Travelweek - June 3rd, 2021

Canada’s Travel Trade News June 3, 2021 travelweek.ca

Full steam ahead Celebrity, Carnival, Royal Caribbean & NCL all make major strides toward return to service pgs. 13-15

ACTA, CATO renew calls to reform Ontario's Compensation Fund

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Aeroplan and Rocky Mountaineer partner up WestJet and ITAC supporting Indigenous tourism businesses

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TOP NEWS

“Future Fund contributions must be suspended”: ACTA, CATO renew calls to reform Ontario’s Comp Fund in light of pandemic

By Cindy Sosroutomo TORONTO — In a year that saw the global grounding of planes, the closure of international borders and a halt on tours and cruises around the world, there’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the travel & tourism sector, across the chain, at all levels. Here in Canada, with littleto-no bookings coming in, over 800 store-front travel agency locations have been forced to close from March 2020 to March 2021, while members of CATO (Canadian Association of Tour Operators) and other tour operators are faced with year-over-year revenue drops of more than 90%, says CATO Chair Brett Walker.

With many travel and tourism businesses being forced to shutter their doors, concerns over consumer protection are at an all-time high as travellers scramble to get refunds for cancelled flights, cruises and tours. In the case of Ontario retailers that were unable to provide travel services due to bankruptcy or insolvency, Ontario’s Compensation Fund, put in place to cover such an event, serves as a much-needed safety net for consumers.

But with an increase in business closures, is the Fund enough to cover claims during travel’s worst-ever crisis?

According to Richard Smart, President and CEO of TICO, which administers the Compensation Fund, claims for the past fiscal year have been relatively low and that the process related to consumer claims against the Fund hasn’t changed since the start of the pandemic. As of March 2020, the Fund sat at $23.5 million and “there have been no material changes to the Fund since that time.” TICO will reveal current financials at its upcoming AGM, scheduled for June 29.

Ontario’s Compensation Fund has been a point of contention in the travel industry for years, particularly among Ontario’s registered travel agents and wholesalers who’ve been tasked with the responsibility of financing it. As per the current funding model, registrants are paying $0.25 per $1,000 gross

sales, with Fund payouts limited to a maximum of $5,000 per claimant – often not enough to cover the cost of a single trip – and a maximum of $5 million (plus $2 million per repatriation) per event.

In contrast, Quebec’s Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents, which is based on a consumer-pay model (consumers pay roughly $1 per $1,000), sits at a very healthy $150 million, so healthy in fact that the OPC (Office de la protection du consommateur), the governing body that oversees the Fund, stopped taking contributions a few years ago.

But, even $150 million isn’t enough to cover the cost of a pandemic, says ACTA president Wendy Paradis.

“There are over 35,000 claims [in Quebec] totalling over $100 million.

With a maximum payout of claims at 60%, the $150 million Fund would have also resulted in ‘cents on the dollar’ for a consumer claim,” she says. “The difference, however, is that the Quebec Fund would quickly begin to replenish as the nominal fee charged to the consumer per booking is reinstated.”

For this reason, Paradis is lobbying

for a consumer-funded model like Quebec’s and believes that industry contributions should be eliminated.

“Travel consumers are the beneficiary of the Fund and should therefore pay into it,” she adds. “Cancelling the industry contributions will signal that Ontario is open for business, it will grow the economy and will reduce red tape, leading to the creation and protection of good jobs across the province. Failure to act will continue to put Ontario travel companies at a disadvantage and will jeopardize jobs in an extremely competitive industry with very tight margins.

“The Government of Ontario should take this time to make the necessary changes, which would provide travel agencies with much needed breathing room to get back on their feet. Future Fund contributions must be suspended to support the recovery of Ontario travel businesses.”

To its credit, TICO – following new funding from the Ontario Government – has waived annual registration renewal fees and Compensation Fund payments for registrants, but only until March 31, 2022. Payments during this June 3, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 3

TOP NEWS period will not have to be repaid at a later date.

But with no contributions coming in from registrants for an entire year, this begs the question: is the Fund now at risk of being too small to cover the calamities of an ongoing pandemic?

According to TICO’s Actuarial Review of the Compensation Fund, conducted

by Deloitte in October 2018, the Fund should have a target value of $40 million to $60 million, far more than the $23.5 million it had at last count. Plus, as of March 31, 2020, the number of TICO registrants was 2,096, an 11% drop from the year before. Once payments resume in 2022, there will be less registrants paying into the Fund.

“THE ONTARIO TRAVEL INDUSTRY IS TETHERED TO A SINKING SHIP.” Although the fee and payment waiver will certainly help registrants during an incredibly difficult time, they will, however, be expected to resume payments next March, just when they’re getting back on their feet. To this, CATO’s Walker says: “While I appreciate TICO has referred to the suspension of fees as a deferral, it is the expectation of all our members that any future fees will be on a going-forward basis.”

Walker adds that CATO members are earning “zero revenue right now,” and with no roadmap to reopening it will be this way well into the future.

“Considering the advance purchase timelines of most members are six months or more, our members will not begin to realize any revenue until sometime in 2022,” he says.

As Chair of CATO, Walker has been vocal about his support for a consumer-pay model for Ontario’s Compensation Fund, especially following the failures of Thomas Cook in 2019 and Monarch Airlines in 2017. In his presentation to the Special Committee of Judicial Policy on May 20, 2020, the main points of which he says still apply a year later, Walker stressed the need Got a story idea? Questions or comments? Write to us at editorial@travelweek.ca

TRAVELWEEK

to break the status quo.

“CATO believes that the Ontario travel industry is tethered to a sinking ship. The hole in the ship, if you will, is a completely inadequate consumer protection fund in Ontario,” he said.

“Administrative penalties and other changes to governance are well intended but, like bailing water from a sinking ship, do not fix the hole.

“Fixing the hole will require a significantly more robust consumer protection fund. Achieving this requires a different funding model.”

“Things go wrong and events can happen far beyond any of our control. You could have an operator that is absolutely operating above bar and compliant in every way but you have a geopolitical issue that brings them down."

Walker warned that without a more robust funding mechanism, existing and prospective travel sellers will be forced to rethink operations within Ontario where they’re subject to “more regulations, more burden, more costs and now more substantial risks” for non-compliance than anywhere elsewhere in the world.

He cited three key benefits to switching to a consumer-pay model: awareness, accountability and transparency.

“I would challenge any of the committee to ask your friends or family if they are familiar with the travel Compensation Fund. Most would say, ‘I have no idea’,” he said. “We believe that consumers funding the Fund will create awareness, accountability and the transparency of why it’s important to purchase your travel here in Ontar-

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io. Yes, you may pay a little more but considering the risk, isn’t it worth it?”

Calls to reform the Compensation Fund have been renewed, especially when viewed through the lens of a global pandemic. The Travel Industry Act, 2002, of which the Fund falls under, was amended in March 2020 in direct response to the pandemic to address issues surrounding travel vouchers, eligibility for reimbursements, review engagement reports, audit reports and more. A change to funding, however, was not included.

As the pandemic has proven, “we live in a very chaotic world,” said Walker in his presentation. “Doing business in the travel industry, things go wrong and events can happen far beyond any of our control. You could have an operator that is absolutely operating above bar and compliant in every way but you have a geopolitical issue that brings them down.

“At the end of the day, you need to make sure that the consumer is going to be made whole.”

Walker tells Travelweek that CATO will “absolutely” get back to advocating for a consumer-pay model “once we are well out of this pandemic and into the recovery.”

ACTA, which has “strongly encouraged” the Ontario government to consider a consumer-funded model over the past several years, also plans to go back to the table “to make change happen in Ontario” as travel restrictions start to ease, says Paradis. However, at this point in time, Paradis says ACTA’s #1 priority is to focus on financial aid program enhancements and extensions for travel agencies and travel agents through to the end of 2021.

And TICO, which is also in favour of a consumer-pay model, will not be letting up in its efforts either. Says Smart: “TICO is continuously reviewing and assessing potential regulatory reforms and other opportunities for enhancements with the government, including the Compensation Fund framework, to ensure it meets our mandate of consumer protection.”

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4 | TRAVELWEEK | June 3, 2021

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“We're a business based on runways”: Air Canada, WestJet join other industry players calling for a roadmap for recovery

by Kathryn Folliott TORONTO — The urgent need for a clear roadmap for Canada's recovery coming out of the pandemic, especially where travel is concerned, was underlined by a panel of travel industry executives including Air Canada's President and CEO Michael Rousseau and WestJet's VP Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs Andy Gibbons at a webinar on May 27 presented by the Canadian Airports Council (CAC).

Rousseau and Gibbons were joined on the panel by airport executives Tamara Vrooman (YVR) and Philippe Rainville (YUL), plus David Goldstein (Travel Alberta) and Patrick Doyle (American Express GTB). The panel was hosted by Perrin Beatty with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and was part of the CAC's 90-minute webinar on Air Travel Recovery in Canada.

While several provincial governments including Ontario, Quebec, B.C. and Alberta have come out with stepby-step reopening plans, the federal government has not, said Beatty. “The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has been urging the government for a clear path for reopening,” he said. “But we're still lacking a clear and predictable plan for the country.”

And as YVR's Vrooman pointed out, a plan for reopening Canada's borders isn't just about the travel industry, it's about Canada's economic recovery overall. “I can't speak strongly enough that this isn't just related to our industry,” said Vrooman.

As the travel industry well knows, other countries and regions, including the U.S. and the EU, are reopening and, in the case of the EU and other countries, readying digital systems to confirm proof of vaccination, immunity through previous transmission of COVID-19, or negative tests.

Canada is working with its G7 counterparts to align Canada's documentation with whatever systems are in place, as confirmed in recent months

by Transport Minister Omar Alghabra and Health Minister Patty Hajdu.

Air Canada's Rousseau stressed how important that alignment is for Canada's 6 | TRAVELWEEK | June 3, 2021

recovery. “We have to get a solution on vaccine passports that's coordinated with the G7 countries,” he said.

WestJet's Gibbons summed it up: “All we really want is travel guidance based on the latest science. That's what we want and that's what we need.” Other countries have done that as a matter of course, said Gibbons, but “Canada has not.”

And as YVR's Vrooman puts it, “We're a business based on runways. What we need is a runway and a clear line of sight.”

After close to 15 months of an almost complete travel shutdown, it's not just the airlines and airports calling for a reopening plan. “For the thousandth millionth time, give us a plan,” said Brett Walker, GM, Collette (Canada) earlier

this month, echoing the frustrations of many retail travel agents, tour operators and other suppliers.

The webinar coincided with the CAC's release of a whitepaper on aviation recovery, 'Holding Pattern: Canada needs a Swift Recovery and Competitive Air Sector.'

Here are some of the points from the CAC-commission whitepaper, presented during the webinar by Solomon Wong, CEO, InterVistas: • The number of passengers that moved through Canada’s airports in April 2021 was 9% of 2019's levels.

• Direct connectivity fell more than 90% across all Canadian regions in April 2020 versus April 2019. The picture for 2021 is just as dire, says the CAC, with direct connectivity falling even further compared to 2019.

TOP NEWS • According to the CAC's analysis, if increased costs for the aviation supply were to lead to a 25% increase in airfares, that would suppress 20% of passenger traffic (demand). Based on passenger traffic at Canadian airports in 2019, the expected loss in passenger demand would equate to roughly 16 million passengers - roughly three airports the size of Ottawa.

• In 2019, the average airfare paid by passengers in Canada was approximately $470, and there were approximately 162 million passengers at Canada’s airports. In the case of a hypothetical 25% and 50% increase in the price of air travel in Canada, the resulting average airfare would be approximately $590 and $705.

• The longer the recovery, the more difficult it will be for Canada’s airlines to compete in the same international aviation markets also served by foreign carriers, who may have a financial advantage over Canadian airlines due to government support these airlines may have received throughout the pandemic.

• The loss in passenger traffic has resulted in sharp reductions in overall airline capacity – measured by the number of seats available – at Canadian airports, some of which have lost all commercial air services during the pandemic (e.g., Toronto Billy Bishop Airport, Saint John Airport, Sydney Airport (Nova Scotia), and Prince Rupert Airport, among others). Medium-size airports such as Winnipeg and Regina have also been impacted, losing almost 80% of airline capacity and all direct international services.

• In terms of airline seat capacity, 2 Canada has fallen from 16th to 23rd in the world, with capacity down roughly 80%.

• Direct connectivity fell more than 90% across all Canadian regions in April 2020 versus April 2019.

• The whitepaper also suggests that Canada’s aviation sector would benefit from deploying a recovery agenda that is at least in part compatible with that already initiated by the U.S., Canada's largest trading partner.

Here's how you can get involved in ACTA's Operation Survival for the retail travel industry TORONTO — ACTA is launching Operation Survival and asking everyone to get involved.

More than 800 storefront agencies across Canada are now closed permanently, and most of the industry’s travel agencies and travel agents still seeing a revenue decline of 95%, says ACTA President Wendy Paradis.

More than 90% of travel agents are still on CRB or EI, she adds.

In its 2021 budget, released in April, the federal government indicated that starting July 17 CRB will pay out $300 per week, down from $500, for the final eight weeks before stopping completely.

Says Paradis: “Government subsidies start to taper off this summer and will end by September if the industry’s cry for sector specific aid is not heard. This will have tragic consequences for our industry and we must all bring this to the attention of the government now.”

“The cutbacks in federal aid programs scheduled to begin in July, while there are still no government issued measures, metrics and plan for the restart of travel, will reduce CRB for independent travel agents and force employers to lay-off more employees at a time when travel agents are needed to process government-mandated consumer refunds,” she added.

In addition to a video, ACTA has created three letter templates for travel agency owners, travel agent employees and independent travel agents to customize with their own stories and send to their MPs urgently.

ACTA is also asking everyone to then follow up by phoning their MP, discuss their situation and urge the MP to speak up in the House of Commons and ask that financial support programs be extended until the end of 2021.

“TRAVEL AGENTS SIMPLY NO LONGER HAVE THIS MONEY” Two airlines so far – Air Canada on April 12, and Transat on April 29 – have announced financial assistance packages from the federal government that included refunds for travellers out-ofpocket due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and cancellations, and protection

for travel agent commission.

While Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Transport Minister Omar Alghabra made it clear that among other conditions of aid to airlines that “travel agent commission would not be recalled for COVID-19 related cancellations”, Paradis says the industry has identified five areas where commissions are not protected.

“These are monies that were earned in 2019 and early 2020, and used to pay fixed expenses. Travel agencies and travel agents simply no longer have this money to refund consumers,” said Paradis.

ACTA is asking for the following sector specific aid: • CEWS/CERS/EI/CRB/CRHP – Extend and expand at maximum support to the end of 2021, and 90 days after travel restrictions are eased, including the new Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP).

• Ensure all commissions are protected – Work with ACTA and the industry on the gaps and fully protect travel agent commissions for mandated refunds through grant programs.

• Liquidity Programs (CEBA, RRRF, HASCAP) – Enhance the CEBA loan, extend the repayment terms of CEBA so that the forgivable portion can be made possible and expand the forgivable portion, extend all loan application deadlines to the end of 2021, and expand the accessibility to sole proprietors.

• Roadmap to Recovery – Work with the travel and tourism industry to develop a data-driven plan to restart travel.

Paradis says that in ACTA’s meetings with government since the 2021 budget was announced, ACTA's key message has been “you have invested in travel agents and travel agencies for the past 15 months, don’t give up on us now, when recovery is within sight.”

She adds: “With vaccine rollout, bookings have already started for late 2021 and 2022, and momentum is expected to build as Canadians receive their second vaccine dose.”

To participate in Operation Survival go to acta.ca.

June 3, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 7

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The many reasons to book Canlink’s luxury hotels TORONTO — Canlink Travel Representatives is no stranger to luxury – it represents some of the world’s most ultra-luxe hotels in highly desirable destinations across the Caribbean.

With most of its properties welcoming back guests following temporary closures due to the global pandemic, Canlink is now reminding travel agents of all the reasons to book a luxury stay.

CARLISLE BAY, ANTIGUA Located on the southern shore of Antigua, the five-star Carlisle Bay is perfectly suited to seclusion and relaxation. It offers all-suite accommodation with separate family areas, a diverse range of restaurants and bars (many opening onto the beach), the Blue Spa, tennis courts, a water sports centre, library, yoga pavilion and a movie screening room.

HERMITAGE BAY, ANTIGUA Named among the best resorts in the Caribbean, the five-star Hermitage Bay boasts a collection of 30 Hillside, Beachfront and Seaview Garden Suites, not to mention the Garden Spa where guests can enjoy nourishing treatments, pilates and yoga overlooking the ocean. Menus change daily and always combine local favourites with classic American and modern European fare.

O2 BEACH CLUB & SPA, BARBADOS This new all-inclusive, boutique resort will make its debut in Barbados this September with 130 rooms and suites divided into three collections, six dining options, a full-service spa, whirlpool tubs, a 24-hour gym and the 8th Floor Roof Deck Terrace.

SEA BREEZE BEACH HOUSE, BARBADOS This intimate, all-inclusive luxury resort is set on 2.5 acres of lush gardens along Barbados’ Caribbean shore. Considered a ‘foodie paradise,’ Sea Breeze boasts unique restaurants in six different settings, from buffets and à la carte choices, to a Chef’s Table and custom private dining. Guests can also embark on guided hikes, deep sea fishing excursions and tours to local historic sites.

SOUTH BEACH HOTEL, BARBADOS The all-suite South Beach Hotel truly impresses with wonderful touches like breakfast in bed, local Caribbean fare at the South Beach Restaurant, and the pristine sands of Accra and Rockley Beach. Its central location allows guests to enjoy a multitude of adventures and local attractions nearby.

SPICE ISLAND BEACH RESORT, GRENADA This eight-acre, 64-suite property is a year-round, fully-inclusive resort with a AAA Five-Diamond Rating. Situated on world-famous Grand Anse Beach, it’s considered one of the most upscale properties in the Caribbean, with ultra-chic accommodations, gourmet cuisine, ‘green’ policies and seven suite types, many featuring private plunge pools and private full-size pools.

JAMAICA INN, JAMAICA Since 1950 Jamaica Inn has ranked among the Caribbean’s top luxury hotels. Located in Ocho Rios on one of Jamaica’s premier private beaches, it boasts intimate suites and cottages, an open-air restaurant, and the Ocean Spa at Jamaica Inn, nestled within the cliffs of Cutlass Bay.

ROUND HILL RESORT AND VILLAS, JAMAICA This 110-acre private enclave comprises luxury villas, boutique oceanfront rooms, award-winning seaside dining and an exquisite spa. Highlights include locally-grown, organic cuisine, a luxury spa, an outdoor yoga pavilion and a Kids Club.

THE TRYALL CLUB, JAMAICA Situated amongst 2,200 acres of natural beauty, The Tryall Club offers a unique portfolio of 87 villas ranging from condominiums for couples, to oceanfront beach houses and 10-bedroom villas. The property also boasts two restaurants, a recently renovated golf course and one of the best tennis facilities in the Caribbean.

ANSE CHASTANET, ST. LUCIA Anse Chastanet offers a variety of room categories among its 49 individually designed rooms, 37 of which are scattered about a lush hillside, 12 within a tropical garden. Guests can partake in a bounty of activities including yoga, snorkelling, scuba diving, tennis, sunset sailing, sea kayaking, jungle biking and bird watching.

JADE MOUNTAIN, ST. LUCIA Rising majestically above Anse Chastanet is Jade Mountain, known for its bold architectural design and individual bridges leading to infinity pool sanctuaries, all of which boast views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. Guests enjoy the private setting of Jade Mountain with all of Anse Chastanet’s restaurants, bars, boutiques, art gallery, spa, and watersports facilities.

June 3, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 9

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DESTINATIONS Tourism Ireland is welcoming the recent announcement by the Irish Government about the reopening of travel to the island. Ireland’s adoption of the EU’s new Digital Covid Certificate, which will enable more seamless travel among EU member states, is “good news for everyone in the tourism and hospitality industry.” Ireland will begin the initiative on July 19, meaning that travellers from EU member states bearing the pass, which attests that the holder has either been vaccinated, tested negative for COVID-19 or has had the virus, will be able to visit Ireland without the need for a test or quarantine. Tourism Ireland is now ready to roll out a promotional kickstart campaign to welcome back international visitors.

Credit: Lindblad Expeditions

WORLD NEWS

Iceland

Credit:Dietmar Denger

The WTTC’s annual Economic Impact Report (EIR) reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out $33.9 billion from the Caribbean’s economy, and that its sector’s contribution to GDP dropped a staggering 58%, higher than the global average. Travel & Tourism’s impact on the region’s GDP fell from US$58.4 billion (14.1%) in 2019, to $24.5 billion (6.4%) just 12 months later, in 2020. The year of damaging travel restrictions resulted in the loss of 680,000 Travel & Tourism jobs across the Caribbean, equating to almost a quarter of all jobs in the sector. The number of those employed in the Caribbean Travel & Tourism sector fell from nearly 2.76 million in 2019, to 2.08 million in 2020.

Nicaragua, Big Corn Island

CRUISE LINES Lindblad Expeditions has announced it will be reactivating National Geographic Explorer for a series of voyages in Iceland this summer. The Iceland season aboard the 148-guest polar vessel will kick off on July 7 with the six-day ‘Wild Island Escape,’ with rates starting at US$5,180 per person. Also available is the 11-day ‘A Circumnavigation of Iceland,’ with departures starting on July 11 to Iceland’s wild western coast. Rates for ‘Circumnavigation’ start at $11,460 per person. Rates are based on double occupancy in a category one cabin. All guests 16 years of age and over will be required to be vaccinated prior to travelling onboard for July voyages. On voyages departing Aug. 1, 2021 or later, all guests 12 years of age and over will be required to be vaccinated.

12 | TRAVELWEEK | June 3, 2021

In its first-quarter results, Hurtigruten Group is reporting record strong demand for 2022 small-ship experiences.

Across Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express, bookings for 2022 are currently 45% ahead of bookings for 2020 as of the same time in 2019. Positive booking momentum for 2H 2021 has further improved in the 30 days prior to May 27, following news of the potential lifting of Europe’s travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers this summer. 2022 booking inflow in the same period is 101% higher than the 2020 booking inflow for the same 30-day period in 2019; if adjusted for rebookings, the growth in new bookings is 34% compared to the same period in 2019.

“There is a huge pent-up demand for travel, and we see a substantial and growing demand for authentic adventure travel. After a very challenging year and a half for the entire travel industry, we are extremely excited about our stepby-step return to operations,” said Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

Riviera River Cruises will be resuming its European river cruises in July with departures on Portugal’s Douro River.

Its first departure of the popular eight-day ‘Douro, Porto and Salamanca River Cruise’ will be on July 2 aboard the MS Douro Elegance, with a four-day Lisbon extension available on select departure dates. All guests boarding Riviera ships will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a negative test prior to travel. If there’s a cost for a COVID-19 test, Riviera will pay it. Guests will also benefit from Riviera’s flexible customer care policies, which include COVID-19 cancellation and curtailment protection as well as Riviera’s happiness guarantee.

AVIATION IATA and Tourism Economics released a long-term view for post-COVID-19 passenger demand recovery, which shows that people remain eager to travel in the short and long-term. In 2021, global passenger numbers are expected to recover to 52% of pre-COVID-19 levels (2019), while in 2022 they’re expected to recover to 88% of pre-COVID-19 levels. In 2023, global passenger numbers are expected to surpass pre-COVID-19 levels (105%), and by 2030 they’re expected to grow to 5.6 billion, which will be 7% below the pre-COVID-19 forecast and an estimated loss of 2-3 years of growth due to COVID-19.

NEWS

CDC approves Carnival’s U.S. port agreements

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity to sail industry’s first ship from a U.S. port MIAMI — Celebrity Cruises will be the first cruise line to deploy a ship from U.S. waters in more than a year, a major milestone for not only the company but for the entire cruise industry.

Celebrity Edge, which has met all CDC requirements and standards, will depart Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on June 26 on a seven-night Caribbean cruise with Captain Kate McCue, the first and still-only American female Captain, at the helm. The news was tweeted by Celebrity Cruises CEO and President, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo with just three words: “Someday is here.”

She added the following: “For the past 15 months our conversations with friends and loved ones about seeing the world have been accompanied by the phrase ‘someday.’ I’m beyond proud and excited to say that day has arrived.

“The power of travel has a way of healing our souls as we connect with cultures, sights and experiences that bring greater joy and renewed energy to our lives. Nothing compares to these experiences at sea and now the wonder of these journeys returns.

“We’ve been preparing for this day for months and, on behalf of all of us at Celebrity Cruises, we’re ready and we can’t wait to welcome our guests aboard once again!”

Travellers looking to sail the Caribbean this summer can choose between Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. All Celebrity ships will sail with a vaccinated crew. U.S. guests ages 16 and older must be fully vaccinated and, as of Aug. 1, 2021, all U.S. guests ages

12 and older must be fully vaccinated.

Requirements for non-U.S. guests vary, with more details on celebritycruises. com/healthy-at-sea.

With the news about Celebrity Edge, eight of the 15 ships in Celebrity’s fleet now have plans to return to sailing in 2021. Here’s an overview: THE CARIBBEAN First announced in March 2021, the Celebrity Millennium will be the first in the fleet to sail with guests again as well as the first ship in the industry to sail the Caribbean. It will make its return to service in St. Maarten on June 5, taking in Aruba, Curacao and Barbados over seven nights.

EUROPE In April, Celebrity announced its return to Europe with the news that Celebrity Apex, its newest addition to the fleet, will be making its world debut in Athens on June 19 with seven-night sailings to the Greek Isles. The cruise marks a history return to Greece for the company, which was founded there 33 years ago.

THE GALAPAGOS The U.S. summer sailings also follow the news that beginning July 4, the mega-yacht Celebrity Flora will resume sailing the Galapagos Islands. It will be followed soon after by the award-winning Celebrity Xpedition and 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration on July 24 and Sept. 18, respectively.

ALASKA Celebrity announced its long-awaited return to Alaska will begin July 23 with seven-day itineraries sailing roundtrip from Seattle on the Celebrity Summit.

The ship, which recently underwent a US$500 million renovation, will offer nine sailings through mid-September.

MIAMI — Carnival Cruise Line is one step closer to resuming operations after gaining CDC approval for its port agreements for PortMiami, Port of Galveston and Port Canaveral.

The CDC accepted Carnival’s Phase 2A Port Agreements for the three homeports – all key homeports for Carnival Cruise Line and the first three that the line will focus on for its return to service this summer – on May 28.

Carnival has already announced that Carnival Horizon (sailing from Miami) and Carnival Vista and Breeze (sailing from Galveston) will be the first ships to carry guests as the line plans its July return to service. Port Canaveral has also been identified as a restart priority and Carnival expects to announce plans for operations from there over the coming days.

Under the CDC guidelines, a cruise line must have agreements with its homeports that they are prepared to support the cruise operator with additional public health and operational resources prior to simulated cruises and/ or full guest operations.

“These agreements move us one step closer to sailing with our loyal guests,” said Lars Ljoen, executive vice president and chief maritime officer for Carnival Cruise Line. “We appreciate the support from not just these three homeport partners but all of our homeports that are eager to have us back as soon as possible.

The cruise industry has gained some momentum in recent weeks after more than a year’s pause due to the global pandemic. Last week, Royal Caribbean gained approval from the CDC to operate its first test cruises, as required by the CDC’s updated Framework for Conditional Sailing Order, while Celebrity Cruises announced a Caribbean cruise on June 26 from Fort Lauderdale, lauded as the industry’s first ship to deploy from U.S. waters in more than a year.

A handful of cruise lines, including Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Crystal and Holland America, has also announced the resumption of cruises this summer from non-U.S. ports.

June 3, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 13

NEWS

Sunwing returns to Quebec's SaguenayBagotville Airport for winter 2021-2022

Rocky Mountaineer's GoldLeaf Service

Aeroplan and Rocky Mountaineer form new partnership for Aeroplan members MONTREAL — Aeroplan members can now earn and redeem points when booking a new scenic rail journey with Rocky Mountaineer.

The new partnership, announced by Air Canada, will allow members to earn up to 20,000 bonus points for each traveller with a valid Aeroplan number when booking travel for 2021 with the iconic rail company. Members can also redeem points for vacation packages and, through their Aeroplan Elite Status or Aeroplan Premium Co-branded credit cards, upgrade their onboard Service Level or hotel accommodation.

“With this partnership we’re bringing together two leaders in Canadian travel. We are delighted to introduce our iconic luxury travel experience to Aeroplan members.”

“While spectacular from 30,000 feet above, the Rocky Mountains are even more breathtaking from the ground,” said Mark Nasr, Senior Vice President, Products, Marketing and eCommerce, Air Canada. “Aeroplan takes great pride in offering members unique and compelling travel rewards and, at a time when many Canadians plan to spend their summer holiday closer to home, 14 | TRAVELWEEK | June 3, 2021

our partnership with Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer opens the door to one of the world’s leading luxury experiences, right in our own backyard.”

Rocky Mountaineer’s Founder and Interim CEO, Peter Armstrong, added: “With this partnership we’re bringing together two leaders in Canadian travel. We are delighted to introduce our iconic luxury travel experience to Aeroplan members.”

Key features of the partnership include: • Members can earn 20,000 bonus Aeroplan points per customer for booking in Rocky Mountaineer’s Gold Leaf Service and 10,000 bonus Aeroplan points per customer for SilverLeaf Service bookings for travel in 2021.

• Aeroplan Elite Status members 50K and above receive an upgrade from Rocky Mountaineer’s SilverLeaf to GoldLeaf Service, and two nights of upgraded hotel accommodations while travelling.

• Aeroplan Premium Co-Brand Cardholders will earn up to an additional point per dollar spent for a total of two points per dollar spent. Plus, they will receive an upgrade from Rocky Mountaineer’s SilverLeaf to GoldLeaf Service and two nights of upgraded hotel accommodations while travelling.

• Aeroplan Elite Status 25K and 35K members receive two nights of upgraded hotel accommodations while travelling.

• Members can redeem Aeroplan points on the Aeroplan e-Store for either dollar eVouchers starting at $50, or entire Rocky Mountaineer vacation package eVouchers.

For more information about the new partnership and available offers go to www.aircanada.com/rockymountaineer.

TORONTO — Sunwing is returning to Quebec's Saguenay-Bagotville Airport for the 2021-2022 season.

That means residents of the Bagotville and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region can take advantage of weekly flight service to Cancun, Varadero, Punta Cana and Puerto Plata.

Flights will start at the beginning of December 2021 and run weekly until the end of April 2022.

“We’re delighted to be returning to Saguenay-Bagotville Airport this winter,” said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations for Sunwing. “As demand for travel increases after a long year of staying home, we’re seeing more and more travellers value seamless vacation experiences from start to finish. By offering flights from convenient regional airports, Quebecois sun-seekers will be able to spend more of their much-deserved vacation time on the beach.”

The flight schedule is as follows: • Between Saguenay-Bagotville and Cancun, Mondays from Dec. 6, 2021, until April 18, 2022 • Between Saguenay-Bagotville and Puerto Plata, Tuesdays from Dec. 7, 2021, until April 19, 2022 • Between Saguenay-Bagotville and Varadero, Wednesday from Dec. 8, 2021, until April 20, 2022 • Between Saguenay-Bagotville and Punta Cana, Thursdays from Dec. 9, 2021, until April 21, 2022

CDC grants Royal Caribbean approval to conduct industry’s first test cruise MIAMI — Royal Caribbean is the first cruise line out of the gate to be given the green light from the CDC to operate test cruises ahead of regular revenue sailings.

The company had submitted a proposal to the CDC to sail a test cruise aboard Freedom of the Seas from PortMiami and received approval just two business days later. The cruise will sail

NEWS with volunteer passengers on June 2022, 2021.

In April, the CDC updated its Framework for Conditional Sailing Order (CSO) to include simulated voyages that allow crew to test out new COVID-19 protocols onboard and in port. They must carry at least 10% of the total passenger capacity permitted by visited ports and are required for ships that are not guaranteeing the full vaccination of the majority of passengers and crew onboard, prior to the start of revenue cruises.

Volunteer passengers must be 18 years old or older and agree to be tested for COVID-19. Those who aren’t vaccinated must attest they are not at high risk of severe COVID-19. If 1.5% of passengers or 1.5% of crew members contract COVID-19, test cruises must come to an end.

According to Royal Caribbean International spokesperson Lyan Sierra-Caro, those interested in volunteering for the test cruise can visit the company’s Volunteers of the Seas page on Facebook. The page’s latest post states that over 250,000 have already volunteered to participate in the company’s return

to sailing efforts.

“Your encouragement and unwavering confidence in us over the last 15 months have contributed to the collective effort of bringing cruising back,” said the Facebook post. “There are logistics to figure out and we will share details once they have been worked through. We look forward to having Volunteers of the Seas be part of the Royal comeback this summer.”

Royal Caribbean’s operations have been paused since last March, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2021, it announced its resumption of operations in non-U.S. waters, with seven-night cruise getaways out of Nassau and Bermuda. And on May 25, news broke that the cruise line will be resuming cruises to Alaska from Seattle, following the signing of the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act By U.S. President Biden.

Royal Caribbean as well as Celebrity Cruises, both part of the Royal Caribbean Group, will be requiring all passengers 16 years old or older to provide proof of vaccination when boarding.

Starting Aug. 1, the age minimum will go down to 12 years old or older.

NCL to redeploy ships this fall in top global destinations MIAMI — Norwegian Cruise Line is well on its way to recovery, announcing on May 26 that it will resume operations from additional U.S. and international ports this fall.

Last week, the company announced its return to Alaska this summer with week-long voyages from Seattle starting Aug. 7.

Redeployment plans this fall for the following ships are as follows: • Norwegian Joy will cruise from Miami beginning Oct. 19, 2021 with five- to 11-day Caribbean voyages.

• Norwegian Breakaway will cruise seven-day itineraries to Bermuda from New York beginning Oct. 24, 2021.

• Pride of America will offer seven-day Hawaii interisland voyages from Honolulu beginning Nov. 6, 2021.

• Norwegian Bliss will cruise from Los Angeles for seven-day Mexican Riviera voyages beginning Nov. 7, 2021.

NOTICE - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TAKE NOTICE THAT the Annual General Meeting of the members of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (“TICO”) will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 for the purpose of: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)

receiving the financial statements for the previous financial year, together with the Auditor’s Report; receiving and considering the Annual Report; appointing the auditors for the Corporation and authorizing the Board of Directors to fix the auditor’s remuneration; announcing the successful candidate for the position on the Board of Directors; and transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

The deadline for providing written notice of any motions to be made at the meeting has now passed.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be held virtually and some changes to the usual meeting arrangements will be required. Please watch for further updates concerning the event. Notice will be provided with respect to any changes.

Only members in good standing are entitled to participate in and vote at the meeting. Members wishing to participate and vote at the meeting will need to register for the event. Registration will open on May 31, 2021. To register, send an email with your name and registration number to ticoagm@tico.ca by June 25, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. Materials and instructions regarding how to participate will be sent out to those registered in advance of the meeting.

Members of the public are invited to attend. For those wishing to watch the event, the link for the meeting will be posted on TICO’s website by June 22, 2021.

Members who will not be attending the meeting are invited to submit written requests for proxies. The Agenda, Minutes from the AGM on September 17, 2020, and the 2021 Annual Report and Business Plan containing the audited financial statements as at and for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2021 will be made available on TICO’s website prior to the meeting.

DATED at Mississauga this 25th day of May 2021.

On behalf of the Board of Directors Tracey McKiernan, Secretary 55 Standish Court, Suite 460, Mississauga, Ontario L5R 4B2 Tel: (905) 624-6241 Fax: (905) 624-8631 Toll-free: 1-888-451-TICO e-mail: tico@tico.ca Website: www.tico.ca June 3, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 15

NEWS • Norwegian Encore will offer seven-night itineraries from Miami to the Caribbean beginning Nov. 14, 2021.

• Beginning Nov. 20, 2021, Norwegian Escape will cruise for the first time from Orlando (Port Canaveral), Fla., offering seven-day itineraries to the Caribbean.

• Norwegian Pearl will sail from Miami offering Panama Canal, Bahamas and Caribbean cruises beginning Dec. 23, 2021.

• Beginning Jan. 20, 2022, Norwegian Jewel will be the first ship in the fleet to offer roundtrip Panama Canal cruises from Panama City (Colón and Fuerte Amador).

• Norwegian Sun will sail for the first time in Asia beginning Jan. 28, 2022, offering a five-day Japan itinerary from Hong Kong, before sailing a variety of 11-day cruises from Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok.

• Norwegian Spirit will cruise 12-day Australia and New Zealand voyages from Sydney, and Auckland, New Zealand beginning Feb. 9, 2022.

Further redeployments will be announced at a later date. Voyages expected to operate in the U.S. are contingent on obtaining a Conditional Sailing Certificate from the CDC.

NCL previously announced its return to Alaska this summer with voyages from Seattle In conjunction with the redeployment announcement, NCL has canceled all voyages on Pride of America through Oct. 30, 2021; Norwegian Escape through Nov. 2, 2021; Norwegian Jewel through Jan. 9, 2022; Norwegian Pearl through Dec. 7, 2021; Norwegian Spirit through Jan. 28, 2022; Norwegian Sun through Jan. 18, 2022; and the Oct. 24, 2021 itinerary aboard Norwegian Bliss.

Due to the previously disclosed lead time needed to relaunch a vessel and in order to maximize the short Alaska cruise season, the cruise line has made the decision to transfer crew from Norwegian Joy to Alaska and has canceled itineraries aboard Norwegian Joy from Montego Bay, Jamaica. Guests and travel agents with impacted reservations will be contacted directly.

16 | TRAVELWEEK | June 3, 2021

NACC, WestJet react to panel's call to eliminate the mandatory hotel quarantine TORONTO — The National Airlines Council of Canada and one of its members, WestJet, are among the industry players voicing their support for the elimination of the hotel quarantine rule and pre-departure testing for fully vaccinated travellers and other findings released on May 27 by the federal government’s COVID-19 Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel.

The panel's report says border measures “must evolve to reflect the experience gained and the global situation regarding VoCs [variants of concern] and vaccination.”

While it says international travellers should continue to be screened for positive cases of VoCs, and while additional short-term measures may be necessary as and when emerging VoCs are identified in Canada or internationally, the report also says that “the current requirement for all air travellers to quarantine in government-authorized accommodations should be discontinued.”

Travellers subject to quarantine should provide a suitable quarantine plan for approval and then stick to that plan, according to the report. If they don't have a plan, then a designated quarantine facility is suitable.

“Border measures must be simple, easy to understand, equitable and con-

sider both benefits and harms,” says the report.

The hotel quarantine rule, out of all of Canada's travel restrictions over the past 15 months, has generated the most pushback from travellers and the travel industry.

Although the report came from the government's own panel, so far there's no indication the hotel quarantine requirement will be scrapped in the immediate future.

“The Government of Canada will continue to monitor and review all available data and scientific evidence to inform future border and travel measures, and will be prudent in its approach, keeping the health and safety of Canadians top of mind,'' said a joint statement by Health Minister Patty Hajdu and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair, following the report's release. “The Government of Canada will also consider the panel's recommendations to determine how testing and quarantine strategies should evolve to address vaccination status.”

REACTION FROM NACC National Airlines Council of Canada President and CEO Mike McNaney issued this statement: “The report by the Panel contains a series of key recommendations including elimination of quarantine and pre-departure testing for fully vaccinated travellers, elimination of hotel quarantine for partially vaccinated or non- vaccinated travellers, reduction of quarantine duration overall to potentially 7 days instead of 14, and the

NEWS effective use of rapid antigen testing.

“We strongly support these recommendations, and they are in-keeping with policy measures that are already being implemented by other countries as they release their plans for the safe re-start of aviation and travel.

“We must get moving on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Canadians in every region of the country whose livelihoods depend on travel and tourism.”

“The overall report represents a wide series of data and science-based recommendations, prepared after months of review by an independent advisory panel consisting of experts in epidemiology, virology, as well as advanced data analytics.

“With vaccination rates continuing to climb aggressively in Canada, and

as provincial governments come forth with their re-start plans, the federal government must move immediately to engage with industry and utilize the Panel’s report as the basis now to implement a clear and strong re-start strategy for Canada.

“We must get moving on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Canadians in every region of the country whose livelihoods depend on travel and tourism.”

“WE ASK THAT THE GOVERNMENT IMMEDIATELY PREPARE A SAFE RESTART PLAN”: SIMS WestJet also issued a statement in the wake of the panel's findings.

"Over the past 15 months, WestJet has been requesting science-based travel guidance and this report represents a responsible path forward," said WestJet's President and CEO Ed Sims.

"These findings are evidence-based recommendations that are proportionate and reduce risks.

“We ask that the government immediately prepare a safe restart plan based on this report and current global policies.

“With vaccinations ramping up, Ca-

nadians need to know they can travel once again."

WestJet notes that outlined in the report and demonstrated successfully by the Alberta Testing Pilot Program, YVR's Pre-Departure Testing Program and the McMaster Study, programs in which WestJet was an active participant, the relationship between testing and quarantine can safely evolve based on science, data and vaccination levels.

The company added that as vaccination rates continue to rise, the airline is optimistic that based off the report's recommendations, Canadians can look forward to the easement of onerous border measures. WestJet says it will continue to advocate for policy changes that support Canada's recovery and the restoration of more than 750,000 travel and tourism industry jobs.

“WestJet remains committed to building back even stronger for the betterment of all Canadians. A healthy WestJet will help lead a stronger recovery, increasing competition and consumer choice while lowering the cost of travel for Canadians, all while safely anchoring Canada's vital air travel and tourism sectors.”

June 3, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 17

NEWS

Adam Stewart and Jamaica Prime Minister, Andrew Holness

Sandals breaks ground on first of three new Jamaica resorts MONTEGO BAY — Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has broken ground on Sandals Dunn’s River, the first of three new resorts coming to Jamaica as part of an ambitious development project valued at US$230 million.

Calling it a “poignant and tremendously significant time,” Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart honoured his late father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, who passed away in January 2021, at an official groundbreaking ceremony on May 26.

“This is an extraordinary day for Sandals Resorts and a moment of deep meaning for my family,” he said. “We stand today nearby where my father grew up, a place that was close to his heart. As we embark on our strategic growth plans, we are proud to bring to life his vision through this incredible property. There will simply be nothing like it.”

The ceremony follows the April 22 announcement that SRI will transform two properties that it had acquired last year, plus a prime parcel of beachfront land into three distinct resorts in Ocho Rios. Here’s an overview of all three new properties: 18 | TRAVELWEEK | June 3, 2021

SANDALS DUNN’S RIVER Phase 1 of the development plan begins with the total transformation of Sandals Dunn’s River, which returns to the Sandals family under the same moniker as when it was originally added to the Sandals portfolio in 1990.

“Jamaica means land of wood and water and in Ocho Rios, the sound of moving water from Dunn’s River and Roaring Waters River is part of the experience, an ethereal backdrop that is ever present and calming. This is the sound that will greet guests upon arrival.”

SRI has targeted completion of the new Sandals Dunn’s River for Q4 in 2022. Upon completion it will offer a 260 rooms including 48 signature SkyPool Suites, a first for Jamaica, which will feature a private cantilevered, solar-heated plunge pool with infini-

ty edge. There’ll also be 12 Swim-up Rondoval Suites with many featuring a Rooftop Terrace, both signature Love Nest Butler Suites, as well as 10 restaurants, including a specialty rum bar inside the brand’s newest Latin Fusion restaurant concept ‘Azuka’, nine bars, seven pools including two river pools, and the Red Lane Spa. According to Stewart, the new Sandals Dunn’s River was the last project he and his late father collaborated on, and is an homage to the natural beauty of their beloved Jamaica.

“Jamaica means land of wood and water and in Ocho Rios, the sound of moving water from Dunn’s River and Roaring Waters River is part of the experience, an ethereal backdrop that is ever present and calming. This is the sound that will greet guests upon arrival,” said Stewart.

He added: “When this resort became available, my father and I jumped at the chance to reclaim it and bring it back into the fold where it belongs.

Although he cannot be with us to see its ultimate transformation, he always will be a part of everything we do. His fingerprints are on this project and he fully embraced our plans to set a new standard of luxury in Jamaica.

“All that will come next on our incredible slices of Jamaica beachfronts, will be in tribute to him and because of him. I cannot fully express how sincerely thrilled we are to begin this work here at home.”

SANDALS ROYAL DUNN’S RIVER Phase II will comprise the development of sister-property Sandals Royal Dunn’s River, which will sit adjacent to Sandals Dunn’s River and offer generous exchange privileges. Sandals Royal Dunn’s River is slated for completion in 2023 with approximately 250 rooms and suites.

BEACHES RUNAWAY BAY In addition to the $230 million development of Sandals Dunn’s River and Sandals Royal Dunn’s River, SRI is also planning a $250+ million renovation of its third new location in Ocho Rios.

Beaches Runaway Bay Resort will be the third family-friendly Beaches Resort in Jamaica. Upon completion, it will feature an estimated 400 expansive one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom suites, plus access to Runaway Bay Golf Club and its par-72, 18-hole championship golf course.

NEWS Alberta Premier Jason Kenney

NACC thanks Alberta govt. for providing clarity, calls on feds to do the same OTTAWA — The National Airlines Council of Canada is applauding Alberta's reopening plan.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced the plan on May 26. Called 'Open For Summer', the plan could see almost all public health measures lifted as early as June 28, when 70% of Albertans aged 12 and over are expected to have received at least one shot.

There would be no restrictions on indoor or outdoor social gatherings, and domestic and international visitors would be welcome. Kenney suggested Alberta could even be on track to hold signature summer festivals such as the Calgary Stampede.

NACC President and CEO Mike McNaney said on May 27: “Canada’s major airlines congratulate the Alberta government on today’s release of the province’s restart strategy entitled 'Open for Summer.’ The plan provides criteria for the phased re-opening of the economy including welcoming domestic and international visitors.

“We want to thank the Premier for providing clarity to consumers and industry. Today’s announcement follows the release yesterday of British Columbia’s restart plan, which also establishes timeframes and metrics for the restart of regional and national travel.

McNaney finished with a call for transparency from the federal government when it comes to restart plans

for international travel. “We continue to call on the federal government to work with the aviation sector to provide similar clarity concerning the restart of international travel, and how we will address on-going travel restrictions within Canada to achieve domestic consistency,” he said.

Register now to attend TICO’s upcoming AGM TORONTO — Members of the public are invited to attend TICO’s upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), set to take place on June 29.

The meeting will include the following items: • Receiving the financial statements for the previous financial year, together with the Auditor’s Report • Receiving and considering the Annual Report • Appointing the auditors for the Corporation and authorizing the Board of Directors to fix the auditor’s remuneration • Announcing the successful candidate for the position on the Board of Directors • Transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting Only members in good standing are entitled to participate in and vote at the meeting. Members wishing to participate and vote will need to register for the event. Registration opens today, May 31. To register, email your name and registration number to ticoagm@ tico.ca by June 25, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. Ma-

terials and instructions regarding how to participate will be sent out to those registered in advance of the meeting.

Members of the public who wish to watch the event online can visit a link for the meeting, which will be posted on TICO’s website by June 22.

Members who will not be attending the meeting are invited to submit written requests for proxies. The Agenda, Minutes from the AGM on Sept. 17, 202 and the 2021 Annual Report and Business Plan containing the audited financial statements as at and for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2021 will be made available on TICO’s website prior to the meeting.

RIU Group acquires TUI’s 49% stake in 19 RIU-branded hotels MADRID — RIU Group has acquired from TUI its 49% stake in 19 hotel properties that are operated under the RIU Hotels & Resorts brands and located in four different continents, plus two more hotels that are currently under development. With this deal, Riu, which already holds 51% stake of these properties, will now become their sole owner.

The transaction was approved on May 27 by TUI’s Supervisory Board and is valued at 670 million euros.

According to both companies, loyalty was paramount in their negotiations, with each side stating a firm desire to maintain their strategic and commercial relationship over the long term. In fact, TUI is maintaining its 50% stake in RIUSA II S.A., the company that was founded by the two companies in 1993 and now manages the RIU brand hotels.

“This operation comes in the context of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has profoundly affected the tourism industry,” said RIU Group in an official statement. “For its part, with this extraordinary indebtedness effort, RIU continues supporting its strategic partner over the long term.

“Furthermore, after confirmation that the ownership model has turned out to be an advantage in facing this crisis, taking 100% control of the ownership of these hotels provides additional agility in confronting possible paradigm changes in the near future.”

June 3, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 19

NEWS

AQSC unveils new 2022 Ohio River itineraries

WestJet and ITAC award grants to support Indigenous tourism businesses CALGARY — WestJet is doing its part to support Canada’s Indigenous community through a grant program launched in collaboration with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).

Together, the airline and ITAC will provide a total of nine grants valued at $10,000 each to Indigenous tourism businesses across Canada that have been devastated by the shutdown of the tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The recipients of these grants were given the news in March 2021 and their reactions were captured in a new WestJet/ITAC video, which can be viewed WestJet’s YouTube channel. Recipients will be spotlighted on WestJet’s social channels and its newsroom over the next year.

“The situation facing the travel and tourism industry overall has been devastating.”

“We are pleased to be able to support these Indigenous businesses as they work their way to recovery,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice President. “WestJet is a proud partner of ITAC and is committed to advancing reconciliation by growing opportunities for indigenous entrepreneurs and sharing with the global travel industry the importance of Indigenous tourism, a unique, important and developing sector of Canadian tourism.”

The grants were originally earmarked through the WestJet/ITAC strategic national partnership, which was signed in November 2019 as a three20 | TRAVELWEEK | June 3, 2021

year commitment that outlines how the airline will foster opportunities for Indigenous tourism by showcasing Indigenous People’s culture and history and bringing global audiences to take part in Indigenous tourism experiences.

This summer, WestJet and ITAC are encouraging Canadians to support local tourism organizations, including local Indigenous tourism businesses from coast to coast to coast, while following all public health and safety guidelines. Destination Canada has stated that if Canadians shift two-thirds of their planned spend on international leisure travel towards domestic tourism, it will make up for the estimated $19 billion shortfall currently facing our visitor economy and will help sustain 150,000 jobs while accelerating recovery by one year.

“The situation facing the travel and tourism industry overall has been devastating,“ continued Avery. “We encourage Canadians to support Indigenous businesses in their communities and across the country when it is safe to do so.”

Recipients of the 2020/2021 WestJet/ ITAC grants are: • Feast Café Bistro: Winnipeg, Manitoba • Moonstone Creation: Calgary, Alberta • Talaysay Tours: Vancouver, British Columbia • Moccasin Trails: Kamloops, British Columbia • Indigenous World Winery: Kelowna, British Columbia • North Star Adventures: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories • Aurora Village: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories • Indigenous Experiences: Gatineau, Quebec • Miqmak Catering Indigenous Kitchen: Roxboro, Quebec For more information about indigenous experiences across the country visit www.DestinationIndigenous.ca.

NEW ALBANY — For the first time in its history, American Queen Steamboat Company will be operating a full season in the U.S. Midwest, with 30 Ohio River sailings scheduled to sail in 2022.

As the only overnight operator on the Ohio River, and in response to increased demand for less-travelled routes, the American Queen, American Duchess and the new American Countess will sail through the U.S. heartland, from Kentucky to Ohio to Pennsylvania.

Plus, with the Spring Sale, guests can save up to US$2,000 per stateroom on select 2022 sailings, including Ohio River itineraries, when booked by June 30, 2021 using the code ‘SPRING.’ Fares start at US$1,799 per person, plus port fees, taxes and gratuities.

AQSC resumed operations in March 2021 with enhanced health and safety policies including, but not limited to, pre-cruise COVID-19 testing of all guests and crew and a mask mandate in all public areas where social distancing is not possible. Its COVID-19 vaccination mandate for all guests and crew will go into effect for all sailings beginning July 1, 2021.

Here is a sampling of AQSC’s 2022 itineraries featuring the Ohio River: LOUISVILLE TO PITTSBURGH (OR REVERSE) The nine-day ‘Ohio River Exploration’ sailing includes visits to Heinze History Center and the Duquesne Incline, the Ohio River Museum in Marietta, Ohio and the oldest commercial estate winery in America at the Baker-Bird Winery in Augusta, Ky. Ports of call on ‘Ohio River Exploration’ include: Pittsburgh, Pa.; Wheeling, W.Va.; Marietta, Ohio; Huntington, W.Va.; Augusta, Ky.; Cincinnati; Madison, Ind.; and Louisville, Ky. MEMPHIS TO LOUISVILLE (OR REVERSE) This nine-day sailing takes guests along the Ohio River with ports of call that include Louisville, Ky.; Brandenburg, Ky.; Owensboro, Ky.; Henderson, Ky.; Columbus, Ky.; and Memphis, Tn. Highlights include a visit to Paducah, Ky., a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, and an option to visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park, tour the Lincoln Museum and explore Fort Knox in Brandenburg, Ky.

NEWS LOUISVILLE TO NASHVILLE (CLARKSVILLE) (OR REVERSE) Highlights on this nine-day itinerary include stops at famed Kentucky river towns like Paducah, Henderson, Owensboro, Brandenburg and Louisville, plus visits to the Tennessee port towns of Dover and Clarksville. Guests can select from a number of excursions throughout the sailing, including a visit to Fort Knox and a private tour of the Churchill Downs back-stretch in Louisville.

Crystal River Cruises

Crystal River Cruises’ Flair’s winter 2021/22 Senior VP confirms schedule now on sale return to Europe on TORONTO — Flair Airlines has released Aug. 29 its Winter 2021/2022 schedule featuring fares starting at just $19.

Now on sale until March 2022, the expanded schedule – considered Flair’s biggest-ever winter program – includes 24 routes and over 650,000 seats.

The winter schedule is part of Flair’s expansion of service to bring low-fare air travel to more Canadians. Flair has 13 new aircraft on order joining its fleet in 2021 and 2022.

“We understand how keen Canadians are to travel again and our winter schedule will provide affordable air travel options to help connect the many families and friends who have been apart for the past year,” said Garth Lund, Chief Commercial Officer.

“With fares available from as low as $19 and new aircraft joining the fleet, Flair will continue its expansion into the winter season.”

Bookings are now available or travel through March 26, 2022. Go to flyflair. com/where-we-flyfor more details.

Earlier this year Flair announced that it will by flying to 18 cities by August, including Ottawa, Kitchener-Waterloo, Halifax and Saint John, all of which began on May 1. The airline will also add service in June to Thunder Bay, Charlottetown, to Victoria in July, and to Abbotsford in August. To ramp up its domestic summer program, Flair also announced direct flights between Montreal and Toronto, Vancouver, Abbotsford and Halifax starting July 1, and a new nonstop route between Ottawa and Kelowna starting in August.

TORONTO — In a letter to travel agents, Crystal River Cruises’ Walter Littlejohn confirmed that plans are well underway to resume Europe operations starting Aug. 29, 2021.

Littlejohn, Crystal River Cruises’ Senior Vice President & Managing Director, said that the company is “cautiously optimistic” about the European Union’s imminent plans to allow entry for vaccinated travellers. The EU also announced last week that it’s targeting a July 1 start date for its new digital green pass, which will allow EU citizens to travel freely across the bloc’s 27 nations.

In his letter, Littlejohn writes: “The European Union’s recently-approved protocol allowing leisure travel by vaccinated travellers was a necessary and welcome step toward the resumption of unfettered European river cruising. It is important to note the adoption of these protocols by the individual EU member states that impact our multi-country itineraries is a critical next step, as the member states ultimately control the borders.

“We are currently assessing our final ship deployment for Fall/Winter 2021 and will communicate further details when completed. In the meantime, we are readying the fleet as well as our devoted crew members in advance of resuming service to refresh their skills, ensuring the six-star standards for which our award-winning river ships are known.

“We have worked tirelessly in developing new health and safety protocols that address the unique challenges of COVID-19 with the greatest care for both our guests and our crew. Our

stringent Crystal Clean+ measures include mandatory vaccination for guests and crew; COVID-19 testing at embarkation; suites set aside for isolation, if needed; HEPA filters; and more.

As a reminder, our protocols are under continual review based on scientific data and evolving recommendations from local and global authorities.

On behalf of everyone at Crystal River Cruises, I want to thank all of you for your understanding during this transitionary time in travel. We are looking forward to welcoming your clients back onboard our beautiful river ships on the Danube and Rhine rivers to experience the unrivaled personal care, service and luxury of the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line.”

Blue Diamond Resorts reopens Saint Lucia properties ahead of schedule TORONTO — Sunwing Travel Group is celebrating the early reopening of two Blue Diamond Resorts properties in Saint Lucia.

In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and the Saint Lucia Ministry of Health, both the Royalton Saint Lucia and Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia have reopened their doors earlier than planned and welcomed their first guests back to the island.

Along with those arriving on TUI Airways’ first flight back to the region, guests received a warm welcome at reopening celebrations featuring gourmet food and drink, morning-to-night entertainment and workshops that both parents and kids enjoyed.

Staff conducted the highest degree June 3, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 21

NEWS of health and safety vigilance as part of ‘Safety-Assured Vacations’ protocols. Plus, travellers who book directly via the Blue Diamond Resorts website automatically qualify for All-In Medical Assistance, provided by MAS Servicios, which covers expenses for accidents or illnesses incurred while on vacation, including COVID-19-related medical needs. Viral antigen testing is also available to guests arriving in Saint Lucia, on property, at an extra cost.

“Our teams in Saint Lucia worked tirelessly to ensure we were ready to reopen our doors ahead of schedule,” said Anderson Howard, Regional Director, Eastern Caribbean of Blue Diamond Hotels & Resorts. “We are all very excited to have our guests return to Saint Lucia and our properties with confidence and peace of mind. We are here at your service and look forward to seeing everyone soon!”

Tourism Cares expands membership to individual travel professionals TORONTO — Tourism Cares has expanded its membership categories to allow individual travel professionals to join.

The non-profit has been around for nearly 20 years, uniting the travel industry and mobilizing it to create needed change. Tourism Cares has furthered not only sustainability goals, but direct economic benefits for communities around the world.

The organization has also rebranded. and developed a new logo to complement its renewed positioning.

Tourism Cares' decision to expand its membership categories to allow individual travel professionals to join dovetails with its role as a catalyst for cross-sector cooperation within the travel industry, says chairwoman Robin Tauck.

"It’s a powerful new direction. We know that a large population of travel professionals are fueled by their passion to work in this industry and by the opportunity to use their work to make a positive change in the world.

By uniting this great industry around sustainability, we deliver on a collective mission for meaningful and responsible action by corporations, founda22 | TRAVELWEEK | June 3, 2021

Tourism Cares

tions, businesses, and individuals. We welcome all to join us,” says Tauck.

Travel professionals can join Tourism Cares by making an annual US$99 donation, which provides access to education platforms, professional development, consulting, and registration to Tourism Cares signature programs.

More information is at tourismcares. org/professional-membership.

Tourism Cares CEO Greg Takehara says the organization’s focus on sustainability has expanded from assembling volunteer opportunities domestically to include models for global involvement and investment in social and environmental impact organizations.

“As a result, we launch and participate in initiatives that support meaningful and responsible practices while also providing direct economic benefits, through tourism, for local communities around the world. In addition to fostering collaboration, we provide tools and resources that are creating the foundation for new models of tourism,” says Takehara.

He adds: “Our legacy has evolved to create positive social, environmental, and economic impact for the people and places of travel. Our updated branding reflects a refreshed vision for the future and a renewed and strengthened commitment to come together as a global community.”

For more information see tourism cares.org.

All 42 RIU resorts in the Americas are now open MADRID — RIU Hotels has completed the reopening of all its hotels in the Americas, becoming the first Spanish hotel chain to reach the milestone.

The June 1 reopening of the Riu Tequila in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the Riu Palace Macao in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the Riu Negril in Negril, Jamaica, and the Riu Plaza Panama in Panama completes the company’s reactivation process of all 42 hotels in the region. Fully opened at 20 hotels in Mexico, six in Jamaica, six in the D.R., three in the United States, two in Costa Rica, two in Panama and one in the Bahamas.

Following these openings in the Americas and additional ones in Europe in the coming days, RIU will have 76 of its 100 hotels open worldwide.

Riu Hotels previously announced that all RIU guests from countries that require a negative antibody test prior to returning home can get the test free of charge at its Caribbean destinations.

Plus, all hotels have applied the 17 safety protocols included in the company’s manual for post-COVID hotels, created in collaboration with Preverisk, an international leader in food safety, hygiene and health.

NEWS

TICO approves Fund claims against Gideon Travel & Tours MISSISSAUGA — TICO’s Board of Directors has approved four claims made against Gideon Travel & Tours Ltd. Approved on May 25, the claims protect five consumers against the company for a total amount of $2,250. The consumers did not receive the travel services for they paid.

Gideon Travel & Tours’ registration was terminated on Oct. 5, 2020.

The Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund is wholly financed by the industry to protect consumers who do not receive the travel services for which they paid, due to the insolvency or bankruptcy of an Ontario-registered travel agency or travel wholesaler, or due to the cessation of an end supplier airline or cruise line. The Fund only covers consumers who have booked through an Ontario-registered travel agent, and is administered by TICO.

Saint Lucia announces more freedoms for vaccinated guests TORONTO — Fully vaccinated travellers can now enjoy more freedoms while visiting Saint Lucia, including book rental cars, dine at local restaurants and take part in additional activities like beach hopping.

According to the Government of Saint Lucia, as of May 31, 2021, vaccinated visitors now have increased access to all parts of the island from the day of arrival, without restrictions. For example, they can explore shops, markets, restaurants and activities in popular areas like Castries, Rodney Bay, Soufrière and more.

All visitors can stay at a range of COVID-certified accommodations that include hotels, villas and Airbnb. For vaccinated visitors, they can now stay at more than two properties if preferred.

“While all visitors to Saint Lucia can currently experience a wonderful vacation as well as approved tours and attractions, fully vaccinated travellers are now invited to explore the entire des-

Saint Lucia

tination at their leisure while following our protocols,” said Prime Minister Allen Chastanet. “We’ve successfully and safely managed tourism since reopening our borders in June 2020, with no need to close because of our protocols and the bubble we created for our visitors and frontline tourism workers.”

To qualify as fully vaccinated, travellers must have had the last dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or a onedose vaccine at least two weeks prior to travel. Travellers must indicate that they are fully vaccinated when filling out the pre-arrival Travel Authorization form, and upload proof of vaccination.

They must also travel with their vaccination card or documentation.

Upon arrival in Saint Lucia, pre-registered fully vaccinated visitors will be expedited via a dedicated Health Screening line and will be provided with a non-electronic identification wristband for the duration of their stay. This wristband must be worn throughout their stay, only to be removed when departing Saint Lucia.

Non-vaccinated travellers will continue to be permitted to stay at up to two certified properties for the first 14 days, while non-vaccinated returning nationals will be required to apply for quarantine for the same period.

Regardless of vaccination status, no changes have been made to pre-arrival protocols for travellers, including: all arrivals to Saint Lucia (five years or older) must obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than five (5) days before arrival; submit the online Travel Registration form; and must adhere to all safety protocols in place, including wearing a mask in public places. Detailed information on the

latest travel COVID-19 protocols for all visitors, plus Frequently Asked Questions for vaccinated travelers can be found at www.stlucia.org/covid-19.

Transat now owns 100% of inbound tour operator TraficTours MONTREAL — Transat has acquired the remaining minority interest in inbound tour operator TraficTours Canada Inc. Transat was already a 70% shareholder in the company. It has now purchased the company outright, acquiring the remaining 30%.

Transat says the purchase price is for an amount lower than the amount booked in Transat's financial statements on account of the option to purchase such minority interest.

The minority shareholder had the option to require Transat to purchase the minority interest since 2019. The manager of TraficTours and its subsidiaries remains in place to ensure the operations run regularly.

TraficTours offers excursions and other services to vacationers in Mexico, the D.R. and Jamaica.

“By becoming sole shareholder, Transat is strengthening its inbound services in three of these key markets,” says Transat.

On April 29, 2021 Transat announced its financial assistance package from the federal government, allowing Transat to borrow up to $700 million in additional liquidity through the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF).

June 3, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 23

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