Travel Insider August 2018

Volume 13 – Issue 8 | August 2018 THE TRAVEL INSIDER Serving Travel Agents Exclusively Since 1974 A MESSAGE FROM SCOTT WISEMAN President, Travel Impressions Dear Travel Partners, EducaTIon First It’s finally here. The long month you’ve been waiting for, the 31 Days Summer School of Giveaways! We’re announcing our winners on Facebook every EducaTIon First week, so make sure you’re following our page to congratulate your colleagues … or (hopefully) boast about how your bookings landed you your dream vacation. EducaTIon First is no seasonal initiative—we aim to support your growth and development That’s not the only reason you should be all over our page, the whole year ’round! Catch up on some of our most recent FYI features here: though. We’ve got not one, but two #WeekendLearning Series mini-courses happening this month and the next, and it’s a deeper TI’s Top Ten dive into the “Did You Knows” of our recent #OnLocaTIon focuses, Plunge Pools | Acclaimed On-Site Restaurants | Utterly Unreal Honeymoons Puerto Rico and Hotel Xcaret Mexico. Monthly Makeovers #TheRealPuertoRico took you on the ground for a first- Riu Palace Punta Cana | Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin person point of view of the destination, but we’re revealing pro tips and secret spots from the experts themselves with our #OnLocaTIon #WeekendLearning Series of the same hashtag. Same goes #BestofLeBlanc | #TheRealPuertoRico | #XperienceXcaret for September’s #XcaretUncovered campaign. #WeekendLearning Series Also located in the Riviera Maya are our Supplier of the #TheRealPuertoRico – Tune in every weekend this month! Month properties, Karisma Hotels & Resorts! Booking there #XcaretUncovered – Coming in September! will get you bonus LoyalTI First points in August, but did you know they also have an option in Jamaica? Holiday Inn Resort ® Montego Bay, featured on that same page, is another attractive family choice there. Speaking of family-friendly, have you heard about the Kids Stay/ Play/Eat Free promotion at the All-Inclusive Hard Rock Hotels, or the massive expansion that was recently completed at Riu Santa Fe in Los Cabos? Well, you’re about to! We talk about all of that, plus the renovations at Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas and More Time to Book, More Chances to Win the forthcoming Riu Palace Baja California, in this month’s inserts. Have you heard the news? Due to popular Another important FYI update is a Hawaii reference on our demand, we’re once again accepting bookings back page that we encourage you to show your customers. Like through the very last day of giveaways as with Puerto Rico and the rest of the Caribbean, knowing geography entries to win one of our amazing prize trips! is key when it comes to safe travel, which is why we’ve included And if you weren’t in the lead for volume a short guide on why you can still “Sell Hawaii with Confidence.” bookings before, you now have another full month to rise to the top of the pack. Adding to that confidence? The fact that you’ll always have our Visit www.travimp.com/31Days to see where support. So best wishes for a continued great summer. you might be going this year. Who knows … it might even be India or England as our See you in the fall! grand prize winners! Warmly, Visit www.facebook.com/travelimpressions every Tuesday and Friday this August to find out if YOU’VE won! BOOKINGS BOOST: Summer Sendoff extended until 8/16/18 with new offers added for even more incentive for your customers to plan Scott Wiseman that trip—and earn you more entries—NOW!

El Dorado Maroma SUPPLIER OF THE MONTH Karisma Hotels & Resorts are adding an extra serving of luxury this August. An exclusive $500 resort credit per room, per stay toward romantic dinners on the beach, a room category upgrade, and massages and salon treatments make these Gourmet Inclusive resorts more delectable than ever: Receive 500 bonus LoyalTI First points ® El Dorado Royale | El Dorado Casitas Royale | El Dorado Maroma | El Dorado Seaside Suites for every FIT Karisma booking you Generations Riviera Maya | Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya | Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun make between 8/1/18 and 8/31/18! The Fives Azul Beach Resort Playa del Carmen | Azul Beach Resort Negril Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana – includes credit for character breakfasts, private sliming, and Nick Nack Pack! Hidden Beach Au Naturel Resort Plus, receive a free upgrade at El Dorado Maroma and El Dorado Casitas Royale!* Book now through 8/31/18 for travel by 12/22/18. *Upgrade valid from a Jacuzzi Junior Suite to a Honeymoon Suite at El Dorado Maroma and from a Casita Suite to a Beachfront Casita Suite at El Dorado Casitas Royal. Excludes Royal Suites, Presidential Suites, Overwater Bungalows, Elite Overwater Bungalows, Super Pool Villa, and The Pineapple Villa. Resort credit has no cash value; no refunds apply if total amount is not used. Combinable with other promotions but not with other resort credits. For full details, terms, and conditions, visit www.travimp.com/SupplieroftheMonth. Agents must be registered with LoyalTI First travel agent rewards program at time of booking to earn points. LoyalTI First is not valid for group bookings. HOLIDAY INN RESORT MONTEGO BAY CATALONIA HOTELS & RESORTS ® • Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach & Spa Resort – Adults Only More Than Half Off!* This mainland Spanish brand—the largest hotel chain in Barcelona—gets a little Latin American flair with its properties in Mexico and Dominican Republic. Value and experience also intersect at the following properties at a price well worth a try! A high-value, great-investment getaway doesn’t get any better than this! Breathtaking views, cheery rooms, and friendly service are all part of the package Mexico when your customers book this beachfront resort off Jamaica’s most popular coast! Catalonia Playa Maroma | Catalonia Riviera Maya Resort & Spa As for kids 12 and under staying, playing, and eating for free? Well, the added Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach & Spa Resort – Adults Only values just don’t stop, do they? Dominican Republic 3 All-Inclusive Nights from $400 Per Person in a Standard Room Catalonia Bavaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort Advertised rate is valid for travel 8/21/18 – 12/21/18 and varies by departure date. Catalonia Royal La Romana – Adults Only Booking and Travel Window: Now – 1/1/19 Catalonia Royal Bavaro – Adults Only | Catalonia Gran Dominicus All-inclusive package price is per person and includes: 3 All-Inclusive Nights from $259 Per Person Roundtrip hotel transfers | 3-night hotel accommodations | Hotel tax and at Catalonia Bavaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort in a Supersaver Room service charges | All meals, drinks, and snacks | Non-motorized water sports Advertised rate is valid for travel 11/1/18 – 12/23/18 and varies by departure date. Daily activities | Nightly entertainment and much more! All-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! Kids 12 and under stay and eat free when staying with two paying adults in the same room. *Rate discount varies by departure date. travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

IMMERSE YOURSELF … At RIU Hotels & Resorts in Los Cabos If water is their element, here’s their chance to be fully immersed in it. Send your most water-loving clients to the RIU Hotels & Resorts in Los Cabos, where the Riu Pool Party entertainment concept and Splash Water World have already debuted as the newest ways to enjoy the life aquatic. FOR ADULTS Riu Pool Party Live music, local and international DJs, exciting performances, and glamorous themes make this a pool party worth traveling for! Thrown by Riu Santa Fe, every one of the Riu properties in this region has access, and all adults are invited. Pack for these: • White Party: Ancient Greek influence to the soundtracks of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, with an air ballet show and other surprises to keep the oohs and ahhs going. • Jungle Party: Latin house, electropop, and reggaeton spun by DJ Pablo Patch accompanies shows and installations that encourage unleashing a more wild side. • Neon Party: The future is bright with this one, as dancers glow in ’80s threads and DJ Pablo Patch plays hip hop and deep house under a golden Cabo sun. • Pink Party: DJ Veronica Elton blasts trip hop, hip hop, and funky house as guests live their best lives and make rose- colored glasses unnecessary. FOR KIDS Splash Water World At Riu Santa Fe’s latest attraction, fiestas are for the whole family. Specifically, those at Splash Water World—the second of its kind in Mexico. This headliner for the new wing of this resort is a veritable playground, a labyrinth of water slides, aqua-tubes, and “high-speed lanes” straight into the pool. All-inclusive packages are per person and feature: Roundtrip hotel transfers | 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

RELAX AT A RIU IN LOS CABOS Riu Santa Fe With new properties on the horizon, tremendous expansion projects, and more accommodation options than there are sunny days in Los Cabos (and we all know that’s a lot!), RIU Hotels & Resorts is a brand to count on. Locations on the Sea of Cortez right by El Arco and amenities that leave no stone unturned, on the other hand, make it one to look forward to. Riu Santa Fe • New wing completed just this spring, featuring Splash Water Park (see previous page for details) • Seven pools, some with swim-up bars and hydromassage areas • On-site kids clubs and entertainment team for no lack of activities • Pacha discotheque on premises, with all drinks included 3 All-Inclusive Nights from $355 Per Person in a Superior Double Room Includes a $35 spa credit toward a 2-hour couples massage! Advertised rate is valid for travel 10/27/18 – 12/23/18 and varies by departure date. Expansion Complete! Riu Santa Fe has more options than ever—and we’re not just talking about Splash Water World! Bigger, better, and ripe for the booking, it now offers: • 288 more rooms spread out over three new buildings • A new outdoor pool with a swim-up bar • Outdoor stage with dance floor • Poolside snacks and drinks • New RiuLand featuring a children’s pool with slides Riu Palace Baja California Artist rendering Riu Palace Baja California Opening December 2018! Pre-book now! • Totally new construction, boasting the finest most modern touches • Adults-only with 24-hour all-inclusive service • Six restaurants and bars, including the brand’s signature Krystal for modern cuisine • Four pools, plus easy access to Splash Water World next door 3 All-Inclusive Nights from $479 Per Person in a Junior Suite Advertised rate is valid for travel 12/1/18 – 12/23/18 and varies by departure date. Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas • Renovated in late 2016 to even more luxurious standards • New bakery and ice cream shop, in addition to existing favorites • Award-winning reputation for sustainability and guest satisfaction • Two pools, each with adjoining whirlpools that are heated in winter 3 All-Inclusive Nights from $496 Per Person in a Junior Suite Includes a $35 spa credit toward a 2-hour couples massage! Advertised rate is valid for travel 10/27/18 – 12/23/18 and varies by departure date. Booking & Travel Window: Now – 12/23/18 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

KIDS ROCK FREE One adult is all two kids need to stay at any of the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels for free this fall. Everything else they need to enjoy the stay? Well, each of these properties have got it. Choose from: Hard Rock Hotel Cancun | Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya (Family Section) Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana Turn the page for property sample pricing and details! Create Their Perfect PLAYlist Combine this promotion with the following for a vacation experience worthy of having its praises sung: $1,800 Limitless Resort Credit | Double Resort Credit | Unlimited Golf Unlimited Spa | Personal Assistants with Suite Bookings | Book Early & Save Not combinable with the Shakira concert promotion or other promotions not listed. Booking Window: Now – 8/31/18 | Travel Window: 9/1/18 – 10/31/18 | Blackout Dates: 10/16/18 – 10/20/18 All-inclusive packages are per person and feature: Roundtrip hotel transfers | Hotel accommodations | Hotel tax and service charges All meals, drinks, and snacks | Non-motorized water sports | Daily activities | Nightly entertainment and much more! Valid for up to two children ages 4 – 12 per room, per stay when accompanied by one full-paying adult. Children’s ages MUST be notified on the reservation and ages must be accurate at time of travel (proof of age will be required upon check-in). In the event that ages are incorrect, the difference in the rate will be charged upon check-in. Promotion NOT applicable at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya Heaven Section. Reservations with overlapping dates qualify; discount will apply for nights within travel window. Promotion is subject to change without prior notice and may be discontinued at any time. Applicable to group bookings. Island of Hawai‘i travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

KIDS ROCK FREE SECRETS FOR TWO Four properties. Limitless resort credit. And all of it free for up to two kids 12 and under with only one full-paying adult.* Here are some of the high notes of each property to help you make your decision. MEXICO Hard Rock Hotel Cancun A 601-room and suite property with a central Hotel Zone location … right on the beach and close to the action. • Select Pure allergy-friendly rooms, featuring a seven-step ® purification process • Ocean views and private balconies from all accommodations, along with hydro spa tubs and in-room liquor dispenser • Wine list consisting of global wines all scoring 85 or higher in major wine publications—unlimited at the seven bars and six restaurants • Fresh Fix menus for the health-conscious traveler; order at dinner at Frida, Ciao, Ipanema, and Zen 6 All-Inclusive Nights from $2,768 for a Family of Four ® in a Deluxe Gold Pure Double Room Hard Rock Hotel Cancun MEXICO (continued) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya (Family Section) Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana Set 20 minutes from Puerto Vallarta but right on the Sprawling paradisiacal location with its own exclusive Megaresort meets megaluxe at this enormous Bahia de Banderas, 362 guestrooms keep it VIP. saltwater snorkeling areas, and 870 rooms. 1,775-guestroom property. • Built on the beach in Riviera Nayarit, an area known • Convenient access to Woodward, a 29,000- • With 13 pools and restaurants, 23 bars, and for its wide, quiet streets and lavish homes square-foot indoor lifestyle sports facility 18 holes of championship golf, the contenders • On-site amphitheater with live entertainment and • Seven bars and a teen lounge, plus a dozen for “favorite spot” are plentiful bar service dining venues—including Fresh Fix menus • Supplementary family amenities include a KIDZ BOP Experience, arcade, mini golf, and live performances 6 All-Inclusive Nights from $2,154 6 All-Inclusive Nights from $3,346 for a Family of Four in a Deluxe Double Room for a Family of Four in a Rock Royalty Level 6 All-Inclusive Nights from $2,860 Deluxe Platinum Double Room for a Family of Four in a Caribbean Suite Double All rates above include free stays for kids, Book & Save promotional discounts, plus $1,500 in Limitless Resort Credit. Advertised rates are valid for travel 10/25/18 – 10/31/18 and vary by departure date. Booking Window: Now – 8/31/18 | Travel Window: 9/1/18 – 10/31/18 | Blackout Dates: 10/16/18 – 10/20/18 All-inclusive package prices are for two adults and two children and include: Roundtrip hotel transfers | 6-night hotel accommodations | Hotel tax and service charges All meals, drinks, and snacks | Non-motorized water sports | Daily activities | Nightly entertainment and much more! Valid for up to two children ages 4 – 12 per room, per stay when accompanied by one full-paying adult. Children’s ages MUST be notified on the reservation and ages must be accurate at time of travel (proof of age will be required upon check-in). In the event that ages are incorrect, the difference in the rate will be charged upon check-in. Promotion NOT applicable at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya Heaven Section. Reservations with overlapping dates qualify; discount will apply for nights within travel window. Promotion is subject to change without prior notice and may be discontinued at any time. Applicable to group bookings. Book & Save promotion valid for bookings made by 10/31/18 for travel through 12/21/18. Limitless Resort Credit valid for stays of 3 nights or more, per room, and cannot be exchanged for cash. Not combinable with other credits, discounts, or promotions unless specifically indicated and is nontransferable, noncumulative, and cannot be held over for futures stays. Additional terms and restrictions apply; call for details. travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

HOT SPOTS & HIGHLIGHTS RADISSON BLU 1835 HOTEL & THALASSO – CANNES, FRANCE HILTON WAIKOLOA VILLAGE – BIG ISLAND, HAWAII You may have heard of its film festival, but what drew crowds to this French Riviera Far, far from the volcanic activity, the Kohala Coast on the north side of the very Big Island destination first is the sea. This hotel has sweeping views of the Mediterranean and is of Hawaii is making paradise simple with this promotion of the same name. How? With a literal six-minute walk to the cobblestoned streets of Le Suquet, the oldest quarter. a four-acre ocean-fed lagoon right on its white-sand beach, on-site Legends of Hawaii Romantically chic design, a Super Breakfast Buffet, and free wellness area add modernity luau, award-winning dining, mahogany canal boats and air-conditioned trams to get to the stay; the latter features two pools, a caldarium, sauna, and more. around the Village, and two championship golf courses. Need more? There’s that, too. rd Receive the 3 night free for bookings made any time for travel 11/11/18 – Receive reduced rates on bookings made and traveled now through 3/31/19 12/27/18. Not cumulative or combinable. with the Paradise Made Simple promotion. SAN CLEMENTE PALACE KEMPINSKI – VENICE, ITALY COCONUT BAY BEACH RESORT & SPA – VIEUX FORT, SAINT LUCIA There are 118 little islands that make up this floating city, but only one is private. That one This resort prides itself on offering two distinctive vacation experiences in one stunning is San Clemente, which is just minutes away from Piazza San Marco via this Leading setting—and understandably! Its Harmony wing for adults is a study in easy island luxury, Hotel of the World’s complimentary boat. A unique perspective overlooking the lagoon while Splash encourages exactly that in the island’s largest water park. But first, before and its city or the centuries-old park means convenience and privacy are one and the departing to either side, the staff greets you with a warm welcome, cold towel and same, while an old-world vibe of elegance can only be described as sumptuous. beverage, and plenty of ideas on how to best enjoy the property’s mile-long beachfront. Receive the 3 night free for stays booked by 11/25/18 for travel 10/29/18 – LAST-MINUTE SPECIAL! Receive reduced rates for bookings of 5 nights or rd 11/25/18. Not cumulative or combinable. more made by 8/31/18 for travel 8/16/18 – 8/31/18. Supplier of the Month property! MELIÁ CARIBE TROPICAL – PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC THE FIVES AZUL BEACH RESORT PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Few beaches are as hot of a spot as Playa Bavaro, and this all-inclusive resort sets guests BY KARISMA – PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO directly on it. A distinctly Caribbean vibe is the theme for this beachfront property, where Your luxury clients will want to know about this one—Presidential Suites at this 12 restaurants serve up locally influenced and international cuisine and lovely gardens expanded resort are now available only through you. Two- and three-bedroom with native plants remind guests of where they are. A fully equipped Kids Zone, the Jose configurations, some with a full rooftop terrace and outdoor jetted tub, make these Gancedo-designed Cocotal Golf & Country Club, and YHI spa add to its appeal. perfect for groups and families. The available butler service for groups and chef service Receive reduced rates for bookings made and traveled now through 12/21/18 for barbecues on the roof further prove that point. with the Junetastic Sale, including for leisure groups. Combine with Kids Stay Exclusive! Category available only through Travel Impressions. Plus, GIVC Free and resort credit offers for even greater value. agents earn up to 21% commission! Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply; call for details. travelimpressions.com | Reservations 800.284.0044

THE VILLA EXPERIENCE FLYING FACTS Catherine at Encore Club AIRLINE ORIGIN DESTINATION EFFECTIVE FREQUENCY A New Kind of Orlando Spirit Airlines Orlando (MCO) Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ) 11/8/18 Daily Home to some of the world’s most famous theme parks, 170-odd golf courses, San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) 11/8/18 Daily ziplines, balloon rides, plus eco-adventure, Orlando can also be surprisingly … American Airlines Chicago (ORD) Providenciales, Turks & Caicos (PLS) 12/22/18* Saturdays restful. Private and secluded, Reunion Resort balances the excitement of the destination with pampering million-dollar villas for an unexpectedly *Winter seasonal service peaceful getaway. Less than 15 minutes from the Walt Disney World Resort, options as small ® as four bedrooms and grand as 15 welcome families of every size. Amenities DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW like home theaters, game rooms or arcades, and oversized pools keep the US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! energy as high or low as you please. ENCORE CLUB – With exclusives enough for a standing ovation, this section @travelimpressions of villas ups the ante with a 24/7 concierge, clubhouse and sports facilities, club level-only AquaPark, Hang Ten Hideaway kids area, and more. Social icon Square Only use blue and/or white. @travelimp For more details check out our Brand Guidelines. Browse the full collection now at TheVillaExperience.net! Font: GeosansLight V - is Custom Designed Reservations: 888.284.3786 by Travel Impressions and Villas of Distinction SELL HAWAII WITH CONFIDENCE HIDEAWAY AT ROYALTON by Travel Impressions and Villas of Distinction ® Hawaii is still HOT, and it has nothing to do with the volcanic activity there. As a All-In Luxury for All-In Celebrations matter of fact, the vast majority of the state’s most popular vacation destinations are miles away from it. Lowered airfare and fantastic hotel rates make this the Before going all-in with their relationship, travelers should consider going all-in time for savvy travelers to make that for their bachelor/ette parties … with Hideaway at Royalton. Packages for this Upolu bucket list trip finally happen. Airport themed getaway include: • Daily reserved area at the beach or pool 250 HAMAKUA COAST • One group dinner arranged at a specialty restaurant Honokaa Rest Assured: Hapuna Waimea 19 • 10% off premium wines and liquors, C/X Culinary Experience, cigars, private Kamuela Beach • No other islands are in any way Airport Queen Kaahumanu Airport Mamalahoa Hwy. Kolekole functions, spa, and motorized water sports through the Nexus Tours desk Mamalahoa Hwy. Beach affected by the Kilauea eruptions Keahole Hwy. Saddle Rd. Mauna Kea Plus, bachelor groups will also receive: • All airports, flights, and local NOR TH KONA 200 Hilo Hilo • Room upgrade for the bachelor, based on availability International businesses/tour companies Kailua-Kona Mona Loa Mountain Airport • Tequila (Mexico) or rum (Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia) tasting* 130 outside of the active 11 Captain Observatory Hawaii View Pahoa • Reserved table and bottle service at resort night club or sports bar for one night Volcanoes areas are open K O N A C O A S T Cook Mauna National Park Volcano Loa Kilauea While bachelorette groups will get: Caldera • Total lava flow is less than Isaac Hale Beach SOUTH • Sparkling wine and chocolate tray in 10 square miles, affecting only KONA 11 room upon arrival Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Miloli Mamalahoa Hwy. Beach 11 Punaluu Beach • One-day access to the hydrotherapy pool Naalehu • A private yoga session on the beach PA CIFIC OCEA N For more information like this, please Green Sand 0 miles 20 • One breakfast in bed service per room, complete with mimosas visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org South Pt. Beach 0 km 20 Minimum 20 room nights required. *Tasting includes 10 people; $15 per additional guest. 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. 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. KA20393-18_VK_7.11.18