IN THE NEWS
Sky Vacations Participates in Key Tourism Discussions at World Travel Market London, Strengthening Ties with Indian Tourism Leaders.
Sky Vacations is pleased to announce its recent participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, where the team engaged in significant discussions with top Indian tourism officials. Among the distinguished figures were Ms. Mugdha Sinha, India’s Director General of Tourism, as well as senior representatives from key destinations such as Kerala and Goa. The conversations focused on pioneering new travel experiences, including the expansion of eco-tourism, wellness retreats, and immersive, tech-driven offerings designed to deepen travelers’ connection to India.
These dialogues reconfirmed India’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive travel practices, while Sky Vacations emphasized its commitment to support these efforts by promoting authentic travel that highlights India’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and unique traditions. Their shared vision aligned with offering diverse experiences that range from luxury escapes to adventurous explorations, all while preserving cultural and environmental integrity. The team now looks forward to sharing these enhanced offerings with their clients, ensuring every journey to India remains both enriching and meaningful.
Sky Vacations Launches New Collection of Small Group Journeys
June 23, 2025
Sky Vacations has officially launched its Small Group Journeys—a crafted portfolio of travel experiences designed for culturally curious travelers who enjoy exploring the world in a more intimate setting. Small Group Journeys are limited to a maximum of 20 guests, offering a seamless blend of meaningful cultural engagement, guided sightseeing and flexible free time. These itineraries combine iconic landmarks with local discoveries, offering authentic, story-rich travel experiences across some of the world’s most inspiring destinations.
Enjoy a Feast of Architecture & Art in Abu Dhabi
Art and design aficionados and more casual culture fans alike will have cause to rejoice upon encountering the treasure trove of Abu Dhabi’s iconic buildings in Sky Vacations’ tour of architectural masterpieces and cultural hubs. This artistic expedition also includes visits to the city’s museums and archeological sites, leaving travelers with heightened appreciation for the emirate’s fascinating history. Populated with the outstanding experiences for which Sky Vacations is known, including authentic Emirati cuisine at famed restaurants, stylish hotels, and friendly tour guides eager to share their expertise, this itinerary shows off the best of a city that’s at once modern and timeless, while leaving those who partake in it with a vision of the future.
Sky Vacations & Saudi Tourism Authority Announce Partnership
March 24, 2025
Sky Vacations has partnered with the Saudi Tourism Authority to showcase Saudi Arabia as a premier global destination. This collaboration introduces North American travelers to the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, landscapes and tourism developments.
Tour Operators Redefine 2025 Travel with New Experiences
January 16, 2025
Sky Vacations has partnered with Swan Hellenic Cruises and will now feature the line’s cruise calendar in its offerings. Travelers booking with Sky Vacations can now choose from an array of Swan Hellenic cruises on board newly built vessels, including sailings to destinations such as Antarctica, Africa, the Arctic, Central America & the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
Sky Vacations Unveils Exclusive Croatian Journeys Highlighting Hidden Gems
December 30, 2024
Sky Vacations, one of North America’s leading luxury tour operators, is thrilled to announce its newly curated journeys to Croatia, a destination renowned for its timeless beauty, hidden wonders, and unparalleled charm. Designed to immerse travelers in Croatia’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant history, these programs highlight both iconic landmarks and lesser-explored treasures.
I’m a Gen X Traveler: 4 Top Travel Destinations Worth Your Money in 2025
January 5, 2025
Booking vacations can be challenging for Gen X travelers who are balancing wanderlust with wallet-friendly options.
Krieger recommended that Gen X travelers who love wine and wine tasting visit Naoussa, a fishing village located on the northeastern corner of Paros Island.
Sky Vacations unveils exclusive journeys to Croatia
December 20, 2024
Sky Vacations has unveiled a series of expertly curated journeys to Croatia. These new programs are designed to immerse your clients in the heart of its rich culture, landscapes and history.
An Immersive Journey
These itineraries will take your clients on an exploration of Croatia’s diverse regions. From Zagreb to the medieval streets of Dubrovnik and the historical Split, each program offers an authentic experience of the country.
Richard Krieger Champions Responsible Tourism for World Wonders.
June 15, 2024
The world-renowned white marble mausoleum, is not just the Indian monument most visited by international tourists, it is also the most frequented attraction for domestic tourists. It is said to receive between seven and eight million visitors annually, with 800,000 of those from overseas.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, the Taj Mahal eclipsed all other Indian tourist attractions in ticket sales, with data revealing that it earned £7.7 million in the year 2022 to 2023, according to Tourism Ministry data, despite a large dip due to the pandemic.
Experiencing Luxury Overseas: European Cities the Rich Love To Visit — and How Much It Costs
New York, May 28, 2024
”The most interesting trend among cities our wealthiest clients love to visit is the shift from the most famous European cities, Paris, Rome, London, Zurich, to cities that offer these travelers the chance to both enjoy a truly luxurious experience, but also have a more authentic travel connection,” said Richard Krieger, director at Sky Vacations.
Sky Vacations Expands Faith-Based Travel Market
New York, March 22, 2024
Sky Vacations has announced its membership with Faith Travel Association (FTA) and National Tour Association (NTA). These strategic partnerships mark a significant milestone in Sky Vacations’ commitment to provide the travel advisor community with a diverse choice of journeys.
Through its membership in FTA, Sky Vacations plans to expand its faith-based travel offerings by expanding its product line. Richard Krieger, director of Sky Vacations, said “Travel is often more than seeing the most famous buildings and museums. For many travelers, connecting with their faith, tradition and culture is a key element of their journey.
Vegan Culinary Expedition Through Seoul
New York, January 15, 2024
Eating your way through Seoul, a la vegan. A new Sky Vacations program in Korea’s capital that puts the focus on plant-based cuisine has participants exploring bustling markets and participating in kimchi-making classes, among other delights. Sky Vacations partnered with the Korea Tourism Organization to create the 4-day Vegan Culinary Expedition Through Seoul itinerary, taking place May 27-30, 2024.
Sky Vacations launches luxury Italian Villa Collection
New York, July 25, 2023:
NEW YORK –Sky Vacations, a leading provider of luxury travel experiences, announced its exclusive partnership with Italian Style Villas, the renowned villa rental company specializing in luxury properties in Italy. This collaboration will offer Sky Vacations’ clients exclusive access to a curated selection of elegant private villas, historic castles, country homes, and luxurious hotels in Italy, further enhancing their travel options.
Sky Vacations announces new tours to Serbia, Tanzania, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi
New York, May 2, 2023:
Sky Vacations announces the expansion of their product portfolio to include four new destinations: Serbia, Tanzania, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi. These new additions to their travel offerings are aimed at providing travellers with unique and immersive experiences in some of the world’s most captivating destinations.
Sky Vacations Named Exclusive Partner Promoting 2023 Formula 1 Grand Prix, Qatar
New York, March 31, 2023:
Sky Vacations one of the leading tour operators has been named as an exclusive partner for the 2023 Formula 1 Grand Prix, Qatar to be held in October 2023. The race will take place in the beautiful city of Lusail, just north of Doha and Sky Vacations will be offering tailored packages for fans to experience this thrilling event.
In the spotlight: Richard Krieger, Director of Sky Vacations, a Tours Division of Sky Bird Travel & Tours
New York, February 13, 2023:
During his career in the travel industry, Richard has enjoyed leadership roles in both the retail and wholesale sides of the industry. Beginning in retail agency sales and management, Richard transitioned into the luxury wholesale tour operator space, focusing on product development and market share expansion. As Director of Sky Vacations, Richard leads a dynamic team, dedicated to developing programs that offer a unique opportunity for a traveler to connect with a place and its people, specifically to India and “waiting to be discovered” destinations. Richard serves on a number of industry committees and is a current Board member of IGLTA.
Sky Vacations expands adventure travel portfolio; announces membership to Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)
New York, February 2, 2023: Sky Vacations, one of the leading outbound tour operators in North America has announced its membership with Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), the largest global network of adventure travel leaders.
“Our client’s requests for adventure travel has been gaining momentum over the past few years and one thing is clear – the term ‘adventure travel’ is changing. For some, adventure travel means jumping out of plane or climbing a mountain. And while that may be true for one segment of travelers, to other’s it means snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, hiking in Japan, cycling in Puglia, camping in the desert of AlUla or rafting on the Ganges”, says Richard Krieger, Director of Sky Vacations.
Sky Vacations announces top 10 travel experiences for 2023
New York, January 10, 2023:
Sky Vacations, one of the leading US-based outbound tour operators has announced its annual Top 10 Travel Experiences for 2023.
The list of inspiring experiences is based on the extensive research carried out by Sky Vacations
that included reaching out to professional travel planners for their insight. The results reveal travel trends of 2023, including where travellers want to go, their style and motivation for travel.
“It’s always exciting when we release our Top 10 Travel Experiences and this year the results are quite interesting” says Richard Krieger, Director of Sky Vacations. Further, he adds, “the
results are an interesting mix of tried and true destinations, like London and Paris along with what we call “waiting to be discovered” destinations such as Korea, Queensland and Qatar. Add to this the growing demand in health and wellness travel, family travel and opportunities to connect with local cultures, the travel landscape for 2023 is quite diverse- and that’s thrilling for us.”
Sky Vacations Announces Bespoke Tours To Korea
New York – November 10, 2022: Sky Vacations, one of North America’s leading tour operators announced two exclusive land experiences to Korea.
The first, “Korea, Past & Present” affords travelers an authentic insight in to Korea’s massive transformation over the past few decades, its unique culture, traditions and natural beauty. This 8-day experience has been specifically created with first time visitors in mind.
Additionally, “Spirit of Korea” is a program ideal for travelers looking to uncover 5000 years of culture and history through Zen meditation, tea ceremony and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites. This once in a lifetime experience includes an overnight stay in a temple, experiencing exquisite Korean cuisine and visit to Busan, Korea’s second largest city.
Sky Vacations is adding Middle East tour packages
New York – October 19, 2022:
Sky Vacations is further expanding its offerings in the Middle East with new tours and experiences for travelers looking to explore the region.
The New York-based tour operator, which became a USTOA member earlier this year, is launching tours this year that will include yoga experiences in Israel, family adventure travel in Egypt, journeys that explore the ancient and modern aspects of Qatar and an Architecture and Design tour in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Sky Vacations is also launching its first program to AlUla in Saudi Arabia, an ancient city where guests will be able to explore Hegra, the country’s first Unesco World Heritage site.
New York-based tour operator Sky Vacations has joined the U.S. Tour Operators Association as an active member.
New York, August 4, 2022: The addition of Sky Vacations brings USTOA’s active member count to 48 with a total of 142 brands represented. Sky Vacations is best known for its tour packages to India. The company also has extensive offerings around Asia, including Nepal, Korea, Japan, as well as destinations in the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.
All USTOA active members participate in the organization’s $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, which requires that a $1 million bond be set aside to protect consumers in the event the company experiences bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business.
USTOA active tour operator members can display the USTOA logo on their printed materials and/or websites, indicating their participation in the $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.
Sky Vacations announces new experiences to AlUla, Saudi Arabia
New York, August 1, 2022: Sky Vacations, one of North America’s leading tour operators announced two exclusive land experiences to AlUla, a historical land located in northwest region of Saudi Arabia steeped in the beauty of the natural world alongside dramatic splendor of human creations.
Taking the travelers on a journey through time, Sky Vacations’ AlUla experiences, ‘Breathtaking AlUla’ and ‘AlUla, Desert Oasis Beckons’ brings the traveler to a land with an untold story; preserved by time combined with breathtaking jewel of archaeological and cultural history. These itineraries provide travelers the opportunity to discover AlUla’s celestial desert landscape, unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient legends and modern art installations. And they are ideal on their own or in addition to programs visiting Egypt, Jordan and several other countries of the Middle East.
“AlUla offers a huge array of contrasts for travelers. It provides a unique opportunity to feel like Indiana Jones, to be a true explorer! Our tours are curated to go beyond the traditional – think floating above ancient landscapes in a hot air balloon, ride an Arabian horse across the dunes or stargazing at the desert sky” says Richard Krieger, Director of Sky Vacations. He continues, “To explore different places and ways of life in an authentic way is an essential element of travel and our tours to AlUla are perfect for the intrepid and curious traveler.”
Sky Vacations announces exclusive tours and royal experiences to mark Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
New York, March 23, 2022: Sky Vacations, one of the leading U.S. based outbound tour operators has announced a collection of exciting programs to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The tours are aligned to mark one of the most significant milestone in British history, Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Itineraries feature private visits to many of the most popular royal attractions such as the Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey and special exhibitions being organized to honor the history of the British monarchy. Experiences also include quintessential British traditions of afternoon tea, pub crawls and Sunday Roast.
“It is truly a privilege to be part of this incredible Jubilee celebration honoring the Queen’s 70-year reign” said Richard Krieger, Director of Sky Vacations. Further he added “given the closeness to our ancestral heritage and the ties we share with Great Britain, we have been inundated with requests from our travelers to create unique experiences to commemorate this once in lifetime celebration.”
Sky Vacations launches Bridgerton Tour
New York, April 26, 2021: Sky Vacations, a member of the Sky Bird Group, announced today a new tour “Reel Life to Real Life: Bridgerton” focused around the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton” with an optional “Downtown Abbey” extension.
“Starting last year, we noticed a steady trend of inquires about touring and visiting the film locations featured in Bridgerton so it made perfect sense for us to design a self drive trip built around the sites” said Richard Krieger, Director of Sky Vacations. “American travelers have always flocked to the UK to experience its history, culture along with the many sites familiar to us from film and television. A few years back we couldn’t keep up with demand for our “Downtown Abbey” tour and we expect the same demand for our new “Bridgerton” product. And with the winter release of the “Downton Abbey” sequel, these locations will be more popular than ever.”
Sky Vacations Increases Global Experiences
New York, April 2, 2021: Sky Vacations, recognized as one of the leading U.S. based tour operators, specializing in custom crafted itineraries for individual and group travelers, announced today the expansion of its global product portfolio.
New programs include active vacations to India and Japan that feature hiking, camping and rafting, self-drive itineraries in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, wine tasting in Andalucía, Spain, Israel, Naples, Italy, Austria and Vienna/Prague and Budapest plus exploring Incan Civilization in Peru and Bolivia. Also new is a collection of carefully chosen Villa & Boutique Hotels around the world.
SKY VACATIONS EXPANDING COMMITMENT TO TRAVEL AGENTS & INDUSTRY
New York, March 19, 2020
Sky Vacations announced today that in the upcoming weeks they will be launching a series of exciting travel agent destination training opportunities, new products and agent only travel experiences slated for late 2020 and into 2021.
“Our dedication to our travel agent partners is absolute. Even today, when travel is restricted, travel professionals continue to phone us for advice, ask questions and book / make inquiries for travel later this year and beyond. Their support has been a catalyst for us to push ahead and to look to the future. We are grateful for the trust and all our efforts are to ensure that when things go back to normal, which they will, we are ready.” said Richard Krieger, Director of Sky Vacations.
Featured Story
Sky Vacations Named Exclusive Partner Promoting ‘The Ultimate Andrea Bocelli Experience’
The Ultimate Andrea Bocelli Experience” will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for travelers. —Codie Liermann, Associate Editor Travel Pulse
Sky Vacations today announced the launch of “The Ultimate Andrea Bocelli Experience” taking place in Tuscany, July 22 – 26, 2020.
Named as one of the exclusive partners promoting the event, the company has created a once in a lifetime journey that includes tickets to the highly anticipated concert to be held at the Teatro del Silenzio along with pre and post event experiences.