ALERT: Europe- Health Warnings Due to Extreme Heat (August 4, 2017)

August 4, 2017

Health warnings have been issued across Europe due to excessive heat. Temperatures, in some countries, are exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

This map identifies the warnings:

Red = The weather is very dangerous.

Orange = The weather is dangerous.

Yellow = The weather is potentially dangerous.

According to the UK’s Guardian:

Eleven southern and central European countries have issued extreme heat warnings amid a brutal heatwave nicknamed Lucifer, with residents and tourists urged to take precautions and scientists warning worse could be to come.

Authorities in countries including Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia are on red alert, the European forecasters’ network Meteoalarm said, with swathes of southern Spain and France on amber.

The highest temperature on Thursday was 42C (107 degrees Fahrenheit) in Cordoba, Spain and Catania, Sicily. Split in Croatia also hit 42.3C on Wednesday. The spell is forecast to peak at the weekend with temperatures of 46C (114 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher in Italy and parts of the Balkans.

Italian authorities have placed 26 cities on the maximum extreme heat alert, including Venice and Rome where many fountains have been turned off as the country suffers its worst drought in 60 years. Rome only narrowly averted drastic water rationing last week.

In Florence, the Uffizi art galleries had to temporarily closed on Friday when the air conditioning system broke down. In Hungary, keepers at Budapest zoo had to coold down two overheating polar bears with huge ice blocks.

Temperatures along parts of Croatia’s Adriatic coast, including Dubrovnik, were expected to hit 42C during the day, while in the Serbian capital of Belgrade there were reports of people fainting from heat exhaustion.

Highs in Spain, including in popular holiday resorts on the Costa del Sol and Majorca, are set to reach 43C this weekend, with extreme conditions also forecast in Seville, Malaga and Granada. Ibiza and Mallorca could hit 42C, Spain’s Aemet meteorological service warned.

The BBC reports:

Parts of Europe are experiencing their most extreme heat in more than a decade as temperatures soar as high as 42C (107 degrees Fahrenheit).

Several countries have issued health warnings as this week’s record-breaking weather conditions continue to affect swathes of the continent.

Sweltering temperatures in Italy have sparked wildfires, and dozens of towns and cities are on the health ministry’s maximum heat alert.

Tourists and locals have been cooling off in cities across southern Europe by dousing themselves in water from public fountains and walking the streets under the shade of parasols.

High temperatures are expected in parts of central Europe and the Balkans in the coming days, according to Meteoalarm.

The heatwave is expected to last until at least Monday, with health warnings issued in 26 European cities.

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

 

ALERT: North Korea: U.S. State Department Will Require Special Passport Validation (August 3, 2017)

August 3, 2017

In addition to the longstanding Travel Warning for North Korea, the U.S. State Department has issued a special alert concerning travel to North Korea.

Americans will be required to apply for a “special passport validation” if they wish to travel to North Korea, and those will be granted under “very limited circumstances.” In addition, anyone currently in North Korea, with a U.S. passport, should leave the country prior to September 1.

The Secretary of State published a Notice on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 that will restrict the use of U.S. passports to travel into, in, or through North Korea/the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), effective Friday, September 1, 2017.

The Secretary has authorized the restriction due to the serious and mounting risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. citizens under North Korea’s system of law enforcement, per 22 C.F.R. 51.63. Persons who wish to travel to North Korea on a U.S. passport must obtain a special passport validation under 22 C.F.R. 51.64, and such validations will be granted only under very limited circumstances. The Department of State will publish information on how to apply for a passport with a special validation on travel.state.gov when OMB approval is effective. Since OMB issues the approval, the Department cannot provide any further information as to timing. More information on how to apply for the special validation is available on the Federal Register notice published here.

Persons currently in North Korea on a U.S. passport should depart North Korea before the travel restriction enters into effect on Friday, September 1, 2017. Persons, including those currently in North Korea, who believe they meet the criteria for a limited-validity passport and special passport validation under 22 C.F.R. 51.64 should apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

For further information about the dangers of traveling to North Korea, please see the current Travel Warning for the DRPK.

The criteria for a special passport validation includes:

(a) A U.S. national may apply to the Department for a special validation of his or passport to permit its use for travel to, or use in, a restricted country or area.

application must be accompanied by evidence that the applicant falls within one of the categories in paragraph (c) of this section.

(b) The Department may grant a special validation if it determines that the validation is in the national interest of the United States.

(c) A special validation may be determined to be in the national interest if:

(1) The applicant is a professional reporter or journalist, the purpose of whose trip is to obtain, and make available to the public, information about the restricted area; or

(2) The applicant is a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross or the American Red Cross traveling pursuant to an officially-sponsored Red Cross mission; or

(3) The applicant’s trip is justified by compelling humanitarian considerations; or

(4) The applicant’s request is otherwise in the national interest.

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

 

Hong Kong Tourism Board

Hong Kong Tourism Board
   
Preferred Partner Name     Hong Kong Tourism Board
Travel Type The Hong Kong Tourism Board has handpicked an incredible collection of truly distinct and authentic excursions. From foodie tours to exploring out of the way areas by public transport, these special interest adventures make a vacation in Hong Kong unforgettable. See our list here. 
Contact Information     Los Angeles Office Shirley Tu, National Trade Marketing Manager: Shirley.Tu@hktb.com
New York Office Linda Ho, Marketing Manager: Linda.Ho@hktb.com Katrina Debono, Senior Marketing Executive: Katrina.Debono@hktb.com
Website   www.discoverhongkong.com
eNewsletters Sign up for HKTB’s quarterly eNewsletters for industry events, destination news and partner spotlights.
Agent Resource Guide Partnernet.hktb.com Register for Hong Kong Partnernet, your essential business resource for itinerary planning, tourism news and an unbeatable image library.
Specialist Training Discover why  Hong Kong is regarded as one of Asia’s premier destinations and gain the professional knowledge required to promote our beautiful city. www.specialisthk.com
Market  US and CA
Watch our Travel Leaders Network webinar
TLN3156: Hong Kong – Unforgettable Memories

When your clients are looking for unforgettable memories, Hong Kong has it all. Cultural explorers can step out of the traditional travel experience and discover the city like a local. The’ll find inspiration in the innovative design shops, trendy cafes, up and coming neighborhoods and incredible shopping from haute couture to colorful street markets. Learn more about the Hong Kong and Travel Leaders partnership in this new webinar on Agent Universe.
Once in the Learning Management System (LMS), navigate to Find a Course and enter TLN3156 Open to US and Canada Members
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Hyatt Zilara and Ziva- Book 5 rooms and win 5 night stay

Hi Travel Partners!

The words Luxury and Free usually don’t go in the same sentence, right? Well for you.. they do! Come stay at our LUXURY Playa Resorts for FREE!

You have the next THREE MONTHS to book FIVE rooms at Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, or Hyatt Zilara Cancun to win a FREE 5 night stay certificate!!

 

Flyer attached with full details, click below orange link:

Book 5 Stay 5 Free

 

Make 5 bookings (each min. 5 night stay) to Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, or Hyatt Zilara Cancun, and win a 5 night free stay certificate for yourself and a guest!

Booking window: July 15 – October 15 (3 months!!)

Client travel window: July 16 – January 30, 2018 (excludes travel over holidays)

Agent travel window: September 5, 2017 – December 15, 2018 (Complimentary 5 night stay valid for Hyatt Ziva or Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, Gran Caribe, Gran Porto, or The Royal Playa del Carmen. Excludes Hyatt Ziva Cancun and Hyatt Zilara Cancun)

Not applicable to group bookings

 

All you have to do to win is register the 5 bookings into our AgentCash program at www.agents.playaresorts.com by October 31, 2017!!

 

I returned last night from the gorgeous Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos – Please feel free to friend me on Facebook to see photos of my trip and Playa updates galore.. I would love to be your friend! You can find my page here: https://www.facebook.com/sarapurdyplayaresorts

 

 

Thank you for all that you do!! Let me know how I can help you book more Playa Resorts to earn your 5 night free stay certificate!

 

Best,

 

Sara Purdy

Business Development Manager – MA, RI, VT, NH, ME

203.368.8707

 

Royal Caribbean- BOGO 50% (August 1-31, 2017)

BOGO + NRD + DECK THE HOLIDAYS Offer Ad Terms and Conditions

 

BOGO50

Booking Window: August 1- August 31, 2017  Sailing Window: All sailings departing on or after September 1, 2017.  Offer excludes China departures.  Offer details: Buy one, get one 50% off

o    Buy One Guest, Get Second Guest 50% Off

o    25% Savings for 3/4 guests

 

Deck the Holidays Deals Phase 2

Booking Window: August 1- August 31, 2017  Sailing Window: 2017-18 Holiday Sailings departing December 19, 2017 through December 31, 2017 and December 18, 2018 through December 31, 2018. Offer excludes China departures.  Offer details: Up to $100 Instant Savings

5N less I/O: $25 B/D: $50
6N+ I/O: $50 B: $75 D: $100

 

  1. Full T&CS

Price is per person, in USD, cruise only, applies to select sailings, based on double-occupancy, and reflects any promotional savings. Non-refundable deposit booking (“NRDB”) cancelled prior to final payment due date will receive a future cruise credit in the amount of the deposit minus a $100 per person service fee (“FCC”). FCC is non-transferable and expires after 12-months from issue date. $100 per person service fee applies to changes to NRDB ship or sail date. Deposits made toward Guarantees and Grand Suites and higher categories are non-refundable and are subject to NRD Booking Terms.

Cruise must be booked between August 1, 2017 through August 31, 2017 the “Offer Period”. Offer applies to sailings departing on or after September 1, 2017. Offer excludes China departures. Offer includes 50% off cruise fare of second guest who must be booked in the same stateroom as a first guest who books at full fare (“BOGO”). Offer also includes 25% cruise fare savings for 3rd guests and higher booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualifying guests. Additionally, Deck the Holidays Deals offer provides savings for guests who book a holiday sailing departing from December 19, 2017 through December 31, 2017 and December 18, 2018 through December 31, 2018. Offer includes an instant savings determined by category booked and sailing length: $25 off per stateroom for interior and oceanview on sailings 5 nights or less, $50 off per stateroom for balconies and suites on sailings 5 nights and less, $50 off per stateroom for interior and oceanview on sailings 6 nights and longer, $75 off per stateroom for balconies on sailings 6 nights or longer, and $100 off per stateroom for suites on sailings 6 nights or longer.  Non-Refundable Deposit reservations that are booked six months or more prior to the cruise departure date are eligible to receive a per stateroom onboard credit (“OBC”) in the following amount: for sailings 5-nights and less, $25 OBC for interior and oceanview, and $50 OBC for balcony and suite; and for sailings of 6-nights and longer, $50 OBC for interior and oceanview, $100 OBC for balcony and suite. OBC is in USD, has no cash value, is non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and will expire if not used by 10:00 PM on the last evening of the cruise. All other charges, including, but not limited to, taxes, fees and port expenses, are additional and apply to all guests. BOGO does not apply to third and higher occupancy guests.

BOGO offer is combinable with NRDB OBC, promotional OBCs, NextCruise offers and instant savings. Offer is not combinable with restricted rates (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military or Crown & Anchor discounts.)  All offers are not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, Standard Group, Interline, Travel Agent, Travel Agent Friends and Family, Weekly Sales Events, and Net Rates. After the Offer Period, the Offer will be removed from the booking if the guest cancels and reinstates the booking or rebooks into a new booking on the same ship and sail date, applies a fare change, or changes the ship or sail date of the booking; certain other changes to the booking may also result in removal of the Offer. Offer applies to new, individual and named group bookings confirmed at prevailing rates. Individual reservations may be transferred into an existing group, assuming required criteria are met, though full deposit will be required at time of transfer. Failure to apply the required full deposit amount may result in the cancellation of the booking. Single occupancy guests paying 200% cruise fare are eligible for full amount of Offer; single occupancy guests paying less than 200% cruise fare are eligible for a prorated amount of the Offer. Offer available to residents of United States and Canada. Prices and Offer are subject to availability and change without notice, capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time. Refer to www.royalcaribbean.com for complete terms and conditions. Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update fares, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice. ©2017 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships registry: Bahamas.

  1. ABBREVIATED T&CS FOR USE IN ALL OTHER ADS
  • Remember, if the ad copy duplicates any language in the disclosure, Legal can edit the disclosure for you!
  • Contact Legal for T&Cs for TV, radio, post card and other space limited ads

Price is per person, in USD, cruise only, applies to select sailings, interior stateroom, based on double-occupancy, and reflects any promotional savings. Non-refundable deposit booking (“NRDB”) cancelled prior to final payment due date will receive a future cruise credit in the amount of the deposit minus a $100 per person service fee (“FCC”). FCC is non-transferable and expires after 12-months from issue date. $100 per person service fee applies to changes to NRDB ship or sail date.

Cruise must be booked between August 1, 2017 through August 31, 2017 the “Offer Period”. Offer applies to sailings departing on or after September 1, 2017. Offer excludes China departures. Offer includes 50% off cruise fare of second guest booked in the same stateroom as first full fare guest and 25% cruise fare savings for 3rd and 4th guests booked in the same stateroom as first two qualifying guests. Additionally, Deck the Holidays Deals offer provides savings for guests who book a holiday sailing. Offer applies to sailings departing from December 19 , 2017 through December 31, 2017 and December 18, 2018 through December 31, 2018. Offer includes an instant savings determined by category booked and sailing length: $25 off per stateroom for interior and oceanview on sailings 5 nights or less, $50 off per stateroom for balconies and suites on sailings 5 nights and less, $50 off per stateroom for interior and oceanview on sailings 6 nights and longer, $75 off per stateroom for balconies on sailings 6 nights or longer, and $100 off per stateroom for suites on sailings 6 nights or longer.  NRDB that are booked six months or more prior to the cruise departure date are eligible to receive a per stateroom onboard credit (“OBC”) in the following amount: for sailings 5-nights and less, $25 OBC for interior and oceanview, and $50 OBC for balcony and suite; and for sailings of 6-nights and longer, $50 OBC for interior and oceanview, $100 OBC for balcony and suite. OBC is in USD, has no cash value, is non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and will expire if not used by 10:00 PM on the last evening of the cruise. Offer is combinable with select promotions. Offer applies to new, individual and named group bookings confirmed at prevailing rates. OBC is not redeemable for cash and may expire. Offer open to residents of U.S. or Canada. Prices and Offer are subject to availability and change without notice, capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time. Refer to www.royalcaribbean.com for complete terms and conditions. ©2017 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships registry: Bahamas.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: This message may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or taking any action in reliance on these contents is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by responding to this e-mail and then delete it from your system.

Hilton Cancellation Policies

Hilton Cancellation Policies

 

Everyone should have seen the recent announcement regarding the change in cancellation policies for the Hilton family of hotels:

 

In order to improve our short term availability, Hilton will update the default house ‘cancel’ policy to 48-hours (72-hours in select locations) at participating Hilton properties throughout the United States (including Puerto Rico) and Canada, beginning on July 31. The update will occur on all channels, including the GDS for participating hotels.

 

So how does this affect our bookings?

 

  • <Any NEW bookings made July 31st and after, will be subject to the new policies of either 48 or 72 hours.
  • <Any bookings made prior to July 31st, will not be affected, and will subject to the cancellation policies that were in place at the time the booking was made.
  • <Any corporate negotiated rates will remain subject to the cancellation policies stipulated in the existing contracts.
  • <KEEP IN MIND, that if a booking is being made during a high-demand or special event period, a more restrictive cancellation policy may be put in place by a property.

 

There is a dedicated Travel Leaders Group agent helpdesk in place for those that have reservations impacted by extenuating circumstances, where exceptions to the policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis: 1-855-420-4842.

 

 

Respectfully,

 

Michael F. Payan

Northeast Engagement Manager – Hotel Programs

Phone: 763-577-3690

Cell: 862-754-0725

Mpayan@Travelleaders.com

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