travel_insider_february_2018

Volume 13 – Issue 2 | February 2018 THE TRAVEL INSIDER Serving Travel Agents Exclusively Since 1974 A MESSAGE FROM SCOTT WISEMAN President, Travel Impressions Dear Travel Partners, This may be the shortest month of the year, but there’s nothing short about this issue of our newsletter! With the one-year anniversary of Travel Impressions University, we’re celebrating our very first class of graduates, so many that we had to go digital to list them all— over a thousand of you! Congratulations all for making the Honor Roll; we recognize some of our highest-achieving agencies in an insert just a few pages in. More things we went great lengths on this month: Marriott Hawaii specials—a two-page list of them! And even more romantic, the return of our SUITEheart Deals, just in time for that last-minute Valentine’s Day booking. With a travel window Cancun Customs that extends through the end of the year, a trip is the perfect gift whether as a present for the present or a promise for the future. Made Easy Other offers with long travel windows we’re featuring this February are group specials with Amstar and our Supplier of the Month Palladium Hotel Group, and last-chance savings at Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa and Hilton Hawaiian Village ® Waikiki Beach Resort. There are hundreds of reasons why Cancun is one of the most popular sun-and-sand destinations in the entire world, and one of them is that it’s so easy to get there. Now, There are, of course, a lot more specials … but I’ll keep this with the online Customs & Immigration form, even the paperwork has become a matter message, at least, short, to tie it back to where we started. of simplicity. The days of fumbling for a pen before landing at Cancun International Airport So keep reading, keep booking, and keep having a strong are over! 2018. Because it may not be the 14 yet, but we’re not shy th to say now, “we love you!” and are grateful every day for This benefits travelers staying in: your support. Cancun | Riviera Maya | Playa del Carmen | Puerto Morelos | Costa Maya Isla Mujeres | Cozumel | Tulum | Akumal | Sian Ka’an | Coba | Merida Warmly, … And anywhere else in the stunning Yucatan Peninsula Direct your customers to www.cancunairport.com/tourist-card.html to have them fill it out and print before they travel. Scott Wiseman SUITEheart Deals are back! Sweethearts will be delighted by our SUITEheart Deals, back for the fourth year to help couples make the most of their romantic getaways. For bookings made 2/9/18 – 2/28/18 for travel 2/10/18 – 12/31/18, those looking for a suite escape can benefit from an exclusive-to-Travel Impressions: • Guaranteed upgrade to a suite room category • Special rate for a suite • Or … added value with a suite booking Have your customers spend their quality time together in a Junior Suite or above with this promotion they’ll be sure to fall in love with. Book now! BONUS! Earn 500 LoyalTI First points for booking participating properties!

credit Newly renovated TRS Yucatan Hotel - Now open SUPPLIER OF THE MONTH Agents and their customers will all feel like royalty with this Supplier of the Month’s generous offers! VACATIONERS receive: AGENTS: • Exclusive Travel Impressions pricing for rates up to 29% off with bookings Make the most FIT Palladium bookings this February, and made by 2/28/18 for travel through 12/23/18 at … win a 7-night stay for two at the all-new TRS Yucatan Hotel in - Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 2018 or TRS Coral Hotel in 2019! Or, make the most group bookings, and win a 7-night stay, also for two, at Grand - Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa in Riviera Maya, Mexico Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa in 2018 or - TRS Yucatan Hotel (adults 18+ only) in Riviera Maya, Mexico Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa in 2019. - Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa in Montego Bay, Jamaica PLUS, receive 500 bonus LoyalTI First points for - Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic every FIT Palladium Hotel Group booking you make - TRS Turquesa Hotel (adults 18+ only) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 2/1/18 – 2/28/18 for travel any time! • Exclusive 5% discount for groups* with bookings made by 3/15/18 for travel through 12/23/18 Agents are responsible for all taxes on all rewards earned through this promotion. *Group bookings must use promo code POM608 for discount to apply. 5% discount applies to select room categories. Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply; visit www.travimp.com/SupplieroftheMonth for details. LoyalTI First not valid for group bookings. KA‘ANAPALI BEACH HOTEL ROYALTON BAVARO RESORT & SPA Last Month to Secure Reduced Rates at Go All Out with All-In Luxury in Punta Cana ® “Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel” Elegantly styled suites, world-class reservation-free dining with chef-curated Recent property enhancements have been made to this oceanfront hotel on menus, unique on-site programs for kids and teens, custom-designed Ka’anaapli Beach on Maui, which still stays true to embodying the essence of DreamBeds™, unlimited free calling, a Sports Event Guarantee™ … if that’s what Hawaiian hospitality and aloha spirit mean. Included cultural activities such not going full-tilt with opulence, we don’t know what would be. Now your as ukulele, hula, lei-making, cordage, bamboo nose flute, throw-net fishing, and customers can have all that and more at a reduced rate that saves up to other lessons make sure of it. 44% and offers a $150 resort credit*. But hurry! These rates end soon! Also part of any stay: No resort fees Rates Begin at $700 Per Person for ® Complimentary kids passport program 3 All-In Luxury Nights in a Luxury Junior Suite Complimentary WiFi in all guestrooms and Tiki Courtyard area Advertised rate is valid for travel 5/2/18 – 6/7/18 and varies by departure date. 20% discount on any adult dinner entrée at Tiki Terrace, Booking Window: Now – 3/6/18 | Travel Window: 5/1/18 – 12/22/18 valid once per room, per stay All-In Luxury package is per person and includes: ® $50 dining credit at Gerard’s Restaurant Roundtrip hotel transfers | 3-night hotel accommodations | Hotel tax and service charges | All meals, drinks and snacks | Non-motorized water sports | Booking Window: Now – 2/28/18 | Travel Window: 2/1/18 – 6/30/18 Daily activities | Nightly entertainment and much more! Blackout Dates: 2/1/18 – 2/28/18 Rate does not include a $10 per person Tourist Card, payable at the airport upon arrival in Dominican Republic. Guests may pre-purchase these cards prior to departure at www.dgii.gov.do/tarjetaTuristica/ EN/about/Paginas/default.aspx. *Resort credit breakdown is as follows: $50 credit to be used toward Minimum 4-night stay required. Must be packaged with air. Valid in Pool/Courtyard View, Partial Ocean the Royal Spa; $80 credit to be used toward room upgrades (at time of check-in); two $10 credits to be View, and Ocean View room categories. Rollaways allowed in king bed rooms only; cribs are complimentary. used towards any wine purchase. travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

2017 GRADUATE UNIVERSITY HONOR ROLL UNIVERSITY You took the course. You received your certification. You joined the Dean’s List. And now, we’d like to congratulate you on reaching the next level in professional development. For our first-ever graduating class, we are thrilled to have more names on our Honor Roll than we can list in print. We invite you to visit www.travimp.com/HonorRoll for the full list of honorees, and share if your name appears! FIRST CLASS. HIGHEST HONORS. It’s your support that made Travel Impressions University such a success in its inaugural year. For our Honor Roll Class of 2017, we’d like to offer a special congratulations to the following cum laude travel agencies. Representing the greatest number of graduates, these are our highest-ranking agencies: InteleTravel ROYALTON BAVARO RESORT & SPA AAA Club Alliance AAA Carolinas Xstream Travel Cruise Planners AAA Ohio Mann Travel & Cruises MEI-Travel AAA Auto Club Group AAA Western & Central NY Congratulations again to all of our graduates. Class of 2017, you did it! travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

(A) NEW CHAPTER(S) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC DREAMS UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY Every new year is the start of a brand-new chapter in your life. Graduates receive special benefits that include: For 2018, that can be taken literally, too, with the introduction of new • 3 CEU credits curricula at Travel Impressions University! Keep your eyes open for • Access to exclusive LoyalTI First points opportunities more in-depth product explorations, where we’ll dive into old and new favorite destinations. • Formal certification • Sneak peeks of sales via the private Dean’s List We also suggest taking our core chapters or using them as a refresher: Facebook group • Product, featuring destinations as well as escorted tours, villas, • Digital signature/logo/banner for emails groups, and DVFs • A line listing in next year’s Honor Roll • The TI Difference, such as our competitive pricing, promotions, • Thank you letter from your BDM partnership, and LoyalTI First • Priority access to TI FAM trips • Programs and Social Media, from staples like Supplier of the • … And even more to come! Month to Monthly Makeovers, TI’s Top Ten, and newer programs like Travel Impressions #OnLocaTIon. Sign up now to become part of the next class of graduates for your first choice in packaged tour operators! Visit www.travelagentacademy.com/travelimpressions to get started. travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

SHARE SECRETS ON MAGIC HAPPENS AT SILVERSANDS MARRIOTT HAWAII The U.S.’s most exotic state is also its most enchanting … and Graduates receive special benefits that include: Marriott Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii make sure of it. Embracing the • 3 CEU credits warm authenticity of aloha, these properties across four islands are • Access to exclusive LoyalTI First points opportunities the keys to falling under this destination’s spell. • Formal certification • Sneak peeks of sales via the private Dean’s List OAHU Facebook group Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head. The island • Digital signature/logo/banner for emails that hosts the state capital—and the most residents and visitors— • A line listing in next year’s Honor Roll is the relaxed, friendly destination travelers have been dreaming of. • Thank you letter from your BDM Stay here: • Priority access to TI FAM trips Sheraton Princess Kaiulani • … And even more to come! 3 Nights from $350 Per Person | Was: $866 Advertised rate is valid for travel through 12/25/18 in a City View room. Booking & Travel Window: Now – 1/7/19 Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa 3 Nights from $518 Per Person | Was: $743 Advertised rate is valid for travel 4/1/18 – 6/15/18 in a City View Leisure room. Booking & Travel Window: Now – 3/31/19 Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa 3 Nights from $647 Per Person | Was: $1,178 Advertised rate is valid for travel through 12/25/18 in a Diamond City room. Booking & Travel Window: Now – 1/7/19 Sheraton Waikiki Hotel 3 Nights from $686 Per Person | Was: $1,298 Advertised rate is valid for travel through 1/2/19 in a Mountain View room. Booking & Travel Window: Now – 1/2/19 The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort 3 Nights from $770 Per Person | Was: $1,424 Advertised rate is valid for travel through 12/25/18 in a Historic Room. Booking & Travel Window: Now – 1/7/19 All advertised rates vary by departure date. Package prices are per person and include: Roundtrip hotel transfers 3-night hotel accommodations | Hotel tax Blackout dates apply and vary by property. Sheraton Waikiki Hotel travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

MAGIC HAPPENS ESCAPE TO SUNSCAPE SECRETS FOR TWO AT MARRIOTT HAWAII HAWAI’I ISLAND MAUI Coffee, volcanoes, lava fields, and black- and green-sand Which came first to this destination—the honeymooners beaches await on the biggest of the island chain, along or the romance? Either way, it’s become the classic pick with snorkel sites to the west. Four climate zones make for both, with luxurious options for stays, scenic routes the youngest and largest island a perfect pick. for thrilling drives like the Road to Hana, and beaches that wow. Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay 3 Nights from $488 Per Person | Was: $980 The Westin Maui Resort & Spa Advertised rate is valid for travel through 1/7/19 3 Nights from $668 Per Person | Was: $1,190 in a Mountain/Garden View room. Advertised rate is valid for travel through 1/7/19 Booking & Travel Window: Now – 1/7/19 in a Mountain View room. Booking & Travel Window: Now – 1/7/19 Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa 3 Nights from $587 Per Person | Was: $797 Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa Advertised rate is valid for travel 4/1/18 – 6/14/18 3 Nights from $734 Per Person | Was: $1,091 in a Resort View room. Advertised rate is valid for travel through 1/7/19 Booking & Travel Window: Now – 3/31/19 in a Resort View room. Booking & Travel Window: Now – 1/7/19 KAUAI The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas The Garden Island is the one for adventurers, for 3 Nights from $815 Per Person | Was: $1,124 travelers who love all that is wild and free and are Advertised rate is valid for travel through 1/7/19 those things themselves. Secluded and pristine, in a Deluxe Studio Villa Island View room. this little island is escape art. Booking & Travel Window: Now – 1/7/19 Sheraton Kauai Resort Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui 3 Nights from $599 Per Person | Was: $1,007 Advertised rate is valid for travel through 3 Nights from $878 Per Person | Was: $1,133 1/7/19 in a Garden View room. Advertised rate is valid for travel 4/1/18 – 6/10/18 Booking & Travel Window: Now – 1/7/19 in a Garden View room. Booking & Travel Window: Now – 3/31/19 Kauai Marriott Resort 3 Nights from $668 Per Person | Was: $881 The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas Advertised rate is valid for travel 4/1/18 – 6/14/18 3 Nights from $1,124 Per Person | Was: $1,550 in a Pool View room. Advertised rate is valid for travel through 1/7/19 in a Resort View One Bedroom Villa. Booking & Travel Window: Now – 3/31/19 Booking & Travel Window: Now – 1/7/19 The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas 3 Nights from $704 Per Person | Was: $1,673 Package prices are per person and include: Advertised rate is valid for travel through 1/7/19 4-day Hertz compact car rental in a Deluxe Studio Villa Island View room. 3-night hotel accommodations Booking & Travel Window: Now – 1/7/19 Hotel tax The St. Regis Princeville Resort Car rental is available to qualified renters only and does not include 3 Nights from $1,256 Per Person | Was: $2,183 tax or insurance. Certain age and other restrictions apply. Blackout dates apply and vary by property. Advertised rate is valid for travel through 12/23/18 in a Mountain/Garden View room. Booking & Travel Window: Now – 1/7/19 Sheraton Kauai Resort travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

HOT SPOTS & HIGHLIGHTS ® HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE WAIKIKI BEACH RESORT – WAIKIKI, OAHU HOTEL RAPHAEL PARIS – PARIS, FRANCE It takes a village … in this case, not to raise a child, but to entertain and spoil any kind of A Leading Hotel of the World in a leading destination of the world. That’s exactly where traveler! The largest Super Pool and longest water slide in the city, 20 restaurants and your customers should want to be when visiting “Gay Paree.” This traditionally sumptuous bars, 22 acres of beach and gardens, Camp Penguin for the kids, a Mandara Spa, and hotel is literally two steps from the Arc de Triomphe, its rooftop terrace providing a stellar included daily activities don’t even begin to get into the amount of fun this oversized view of its prime location. All 83 rooms and suites are as unique, decorated with antiques, property provides. but modern amenities like a fitness center and Golden Key Concierge service keeps *Last-Minute Travel!* Receive reduced rates on stays booked and traveled them in the present. by 3/31/18. Receive reduced rates on stays 2 nights or longer booked by 10/31/18 for travel through 5/13/18 or from 10/13/18 – 10/31/18. AZUL BEACH RESORT RIVIERA MAYA – RIVERA MAYA, MEXICO THE WESTIN PALACE, MADRID – MADRID, SPAIN If your customers want to see how a resort earns a AAA Four Diamond rating, have them When the option to stay in a palace presents itself, there is no question what one should visit this Gourmet Inclusive resort by Karisma in the Riviera Maya. Only 148 deluxe do! This iconic hotel certainly lives up to the big letters atop its roof, strikingly rising above ® rooms and suites on a beautiful oceanfront translates into personalized service, while Las Letras quarter, the heart of the Art Walk in Spain’s historic capital. A 24-hour fitness the family-fun Nickelodeon Experience ™ brings the upscale vibe to barefoot elegance. center, 20 meeting rooms, and three restaurants and a bar make it convenient as well. *ALG Kids Concierge Available HERE!* Earn up to 21% commission (call Receive the 4 night free with any booking made by 9/2/18 for travel 3/23/18 – th for details) and receive reduced rates for bookings made by 3/31/18 for travel 3/29/18 or 7/2/18 – 9/2/18. 5/1/18 – 7/31/18. Blackout dates: 5/10/18 – 5/13/18, 5/18/18 – 5/19/18, and 5/23/18 – 5/26/18. Ocean Coral & Turquesa ATLANTIS, PARADISE ISLAND – PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS OCEAN BY H10 HOTELS – CANCUN & RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO So much is possible when guests stay at Atlantis. Dolphin encounters, marine life Three options in the Yucatan Peninsula for this brand provides plenty of affordable activities, Atlantis Kids Adventures, teen time at CRUSH, excitement at Atlantis choices for Ocean fans. Ocean Coral & Turquesa in Cancun’s Puerto Morelo is a casually Speedway, Atlantis Pals, and Atlantis LIVE performances … all of these become even tropical option right near the airport; in Riviera Maya, Ocean Maya Royale and Ocean more accessible with resort credit. Or, have foodie customers treat themselves to the Riviera Paradise put guests right near trendy Playa del Carmen. The former offers an many renowned food and beverage outlets on the property. The choice is theirs. adults-only section, El Beso, for added calm to an already serene locale. Receive up to $300 in resort credit for stays of 3 nights or longer at The Beach at Atlantis, The Coral at Atlantis, The Royal at Atlantis, or The Reef Atlantis with bookings made by 4/30/18 for travel through 5/31/18. Blackout dates: 2/8/18 – 2/10/18, 2/18/18 – 2/25/18, and 3/17/18 – 4/9/18. travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN FLYING FACTS A New Way to Wine & Dine in Luxury AIRLINE ORIGIN DESTINATION EFFECTIVE FREQUENCY Less than a two-hour drive from San Francisco, California’s Napa Valley is a region American Airlines Miami (MIA) Bonaire (BON) 6/9/18 Saturdays renowned for its outstanding wineries, Michelin-starred dining, and perfect blend of luxury and landscape. Now, your clients can discover the best it has to offer JetBlue Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Grand Cayman (GCM) 10/15/18 Daily in an all-new way: aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Sip a glass of the valley’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon and nosh on courses like heirloom tomatoes with local goat cheese and cabernet-braised short rib— each with recommended wine pairing—inside restored vintage rail cars with tours including: DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW • Vista Dome Lunch US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! • Gourmet Express Dinner • Grgich Winery Tour @travelimpressions • Castle Winery Tour • Estate – Quattro Vino Tour Social icon Square Only use blue and/or white. @travelimp Brand Guidelines. For more details check out our • … And more! Complete their California experience – book now in Quest! THE VILLA EXPERIENCE RIDE IN STYLE La Bella Vita at Pliniana Let Amstar Move Your Groups! Old world romance set to modern luxury makes ten-bedroom Pliniana as Weddings, meetings, reunions … whatever it is, Amstar will get your group enchanting on the inside as the out. Waterfront on Italy’s idyllic Lake Como, vistas there in safety, comfort, and style. Added values include: of peaceful shores and verdant mountains, dotted with medieval villages and • Meet and greet arrival fragrant lemon groves, wow from gilded salons. Look up for even more spectacle— • A free upgrade to a private transfer for arrival and departure* Renaissance-style coffered ceilings complete with portrait miniatures add to the • 21 passenger complimentary on a shared excursion st † feeling you really are rulers of your own perfect paradise. Wedding groups also receive: Heighten the romance with: • Complimentary non-stop private roundtrip transfers for the bride and groom* • A bottle of sparkling wine for the couple upon arrival • A candlelight dinner in the formal dining room • Strolls through manicured gardens like something out of a Jane Austen novel Valid from: • Daily aperitivo hour in the historical, lakeside loggia • Mexico: Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Huatulco, and Ixtapa • Taking a Riva boat*, available upon request, out on the lake • Dominican Republic: Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and La Romana • Jamaica: Montego Bay • Sharing a quiet moment relaxing in the indoor pool Font: GeosansLight • Costa Rica: Liberia and San Jose V - is Custom Designed Booking Window: Now – 3/31/18 TheVillaExperience.net Travel Window: Now – 12/31/18 888.284.3786 by Travel Impressions and Villas of Distinction *Valid for groups of 15 or more guests. For group transfer, passengers must arrive and depart on same Daily aperitivo hour does not include cost of drinks. *Cost of fuel extra. flights. Groups will receive one complimentary passenger ride for every 20 pre-booked paying customers. † by Travel Impressions and Villas of Distinction Tours operated by Travel Impressions, Ltd. Rates are land only, per person, and based on double occupancy. Blackout, weekend, holiday, and peak season surcharges apply. All public charter flights sold through Travel Impressions on Alaska Airlines PC #16-102/PC #17-082; Allegiant Airlines PC #16-075/PC #16-115/PC #17-083; Icelandair PC #17-076; Miami Air PC #17-110; Swift Air PC #17-075/PC #17-103; Viva Aerobus PC #17-102/PC #17-104; Volaris PC #17-135; and XTRA Airways PC #15-095/PC #16-103 are operated by Apple Vacations, LLC. For all Riviera Maya properties, the Riviera Maya Municipality of Solidaridad environmental levy of 20 Mexican pesos per room, per day is not included and will be collected at hotel check-out. Rates, information, and promotions are accurate at time of publication and are subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation charges, and restrictions. Rates are subject to change based on currency fluctuations. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the publication of this newsletter. Additional higher priced packages available. Valid for new bookings only. Travel Impressions materials (including, but not limited to, names, trademark, service marks, logos, marketing materials, etc.) shall not be used, reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any way, except with the express written consent of Travel Impressions. CST #2029006-20, IOWA #758, Washington UBI #602 425 801. KG14389-18_VK_2.5.18