Brinley Hineman

Brooklyn

Senior Editor at Travel Weekly

reporter. proud southerner. @mtsu alum. previously: @themessenger, @newsday, @tennessean and @usatoday network.

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Articles

Proposed budget cuts threaten National Park Service and tourism economy

1 week ago | travelweekly.com | Brinley Hineman

Advocates say tourism in and around the 433 parks and sites in the NPS system will suffer, along with the tour operators that offer national park itineraries. The proposed budget would cut almost a third from the $3.1 billion the NPS has for fiscal year 2025.
At its annual conference, ASTA continues to highlight advocacy efforts

2 weeks ago | travelweekly.com | Brinley Hineman

ASTA president and CEO Zane Kerby said this year's conference "doubled down" on education and strengthening advocacy efforts. He referenced challenges the industry is facing, with the rise of AI and direct bookings, and applauded advisor efforts to adapt. "There are lots of forces pushing on our profession," he said. "New battles are already forming. More regulation is coming. More book-direct schemes are being tested.
Viking says 2025 is effectively sold out

2 weeks ago | travelweekly.com | Brinley Hineman

CFO Leah Talactac said that with 92% of capacity booked, Viking has "effectively sold out the year, given our typical load factor.""With 2025 now largely secured, our focus has shifted to 2026, where we have a solid foundation with more than 37% of our capacity already sold, positioning us well amid evolving macroeconomic conditions," Talactac said. Viking reported $897.1 million in Q1 revenue, a nearly 25% jump year over year.
Riviera Travel adds to North America sales team

2 weeks ago | travelweekly.com | Brinley Hineman

Schmit will lead the company's North America sales strategy and joins Riviera with close to 15 years of experience in luxury travel and hospitality. He most recently worked as director of business development and national accounts at Regent Seven Seas Cruises. "Eric brings a strong blend of energy, strategic thinking and a collaborative spirit that aligns perfectly with our ambitious growth plans," said Stuart Milan, Riviera's president of North America.
Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy on expanding into Europe river cruising

2 weeks ago | travelweekly.com | Brinley Hineman

Q: Lindblad is known for expedition cruising. How will you apply that approach to the Rhine? A: We don't just take people to places, we show them how to see it. Everywhere we go, we surround people with true experts who can explain and guide our guests on how to see the place, how to fully appreciate the history, the cultures and nature, the wildlife of the location, how to photograph it. And that extends onboard, as well. Q: How will this differ from other Rhine cruises?
Railbookers offers exclusive Vatican tour without the crowds

3 weeks ago | travelweekly.com | Brinley Hineman

The special access will be available only on Sept. 8 and comes amid a historic year for Italy with the Holy Year, death of Pope Francis and confirmation of Pope Leo XIV. The private access will allow travelers to enjoy the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel without crowds and concludes with an Italian apericena, a pre-dinner spread, in the Pinecone Courtyard. Railbookers guests will have two hours to freely explore the Vatican's halls and galleries.
American Classic Tours joins USTOA

3 weeks ago | travelweekly.com | Brinley Hineman

The USTOA now has 52 active members representing 145 brands. The move will enable the tour operator to build strong relationships with travel advisors, said JD Conroy, director of marketing. American Classic Tours was founded in 1988 with an emphasis on the "art of travel," the company said. The Illinois-based tour operator designs its itineraries with a focus on transformative experiences, sparking curiosity and encouraging connection, the brand said.
Lindblad, Trafalgar, Waldorf: More travel brands are attracted to river cruising

3 weeks ago | travelweekly.com | Brinley Hineman

It seems everyone wants to dive into river cruising. It's no surprise. The river cruise market has grown at an annual rate of 10% to 15% in the last decade, according to CLIA. The industry is poised to continue to grow, it said. The business has been attracting other major brand names, such as Celebrity Cruises, which is debuting on Europe's waterways in 2027.
Dispatch, Xcaret Park: Nature lover's paradise in the Mexican jungle

3 weeks ago | travelweekly.com | Brinley Hineman

I was in Xcaret, a sprawling 200-acre ecological park that includes swaths of jungle, on an excursion day with Pleasant Holidays. I was invited to spend four days in Mexico for Pleasant Holidays' Elite Experience program, an annual event the company holds to celebrate the accomplishments of the top 50 producing travel advisors for Pleasant. The experience included three nights at the Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa and an excursion day for advisors and their guests.
National Geographic-Lindblad reveals Rhine itineraries, envisions expansion

3 weeks ago | travelweekly.com | Brinley Hineman

The partners will start out with two Rhine itineraries -- four departure dates for each one -- on the Transcend Connect in 2026. The Rhine cruises will operate under the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions brand. "We really do believe that this is a long-term commitment to the destination and we will continue to grow," said Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy. She aims to expand Europe offerings in 2027 and 2028, hinting that Christmas market cruises are on the horizon.