U.S. travelers continue to flock to Europe in waves. Travel advisors looking to learn about the newest accommodations and attractions can receive targeted training in Italy, France and London—three of the most popular European destinations. Each course provides a comprehensive lodging and attractions report, along with trends and sales tips from destination specialists.
2018 London Focus
Travelers loved London long before an American married an English prince, with the city remaining in the top three favorite European cities to visit. The course provides an update on the year’s (other) must-know happenings as well as new hotels which will keep the destination a darling among travelers.
Tying the Knot, London Style
The recent nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is sure to inspire other couples to choose England’s bustling capital as their destination wedding and honeymoon. Lesson one looks at weird and wonderful wedding venues, including: ZSL London Zoo, which hosts around 40 weddings annually, and Dulwich Picture Gallery, where couples can tie the knot among famous works by Rembrandt, Gainsborough and Canaletto, to name a few.
The Hotel Scene
Lesson two provides an in-depth report on notable debuts, as well as new renovations. Esteemed mentions include “the talk of the town” White City House, Soho House & Co’s new London property, which is housed inside the former BBC headquarters in West London; boutique hotel Vintry & Mercer, with its nod to a rich past, which blends references to historic trades throughout its rooms, hallways and dining spaces, with bespoke fabrics, old trading maps and an evolving menu of wines; and The Dorchester’s revamped Belgravia Suites, which overlook Hyde Park, have marble fireplaces, walnut flooring and a palette consisting of gray, blue and gold tones.
2018 Italy Focus
The robust training course provides lessons on Italy’s major “Cultural Capitals,” from Rome to Milan, but also explores the rising popularity of Matera, Palermo and Parma. Additionally, travel advisors will learn about the region’s most noteworthy villas hotels.
Day Trips from Rome
In addition to an entire lesson on The Eternal City’s top sites, lesson three previews the best day trips from Rome for repeat visitors. Among the suggestions are the Castelli Romani area, which is southeast of Rome and known for its white wines and charming ambiance; Ostia Antica, where the city’s original harbor is now a restored outdoor museum; and Sabaudia, built on reclaimed marshland near the site of where Ulysses met Circe on the beach below Monte Circeo.
Central Italy
Central Italy’s capital cities, Florence (Tuscany) and Perugia (Umbria) have captured the attention of travelers for centuries. This lesson previews over 25 hot spots, ranging from museums to hotels to restaurants, including: The National Gallery of Umbria in Perugia, The National Archaeological Museum in San Domenico Convent, which exhibits Etruscan-Roman artifacts; Florence’s largest food market, Mercato San Lorenzo; and outside the walls of Montefalco, Pambuffetti is an elegant villa hotel that offers cooking classes and fine dining.
2018 France & Monaco Focus
The quick seven-lesson course provides a comprehensive update on new and renovated hotels as well as the must-see sites in Paris, Monaco and Cannes.
Accommodations Update: Paris and Beyond
The City of Light has no shortage of exceptional hotel options and 2018 is seeing a bumper crop of new and exciting properties as well as recent upgrades to such legendary grande dames as the Ritz Paris and the Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel. Learn about updates to The Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel, Hotel de Berri, the Philippe Starck-designed Brach, Hôtel Lutetia, Fauchon l’Hôtel Paris, Samaritaine from Cheval Blanc, the luxury hotel arm of Louis Vuitton and the new Josephine Baker Suite at Oetker Collection’s Le Bristol.
Additionally, the accommodations report includes editors’ picks in Bordeaux, Lyon and Megève and previews the best stays in Monaco and Cannes.
Spotlight on Cannes
Lesson four provides a quick-read guide to experiencing the destination’s glitz and glamour, including: a stay at Cannes’ Hotel Martinez, which has completed a major renovation of its 409 guestrooms (including 99 suites) under designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. The transformation includes new facilities such as Le Martinez Bar; Version Originale, a Mediterranean restaurant and tea room (in addition to the existing La Palme D’Or); and taking in Cannes’ annual Festival of Pyrotechnic Art “pyromusical” shows are ignited at sea from four barges anchored approximately a quarter mile offshore and consist of a minimum of 25 minutes of actual fireworks.
Access all three courses at travelagentuniversity.com as well as Switzerland Academy and courses from luxury suppliers, like Crystal Cruises, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts and many more.