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Italy, Spain, Greece: Discover the Best Luxury Cruise Experiences with Celebrity Cruises Exclusive European Itineraries

Celebrity Cruises is rewarding travel agents with a unique incentive program, giving them the opportunity to win a European cruise for two. All new bookings made between June 20 and June 30, 2025, for sailings departing in 2025 will be automatically entered into a prize draw. This incentive offers agents the chance to expand their sales efforts while competing for an exciting reward that will allow them to experience a luxury cruise aboard a Celebrity Cruises ship. The exciting part? Every new booking, regardless of stateroom category or booking value, will count as one entry into the draw. The more bookings agents make, the greater their chances of winning the coveted European cruise. For agents seeking to make the most of this promotion, the key is to secure multiple bookings during the promotional window. How the Promotion Works: Simple Steps to Enter The incentive program offers a straightforward process for agents to participate: Booking Period: Agents must make new bookings between June 20 and June 30, 2025, for any sailing with Celebrity Cruises departing in 2025. Eligibility: Each new booking made, regardless of the stateroom category or price, counts as one entry. This means that agents can increase their chances of winning by making more bookings during the promotion period. Registration: In order to qualify for the prize draw, all bookings must be registered on Celebrity Rewards by July 7, 2025. This ensures that all entries are valid and will be included in the prize draw. By following these simple steps, travel agents can easily maximize their chances of winning the European cruise while also helping their clients secure their dream vacations. Why Celebrity Cruises Is Launching This Incentive for Agents Celebrity Cruises’ new incentive program is designed to benefit both travel agents and the cruise line. For agents, this is an exciting opportunity to increase bookings for 2025 while also competing for a valuable reward that allows them to experience the cruise product firsthand. This type of incentive also strengthens the relationship between the cruise line and agents, providing them with motivation to actively promote Celebrity Cruises to their clients. Strengthening Agent Partnerships: This incentive helps Celebrity Cruises foster stronger relationships with the travel agent community by providing rewards and recognition for their hard work. Promoting 2025 Sailings: With bookings for 2025 already underway, Celebrity Cruises is encouraging travel agents to push for early reservations for next year’s sailings, ensuring that the year ahead gets off to a strong start. Boosting Sales: By offering a European cruise as a prize, the cruise line is also aiming to inspire agents to promote Celebrity Cruises’ diverse itineraries, including its popular European routes, to travelers looking for their next vacation. What the Winner Will Receive: A European Cruise for Two The prize is a European cruise for two, giving the lucky winner and their guest the chance to explore some of the most beautiful destinations in Europe. Celebrity Cruises offers a variety of luxury cruises to Europe, featuring itineraries that include stops in iconic destinations like Italy, Spain, Greece, and the Mediterranean. Luxury Experience: The winner will enjoy the high standards of service and luxury amenities that Celebrity Cruises is known for. From world-class dining to breathtaking destinations, this cruise will be an unforgettable experience. Ideal for Agents: The incentive program is also an excellent opportunity for agents to familiarize themselves with Celebrity Cruises‘ offerings, which they can then promote with greater confidence to their clients. Experiencing the cruise product firsthand allows agents to recommend Celebrity with authenticity, knowing exactly what their clients can expect. Celebrity Rewards: Enhancing the Agent Experience The Celebrity Rewards program is central to the incentive’s success, as it is the platform where travel agents must register their bookings to be eligible for the prize. This program offers agents more than just entry into this incentive: Earn Points: Agents can earn valuable points for every booking made through the Celebrity Rewards program, allowing them to redeem these points for future rewards, such as cruise discounts, free cruises, and gift certificates. Exclusive Access: By participating in Celebrity Rewards, agents gain access to exclusive offers, training resources, and promotions, further enhancing their ability to sell Celebrity Cruises effectively. Streamlined Process: Celebrity Rewards makes it easy for agents to track their progress and ensure that their bookings are properly registered and counted toward the incentive program. The Appeal of Celebrity Cruises: Luxury at Sea Celebrity Cruises is known for providing guests with a luxury cruise experience, and this incentive highlights what makes the cruise line stand out. Whether travelers are seeking an intimate and exclusive cruise vacation or a family-friendly getaway, Celebrity Cruises offers something for everyone. Award-Winning Ships: Celebrity’s fleet includes modern ships featuring stylish accommodations, innovative dining options, and cutting-edge entertainment. Exceptional Service: Guests can expect world-class service that goes above and beyond, from the ship’s staff to the onboard experience. This level of service is why many travelers return to Celebrity Cruises year after year. European and Global Itineraries: Celebrity’s European cruises are particularly appealing, offering stunning views and visits to renowned landmarks across Europe’s most famous coastlines. Whether in the Mediterranean or Northern Europe, Celebrity ensures that every destination is unforgettable. Tips for Agents: How to Maximize Your Chances of Winning To increase the odds of winning the European cruise, here are some tips for travel agents looking to make the most of the incentive:

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Hyatt acquires Playa Hotels and Resorts strengthening its all-inclusive portfolio

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has completed the acquisition of Playa Hotels and Resorts, a leading owner, operator, and developer of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. This transaction includes the acquisition of 15 all-inclusive resorts previously managed and owned by Playa. Of these, eight were already represented within Hyatt’s system as Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara properties. As part of the transaction, Hyatt expands its all-inclusive portfolio with the addition of several resorts located in premier beach destinations, including Secrets La Romana and Dreams La Romana in the Dominican Republic; Dreams Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen and Sunscape Cancun in Mexico. “As we welcome Playa into the Hyatt family, we are strengthening our leadership in the all-inclusive space through a combination of new locations, capabilities, and talent. Playa’s all-inclusive management platform complements Hyatt’s global scale and brand strength, enabling us to deliver compelling experiences for guests and members while driving strong performance for owners,” said Mark Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyatt. Hyatt’s all-inclusive growth journey began in collaboration with Playa in 2013 with the launch of the Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara brands and accelerated with the transformative acquisition of Apple Leisure Group in 2021. In 2024, Hyatt further expanded its portfolio through a strategic joint venture with Grupo Piñero for Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts. The acquisition of Playa solidifies Hyatt’s position as a leading provider of all-inclusive travel experiences. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Playa team into the Hyatt family – a move that not only strengthens our position as a global leader in all-inclusive, but also builds on our momentum in the segment. Spending time with the Playa team over the past several months has confirmed a deep cultural alignment and shared commitment to excellence. Hyatt’s loyalty program, World of Hyatt, and all-inclusive distribution platform, which includes ALG Vacations and Unlimited Vacation Club, are complemented by Playa’s commercial capabilities and together, we’re ready to shape the future of all-inclusive travel,” said Javier Águila, President, Inclusive Collection, Hyatt “Playa has spent nearly two decades building a reputation for delivering outstanding all-inclusive experiences. This acquisition is a natural evolution of our longstanding relationship with Hyatt, and we’re confident these outstanding resorts will continue to flourish under its leadership,” said Bruce Wardinski, departing Chairman & CEO, Playa Hotels & Resorts. Hyatt intends to provide additional financial information about the transaction during the second quarter 2025 earnings conference call.

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Indiatourism Delhi celebrates International Day of Yoga at Qutub Minar Complex in New Delhi

Indiatourism Delhi, under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, successfully organised a grand celebration for the International Day of Yoga 2025 with a Mass Yoga Session at the Sun Dial Lawns of the Qutub Minar Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The event was held from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m., in accordance with this year’s global theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” The session witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including Gajendra Singh Yadav, Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly; Lakshay Singhal, IAS, District Magistrate, South Delhi; Priyanga Wickramasinghe, Deputy High Commissioner, Embassy of Sri Lanka; Wathsala Amarasinghe, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Sri Lanka; and senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism. Renowned Yoga Instructor Shri Gopal Rishi from Sukrit Wellness, along with his team, guided participants through a well-curated sequence of Yogic postures and Pranayama techniques. Approximately 400 participants joined the celebration, including office bearers and members of IATO, ADTOI, and TAAI; Regional Level Tourist Guides; students from Yuva Tourism Clubs; officials from the Archaeological Survey of India; faculty and students from Institutes of Hotel Management, Pusa (IHM); and local city residents. The event commenced with a welcome address by Ajit Pal Singh, Regional Director (North), followed by remarks from the Hon’ble MLA. Participants also viewed the live-streamed address by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, which served as a moment of inspiration during the session.

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IndiGo launches direct flights from Hindon, its second airport in Delhi NCR

Strengthening its domestic network and reaffirming its commitment to expanding regional connectivity, IndiGo has announced the launch of direct flights from Hindon Airport in Uttar Pradesh, starting July 20, 2025. The airline will operate non-stop flights from Hindon to eight major Indian cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Indore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, and Varanasi. With this launch, Hindon becomes IndiGo’s 93rd domestic and 136th overall station, and the second airport in the National Capital Region (NCR) connected by the airline, following Delhi. IndiGo currently operates over 1,500 weekly departures from Delhi, serving more than 85 destinations across India and abroad. For residents of Ghaziabad, East Delhi and other parts of Western Uttar Pradesh, the launch of these flights brings greater convenience and more travel options, boosting regional connectivity. The new direct connections will provide seamless access to major commercial and cultural hubs across India, fostering trade, tourism, and regional growth. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to announce seamless connections from yet another Domestic airport, Hindon, in the National Capital Region. Our expansion into Hindon is a strategic move offering an additional gateway for millions in the wider catchment area. With over 70 weekly departures to eight key cities, our endeavour is to increase travel convenience, drive business mobility and foster economic growth. The ever-developing airport infrastructure in India allows us to provide convenient flight options and enhanced connections.” Hindon, located in the Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh, is a rapidly developing urban and industrial hub within the National Capital Region. Known for its strategic location and proximity to major economic zones like Noida and East Delhi, Hindon serves as a crucial point for commerce and connectivity.

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Royal Jordanian Airlines launches new nonstop Mumbai–Amman service

Royal Jordanian Airlines has officially launched a new nonstop service between Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai (BOM), with the inaugural flight taking off on June 19, 2025. Operating year-round, the service will run four times a week, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, utilizing the modern Airbus A320neo aircraft. This strategic addition strengthens connectivity between India and Jordan and offers seamless onward travel to over 50 destinations across the Middle East, Gulf, and North Africa. The new route will open the door for Indian tourists to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. With Royal Jordanian’s seamless access to the Kingdom, passengers from Mumbai can now exploRJordan through an unforgettable journey. In just three or seven days, visitors can witness the breathtaking rose-red city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World—float in the healing waters of the Dead Sea, and explore the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, positioning Jordan as a contemporary, truly authentic Arabia five hours away from India. Whether driven by history, nature, or a passion for discovery, Jordan promises Indian travelers an enriching escape filled with beauty, culture, and unmatched hospitality. “With direct access to Jordan, a captivating country rich in history and culture, passengers can now easily explore Jordan’s inspiring landscapes. This expansion reflects our dedication to showcasing Jordan’s unique allure to tourists, inviting them to uncover its hidden gems, immerse themselves in its vibrant traditions, and experience the renowned hospitality that awaits every visitor,” stated Chief Commercial Officer of Royal Jordanian, Karim Makhlouf. Royal Jordanian’s new route to Amman offers more than just added convenience; it serves as a vibrant bridge between India and Jordan, connecting travelers to the heart of a land where ancient wonders and modern vitality coexist in harmony. With this launch, Indian tourists can now explore Jordan’s captivating history, breathtaking landscapes, and dynamic culture more easily than ever before, as they will be eligible for visa-free entry when booking tourist packages. Isha Goyal, CEO of STIC Travel Group, shared her enthusiasm on the launch of Royal Jordanian’s Mumbai–Amman service on 19th June, saying, “The new direct service between Mumbai and Amman is more than just a flight, it is a bridge between two ancient civilizations and a gateway for deeper tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. Jordan holds a distinctive place in the Levant region, and as a longstanding friend of India, this long-awaited route marks a significant step in bringing our countries closer. This milestone reflects STIC Travel’s continued commitment to forging strategic airline partnerships built on trust, shared vision, and service excellence. We look forward to introducing Indian travellers to the richness and beauty of Jordan, an inspiring and still largely untapped destination.” As the airline of choice for convenient and seamless global travel, Royal Jordanian offers travellers from Mumbai smooth connections not only to Jordan but also onward to more than 50 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, the United States, and Canada. With attractive fares, well-timed schedules, and a reputation for comfort and reliability, passengers can enjoy a streamlined travel experience across continents. As a proud member of the oneworld airline alliance since 2007, Royal Jordanian ensures access to a global network of premium services and destinations, making international travel from India more accessible and enjoyable than ever before.

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Carnival Cruise to launch ‘Carnival Rewards’ loyalty program in June 2026

Carnival Cruise Line has announced that it will launch a new loyalty program, adding new features, new ways to earn status, new reward categories and a new name: Carnival Rewards™- Opens in new window. The new program will take effect in June 2026, providing guests plenty of time to learn about the changes while they continue to earn status in the current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP)™ program that will be their entry point into the new program. Carnival Rewards is introducing a dual-earning structure where guests accumulate both Carnival Rewards points that can be redeemed on Carnival purchases and status qualifying stars that will determine a guest’s tier status. Instead of focusing solely on the number of nights guests sail, which is the model Carnival- Opens in new window currently follows under its VIFP program, Carnival Rewards will offer more opportunities to earn rewards and achieve higher status levels based on spend, including cruise fare and onboard activities. The new program will be closely tied to everyday spending on the co-branded credit card with Barclays – the Carnival Rewards Mastercard – giving cardmembers the opportunity to earn points and status even faster. More details on the credit card will be announced later. “The evolution of our loyalty program to Carnival Rewards represents our commitment to creating more meaningful recognition for our valued guests. Our current VIFP program has served us well for many years and while we’ve enjoyed truly extraordinary growth in our loyal customer base, it has become challenging to deliver the exceptional experience our Diamond and Platinum members deserve,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. Guests will earn Carnival Reward points as well as status qualifying stars on every eligible Carnival purchase, including cruise fares and onboard purchases. The dual structure gives guests more control over their rewards and status. Points can be redeemed for almost anything Carnival offers including onboard activities, spa treatments, specialty dining and even toward a future cruise. Stars introduce a new way to unlock higher status among four tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Status is earned over a two-year period and retained for the following two years. As part of the transition to Carnival Rewards’ launch on June 1, 2026, members’ existing status will carry over and serve as a new entry point into the program for a two-year period through May 31, 2028. Diamond members will retain their status for a six-year period through May 31, 2032. This ensures that all current loyalty status is honored while giving members time to familiarize themselves with the enhanced rewards. Guests will continue earning VIFP status as usual until the new program launches. In addition, upon launch of the Carnival Rewards program, current cardmembers, as well as any new cardmembers between now and the launch of the updates, will have the balance of their Fun Points converted to Carnival Rewards points in their Carnival Rewards account.

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