Travelweek - July 29th, 2021

Canada’s Travel Trade News July 29, 2021 travelweek.ca

Why Sandals is the Safest ®

AND

most luxurious vacation for Your Clients

As the brand you can trust

Our Guests Have Been and Will Always Be Priority#1 For nearly 40 years, Sandals® Resorts has adhered to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety protocols. Our resorts have always been scrupulously cleaned and sanitized every hour of every day. But now more than ever, our existing industry-leading practices have been enhanced to include several pre-emptive cleanliness measures, guaranteeing guests the peace of mind to enjoy their vacation with the utmost confidence.

How safe is the transfer to the resort?

From the moment our guests arrive, they enjoy the Sandals 5-Star Luxury Included® experience. Our private airport lounges are cleaned and sanitized every 30 minutes, and guests are provided with complimentary masks.

Our private airport transfers to the resort offer reduced seating and are sanitized after every trip—as are our luxury Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Rolls-Royce transfers for guests in our top-tier suites.

How about public spaces?

Are they safe?

At Sandals, our wide-open spaces are nature made for romance. Whether guests want to stroll hand-in-hand along a flawless stretch of white-sand beach, find a cozy space that was made for romance, or enjoy a candlelit dinner for two at one of our 5-Star Global GourmetTM restaurants, Sandals has created endless open spaces where love can blossom.

Will my client still have the time of their life at Sandals?

It’s been said that sun, sea, and fresh air are the best medicine of all. We couldn’t agree more… and at Sandals, we have an abundance of it. And because we’ve created even wider open spaces and are taking social distancing to even greater lengths, your clients will create a thousand worry-free moments that they’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Can guests still dine when and where they want?

All of our restaurants are set up for private moments, whether it’s a candlelit corner with a window overlooking the sea, or beneath the stars while dining al fresco, guests will enjoy a delicious culinary experience, with everything designed for both romance and safety.

Are premium liquors still included and unlimited?

Of course they are … and the doors to our bars are literally open to keep the air flowing—the ones that aren’t outside, of course.

Our outdoor bars have the fresh air and cool breeze to keep the party going, with each pair of bar stools six feet apart. All of our glassware is washed in dishwashers and disposable cups are available at all bars. Every surface is continually cleaned and sanitized for the highest levels of cleanliness and safety.

Is the in-room experience still 5-Star?

Guests can now check-in online, letting them skip the front desk and go directly to their room. And Sandals has introduced even more robust housekeeping measures to ensure a hospital-grade, sanitized environment according to the strictest protocols.

Linens are cleaned every day, and all mattresses and pillows have protectors that are disinfected daily. After rooms are thoroughly cleaned, the door is locked, and a seal placed between the door and the casing to certify that no one else has entered until the guests arrive.

What about Sandals staffers?

At Sandals, your clients will still be greeted with smiles so big and welcoming, they’ll still be able to see them beneath the masks every staff member will be wearing at all times. And rest assured, they’ve all had their temperatures taken when they arrived to the resort, had their uniforms laundered, and have been trained how to stay healthy at home.

Is it safe to play?

Sandals has always included every land and water sport* under the sun, and no matter what their game or adventure, every protocol is in place to keep them safe. From tennis and championship golf*, to scuba diving*, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and sailing, all equipment is continually cleaned and sanitized after every use.

Jamaica • Antigua • Saint Lucia • The Bahamas • Grenada • Barbados • Curaçao (2022)

TAPORTAL.SANDALS.COM • 1.800.545.8283 @sandalsresorts *Visit sandals.com/disclaimers/travelweek081221 or call 1-800-SANDALS for important terms and conditions. Sandals ® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc is an affi liate of Unique Vacations Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.

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Canada’s Travel Trade News July 29, 2021 travelweek.ca

Corporate travel's long recovery Client segments in the struggling sector include pg. 3 the 'never left' and the 'never returning'

Air Canada ramps up transborder service

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What tour ops are saying about Jamaica Q&A with Rocky Mountaineer

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Europe invites the curious

I am

#Naturally Curious

I am

#Creatively Curious

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#Historically Curious

TOP NEWS

How one corporate travel agent is surviving the pandemic, and what businesses are saying about the sector’s recovery

By Kathryn Folliott TORONTO — You can’t feel the sand between your toes on Zoom.

But you can have business meetings.

You can make presentations and facilitate breakout rooms. Other online solutions recreate settings for trade shows and conferences, where you can host thousands. The travel industry should know. Like every industry in the world, it’s been using Zoom and other videoconferencing and virtual event services to stay connected - B2B and B2C - over the past 16 months of the pandemic.

What does that mean for corporate travel - and the agents who sell it?

When the pandemic first hit, many thought business travel would be among the first to recover. Then everyone starting using videoconferencing and virtual event set-ups, and some companies said they’d never go back to all those days on the road. Zoom, in operation since 2012, had US$2.6 billion in revenue in 2020, a year-over-year increase of 317%. Meanwhile online offerings for hosting virtual conferences multiplied seemingly overnight, a blow to the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) sector.

And while the new eased travel restrictions for Canada (see page 6), announced last week, are just the latest example of a country taking big steps to reopen its border, entry policies around the world are still a mishmash, further hampering corporate travel’s restart. For the MICE market, yearslong lead times for booking major conferences and events, and 16 months+ of cancellations, not to mention the potential for reinstated restrictions on large indoor gatherings, further complicate things.

All those factors mean corporate travel’s recovery will be slow compared to leisure travel. But there’s still no substitute though for connecting with industry colleagues and new business partners in person. Travel consultants like Angela Landry are counting on it.

Landry, a TPI agent based in Nova Scotia, has an 80/20 corporate / leisure split. “Corporate always appealed to

me, I have been focusing on corporate since I started in the industry in 1988,” she says.

When the pandemic first started in early 2020, “my $2 million+ a year in corporate sales went to nothing. I mean nothing. Not even a booking a week for almost a full year,” Landry tells Travelweek.

“Some of my corporate companies have saved up to $25,000 a month with employees working from home and not travelling.

We can't ignore this.”

While restarting corporate travel has its challenges, for some sectors, Zoom calls just won’t cut it, she says.

“It will really depend on the nature of the business. I deal with many fashion companies who have to meet in person. Their customers need to feel the fabric and see the samples in real time,” says Landry.

At the other end of the scale, one of Landry’s clients - a large insurance company - is doing just fine with videoconferencing. “The CEO lives in France, the head office is in Montreal and all their employees work from home, and this is working very well for them.”

THE LATEST GBTA POLL NUMBERS According to the latest poll from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), optimism is steady, with about half of GBTA members (54%) reporting they feel more optimistic about the industry’s path to recovery compared to a month ago. Some 40% feel the same, and 6% say they’re more pessimistic.

Three in four (77%) said their employees are ‘willing’ or ‘very willing’ to travel for business in the current environment.

And of the companies that suspended most domestic business trips, nine out of 10 plan to resume domestic travel in the near future, or are considering resuming domestic travel, according to the GBTA’s poll. Some three in 10 say they plan to resume international travel within 1-3 months, and half are considering resuming international travel soon but have no definite plans.

Junly 29, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 3

TOP NEWS Only one in 10 say they do not plan to resume international business travel in the near future.

The GBTA has more than 9,000 members, and some 618 responded to this July 2021 survey. It’s the 21st poll GBTA has conducted since the start of the pandemic.

“There is clearly an appetite to resume non-essential business travel and in-person meetings to promote collaboration, networking and business opportunities. And interestingly, it doesn’t appear that cost savings are necessarily a key driver in waiting to get travellers back out on the road.

However, government policies and restrictions on international travel continue to hinder progress in pursuing activities so important to conducting business,” says GBTA’s CEO, Suzanne Neufang.

“I’m not sure if things will ever be the same, but I’m trying my best to keep this going and look forward to a brighter future for all of us.”

About half (52%) of GBTA respondents say government policies and restrictions relating to international business travel continue to impact their companies’ ability to conduct networking, business prospecting, planning, sales meetings and the like.

That said, the poll also shows a 12% increase compared to last month in companies opening travel, and fewer companies suspending or cancelling all travel. Domestic business travel is now widely allowed and corporate bookings and travel spend continues to rise month on month. And three in four (77%) GBTA members and stakeholders say they feel their employees are ‘willing’ or ‘very willing’ to travel for business in the current environment.

TRAVELWEEK

THE ‘NEVER LEFT’ & THE ‘NEVER RETURNING’ Analysis of corporate travel’s comeback by management consulting firm McKinsey & Company divides COVIDera corporate travellers into 4 camps: the ‘never left’; the ‘never returning’; the ‘fear of missing out’ (FOMO) travellers; and the ‘wait and see’ crowd.

The ‘never left’ group, accounting for about 15% of pre-pandemic corporate travel spending, include managers with manufacturing companies who need to see their factories and plants in person. The ‘never returning’ (20%) are tech-adept and have had no problem switching to virtual mode during COVID. Driving corporate travel’s recovery, says McKinsey & Company, are the FOMO group. Representing a whopping 60% of pre-pandemic corporate travel spending, they’re the SME (small-to-medium size enterprise) invested sales force eager to solidify client relationships post-pandemic. For travel retailers like Uniglobe, which has an 80/20 corporate-leisure split in Canada’s eastern half, SMEs have been key drivers for growth. Uniglobe launched its 40th anniversary in March 2021 with a series of #Uniglobe40Strong events.

Rounding out the four categories are the ‘wait and see’ corporate travellers.

The smallest group, with just 5% of pre-pandemic corporate travel spending, the ‘wait and see’ group aren’t in highly competitive sales positions but rather in the public sector and non-profits.

ONE CORPORATE TRAVEL AGENT’S TAKE Landry says she’s seen sentiment from her business travel clients change too. Some ‘road warriors’ took the pandemic as a chance to recalibrate their busy rarely-home lives. But others are jumping at the bit to travel again, says Landry. “Some of the younger travellers want to get back out there. And then the older ones who have families and have travelled extensively are happy to be home.”

Asked what she’s hearing now from clients, “it’s a lot of ‘I can’t wait to travel again!’”

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Landry adds: “I do see a slight increase in sales … people are feeling more confident with the vaccine process and lower confirmed cases. My fear is corporate has had a chance to do a very valid cost saving experiment. They have moved face-to-face meetings to Zoom meetings and online training sessions. Some of my corporate companies have saved up to $25,000 a month with employees working from home and not travelling.”

One of Landry’s corporate clients is saving a million British pounds per month. “We can’t ignore this,” she says.

Asked if she’s changed her agency’s business plan during the pandemic, Landry says she switched hosts in September 2020, to TPI. “I felt change was coming and I negotiated a stronger contract for myself which carried me through a lot of months without any revenue,” she says.

She’s also increased all her service fees. And not unlike many other people in the travel industry, she also has a career back-up plan - she went back to school and got her realtor’s license, just in case.

Most of all Landry says she’s doubling-down on customer service. It’s always been an integral part of a travel consultant’s job, and now more than ever. “I miss my clients,” says Landry.

“I know their families, I know their children. I have been with them through ups and downs, and them with me.

They are a large part of my life - some I have had for over 20 years.”

She says she makes a point of calling at least three clients a day to touch base and see how they are doing.

“I’m not sure if things will ever be the same, but I’m trying my best to keep this going and look forward to a brighter future for all of us.”

Got a story idea? Questions or comments? Write to us at editorial@travelweek.ca

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

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For circulation inquiries please email circulation@travelweek.ca

4 | TRAVELWEEK | July 29, 2021

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TOP NEWS

A closer look at the new eased travel restrictions coming Aug. 9 and Sept. 7, and what they mean for outbound travel

by Kathryn Folliott TORONTO — After many, many months of no word on eased travel restrictions, the travel industry got an earful from the federal government.

While the focus so far is mostly on inbound travel, that’s in part because the Canadian government can’t dictate the border decisions of other countries.

What it can do to truly restart outbound travel is lift the travel advisory against all non-essential travel.

With fully vaccinated American travellers allowed to enter Canada starting Aug. 9, and fully vaccinated travellers from all other countries allowed to enter Canada starting Sept. 7 - effective both dates, for all types of travel including discretionary travel - is it reasonable to assume that Canada’s current travel ban, still in place after more than 16 months, might be lifted in the weeks ahead?

The industry is keeping a close eye on that advisory, because it will be the ultimate game-changer as Canada emerges from the pandemic.

HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING AUG. 9 AND SEPT. 7 The federal government announced the following last week … . As of Aug. 9, 2021 fully vaccinated American travellers will be allowed to enter Canada, quarantine-free, but will still need to show a back-up quarantine plan if needed. Travel may be discretionary. Travellers will still need to show proof of a 72-hour negative COVID test pre-departure, however testing upon arrival in Canada will be random. . The 3-day hotel quarantine will be eliminated for all travellers regardless of vaccination status effective Aug. 9.

Unvaccinated travellers arriving in Canada will still need to quarantine for 14 days. . Also on Aug. 9, international arrivals will be welcomed at 5 more Canadian airports, in Halifax, Quebec City, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Edmonton. Airports already in operation for international flights are in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver.

6 | TRAVELWEEK | July 29, 2021

. As of Sept. 7, 2021 fully vaccinated travellers from any country will be allowed to enter Canada, quarantine-free, but will still need to show a back-up quarantine plan if needed.

Travel may be discretionary. Travellers will still need to show proof of a 72hour negative COVID test pre-departure, however testing upon arrival in Canada will be random.

LOTS OF QUESTIONS Plenty of questions came up at the briefing, including questions about U.S. reciprocity, unvaccinated kids and travel, mixed vaccinations and more.

When Canada outlined its next phase of eased restrictions, there was still hope that the U.S. might reciprocate.

However two days later the U.S. announced that its side of the Canada-U.S. border would stay closed until at least Aug. 21, 2021.

The Department of Homeland Security issued this statement: “Given the outbreak and continued transmission and spread of COVID-19 within the United States and globally, the Secretary has determined that the risk of continued transmission and spread of the virus associated with COVID-19 between the United States and Canada poses an ongoing ‘specific threat to human life or national interests.”

Says ACTA President Wendy Paradis: “ACTA is disappointed that the United States has decided to continue its land border closure until August 21, even to fully vaccinated Canadians. American

leaders across political parties have called for months for Canada to open its border. And yet, despite Canadians having a higher vaccination rate and substantially lower transmission of COVID-19, they have refused to reciprocate and follow a science-based plan to safely open their border and support traveller mobility and an ailing travel and tourism sector.”

Meanwhile unvaccinated kids under 12 returning to or arriving in Canada will be exempt from the 14-day quarantine, however the federal government is still advising that those children ‘avoid congregate settings’ like schools and daycares.

As one reporter noted during the media briefing Q&A, the new guidance on kids and travel is “rather vague”.

Here’s what Health Minister Patty Hajdu, Public Safety Minister Bill Blair, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc and Transport Minister Omar Alghabra had to say about all the announcements …

UNVACCINATED KIDS UNDER 12 EXEMPT FROM QUARANTINE, BUT …

Health Minister Patty Hajdu: “Today I can confirm to families traveling with children under 12, that children will be exempt from quarantine, but they will still have to follow strict public health measures. This means they can accompany their parent or guardian out of the house to their destination, so long as they avoid group settings like summer camps, school, or

TOP NEWS childcare for 14 days.”

“We want to protect the upcoming school year. Children still are not able to be vaccinated. We don't have any pharmaceutical companies yet who have applied for a vaccine for children.

Of course we'll eagerly review those applications as they come in, but children remain vulnerable, and so do their communities and so this measure allows for families to have some degree of functioning.”

Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc: “The advice that we received from Dr. Tam and others is that there will be no mandatory quarantine for children, the 14 day quarantine, that is if they are accompanied by parents or guardian who is fully vaccinated or who are fully vaccinated. However, provincial health measures still must apply. So families must familiarize themselves with local directives that apply and local health measures in place. And we will also advise these children to avoid places such as schools and daycares and other group settings where there's a great deal of transmission capacity.”

WILL MIXED-DOSE CANADIANS BE PENALIZED AT THE U.S BORDER? Minister Leblanc: “Over the course of our conversations with our American counterparts, we do discuss border measures. But we are also discussing, continuously discussing all of those issues when it comes to vaccines [and] when it comes to what constitutes a fully vaccinated person.”

“We are constantly discussing with authorities not only in the U.S., but also in many other countries in order to ideally arrive at a mutual recognition of vaccination regimes. Of course, that has to be evidence based, and based on the scientific analyses of our own health authorities, including Health Canada. But I know that Health Canada authorities often speak to their American counterparts in order to arrive at an appropriate conclusion that will not prevent Canadians … from potentially traveling to the United States, when those Canadians follow their own health authorities, guidelines, advice and directives.”

Health Minister Patty Hajdu: “I can't speak to the motivations of other countries but I can speak to ours and we have been, as I said very rigorously, following the advice of our public health authorities who are most com-

fortable, as I said earlier, with accepting vaccines that we have studied here in Canada to receive Health Canada approval. Each vaccine has to go through a rigorous analysis and we have access to all the data. So as we continue to understand the effectiveness of other vaccines that have been developed in other countries and other settings, we'll continue to work with those partners as well as the WHO. Undoubtedly as vaccine campaigns get underway, and we have better real world data around the effective effectiveness of those vaccines, we will be able to adjust our measures. But for now, given that we know these vaccines, we know their effectiveness, that is the choice that we've made and it is on the advice of our public health authorities.”

ter August 9. On September 7 foreign nationals from other countries will be permitted to come to Canada for discretionary travel, and they will also need to provide proof that they have been fully vaccinated, according to Canadian standards.”

U.S. RECIPROCITY ON THE BORDER REOPENING Public Safety Minister Bill Blair: “We will continue to have regular conversations with our U.S. partners to ensure the safety, security, and economic well being of our respective countries.”

“There's nothing about this that’s embarrassing. We're introducing measures that are appropriate and appropriately cautious to protect Canadians … to begin a very careful phased reopening of our border. We work very closely with our American counterparts [but] we make our decisions based on the advice of our scientific experts.”

Minister LeBlanc: “We hope that at the right moment, the American government will be able to lift some of the border measures in place. However, we respect the fact that the decision is theirs to make. …

In the meantime, we will continue to work with the Americans in the context of our privileged religious relationship and we do hope to hear more from them soon."

THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY Minister Alghabra: “I also want to thank the airlines, airports, and all workers in the aviation sector. This sector has endured a lot during the pandemic. Our government was there to support airlines and airports, but nothing beats working together to restart travel. I ask travellers to be patient during this transitional time as volumes ramp up. There might be longer wait times than usual as airports [as we] adjust to the new reality.

The global pandemic is not over yet. We need to remain vigilant and cautious.

We don't want to squander the hard won gains made by Canadians. Today's announcement is great news for the aviation sector and its workers. Transport Canada is committed to facilitating a safe restart of travel by working with industry and all Canadians. “

PROOF OF VACCINATION Transport Minister Omar Alghabra: “Starting on August 9 air carriers will begin verifying that travellers coming to Canada have submitted their COVID-19 information digitally through the ArriveCAN app or website before boarding a flight. This includes information and documentation to demonstrate that they are fully vaccinated.

This will apply first to you as citizens and you as permanent residents who have travelled to Canada from the U.S. for discretionary travel on or af-

THE HOTEL QUARANTINE RULE Minister LeBlanc: “We will never apologize for having taken such important measures in order to protect Canadians. … We also made important decisions in order to send Canadians, a message especially last winter, that now was not the time to take trips abroad. We continually repeated that advice. And we took the measures, the global measures that we thought were appropriate.”

CANADA’S VACCINATION RATES Minister Hajdu: “Thanks to the hard work of Canadians who have followed public health measures have stepped up to get vaccinated when it was their turn, we’re in a much stronger position to be able to further ease border measures for fully vaccinated travellers.”

Minister Alghabra: “I want to emphasize that these changes are only possible due to the extraordinary commitment Canadians have shown, following public health advice, and getting vaccinated in incredible numbers. So let's keep the momentum growing. If you haven't done it yet, please get your shot."

Junly 29, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 7

WORLD NEWS

AIRLINES A new airline passenger survey by IATA, with responses from some 4,700 travellers in 11 global markets, found that most air travellers are confident about the safety of air travel and support mask-wearing in the near-term. However, another majority is frustrated with the ‘hassle factor’ around COVID-19 protocols, including confusion about travel rules, testing requirements and excessive test costs. Among the respondents, 85% believe aircraft are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and 65% agree the air on an aircraft is as clean as an operating room. The survey also found that passengers strongly support mask wearing onboard (83%) and strict enforcement of mask rules (86%), but a majority also believe the mask requirement should end as soon as possible.

WestJet says it is not seeking financial aid from the federal government after months of talks between Ottawa and the airline. It says each party has agreed to shift focus to restarting the travel and tourism sector, given encouraging vaccination rates. WestJet’s overall passenger volumes in 2020 were down nearly 90% from the year before, and the airline was forced to reduce its employee head count from 14,000 prior to the pandemic to a low of 4,000. But the airline has said it expects travel demand to rebound this summer as restrictions ease and COVID-19 case counts fall.

WestJet has already restored service to all of the airports it served before the pandemic.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

DESTINATIONS Ireland is now accepting fully vaccinated Canadian travellers with valid proof of vaccination against COVID-19, eliminating the need for them to undergo travel-related testing or quarantine measures. Those who do not have valid proof of vaccination will need to present evidence of a negative RTPCR test result within 72 hours prior to arrival into Ireland, self-quarantine and undergo post-arrival testing, which will be provided through the Health Service Executive in destination. Before arrival, Canadians will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form, which will be checked prior to departure to Ireland by the relevant carrier. Visitors may also be asked to provide the vaccination certificate indicated on their form. Upon arrival in Ireland, spot checks will be carried out on proof of vaccinations and negative RT-PCR tests as appropriate.

Bermuda is welcoming back direct flights with Air Canada on Fridays and Saturdays starting Aug. 6 from Toronto Pearson Airport. All visitors to Bermuda must apply for and complete a Bermuda COVID-19 Travel Authorisation 1 to 3 days prior to arriving in Bermuda in order to travel to the island. All visitors must also have a negative pre-arrival test taken within four days of arrival in Bermuda. Immunized visitors must also test upon arrival, day 4, day 8 and day 14 while in Bermuda. Unimmunized travellers will quarantine for 14 days in a Government Approved Quarantine Hotel or apply for an exemption. All of these rules apply to visitors ages two years old and older. More details are at gov.bm/ applying-bermuda-travel-authorisation.

POLICIES Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc is sounding a note of hope that Canadians who mixed and matched COVID-19 vaccines will not have a problem crossing borders in the months ahead. The FDA in the U.S. has so far been reluctant to sanction mixing vaccines, saying it should only be done in “exceptional situations.” Meanwhile many European countries do not recognize the OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine made at the Serum Institute of India, known by the brand name Covishield, meaning Canadians who received it could find themselves barred from entry.

“We don’t expect this to be a static circumstance. And I think over the next number of weeks and months there may be revisions provided by health authorities around the world with respect to these vaccine regimes,” said LeBlanc.

8 | TRAVELWEEK | July 29, 2021

CRUISE Three additional Carnival ships will be resuming guest operations in September, with another four coming back online in October, bringing the line’s total number of operating ships to 15. The three ships for September are Carnival Glory from New Orleans (Sept. 5), Carnival Pride from Baltimore (Sept. 12) and Carnival Dream from Galveston (Sept. 19). In October, Carnival Conquest will start sailing from Miami (Oct. 8), Carnival Freedom also from Miami (Oct. 9), Carnival Elation from Port Canaveral (Oct. 11), and Carnival Sensation from Mobile (Oct. 21). All ships will continue to operate as vaccinated cruises through at least October.

NEWS

“We need a restart that is affordable for all”: IATA warns of high cost of testing

Air Canada ramps up transborder service with up to 220 daily flights MONTREAL — Air Canada’s updated summer transborder schedule includes 55 routes and 34 destinations in the U.S., with up to 220 daily flights between the U.S. and Canada.

Air Canada says the new schedule coincides with last week’s announcement from the federal government that effective Aug. 9, fully vaccinated American travellers can enter Canada for non-essential travel. So far the U.S. border will remain closed to Canadians until at least Aug. 21.

Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada, notes that Air Canada’s schedule enables convenient onward travel through its Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal hubs to and from the airline’s global destinations.

“We are planning to restore services to all 57 U.S. destinations previously served as conditions allow. We sincerely look forward to welcoming our customers onboard,” he said.

AIR CANADA APP & REFUND POLICY Meanwhile the Air Canada App, with updates announced last month, allows customers flying from the U.S. to Canada and between Canada and select European destinations to easily and

securely scan and upload COVID-19 test results to validate compliance with government travel requirements prior to arriving at the airport.

In early August 2021 Air Canada's onboard services will resume on transborder flights longer than two hours, with new Economy Class Bistro selections being gradually introduced, including products by Canadian brands and

“We are planning to restore services to all 57 U.S. destinations previously served as conditions allow. We sincerely look forward to welcoming our customers onboard." partners such as Nomz vegan energy balls, celebrated Montreal Chef Jérôme Ferrer-inspired meals and more.

Air Canada is also reminding agents and customers about its new refund policy. The policy offers options of refunds, an Air Canada Travel Voucher or equivalent value in Aeroplan Points with a 65% bonus should the airline cancel or reschedule a flight by more than three hours, and is applicable to all tickets purchased.

GENEVA — Testing for COVID-19 needs to be more accessible, says IATA, adding that governments should consider permitting the use of antigen tests over more expensive PCR tests.

According to IATA’s most recent traveller survey, 86% of respondents are willing to get tested. However, 70% also believe that the cost of testing is a significant barrier to travel while 78% believe governments should bear the cost of mandatory testing.

“IATA supports COVID-19 testing as a pathway to reopen borders to international travel. But our support is not unconditional,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “In addition to being reliable, testing needs to be easily accessible, affordable and appropriate to the risk level. Too many governments, however, are falling short on some or all of these.”

Walsh added that the cost of testing varies widely between jurisdictions, with little relation to the actual cost of conducting the test.

“The U.K. is the poster child for governments failing to adequately manage testing. At best it is expensive, at worst extortionate. And in either case it is a scandal that the government is charging VAT,” he said.

The new generation of rapid tests costs less than US$10 per test. Provided a confirmatory rRT-PCR test is administered for positive test results, guidance from the WHO sees Ag-RDT antigen testing as an acceptable alternative to PCR. And where testing is a mandatory requirement, the WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHRs) state that neither passengers no carriers should bear the cost of testing.

“Our latest survey confirms that the high cost of testing will bear heavily on the shape of the travel recovery. It makes little sense for governments to take steps to reopen borders if those steps make the cost of travel prohibitive to most people. We need a restart that is affordable for all,” said Walsh.

IATA also recommends governments adopt WHO guidance to consider exempting vaccinated travellers from testing requirements.

July 29, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 9

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NEWS

Jamaica Virtual Product Showcase: Travelweek talks to Transat, Sunwing, ACV & more TORONTO — With the winter travel season fast approaching, the Jamaica Tourist Board hosted its first-ever Virtual Product Showcase to spread the word that the island is officially back on stream and open to Canadians.

Jamaica, which is offering flights from eight Canadian gateways (Calgary, Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Moncton, and St. John’s), is anticipating a healthy and robust winter season, with many resorts, attractions and ground transportation services resuming operations with health and safety protocols in place.

Close to 500 Canadian travel agents registered for the virtual event, which featured over 30 top suppliers, including ACV, Sunwing, Transat, WestJet Vacations, RIU Hotels & Resorts, Sandals, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts and more. Agents were able to participate in several breakout sessions and connect with suppliers directly, with several prizes up for grabs throughout the course of the event.

Angella Bennett, Regional Director of Tourism-Canada for the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), opened the show with a warm welcome to agents and participants.

“The tourism sector is one of the industries that has been the hardest hit in this pandemic and we are committed as a tourism board to working very, very closely with you to restart travel to Jamaica,” she said. “Our Jamaica tourism sector is a source of pride for our country and we will continue to stand alongside you to get you through this period and back to business.”

Bennett went on to read an official statement from Jamaica’s Director of Tourism Donovan White, who said that yesterday’s one-of-a-kind event allows Jamaica’s tourism industry to bring together hundreds of Canadian travel advisors from across the country.

“Since the start of the global pandemic last year, the travel industry has been turned upside down. And although we don’t know when it will get passed fully, we know that we can’t do 12 | TRAVELWEEK | July 29, 2021

Angella Bennett, Jamaica Tourist Board

without you,” said White in his statement. “The return of Canadian tourism is welcome news for our country’s hotel attraction partners and transportation suppliers and policy workers. On behalf of Jamaica, I want to thank you for your unwavering support as we have navigated the effects of the pandemic together.”

Travelweek spoke with several suppliers during breakout sessions, here’s what they had to say:

“Compared to a couple years ago, we’re seeing a lot of agencies up 60% higher than where they were two years ago for future bookings, which is very promising.”

TRANSAT Transat is set to resume flight operations on July 30, a major milestone that Susan Kooiman, Sr. Business Development Representative-Key Accounts, described as a long time coming.

Kooiman told Travelweek that the company has “great product in the system” for agents to book and that its groups department, in particular, has been very busy booking and coding for 2022.

When asked how Jamaica factors into its winter lineup, Kooiman said

that Air Transat has long since regarded the destination as a trusted and valued partner.

“We have our flights from Toronto and from Montreal, which we’re starting in November. As we go through our season we’re going to pick up the days to about three times a week. And we have some great hotel partners that we have supported and they supported us throughout the years, so we continue that partnership because it’s very important to us,” she said.

And what about the pent-up demand that the industry is anticipating?

Is Transat ready to accommodate the surge in bookings?

“Absolutely,” added Kooiman. “We’re ready to hit the ground running and we’re very excited for it. Our travel partners have been waiting patiently and we’re so excited to start and get back to it.”

SUNWING Sunwing’s Dave Wright, Director of Sales, Ontario/Atlantic Canada is also excited for winter, telling Travelweek that he’s anticipating a “very, very busy” season for Jamaica and all other sun destinations and that the team is seeing this uptick already.

“Compared to a couple of years ago, we’re seeing a lot of agencies that are up 60% higher than where they were two years ago for future bookings, say for Nov. 1 onward, which is very promising," said Wright. “Some destinations are filling up very quickly, Jamaica for sure is doing well. We see every booking that comes through these days and

NEWS the number of Christmas and New Year holidays that are being booked is amazing.”

Wright also noted that groups business has been huge – and not just for weddings.

“We’re seeing a lot of families who maybe haven’t been able to get together for the last year and a half, who want to get together and do a trip. So that’s a big part of our business, in addition to individual bookings.”

As bookings pick up, Wright added that Sunwing has made a point to celebrate the successes of its most loyal travel agent partners, many of whom have been “laying low” for the last year.

“Now they’re coming back and we’re always celebrating their first booking in this new world, and it’s just really nice to see,” he said. “It’s going to be a great winter and the role of a travel agent is going to be very important. Consumers are going to want their help to navigate and make their trips as memorable as they possibly can.”

Wright also confirmed that Sunwing’s winter product lineup, including in Jamaica, is very comparable to preCOVID times. This season, Sunwing will fly to Jamaica’s MBJ from 10 Canadian gateways (Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Moncton, St. John’s and Halifax) and offer 54 resorts to choose from in Negril, Montego Bay, Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios.

AIR CANADA VACATIONS Mary Santonato, Air Canada Vacations’ Manager, National Accounts, told Travelweek that the company is expecting a “very, very good winter,” with sales for 2022 well over 2019 numbers. Jamaica, in particular, is expected to perform well as it serves as one of ACV’s biggest and most important destinations.

“Our bookings are coming in strong daily and we’re seeing some really great days and continue to see growth almost weekly,” she said. “The wait times are long however, at least where the bookings are coming in people are patient, which we’re happy about.”

When asked whether all of ACV’s Jamaica product is back online, XX said it will be a gradual ramping up.

“For all the hotels that are open and operational, we definitely are using them but we get notices on a regular basis for delays and what not. But I can confidently say that our Jamaica prod-

uct is currently robust heading into the winter season.”

IBEROSTAR HOTELS & RESORTS With three properties in Jamaica (Iberostar Rose Hall Beach, Iberostar Rose Hall Suites and Iberostar Grand, all of which are located side by side in Montego Bay), Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is anticipating a busy winter season on the island. Jason Gignac, Business Development Manager, Travel Agency Sales (AB, SK, MB) at Iberostar Group, told Travelweek that the company is seeing increased demand out in Eastern Canada and that it’s starting to “trickle” throughout Western Canada as well.

When asked whether all three properties are ready to welcome back Canadians in terms of health and safety, Gignac said “absolutely.” He referenced Iberostar’s new ‘How We Care’ program, which includes over 300 health and safety measures, as well as on-site PCR testing for guests available for US$150.

Gignac is encouraging travel agents to learn more about Iberostar’s health and safety measures at iberostaragents.ca.

JAMAICA’S LATEST ENTRY UPDATES All people arriving in Jamaica at this time are subject to quarantine, based on their assigned traveller category.

For non-residents visiting Jamaica for tourism purposes and staying at approved ‘resilient corridor’ accommodation, they must undergo a health screening and risk assessment and may be required to be tested at the airport upon arrival or at their designated facility. Those not required to be tested on arrival will be allowed to go to their hotel/resort under the ‘Stay in Resilient Corridor’ control measure, which states that tourists must remain at their hotel/resort within the corridor for the duration of their stay.

For fully vaccinated non-residents visiting Jamaica for tourism purposes and not staying within the resilient corridor, the home quarantine period has been reduced to eight days following the date of landing on the island. Those who have not been vaccinated or not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be placed under the home quarantine measure for a period of 14 days following the date of arrival in Jamaica.

Other notable updates on the ground in Jamaica include increased capacity for weddings to 100 guests.

Hotels, resort cottages and attractions not located within the Resilient Corridors can also now receive guests once they have their JTB licence, TPDco’s COVID-19 Compliance Certificate and obey protocols.

Jamaica currently considers anyone who has received two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine to be fully vaccinated, regardless of whether they have received different brands of vaccine.

Air Canada and WestJet are currently flying into Montego Bay from YYZ, while Transat, Swoop and Sunwing are scheduled to resume service in the coming weeks. For the winter season starting Nov. 1, Air Canada will fly from Toronto and Montreal, WestJet from Toronto, Calgary and Winnipeg, Swoop from Toronto and Hamilton, and Sunwing from Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Edmonton, St. John, Ottawa, Hamilton, Winnipeg and Calgary.

These cruise lines are not permitting passengers with mixed COVID-19 vaccines onboard TORONTO — Fully vaccinated Canadians who’ve had mixed doses of COVID-19 vaccines may be out of luck when trying to book with certain cruise lines.

Carnival and Holland America Line, NCL and Princess have all updated their health and safety protocols to deny passengers who’ve mixed and matched certain vaccine doses.

In June, Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) changed its guidelines to allow for mixing and matching COVID-19 vaccines, saying that a first dose of the AstraZeneca-Oxford/COVIDSHIELD vaccine can be followed up with a second AstraZeneca shot or a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shot. The committee also advises that Pfizer and Moderna, both mRNA vaccines, can be interchangeable for first and second doses.

According to Health Canada, approximately 1.3 million Canadians received a mixed-dose finish to their vaccination schedule in June.

Here are the latest updates from cruise lines: July 29, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 13

NEWS CARNIVAL According to Carnival’s COVID-19 guest protocols page on its website, for cruises departing the United States, the CDC requires both vaccines in a 2-dose series to be of the same type.

It also accepts mixing mRNA vaccines only (Pfizer and Moderna). No other vaccine combination will meet the criteria to be considered fully vaccinated.

“So, for example, Canadian or other international guests who received a combination of AstraZeneca and Pfizer are considered unvaccinated by the CDC,” said Carnival.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE According to Holland America, guests who have received one single dose of a vector vaccine like AstraZeneca and one single dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna) will not be considered fully vaccinated.

Guess who’ve received two single doses of mixed vaccines that are the same type (ie. both mRNA) will, however, be considered fully vaccination and will be permitted to sail, so long as the final dose is received at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE NCL cited vaccine guidelines from the FDA and the World Health Organization, both of which authorized single brand vaccination protocol for ships embarking or disembarking at U.S. ports. These include J&J Janssen, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca/Oxford. Mixed vaccination protocol will not be accepted (Pfizer + Moderna or AstraZeneca + Pfizer, for example).

All other vessels departing from a nonU.S. port will accept any U.S. FDA, European Medicines Agency (EMA) or WHO authorized single brand vaccination protocol, or a mixed vaccination protocol of only AstraZeneca-SK Bio, Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna combinations. Vaccines received via clinical trials will not be accepted.

PRINCESS According to Princess, guests who have received one single dose of a vector vaccine (ie. AstraZeneca) and one single dose of an mRNA vaccine (ie.

Pfizer/BioNTech or MOderna) will not be considered fully vaccinated.

Guests who have received two single doses of mixed vaccines that are the same type (ie. mRNA) will be considered fully vaccinated and will be permitted to sail, so long as the final dose is received at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise.

14 | TRAVELWEEK | July 29, 2021

Canada Jetlines adds to its senior leadership team with Bureau and Anand TORONTO — Duncan Bureau has officially joined the Canada Jetlines team.

Bureau has been named Chief Commercial Officer for the ultra low-cost carrier. He returns to the Canadian airline industry after a year with Etihad Airways, where he was Senior VP Sales & Distribution.

Bureau is well known in the Canadian travel industry and an airline industry veteran, from his early days at Canadian Airlines and WestJet, to Malaysia Airlines, and then to Air Canada where he was Global Vice President Sales & Distribution for four years before being named President of Air Canada Rouge. He’s also co-founder of the LorEau Group based in Abu Dhabi.

In his new role Bureau will oversee the development of the various commercial platforms and distribution network for Canada Jetlines.

The airline has also appointed Anup Anand as Director of Cabin Safety and In-Flight. Most recently, as Managing Director In-Flight Service at Air Canada, Anand was responsible for more than 8,500 cabin crew. Anand brings more than 27 years of aviation leadership experience.

Says Jetlines’ CEO Eddy Doyle: ”As we build out the Jetlines organization, I am excited by the prospect of having such high caliber professionals join our

company. Their extensive experience and industry knowledge will be instrumental in building out our go to market strategy and creating our low-cost airline model.”

“Canadians can look forward to new alternatives for vacation flights as we look at initially serving South Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexican markets,” he added.

The ULCC’s long runway to takeoff, a process that’s been in the works for several years, has looked more promising since December 2019 when it announced it was teaming up with U.S.-based Global Crossing Airlines Group (GlobalX).

Most recently, in September 2020, there was news of the potential for Canada Jetlines Vacations.

Jetlines’ operations are pending CTA approval. Currently the company says it’s aiming to offer flights into sun destinations in the U.S. and Mexico using a fleet of Airbus A320s.

G Adventures celebrates 250th departure, over 200 more coming in August TORONTO — G Adventures continues to ramp up its global operations, with 165 trips scheduled to operate this month alone and more than 200 de-

NEWS partures ready to go for August.

The adventure specialist, which celebrated its 250th trip since the start of the pandemic earlier this month, is confident that international travel is making a comeback around the world.

A total of 11 travellers departed Cairo on July 11 for the milestone trip, a 12day ‘Egypt Upgraded’ journey travelling from Cairo return.

Later this month, G Adventures clients will have even more destinations to choose from, with Ecuador, Jordan, Portugal, South Africa and Spain joining the already opened Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Egypt, Greece, Iceland, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Tanzania, Turkey and the United States.

To encourage more travellers to book, the company is extending its current sale and offering up to 25% off more than 100 itineraries across seven travel styles, for trips booked by July 31, 2021 and departing before Oct. 31, 2021.

All trips booked benefit from G Adventures’ newly updated ‘Book with Confidence’ policy, which allows travellers to HKS_7x4-875in_EN_062021_op.pdf cancel and rebook their trip 1 8/6/2021 up to 14 days before departure. They

will also all operate with the company’s ‘Travel with Confidence’ policy, which ensures the most up-to-date health and safety measures.

David Green, vice president commercial and managing director for Canada at G Adventures, says bookings for Canadians are picking up dramatically for tours departing in September and October, and he hopes the current incentive encourages more travellers to book their bucket list trips and demonstrate their commitment to the travel industry, and the communities it serves.

“We’re so close to bringing international travel back for Canadians, and we welcome the relaxation of the hotel quarantine for vaccinated travellers.

As vaccination rates increase the next step is for the government to officially reopen the borders, which we hope happens very soon.

“Our 250th trip proves that safe international travel is possible, and we can’t wait to welcome even more Canadians onto our trips as soon as we can this year. The local communities we visit are delighted to have our trav14:15:59 ellers back, and we are excited to get

back to doing what we do best - changing people’s lives through travel.

Though Green noted that the majority of travellers on the company’s first 250 departures have not been Canadians, he wants to reassure agency partners that G Adventures is up and running.

“There is no slow ramp up to operations,” he added. “Operationally, we are back and we are ready to welcome their travellers on our tours. We’re seeing incredible month-on-month sales and enquiry growth and we also want to thank all our agents for their support and patience as we handle this surge in demand.”

Example itineraries with up to 25% off as part of the extended sale include: Costa Rica Quest – Plus, a nine-day tour from San Jose return, departing from Sept. 3, 2021 and now priced from $899; Egypt Upgraded – Plus, a 12-day trip from Cairo return, departing from Aug. 15, 2021, now priced from $2,479 per person; and Highlights of Portugal, a seven-day trip from Lisbon to Porto, departing from Oct. 3, 2021, now priced from $1,143 per person.

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July 29, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 15

Winners announced for VISIT FLORIDA’s Travel Pro contest TORONTO — The winners have been announced for VISIT FLORIDA’S Florida Travel Pro contest, launched earlier in June to celebrate the destination’s new and improved specialist program.

Isabelle De Roy of Voyages Aquaterra in Laval, QC, Lorene Attewell of Vision Travel in Saskatoon, SK, and Beverley Haynes of CWT Vacations in Toronto, ON have all won a specially curated Florida gift box valued at US$200. Each box contains items from specialty lifestyle brand Spartina 449.

All contest entrants had to complete all seven modules of the VISIT FLORIDA Travel Pro Specialist Program, which is designed to showcase top offerings in the state including attractions, shopping, arts & culture, nightlife, music & theatre, festivals & events, accommodations, beaches, spas and golf. Agents also learned about possible road trips in Florida as well as the destination’s eco-tourism and LGBTQ offerings.

TTAND agent named North America’s top overall sales agent for Silversea TORONTO — One of The Travel Agent Next Door’s very own has been named the top overall sales agent for Silversea cruises for all of North America for the month of May 2021.

Sandra McLeod of Red Door Travel in LaSalle, Ontario was awarded the distinction, winning a free cruise onboard Silversea’s brand new ship, Silver Dawn.

On being recognized, McLead said: “I was totally surprised and then super excited. I had to read the email a few times and called my husband to read it. Not just winning number one sales agent but for all of North America – for me that is huge!

I know how many large luxury travel agents and agencies there are in the U.S. so for me to win is truly an honour.”

Flemming Friisdahl, Founder of The Travel Agent Next Door, added: “We are extremely proud of Sandra winning top overall sales for North America.

This is an amazing achievement, particularly at this time.”

16 | TRAVELWEEK | July 29, 2021

Credit: CanLink

NEWS

Jamaica Inn, Jamaica

Let’s talk luxury with Canlink Travel Representatives TORONTO — With travellers looking for more privacy, more space and more personalized service nowadays, many experts are anticipating a quick comeback for luxury travel.

Leading the way will be Canlink Travel Representatives, which represents some of the world’s most ultra-luxe hotels. We asked President Elaine Carnegie how she foresees the market to evolve post-pandemic and what agents need to know to better sell luxury moving forward.

What kind of winter season are you anticipating?

Forward bookings are very good and inquiries keep coming in. This winter will be one of the busiest in a long time. The main message is to book the luxury product now in order to secure the dates, hotel and the suite type or villa that you want. It does not take long for a luxury hotel with 30 or 50 rooms to fill when booked by travellers worldwide.

Do you think luxury travel will be in greater demand post-pandemic?

Luxury travel will continue to be in great demand – it is now and will continue to be. Our luxury hotels have a fewer number of suites in total than the larger hotels, which allows them to offer a tremendous amount of space. The luxury traveller really wants to catch up on the travel they have missed, as you never know what the future may bring.

Are you seeing more private group bookings?

Yes! Families and small groups of friends want to reconnect. Our hotels that offer large two-, three- and four-bedroom suites and, of course, our villas are very popular for these

small groups. A group of 20 friends can book a few villas and create a very personalized experience.

Plus, families can book a couple of two-bedroom suites for their small group. We even have two-bedroom villas that are fantastic with a cook, housekeeper and more.

Do you think new health protocols will take away from the luxury experience?

Not at all because clients and their agents are getting used to the new requirements for various destinations. Plus, luxury hotels have fine-tuned how they handle this on property as they realize how very important health and safety are to the experience. The client realizes this is part of the experience now and will definitely notice the attention to detail. They will feel very comfortable, relaxed and pleased.

What do agents need to know about booking luxury travel right now?

They need to stress to their clients to book their vacation now to avoid disappointment. Also, suggest luxury options to clients you may have previously thought were not a luxury client. We are seeing the new luxury client is one who has now changed the importance of some things in their life and luxury travel is a new choice for them. We are happy to help agents any time to provide information to help them close a sale to any of our very special hotels and villas.

For more information go to canlink travel.com.

NEWS QUBE Hotel Toronto

QUBE Hotel Toronto gets ready for its fall 2021 debut TORONTO — The new QUBE Hotel Toronto is set to open in fall 2021.

The seven-story, 118-key boutique property will take centre stage on the historic Westinghouse Canada Building site in the heart of downtown Toronto’s iconic Theatre District and close to the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium and more.

Geared to both the corporate and leisure travel markets, the QUBE Hotel will offer state of the art fitness facilities, an indoor swimming pool with open deck terrace, media room, healthy Mediterranean cuisine and two bars.

The look of the property is contemporary and yet comfortable, with natural materials and high-end finishes –from marble tones to rich wood millwork – incorporated throughout.

Spacious luxury suites provide views to Toronto’s cityscape, while the double-height hotel lobby features a centerpiece sculptural staircase connecting the lobby to the ballroom level, providing a striking focal point. Standard suites are available in kings and double queens.

The QUBE Hotel will be operated by Greenland International Hotel Group and bookings are commissionable to travel agents. Agents can contact the hotel for more details at 416-260-7823.

Online see qubetoronto.com or overseas-gihg.com.

Barbados reverses policy to grant quarantine-free entry to fully vaccinated mixeddose travellers TORONTO — Let’s hope there’s more quick action like this where travel destinations and questions about mixed vaccines are concerned.

The Barbados government has reversed its stance on mixed vaccines, in the wake of trade and consumer media reports highlighting the island’s policies.

In a new statement to its travel industry partners, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) said Barbados has updated its travel protocols and will now accept mixed vaccines.

“The Government of Barbados continues to review and update its travel protocols for entry into the country.

The latest update, effective July 15, 2021, will allow for travellers with mixed vaccines to be categorized as Fully Vaccinated,” says BTMI. “Travellers who have mixed vaccine regimens of Ministry of Health and Wellness approved vaccines will be considered Fully Vaccinated, for example, first dose of one brand followed by second dose of another which is not a one-dose regimen.”

Previously Barbados had been categorizing travellers with mixed vaccine

brands as unvaccinated. That meant that any travellers to Barbados who are fully vaccinated, but with more than one brand, would need to follow the protocols for unvaccinated travellers. That included a five-day quarantine upon arrival.

BTMI’s statement about the updated policy allowing mixed vaccine doses includes a link for more information on Barbados’ travel protocols, including the list of accepted vaccines: www.barbados travelprotocols.com.

ACV has 2021-22 winter sun flights from Vancouver, Winnipeg and Calgary MONTREAL — Air Canada Vacations has released its new lineup of 2021/2022 flights out of Western Canada.

Nonstop flights are available from Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg to Mexico, and connections to an additional 31 destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.

VANCOUVER: Daily flights to Cancun; five flights per week to Puerto Vallarta; daily flights to Mexico City; two flights per week to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo; and three flights per week to Los Cabos CALGARY: Four flights per week to Cancun; two flights per week to Puerto Vallarta; and one flight per week to Los Cabos WINNIPEG: Two flights per week to Cancun ACV’s Western Canada schedule starts in November 2021.

Air Canada Vacations’ Travel with Confidence policy offers flexibility and high standards for health and safety included throughout the journey. Together with Air Canada CleanCare+, clients will have complete peace of mind, says ACV. Air Canada also has more nonstop options to Hawaii. Plus, Las Vegas is available out of Western Canada with nonstop flights from Vancouver and Calgary. Clients who book by Aug. 22, 2021 for travel until Dec. 15, 2021 will benefit from 50% off on travel protection.

July 29, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 17

NEWS

Couples Resorts launches new travel agent booking tool JAMAICA — Booking Couples Resorts just got a lot easier for travel agents thanks to a new booking engine tool designed to streamline client reservations.

In addition to the new travel agent portal for making and managing reservations, a separate CRM tool called TAConnect was also launched. This component allows members to check their rewards and communicate with the resorts’ BDMs. Canadian agents can easily register to become a Preferred Travel Agent and participate in the Couples Resorts Rewards program via Couples.com.

To celebrate the debut of the new booking engine and TAConnect, Couples is offering a special incentive to agents who sign up and make bookings via the new portal. Agents earn rewards of $10 per reported room night after the booking is confirmed. However, the current promotional period doubles that reward for all new bookings made directly with Couples Resorts through Oct. 5 via the new platform, bringing it up to $20 per room night.

Additionally, for every seven confirmed room nights, travel agents earn a free room night for their own use.

“This new portal is an example of our dedication to provide the best possible service and experience for both agents and their clients, said Abraham Issa, president of sales & marketing at Couples Resorts. “We are confident this, combined with our strong reviews and high ratings online, will make Couples Resorts an easy sell for travel specialists and allow them to book comfortably with us.”

Issa added: “We are looking to expand our loyal travel agent community by enhancing the experience already offered to agents participating in our programs. These tools offer a safe, convenient and rewarding way to make and manage bookings for our resorts.

We want to make it easy for agents to book their clients’ vacations and earn incentives for themselves. Our goal is to continue to improve all of our technologies and rewards for repeat guests and travel partners.”

For more details go to couples.com/ for-travel-agents.

18 | TRAVELWEEK | July 29, 2021

Rocky Mountaineer

Q&A with Rocky Mountaineer: Restart, recovery and what passengers can expect onboard KAMLOOPS — The atmosphere onboard the Rocky Mountaineer earlier this month was more festive than usual – and for good reason. The journey from Kamloops marked the iconic rail company’s first since the start of the global pandemic.

Speaking exclusively with Travelweek, Nicole Ford, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations at Rocky Mountaineer says the day was exciting for everyone, with “so many smiles and photos being taken as guests climbed onboard the train.”

The two-day ‘First Passage to the West departed Kamloops on July 5 for Banff, with 85 passengers and company founder Peter Armstrong onboard to officially launch the 2021 season.

And though the active wildfires in B.C. impacted the first leg of the journey, forcing guests to board a host-guided motorcoach to Kamloops where they boarded the train to Banff, Ford says nothing could have dampened the spirit of the day.

“I was there to wave-off the train with several other team members and we stood on the platform watching the train until it was out of sight,” she says.

“It was simply heartwarming to see guests departing on the train for the first time in 21 months.”

Like many travel companies, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Rocky Mountaineer to suspend all operations in 2020. And since the company operates on a seasonal schedule, it hasn’t

embarked on a rail journey since the end of its 2019 season – until now.

“The past year has been extremely challenging for tourism as a whole and for Rocky Mountaineer,” added Ford. “Our team is excited to be back doing what we do best, which is hosting guests on our trains to experience some of the most compelling scenery in Western Canada. Seeing the train departing Kamloops was an emotional moment for everyone involved and we can’t wait to welcome more guests onboard this summer.

Here’s more of our interview with Ford: Travelweek: What new safety protocols have been implemented, and do you think Rocky Mountaineer will one day have a vaccination mandate for passengers?

Ford: “We looked at every aspect of our operations to consider what we needed to modify to meet the regulations, guidelines and recommendations associated with COVID-19.

Every guest and team member travelling on the train will undergo daily health screening and a rapid COVID-19 screening test before the start of the train journey. We have thorough sanitization and disinfection procedures in place. Our train cars are equipped with high-end air filtration systems that remove 99.9% of airborne viruses and bacteria, and ensure a steady intake and circulation of fresh air. We also adjusted our operations to ensure more space between travel groups and added glass barriers between tables in the dining room. We do not require guests to be vaccinated to travel with us; however, all guests must adhere to our screening and health and safety procedures. These are some of the modifications we have made – and there are

NEWS many more – to provide guests, partners and community members with more comfort and confidence during their travels.”

TW: What percentage of your operations do you anticipate to be up and running for the remained of 2021?

Ford: “We are running a reduced schedule for July as we ramp up operations to our full schedule from August until the end of the season in October.

In addition to our three routes in Western Canada, we will be launching a new route in the Southwest USA in August.

The Rockies to the Red Rocks route is a two-day rail journey between Moab, Utah, and Denver, Colorado, with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Our team is preparing for a busy summer!”

TW: Have there been any changes made to itineraries and/or onboard facilities as a result of travel restrictions and new protocols? What can passengers expect now?

Ford: “The overall onboard experience that Rocky Mountaineer is known for has not changed. Guests will continue to enjoy attentive service and entertaining stories from our onboard hosts, along with meals that reflect the flavours and ingredients of the region, while they enjoy the passing scenery from the comfort of our custom-designed train coaches. Our health and safety modifications are in place to protect all who travel with us, so guests can sit back, relax and take in the experience.”

TW: What do you want travellers and travel agents to know about the restart?

Ford: “We want to assure travellers that, when they are ready to travel, our Rocky Mountaineer team is here to welcome them for a safe and memorable journey. Like all tourism and hospitality businesses, we need Canadians to choose to explore our own country, so we can help the tourism industry recover from the devastating impact of the pandemic. We hope this re-start, coupled with the easing of travel restrictions in Canada, will encourage Canadians to travel with us this summer.”

Rocky Mountaineer is offering several special promotions exclusively for Canadians who are looking to travel this summer. The Canadian resident offer allows couples to save up to $1,400 on vacation packages of five days or more, while the Alberta-BC resident offer provides a complimentary vouch-

er to travel again within the next five years when booking a luxury rail journey in 2021. Also available is the Fairmont promotion, which offers savings of up to $2,900 per couple on packages that pair the train with overnight stays in Fairmont properties. And lastly, the Aeroplan offer allows Aeroplan members to earn up to 20,000 bonus points with a valid Aeroplan number when booking travel for 2021 with Rocky Mountaineer.

Rocky Mountaineer embarked on its inaugural voyage with every guest and team member undergoing extensive health screening, including a rapid COVID-19 screening test prior to departure. Train cars are also thoroughly sanitized and disinfected, and are equipped with high-end air filtration systems that remove 99.9% of airborne viruses and bacteria. For more information on health and safety protocols click here.

NCL returns to cruise with new Greek Isles itinerary MIAMI — It was a double dose of celebrations for Norwegian Cruise Line on July 25, with the Norwegian Jade not only becoming the line’s first ship to resume sailing but also the first in its history to homeport in Athens.

The ship, which embarked for the Greek Isles with a brand new itinerary,

is the first in NCL’s fleet to recommence voyages after a 500-day suspension due to the global pandemic. Following the Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Encore is set to return to service from the U.S. on Aug. 7, 2021 when it debuts in Seattle for its inaugural season of Alaska cruises.

Norwegian Jade’s Greek Isles itinerary will be available until November 2021, spending eight to nine hours each day exploring the islands.

Norwegian Jade’s immersive Greek Isles itinerary will be available until November 2021, spending eight-tonine hours each day exploring some of Greece’s most picturesque islands, including Crete, Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini. According to Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, the ship’s first Greek Isles voyages sold out shortly after the company made the announcement of resumption.

“Welcoming our guests and crew onboard has been one of the most memorable moments of my over-30year career,” said Sommer. “We are excited to embark on the ‘Great Cruise Comeback’ with a brand new itinerary and homeport for our brand, offering

Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Cruise Line

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NEWS our guests an even greater selection of unique vacations at sea.”

The ship’s deployment in Athens (Piraeus) is part of a long-term strategy to further increase NCL’s presence in Europe, one of the line’s most popular cruise destinations. Through 2023, the company plans to position nine ships in the region, with Norwegian Dawn, Epic, Escape, Getaway, Gem, Jade and Star scheduled to sail in Greece.

“With such strong demand, we are glad to expand our offering in Greece with seven ships through 2023, providing our guests with a range of innovative vessels and itineraries to choose from,” said Sommer.

NCL’s fleetwide redeployment will continue in partnership with local governments and are guided by the protocols set out in its SailSAFE health and safety program. In addition to extensive health and safety measures, the program also requires all crew and guests must be fully vaccinated to embark for voyages through Oct. 31, 2021.For all protocols and updates go to www.ncl.com/sail-safe.

For added assurance, NCL’s Peace of Mind cancelation policy remains in effect for cruises with embarkation dates through Oct. 31, 2021. Guests booked on these sailings have the flexibility to cancel their cruise 15 days prior to departure and receive a full refund in the form of a future cruise credit, which may be applied to any sailing through Dec. 31, 2022.

Grand Classica, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line

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Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line resumes cruises to Grand Bahama Island WEST PALM BEACH — After a 16-month pause, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is finally back in the water, with the Grand Classica setting sail for Grand Bahama Island on July 24.

The ship, departing from the Port of Palm Beach, marked the line’s resumption of commercial operations and the return of its popular two-night ‘micro-cation’ cruise vacations.

The Grand Classica previously conducted a test cruise on June 25 with fully vaccinated passengers onboard, a requirement by the CDC for cruise lines to resume operations.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has implemented extensive cleanliness protocols in an effort to ensure the health and safety of all passengers and crew. Though the line has not gone so far as to require proof of vaccination for all guests, it does recommend that “if you are eligible, get fully vaccinated for COVID-19” and wait two weeks after receiving a second dose to travel. It also says that “if a threshold of COVID-19 is detected onboard the ship, the voyage will be ended immediately” and that the ship will return to the port of embarkation.

New Hampshire names Reach Global Marketing as official agency of record TORONTO — The New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism (NH DTTD) has selected Reach Global Marketing as their agency of record.

The decision was made following a thorough RFP process with over eight submissions, as well as four successful years of Reach Global representing New Hampshire in Canada. With this new contract, the Toronto-based agency will launch targeted public relations, travel trade initiatives and strategic partnerships to elevate the state’s presence in the key markets of Ontario and Quebec.

“New Hampshire is a perfect weekend getaway or remote workplace.”

“In 2019, Canadians visited the U.S. and New Hampshire in record-breaking numbers,” said Charmaine Singh, President & CEO of Reach Global Marketing. “With millions of Canadians looking for a change of scenery close to home, New Hampshire is a perfect weekend getaway or remote workplace.”

Singh also noted that New Hampshire is easily accessible by car from Montreal (3.5 hours), Toronto (8.5 hours) as well as New Brunswick. The Granite State offers visitors an array of outdoor experiences including hiking, biking, boating, horseback riding, skiing, snowmobiling, leaf peeping and more. It’s a four-season destination known for its authentic farm-to-table cuisine, local breweries and tax-free shopping, home to covered bridges, antique shops and general stores.

New Hampshire Travel Tourism Director, Lori Harnois, stressed how important Canada is to the state, with it being the largest international market. “We look forward to working with Reach Global to increase New Hampshire’s presence here and bring more visitors to New Hampshire as a result,” she added.

Visitors can choose from customized three- to six-day itineraries focused on family adventures to extreme sports.

To learn more go to visitnh.gov.

NEWS

Tourcan Vacations announces Egypt promotion with Nile cruise TORONTO — Tourcan Vacations is heading to the Nile on a promotional Egypt Tour and Nile cruise from January to April 2022.

The eight-night tour includes a fournight stay in Cairo where guests will visit The Pyramids of Giza, The Sphinx, Egyptian Museum and local bazaar, plus a four-night Nile cruise. The cruise is based on a full board basis and includes all sightseeing. Price includes domestic flights within Egypt.

“What makes our Egypt tour stand out is that the transfers and sightseeing in Cairo are offered on a private basis and the entire tour is only based on a minimum of two people traveling,” said Phillip Solomon, General Manager. “Also, if clients book up to three months prior to departure, there is a savings on the price of $2,645 per person sharing for the land and domestic air arrangements.”

For a detailed itinerary and more information, or to make reservations contact tours@tourcanvacations.com.

Two new promotions for Transat’s Commercial team MONTREAL — Transat has announced two new appointments to its Commercial team.

Lindsay Merrill has been promoted to Sales Manager, Ontario, Atlantic and Western Canada, reporting to Nicole Bursey, Commercial Director. Merrill has over 14 years of experience in various role at Transat, including Call Outs Agent (Manifest Team), Customer Care Centre Lead Agent, Group Sales Agent & Inside Sales Representative. Merrill has served as Inside Sales Supervisor in Ontario since October 2016.

“Lindsay has a thorough knowledge of our processes and operations as well as an understanding of the value of our partnerships,” said Bursey. “She is a proven leader and continues to be an asset to the Transat team and to our clients.”

Additionally, Marjorie Larose has

Romance Travel Xpo

been promoted to Sales Manager, Quebec and Ottawa and will report to Karine Gagnon, Commercial Director, Quebec. Larose joined Transat in 2005 and has held several positions over the years, including Business Development Representative since 2017.

“Marjorie has extensive experience and knowledge of our business operations and partners and her strategic approach to business development puts her in an excellent position to assume this role,” says Gagnon.

Merrill and Larose will both be responsible for managing the Business Development Representatives and Inside Sales Representatives teams that serve Transat’s agency partners, and will also oversee the execution of commercial actions in their respective regions.

They can be reached at Lindsay. merrill@transat.com and Marjorie. larose@transat.com.

Register now for the Romance Travel Xpo, taking place Aug. 3 TORONTO — Registration is now open for the upcoming Romance Travel Xpo, the fourth of six shows in the 2021 PRO Show Series.

Hosted by XpoPRO Mobile Events, a division of TravPRO Mobile, the Romance Travel Xpo will take place virtually on Aug. 3 from 12:00-4:00 p.m.

EDT featuring an array of suppliers and destinations that all cater to the romance and weddings market. These

include the Wedding Planning Institute of Canada, Destination Wedding Magazine, Margaritaville Resort Nassau, Grand Isle Resort, Canlink and its portfolio of luxury properties, WestJet Vacations, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Visit California and The British Virgin Islands.

Attendees will get the chance to connect with suppliers one on one, complete partner learning modules to achieve certification, share in-depth content from exhibitor booths directly with their clients as well as win prizes.

Plus, there’ll be a network lounge and breakout sessions led by top industry experts.

Attendance is free for travel advisors.

To register go to romancetravelxpo.com.

“With the Romance Travel Xpo, we are touching on a specific travel market segment for our 2021 virtual event series that is primed and ready to travel,” said Dean Jacobberger, Vice President of XpoPRO Mobile. “We are delighted to collaborate with wedding professionals for the first time and we are looking forward to welcoming travel advisors and wedding planners in search of new ideas and special deals to create amazing experiences for their clients.”

The exhibit floor and all content will be accessible to all attendees for 30 days past the show date.

Earlier this year Travelweek covered the Adventure Travel Xpo and the Family Travel Xpo. Coming up later this year will be the Luxury Travel Xpo and Europe Travel Xpo. July 29, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 21

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