns), reposition cruises as:

• Private, stress-free travel with VIP access.

• Fully immersive cultural experiences with tailored excursions.

• An alternative to traditional land-based luxury vacations.

Sustainability, personalization, and luxury adventure travel are driving the cruise market forward. Now, and through the next five years, it is the perfect time for luxury travel advisors to capitalize on high-end cruise sales.

Ready to sell more luxury cruises? Your clients are ready to go!

Marketing Corner

Want to Increase Your Reach on Instagram?

Are you looking for ways to attract more luxury travelers and maximize engagement with your Instagram posts?

Carousel posts offer a powerful way to boost your reach. Instagram’s algorithm automatically tests different images from a carousel in users' feeds.

If the first image doesn’t generate strong engagement, the platform will show other frames, increasing your chances of reaching more potential clients.

Two Ways to Use Carousels to Boost Your Instagram Reach

For Travel Advisors and Travel Marketers, here are two smart strategies to maximize visibility on Instagram:

✅ Turn Single Image Posts Into Carousels – Instead of posting just one travel image, upload at least two in a carousel. This simple adjustment increases engagement opportunities, ensuring your content gets seen by more luxury travelers. Consider showcasing different angles of a destination, a hotel suite, or highlights from a curated itinerary.

✅ Add Music to Single Image Posts – If you're posting just one image, add music to make it eligible for Instagram’s Reels tab. This gives your content a wider reach beyond your followers, helping attract new clients who are searching for exclusive travel experiences.

By leveraging these Instagram features, you can enhance your visibility, engage potential clients, and position yourself as the go-to travel advisor for high-end travelers.

Social Media Examiner