News
Luxury Travel Advisors, Partners Applaud the Success of Inaugural Internova PLUS Event in San Diego
Part strategic meeting, part celebration, Internova Travel Group’s three-day program focused on collaboration, imagination and connection
NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — Top luxury travel advisors, travel agencies and providers have new opportunities to work together as a result of Internova Travel Group’s inaugural Internova PLUS event, held Jan. 17-20 in San Diego, California.
Internova, one of the world’s largest travel services companies, handpicked 125 luxury travel advisors from across each of its brands, including ALTOUR, Global Travel Collection, Nexion Travel Group and Travel Leaders Network.
Participants were selected based on a range of criteria, including advisors who are in the top 20 percent of luxury bookers, with average annual sales exceeding $2.5 million; contribute to elevating the industry through collaboration and sharing knowledge; take an innovative approach to their business development; and are rising stars who have been in the industry for less than five years.
The 85 supplier partners represented an airline, cruise lines and hotel brands, as well as tour operators from destinations around the world.
The event won raves from travel advisors.
“Internova PLUS is a big deal,” said Leah Iudice, a luxury travel advisor with Nexion Travel Group. “It was an honor to be part of this select group of travel advisors. I learned an incredible amount and I’m returning home with fresh ideas for my business. I’m so excited to offer my clients even more high-end travel options in partnership with Internova.”
“The vibe at Internova PLUS was so relaxed, and that was incredibly conducive to building new relationships,” said Jeffrey Brothers, a luxury travel advisor with Global Travel Collection.
“Anyone can talk about how much they appreciate their travel advisors but at Internova, they show it,” said luxury travel advisor Caryl Halpin from Global Travel Collection. “Internova PLUS is a perfect example of the high level of personal attention and tremendous support that Internova provides its travel advisors. Everything about this event was carefully curated to help us grow our businesses and strengthen our relationships with some of the most important brands in luxury travel.”
Diane Frisch, a luxury travel advisor with Nexion Travel Group, noted that Internova PLUS is the latest in a series of company events that are geared toward supporting luxury travel advisors. “Internova has made a commitment to the luxury category unlike any I have ever seen,” said Frisch. “This event proves that if you’re a luxury travel advisor, you need to be affiliated with Internova. It’s not only the most valuable conference I have ever been to, it’s my favorite.”
Likewise, travel suppliers were also impressed with the event.
“Internova PLUS proved that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” said Tristan Dowell, Global Vice President, Luxury, Lifestyle and Leisure for Hyatt Hotels. “Not only did we have important conversations with travel advisors, we were also able to connect with friendly competitors in an impactful way.”
“The size, the professionalism and variety of the advisors, as well the quality of the content, were all incredible,” said Ludovic Cayacy, Director of Sales at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, in Paris. “Internova PLUS ticked all the boxes.”
“I received an inquiry from every appointment I had,” said Rebecca Slater, owner of Rebecca Recommends, one of the leading luxury travel representation companies in the United States. “I can’t remember that ever happening at a meeting before.”
Internova PLUS, held at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, was designed to push the boundaries of traditional event programming by bringing together participants through an intimate, innovative approach. Attendees tackled critical industry topics in “Think Tank” sessions, met one-on-one, enjoyed small group dinners and engaged in structured networking that fostered creativity and collaboration. There were opportunities to bond informally through activities like hiking, bocce, pickleball, beer and wine tasting and a sustainability tour.
“We are proud of what we put together for our partners and advisors,” said Albert Herrera, Executive Vice President, Partner Relations at Internova. “The discussions that happened at Internova PLUS will shape the next year of luxury travel.”
Herrera announced that the next Internova PLUS event will take place Jan. 16-19, 2024, at the soon-to-be-opened Pendry Newport Beach, in Orange County, California.
To learn more about Internova and its portfolio of travel agency brands, please visit https://internova.com.
About Internova Travel Group
Internova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world with a collection of leading brands delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients. Internova manages leisure, business and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with a presence in more than 80 countries.
SOURCE Internova Travel Group
Author
Small Business Month is typically about spotlighting local owners and encouraging communities to shop local. This year, the Reform CIPA Coalition is pairing that celebration with a policy push: modernize the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) by passing Senate Bill 690.
The coalition says small businesses are being hit with abusive litigation tied to outdated interpretations of a 1960s law—often over routine website tools used to serve customers.
Why the coalition says reform is urgent
The Reform CIPA Coalition argues that common online tools can become legal tripwires under certain CIPA interpretations, even when businesses are using them in ordinary, customer-facing ways. Examples cited include:
- Website chat features
- Appointment scheduling tools
- Analytics tools used to understand site performance
Supporters say these tools are already addressed under California’s consumer privacy framework, and that predatory lawsuits exploit legal ambiguity rather than genuine privacy harm.
Coalition growth: small businesses and statewide business groups
The coalition says it now includes 146 members, including more than 30 individual small businesses and nearly 40 organizations representing small business interests across California.
Coalition members say the expanding roster reflects a shared concern: legal uncertainty can translate into real costs for local employers and entrepreneurs.
What SB 690 would do
Supporters of SB 690 say the bill would clarify that activities already governed under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) are not grounds for opportunistic CIPA claims—while maintaining strong privacy protections for consumers.
Michael Hedges, President of the California Small Business Association, said an outdated law should not be “weaponized” against businesses using everyday technologies such as chat tools, scheduling, or analytics. He argued that these lawsuits raise costs, discourage investment, and make it harder for small businesses to grow.
The affordability argument: legal costs don’t stay in the courtroom
Coalition leaders also framed the issue as an affordability problem.
Mitchell Vieyra, Executive Vice President of the Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed), said that when small businesses are forced to spend money defending meritless lawsuits, the impact spreads beyond legal fees. Those costs can affect hiring, pricing, and the stability of local communities.
A small business owner’s view
Michelle Leopold, Owner/CMO of Stan’s Ace Hardware, said small businesses are already dealing with rising costs, labor pressures, and economic uncertainty. Being sued over routine website tools—tools used to communicate with customers and stay competitive—adds another burden.
Leopold said reforming CIPA would protect small businesses from abusive litigation while preserving strong privacy protections.
What happens next
As Small Business Month continues, Reform CIPA Coalition members are urging lawmakers to advance SB 690 as a modernization effort: clearer rules for modern digital operations, without rolling back consumer privacy.
For small businesses, supporters say the stakes are straightforward—less ambiguity, fewer opportunistic lawsuits, and more room to invest in service, staffing, and growth.
Source: Reform CIPA (press release distributed via PRNewswire, May 8, 2026).
Related: SB-690 Crimes: invasion of privacy
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
Author
Last Updated on May 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff
National Small Business Month
Every May, communities across the United States recognize Small Business Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the entrepreneurs, family-owned companies, startups, and local shops that help drive the American economy. From neighborhood restaurants to innovative tech startups, small businesses continue to play a vital role in creating jobs, supporting communities, and inspiring innovation.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for millions of jobs nationwide and represent the backbone of local economies. Throughout May, organizations, chambers of commerce, and business leaders host networking events, educational workshops, and promotional campaigns to support entrepreneurs and encourage consumers to shop locally.
One of the highlights of the month is National Small Business Week, which honors outstanding entrepreneurs and business owners making a difference in their communities.
For consumers, Small Business Month is also a reminder that supporting local businesses helps strengthen neighborhoods and keeps communities thriving. Whether it’s dining at a local café, shopping at an independent store, or hiring a local service provider, every purchase can make an impact.
Learn more about Small Business Month and related events through the official U.S. Small Business Administrationwebsite.
Related External Links
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- National Small Business Week – SBA
- SCORE – Mentoring and Resources for Small Businesses
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Small Business Resources
- Forbes Small Business News and Insights
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
News Brief
Earthquake Swarm Shakes Southern California Near Salton Sea
Earthquake Swarm: A swarm of earthquakes near California’s Salton Sea and Brawley area has prompted increased monitoring by seismologists as hundreds of tremors shake the region.
A swarm of earthquakes has been rattling Southern California near the Salton Sea, drawing attention from residents and seismologists across the region.
Salton Sea earthquake swarm?
The activity is centered near Brawley in Imperial County, an area known for frequent seismic movement due to its location within the Brawley Seismic Zone. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, hundreds of small earthquakes have been recorded over the past several days, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of approximately 4.7.
Residents throughout Imperial Valley, parts of Riverside County, and even portions of Arizona reported feeling shaking from several of the larger quakes. Minor incidents such as falling objects and brief power disruptions were also reported, though no major injuries or widespread structural damage have been confirmed at this time.
The region sits near the southern end of the San Andreas Fault and is considered one of California’s most geologically active areas. Scientists say earthquake swarms are relatively common near the Salton Sea because of the interaction between tectonic fault systems and geothermal activity beneath the surface.
While experts continue to monitor the situation closely, they emphasize that earthquake swarms do not necessarily indicate that a larger earthquake is imminent. However, officials encourage residents to review emergency preparedness plans, secure heavy furniture, and keep emergency supplies ready.
The Salton Sea region has experienced similar seismic swarms in the past, making it an important area of study for earthquake researchers and emergency management agencies.
For continued updates on this developing story and other regional news, visit STM Daily News.
Related External Links
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – Earthquake Monitoring
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- California Earthquake Preparedness Guide
- Ready.gov – Earthquake Safety Tips
- USGS – Salton Trough and Seismic Activity
Stay informed with the latest breaking news, trending stories, and real-time updates from around the world on STM Daily News. Visit our Stories This Moment page for continuously updated coverage on major events, technology, transportation, science, entertainment, and more.
