travel_insider_march_2018

Volume 13 – Issue 3 | March 2018 THE TRAVEL Wonders of INSIDER Asia Serving Travel Agents Exclusively Since 1974 A MESSAGE FROM SCOTT WISEMAN President, Travel Impressions Dear Travel Partners, Time to wake up from those winter slumps! The season of renewal is here, and we’ve already gotten started on exactly that. Cases in point? Our relaunched—and expanded!—Asia tour product, for one. And our Authentic Italy promotion and the Aloha Sale are back with improvements, too, as is our Springtacular Savings super sale. As you know, corporate promotions are certainly not the only ways you can earn bonus LoyalTI First points. Our Supplier of the Month is a surefire way to add more to your account, and the family fun continues with Universal Orlando Resort™ conveniences and mega-amenities in the Iberostar Paraiso Maya complex in Mexico. In 2017, we made a point of expanding our product line, offering new destinations and Adults with an eye on that country, on the other hand, may a widening range of multi-day tours that your clients are looking to book … and this want to learn more about El Dorado Royale and El Dorado year is no different! Travel Impressions is proud to announce a new partnership Seaside Suites—both spa resorts by Karisma and both offering with SITA World Tours, a leader in the luxury Asia tour space. some of the most extraordinary touches in the Riviera Maya. There’s something about traveling to the other side of the Earth that is unspeakably foreign, That’s only a preview of what’s in store in this month’s issue, exotic … and exciting. Help your customers cross destinations like China and South Korea— so you’ll just have to read on to learn more about our latest two of Lonely Planet’s top ten countries to see in 2018—and India and Japan off their Hot Spots & Highlights and all the many options in year-round bucket lists with over 40 tour options, including: destinations like Hawaii and Aruba for at-your- fingertips references. China Discovery | Mystic Marvels of Indochina | Best of Thailand Best of Korea | Japan’s Scenic Vistas | Highlights of Indonesia In the meantime, thank you for your support this winter and Golden Triangle | Discover Incredible India let’s hop to a productive spring! Or, for your most selective clients, let our exclusive concierge customize every aspect Warmly, of their itinerary, from exploring landscapes that pass beyond the realm of imagination to resting up in innovative hotels in cities where the future has already arrived. When it comes to Asia travel, the possibilities are limitless with TI. Scott Wiseman Visit www.travimp.com/Asia now to learn more! SPG RESORTS IN HAWAII – A Dozen of Delightful Choices Now a part of the elite Marriott family of brands, the 12 Starwood • Sheraton Waikiki, Oahu – home to Oahu’s only beachside infinity pool hotels across Hawaii provide a wealth of choice and elegance. • Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, Maui – fresh-air lanais on Ka’anapali Beach at legendary Choose your level of luxury: Black Rock • The St. Regis Princeville Resort, Kauai – residential-style • Sheraton Kauai Resort, Kauai – oceanfront on Poipu Beach, blending active exhilaration accommodations that overlook Hanalei Bay with luxury • The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali, Maui – • Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Oahu – just steps from Waikiki Beach and nightlife five pools and a water slide complement an alluring beach • The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas, Maui – all the comforts of a • Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Oahu – sumptuous home the “First Lady of Waikiki” • The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, Kauai – a cliffside oasis with ocean views • The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Oahu – • The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Maui – set around a coral reef the iconic pink palace; Waikiki’s grande dame • Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, Big Island – on Keauhou Bay, birthplace of King Kamehameha III

credit Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino SUPPLIER OF THE MONTH | | When it comes to all-ages luxury, AMResorts’ three family brands don’t just make it happen on some of the world’s best beaches … they do it at great value, too. Receive bonus LoyalTI First points Book this March for travel 5/1/18 – 4/30/19 to receive an exclusive additional $100 in resort for every AMResorts booking you make coupons at any Dreams, Now, or Sunscape Resort & Spa! Plus, groups will receive a complimentary 3/1/18 – 3/31/18: 500 points for FIT welcome mimosa! (travel any time) and 25,000 points for Make their family vacation carefree—add the Cancel for Any Reason Waiver, provided by group bookings of 10 rooms or more Travel Impressions. (travel through 12/31/18)! Blackout dates may apply. Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply; visit www.travimp.com/SupplieroftheMonth or call for details. Agents must be registered with LoyalTI First travel agent rewards program at time of booking to earn points. Groups LoyalTI First offer not valid on Flex Groups. UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT™ ONE HAPPY ISLAND An Endless Summer That’s what awaits in Aruba, where every day hovers around 82 degrees and every night holds a perfect sunset. Reduced rates—at beachfront properties close to dining and nightlife and all-inclusive resorts from brands like RIU Hotels & Resorts and Barceló Hotel Group—make this island more of a paradise. Welcome To The Next Level *Rates Begin at $392 Take your vacation to the next level at Universal Orlando Resort , where you’ll Per Person for 3 Nights ™ discover three amazing theme parks, spectacular on-site hotels, and more. in a Standard Room at the Only Universal Orlando’s hotel guests get more ride time, more free time, and Holiday Inn Resort Aruba more family time every day of their vacation. It couldn’t be easier. Advertised rate is valid for travel 4/8/18 – Every morning, guests can breeze into one of Universal’s Parks before other 5/22/18 and varies by departure date. guests*. Guests of select hotels can enjoy express access to skip the regular Booking & Travel Window: Now – 1/4/19 lines at most attractions. Kids 12 and under stay, ^ • Universal’s Aventura Hotel (opening spring 2018) play, and eat free! • Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort • Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Per person package price includes: • Roundtrip hotel transfers • Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort • 3-night hotel accommodations • Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel • Hotel tax ® • Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel *Requires theme park admission. Early Park Admission begins one (1) hour prior to regularly scheduled park opening to either Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure as determined by Universal Orlando, and Universal’s Volcano Bay. ^Requires theme park admission. Valid at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Not valid at Pteranodon Flyers™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Excludes separately ticketed events. Benefit not valid for guests staying at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, and Universal’s Aventura Hotel (opening 2018) or for Universal’s Volcano Bay. Valid for the number of guests staying in the room for the length of hotel stay. Available during normal theme park operating hours only. Additional restrictions may apply and benefits are subject to change without notice. Hard Rock Hotel ® Hard Rock Cafe International (USA), Inc. Aventura Hotel TM & © 2018 UCF Hotel Venture IV. All rights reserved. Cabana Bay Beach Resort TM & © 2018 UCF Hotel Venture II. Save up to 42%!* Kids 12 and under stay free when staying with two paying All rights reserved. Portofino Bay Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort TM & © 2018 UCF Hotel Venture. All rights adults in the same room. Above rate based on adult reserved. Sapphire Falls Resort TM & © 2018 UCF Hotel Venture III. All Rights Reserved. Universal elements double occupancy. and all related indicia TM & © 2018 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

SWEETER BY THE SEA ONE HAPPY ISLAND Balcony infinity pools. Gourmet Inclusive even beyond food. ® Beach and pool butlers. Winner of AAA Four Diamond Award designation and one of Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 20 Best Resorts in Cancun & the Yucatan.” This can only be El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma. Divided into two sections, the original Palms features intimate accommodation in Mexican architecture; at Infinity, the new center of activity, all suites are swim-ups that connect to the main pool or feature a private one floating floors up in the air. Here’s the adults-only property at a glance: • 574 suites in two unique environments • Ten restaurants, from gourmet bites to fine dining and beachfront • Ten bars, including a specialty tequila bar with 16 housemade flavored ones • 24-hour room service • Five pools, many with Bali beds • Full Náay Spa, complete with Temazcal • Complimentary WiFi, international calls, and plentiful included activities 3 Gourmet Inclusive Nights from $664 Per Person in a Luxury Jacuzzi Junior Suite ® ® Advertised rate is valid for travel 6/1/18 – 6/30/18 and varies by departure date. Booking Window: Now – 3/31/18 | Travel Window: 6/1/18 – 7/31/18 Gourmet Inclusive package price is per person and includes: ® Roundtrip hotel transfers | 3-night hotel accommodations | Hotel tax and service charges | All meals, drinks, and snacks Non-motorized water sports | Daily activities | Nightly entertainment and much more! travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

GOURMET IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC DREAMS EVERY WAY A gastronomic paradise, with ingredients so local that they’re grown on the property. A mile-long beach on the Caribbean. And, like its sister property, private infinity pools on balconies and swim-up options to complement gorgeous upscale accommodations. Set between the intimate and romantic El Dorado Casitas Royale and the luxe-for-all Generations Riviera Maya, this is El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort by Karisma, a AAA Four Diamond Awarded property and one of the most premium resorts in the luxurious Riviera Maya. Here’s El Dorado Royale at a glance: • 478 suites • Six pools • 15 restaurants, including the amazing Fuentes Culinary Theater • Nine bars, among them a specialty bellini bar and martini bars • On-site 76,000-square-foot greenhouse, the source of the produce served at all local Karisma resorts • Jackson Family Wines and Canadian Beef™ special events ™ • Two spas, one with an entire floor dedicated solely to bridal treatments and services • Exchange privileges with El Dorado Casitas Royale and Generations Riviera Maya 3 Gourmet Inclusive Nights from $681 Per Person in Luxury Junior Suite with Jacuzzi ® ® Advertised rate is valid for travel 6/1/18 – 6/30/18 and varies by departure date. Booking Window: Now – 3/31/18 | Travel Window: 6/1/18 – 7/31/18 Gourmet Inclusive package price is per person and includes: ® Roundtrip hotel transfers | 3-night hotel accommodations | Hotel tax and service charges | All meals, drinks, and snacks Non-motorized water sports | Daily activities | Nightly entertainment and much more! travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

SHARE SECRETS ON MEGA-RESORT. MEGA-FUN. SILVERSANDS IBEROSTAR PARAÍSO MAYA. Choice. It’s what you get when you book your customers at an oversized resort with options, amenities, and activities to match. At Iberostar Paraíso Maya in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, this is how one property—in a complex of five—caters to any and all types of groups and visitors: • Family-friendly • Private white-sand beach set among mangroves and rainforest • Sprawling pool complex with a wave pool, lazy river, activities pool, and kids’ Splash Park, complete with a pirate ship! • Two swim-up bars • Conference room accommodating 100 • Convention center facilities for up to 1,200 • 32,000-square-foot spa complex with a sauna, steam room, and fitness room • Impressive, oversized Chichen Itza-inspired lobby bar • All meals, drinks, and snacks included at seven restaurants, including teppanyaki, gourmet, Mediterranean, a steakhouse, and Mexican • Full coffee shop with pastries • Non-motorized water sports • On-site PADI dive center offering free basic scuba lessons in the pool • Daily activities, ranging from yoga classes, gymnastics, and aerobics to target shooting, archery, tennis, billiards, basketball, bike tours, and more • Nightly entertainment with a theater and disco on site • Free shuttle running between this and three other sister properties • Kids club for children ages 4 – 12 • Exclusive Star Prestige Area upgrades available travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

MEGA-RESORT. MEGA-FUN. ESCAPE TO SUNSCAPE SECRETS FOR TWO IBEROSTAR PARAÍSO MAYA. With 434 rooms to choose from, at Iberostar Paraíso Maya, there’s a style just right for your customers. All levels of accommodations feature: • Private balcony, terrace, or swim-up area (depending on category) • 24-hour room service • Digital safe • Flat-screen TV • Mini-bar • Nightly turndown service • Coffee maker, hair dryer, iron, and ironing board • Double vanity sink • Shower and separate whirlpool tub • Bathrobes and slippers • Complimentary WiFi • Complimentary access to Spa Sensations wet areas … And here are the extras: Junior Suite One king or two double beds in 624 square feet, garden views, and five handicap suites. 3 All-Inclusive Nights from $777 Per Person Pool View Junior Suite Unobstructed views of the main pool mean convenient access to both it and the beach; in-room beach towels invite you to head right out. 3 All-Inclusive Nights from $816 Per Person Superior Junior Suite A pull-out sofa and one king or two double beds still leaves plenty of room to unwind in these 667-square- foot rooms. 3 All-Inclusive Nights from $837 Per Person Family Junior Suite A whopping 1,248 square feet, this connecting suite also has its own balcony and full garden views. Bonuses: a family welcome kit, baby kitchen access, and priority reservations at specialty restaurants! 3 All-Inclusive Nights from $1,593 Per Person Family Superior Junior Suite All about comfort, this 1,335-square-foot category is among the most spacious in the region. Guaranteed connecting suites with two double beds and a pull-out sofa make it perfect for the whole family … as does its proximity to the splash park! An upgraded mini-bar and family welcome kit add to its perfection. Junior Suite 3 All-Inclusive Nights from $1,704 Per Person All above categories include $400 in resort credit! Advertised rates are valid for travel 6/17/18 – 8/11/18 and vary by departure date. All-inclusive package prices are per person and include: Roundtrip hotel transfers | 3-night hotel accommodations | Hotel tax and service charges | All meals, drinks, and snacks Non-motorized water sports | Daily activities | Nightly entertainment and much more! travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

HOT SPOTS & HIGHLIGHTS HYATT CENTRIC WAIKIKI BEACH – OAHU, HAWAII HOTEL RAPHAEL PARIS – PARIS, FRANCE Unconventional in origin—converted from an office building—and thoroughly modern in There’s a reason “traditional” is synonymous with “classic,” and this timeless, still family- design, Hyatt’s newest Hawaiian property is all about convenience. Find iconic Waikiki run hotel proves it. It’s an icon within an icon, just moments from the Arc de Triomphe. Beach a block away; designer shops, minutes from your room; and a fitness center open Although it’s “tremendously traditional,” there’s nothing cookie-cutter about a stay here, 24 hours a day. Floor-to-ceiling windows there and in the 230 guestrooms mean you from unique rooms to a stunning rooftop terrace and a collection of antiques that took never miss those Diamond Head and ocean views. a century to build. Receive reduced rates with TI’s Aloha Sale with bookings made by 3/22/18 for Receive the 3 night free with bookings made in a Superior Suite by 10/31/18 rd travel 3/1/18 – 8/31/18. for travel through 5/13/18 and 10/13/18 – 10/31/18. Not combinable. SECRETS ROYAL BEACH PUNTA CANA AND SECRETS CAP CANA BARCELÓ ARUBA – PALM BEACH, ARUBA RESORT & SPA – PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Formerly the Occidental Grand Aruba and presently full of large rooms with balconies ® Unlimited-Luxury unfolds on sugar-soft white sands at these sister properties just for and décor that blends the classic and modern, this resort has even more going for it than adults. Exchange privileges with Now Larimar Punta Cana adds seven restaurants to its setting on one of Aruba’s signature beaches. Opt for Royal Level categories for the Secrets Royal Beach’s own five for even more gourmet options, while Secrets Cap Cana’s best views, priority restaurant reservations, complimentary room service, personalized exclusive address makes neighbors of two championship Jack Nicklaus-designed golf check-in, concierge service, premium drinks, and complimentary WiFi. courses. All-junior-suite and -suite accommodations are signature to both. Combine and Save! Receive up to $500 in resort discounts for bookings Last Chance! Receive reduced rates, up to $400 in resort coupons (call for made and traveled by 12/31/18 and/or reduced rates for bookings made by details), a welcome bottle of sparkling wine and fresh fruit, and a mimosa 3/31/18 for travel 4/1/18 – 4/30/18. Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply; breakfast in bed and romantic turndown once per room, per stay with the call for details. Make a Secret Promotion. Valid for bookings made by 3/29/18 for travel through 12/22/18. Also valid for Secrets Resorts & Spas in Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica. RIU PLAZA MIAMI BEACH – MIAMI, FLORIDA GRAND RIVIERA PRINCESS ALL SUITES RESORT & SPA – RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO One of our favorite overseas brands can also be enjoyed stateside! This 250-room city hotel brings some of the features their customers love from their beach resorts right here Hacienda style meets mega-resort freedom at this property. Between its grounds and to Miami: an oceanfront setting, swimming pool with free lounge chairs, sun terrace, free the amenities of sister hotel Grand Sunset Princess, guests have their pick of nine bars, WiFi, convenient poolside snacking, a buffet, and even Gold certification for sustainability. seven restaurants, 12 pools, and a spa and fitness center. We recommend upgrading to Platinum room categories, which boast their own exclusive beachfront area and reserved facilities. As if that weren’t enough, Playa del Carmen is a mere ten minutes away! travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

DREAMS PUERTO AVENTURAS RESORT & SPA Marina Dreams Most definitely a port of adventure, this marina village resort is where you’ll find the largest dolphinarium in the Riviera Maya, nearby golf courses, deep sea diving, and a long list of included activities fit for the family. Want even more entertainment and excitement? Ask about tickets to see Rock of Ages at nearby Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort! 3 Unlimited-Luxury Nights from $411 Springtacular ® Per Person in a Deluxe Garden View Room Savings Advertised rate is valid for travel 8/19/18 – 8/22/18 and varies by departure date. Booking Window: Now – 6/19/18 | Travel Window: 8/18/18 – 12/22/18 ® Unlimited-Luxury package 1,000 Bonus Points? That’s Pretty Springtacular! price is per person and includes: An even more cheerful sign of brighter days to come than crocuses and daffodils, • Roundtrip hotel transfers our annual super sale is back! EXCLUSIVE discounted rates and added • 3-night hotel accommodations values are the features that make the savings Springtacular and absolutely • Hotel tax and service charges irresistible to your customers. • Endless gourmet meals, snacks, And the good news keeps on coming … and top-shelf spirits Yet another reason this sale is worth waiting for: 1,000 bonus LoyalTI First • 24-hour room and concierge services points with every eligible booking! That means more perks for your clients … • Unlimited green fees (1 round daily) and more prizes for you! • Non-motorized water sports Booking Window: 3/1/18 – 3/31/18 | Travel Window: 3/2/18 – 12/31/18 • Daily activities • Nightly entertainment and much more! Blackout, weekend, holiday, and peak season surcharges apply. Minimum stays may apply. Reference voucher code SPRING18 for details! THE VILLA EXPERIENCE LET HAWAII HAPPEN Cento Alegria Ocre Portugal Now Available! Mahalo for the Aloha Sale! A new destination for villas—and one to watch for 2018—Portugal is a surprisingly Any time is a good time for Hawaii, but our annual Aloha Sale is the best time to affordable place to plan your clients’ European vacation. book it. Until 3/22/18, take $250 off your 4-night or longer package from JFK, Make Algave their home base. Portugal’s southernmost region, it’s home to Newark, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, or Denver for travel now through 8/31/18. some of the country’s most renowned beaches, where rock formations carve Reduced rates make it even more competitive, and added values will make sculptures out of golden shores under 3,000 hours of annual sunshine. your guests say “mahalo!” for the Aloha Sale. Sample perks include: LAGOS: Tradition mingles with cosmopolitan in this western Algarve city. • 5 night free and complimentary upgrade combination offers in Oahu th Moorish ruins encircle vibrant nightclubs and trendy restaurants. Close by, • 5 night free, daily buffet breakfast for two, and luau admission th ten-bedroom Cento pairs minimalist with convenience. in Maui SALEMA: A small town on a Blue Flag-certified beach, Salema is luxury at is • Other free night offers in Kauai and the Big Island most unassuming. Colorful fishing boats and white-blossomed sea daffodils • Hotel credit across all Hawaiian destinations brighten coast and cliff. Explore the options to craft the perfect package for your customers! … Or choose from properties in gated communities and exclusive golf courses, Visit www.travimp.com/AlohaSale now. the Golden Triangle, or stylish Vilamoura. Font: GeosansLight V - is Custom Designed TheVillaExperience.net 888.284.3786 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 by Travel Impressions and Villas of Distinction #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. KG15425-18_VK_2.14.18