Travelweek - February 11th, 2021

Canada’s Travel Trade News February 11, 2021 travelweek.ca

Future of Travel Travelweek's latest conference brings together top industry executives pg. 3

Blue Diamond Resorts joins forces with Marriott International

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Air Canada suspends 17 international routes TDC unveils new service fee grid

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TOP NEWS

“Our community is strong and united”: Travelweek’s ‘Future of Travel’ conference brings industry together TORONTO — Travelweek’s latest installment of its hugely successful ‘Future of Travel’ virtual conference series could not have been better timed, taking place less than a week after the federal government announced the mass cancellation of winter sun flights for Air Canada, WestJet, Transat and Sunwing.

The news, not surprisingly, was top of mind among the thousands of travel advisors who tuned in to the Feb. 3 live event, which was broadcast on the webcast as well as on Facebook Live.

‘Future of Travel: A Brand New Year’ was the third installment in the conference series, following two others that took place in June and September of 2020, all of which featured top travel industry executives who discussed pressing issues and key trends in the midst of the pandemic.

This latest conference, despite coming on the heels of what is arguably the Canadian travel industry’s toughest challenge since last March, focused on a positive outlook for the future, with pent-up travel demand and the rollout of vaccines around the world providing some much-needed hope as the pandemic approaches its second year.

Said Travelweek publisher Devin Kinasz: “We know that there are still dark days ahead and the cancellation of winter sun flights will certainly lead to even more uncertainty for airlines, tour operators, hotels and travel agents. But as our keynote speakers discussed, there’s also plenty of reason to be hopeful for the start of travel’s recovery.

The year may have had a rocky start but as we’ve proven in the past year, our community is strong, united and capable of taking on challenges as they come.”

CANCELLATIONS & BAILOUTS Cutting right to the chase, Lucie Guillemette, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer opened the conference by addressing the sun cancellations, saying that the decision “was obviously very painful” and acknowledging the many repercussions for not only the airline,

On the cover, counter-clockwise from top right: Air Canada’s Lucie Guillemette; NCL’s Derek Lloyd; Avalon’s Pam Hoffee; ACITA’s Judith Coates; ETC’s Pascal Prinz; Globus Escorted Tours’ Carla Brake; G Adventures’ Bruce Poon Tip

By Cindy Sosroutomo

Travelweek editor Kathryn Folliott (left) and Lucie Guillemette, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer

but also the travel advisor community.

“We understood what the implications were on the travel agency community but for us, it was something that was required. We had to hold this position,” said Guillemette. “We at Air Canada have said from the offset that our approach was to always continue to adapt our plans as the situation evolves, and this particular case with the sun routes, we agreed to do this because we understood the concerns the government had. To say this was not difficult would be an understatement.”

When asked whether a government bailout package would be given to airlines on condition of them agreeing to these flight cancellations, Guillemette said the two were unrelated.

“The cancellations were simply requested in order to ensure restrictions were made to stop flying to sun destinations during this period, with the goal of trying to limit any COVID coming into Canada,” she said. “The government did announce its intention to provide some support to Canadian carriers at the end of last year, and those discussions had been moving forward before the sun cancellations were made. We do hope that we’ll get to a point where there is support for our industry in Canada.”

WHAT’S SELLING & TRENDING “There’s definitely pent-up demand for 2022 and we’re seeing that in the bookings that we have and the new ones that are coming in,” said Carla Brake, Director of Business Development, Globus Escorted Tours.

Noting how Globus has used this time to evolve its portfolio to reflect current trends, Brake recommended ‘Undiscovered’ tours with Globus and Cosmos that take guests off the beaten path in Europe and North America.

But what she’s really seeing in terms of trends is groups.

“Group sales for the future are looking absolutely fantastic. It could be families travelling together, groups of friends, even advisor partners who are anxious to travel, too, and inviting their clients to join them on trips,” said Brake. Both Globus and Cosmos offer Small-Group Discoveries, ideal for those looking to travel in small bubbles.

As for 2021, Brake anticipates travel will pick up in late summer and fall, a forecast echoed by Pam Hoffee, Managing Director, Canada for Avalon Waterways, part of the Globus family of brands. Saying “there is absolutely still life in 2021,” Hoffee was encouraged by nearly sold out Christmas Market sailings as well as the number of guests who opted for a future cruise credit February 11, 2020 | TRAVELWEEK | 3

TOP NEWS rather than cancelling their 2020 tours.

On 2022 bookings, Hoffee added: “We knew there was a need to open 2022 and our advisor partners confirmed that to us. So we opened 2022 earlier than we ever have and we were very happy to do that because we are seeing a surge in bookings.”

Avalon is seeing demand for smaller groups and outdoor adventures, which is why it’s focusing on its Active and Discovery cruises, now available on nearly every river that the company sails on. In addition, Hoffee is anticipating an uptick in first-time cruisers as she believes that river cruising will be the first entry back to cruising for most travellers who want to cruise. She cited many reasons for this, including the small size of Avalon’s ships (average of 150 pax), its award-winning Panorama Suites featuring 11-foot-wide walls that open seven feet, as well as the fact that air does not circulate between cabins on Avalon ships.

HOW TRAVEL WILL CHANGE As both Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, and Derek Lloyd, Norwegian Cruise Line’s VP, Agency Sales, attested to, it’s extremely difficult for travel companies to plan ahead during a pandemic that changes nearly daily.

“What strategy can you have in an ever changing landscape?” said Poon Tip. G Adventures, which ran about 25 trips in September-October and about 40-50 currently, a far cry from the thousands it usually runs each month, is dipping its toe in the water, said Poon Tip, with enhanced safety protocols that include social distancing and timed entrance into attractions.

“Our tours have to be more preplanned and pre-meditated, which is the opposite of what we’ve made a career on – the promise of more freedom and flexibility,” he added. “But it hasn’t affected our customer experience. Our customers have been very accepting Got a story idea? Questions or comments? Write to us at editorial@travelweek.ca

TRAVELWEEK

and open to the point that our NPS (Net Promoter Score) scores are higher than they’ve ever been.”

Lloyd also speculated on what the new normal will look like onboard cruise ships, saying that “what’s true today may not be true tomorrow.” On whether buffets will still be around, he expects to see major changes when cruises resume that include diners being served buffet food directly by staff. “Will that be a permanent thing?” he wondered. “Maybe but maybe not, I don’t have a crystal ball. But we are currently mapping out the onboard experience, looking at dining and entertainment, and we want to make sure that we’re doing it right.”

“The travel shutdown can be viewed as an opportunity for growth, especially for those who are small business owners.”

When asked whether NCL will require proof of vaccinations from passengers, Lloyd added that right now, the cruise line is exploring all options for both guests and crew.

“It’s absolutely our intention that all crew members will be vaccinated before boarding our vessels, subject of course to availability,” he said. “We’re continuing to partner with authorities and the Healthy Sail Panel to look at all the options necessary to protect our guests, our crew and the communities that we visit.”

STAYING HOPEFUL Pascal Prinz, Europe Travel Commission (ETC) Chair, Canada Chapter & Director, Canada of Switzerland Tourism, remains hopeful for Europe in 2021, despite the fact that Canadians in general are currently not permitted to enter. Summer and fall, however, are what he’s focusing on, and he’s encouraged by ETC’s latest data that shows Europe will be, and is, in high demand and that Canadians are wanting to travel again.

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“Young adventure travellers under 30, the early adapters, want to see adventure and nature, while the affluent traveller with an annual income of over $200,000 want history, culinary and once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” he said.

“Then we see boomers who have the time and money to travel who want to experience their third or fourth spring in their lives, and I’m absolutely convinced that they’ll have a wonderful time in Europe once the time is right.”

“I am very optimistic for the future of travel and I want to emphasize that Europe is fully committed to Canada and the Canadian travel trade.” Prinz also encouraged agents to refer to the Reopen Europe website for the latest entry rules and requirements: reopen. europa.eu.

Also showing commitment to the trade was Judith Coates, Founder of the Association of Canadian Independent Travel Advisors (ACITA), who shared the group’s mission to meet with all Members of Parliament to address the unique concerns of the approximate 12,000 independent travel advisors in Canada. Of the 235 MPs in Canada, the group has already met with 160 of them via 30-minute Zoom calls. Approximately nine of these MPs have taken the group’s concerns, which include commission recalls, to the House of Commons.

“It’s important that we let ourselves become part of something bigger and that’s what we’re always encouraging our advisors who are in our group to do – something that helps the entire travel industry, not just travel advisors and independent travel advisors,” said Coates. “The travel shutdown can be viewed as a time of doom and gloom but we can also view it as an opportunity for growth, especially for those of us who are small business owners, as a challenge to make something better of our business and a chance to plan for the future and plan new goals. I realize it’s not easy but if we can do that, I think the travel advisors who do are the ones who’ll not only survive but thrive.”

CONTENTS COPYRIGHTED We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

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4 | TRAVELWEEK | February 4, 2020

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Credit: Globus

FUTURE OF TRAVEL

Cinque Terre, Italy

Globus and Cosmos offering Small Groups, Early Booking Incentives and Peace of Mind TORONTO — Bigger isn’t always better, as Globus and Cosmos would say.

The two brands, part of the Globus family of brands, are making group experiences even smaller in 2021 with Small-Group Discovery tours available on all departures in North America and Europe.

Both Globus and Cosmos already offer Small-Group Discoveries on all departures through Central & South America, Asia, Africa and select departures in the South Pacific, but this marks the first time this kind of touring will be available on all departures in North America and Europe.

“In 2021, Small-Group Discovery vacations in Europe and North America are available on every tour,” says Stéphanie Bishop, managing director for the Globus family of brands. “With an average of just 24 guests, these special departures promise travellers

extra space while enjoying fascinating sites across the globe.”

In December 2020, Globus and Cosmos unveiled a large selection of Europe and North America itineraries for 2022 travel, marking their earliest release in history to meet increasing demand. Travel advisors now have the chance to extend an invitation to map out a vacation in 2021 or 2022, including those holding on to a travel credit from displaced 2020 vacation plans.

To entice clients to book now and travel later, Early Booking Incentives include 10% off 2021 or 2022 Globus Europe & North America tours, and a $50 savings per person on 2022 Cosmos Europe & North America tours. For groups of 10 or more travellers, Globus is offering an extra $100 off per person on select 2022 vacations, while Cosmos has savings of an extra $50 per person on select 2022 vacations.

Globus Castle Tour

Globus family of brands’ Peace of Mind Travel Plan is a complimentary plan attached to all 2021 bookings, giving travellers the flexibility to move vacations to any other 2021 or 2022 date, destination, itinerary or even another brand in the company’s travel portfolio. There are no penalties, so long as the booking is moved before the final payment date. Moreover, as long as the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting travel, all bookings for 2022 travel dates are also covered by the Peace of Mind Travel Plan, extending the ability to move travel dates through 2023.

For more details go to agentlingo.ca.

February 11, 2020 | TRAVELWEEK | 7

DID YOU KNOW? Along the Rhine Gorge, there are more castles visible from the river than anywhere else in world? An average of one every 2.5 kilometres!

THE FAIRYTALE FANTASY OF THE RHINE Meandering through storied scenery including hillside castles, craggy cliffs, terraced vineyards and the medieval towns of five countries, the Rhine River weaves together a tapestry of history and culture (not to mention countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites), making it the perfect cure for cabin feature and feast for travel cravings.

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Credit: Avalon Waterways

FUTURE OF TRAVEL

Credit: Avalon Waterways

Linz_Austria

There’s a Rhine itinerary for every river cruiser with Avalon TORONTO — Avalon Waterways, part of the Globus family of brands, is offering the ‘suitest’, safest and quickest path back to cruising in 2021 with small-ship sailing along the Rhine River.

With entry prices starting at $1,974, Rhine River voyages take place aboard Avalon’s award-winning Suite Ships featuring one-of-a-kind Panorama Suites, Open-Air Balconies and beds that face the Rhine views on two full decks. There are nearly two dozen itineraries in Avalon’s Rhine portfolio to choose from ranging from five to 16 days, year round.

“With its breadth of handsome harbours, intriguing bucket-list cities and quaint villages across five countries, the Rhine will redefine the cruise experience for travellers in 2021,” says Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “Gifting cruisers a sail through time and tales, the Rhine River is a fabled waterway that is as fitting for firsttime river cruisers as it is for seasoned travellers.”

In addition to giving travellers one of the widest variety of vacations avail-

able on the Rhine River, Avalon has created what it calls ‘Short and Suite’ getaways ranging from five to six days.

These shorter voyages provide timestarved travellers and first-time river cruisers the chance to test river cruise waters.

Avalon is also the only river cruise line that offers highly customizable Active & Discovery itineraries on the Rhine. These include a choice of nearly 30 ‘Active’, ‘Discovery’ and ‘Classic’ excursions throughout a client’s vacation.

“We take great pride in inviting travellers to cruise against the stream on the Rhine River,” adds Hoffee. “In addition to our Avalon Choice excursions and Adventure Hosts on every itinerary, our relationship with Globus, Cosmos and Monograms gives travellers exclusive access to ‘Your Way’ cruising, which seamlessly provides them with options for immersive sightseeing access, hotel accommodations and transfers in European cities before and after each cruising vacation.”

For first-time river cruisers, Avalon recommends the five-day ‘A Taste of

the Rhine,’ which is bookended by the bucket-list cities of Amsterdam and Frankfurt, while those looking for a fullweek vacation will enjoy the ‘Romantic Rhine.’ Seasoned sightseers will love ‘The Rhine & Moselle – Canals, Vineyards & Castles’ while those returning to the Rhine will discover new joys on the ‘Active & Discovery on the Rhine’ as well as the 16-day ‘Magnificent Rivers of Europe’ or ‘Enchanted Europe.’

Guests who book select 2021/2022 Europe river cruises through March 1, 2021 will enjoy $499 air, plus savings of up to $2,500 per couple.

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February 11, 2020 | TRAVELWEEK | 9

Europe invites the curious

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FUTURE OF TRAVEL

Europe is ready to welcome back Canadians, when the time is right

Thun, Switzerland

Credit: Sandals

BRUSSELS — The European Travel Commission (ETC), in partnership with its member National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), has announced that it is working on the develop-

ment of the ‘Europe Invites the Curious’ global campaign.

Co-funded by the European Union, the campaign is designed to restore traveller confidence and build a distinctive image of Europe as an ideal travel destination in long-haul markets such as Canada. The campaign will also help maintain the European travel market share and better disperse traveller flows in terms of geography and seasons, all the while considering aspirations for sustainability in tourism and its growth.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our lives in many ways in Canada and Europe,” says Pascal Prinz, ETC Chair, Canada Chapter. “Governments have taken various restrictive measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus and to protect lives. Let’s

Rendering of a Swim-up Rondoval Suite, Sandals South Coast

Sandals debuts new suites and enhancements at two Jamaica resorts MONTEGO BAY — Sandals has even more luxury in store for guests this year, with brand new suites, a reimagined village and poolside rooms at two of its Jamaica resorts.

The world’s first-ever Swim-up Rondoval Suites have been unveiled at Sandals South Coast in Whitehouse, Jamaica as the resort’s newest and most secluded luxury accommoda-

tions. Each suite features zero-entry swimup access, a private plunge pool, an outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub for two as well as Sandals’ new signature Serenity Swing with scenic views.

Plus, the new suites are situated in the brand new South Seas Villages featuring the longest swimup pool in the western hemisphere at 17,040 square feet.

Sandals South Coast has also debuted the fully renovated Dutch SwimUp Village where guests will find 112 beachfront rooms with outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tubs for two, freestanding tubs with a separate shower in select categories as well as direct

be responsible today for a better tomorrow. Europe hopes to welcome Canadians back again soon.”

Before the pandemic, Canada ranked third among all out-of-region outbound travel markets to European destinations. A total of 6.5 million travellers from Canada arrived in Europe in 2019 to enjoy its diverse landscapes, varied history, rich culture and culinary experiences.

European Travel Commission (ETC) is the non-profit organization responsible for the promotion of Europe as a tourist destination in third markets.

For current travel conditions in Europe and the most up-to-date entry protocols, travel agents are advised to go to reopen.europa.eu.

swimup pool access for select rooms.

Over at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, a sweeping array of enhancements has been unveiled, including the renovation of 36 rooms across its Caernarvon and Arundel buildings.

Located in the resort’s Caribbean Village and joining the new Sandringham building introduced earlier this year, the newly renovated poolside rooms feature custom furniture, Tranquility Soaking Tubs for two, new bathrooms and more enhancements that completely update and modernize the rooms.

Additional enhancements at Sandals Royal Caribbean include developments to the South Pool and surrounding area such as a new Jacuzzi, new cabanas with outdoor fans and lighting as well as a new outdoor shower.

All this comes on the heels of three recently introduced restaurant concepts at Sandals Royal Caribbean. These include Spices, which brings Pan-Caribbean favourites to the table, Bombay Club that specializes in Indian cuisine, and La Tavola, a laidback Italian eatery.

These enhancements add to each resort’s cutting-edge design features that include lavish Over-the-Water Bungalows at both Sandals South Coast and Sandals Royal Caribbean, and the Over-the-Water Serenity Wedding Chapel, the brand new Wedding Garden venue and Latitudes Overwater Bar at Sandals South Coast.

February 11, 2020 | TRAVELWEEK | 11

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FUTURE OF TRAVEL

YOU DESERVE A VACATION TOO. Your partnership means a lot to us, so we’re excited to offer you this exclusive opportunity.

Secure three 2021 bookings for Canadian residents and we’ll give you a complimentary vacation package. You can: • Travel in either SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service • Add one additional travel companion at 50% off the regular package price • Earn up to two complimentary classic rail packages if you secure six 2021 bookings for Canadian residents For full details of the travel agent incentive, visit our Agent Portal.

The “Earn travel with RM” travel agent incentive (“Travel Agent Incentive”) is only available to Canada-based travel agents booking 2021 travel directly with Rocky Mountaineer for Canadian Resident clients. Full terms and conditions are available on the Agent Portal.

VANCOUVER — Canadian travel agents can earn their very own Rocky Mountaineer rail journey with a new agent incentive program designed to push bookings for 2021.

Agents who make three new Rocky Mountaineer bookings for Canadian residents to travel in 2021 will receive a complimentary vacation package for their own travel. The complimentary Classic Rail package is a four- to five-day package that includes two to three days onboard the train plus overnight accommodations. It’s valued at up to $4,479.

Qualifying agents can select from three rail routes for their complimentary package: ‘First Passage to the West Classic’ between Vancouver and Banff via Kamloops; ‘Journey Through the Clouds Classic’ between Vancouver and Jasper via Kamloops; and ‘Rainforest to Gold Rush Classic’ between Vancouver and Jasper via Whistler and Quesnel. The

package is available for travel in 2021 or 2022 in either SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service, and agents can add one additional travel companion at 50% the regular package price.

Agents will qualify for their complimentary vacation package once their third booking for 2021 is 45 days from travel.

Plus, agents can take advantage of a new Canadian Resident Offer to entice their clients to book travel for 2021.

Through to Feb. 26, Canadian residents can save up to $1,400 per couple on qualifying 2021 vacation packages of five days or more, or $1,000 per couple on Class Rail packages.

“Over the past 30 years, Rocky Mountaineer’s travel agent partners have supported us to showcase Western Can-

ada and the Rockies to Canadians from across the country,” said Steve Sammut, president and chief executive officer of Rocky Mountaineer. “As Canadians are dreaming of their next travel experience, we hope they will choose to explore this incredible country and join us for a memorable train journey through some of the most spectacular scenery Canada has to offer.”

Both the agent incentive and the Canadian Resident Offer are available for travel agents making FIT and custom group bookings for 2021. The agent incentive is subject to the terms and conditions outlined on Rocky Mountaineer’s Agent Portal.

For more information contact the team of Vacation Consultants at 1-877-4603200 or sales@rockymountaineer.com.

Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer rewarding agents with complimentary rail package

Castle Mountain

February 11, 2020 | TRAVELWEEK | 13

FUTURE OF TRAVEL

G Adventures launches 36 new Mini Adventures in 19 countries TORONTO — G Adventures says that while travel may be on hold for the immediate future, that’s not stopping travellers from planning what their future holidays look like.

New survey results from the adventure travel specialist indicate almost half of travellers say they will book longer trips, with a large number hoping to take advantage of remote work arrangements by taking a ‘workcation’ and combining their travel with work to extend their time away.

With that in mind G Adventures has launched a new program of 36 culturallyimmersive ‘Mini Adventures,’ two- to six-day short breaks with experiences across 28 cities in 19 countries globally.

The trips are priced from $169 per person (land only) and can be booked as extensions to an existing G Adventures tour, and also standalone for those wanting to make the most of an

extended stay in a city they are visiting for leisure or work purposes.

Supporting the announcement of the new Mini Adventures is a recent survey of more than 1,000 Canadians, conducted by G Adventures, which revealed nearly half of respondents (46%) will take longer trips when they ‘retravel’ internationally, with 47% of those saying they will travel for four weeks or longer.

As well, some 47% of Canadians said they can now “work from anywhere” and almost half of those who can (45%) said they plan to combine their work and travel plans in the future.

"With more than 30 years of experience running trips, our team and CEOs on the ground know all the must-see sights and lesser-known local gems in the world’s most interesting cities,” says Sean Russo, national sales manager, G Adventures.

Russo says the new Mini Adventures give agents the ability to tap into the trend for longer travel by upselling both existing and new customers, and also provide the opportunity of a ‘taster’ tour for clients looking to dip their toe in and try adventure travel for the first time.

“This new range of Mini Adventures takes the hassle out of planning a short

break and means travellers can have a truly local experience and ensure their money stays in the destination they are visiting at the same time,” adds Russo.

The new Mini Adventures are available across three of G Adventures’ well-known travel styles – 18-to-Thirtysomethings, Active and Classic – and are all led by a G Adventures CEO (chief experience officer) who knows the local area inside out. All of them provide experiences that are unique to existing G Adventures itineraries and feature the heightened health and safety measures that have been implemented across all tours as part of G Adventures’ new ‘Travel with Confidence’ policy.

The 36 Mini Adventures are all available to book now and include: the three-day ‘Classic Marrakech Mini Adventure’ priced from $499 per person; the three-day ’18-to-Thirtysomethings Havana Mini Adventure’ priced from $269 per person; the four-day ‘Classic Istanbul Mini Adventure’ priced from $459 per person; and the six-day ’18-to-Thirtysomethings Laos Mini Adventure’ priced from $749 per person.

More details can be found at gadventures.com.

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14 | TRAVELWEEK | February 11, 2020

2020-12-09 2:05 PM

FUTURE OF TRAVEL

Air France and KLM update testing capabilities to accommodate Canadians TORONTO — Both Air France and KLM have maintained flights for essential travel and set up agreements with several laboratories and clinics to accommodate air travellers in need of COVID-19 testing prior to their departure.

For outbound Canadians, note that entry into France has been prohibited since Jan. 31, 2021, except for approved imperative reasons, a list of which can be found on airfrance.ca. All travellers 11 years and over entering mainland France from outside of Europe must conduct a PCR test 72 hours prior to departure, self-isolate for 7 days upon arrival, conduct a second PCR test after the 7-day period, and present a travel certificate with the imperative reason for the trip. Certificates can be downloaded on the Ministry of the Interior’s website at www.interieur.gouv.fr.

Since Dec. 29, all visitors entering or travelling via the Netherlands have been required to conduct a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival. Restrictions were updated again on Jan. 23 to also include a mandatory rapid COVID-19 test made four hours before flight departure. Travellers must also self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in the Netherlands and get tested after five days; if their PCR test is negative they may end their self-quarantine.

To accommodate KLM travellers with rapid tests four hours prior departure to enter the Netherlands or to connect to another flight via AmsterdamSchiphol, antigen testing facilities were set up by the airport authorities of its five Canadian gateways: MontrealTrudeau, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto Pearson and Vancouver. This collaboration ensures the continuation of flights to and from Canada for essential travellers and cargo.

In case travellers do not receive their negative PCR test results before departure, Air France and KLM are allowing them to modify their departure

date up to four days from their original date, free of charge. This change must be made before their original scheduled flight.

Plus, travellers can take advantage of the airlines’ Book with Confidence’ policy, which allows all tickets purchased by March 31 for travel before Sept. 30 to be cancelled and refunded.

Inbound passengers who are asymptomatic and flying with Air France from Paris-CDG or Paris-Orly airports can make an appointment online for a PCR test at doctolib.fr with one of the laboratories within the Cerballiance network, or at an airport screening centre.

Passengers will be guaranteed a result (in French and English) within 48 hours for an RT-PCR test.

KLM passengers can schedule an appointment for a PCR test at klmhealth services.com. KLM is currently offering the test at three locations in the Netherlands.

For more information go to klm.ca and airfrance.ca.

February 11, 2020 | TRAVELWEEK | 15

Thailand is home to a bounty of wellness options BANGKOK — Prior to the pandemic, wellness travel was considered one of the fastest growing segments in the tourism industry, with travellers and medical experts citing the need for self-care. As the pandemic approaches its second year with continued lockdowns, the need for wellness vacations once travel restrictions ease will be greater than ever.

Thailand has always been considered the ‘Wellness Capital’ with its unique approach to mind, body and spirit and an ethos that prioritizes wellness in every aspect of day-to-day living. The destination offers an atypical escape, allowing visitors to power their senses with a variety of mental and physical health options that can be enjoyed while revelling in spectacular scenery, culture, history and cuisine.

As many people consider how they will recalibrate their lives once the pandemic abates, Thailand’s honoured tradition of ‘wellness first’ is propelling demand for wellness retreats. For over 2,000 years, traditional Thai and herbal massage has played an important role in Thai culture, so much so that it was added to UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2019.

In addition to its over 250 golf courses across all its regions, Thailand is

16 | TRAVELWEEK | February 11, 2020

Credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand

FUTURE OF TRAVEL Krabi-ko ha, Thailand

home to magnificent beaches, lush jungles, national parks, cosmopolitan cities, small villages, wineries, UNESCO World Heritage sites and some of the world’s most beautiful tropical islands.

One of the newest wellness trends in Thailand is forest bathing, or ‘shinrin-yoku.’ Researchers recently found that spending time in the forest benefits both physical and mental well-being by reducing stress, hypertension and treating depression.

Wellness options abound in Thailand, across all its regions. In the north, Chiang Mai is home to a myriad of wellness retreats and even meditative stays at a monastery. Celebrated for its cuisine, it offers popular cooking classes as well as 60 national parks in the Northern Region where visitors can en-

joy trekking, hiking, spelunking, rafting and hot springs before relaxing at one of the many eco-lodges in the area.

In Central Thailand, Bangkok has no shortage of museums, markets and luxury spas. The region is home to 26 provinces and a vast network of rivers and canals. One of its most renowned national parks is Erawan in Kanchanaburi where visitors will find one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, which runs from the Huai Mong Lai River down a 2,100-metre mountain with seven tiers and a swimming hole at the bottom.

Southern Thailand is considered a beach lover’s paradise brimming with beautiful islands. Here, visitors will find Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe and Koh Tao among other islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea regions. Wellness adventure options include everything from sea kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving, to yoga on the beach and tours on a fantail boat.

Meanwhile, Eastern Thailand is the perfect juxtaposition of mountain and ocean, home to mangrove forests and an infinity pool overlooking the sea.

Hua Hin, Koh Chang and Koh Samet all offer laidback beachside bungalows as well as a variety of wellness treatments to complement adventures on land and at sea.

As Canadians begin to plan wellness travel, travel agents can take advantage of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s ‘Thai the Knot’ specialist program, which offers a variety of resources, materials and support. Go to thaitheknot.com.

FUTURE OF TRAVEL

PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP

#VisitPoland Poland: Beauty, nature and adventure in all directions WARSAW — Considered one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, one that wants to be revealed, Poland offers breathtaking beauty, fantastic cuisine and hospitable locals across the country.

In the north, visitors will find miles and miles of white sandy beaches and picturesque city centres that are perfect for leisurely strolls. Tri-City, a metropolitan area consisting of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot, is just a three-hour train ride from Warsaw. Visitors can also enjoy the vivid colours of Gdańsk’s old town, and pop into Sobieszowska island to spot hundreds of bird species. Among the green hills of Gdynia Orłowo, couples are often seen enjoying a romantic walk, while in the historic seaside resort of Sopot visitors can watch the sunset on Europe’s longest wooden pier. It’s also often said that Sopot’s main promenade, Bohaterów Monte Cassino, is the nightlife centre of the entire coast.

In the east, between the Baltic shore and the rest of the country, visitors will find a belt of freshwater Mazury Lakes situated amidst picturesque hills. The water region, although in most part closed for commercial shipping, remains accessible for sailing vessels

and small boats. The main route of the Great Lakes of Mazury starts on Wiartel Lake and ends in Węgorzewo. The route passes along scenic islands, pine woods and wild shores, and its total length exceeds 100 kilometres.

If visitors prefer hiking, they can venture to the eastern border of Poland to explore Białowieża National Park, a vast complex of primeval forests. The park is included on UNESCO’s World

Heritage List as well as on UNESCO’s List of World Biosphere Reserves.

Heading south, Polish lowland plains give way to rocky peaks covered with snow all year round. Poland is a paradise for mountain hikers, with Bieszczady being the perfect option for beginners. The Tatras is the highest mountain range in the Carpathian Mountains, with the highest Polish point – Rysy – reaching a height of 2,503 metres. Rugged and featuring valleys, crystal clear lakes and flowery meadows, the Tatras allows for chance encounters with bears, wolves, lynxes and other wildcats native to the region.

Meanwhile, the Pieniny Mountains are most famous for rafting experiences on the Dunajec river.

In the west, lower Silesia beckons with vineyards, historical towns and fairy tale castles. Visitors can stroll through Wrocław's old town market and look for the city’s secret inhabitants – dwarves. They can then travel in time by walking along the secret corridors and passages of Książ and Czocha castles, and feel like royalty during a trip through the beautiful Jelenia Gora valley of palaces. At the end of the day, visitors can relax in Polanica Zdrój, an old spa town with a typical piedmont climate.

For the most recent updates on travel to Poland go to www.poland.travel.

Gdańsk at night

February 11, 2020 | TRAVELWEEK | 17

FUTURE OF TRAVEL Credit: Sirenis Hotels

Unforgettable holidays at Grand Sirenis Hotels and Resorts IBIZA — Sirenis Hotels & Resorts is an international, family-run company with over 40 years of experience in the hotel industry. Based on the island of Ibiza, Spain, it offers first-class and luxury hotels located in Ibiza, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and Mayan Riviera in Mexico.

One resort to keep top of mind is the five-star Grand Sirenis Cocotal and Tropical resort located 45 minutes from the Punta Cana Airport. It went through a major renovation valued at over $1 million in 2018 that included freshly decorated rooms and spacious common areas that transform at night to offer various entertainment. There’s also a vast list of on-site activities, including a waterpark that’s considered the most complete in the Punta Cana area.

It’s the staff that makes the difference: “They take care of our guests, they are immensely happy to serve them and make their holidays unforgettable.”

In the Riviera Maya, the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya & Spa, located one hour south of the Cancun airport and 20 miles from Playa del Carman, boasts architecture that’s inspired by Mayan culture and a warm and inviting atmosphere that blends in nature and the open landscape. Guests can enjoy spacious Deluxe Junior Suites with modern furnishings as well as a variety of à la carte restaurants, a buffet and one of the biggest spas in the area.

In both destinations, it’s the staff that makes the difference, says the company: “They take care of our guests, they are immensely happy to serve them and make their holidays unforgettable.”

Sirenis is also reminding guests that its resorts are well prepared and equipped with all necessary COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

For more information go to sirenis hotels.com.

18 | TRAVELWEEK | February 11, 2020

FUTURE OF TRAVEL

TORONTO — Buy Now, Pay Later has enjoyed “explosive growth” over the last eight months, says Uplift, as consumers look for ways to manage their expenses over time.

What was once a niche payment alternative for millennials without a credit card, is now a mainstream payment option with widespread adoption. In fact, a recent study by ‘The Ascent’ found that 37% of consumers have used a Buy Now, Pay Later service.

The travel industry has also benefitted from this trend and is perhaps even better suited to the Buy Now, Pay Later model since it allows travellers to lock in their travel plans early, take advantage of the many market promotions and then spread the cost of the trip over affordable monthly payments. As one Uplift customer wrote: “I have a few expensive things coming up and want to hold on to cash this month. This allowed me to get the seats I wanted locked in, which is a nice option.”

The ability for travellers to pay over time also makes upgrades and add-ons much more accessible, says Uplift. When clients can see that a better seat, bigger room or better view only costs them an additional $10 per month, for example, they realize it isn’t out of reach. One Uplift customer shared: “Flying first class was a dream of mine and now I get to with this payment plan.”

As travel companies and advisors prepare for strong demand in 2021, providing clients with the added flexibility to book travel when they are ready and pay over time will fuel that growth. Uplift is the leading Buy Now, Pay Later solution for travel and offers a custom-tailored solution for travel advisors. A quick and easy application allows clients to receive a decision in seconds. Advisors also benefit from having the trip paid in full at the time of booking so there are no deposits or final payments to worry about.

To learn more go to uplift.com.

Club Med Québec Charlevoix

Club Med’s first Canadian ski resort coming in in December LE MASSIF, QUÉBEC — Club Med is counting down the days until the grand opening of Club Med Québec Charlevoix, its first ski resort in Canada, on Dec. 3, 2021.

Located north of Québec in Le Massif, the brand new mountain resort has been designed to echo the character of the region. Guests can choose from three room categories – Superior, Deluxe and Exclusive Collection Suites. Nestled at the top of the resort is the Exclusive Collection Space, Le Saint-Laurent, which boasts incredible views, exclusive amenities and premium services.

As the only waterfront ski resort in Le Massif, the resort will be a haven for avid skiers. But beyond skiing, Club Med Québec Charlevoix boasts an extensive portfolio of adventure options that reflect the region’s culture and rugged landscapes. These include dogsledding, snowmobiling, snowshoe and Nordic walking, ice fishing and

even ice canoeing, not to mention Club Med circus classes. And at the end of an adventure-filled day, guests can enjoy some rest and relaxation thanks to a 23-metre-long heated pool, a kid’s splash pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi and hammam, and a Nordic-inspired spa featuring a terrace with warm and cold baths, a sauna and even a charming snow fountain.

As for dining, there are several enticing options available on site. There’s the main restaurant, a gourmet marketplace that serves as a nod to Quebec’s history of harvesting, fishing and hunting; Le Chalet, which features a specialty restaurant, lounge bar, wine cellar and gourmet market all within an intimate atmosphere; and Terroir & Co, where families can prepare and share a meal together.

The resort’s all-inclusive winter packages ensure a unique experience and include all-day gourmet dining and open bar options with local and international specialties, ski and snowboard passes and classes for all levels, as well as àpres ski activities and entertainment.

For more information go to clubmed agents.ca.

February 11, 2020 | TRAVELWEEK | 19

Credit: Club Med

Demand for Buy Now, Pay Later option growing with travellers, says Uplift

WORLD NEWS

HOTELS & RESORTS

Carnival Cruise Line and PortMiami are celebrating the groundbreaking of the soon-to-be expanded Terminal F, which will serve as the future homeport of Carnival Celebration. At an official ceremony on Jan. 29, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Carnival President Christine Duffy used ceremonial shovels to officially mark the beginning of construction on the expansive 471,000-squarefoot facility. It will be Carnival’s third terminal at the port and its largest in South Florida. Carnival Celebration is currently under construction in Finland and is set to debut in 2022 as part of the line’s 50th birthday festivities. As Carnival’s next Excel-class ship, it will offer a wide range of accommodation categories, with 180 suites across 11 categories.

When sun flights resume this spring from Canada, Canadians will have access to the long-awaited Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana, which resumed operations on Feb. 1.

The all-inclusive, adults-only resort – the first Live Aqua outside of Mexico and operated by Mexico’s leading hotelier, Posadas – is situated on the northern shores of Uvero Alto in the Dominican Republic, just 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. It features lavish accommodations with swim-up and private pools, Zen gardens and a private beach. Plus, the resort has opened with the Travel with Confidence program in place, which includes extensive elevated safety, hygiene, and flexibility protocols that were developed with the ABC Medical Center in Mexico City and uses 3M hospital-grade products.

AIRLINES The sharp drop in global passenger traffic made 2020 “a catastrophe” for the world’s airlines, says IATA’s Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac, and the latest numbers show that forward bookings have been down as well since late December. “Optimism that the arrival and initial distribution of vaccines would lead to a prompt and orderly restoration in global air travel have been dashed in the face of new outbreaks and new mutations of the disease. The world is more locked down today than at virtually any point in the past 12 months and passengers face a bewildering array of rapidly changing and globally uncoordinated travel restrictions,” he says. Full-year global passenger traffic results for 2020 (in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) were down by 65.9% compared to the full year of 2019, by far the sharpest traffic decline in aviation history. International passenger demand in 2020 was 75.6% below 2019 levels while domestic demand in 2020 was down 48.8% compared to 2019.

Credit: Intrepid

CRUISE LINES MSC Cruises has taken delivery of its newest vessel, MSC Virtuosa. As the cruise line’s new flagship, MSC Virtuosa will come into service for the summer season starting April 16, with four cruises in the Mediterranean of 3, 4 and 10 nights before moving to its new homeport of Kiel, where the ship will commence Northern Europe itineraries starting May 8. It has 21 bars, five pools, four main restaurants and five specialty restaurants with two brand new restaurants and one new specialty bar. A 945-seat theatre will offer a rotation of large-scale productions, and a Himalayan Bridge on deck 19 offers a fun rope course 80 metres above the water. Its 12 different cabin types include 190 family cabins that can be connected to create Super Family cabins, accommodating up to six people, or Super Family Plus accommodating up to 12 people. MSC Virtuosa is the sister ship of MSC Grandiosa, the first vessel of any major cruise line to return to the seas this summer, successfully hosting to date nearly 40,000 guests.

ADVOCACY TOUR OPERATORS Intrepid Travel’s not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, has donated more than AUD$20,000 (Cdn$19,510) worth of food parcels to 356 families in Peru’s Sacred Valley. The meals will help to feed over 1,700 people, many whom are cooks and porters whose livelihoods have been directly impacted by the lack of tourism due to the ongoing global health crisis, says Gary Cohen, Intrepid’s General Manager for Latin America. The Intrepid Foundation worked locally with the NGO MEDLIFE, which supports low-income communities in Latin America with access to medicine, education, and food aid. “The entire tourism industry has been severely impacted by this pandemic. But as a sustainable tour operator, we must find ways to give back and support local communities even through the most challenging times,” says Cohen. Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has donated over AUD$10 million to over 130 global community organizations.

20 | TRAVELWEEK | February 11, 2020

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is calling for governments to abandon the concept of ‘high-risk countries’ and instead focus on how individual ‘high-risk travellers’ are treated at borders. “We cannot continue labelling entire countries as ‘high-risk’ which assumes everyone is infected. Not only does it stigmatize an entire nation, but it also halts travel and mobility when many people who test negative on departure and arrival could safely travel without exporting the virus,” says WTTC President and CEO, Gloria Guevara. With a common international consensus on the metrics used to assess risk and a focus on a cost-effective, comprehensive, and rapid departure and arrival testing scheme for all travellers, there could be a meaningful return of travel, she says. Guevara adds that this approach would also ensure only those affected are forced to isolate, while travellers who test negative could continue to travel safely through observing hygiene protocols and mask wearing.

NEWS

Sunwing Travel Group’s Blue Diamond Resorts joins forces with Marriott International TORONTO — Sunwing Travel Group’s Blue Diamond Resorts has joined forces with Marriott International in a move that will see 19 Blue Diamond Resorts properties become part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.

With the new partnership, 19 Blue Diamond Resorts properties will join Marriott’s Autograph Collection by the middle of this year.

Launched in 2011 as the hotels division of Sunwing Travel Group, Blue Diamond Resorts currently has 45 properties in total, with more than 15,000 rooms, in 10 countries.

Now 11 Royalton properties, 4 Hideaway at Royalton properties, and 3 Planet Hollywood properties, plus the Grand Lido Negril Au-Naturel All-Suites Resort, will be included in Marriott’s Autograph Collection, one that spans the globe but so far only has two resorts in the Caribbean: Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina in BVI, and French Leave Resort in Eleuthera in the Bahamas.

In August 2019, after seeing the decades-long success of Spain’s hotel companies in the Caribbean and Latin America, along with other competitors, Marriott International announced that it planned to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in all-inclusive resort product, starting with several properties in the D.R. and Mexico.

In October 2019 Marriott International announced it was buying Elegant Hotels Group in a cash agreement valued at US$130.1 million, further cementing its plans to stake its claim in the all-inclusive market.

And in November 2019 Amaterra Jamaica Group entered into a hotel management operator agreement with Marriott International for a new all-inclusive resort in Jamaica.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Marriott International and introduce our portfolio of world-class resorts, including Royalton and Planet Hollywood, to their Autograph Collection,” said Stephen Hunter, CEO, Sunwing Travel Group. “Marriott’s prestigious reputation and esteemed travel program

Royalton, Antigua

will further elevate our award-winning hotels while supporting Marriott’s expansion into the all-inclusive category, ultimately allowing us to make even more travellers’ vacation dreams come true.”

Hunter says Sunwing Travel Group will now benefit from Marriott’s worldwide distribution and partnership agreements in addition to Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s loyalty program, which is comprised of over 145 million members across the globe.

Canada’s cruise ship ban extended until Feb. 28, 2022 OTTAWA — Canada’s cruise ship ban, which was set to expire on Feb. 28, will remain in effect for another year.

The news was announced on Feb. 4

by Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra, who confirmed two new Interim Orders that prohibit pleasure craft in Canadian Arctic waters as well as cruise vessels in all Canadian waters until Feb. 28, 2022.

This means the following: • Adventure-seeking pleasure craft are still prohibited from entering Arctic waters.

• Passenger vessels carrying more than 12 people are still prohibited from entering Arctic coastal waters, including Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, and the Labrador Coast.

• Cruise vessels carrying 100 or more people are still prohibited from operating in Canadian waters.

Those who do not comply with the pleasure craft prohibition could be subject to penalties: $5,000 per day for individuals and $25,000per day for groups or corporations. Those who do not comply with the passenger vessel prohibition could be liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to $1 million

or to imprisonment for a term of up to 18 months, or to both.

While there is no national ban for smaller cruise ships certified to carry 100 or fewer people, they must still follow provincial, territorial, local and regional health authority protocols for timeliness and processes around their operations.

According to Transport Canada, cruise vessels in Canadian waters pose a risk to Canada’s healthcare systems, and that the Government of Canada will continue to evaluate the situation and make changes as necessary to ensure the health and safety of Canadians. Should the COVID-19 pandemic sufficiently improve to allow the resumption of cruise activities, Alghabra has the ability to rescind the Interim Orders.

"As Canadians continue to do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our government continues to work hard to ensure Canada's transportation system remains safe,” said Alghabra.

“Temporary prohibitions to cruise vessels and pleasure craft are essential to continue to protect the most vulnerable among our communities and avoid overwhelming our health care systems. This is the right and responsible thing to do."

The cruise ship ban was last extended in October 2020, just one day before the CDC lifted its longstanding No Sail order that applied to cruise ship operations in U.S. waters. In its place, the CDC implemented a new Framework for Conditional Sailing Order, a 40page set of guidelines for cruise lines to follow as they work towards the resumption of operations.

This latest extension is yet another blow to the Canadian travel industry, which is still reeling from the recent announcement by the federal government about the mass suspension of winter sun flights through April 30.

February 11, 2020 | TRAVELWEEK | 21

NEWS

Barbados, Saint Lucia update COVID-19 protocols to include negative PCR test result TORONTO — Two Caribbean islands well-known and well-loved by Canadian travellers have updated their COVID-19 protocols.

Both Barbados and Saint Lucia have revised their entry requirements in the wake of the pandemic.

Here are the dates for Air Canada’s 17 suspended international routes MONTREAL — Air Canada is suspending 17 international routes in the wake of Canada’s increasingly strict travel restrictions and severely negatively impacted demand amid the pandemic.

The following routes will be suspended: • Toronto - Bogota (Feb. 16) • Toronto - Boston (Feb. 16) • Toronto - Denver (Feb. 17) • Toronto - Dubai (startup postponed) • Toronto - Dublin (Feb. 12) • Toronto - Fort Myers (Feb. 14) • Toronto - Hong Kong (startup postponed) • Toronto - La Guardia (Feb. 17) • Toronto - Sao Paulo (Feb. 16) • Toronto - Tel Aviv (continued suspension) • Toronto - Washington (Reagan) (Feb. 17) • Montreal - Boston (Feb. 17) • Montreal - Bogota (Feb. 13) • Montreal - LaGuardia (Feb. 17) • Vancouver - London (Feb. 14) • Vancouver - Narita (Feb. 15) • Vancouver - Seattle (Feb. 16) The federal government’s strict new travel measures, announced Jan. 29, 2021 and coming on top of existing travel measures, include mandatory hotel quarantines for inbound travellers for up to 3 days and a cost of $2,000 while awaiting PCR test results. With a negative PCR test result travellers finish their 14-day quarantine at home. If the PCR test is positive travellers must wait out their quarantine in a government facility.

Air Canada along with Canada’s other 22 | TRAVELWEEK | February 11, 2020

3 major carriers had already suspended all winter sun flights to Mexico and the Caribbean until April 30, 2021, upon request from the federal government.

Severely negatively impacted demand for travel amid the pandemic has also brought cuts to domestic programs, most recently in Atlantic Canada.

Air Canada has suspended Rouge operations indefinitely MONTREAL — On Feb. 8, Air Canada paused all operations of its Rouge aircraft indefinitely and laid off 80 employees.

The announcement came less than a week after Canadian airlines including Air Canada suspended all flights to Mexico and the Caribbean at the request of the federal government.

Air Canada’s flights to the region were primarily operated by Rouge.

Air Canada announced layoffs of around 1,700 employees in January, when it saw a drop in bookings because of a new requirement that travellers entering Canada show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

In addition to the most recent flight suspensions, on Jan. 29 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a series of additional travel restrictions, including a requirement that entrants to Canada quarantine in hotels at their own expense.

Air Canada says Rouge “remains a part of Air Canada's overall business strategy.”

BARBADOS Now in effect, the Barbados Travel Protocols have been updated, and notable changes include: • Mandatory negative COVID-19 PCR test result for all travellers prior to arrival in Barbados, followed by a test result validity screening upon arrival, and the potential requirement to reconfirm the first negative COVID-19 PCR test with a rapid (COVID-19 antigen) test.

• Introduction of the BIMSafe App and bracelet system to facilitate submission of entry documents, health tracking, and more.

• Inclusion of requirement to comply with Barbados ‘House Rules’, which includes the mandatory wearing of a mask in public spaces and the mandatory 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and a stay-at-home order, which will remain in effect until Feb. 17, 2021.

To review the updated Barbados Travel Protocols in detail go to barbardos travelprotocols.com.

SAINT LUCIA Now in effect, all arrivals to Saint Lucia (age five years or older) must have a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than five days before arrival.

Consistent with existing protocols, all arrivals to Saint Lucia: • Must complete and submit a Travel Registration Form, which is found on the Saint Lucia COVID-19 Travel Advisory page at www.StLucia.org/Covid-19 • Must adhere to all safety protocols in place throughout Saint Lucia, including wearing a mask in public places • Shall be subject to mandatory screening and temperature checks at ports of entry and throughout your stay • Shall be transferred by certified taxi to COVID-19 approved accommodation See StLucia.org/Covid-19 for more details.

NEWS

New service fee grid for entire TDC network coming March 1 MONTREAL — Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) is offering its entire network, including franchisees and corporate-owned agencies, as well as its agent@home program, a revised professional fee grid.

The fee grid aims to detail all the services provided to clients by travel professionals, thus reflecting more accurately the extent of their added value.

This new grid is accompanied by a comprehensive and free training program for all TDC network travel professionals, introducing a new philosophy towards the invoicing of professional fees, says TDC’s General Manager, Louise Fecteau.

“True travel professionals are those who charge professional fees. The travel agency industry as a whole will be the winner.“ "At TDC, recognition of the high added value of travel professionals is vital, and the new grid we are offering today is another concrete example of this," says Fecteau. "We believe that this new approach, which focuses on the level of service and experience desired by the customer, rather than on the type of product sold, is a win-win situation, since it clearly demonstrates to the customer all the services obtained in return for payment.”

Fecteau adds: “Personally, I have always been a strong advocate of professional fees. In any field of activity, professionals charge fees in return for their expertise. I think now is a good time to send a clear and strong message to travellers: true travel professionals are those who charge professional fees. The travel agency industry as a whole will be the winner.”

This new grid, based on two different service levels, each with associated fees, will be implemented in all Transat Travel agencies as of March 1, 2021, allowing all advisors to take the training beforehand.

Ocean Endeavour

Adventure Canada cancels 2021 expedition season in wake of cruise ban PORT CREDIT, ON — Adventure Canada has been forced to cancel its 2021 expedition season, following the federal government’s Feb. 5 announcement that the current ban on cruising in Canadian waters would be extended through Feb. 28, 2022.

“Due to the news of this continued ban, as well as the ongoing uncertainty around international and domestic cruise travel, Adventure Canada has made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel our entire 2021 sailing season. It is a privilege to travel in the incredible regions that we do, and we are committed to doing so responsibly,” said Cedar Swan, CEO, Adventure Canada. “By proceeding with the utmost caution, especially to ensure the safety of our host communities, we know that one day we will be able to travel together again—safely, conscientiously, and enjoyably.”

Adventure Canada, which specializes in small-ship expedition travel in the Canadian Arctic and Greenland, “genuinely supports this decision” from the federal government, “out of respect for the health and wellbeing of all involved, particularly that of our valued community hosts.”

She says Adventure Canada recognizes that the extension of the ban further challenges the travel industry, including travel advisors, as well as local economies that count on tourism, and the company’s own staff.

Swan notes that Adventure Canada’s

approach has the company in a solid position to weather the disruption that the global pandemic has had on the travel industry.

Together with its partners, the available support, and the commitment of the travel community, she says Adventure Canada is able to withstand a full season cancellation in 2021 and will offer a full suite of expeditions in 2022.

Swan adds: “We care deeply about the places we travel to and the people who travel with us, all of whom we consider part of the extended Adventure Canada family. The safety of our guests, community partners, expedition team, and crew is of utmost priority.”

Long-time adventure travel specialist Tucan Travel ceases operations TORONTO — Tucan Travel, which for a time had a presence here in Canada, has ceased operations.

A notice posted on its website says the company has ceased to travel with immediate effect.

Reports from trade press outlets in the UK and Australia, where Tucan still had operations, indicate the long-time adventure travel specialist collapsed due to the travel restrictions and severely negative impact on demand from COVID-19.

In Canada, Tucan Travel had a Toronto office for several years before closing shop here in in early 2020.

Travelweek reached out to Tony Perdomo, who has a long history with February 11, 2020 | TRAVELWEEK | 23

NEWS the company. For the past four years Perdomo has been with Exodus Travels as BDM, Eastern Canada & USA. But he got his start in the travel industry with Tucan back in 2004 as a tour leader, and he continued in that role for eight years until in January 2013 he was named Tucan’s North American Sales & Marketing Executive, regularly liaising with travel agents and GSAs to keep the industry up to date on Tucan. Then in early 2016 Perdomo was appointed Director, North America for Tucan, opening the tour operator’s Toronto office and connecting with travel agents in Canada as well as the U.S. and Latin America.

“I have a lot of great memories leading tours for them, and then opening the office here in Toronto,” Perdomo told Travelweek this morning.

At its peak Tucan’s team in Toronto was five people strong, said Perdomo, adding that he feels for the company, taken down by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On its website Tucan says no further bookings are being taken and customers with existing bookings will not be able to travel as planned.

Here are the main takeaways from Brand USA’s ‘Focus On Canada’ event TORONTO — The latest trends and new ways to sell the United States once travel reopens were all covered during Brand USA’s ‘Focus on Canada’ event.

Taking place Feb. 4 as the first event of the year on the new ‘Brand USA Global Marketplace’ platform, ‘Focus on Canada’ highlighted the importance of the Canadian market in tourism’s early recovery while looking ahead to the eventual resumption of cross-border travel.

“We in the U.S. look at our neighbours to the north and I think we look at family,” said Christopher L. Thompson, Brand USA president & CEO. “We share a border and it’s the largest border we share, but it’s so much more than that.”

Thompson noted that Canada is the United States’ largest source market; in 2019 it welcomed 21 million Canadian visitors.

“So of course it makes all the sense 24 | TRAVELWEEK | February 11, 2020

in the world that our first event in the new year, where we see the glimmer of light getting brighter, would be a focus on Canada,” he added.

Here are some key takeaways from the virtual event: ON-THE-GO ENTERTAINMENT GoUSA TV, Brand USA’s flagship connected TV channel featuring inspiring travel content, will debut later this year on Go Transit’s new GO Wi-Fi Plus free entertainment portal. It will air across GO Transit in Ontario, with exposure to the more than 75 million people who travel on the GO system.

According to Tracy Lanza, Brand USA senior vice president of integrated marketing, nearly two-thirds of the Canadian population has watched digital video in 2020.

“Canada is the number one audience for GoUSA TV,” she said, “and has been from almost the very beginning. And we are absolutely thrilled to reach even more viewers connecting travellers to a wide range of USA travel experiences.”

THE CANADIAN MINDSET During the event, Jennifer Hendry, senior research associate of the Conference Board of Canada, shared its latest research findings of the Canadian traveller’s mindset. After noting the importance of transborder travellers to both the Canadian and U.S. economies, Hendry said the crisis is having a “much more prolonged impact than any previous shocks” and that gaining insight into when travel will return continues to be a challenge.

“We’re seeing the planning cycle increasing considerably,” she said. “Obviously travellers need to wait and see what their options are but they are researching possibilities and are ready to go at the drop of a hat.”

The latest research from the Conference Board of Canada shows that nine in 10 Canadians say they miss travelling.

Brand USA's 'Focus on Canada' virtual event

Hendry also noted that in Canada’, young singles and newly coupled millennials are expected to be the groups most likely to travel right off the bat, when restrictions are lifted and borders are reopened. She also stressed the importance of “being open and honest,” stating “that will help attract Canadian travellers in the future.”

TRENDS VIA TRIPADVISOR Speaking to Canadian search trends, Carol Johnson, senior client principal partner, Tripadvisor, shared there is reason for optimism, noting that in September, travel sites globally captured nearly two billion monthly visits and 14 billion page views.

“It’s hopefully comforting to see the U.S. as the number one foreign country viewed by Tripadvisor users in Canada, with New York City, Las Vegas and Central Florida (Orlando) the top three destinations for Canadian travellers,” she said.

More than two-thirds (65%) of Canadian consumers surveyed said the ability to avoid crowded places while traveling is more important in their choice of destination than it was pre-pandemic. And, more than half (52%) say they are more likely to take an outdoor nature trip than they were before COVID-19 hit.

Tripadvisor traffic and search data in Canadian sentiment all point in the same direction: up,” said Johnson.

“Depending on the speed with which vaccine inoculations progress, and the destinations themselves, a sustained recovery for the global travel sector is closer than ever.”

However, she cautioned that due to the market’s continued volatility, “instead of a V-shaped recovery, imagine a more jagged line of progress where sometimes two steps forward will be met with one step back.”

NEWS

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Aeroplan’s ‘Explore for More’ contest is now underway MONTREAL — The new Aeroplan ‘Explore for More’ contest offers Aeroplan members the chance to win prizes just for exploring some of the program’s new features.

Prizes include a pair of roundtrip tickets to anywhere Air Canada flies.

The complete prize list for the Aeroplan ‘Explore For More’ contest is as follows: • 25 prizes of 25,000 Aeroplan points • 10 prizes of 50,000 Aeroplan points • 5 prizes of a pair of roundtrip tickets anywhere Air Canada flies To earn contest entries Aeroplan members can check out the transformed Aeroplan (no purchase necessary) and earn one contest entry for each eligible feature explored.

To take part, here are three steps: • Register for the contest • Log in to Aeroplan account • Start earning contest entries with exploration of eligible features. Every-

thing from visiting the member dashboard, to logging into the Air Canada mobile app, qualify.

Members need to enter by Feb. 14 and prizes will be drawn Feb. 24, 2021.

Air Canada re-launched Aeroplan in November 2020.

For more details or to register for the contest see aircanada.com/Explore ForMore (English) or aircanada.com/ gagnezaexplorer (French).

ACTA supports Quebec government’s decision to waive OPC permit fees until Feb. 28, 2022 TORONTO — ACTA says it is “very pleased” to hear that the Quebec provincial government will waive the OPC permit fees from March 31, 2021 until Feb. 28, 2022.

ACTA has been one of several organizations calling for this relief for travel agencies.

“Without assistance, many travel agencies will not survive the current lockdowns and government restrictions on travel,” said ACTA President, Wendy Paradis.

The Office de la Protection du Consommateur (OPC) collects hundreds of thousands of dollars annually from Quebec travel businesses, adds Paradis.

ACTA had asked numerous times that the Quebec government extend financial relief and waive all OPC fees.

ACTA is also calling on the OPC and the Quebec government to look at other options to reduce the financial burden for travel agencies including: • Reducing the amount of the bond and the length of time to five years.

• Replacing costly review engagements with a verification statement for travel agencies with gross sales under $2 million which would align Quebec with Ontario’s measures.

ACTA is also encouraging the Quebec government to ensure that travel agencies will not face barriers and are eligible to apply for aid under the Aide aux Entreprises en regions en Alerte Maximale (AERAM).

This funding program is designed to February 11, 2020 | TRAVELWEEK | 25

Credit: Sandals

NEWS

The late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart presenting a team member with an opportunity to further her potential toward an even brighter future

help businesses that have been partially or completely closed due to the mandate of a public health authority.

With governments strongly reinforcing the message to not travel, travel agencies and travel agents have been effectively ‘shuttered' since March 2020, and therefore, must be eligible under this program, said Paradis.

Sandals honours late founder with new scholarship, opens donations for marine conservation MONTEGO BAY — Adam Stewart, Sandals Resorts International’s Executive Chairman, is honouring his late father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, in the most poignant way: by creating a scholarship in his name.

In one of his first initiatives as Executive Chairman, the younger Stewart has unveiled ‘The Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship’ to foster the power of education and develop the next generation of Caribbean tourism leaders.

The elder Stewart, who founded Sandals Resorts in 1981, passed away on Jan. 4 at the age of 79.

“My father fiercely believed in the power of possibility; he understood 26 | TRAVELWEEK | February 11, 2020

and celebrated the ability of people to rise above their potential and accomplish great things," said Adam Stewart.

“This scholarship’s core mission is to ensure a strong future for the Caribbean hotel industry by fueling the talent pipeline with opportunity – a true reflection of my father’s passion for the region and its potential. That’s why I am delighted to honour his memory and the example he set by empowering our team members to dream big and dream bright.”

“My father fiercely believed in the power of possibility; he understood and celebrated the ability of people to rise above their potential and accomplish great things.”

The scholarship will be funded through contributions raised by the Sandals Foundation, the brand’s non-profit philanthropic arm aimed at making a difference in the lives of the Caribbean people. It will be available to full-time team members who will be evaluated based on their financial needs, personal attributes and success in their current role.

Working alongside the Sandals

Corporate University (SCU) and in partnership with local colleges and universities, recipient(s) of the scholarship will be eligible to receive funding for up to a four-year college program in hospitality and tourism. Applications will be accessible through the SCU starting June 1, 2021.

In addition to the scholarship program, anyone wishing to honour the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart and his love of the region he called home can make a donation to support the marine conservation efforts of the Sandals Foundation. Canadian donations can be made locally through the Unique Vacations Canada office and are subject to tax receipts. For further details, contact your local Sandals BDM or info@uvisandals.ca.

For more information on The Gordon "Butch" Stewart Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship or Marine Conservation efforts, visit www.sandalsfoundation.org.

Florida Huddle: The latest Canadian stats, and another kick-off for Tampa Bay as Huddle returns in 2022 TALLAHASSEE, FL — Fresh off its Super Bowl last weekend, Tampa Bay had more good news to share with the return of Florida Huddle to its sunny shores in 2022.

Visit Tampa Bay President & CEO, Santiago Corrada was on hand for the announcement from VISIT FLORIDA President & CEO, Dana Young, at the kick-off for Florida Huddle 2021 on Feb. 8.

Florida Huddle 2022 will take place Jan. 24 - 26, 2022 at the Tampa Convention Center.

“Florida Huddle provides an invaluable opportunity to connect travel professionals from around the world with Florida’s top destinations, hotels, resorts, and attractions. We’re thrilled to be able to host this signature event in Tampa next year and open doors to new business possibilities that drive visitation to every region of our great state,” said Young.

Corrada added: “We are very excited to be welcoming Florida Huddle and all

NEWS

Santiago Corrada, President and CEO, Visit Tampa Bay

our hospitality industry friends in person to Tampa Bay in 2022. We are no strangers to hosting some of the most epic Huddles and this time around will be very special. Since last time we hosted, Tampa has changed dramatically with brand-new hotels, attractions, restaurants and an emerging downtown core that has become a focus for residents and visitors. We know you’ll love it and we look forward to hosting an industry reunion that we all need.”

FLORIDA HUDDLE 2021 NOW UNDERWAY Florida Huddle 2021, taking place virtually this week, Feb. 8 - 12, is welcoming more than 700 participants including buyers, suppliers and travel agents.

This Friday’s virtual fams were designed with travel agents in mind, plus there are three Destinations Master Classes highlighting top sun spots from Florida's Space Coast, Gatorland and Crystal River, to Tampa Bay, Daytona Beach Area and Panama City Beach, to Central Florida, the Palm Beaches and St. Pete / Clearwater.

Opening Florida Huddle 2021 on Feb. 8, Young said there’s plenty of reason for hope as the industry navigates through close to a year of COVID-19.

“We’re not out of the woods yet, but all the good news about vaccines makes me very optimistic for the year ahead,” she said.

CANADA’S NUMBERS TO FLORIDA After hitting a low just under 3.5 million in 2016, Canadian visits to Florida were gradually trending back up in recent years.

They edged above 3.5 million in 2019 and were no doubt headed back to 2014’s high-ground of 4 million, if the pandemic hadn’t intervened.

Like with every destination, COVID-19 changed the trajectory dramatically.

But looking ahead VISIT FLORIDA takes heart in the number of scheduled flights from Canadian airlines to the Sunshine State in the spring and summer months.

Jacob Pewitt Yancey, VISIT FLORIDA’s Director of Consumer Insights & Analytics, shared several graphs during Florida Huddle’s International Update: Canada session.

The graph showing scheduled air capacity to Florida, from Canada, shows a predictable flat line from April 2020 all the way through to the end of the year, with a bit of an uptick right at the end of 2020. The blue 2021 line, on the other hand, shows some signs of life. “Is that blue line going up a little bit, recovering a little bit? Yes it is,” says Pewitt Yancey.

Florida Huddle 2021 continues all this week. Event details can be found at floridahuddle.com.

“We have lost a critical market this season”: JTB’s Angella Bennett TORONTO — Like all tourist destinations, Jamaica has had a tough year, with COVID-19 cases, closed borders and an unprecedented decline in tourist arrivals.

But the island regained some footing last June when it reopened its borders to international travellers. This helped the destination achieve a respectable 13,000 in Canadian arrivals from January 2020 to November 2020, with more anticipated in the coming months following the recent announcement that Jamaica had significantly expanded PCR testing capacity to accommodate travellers from Canada specifically.

Things were looking up until the bombshell announcement made by Prime Minister Trudeau on Jan. 29 that all flights to the Caribbean and Mexico – on all four of Canada’s major airlines: Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing and Transat – will be suspended through April 30, 2020 as part of ongoing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and its new variants.

The news sent shockwaves throughout the travel industry and hit Jamaica particularly hard, as it relies heavily on the Canadian market to support its tourism sector. As the island’s largest economic engine, tourism in Jamaica employs 170,000 workers and impacts an additional 120,000 jobs from other industries. As such, it fuels more than one-third of the country’s economy.

Travelweek sat down with Angella Bennett, Regional Director-Canada for the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) recently to ask how the sun cancellations will impact the island. Here’s what she had to say: How will the cancellations impact Jamaica’s tourism industry in the short- and long-term?

Jamaica is a small, tourism-dependant country and the winter season is a critical time period for us; the large majority of North American visitors typically travelling between November and April. Canada is the second largest source market for Jamaica and the suspension of flights until April 30 will undoubtedly have a dramatic impact on our tourism industry.

We have lost a critical market this season and Canada's new travel restrictions will create a ripple effect that will have both short- and long-term consequences throughout the Caribbean. The loss of airlift will impact hotel partners, attractions, transportation providers, hospitality workers and thousands of workers employed in the tourism sector and related industries.

It is worth nothing that Jamaica’s domestic tourism market has been extremely vibrant throughout the of the COVID-19 pandemic, with local residents supporting the industry as much as possible during this difficult time.

Weekend traffic from the local market is steady and gives hotels 40 to 50% occupancy, with those rates climbing up to 60% over the holiday weekends.

Do you think there's a chance for Jamaica to 'make up' for the absence of Canadians later on in the year?

February 11, 2020 | TRAVELWEEK | 27

NEWS We are pleased to see that Canada and the U.S. are proactively working to implement their domestic vaccination programs and we’re hopeful that this will lead to a softening of the restrictions on international travel. That said, there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the measures that the federal government has implemented to limit international travel. We do not anticipate a large increase in Canadian travellers into Jamaica while Canada’s mandatory PCR testing and 14-day quarantine rules are in place, as these strict requirements are a major expense and a barrier for those who are interested in travelling abroad.

As inoculation programs continue, it is our hope that we will start seeing a significant level of vaccinations among the populations within our major markets later on this spring. We anticipate a slow return to travel from Canada, with an uptick in visitors in Winter 2021/22 and a full recovery in 2023 to 2024.

“The tourism industry is incredibly resilient, and we want you to remain optimistic as we look towards future recovery.”

What's your message to Canadian travel agents at this time?

Agents are working on the frontlines of this pandemic and they continue to provide Canadians with incredible support and guidance in response to the rapidly changing travel landscape. The tourism industry is incredibly resilient, and we want you to remain optimistic as we look towards the future recovery period. All of us at the JTB are hoping and praying that these new protocols will swiftly and effectively manage the COVID situation in Canada so that we can return to a sense of normalcy and reinstate airlift to the Caribbean as soon as possible.

From the outset of the pandemic, Jamaica has been a global leader in managing and mitigating the spread of COVID-19. We have done everything we can to adapt and react to Canada’s travel protocols and we want agents to know that Jamaica is ready and prepared to welcome your clients for a safe, secure and seamless travel experience once the time is right.

28 | TRAVELWEEK | February 11, 2020

Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun

Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun opens in Costa Mujeres CANCUN — Planet Hollywood Hotels and Resorts has opened its newest all-inclusive luxury property, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun, in the resort enclave of Costa Mujeres, just north of Cancun’s Hotel Zone.

The 898-suite resort has a range of PH Experiences available for day trips, plus plenty of PH Attractions on-site – including four swimming pools, a lazy river, Shipwreck Cove and Jurassic Splash Park, FlowRider surf simulator, Labyrinth, a mini-golf course and the first-of-its-kind Planet Play Adventure Park. Supervised activities for younger guests are available at the Stars Kids Club.

The resort’s ‘Crave – World of Flavors’ program offers 11 restaurants in all, including celebrity Chef Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint and a Chef’s Table experience with a personal Chef and custom crafted menu. Dining venues feature cuisine from Mexico, Japan, Italy, India and more. VIP experiences await at Studio Disco Bar & Lounge.

The list of resort features and amenities also includes The PH Spa, the resort’s professionally designed wellness program, PHIT, and PUMPED Fitness Centre, a modern and spacious Convention Center with capacity for up to 1,300 guests, and monthly special events and daily activities for guests of all ages, from Hollywood Tribute Nights to Retro Wednesdays.

For destination weddings Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun offers plenty of package options plus on-site

wedding coordinators to take care of all the details.

There’s also a resort-within-a-resort marking the debut of the adults-only Planet Hollywood Adult Scene Cancun, for guests 18 years and older.

The 332-suite oasis has its own private beachfront and pool area, complete with a swim-up bar and waiter service, two specialty restaurants reserved exclusively for Adult Scene guests – the Braza Grill & Churrascaria and Catch Seafood Restaurant – in addition to full access to the amenities and facilities at the wider Planet Hollywood resort.

Sunwing Travel Group and Planet Hollywood joined forces in February 2018 with plans for all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Costa Rica and more.

The first property to open under the partnership, the 294-suite Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica, debuted in October 2018.

Riviera River Cruises launches $100 gift card promotion FORT LAUDERDALE — For the month of February, travel advisors will receive a US$100 gift card for each new booking of a cabin on a 2021 or 2022 European river cruise during Riviera River Cruises’ ‘We Love Travel Advisors’ promotion.

Plus, the gift card promotion can be combined with Wave Season incentives for onboard credits and savings of up to $2,500 per cabin booked. Bookings must be made and deposited through Feb. 28.

“At Riviera, we love travel advisors

NEWS and in February, we’re offering a promotion to show our appreciation,” said Marilyn Conroy, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing North America, Riviera River Cruises. “We work with advisors 100% of the time, only taking bookings through them, so we hope you’ll think of us first when your clients are looking for a European river cruise.

When they book with us this month, these gift cards will give you a little extra to spend.”

Riviera River Cruises offers 20 itineraries on 10 rivers and waterways, including dedicated departures for solo travellers with no single supplement.

Riviera’s cruises include spacious cabins and suites, culinary experiences from breakfasts to four-course dinners featuring international classics and regional specialties, and expert-led excursions to classic sights and lesser-known places.

To receive a $100 gift card, travel advisors must quote “Love” when confirming a new booking for a 2021 or 2022 European river cruise during the month of February.

Paul Gauguin announces 2022 voyages to Tahiti, Fiji with 30% off BELLEVUE — Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, has announced its new 2022 schedule featuring Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji, and South Pacific itineraries.

To launch its 2022 voyages, the cruise line is offering savings of 30% off standard cruise fares on all voyages, plus included airfare from Los Angeles.

The Gauguin will be showcasing its most sought-after itineraries in 2022: the 7-night ‘Tahiti & the Society Islands,’ 10-night ‘Society Islands & Tuamotus,’ 11-night ‘Cook Islands & Society Islands,’ and 14-night ‘Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands.’

The Gauguin will also be returning to Fiji in 2022, offering 12-night and 13-night Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands itineraries.

Other highlights include sailing across the International Date Line, a rare visit to the Kingdom of Tonga,

and the Fijian islands. Ports of call on the voyages include Papeete, Tahiti; Moorea, Society Islands; Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands; Bora Bora, Society Islands; Aitutaki, Cook Islands; Vava’u, Tonga; Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji; Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji; Beqa Island, Fiji (13-night sailing only); and Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji.

Designed specifically to sail the pristine lagoons of these islands, The Gauguin offers an elegant yet casual ambiance through its accommodations, service, dining and trademark Polynesian hospitality.

To give guests peace of mind, wide-ranging health protocols have been implemented by Paul Gauguin Cruises and PONANT. Plus, the Sail with Confidence booking policy is an extra effort to ensure travellers feel confident booking a cruise vacation now without worry should they need to cancel.

Rail Europe North America Inc. suspends sale of tour packages NEW YORK — Rail Europe North America Inc. has suspended selling tour packages following a change in its business model.

“Our company has refocused its activity to selling European rail tickets and passes to the B2B and B2C markets and is no longer selling tour packages,” said Laurent Tonnellier, General Manager Business North & South America at Rail Europe.

Tonnellier went on to say that Rail Europe’s office in North America “is fully committed to serve its customers: tour operators, travel agencies, consortia, partners and consumers. Rail Europe provides a full range of technologies to connect to the largest European railroad inventories.”

The news came as the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) announced that Rail Europe is no longer a USTOA Active Member, as a result of its change in business model, and also no longer participates in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.

However, Tonnellier notes that while the new business model changes Rail

Europe’s current affiliation status with USTOA, the company is pleased to continue its relationship with USTOA as an Associate Member.

TL Network Canada adds 20 new member agencies in 2020 TORONTO — TL Network Canada added 20 new member agencies in 2020.

New Member agencies joining TL Network Canada this year include: Abby Travels Ltd, BC; AirBond Travel Services Inc., ON; Astor Travel Services, ON; Canada One Travel, MB; Celebration Travel, ON; Custom Vacations, ON; iLand Luxury Travel, BC; Immersion Travel, MB; Own Your Day Travel, BC; Own Your Day Travel, ON; Palipad Travel And Services, AB; Resfeber Travels, AB; SGF Travel & Tours, NS; Travel 3000 Inc, ON and tripcentral.ca, ON. Christine James, TL Network’s Vice President in Canada, says the uptick came during a very challenging year thanks to a targeted approach to membership growth. TL Network Canada also prioritized innovative virtual training opportunities and enhancements to award-winning tools, all key to attracting new members and driving high quality leads, says James.

TL Network is the largest seller of luxury travel, cruises, river cruises and tours in North America.

“We are continuously providing our member agencies with industry-leading technology offerings and enhanced product which helps them grow their bottom line and stand out from the competition,” said James.

She added: “Our goal is to always provide our members with new programs and the latest enhancements on our existing tools, and that includes having exceptional training, support and strategic relationships to position them for ultimate success. On the education front, we continue to raise the bar by offering on-demand lessons, webinars and events like ‘Canada Connect’ and Bridge to the Future, which were specifically geared towards helping our members throughout the pandemic. Additionally, we hosted several workshops this past year that took place both virtually and in person to help advance our members with a wide variety of learning options.”

February 11, 2020 | TRAVELWEEK | 29

NEWS Credit: Insight

be refused entry to Canada if they do not have PCR test results, Trudeau noted that unlike air travellers, who can be refused boarding, land border travellers cannot be refused entry.

“You can’t prevent someone who’s at the land border because technically they’re already on Canadian soil,” said Trudeau. “But we can apply severe penalties, like fines, if they don’t have the test.”

However, he added, “the vast majority of people all do what is needed” to comply with the rules.

While non-essential travellers comprise about 15% of air travellers currently, they represent only about 5% of land border crossings these days.

Clients can get back to what they love and give the gift of travel for Valentine’s Day

Insight invites agents, clients to ‘Get Back to What You Love’ with new promotion TORONTO — Insight Vacations has launched a brand-new campaign featuring Europe and Americas tours with savings of up to $750 per person, just in time for Valentine’s Day. With the new ‘Get Back to What You Love’ campaign, clients who book

by March 4, 2021 for travel between July 2021 to November 2022 can take advantage of the savings, which are combinable with the 5% Past Guest Discount for eligible clients.

“We know travel will return with more demand than ever and there is so much to explore in this world that many have missed throughout 2020 and Europe remains a popular destination,” says Brad Ford, President of Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold Canada.

Ford added: “To help get clients back to what they love – travel – we’ve launched this new campaign to support travel advisors in closing sales for future travel in celebration of Valentine’s Day and helping clients give the meaningful gift of travel.”

Highlighted trips include the 14-day Country Roads of Croatia, the nine-day Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany, and the 16-day Country Roads of France.

Ford encourages travel advisors to remind clients of the enhanced mea30 | TRAVELWEEK | February 11, 2020

sures Insight Vacations has introduced to ensure the well-being of passengers, including Small Group Departures with a maximum of 24 guests, and Small Private Groups allowing guests to travel privately on any existing journey with as few as 12 guests.

Insight trips now also include the services of a Well-being Director, new well-being protocols and hygiene standards developed with the WTTC and the WHO, and the Peace of Mind Promise, offering guests the assurance they can book with confidence.

72-hour PCR test mandatory for land border crossings as of Feb. 15 OTTAWA — Effective Feb. 15, 2021 travellers returning to or arriving in Canada via land border crossings will now be required to show proof of a 72hour negative PCR test.

The PCR test requirement is already in place for air travellers, as announced Dec. 30, 2020 and which came into effect Jan. 7, 2021.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement at his COVID-19 briefing on Feb. 9.

“Starting Feb. 15, when you return to Canada via the land border, you will need to show a 72-hour PCR test result, just like air travel,” said Trudeau.

Asked if land border travellers would

“You can’t prevent someone who’s at the land border because technically they’re already on Canadian soil. But we can apply penalties like fines if they don’t have the test.”

The federal government’s strict new travel measures, announced Jan. 29, 2021 and coming on top of existing travel measures, include mandatory hotel quarantines for inbound travellers for up to 3 days and a cost of $2,000 while awaiting PCR test results.

With a negative PCR test result travellers finish their 14-day quarantine at home. If the PCR test is positive travellers must wait out their quarantine in a government facility.

Asked about the conditions at the government facilities, and concerns about so-called ‘internment camps’ as reported in the consumer media, Trudeau said: “We are not detaining people. These are public health measures that ensure we are keeping people safe.”

Trudeau added: “The conditions are always adequate.”

Trudeau was also asked about the start date for the hotel quarantines and the other new measures including mandatory PCR tests at the 4 Canadian airports currently accepting international flights.

“We will be making further announcements in the next few days,” he responded.

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