Classic Vacations

Classic Vacations is honored to receive 4 Gold Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly. These prestigious awards underscore Classic’s commitment to excellence. At Classic, we believe in the power of travel advisors. For them, we leverage our deep industry relationships to provide the best available products, at the best prices, so advisors can grow and thrive. Recognizing the importance of experiencing the world firsthand, Classic designed the Royalty Rewards program 15 years ago to enable advisors to experience the destinations they sell. Classic offers flexible booking options that cater to the preferences of travel advisors. Whether through direct phone calls, or online, Classic provides a range of choices to suit every advisor's needs. These awards reaffirm the exceptional standards we consistently uphold for advisors and partners. ? Tour Operator, Overall? ? Tour Operator, Loyalty Program – Royalty Rewards ? Tour Operator, Destination Expansions – Africa ? Tour Operator, Technology Solutions – New Booking Experience

Classic Vacations is thrilled to introduce three new faces to the Sales Department! With nearly 25 years of experience in travel industry sales, Angela Kolovani Bechtold, CTA has joined the team as Director of Key Accounts. Angie’s passion for strategically growing travel professionals’ businesses, paired with her infectious enthusiasm for life, makes her an invaluable addition to the team. We are delighted to welcome Rachael Braccia as a Sales Activation and Partnership Manager, having honed her expertise in the travel industry since 2017. Rachael’s remarkable talent for building strong partnerships and her dedication to nurturing relationships ensure she will thrive in this role. Reagan Vasquez joined the Sales team as a Business Development Manager after graduating from Texas Tech University in May 2023. She gained valuable sales experience in the elevator industry and is excited to embark on her journey in the travel industry.

For the first time, E3: Elite. Education. Experience. offered a unique opportunity for travel advisors to participate in a course led by Dr. Paige P. Viren to earn their Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification, proudly sponsored by Classic Vacations. Thirteen dedicated travel advisors spent hours learning about sustainability practices within the travel industry. Special thanks to Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and Royal Lahaina Resort for hosting these advisors and showcasing your impressive sustainability efforts. In the coming weeks, each advisor will take their exam, and those who pass will receive their GSTC certification—a testament to their commitment to professional growth and responsible travel. Following E3, Paige brought her expertise to the The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, where she conducted the GSTC certification course for hotel partner representatives across Hawaii. Through this training, participants reflected on their properties’ current sustainability initiatives and collaborated on future strategies. Once certified, these individuals will be equipped to implement responsible tourism practices that benefit local communities and protect Hawaii’s unique ecosystems and cultural heritage. Paige, thank you so much for joining Classic Vacations in Hawaii to lead these transformative courses. Your passion for sustainable tourism is truly inspiring, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership. Congratulations to all the travel advisors and hotel representatives for taking this significant step in advancing your careers!

It was an honor to bring Classic Vacations’ E3: Elite. Education. Experience. event back to its roots in Hawaii, where it all began. Designed to engage forward-thinking travel advisors who are new to both the industry and Classic Vacations, E3 offered an immersive four-day journey for 39 advisors. They experienced insights from four inspiring speakers, visited three hotels, participated in two enriching panel discussions, and connected with fellow professionals through interactive educational opportunities. A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated team at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa for making this event truly unforgettable. Returning E3 to Maui was especially meaningful as we continue to support our ‘ohana in their recovery from the 2023 Lahaina fires. One of the key messages of the week: Maui is open, welcoming visitors, and we encourage everyone to support this resilient and beautiful island. A special thanks to our incredible speakers and panelists for sharing your expertise and serving as invaluable resources for our travel advisors: Robyn Basso, Jennifer Jacob, Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown, Paige P. Viren, Clare Butler, Shanna Thompson, Ateet Ahuja, Andrea Norfolk, Lindi Halpin, Gina Johnson, Kevin Matier, and Jonnie Torres Another thank you to all of our sponsors—this event would not have been possible without your support. Lastly, a huge thank you to our amazing Classic Vacations team for your hard work and dedication: Melissa Krueger, Marilyn Cairo, Tiffani Gilardi, Kathy Ellis, Lauren Burch, Angela Kolovani Bechtold, CTA, Reagan Vasquez, David Bistrin, Tisa Sanchez, and Caroline Massey

On October 1, Condé Nast Traveler unveiled its Readers’ Choice Award winners, recognizing the best hotels and resorts worldwide. A heartfelt congratulations to all our esteemed hotel partners who earned a spot on these prestigious lists. Your unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional hospitality continues to inspire, and it is a true privilege to collaborate with you. Special congratulations to our partners featured on the Best Hotels list: Hermann Bungalows, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, The Hazelton Hotel Toronto, The Peninsula Hotels Hong Kong, Limelight Hotels Denver, Hotel Bennett, COMO Castello Del Nero, Hotel Jerome, Il San Pietro di Positano, The Sukhothai Bangkok, Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection, Katikies Santorini, Faena Hotel Miami Beach, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel And to our partners on the Best Resorts list: Eden Roc Cap Cana, Spa at Four Seasons Resort Whistler, Jumby Bay Island, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando & JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes , Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Silversands Grenada, Bardessono Hotel and Spa, The Breakers Palm Beach, Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa, The Brando, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World? Resort, Omni Amelia Island Resort, Hotel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf St Barth, Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, JOALI Maldives, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, ZEMI BEACH HOUSE, Four Seasons Resort Lanai Discover all of Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards winners: https://lnkd.in/ghDmShCe

Classic Vacations is proud to announce our nomination in 8 categories for the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards 2024. This recognition reflects the invaluable support of our esteemed partners and dedicated travel advisor community. Travel advisors, we are deeply grateful for your continued trust and partnership and would be honored to receive your votes: https://lnkd.in/dTH8GbY ? Tour Operator: International ? Tour Operator: Caribbean ? Tour Operator: Hawaii? ? Tour Operator: Mexico? ? Tour Operator: Luxury? ? Tour Operator: Group, Packaged ? Tour Operator: Packaged Sales & Service? ? Tour Operator: Packaged Overall

As an important element of our digital transformation, the VIP Connect program elevates the luxury travel experience and ensures personalized attention for VIP clients. Available exclusively to Travel Advisors booking from our Preferred Collection of 5-star properties worldwide, VIP Connect transforms luxury travel planning into a seamless journey of unparalleled comfort and convenience. Classic automatically sends a personalized letter to the hotel partner on behalf of the Travel Advisor, informing them of their esteemed guest’s arrival. This proactive communication fosters a heightened level of service and provides a connection between the travel advisor and hotelier. With VIP Connect, luxury is all in the details.

This month, Jeanne Flood celebrates an extraordinary 34 years at Classic Vacations, having started in 1990 as a Reservations Agent handling Hawaii bookings. Since then, Jeanne held various roles supporting Reservations before joining the Groups Department in 2011. There, she played a key role in establishing daily operations and implementing technology solutions. Groups quickly captured her heart, and her dedication to supporting her team, travel advisors, and suppliers has remained unwavering. She became the Director of Groups two years ago. Jeanne credits her incredible team for their dedication, responsiveness, and ability to take action. She is deeply grateful to be part of both Classic and the travel industry. Congratulations, Jeanne, on this impressive milestone!

We had the pleasure of guiding a group of passionate travel advisors through 15 stunning resorts across Turks & Caicos. This immersive experience not only strengthened connections but also provided invaluable firsthand knowledge, empowering our advisors to design truly unforgettable getaways for their clients. From exploring beautiful beachfront escapes to discovering the local culture, this journey was enriching for all. Thank you, Catherine Shelfer, Ashley Wolfe, Kimberlee Felton-Evans, CTA, Patricia Bowden, Taylor Bowden, Tisa Sanchez, and Lauren Burch for joining us on this trip! Another huge thank you to our hotel partners who welcomed the group with open arms: Rock House Resort, COMO Parrot Cay, The Shore Club, The Palms, Wymara Resort + Villas, Beach Enclave , Grace Bay Resorts, Turks & Caicos, South Bank, Seven Stars Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., Aman, The Sands at Grace Bay

The U.S. Department of State has announced a game-changer for travelers: Americans can now renew their passports online. According to the State Department, this is “a significant step forward in providing easier access to passport services.” Learn more about this update: https://lnkd.in/eKj3-4sN