5 need-to-knows about Inclusive Collection’s ‘Confidant Collective’

Travel advisors can become experts on the company’s 10 brands with these best-in-class tools

Advisors can register for a Confidant Learning webinar to gain knowledge of brands, resorts, industry-best practices and growing their business. Those unable to attend a live webinar can view previous sessions in the library.

Advisors can learn what sets the Inclusive Collection apart through an interactive education program. They become certified upon completion of the 10 core courses. Supplemental courses are available to those who focus on specialty travel.

CONFIDANT REWARDS

Advisors can earn points when booking the Inclusive Collection through Hyatt, Inclusive Collection or with a tour operator. Points can be redeemed for complimentary stay certificates, gift cards, charity donations and merchandise. As advisors complete Confidant Learning and enter bookings, they’ll move up tiers, unlocking different rewards.

CONFIDANT CONNECT

Advisors can login to the Confidant Collective daily newsletter to stay up to date on all offers and happenings. The newsletter is distributed twice per month and features the latest products, incentives and upcoming webinars.

CONFIDANT CONNECT LIVE

Inclusive Collection’s travel advisor appreciation event takes place each fall. The top 100 advisors qualify. Advisors should make sure they have all their Confidant Rewards bookings registered.

For more information go to confidant.amrcollection.com.

Hotels

The Riu Plaza London Victoria has officially opened its doors as RIU Hotels & Resorts’ first establishment in the United Kingdom. The new four-star, 435-room hotel is centrally located in London’s Westminster area, situated just metres from Victoria Station and 30 minutes from Gatwick Airport. Hotel rooms are modern and comfortable, decorated with contemporary wallpaper and watercolour paintings. Many of the modern superior suites and rooms overlook the city centre, but the most spacious rooms are located on floor -1, a common feature in UK hotels to maximize the space. Special focus on privacy has been taken, particularly in communal areas where furniture us used to create small private areas all within the same space.

Destinations

The Italian National Tourism Board (ENIT) is shutting down media reports of a climate emergency, despite soaring temperatures, wildfires and storms wreaking havoc across the country in recent weeks. “There is no climate emergency in Italy,” reads a statement by ENIT. “Temperatures are in the seasonal average with some physiological peaks, while storm phenomena are isolated episodes that occurred only in some areas and have already passed.” ENIT is assuring travellers that the tourist season is “booming” across the destination, with numbers that have far exceeded 2019 for some target segments.

Cruise Lines

Amsterdam wants to move a cruise liner terminal out of the heart of the historic capital city as the latest step in its ongoing battle against pollution and hordes of tourists clogging its narrow, cobbled streets. The Dutch capital is one of many European cities – from Rome to Venice to Paris – grappling with how to manage visitor numbers that are again soaring in the aftermath of shutdowns during the coronavirus pandemic. Aldermen at Amsterdam’s municipality voted last month in favour of a motion calling on the city to move the terminal away from its current location close to the central rail station. The vote is the latest step in Amsterdam’s long-running campaign to reduce the impact of tourism. Other measures include banning people from smoking weed in the narrow streets of its red light district and a proposal to move out of the city center many of the windows where scantily-clad prostitutes stand.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Joy is scheduled for a threeweek dry dock early next year, during which it will undergo several enhancements. From Jan. 22 to Feb. 12, 2024, the dry dock will include a brand new Spa Thermal Suite, soon to be the largest of the Breakaway-Plus class ships. Replacing the Galaxy Pavilion, the ship’s virtual-reality complex, the Thermal Suite will feature a more centralized layout and an entrance corridor with waterfalls. A separate lounge area with three times as many hot tile loungers gives guests easy access to a sauna, ice room and aromatic steam room.

It was a sight to behold at Meyer Werft last month when Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Jubilee, floated out for the first time, revealing an important design feature – a Texas star proudly displayed on its bow. A fun tailgate-style party, complete with snacks and drinks from Carnival partner PepsiCo, accompanied the ship’s float out. Carnival is the first cruise line to sail year-round from Galveston.