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Aeroplan and Rocky Mountaineer partner up
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.
“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,
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
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 eff orts.
“Your encouragement and unwavering confi dence in us over the last 15 months have contributed to the collective eff ort of bringing cruising back,” said the Facebook post. “There are logistics to fi gure 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 fi ve- 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 off er 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) receiving the financial statements for the previous financial year, together with the Auditor’s Report; (b) receiving and considering the Annual Report; (c) appointing the auditors for the Corporation and authorizing the Board of Directors to fix the auditor’s remuneration; (d) announcing the successful candidate for the position on the Board of Directors; and (e) 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
• 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.
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. 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
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-
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.
“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, Canadians 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.”
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: 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.
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.
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-
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. Materials 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.”
