“Small group travel is one of the biggest opportunities we’re seeing in guided touring right now, and this collection is our answer to that,” said Melissa DaSilva, Deputy CEO and Chief Sales Officer of TTC Tour Brands, in a media statement. 

A New Selling Opportunity for Advisors

Trafalgar developed the Small Group Tours collection through extensive customer research and trade feedback, identifying an emerging segment of travelers who want the structure and reassurance of guided vacations paired with the intimacy of smaller groups.

The itineraries cater particularly well to active, culturally curious travelers—typically age 40 and older—who value authentic experiences over traditional sightseeing and increasingly factor sustainability into their travel decisions.

Guests still benefit from expert Travel Directors, curated itineraries, Be My Guest experiences and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER initiatives. 

Depending on the destination, travelers may move by smaller vehicles, private transfers, trains, riverboats and local transit options that create a closer connection to the places they visit. The format also opens doors to accommodations, venues and community experiences that often aren’t feasible for larger groups.

Among the itineraries:

• San Sebastian and Beyond takes travelers from Bordeaux to Bilbao through southwest France and northern Spain. Guests participate in an exclusive Be My Guest experience at the family-owned San Anton grill house in Getaria, where they meet local hosts, learn traditional Basque grilling techniques and prepare seafood sourced directly from the Cantabrian coast.
• On Wild Encounters of Borneo, travelers meet Dr. Wong, founder and CEO of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, for a firsthand look at the organization’s conservation efforts. Boat transfers and river cruises through the Kinabatangan wetlands bring guests closer to wildlife and remote rainforest landscapes.

Travel advisors can learn more about Trafalgar Small Group Tours and explore available itineraries through the Trafalgar Advisor Portal (TAP).

For more information, visit agents.ttc.com

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USTOA President and CEO Terry Dale said this year’s summit spotlighted members helping drive sustainability efforts across the travel industry. “As the state of our world evolves, so does the focus of SIR,” said Dale. “Our members’ passion for responsible travel is what drives them to advance their own sustainability strategies in a way that tackles the current needs of our industry. We wanted to extend a special thanks to our generous hosts at Visit Anchorage for providing immersive off-site learning opportunities and sharing how this breathtaking destination is spearheading sustainability in travel for the future of the industry.”

The summit was facilitated by Professor Graham Miller, Chair of Sustainable Business and Academic Director for the Westmont Institute for Tourism and Hospitality at Nova School of Business and Economics in Lisbon, Portugal, who returned for a third year to lead the event.

During the 4-day summit, attendees sat in on various sessions with topics that focused on everything from wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism to the role tourism plays in local communities. There was also a welcome reception at the Bluewater Basecamp, offsite learning experiences along Turnagain Arm and Beluga Point and a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where attendees experienced wild animal encounters. Plus, attendees visited the Alaska Native Heritage Center for an additional offsite educational program, featuring a guided village tour and a cultural briefing within an Athabascan Ceremonial House led by Kelsey Wallace, President of Alaska Native Heritage Center.

Other highlights included an experiential learning program in Whittier, in partnership with Lazy Otters Boat Tours, where attendees toured Blackstone Glacier in Prince William Sound; dinner at Bison Hall; and a presentation from Alaska Photo Treks featuring the “bore tide,” a rare phenomenon, which, said members, proved to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Attendees also explored industry challenges—including aviation, carbon methodology, overtourism and climate risk—through collaborative working groups focused on advancing sustainability efforts across the travel sector. These working groups, led by USTOA’s Global Social Impact Manager Molly Laycob, will continue to meet and progress their initiatives post-summit.

“Hosting the SIR Summit in Anchorage created an opportunity to bring together local voices living and working at the intersection of tourism, conservation, culture, and community every day,” said Kara Troglin, Tourism Sales Manager at Visit Anchorage. “We’re grateful to the many local organizations and speakers who shared their time, knowledge, and lived experience, giving attendees a deeper understanding of Alaska through meaningful conversations and place-based learning.”

David S. Kasser, Visit Anchorage’s Sr. VP of Sales, added, “Visit Anchorage was honored to be asked to host this international group of forward thinkers by USTOA. It was wonderful to support the attendees working together to pioneer solutions to sustainability issues facing tourism businesses around the globe.”

Reflecting on the Summit overall, Dale said SIR remains focused on educating and uniting members around responsible tourism practices, with each year’s event continuing to raise the bar.

To get the latest from USTOA members, visit ustoa.com/travel-advisors.

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“The popularity of discovering destinations through food is undeniable; this is why we have placed a strong emphasis on epicurean enrichment on board Seven Seas Prestige,” said Wesley D’Silva, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, in a press statement. “Our Culinary Arts Kitchen experiences are a must for any foodie and with no more than 18 guests, the classes and tours are a testament to the personalized attention our guests can expect.”

Prestige Dining

The Culinary Arts Kitchen aboard Seven Seas Prestige is a professional-grade teaching facility with 18 fully equipped stations and floor-to-ceiling windows. Two-hour classes start at $129 per guest and cover techniques ranging from knife skills to regional recipes. Cocina Latina explores dishes and cocktails from Mexico to Patagonia; Australia Through the Ages traces the country’s food history from Indigenous traditions to contemporary multicultural cuisine; Journey Across the Mediterranean spans France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Spain and Turkey with wine and cocktail pairings.

Epicurean Explorer Tours take guests ashore, with chef instructors leading small groups through local markets, specialty producers and Michelin-starred restaurants, and many tours return to the ship for additional tastings or kitchen sessions.

Three 2027 tours highlight the range. On Sunlit Iberia (May 11, 2027, 14 nights), the Chef-Led Market Tour & Tapas in Bilbao ($159 per guest) begins with an onboard introduction, then heads to Bilbao’s Mercado de la Ribera and Old Quarter for pintxos and txakoli, and closes with an onboard Basque-inspired tasting.

The Chef-Led Gastronomy Tour & Tapas Lunch in Barcelona ($159 per guest) is part of Timeless Shores (June 8, 2027, 18 nights), taking in La Boqueria and Santa Caterina Market before a tapas lunch and an onboard cava tasting.

The Prestige of Portugal sailing (June 8, 2027, nine nights) features the Chef-Led Market Tour, Olive Farm & Tapas in Palma de Mallorca ($209 per guest), covering Olivar Market, a grove walk and tasting at the Treurer olive oil farm and an onboard session on olive oil techniques.

Classes and tours can be reserved through guests’ online accounts before sailing.

For more information, visit rssc.com.

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Announced in conjunction with World Ocean Day, the appointment aligns with the luxury cruise brand’s broader sustainability messaging as it prepares to introduce EXPLORA III, the first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel in its fleet.

Ozores, a marine educator, dive trainer and National Geographic Educator, has built her career around advancing ocean literacy and environmental responsibility through immersive educational programs designed to connect communities with marine ecosystems.

“Naming Cristina Ozores as Godmother on World Ocean Day is incredibly meaningful for us,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, in a media statement. “Her dedication to ocean education and preservation reflects values that are deeply important to our brand and to the Ocean State of Mind philosophy that guides us.”

EXPLORA III to Debut in August

In keeping with maritime tradition, the Godmother serves as a symbolic guardian of a vessel, bestowing blessings of safety and good fortune upon the ship, its crew and future guests.

Ozores will officially christen EXPLORA III during a naming ceremony in Barcelona on Aug. 1, 2026. The ceremony will take place just days before the ship embarks on its inaugural voyage.

Following its official debut, EXPLORA III will depart Barcelona on a 7-night maiden journey to Lisbon before beginning its first season in Northern Europe.

The ship’s inaugural deployment includes itineraries through the fjords of Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland before crossing the Atlantic for voyages exploring New England and Canada’s eastern coastline during the fall season.

As the first LNG-powered ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, EXPLORA III represents an important milestone in the brand’s evolution and reflects the wider cruise industry’s investment in technologies aimed at reducing emissions and advancing more sustainable operations.

For more information, visit explorajourneys.com.

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“Katsuya Beach represents an exciting new chapter for Hodges Bay Resort & Spa and Antigua’s culinary scene,” said Christopher Eastmond, General Manager of Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, part of the HQ Collection by sbe, in a press statement. “We’re proud to introduce such an internationally recognized dining concept to the island of Antigua and to become part of Katsuya’s continued legacy, while further elevating our guest experience through constant innovation and pairing that with the warmth, culture and hospitality the Caribbean is known for”.

A New Star in Antigua’s Culinary Lineup

The menu pairs Katsuya’s Japanese foundations with Caribbean coastal ingredients. Signature dishes include Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Baked Crab Hand Rolls and island-forward options such as Local Lobster Ceviche, Grilled Local Lobster with Shichimi Butter and Crispy Local Fish with Tobanjan Mint Sauce. The sushi and sashimi selection includes specialty rolls such as the Surf & Turf Roll with seared filet mignon and truffle ponzu, along with entrees including Miso-Glazed Salmon, Angus Filet Mignon and Tomahawk Short Rib. Desserts include Brown Butter Glazed Donuts with coconut cream sauce and mango jam and Miso Chocolate Cake served with vanilla ice cream and fresh berries.

The design draws on Japanese minimalism and the aesthetic of the Caribbean coast. A sculptural wood installation runs the length of the ceiling, shaped to suggest the movement of a wave and direct the eye toward the water. Low lighting, dark finishes, Japanese motifs and palm imprints give the dining room a moody character. The setting puts guests steps from the white-sand beach, with the shoreline in view.

Katsuya Beach opens as the brand marks its 20th anniversary. The first Katsuya location debuted in Brentwood in 2006, followed by expansion to Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood and Century City. International growth brought the brand to Baha Mar in The Bahamas and now to Antigua, its first Caribbean outpost.

For more information, visit hodgesbay.net. 

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Produced by Heritage of Pride, the nonprofit organization behind the city’s official Pride programming, the lineup includes the internationally recognized Pride March and PrideFest on June 28, along with community events, fundraisers and youth-focused programming throughout the city. 

“This past year, we have learned that Pride events are not to be taken for granted—even in a safe haven like New York City,” said NYC Pride Executive Director Im Lynde, in a media statement. “In 2026, we are intentionally curating events that not only bring our community together in joy and celebration, but also in the fight for equality—for all of us.”

Pride March Returns June 28

The centerpiece of the celebration remains the NYC Pride March, scheduled for Sunday, June 28. Widely recognized as one of the largest and longest-running LGBTQIA+ demonstrations in the world, the march traces its roots to the 1969 Stonewall uprising and continues to serve as a global symbol of LGBTQ+ visibility and activism.

Visitors unable to attend in person will be able to watch the event through a live broadcast on WABC-7 and ABC.com.

PrideFest Expands Community Experiences

Also taking place on June 28, PrideFest will transform Fourth Avenue into what organizers describe as the nation’s largest LGBTQIA+ street festival.

The event will feature programming tailored to a variety of audiences, including literary events, family-friendly activities, wellness resources, community organizations, food vendors and live entertainment. 

Youth Pride Highlights Community Engagement

Youth Pride returns on June 27 at the South Street Seaport, offering a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ youth, families and allies.

The free event will include live performances, carnival-style attractions, educational programming and access to affirming community resources. Organizers also plan a rally focused on strengthening protections for transgender youth.

In addition to its free programming, NYC Pride will offer several ticketed events designed to enhance the visitor experience.

Among them is the “Road to Pride” bar crawl series, which will take place across popular LGBTQ+ neighborhoods, including Hell’s Kitchen, Williamsburg and the West Village throughout the spring.

NYC Pride’s annual drag brunch fundraiser, “It’s Giving Brunch,” will return on June 20 at Stella 34 Trattoria inside Macy’s Herald Square, while the premium Grandstand Experience will provide reserved viewing access and VIP amenities during the Pride March.

For more information, visit nycpride.org.

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Leading the effort is MGM Resorts’ new all-inclusive vacation experience, which bundles accommodations, daily resort fees, dining, entertainment and parking into a single upfront price. Available at Luxor Hotel & Casino and Excalibur Hotel & Casino, the package starts at $330 plus tax for a two-night stay for two guests.

Its Semi-Annual Summer Sale offers discounted room rates and food-and-beverage credits for bookings made through July 7, alongside a limited-time Military & Veterans Program featuring room upgrades, spa discounts and savings across participating restaurants, entertainment venues and retail outlets.

Sports Tourism Takes Center Stage

From June 11 through July 19, properties across the Las Vegas Strip will host viewing parties and themed activations tied to the season’s biggest international soccer matches for FIFA World Cup. Participating venues include locations at Bellagio, ARIA, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, New York-New York, Park MGM and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Additionally, MGM Resorts has partnered with Flavor Flav for SHE Weekend, a multi-day celebration of women’s sports taking place July 16-19. The event will feature athlete appearances, fan activations and a Las Vegas Strip parade culminating in Toshiba Plaza.

Entertainment and Culinary Experiences Drive Demand

MGM Resorts is offering special ticket promotions and packages tied to performances by artists including New Kids on the Block and Sammy Hagar at Dolby Live at Park MGM, as well as events such as the Las Vegas Songwriters Festival at Mandalay Bay.

Meanwhile, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will continue its popular Dive In Movies series, transforming Boulevard Pool into an outdoor cinema venue throughout the summer. Guests can enjoy family-friendly films and blockbuster favorites against the backdrop of the Las Vegas skyline.

Food-focused travelers also will find new options through MGM’s Taste of Summer program, which features prix fixe menus at restaurants across the company’s portfolio.

For more information, visit mgmresorts.com.

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Produced by the Christopher Street West Association (CSW), the nonprofit behind the world’s first permitted LGBTQ+ Pride parade, LA Pride returns for its 56th year under the theme, Rise with Pride.

“LA Pride has always been about creating spaces where our community can come together in celebration, solidarity, and visibility,” saidLawrence Carroll, Board President of CSW, in a media statement. “These events reflect the many ways Pride lives throughout Los Angeles, from cultural institutions and sports arenas to neighborhood gathering spaces and, of course, the streets of Hollywood.”

Pride Experiences Across Los Angeles

June 11: LA Pride Skate Party
Time: 7:30 p.m.–12 a.m.
Location: MiViDa, 2415 Eads St., Los Angeles

LA Pride joins forces with Skate Hunnies for a 21-and-over warehouse celebration that blends roller skating, dancing, music, art and self-expression. The late-night event offers travelers an opportunity to connect with Los Angeles’ creative nightlife scene while celebrating Pride Month.

Cost: Tickets start at $28.

June 13: LA Pride at Street Food Cinema
Location: Autry Museum, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles

Travelers can celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Birdcage during an outdoor screening at the Autry Museum. The evening features food trucks, a bar for guests 21 and older, and a nostalgic tribute to one of LGBTQ+ cinema’s most beloved films.

June 14: 56th Annual LA Pride Parade
Location: Hollywood

The centerpiece of the celebration returns to Hollywood on June 14 as thousands gather for the 56th Annual LA Pride Parade.

The parade route begins at Sunset Boulevard and Highland Avenue before traveling north to Hollywood Boulevard, east to Cahuenga Boulevard and south back to Sunset Boulevard.

This year’s Grand Marshals represent the breadth and evolution of the LGBTQ+ community. Honorees include Emmy Award-winning actor Jeff Hiller as Celebrity Grand Marshal, pioneering transgender activist Mia Yamamoto as Community Grand Marshal and the late Shirley Raines, who will be honored posthumously as Legacy Grand Marshal.

Their selection continues a tradition that has previously recognized cultural icons and advocates, including Niecy Nash, George Takei, Margaret Cho and Jewel Thais-Williams.

Pride Village Returns to Hollywood

Also taking place June 14, Pride Village transforms Hollywood Boulevard between Vine Street and Gower Street into a free, open-to-the-public festival from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The community celebration features live entertainment, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, food vendors and interactive activations highlighting the richness of Los Angeles’ LGBTQ+ culture.

Previously announced performers include Bentley Robles, Princess Superstar, Cassidy King, Nekeith, the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles and Amber Ryann, with CANDIACE recently added to the entertainment lineup.

Programming highlights include:

• A showcase featuring the Season One cast of King of Drag, the first drag king competition series presented by Revry.
• Preciosa Night, celebrating queer Latinx nightlife and culture.
• The LA Pride Ball, presented by the legendary House of Ninja.

Visitors can also explore Family Grove, designed for Pride families; Trans Galleria, an art exhibit spotlighting works by trans artists; Erotic City, a dedicated space for the kink and BDSM community; nearly 20 food trucks; a 21-and-over bar; giveaways and sampling opportunities; and more than 100 exhibitors, vendors and sponsors.

June 15: LA Pride Youth Advisory Board Roundtable
Location: Emerson College Los Angeles Center, 5960 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

Following the parade weekend, LA Pride shifts its focus to the next generation of LGBTQ+ leadership through an intimate roundtable discussion centered on this year’s “Rise with Pride” theme.

The conversation brings together LGBTQ+ youth leaders, civic voices and cultural creators to explore topics including leadership, well-being and the future of the community.

Cost: Free with RSVP; space is limited.

For more information, visit lapride.org.

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Savings at Wyndham

The Samana Peninsula has stayed well off the radar compared to the Dominican Republic’s more traveled resort corridors, and Wyndham Alltra Samana is leaning into that distinction with a limited-time all-inclusive package that pairs beachfront access with a genuine cultural experience baked into the rate.

The offer requires a minimum 4-night stay in beachfront accommodations and includes access to five restaurants, three bars and daily entertainment and wellness programming. The centerpiece is the Signature Authentic Samana Tour, which takes guests off-property to explore the peninsula directly.

The tour covers:

• Playa Rincon, widely regarded as one of the Caribbean’s top beaches
• A stop at Cano Frio
• A cultural visit to a traditional Casa Tipica with cacao and coffee tastings
• An authentic Dominican lunch at a local ranch

Samana remains one of the Caribbean’s least-developed destinations—low tourism density, largely untouched natural settings and significantly less crowding than the region’s more saturated markets. The cultural tour is included in the package, not an add-on.

Travel and booking window: Now through December 31, 2026.

For more information, visit wyndhamhotels.com.

Round Hill Hotel and Villas

Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has a straightforward proposition for summer and fall travel: book a consecutive three-night stay in any room, suite or villa, and the third night is on the house.

The offer includes the Fourth of July, and the property is making the most of it. On-site programming that weekend includes festive activities, island-style celebrations, live entertainment and a fireworks display over the bay—a strong sell for families and couples who want the holiday experience without the typical stateside crowds.

Key dates at a glance:

• Booking window: Now through Aug. 30, 2026
• Travel window: Now through Sept. 1, 2026
• Terms and conditions and blackout dates apply

Each of Round Hill’s villas is individually designed—specific accommodations are confirmed at check-in, so clients should know that what they see in general property imagery may differ from their assigned unit. The resort also offers a spa, dining, tennis and an on-site nanny service, making it a practical option for multigenerational groups as well as couples traveling without children.

The resort is located near the Montego Bay Airport, offering easy access.

For more information, visit roundhill.com.

Riviera Travel

Riviera Travel has introduced a standing military appreciation discount for active duty and retired service members.

The discount applies fleet-wide across all river cruise itineraries and is structured as an always-on offer, no specific sailing dates or promotional windows required. It is also combinable with other applicable promotional offers at the time of reservation.

Offer details at a glance:

• 5 percent discount per booking
• Maximum savings of $250 per person
• Available to all active duty and retired service members
• Valid year-round across all river cruise itineraries
• Combinable with other applicable promotional offers at the time of reservation

One itinerary in the portfolio that may carry particular weight for military clients is the Seine, Paris, and Normandy River Cruise, which travels through northern France and includes opportunities to visit World War II sites. The route takes in both urban stops and countryside scenery along one of Europe’s most historically significant waterways.

For more information, visit rivieratravel.com.

Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau

When Spirit Airlines ceased operations in May 2026, passengers who had booked getaways to the Bahamas and beyond were left with disrupted plans and unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau is responding with a limited-time offer aimed directly at those affected travelers.

The Summer Spirit Rate is available exclusively to passengers who can provide documentation of a confirmed Spirit Airlines cancellation. Bookings must be made by August 1 using the code SPIRIT, with travel through August 2.

Here’s what’s included:

• 30 percent off stays of 2 to 4 nights
• 35 percent off stays of 5 nights or more
• $75 food and beverage credit, alcoholic beverages included

For more information, visit margaritavilleresorts.com. 

Casa Kimberly

Casa Kimberly has relaunched its annual summer promotion as Stay & Savor, offering 40 percent off published room rates for bookings of two nights or more. The offer is valid through October 31, 2026.

The 9-suite boutique hotel in Puerto Vallarta was once the private residence of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and later remained Taylor’s personal home for the rest of her life. Each suite features a private terrace, fine art, crystal chandeliers, antiques, hand-painted textiles and a private bath.

The package includes a daily continental breakfast and afternoon sunset margaritas with mariachi entertainment. The property also has an alfresco rooftop restaurant and tequila bar with a seasonal menu, a Spanish colonial pool and a spa with views of Banderas Bay.

Of note: Summer in Puerto Vallarta runs at a slower pace—the cobblestone streets are less crowded, and the city’s better restaurants are more accessible without the peak-season wait.

For more information, visit casakimberly.com.

Brendan Vacations

Brendan Vacations is running its Every Season Sale, offering limited-time savings across its Ireland and Scotland portfolio for 2026 and 2027—covering Guided Vacations, Small Group Tours and independent travel options.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Guided Tours (2027): Save 10 percent on select Signature and Premium Guided Tours. The Early Booking Advantage runs through Sept. 30, 2026, locking in first access to departures and pricing.
• Small Group Tours: Save $500 per person on 2026 and 2027 departures, capped at 18 to 24 guests. New itineraries include the eight-day Scotland at Leisure and the 12-day Extraordinary Ireland.
• Self-Drive & Rail Vacations: Save $250 per person with a minimum spend of $2,500 on scenic routes by car or rail. New this season: Scotland’s Festive Adventure, a 9-day winter rail journey through Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow.
• Private Driver & Luxury Self-Drive: Save $500 per person with a minimum spend of $4,000. Options include Irish Cities, Landscapes & Castles and Scotland’s Highlands and Hidden Roads, with accommodations from Catherine’s Collection.

Booking incentives sweeten the deal: earn a $200 e-gift card per passenger on qualifying Small Group Tour departures, $200 per booking on any Private Driver, Self-Drive or Rail Vacation and $500 per exclusive group booking. Enter promo code PPMAGIC26 at the time of booking to claim rewards.

The Every Season Sale books through July 31, 2026. The Early Booking Advantage deadline is September 30, 2026. All offers are subject to availability and can be combined with Group Travel Rewards.

For more information, visit brendanvacations.com.

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“With the opening of Turtle Beach, we are reaffirming our confidence in Barbados as a dynamic and enduring destination, while continuing to thoughtfully evolve our all-inclusive portfolio,” said Gaston Gonzalez, Regional Vice President, Marriott International, Caribbean & Mexico, in a press statement. “Tribute Portfolio allows us to deliver a more elevated and distinctive experience—one that celebrates authenticity, fosters meaningful community connections, and reflects a true sense of place in a way that resonates with today’s discerning traveler.”

Turtle Beach Time

The resort caters to couples, families and groups. Guestrooms are configured as suites with a coastal-inspired design and airy layouts; many include ocean views.

Dining includes multiple venues. Kefi Restaurant delivers a refined a la carte Greek experience, while Oistins Restaurant and Bar serves international cuisine throughout the day in an open-air setting. Breeze Bar and Restaurant handles beachfront dining with a focus on Caribbean flavors, and Unfiltered Coffee and Swerve Ice Cream Shop round out the lineup with milkshakes, ice cream and coffee drinks. All-inclusive rates cover unlimited beverages and handcrafted cocktails resort-wide.

Families have access to the CAMP Club, an indoor/outdoor facility with dedicated programming for children. Activities include Caribbean dance lessons and Bajan arts and creations, a destination-specific craft experience developed through an exclusive partnership between CAMP and Marriott Bonvoy. Other resort activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, tennis and beach games, are available to all guests, along with multiple pools, culinary classes, live music and seasonal turtle-releasing events.

The South Coast location puts guests close to the dining and nightlife of St. Lawrence Gap, with historic Bridgetown and the island’s natural landmarks within easy reach.

The opening is part of Marriott’s continued growth in the Caribbean all-inclusive segment. Crystal Cove debuted earlier in 2026, and Tamarind, part of the Autograph Collection, is scheduled to open in Barbados this summer.

For more information, visit marriott.com.

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Ahead of its planned U.S. launch this September, Cox & Kings has positioned its refreshed brand around growing demand for culturally focused travel, emphasizing local experiences, expert-led journeys and destination immersion.

“Our purpose is to deepen people’s understanding of the world through travel and discovery,” said Jennifer Charlton, Managing Director of Cox & Kings, in a media statement. “That idea sits at the center of everything we are building, from the journeys we create and the experts we work with, to the way the brand now looks, feels and communicates. We are evolving Cox & Kings thoughtfully, retaining its authority, expertise and depth while creating a clearer and more contemporary expression of what the brand stands for.”

The company said its itineraries are developed by destination specialists and supported by local partners, with a focus on cultural experiences and destination expertise. The brand refresh, which includes a new website, updated editorial content and redesigned brochures, reflects that positioning.

Under the AKTG umbrella, every Cox & Kings journey also now supports A&K Philanthropy (AKP), helping fund community and conservation initiatives in destinations around the world.

“Cox & Kings is a travel brand for travel experts,” said Peter Chipchase, Chief Brand Officer, AKTG, during A&K Travel Group’s recent 100 Club conference, held in Chicago, with Charlton adding, “More than 50 percent of our business is repeat clients, and they want to feel more immersed in the destinations.”

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Property owners on an exclusive island enclave in Miami are fighting the purchase of a rare, undeveloped piece of land that’s currently used as a cruise ship fuel depot. READ MORE

People Inc. has submitted a proposal to acquire MGM Resorts International for more than $18 billion. READ MORE

Pan American World Airways has launched Pan Am Journeys, a new private-jet travel program featuring curated itineraries designed to evoke the airline’s historic legacy. READ MORE

Universal Destinations & Experiences announced that construction is underway for its Universal United Kingdom Resort in Bedford, England. READ MORE

Windstar Cruises appointed Jennifer West as its new VP of Sales for North America. West will oversee Windstar Cruises’ sales strategy and trade partner engagement efforts across North America. READ MORE

TTC Tour Brands has appointed Joe Robinson as Sr. VP, Sales, North America. Robinson will oversee TTC Tour Brands’ trade sales strategy in the U.S. and Canada, including advisor partnerships, strategic accounts and field sales. READ MORE

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The property, on Fisher Island in Biscayne Bay, was purchased by a real estate developer, HRP Group, for $180 million last year. Originally, the developer announced plans to convert the land from a fuel depot storing 28 million gallons of marine diesel into luxury condominiums as part of an estimated $2 billion development project. The deal struck with the Fisher Island Community Association (FICA) would also have required HRP to cede four acres of the property to FICA.

Miami-Dade Takes Over

However, HRP Group recently sold the property to Miami-Dade County for $400 million, reaping a fat profit without having to put a shovel in the ground. That has Fisher Island residents crying foul, decrying the fact that the purchase would leave the cluster of unsightly fuel tanks on the island intact.

Miami is the world’s busiest cruise port, and local officials said it was essential to maintain the fuel depot despite the hefty price tag on the property. The purchase came after island residents helped block the county’s plan to seize the fuel depot by eminent domain.

“HRP came to Fisher Island promising to clean up a century-old hazard and build a residential community,” said James L Ferraro, the chairman of FICA, which is suing to force HRP to honor its original deal. “Instead, they saw a pile of taxpayer cash, sold out our residents and decided to leave a dangerous fuel farm sitting right next to our homes.”

Joe Garcia, a Miami community leader and former member of Congress, said the county made an expensive mistake in not securing the property before the lease on the land expired.

“You can’t have a port without a fuel depot, and everyone involved here knew this was an indispensable asset,” Garcia told The Guardian. “We’re paying someone $220 million for something that we couldn’t have lived without. Anywhere else but Miami-Dade County, that would be a criminal act.”

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Disney revealed that Monstropolis will center around “H.U.M.A.N. Day,” a citywide celebration that marks a historic moment in Monstropolis: the first official invitation for humans to visit the monster world.

The storyline picks up after the events of the “Monsters, Inc.” film, when James P. “Sulley” Sullivan and Mike Wazowski discovered that laughter generates significantly more energy than children’s screams. That revelation transformed Monstropolis’ power industry and forever changed the city’s perception of humans.

Now, according to Disney’s newly revealed backstory, Monstropolis is ready to take the next step.

H.U.M.A.N. Day Opens the Door Between Worlds

The city’s leaders have made what residents consider a groundbreaking decision: opening the doors between the human and monster worlds.

To facilitate the transition, Monstropolis has established the Department of Human Relations, a new organization tasked with helping monsters and humans better understand one another while preparing the city for its first large-scale human visitors.

Guests entering the land will arrive during H.U.M.A.N. Day, short for “Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice,” a celebration designed to foster friendship, cultural exchange and plenty of laughter.

Rather than being viewed as outsiders, visitors will become participants in a citywide event that invites humans to explore Monstropolis and interact with its residents as the two worlds come together.

Disney also revealed new details about the environment guests can expect when the land opens. The immersive destination will feature bustling streets and recognizable locations from the film. Fan-favorite landmarks, including Harryhausen’s restaurant and the Glob Theater, will be recreated as part of the experience.

The expansion continues Disney’s strategy of creating deeply immersive, story-driven environments that place guests at the center of the narrative rather than simply observing it.

For more information, visit disneyexperiences.com.

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