14 minute read
Celestyal launches new reservation platform
Gal Hana, Director for Canada, Israel Ministry of Tourism
Stepping into the future with ‘Israel | Tourism 3.0’
TORONTO — If there’s any sort of silver lining for Israel amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that relatively low case numbers, at least compared to many parts of the world, should give travellers confidence in the destination.
That was the take from hotel and tour operator presenters during the ‘Israel | Tourism 3.0’ virtual conference on Jan. 20.
The event was produced by Travelweek and participation was strong, with viewership totalling 1,128 including Zoom participants and Facebook Live.
Hosted by Gal Hana, Director for Canada, Israel Ministry of Tourism with a helping hand from Shai DeLuca, well known to fans of CityTV’s Cityline, the online event featured panel discussions and more with top Israeli hoteliers, tour operators and tech companies, as well as keynote speeches from entrepreneur Yanki Margalit, and futurist Dr. Ian Yeoman.
“We’re starting the new year with optimistic news about the vaccines,” said Hana, who advocated an “agile, swift and quick approach” when it comes to post-pandemic travel industry strategies. “Although many prefer a comfortable life without surprises and crises or even unnecessary challenges, those are actually catalysts for improvement and innovation. The Chinese word for ‘crisis’ is combined from two elements: one represents risk and the other opportunity. Israel has had many challenges over the years that contributed to the innovation and creativity ecosystem.” Eshet Incentives & Conferences, and Nazarene Tours.
Artzi Korostelev, Executive Vice President, The Peerless Travel Group, said the VFR market, already very strong for Israel, would be the first sector to rebound for Israel’s tourism industry.
Also a perennial performer, and one that will bounce back just as quickly as VFR, is the faith-based market, says Korostelev.
Amnon Ben-David, CEO, Eshet Incentives & Conferences, agrees. “I do believe the faith-based market will be the first to travel to the Holy Land,” he said. “The motivation of faith is very strong.”
Meanwhile the MICE market has also been a strong performer for Israel, especially over the past few years, and Ben-David says he hopes to see this continue post-pandemic. “The last five years have been amazing for MICE to Israel, worldwide but especially from North America,” he says.
Peerless Travel’s Korostelev warns that while VFR and faith-based will be strong in the early months post-pandemic, “to bring back the average traveller will be much more challenging.”
The pandemic has put a dent in spending power for many travellers, who may have lost jobs during the pandemic and won’t be prioritizing travel any time soon. “Let’s face it, a visit to Israel has become a high-ticket item over the past decade,” said Korostelev.
He added: “Israel will have to remain competitive, not only around price points, but also on the marketing efforts and differentiation.”
“Q2 2021 WILL BE THE STARTING POINT”
Of keen interest for the travel industry during the conference was input from travel companies dealing with COVID’s impact on tourism, especially the hotels and tour operators.
“If I had been part of the movie trilogy ‘Back to the Future’, I would have definitely said, ‘don’t ever go to 2020’,” joked Lior Mucznik, General Manager, Eilat Region, Dan Hotels.
He added: “But on a serious note, I would like to think that in three to six months COVID-19 will be history, making 2021 one of the best years in the past decade.”
Mucznik echoed the feelings of many of the presenters when he said that domestic travel has been a saving grace for Israel’s tourism industry amid the pandemic. “From the start we knew we should rely on our domestic market,” he said.
Uri Sharon, Commercial Director, Abraham Hostels & Tours, says Israel will win favour with inbound travellers for how it handled the COVID crisis. “I think there is a lot of trust for Israel with how the country dealt with the crisis,” he said.
And Haim Douk, Chief Marketing Officer, Prima Hotels, Israel, said he sees the vaccine as a game-changer. “The second quarter of 2021 will be the starting point” to recovery, said Douk. Since December 2020, about two million Israelis, or about 25% of the country’s population, have received the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. “THE MOTIVATION OF FAITH IS VERY STRONG”
Top tour operators and MICE specialists took part in the event as well, including The Peerless Travel Group,
Celestyal launches new reservation platform for agents
ATHENS — Celestyal Cruises has teamed up with Versonix, a leading software company, to launch a new reservation platform that will be easier and more efficient for travel agents to use.
The Seaware Reservations Platform is designed to provide advanced revenue management performance, a powerful pricing and business policy engine and a robust Celestyal Cruises customer loyalty program. Most importantly, the platform will offer advanced CRM functionality for both consumers and travel agents along with increased capabilities for agents to offer their clients a greater
variety of pre-/post-packages, shore excursions and onboard experiences.
“We’re extremely pleased to partner with Versonix,” said Leslie Peden, chief commercial officer, Celestyal Cruises. “After carefully reviewing and testing all of the leading cruise reservation systems on the market, Versonix Seaware clearly became our top choice as it provides Celestyal with the greatest flexibility and enables us to enhance the support for travel agent partners in selling our cruises with an enhanced CRM capability and guest loyalty program.”
Mexican Caribbean up to the task with PCR testing, says tourism board
CANCUN — The Quintana Roo Tourism Board wants travellers and the trade to know that the Mexican Caribbean has the capacity to perform the necessary COVID-19 tests for all North American visitors.
“We want you to enjoy your stay at the Mexican Caribbean, that is why we share some of the actions we are taking so that your only concern is to fully appreciate our wonderful attractions,” said the destination in a notice to the trade.
Canada’s PCR test requirement, in effect since Jan. 7, means that travellers must show proof of a negative PCR test before boarding their flight to Canada. Similar measures are now in place for U.S. travellers too, who must show proof of a negative antigen test pre-boarding.
The Quintana Roo Tourism Board says the Mexican Caribbean has prevention, detection and care protocols for tourists, and has a vast network of hospitals and clinical analysis laboratories able to perform the COVID-19 diagnostic tests (with PCR and antigen techniques), and is working to facilitate access to these tests.
Many hotel chains have confirmed that they will offer antigen testing at no cost to their guests. If PCR test is required, they will assist with the necessary arrangements, says the tourism board. Other hotels have made agreements with laboratories and pharmacies to offer the tests at preferential prices. Visitors are advised to check with their hotel to see what options are available.
Meanwhile the Guest Assist app provides assistance and guidance to tourists visiting the Mexican Caribbean and is available for free download on Google Play and the App Store. The app contains a special section to answer questions and provide information about the laboratories authorized to carry out the tests, as well as a Call Center (Spanish and English) available 24/7.
If the event of a positive test result, travellers are advised to stay in the Mexican Caribbean to complete the quarantine period. “You will have various accommodation options to decide where you want to spend this time. Some hotels have specific areas available in addition to preferential rates. Check directly with the establishment of your interest for more details,” says the tourism board.
For more information go to www. mexicancaribbean.travel.
PEOPLE
MSC’s Vago is CLIA’s new Global Chairman
MSC Cruises’ former Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, has been announced as CLIA’s new Global Chairman, effective immediately. Vago, who also served as MSC’s CEO from 2003 to 2013, takes over the Global Chairman role from Adam Goldstein. Vago is the first European to serve in the role of CLIA Global Chairman. During his time as CEO of MSC Cruises, Vago helped the company achieve over 800% growth. As Executive Chairman, he continues to cement MSC’s position as one of the largest providers of cruise vacations in the world. He previously served as Chairman of CLIA Europe in 2014.
Goldstein, who recently completed his second term as Global Chairman of CLIA, said it has been an “honour” to serve these past two years and that he is “proud of all that we have accomplished together, even as we have faced unprecedented challenges.”
Emerald Cruises launches Oberammergau sailings and Earlybird savings
VANCOUVER — Emerald Cruises has announced 2022 Oberammergau sailings that combine show tickets with a Danube River cruise, plus savings of $2,500 per couple.
The 10-day voyages include departures in May, June, July and September 2022, giving guests plenty of flexibility when planning their trip. Depending on the departure date, guests will either begin or end their trip with an eight-day sailing aboard one of Emerald’s modern 180-passenger river ships along the Danube. Itineraries visit four countries – Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany – with port calls in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna as well as small towns and villages. Daily tour options include a guided bike tour in Vienna, a hike to Bratislava castle and leisurely paced walking tours.
The Passion Play portion of the journey includes one-day admission to the play, a one-night stay in both Munich and Oberammergau with tours of both cities, transfers to or from the airport and ship, and some meals.
Guests booking their Passion Play itinerary by May 16, 2021 will receive a savings of $2,500 per couple at a starting price of $4,820 per person, plus those booking a suite on the Horizon Deck will receive a €150 onboard credit per person. In addition, those who book by Feb. 28, 2021 and pay in full 12 months in advance of departure date will receive a limited-time Super Earlybird savings of an additional 10% off the cruise portion only (does not apply to Category D/E or ES cabins). As with all Emerald sailings, all daily excursions, meals, gratuities, port charges, ship transfers and wine and beer with dinner and lunch are included in the price of the sailing.
In addition, all bookings come with the line’s flexible booking policy that allows guests to defer travel plans and transfer to an alternate departure date or itinerary up to 60 days prior to departure, with no Emerald Cruises fees. The Deposit Protection Plan (value of $125 per person) is a complimentary inclusion in all bookings and allows guests flexibility with their travel dates without having to worry about losing their deposits.
For groups looking to attend the Passion Play, Emerald Cruises’ Group Value Program is applicable to groups as small as 10 guests. Perks include one tour conductor credit with every
The Passion Play portion of the journey includes one-day admission to the play, a one-night stay in both Munich and Oberammergau, transfers and some meals.
PEOPLE
Tim Morgan joins The Affluent Traveler Collection
Travel industry veteran Tim Morgan, formerly of TPI and Virtuoso, has landed at The Affluent Traveler Collection (ATC) as its new Vice President, effective immediately. Morgan previously spent 13 years at TPI where he eventually became Vice President, and prior to that served five years as globally elected chair of Virtuoso’s technology committee. He joins ATC during a period of significant year-over-year growth, despite 2020’s downturn. This year is off to a promising start, with 19% more suppliers than last year and the addition of over US$80 million in new agency revenue. nine paying guests, and Group Amenity Points (GAP), which is a group choice of unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks onboard (not including minibar) or a $50 discount, or €50 onboard credit. Group quotes can be obtained by contacting Emerald Cruises’ Groups Specialist at 1-844-788-7987 or groups@ gmeraldcruises.ca.
The once-in-a-decade Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, which depicts the life and death of Jesus, was originally scheduled for 2020 but was pushed back to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Considered the world’s longest-running play, it first started in 1634 and has been performed only 42 times since then.
G Adventures’ latest survey finds what matters most to travellers
TORONTO — What will matter most to travellers post-pandemic and how will they want to give back to local communities? G Adventures found the answers in a new survey of more than 1,000 Canadians.
The survey, says founder Bruce Poon Tip, was designed to reveal travellers’ ‘retravel resolutions’ in terms of why they want to head out into the world again, what’s most important to them when they do, and how will they change their travel behaviours to have a more positive impact on the planet and its people.
The results, adds Poon Tip, will give agents even more reason to book their clients now for travel later, once restrictions are lifted.
“It’s apparent travellers want their holidays to be more meaningful after this forced hiatus for international travel. They want their money to support local people in the destinations they go to and the best way for people to show their support now is to make a commitment to travel, so these communities can benefit later,” he said.
Here are some key findings from the survey: REASONS TO TRAVEL AGAIN
When asked the main reason why they wanted to travel again, the top answer from respondents was to immerse themselves in a different culture
(64%), followed by the desire to reconnect with the world (57%). One-third of respondents (34%) are also looking to connect with nature on their next international trip.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO TRAVELLERS?
When it comes to what is important to Canadians when they travel again, the majority consider the most important factor in their holiday choice to be that their money benefits local people (77%), followed by ensuring wildlife is protected where they go (51%). Nearly half of travellers (49%) want to avoid over-touristed destinations on their next trip, with 63% of Canadians stating that they will visit more remote places/less visited areas of a destination when they retravel. BIG SMALL ACTIONS
Respondents were also asked to commit to one ‘big small action’ they could take when international travel returns. The most common commitment was to support local people and businesses at 37%, followed closely by doing more research before they book their trip (34%). Another 17% of travellers making a commitment to reduce plastic and/or bring a reusable bottle with them when they go.
Intrepid launches limited-time Antarctica sale
TORONTO — Intrepid Travel is slashing its prices of Antarctica tours by as much as 25% for a limited time.
The sale applies to bookings made from Jan. 27 to March 31, 2021, for travel in the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons. The offer cannot be combined with any other discount, is valid on select departures and cabins and applies to voyage fare only. It is not applicable on land tours, additional onboard activities, additional hotel accommodation or transfers, flights, travel insurance and does not apply to group bookings. A deposit is required at time of booking with full payment due at 95 days prior to departure.
The limited-time offer includes a range of tours, including: • Best of Antarctica: This 11-day extended version of Intrepid’s classic Antarctica cruise is priced from $9,200 (with discount) and provides an extra day on the Antarctica Peninsula. Guests will enjoy Zodiac excursions and explore ice-filled bays and channels. • WWF Giants of Antarctica: This 11-day expedition, which starts at $12,801 with the discount, was designed in partnership with World
Wildlife Fund Australia. Guests will travel with Dr. Ari Friedlaender and a team of researchers in peak humpback whale season to learn about whale research techniques and marine conservation. • Antarctica Whale Journey: While on this 11-day journey, which is priced from $12,801 with the discount, guests will follow whales as they migrate south for the winter and spend extra time exploring the Great White
Continent.
PEOPLE
Cruise veteran Steve Smotrys is Seabourn’s new VP, Global Sales
Cruise industry veteran Steve Smotrys has been named Seabourn’s new vice president of Global Sales, effective immediately. Taking over the role from Chris Austin who departed the company last month, Smotrys will be responsible for Seabourn’s overall global sales efforts and leading the teams that support travel advisor communities in North America, Europe, the U.K., Asia and Australia.
Prior to joining Seabourn, Smotrys served as vice president of Sales and Trade Marketing at Cunard North America. He first joined the Carnival Corporation family of brands in 2000 with Princess Cruises, and over his nearly 20 years within the Corporation he has led teams in Revenue Management, Market Planning, Shore Excursions and Sales.
