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Casago, a premier franchise-based vacation rental management company, has expanded its Idaho presence with a new locally owned and operated franchise serving McCall and the greater Boise area, led by Idaho residents Alex and Susan Pedigo.

The launch marks the continued rollout of Casago’s franchise-first model following its 2025 acquisition of Vacasa, converting markets into locally owned and operated businesses. Under this structure, local franchise owners lead operations on the ground, supported by Casago’s systems and national platform, ensuring homeowners and guests are served by teams directly accountable to their communities.

Alex Pedigo brings more than 15 years of vacation rental experience, beginning in resort lodging at a ski resort in Colorado and a lengthy career at Vacasa sales and business development. He then joined Casago to assist with market sales and the transition of Vacasa markets to locally owned and operated Casago franchises. Susan brings a background in marketing and business leadership. Together, they are focused on delivering a hands-on, locally led management approach tailored to each homeowner and market.

The new franchise officially went live on March 1 and includes 100 homes in the McCall area and 20 homes in Boise, supported by a team of 14 locally based employees.

The expansion reflects Casago’s core ethos: local ownership, local expertise and a commitment to strengthening the communities it operates in. For Alex and Susan, that means employing local people, actively supporting small businesses and helping ensure tourism dollars stay within the region.

Alex and Susan Pedigo, owners of Casago Idaho, said: “Idaho is incredibly community-driven, and that’s a big part of why this opportunity felt like such a natural fit for us. We’re focused on building a business that reflects the character of these communities. That means hiring and supporting local people, strengthening relationships with homeowners and small businesses, and creating a more personal, high-quality experience for every guest. For us, it’s about being truly present in these markets and helping both McCall and Boise continue to thrive.”

Steve Schwab, founder and CEO of Casago, said: “Alex and Susan represent exactly what Casago stands for – locally invested, community-minded operators delivering a better experience for homeowners and guests. Our model is built around empowering people who know their markets best, and we’re proud to support their growth in Idaho.”

The Idaho expansion forms part of Casago’s rapidly growing footprint across the U.S., Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. By combining local decision-making with the reach and resources of a national brand, Casago is raising the bar for professional vacation rental management.

In addition to property management services, the franchise plans to spotlight independent restaurants, shops and experiences across McCall, Long Valley and Boise through guest communications, social media and digital platforms.

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As the FIFA World Cup™ returns to North America for the first time in more than three decades, Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award‑winning travel platform, and Visa, a global leader in digital payments, today announced their joint global campaign: For Fans, Everywhere. Anchored by two iconic football stars known for their strong connection to fans, the campaign pays tribute to the passion of those who cross borders, never miss a kickoff, and live and breathe the beautiful game. Throughout the tournament, For Fans, Everywhere will unlock unparalleled match access and once‑in‑a‑lifetime experiences for Marriott Bonvoy members who are also Visa cardholders, bringing them closer than ever to the world’s most celebrated sporting event.

The For Fans, Everywhere campaign will be brought to life through two global football icons: Erling Haaland and Vinicius Júnior. Both stars will appear across a rich slate of content alongside Marriott Bonvoy and Visa, including dynamic ‘Sleepover Suite’ social videos, and a cinematic brand film set to engage fans worldwide as the tournament kicks off in June.

Beginning April 14, Marriott Bonvoy will unveil tickets for every FIFA World Cup 2026™ match as well as select curated experiences via the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform, courtesy of Visa. The largest Moments release ever for a single event puts more than 600 offerings at members’ fingertips, including fixed‑price experiences, auctions, and nearly 100 1‑Point Drops. 1‑Point Drops will roll out every Friday, culminating in early May with an entire week of daily drops – unlocking first‑come, first‑served access to the biggest moments of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, including the Final match, delivering unforgettable fan experiences on a global scale.

Marriott Bonvoy members who are Visa cardholders in select countries can also enter here for a chance to experience an extraordinary, money-can’t-buy ‘Sleepover Suite’ experience: an overnight stay inside New York New Jersey Stadium the night before the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final, thanks to Visa. Marriott Bonvoy and Visa will reimagine a luxury suite inside the stadium as a one-night-only hotel accommodation, with one duo staying just steps away from the historic pitch. With sweeping views of the field just below, this rare and extraordinary experience will immerse the winners in the energy, anticipation, and spectacle of the tournament’s pinnacle moment. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. See link to Official Rules below.*

“Our campaign taps into a core truth about World Cup fans: travel is more than a journey – it’s a way to get closer to the people, passions, and places they love. We’re creating a space where fans can celebrate their fandom, connect with community, and share their culture across generations,” said Peggy Roe, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, Marriott International. “World Cup travel is different from any other kind of travel. Fans don’t just explore the world; they bring their world with them, supporting their teams and sharing their culture globally. As a lifelong travel partner, we’re proud to support fans at every stage of that journey – from first matches to traditions passed down through generations.”

“FIFA World Cup 2026 will lead the way in groundbreaking fan experiences,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström. “As Canada, Mexico and the United States prepare to welcome millions of fans for football’s ultimate spectacle, we are thrilled that Marriott Bonvoy and Visa will work closely to unlock exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for supporters globally from the opening match in Mexico City through to the highly anticipated Final in New York New Jersey.”

“The FIFA World Cup is defined by moments fans carry with them for a lifetime – and the journey to the tournament is a key part of that magic,” said Kyndra Russell, North America Chief Marketing Officer, Visa. “Together, Marriott Bonvoy and Visa are helping unlock once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that bring members closer to the tournament, turning travel and access into experiences as unforgettable as the action on the pitch.”

As sports tourism continues to surge, now accounting for approximately 10% of global tourism spending and projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032**, Marriott Bonvoy is uniquely positioned to meet growing demand for experience-driven travel. With nearly 75% of Americans expressing interest in soccer** and international travel tied to sporting events on the rise, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is set to be a defining cultural and travel moment. Thanks to Visa, Marriott Bonvoy is redefining access, connecting members and cardholders to exclusive opportunities to experience the FIFA World Cup™ like never before.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Visa FIFA World Cup 2026™ Sleepover Suite Sweepstakes for Marriott Bonvoy is open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & DC & Puerto Rico, Canada, Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, South Africa, India, Japan, South Korea, Argentina (excluding Mendoza, Neuquén, Salta, Rio Negro, & Tierra del Fuego), & Brazil (the “Eligibility Area”) who are Marriott Bonvoy members at least 18 years of age & the age of majority as of date of entry. Void outside the Eligibility Area & where prohibited. Begins 10:00 a.m. GMT on April 15, 2026 & Ends 11:59 p.m. GMT June 16, 2026. Fans can enter here. See Official Rules for details.

**Data Source: UN Tourism; Skift; The Harris Poll

To learn more about Marriott Bonvoy Moments, visit moments.marriottbonvoy.com.

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La Réserve Golf Links, the flagship course of Heritage Resorts & Golf in Mauritius, has secured the 28th position in Golfweek’s Best Top 100 International Courses (outside the United States) for 2026.

Recognising the finest golf courses beyond the United States, these prestigious rankings place the Mauritian course ahead of renowned venues in traditional golfing heartlands, firmly cementing its status as the premier golf destination across Africa as well as the Indian Ocean, and a true must-play for discerning golfers worldwide.

As the first and only contemporary links course in the Indian Ocean, set in the unspoilt south-west of Mauritius within Bel Ombre, La Réserve Golf Links has redefined the region’s golfing landscape. Co-designed by acclaimed architect Peter Matkovich and Open Champion Louis Oousthuizen, the course offers panoramic ocean views from every hole, elevated infinity greens and rolling fairways, delivering a playing experience of exceptional beauty and strategic depth.

“To break into the top 30 international courses outside the United States is a tremendous achievement and a defining moment for Mauritius in the global golfing landscape,” said Thierry Montocchio, Chief Executive Officer of ER Hospitality, the parent company of Heritage Resorts & Golf.

“With La Reserve Golf Links, we dared to bring an ambitious vision to life in Mauritius. This recognition reflects the passion, expertise, and dedication of our entire team in creating a course that is not only outstanding, but which represents the pinnacle of golfing excellence on the island, in Africa and across the Indian Ocean.

From its challenging links design and spectacular coastal panoramas to its unwavering commitment to sustainability, this distinction affirms our place on the world golfing stage, an achievement of which we are immensely proud.”

La Réserve Golf Links is also the first golf course in Africa to achieve the GEO Certified® Development Status, reflecting its commitment to environmentally responsible and sustainable golf development.

Together with Le Château Golf Course, it forms part of a 45-hole championship offering within the 2,500-hectare Bel Ombre estate at Heritage Golf Club, where volcanic mountains meet a pristine lagoon in one of Mauritius’ most preserved natural settings.

This world-class golf experience is complemented by stay options at the adjacent five-star hotels -the refined and elegant Heritage Le Telfair, the vibrant Heritage Awali, and in private villas at Heritage The Villas.
Together, they position Heritage Resorts & Golf as a premier destination for luxury golf tourism, where championship courses, heartfelt hospitality, and immersive experiences come together in perfect harmony.

For more information and to book, visit: www.heritageresorts.mu

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Avani Victoria Falls Resort introduces a newly refreshed stay at Victoria Falls, offering guests direct access to one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Located within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, the resort combines redesigned rooms, destination-led dining and year-round access to adventure, creating a contemporary base for exploring Livingstone year-round.

Set across 46 hectares of protected land, the resort is defined by its immediate connection to nature. Wildlife moves freely through the grounds, from zebras and giraffes to impalas and monkeys, creating an experience that feels both unstructured and distinctly local.

Fifty Superior Rooms and four Suites have been redesigned with a more considered, contemporary approach, drawing on the tones and textures of the Zambezi riverfront. Clean lines and natural materials shape calm, functional spaces, while subtle nods to Zambian craft bring in a sense of place without overstatement. Layouts have been refined for ease, flowing from indoor living to terraces and balconies that look out across gardens, pools and the resort’s lagoon.

Experiences extend beyond the resort, with the Falls offering a different perspective throughout the year. Guests can explore a range of activities, from guided dips in Devil’s Pool to white-water rafting, gorge swings and scenic flights over the Zambezi, each bringing them closer to the landscape.

Dining continues this connection to place. Mukuni Boma offers an open-air setting centred on regional flavours and cultural storytelling, while private dining along the Zambezi creates a more intimate experience shaped by its surroundings. Families are equally considered, with AvaniKids programmes focused on outdoor exploration, guided discovery and wildlife themed activities.

Positioned for year-round discovery, Avani Victoria Falls Resort brings together location, design and access, set within one of Africa’s most recognised landscapes. Getting there is straightforward, with direct flights from Johannesburg into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, followed by a short transfer, or via Victoria Falls Airport just across the border.

Rooms start from USD1,100 per night, based on two adults sharing a Superior Pool View Room, inclusive of breakfast, taxes and fees. For more information and to book, please visit avanihotels.com/en/victoria-falls, email [email protected] or call +260 76 885 0507

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Club Med is pleased to announce the appointment of Marc Lauret as Sales Director for Singapore and Malaysia, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to accelerating growth and deepening partnerships across two of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic outbound travel markets.

With a proven track-record in driving commercial performance, digital transformation, and trade engagement, Marc brings a wealth of international experience to his new role. His appointment comes at a pivotal time as Club Med continues to strengthen its premium positioning while expanding its footprint across both sun and ski resort offerings.

A Proven Leader in Driving Sales Transformation and Trade Growth

Marc Lauret joins the Southeast Asia team with an impressive portfolio of achievements across multiple markets, including the UK, Ireland, and the Nordics. Known for his strategic and data-driven approach, he has successfully led initiatives that significantly enhanced indirect and MICE sales performance.

Among his key accomplishments:

·      Accelerated Indirect Sales Growth
Marc defined and executed a multi-market commercial strategy that positioned the Club Med Travel Agent Portal as the central ecosystem for travel partners—integrating booking tools, product content, and performance tracking.
This contributed to a threefold increase in bookings during the Winter 2026 sales campaign, driven by stronger engagement with agency partners.

·      Strengthened Trade Partnerships
He introduced a structured Service Level Agreement (SLA) framework and launched a travel agent loyalty programme, rewarding high-performing partners and elevating long-term collaboration.

·      Expanded Product Mix
Successfully increased the share of sun resort bookings from 13% to 20% within two years, even within traditionally ski-focused distribution environments.

·      Elevated MICE Offering
Marc played a pivotal role in positioning Club Med as a premium Meetings & Events (MICE) provider, delivering +36% growth through curated resort experiences and large-scale privatizations, while increasing direct corporate client share to 58%.

·      Scaled Digital Distribution
He strengthened e-distribution capabilities through API integrations and Channel Connectivity Manager for BA, notably elevating partnerships such as British Airways Holidays to become a leading global distribution partner (outside China).

·      Champion of Data & Performance Insights
By implementing automated reporting and AI-driven insights for travel agents, Marc enabled partners to make smarter, faster business decisions.

A Positive Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

Marc’s appointment signals a forward-looking strategy for Club Med in Singapore and Malaysia—one that prioritizes trade empowerment and digital innovation.
“We are seeing strong momentum across both markets, driven by robust trade partnerships and evolving traveller expectations. I look forward to collaborating closely with our partners to unlock new growth opportunities and deliver exceptional holiday experiences to our guests,” said Marc Lauret.
With travel demand continuing to rise and forward bookings showing robust performance, Club Med is well-positioned to drive sustained growth across Singapore Malaysia markets.