Q&A with Rocky Mountaineer

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. 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

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

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

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.

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.

Grand Classica, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line

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.

“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.

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

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 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.

Romance Travel Xpo

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.