Interest in visiting Mexico has remained steady over the last several years, with Millennials and Gen Xers — the generation most likely to be traveling with children — showing the strongest inclination. Read on for information on things for families to see and do, as well as updates on places to stay. 

For the third year in a row, Las Vegas topped the 42 million visitor mark in 2017, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). That trend is expected to continue with the LVCVA forecasting a just-shy-of-the-record count of 42.7 million visitors for 2018.

The destination also continues to enjoy industry-leading occupancy rates — averaging 88 percent over the last four years — with an exceptionally large base of nearly 149,000 available rooms. That inventory always includes rooms in new properties as well as expansions and renovations of existing accommodations. Upgrades to amenities such as restaurants and spas are also part of the equation, spurred by the always desert-hot competition among the city’s hotels. Here are some of the latest developments on that front. 

Become a Certified Switzerland Travel Expert

The North America version of the Switzerland Travel Academy consists of core and specialization modules.

Core modules

Core modules (4 + News from Switzerland) cover what you need to know about Switzerland and inform you on the latest events and experiences in Switzerland. 

1. Basic and practical knowledge: This module is about the country’s geography, languages and cultures, customs and traditions, and important practical information.

2. How to travel to and within Switzerland: In this module, you will learn about Switzerland's transportation system, also known as the Swiss Travel System, which, precise like a Swiss watch, connects even the most remote places by train, bus, and boat.
   You will become familiar with how to travel to and within Switzerland, learn about the numerous means of transportation, and understand the different ticket options.
   Last but not least, you will discover the best scenic routes to transform a journey through the country into a unique experience.

3. Switzerland in 3, 5 or 10 days: Discover Switzerland’s must-sees and learn how to combine them into packages and itineraries, creating the perfect Swiss experience that suits your clients’ needs and wants.

4. Must-know for North American travel professionals: This is a market-specific module that provides important information relevant for North American clients.
   Learn about Switzerland Tourism contact points in North America, flights from North America to Switzerland, passport & visa regulations, tour operators (both outbound and incoming), and much more.

5. News from Switzerland 2018: This module presents the most important Swiss events, openings, and projects occurring in 2018 and is updated every year. Discover on what your clients cannot absolutely miss out!

Completion time for core modules: about 3 hours.

Specialization modules

Specialization modules offer a deeper focus on different topics and provide insights in touristic experiences, knowledge on a specific topic of interest connected with Switzerland Tourism’s partners, segments or campaigns.

• Road Trip: Grand Tour of Switzerland
• Cultural attractions and city breaks
• Nature and outdoor activities
• Snow and winter activities
• Perfect accommodation
• Luxury, wellness, and lifestyle
• Family vacations
• Meetings, congresses, and incentive planners

Completion time of each module: about 40 minutes.

Certification

The process of certification is easy and free:

1. Pass the final exam on the core modules to graduate as a Switzerland Travel Expert.

2. You will receive the certificate that is valid until December of the following year.

3. Every year, stay informed and renew your certificate by taking the exam of the updated “News from Switzerland” module.

After passing the core modules exams, you can continue your training to receive specialization certificates: choose the specialization module you are interested in, pass the exam and receive the certificate.

Graduate benefits

• Certification upon graduation
• Option to specialize in certain segments
• Rights to use the Travel Expert logo for letters / brochures / website / email signature
• Possibility of ordering brochures
• Enter to win an amazing trip to Switzerland (including flights with Swiss International Airlines and Swiss Travel Passes for two people) by graduating by November 30.

Besides the broad appeal of Hawaii’s natural wonders, adventure activities and cultural attractions, there are places to go and things to do that zero in on special interest and niche markets. There is more information on things for families to see and do — as well as updates on places to stay — in the pages that follow.

As engagement season (unofficially Christmas Eve through Valentine’s Day) draws to a close, be prepared for newlyweds-to-be seeking out your services to plan their destination wedding or honeymoon (or both). Better still, try to set up a cross promotion with your agency and local bridal shops, advertising each other’s services. Read on for some other tips on getting and handling this business, gleaned and distilled from conversations we have had with travel agents and wedding professionals.

Crystal Private Jet Journeys offer a choice of two extraordinary experiences. Now agents can work with Crystal air experts to create bespoke global travel experiences when you charter our Global Express private jet for intimate groups of 12 or less with Crystal Luxury Air, or design your own comprehensive private tours with custom itineraries when you charter our BBJ 777-200LR aircraft with up to 88 guests with our aircraft appropriately named “Crystal Skye”. Take the course to learn more!

Whatever it is that inspires your client’s wanderlust —the legendary elegance of a classic ocean voyage, the immersive discovery of a river cruise, the intimate adventures aboard a luxury yacht, or the soaring wonder of travel by chartered private jet — Crystal presents the world's most fascinating destinations to your discerning clientele with expert finesse and award-winning luxury.Take the All Things Crystal course to find out more!

Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises offers gorgeous social spaces and impeccable butler-serviced suites rivaling any land-based hotel or resort while transporting guests to idyllic harbors. Currently, Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises is composed of Crystal Esprit as well as three new builds which are expected to be delivered between 2019-2021. The on board guest experience is exclusively designed for travelers who love adventure, culture and revel in the casual elegance of the Crystal Yachting Lifestyle.

The Crystal Cruises Specialist course is designed to help you understand and communicate Crystal’s commitment to offering the world’s most luxurious and acclaimed travel experiences.

This course will provide an in-depth review of the award-winning Crystal Experience at a time when the line's celebrated ocean cruises are being elevated to a new level of luxury, service and adventure. Use Crystals’ standout sales features when positioning the line to clients. The key to selling Crystal’s ocean cruises is emphasizing how Crystal goes beyond all-inclusive to ALL EXCLUSIVE.

Crystal’s all-suite, butler-serviced river ships feature the same classic elegance and luxury Crystal Experience found on board the company’s award-winning ocean ships. Sell Crystal river cruises to upscale/luxury travelers, particularly those who have stayed in five-star hotels or who have sailed on luxury and upper-premium ocean cruise lines, and to repeat Crystal guests.Take the Crystal River Cruises course to find out more!