Briana Bonfiglio

East Meadow

Associate Editor at Travel Market Report

Associate Editor @travelmktreport / Formerly @longislandpress, LI Herald / SUNY @newpaltz alumna. Send travel news to: [email protected]

Articles

ASTA Advocates Against Removal of Sales Tax Exemptions for Advisors in Nebraska

1 day ago | travelmarketreport.com | Briana Bonfiglio

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is advocating against proposed tax legislation in Nebraska that would remove sales tax exemptions for travel advisor services. First introduced during a special session in August 2024, LB169 returned to the legislative floor on April 11 and is currently being debated among the state’s senators. ASTA has responded by mobilizing Nebraska members, encouraging them to contact their state senators on the issue.
New Opening: Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique

2 days ago | travelmarketreport.com | Briana Bonfiglio

The much-anticipated Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique has just opened on the country’s nothern Pacific coast. With 188 rooms, six dining concepts, dedicated kids and teens club, spa and fitness center, event spaces, multi-level pool, and local programming, the resort is poised to be a catch-all for luxury leisure travelers to this in-demand destination.
Club Med Punta Cana Renovations to Be Complete by September

2 days ago | travelmarketreport.com | Briana Bonfiglio

Club Med Punta Cana is undergoing a resort-wide transformation that will be completed by September. Recent renovations, which were unveiled in 2023 and 2024, gave the property new family rooms, the new Hispaniola restaurant, a wedding venue, a Cing Mondes Spa, and Club Med’s largest waterpark. Now, the Dominican Republic resort is building on those additions in 2025. The major refurbishment will transform its public spaces and refresh its accommodations and dining venues.
The Mayflower Hotel: 100 Years of History in Washington, D.C.

2 days ago | travelmarketreport.com | Briana Bonfiglio

Just two weeks after its opening in 1925, The Mayflower Hotel held the inauguration ball for Calvin Coolidge, the United States’ 30th president. This lavish party set the stage for decades of historically significant moments to take place at the property, which turns 100 this year. From the inaugural balls of Coolidge, Reagan, and Kennedy; to countless weddings; to visits by famous figures – the Autograph Collection hotel has plenty of stories to tell.
Palladium Hotel Group Launches Revamped Travel Advisor Rewards Program

4 days ago | travelmarketreport.com | Briana Bonfiglio

Palladium Hotel Group has launched a revamped travel advisor loyalty program, Palladium PRO, signifying the hotel chain’s renewed focus on its partners in the trade. Palladium PRO is designed for travel agents, wedding planners, and meeting and event organizers alike to earn rewards points that can be redeemed for personal stays, special rates and discounts, and product training – all in one simple online interface.
5 Things to Know About the Brand-New MSC World America

1 week ago | travelmarketreport.com | Briana Bonfiglio

MSC World America has officially set sail in the Caribbean after MSC Cruises and godmother Drew Barrymore christened the ship in Miami on April 9. The new World class ship, the seventh MSC ship to call North America home and 23rd in the fleet overall, represents a larger push for MSC Cruises into the U.S. market. The Italian-based company has long been known for its European sensibilities, and it is now leaning into “European style meets American comfort” on MSC World America.
The Luxury Collection Adds a Nova Scotia Hotel to Its Growing Portfolio

1 week ago | travelmarketreport.com | Briana Bonfiglio

Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Halifax is now part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Luxury Collection after joining the portfolio this week. The Nova Scotia property is located on the Halifax waterfront in Queen’s Marque, a new cultural district in the city.
New Opening: Fairmont Golden Prague

1 week ago | travelmarketreport.com | Briana Bonfiglio

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has just opened Fairmont Golden Prague as the luxury Accor brand continues to expand in Europe. The new hotel marks the renovation and restoration of a landmark building in Prague’s UNESCO World Heritage Centre Old Town, located at the gates of Pařížská Boulevard on the Vltava River. “The opening of Fairmont Golden Prague is a significant milestone for Fairmont as we continue to grow our presence in Europe.
Curaçao and Sint Maarten Adopt New Currency

1 week ago | travelmarketreport.com | Briana Bonfiglio

Curaçao and Sint Maarten introduced a new currency, the Caribbean guilder, on March 31, replacing the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG). The Caribbean guilder encompasses five new banknotes and seven coins that hold the same value as the former ANG. The banknotes have a “World Under the Sea” theme with front imagery of marine life and symbols for the unity of the two countries, while the reverse side highlights historical and cultural figures.
MSC World America Christened by Drew Barrymore at Ceremony in Miami

2 weeks ago | travelmarketreport.com | Briana Bonfiglio

In front of a packed onboard theater, actress Drew Barrymore christened MSC Cruises’ newest ship, MSC World America, in Miami on April 9. It all went down while docked at the brand-new PortMiami, now the world’s largest cruise terminal. “It is a true honor to be working with people of such global integrity, philanthropy, family, and honor, and wanting to take care of people and see the world. I’m very, very grateful,” the ship godmother told the hundreds in attendance.