51 minute read
Carnival & Royal Caribbean back in U.S. waters
who want a refund, our employees have been working very hard to process requests as quickly as possible and will continue to do so, including in collaboration with our travel agency partners. We have in place an easy online refund process and we have also reached out to customers directly to advise them of their options. Still, given only approximately 40% of eligible customers have requested a refund, we are extending the initial deadline for requests." The COVID-19 refund policy covers tickets and Air Canada Vacations packages purchased for flights cancelled either by the airline or by the customer for any reason was initially due to expire June 12, 2021. As of April 13, 2021, the day on which the COVID-19 refund policy came into effect, Air Canada had a total of 1.8 million of its customer bookings eligible for a refund. Air Canada customers also have the option of accepting a fully transferrable Air Canada Travel Voucher (ACTV) with no expiry date or converting the value of their ticket to Aeroplan points with a 65% bonus. Customers who have already accepted an ACTV or Aeroplan points also have the option to exchange these for a refund to the original form of payment, including for the unused portion of any ACTV issued or in cases where a partial refund was provided. Customers can request a refund online at aircanada.com/refund until July 12, 2021. The policy also applies to Air Canada Vacations packages. Customers who booked through a travel agency are asked to contact their agent directly. As Air Canada notes: “In support of its travel agency partners, Air Canada is not recalling agency sales commissions on refunded tickets that they process.” As for the airline's future travel policy, Air Canada's new refund policy of offering customers options of refunds, an Air Canada Travel Voucher or equivalent value in Aeroplan Points with a 65% bonus should the airline cancel or reschedule a flight by more than three hours, is applicable to all tickets purchased. In other news, Air Canada says it will recall more than 2,600 employees as it prepares for an increase in demand for flights.
Carnival & Royal Caribbean announce U.S. comeback in July
MIAMI — After more than a year’s pause in U.S. waters, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have at long last announced their return to service from U.S. ports starting next month. The news follows Royal Caribbean’s previously announced plans to resume sailings from the Caribbean in June, as well as to Alaska from Seattle in July and August. Carnival Cruise Line, meanwhile, announced last week that it had been granted CDC approval for its port agreements for PortMiami, Port of Galveston and Port Canaveral.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE Carnival Cruise Line plans to return to guest operations from Port of Galveston on July 3 with Carnival Vista, followed by the return of operations on Carnival Breeze on July 15. These cruises are available to guests who have received their final dose of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the start of the cruise and have proof of vaccination, in accordance with CDC guidelines. The other ship and port identified for a July restart is Carnival Horizon from PortMiami. Carnival will be advising guests and travel advisors about its plans for August sailings in the coming days. ROYAL CARIBBEAN Royal Caribbean has confirmed that six of its ships will begin sailing from major U.S. cruise ports in Florida and Texas in July and August. The line’s comeback will kick off on July 2 in Miami with Freedom of the Seas embarking on a special Fourth of July weekend sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay. By the end of August, 12 Royal Caribbean ships will once again cruise across The Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska and Europe. On the heels of its return to the U.S. will be the debut of the brand new Odyssey of the Seas on July 3. The ship will set sail from Fort Lauderdale on new six- and eight-night Caribbean cruises, soon to be followed by Allure, Symphony, Independence and Mariner of the Seas. In the coming weeks, Royal Caribbean will announce plans to reintroduce its full fleet around the world by year’s end. The 2021 summer cruises are now available to book. The full summer lineup is as follows: • Freedom of the Seas: 3- and 4-night
Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay sailings from Miami, starting July 2 • Odyssey of the Seas: 6- and 8-night
Southern and Western Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, starting
July 3 • Serenade of the Seas: 7-night Alaska sailings from Seattle, starting July 19 • Allure of the Seas: 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, starting Aug. 8 • Ovation of the Seas: 7-night Alaska itin-
The new Odyssey of the Seas will set sail from Fort Lauderdale on new Caribbean cruises, soon to be followed by Allure, Symphony, Independence and Mariner of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas
eraries from Seattle, starting Aug. 13 • Symphony of the Seas: 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from Miami, starting Aug. 14 • Independence of the Seas: 7-night
Western Caribbean sailings from Galveston, Texas, starting Aug. 15 • Mariner of the Seas: 3- and 4-night
Bahamas and Perfect Day at Coco-
Cay sailings from Port Canaveral, starting Aug. 23 Travellers and travel agents should take note that Freedom, Odyssey, and Independence of the Seas’ 2021 summer sailings are that of existing itineraries for the following ships: Navigator, Independence, Explorer and Liberty of the Seas, respectively. Guests booked on these ships will be automatically transferred to the new ship. The expanded summer lineup will go beyond the U.S. to include international ports across the Atlantic, like Barcelona and Rome, when Harmony of the Seas returns to Europe. Starting Aug. 15, the Oasis Class ship will set sail on 7-night itineraries to the Western Mediterranean and visit destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Provence, France. The new U.S. and Europe cruises extend Royal Caribbean’s previously announced plans to return to sailing, which include Adventure of the Seas departing from The Bahamas on June 12 as well as Anthem of the Seas out of the U.K. and Jewel of the Seas from Cyprus in July. The complete list of Royal Caribbean’s 2021 cruises is available here. While crew members will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Royal Caribbean is strongly recommending the same for guests, if they are eligible for a vaccine. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be required to undergo testing and follow other protocols, which will be announced at a later date. Other measures in place in order to cruise with Royal Caribbean include: • Guests sailing to Alaska who are 16 years of age or older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and those 12 or older as of Aug. 1 • If departing from an international port, guests must meet the travel requirements of their home county and the country of departure (policies can be found online on each
country’s tourism site) Cruises outside of those announced above will be cancelled through the end of August. Booked guests impacted and travel partners will be contacted with further details, including the option to receive a full refund. All guests who have booked by July 31 are covered by the ‘Cruise with Confi dence’ program.
WestJet puts Amsterdam on the schedule, ramps up Hawaii service
CALGARY — WestJet says it plans to expand its international network to include Amsterdam, with new 787 Dreamliner service starting Aug. 5, 2021. Service between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and Calgary International Airport (YYC) will operate two-times weekly beginning Aug. 5, 2021 and will increase to three times weekly as of Sept. 9. WestJet's 787 Dreamliner service offers lie-fl at seats in the business cabin
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along with on-demand dining and entertainment. The new service is timed to support late-day departures and daytime arrivals. Connections are available via Amsterdam to a long list of destinations, including Athens, Berlin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Vienna and Venice, says WestJet. WestJet also announced that starting in July 2021, WestJet will operate flights to London-Gatwick (LGW) from Calgary as well as from Toronto. Service from Calgary will operate two times weekly, while flights from Toronto will depart three times weekly. For sun-seekers, the airline is gearing up to offer more Dreamliner flight options from Western Canada to Maui and new nonstop service from Calgary to Kona and Lihue this winter.
With 57 weekly roundtrip flights on 10 nonstop routes, WestJet says it will have more service between Canada and Hawaii than any other airline. According to John Weatherill, Chief Commercial Officer: . “We’ve increased our winter service to Hawaii by more than 25% from 2019 to ensure our guests have increased flexibility and the most affordable, nonstop options from Western Canada.” WestJet is adding new weekly nonstop service from Calgary (YYC) to Kona (KOA) and Lihue (LIH) beginning in December. With the addition of the new service, WestJet will offer service to four Hawaiian destinations non-stop from Calgary and two from Edmonton. Starting this winter, WestJet will also add 787 Dreamliner service from Calgary and Vancouver to Kahului, Maui (OGG) with 13 weekly flights. WestJet's 787 service to Maui from Western Canada is scheduled with daytime departures to ensure guests arrive in Maui in the early afternoon. The airline's signature Dreamliner service features lieflat seats with on-demand dining and entertainment.
Credit: iStock
Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah
These 3 memorable itineraries are a great way to see Utah at its best
Maybe you haven't been to Utah – yet. But you've probably seen it on the big screen. That's because Utah is a go-to choice for location scouts for a long list of big-name movies. In fact, so many movies have been shot in Utah, there's even a trademarked slogan: Utah. America's Film Set. One of the biggest and best-known films shot in Utah - the iconic “Thelma and Louise” with Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon - is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Clients can experience the film's locations first-hand, thanks to an epic road trip itinerary. The journey starts just outside of Moab, first at the rock formations known as the Courthouse Towers in Arches National Park (one of Utah's Mighty 5 national parks), followed by Dead Horse Point State Park. Remember the most talked-about moment in the movie, in the very final minutes? Fossil Point, visible from Dead Horse Point State Park, was the backdrop for that never-to-be-forgotten scene with Thelma, Louise and their powder-blue 1966 Ford Thunderbird. Red Cliffs Lodge just outside Moab has its own movie museum with memorabilia from films shot in Utah, including “Thelma and Louise”. The police chase scene was filmed in the tiny ghost town of Cisco, one of the highlights of day three of the “Thelma and Louise” themed itinerary, along with Sego, another ghost town, and Thompson Springs. On day four, the trip winds up in the La Sal Mountains, instantly recognizable from the opening scenes of the movie. Driving up La Sal Pass brings visitors to the doorstep of some great hikes. Try Mount Peale Trail, or a walk around Medicine Lake. There are so many themed itinerary ideas for visitors to Utah. A Winter Trip Through the Heart of Utah’s Desert is the perfect way to see the state in the hauntingly beautiful winter months, when crisp white snow offsets the vivid red mountains and rock formations. Starting in Green River or Salt Lake City, this five-day trip includes national parks (Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park) and state parks (including Kodachrome Basin State Park and Goblin Valley State Park). One hiking trail, Bryce's Fairyland Loop, is a perennial favourite. On the last day, a spectacular drive along Highway 12 from Boulder (Utah) to Escalante winds along with jaw-dropping views on both sides. Another must-do Utah itinerary is Hoodoos and Stars. Three of Utah's Mighty 5 national parks - Bryce, Capitol Reef and Zion - take centre stage on this seven-day trip. The rock formations known as hoodoos, standing like sentinels for many millions of years, are a big draw for Bryce visitors. And when the sun sets, Utah's wide open spaces truly shine, and sparkle, with more stars in one awestruck gaze than most people see in a lifetime. Utah has the highest concentration of the dark skies in the world, according to the list of International Dark Sky Places compiled by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), and this itinerary features the state's Dark Sky Parks at their finest.
For more information check out VisitUtah.com.
CATO & ATOQ seeking financial support to save industry jobs
TORONTO — CATO and its Quebec counterpart, ATOQ, have banded together to seek “urgent action and financial support” for their struggling members. Both associations – Canadian Association of Tour Operators and Association des Tours Opérateurs du Québec – are asking the federal government to extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) at the current level until at least Dec. 31, 2021. The program, along with CERS (Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy), will come to an end on Sept. 25. CATO and ATOQ operate on a volunteer basis, with owners and senior executives of professional tour companies advocating for support of their industry sector. To highlight their significant contribution to the Canadian economy, and the devastating impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on its members, the two associations have released an Economic Impact Assessment Report. Members of both associations were forced to temporarily and permanently lay off employees when travel came to a halt in March 2020. Women were particularly impacted, with more than 73% of the workforce made up of female employees. The Report also shows that without the government providing a clear roadmap to recovery, revenue will continue to be 82% below 2019 levels. Compounding the issue is the fact that the average advanced booking is made six months ahead of departure; in Ontario and Quebec, all revenue generated from bookings is held in trust until trips depart. This means companies cannot use these funds to pay wages or travel agent commissions, which typically return millions of dollars to the government through payroll taxes. Without an extension of CEWS, CATO and ATOQ both say that their segment of the industry will have no choice but to lay off more individuals or permanently let go of employees. ““It is mission critical we receive clear federal guidelines and timelines ahead of international travel resuming. Canadian tour operators need at least six months to prepare and bridge the gap between the opening of international borders and earning any revenue,” said CATO and ATOQ in a joint statement. “Along with securing guests’ accommodations, flights, tour guides, sightseeing excursions and more, they also need to coordinate health and well-being protocols in this new world of travel. “To avoid prolonged duress for the industry, the government must make known any updated criteria or clear guidelines for easing of travel restrictions and reopening of borders. Millions of Canadians work in tourism-related industries yet tour operator members have not been provided the fundamentals their industry sector needs to survive.” Brett Walker, CATO Chair, added that while CATO and ATOQ members “truly appreciate” the federal government’s CEWS program and that it has enabled them to retain employees during the pandemic, they were, nonetheless, forced to lay off nearly 30% of their col-
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lective workforce. “We are fighting for our survival. With average advanced bookings made six months prior to departure and borders still closed, there will be little, if any, return to international travel before 2022,” he said. “With CEWS running out, the only means to bridge the gap and save thousands of jobs is for the government to extend CEWS at the current level for our members and those hardest hit until the end of 2021.” On June 9, the Canadian government announced eased travel restrictions for fully vaccinated Canadians, including the lifting of the mandatory 3-day hotel quarantine starting as soon as early July. However, this will come in phases and will only apply to returning Canadians, essential workers, foreign students and other categories of approved travellers at first. To request a copy of CATO and ATOQ’s Economic Impact Assessment Report contact Marie Anne MacRae at marieanne.macrae@ttc.com or Emily Leak at Emily.leak@ttc.com.
Sandals Resorts' June 23 town hall gets back to basics with marketing
TORONTO — Sandals Resorts has scheduled a second online town hall event exclusively for its Canadian travel agent partners. The company says that following the success of last month’s inaugural live virtual town hall on digital marketing, Sandals “is going back to basics” with an important and interactive new session on grassroots marketing. “As Canadian travel advisors emerge from the pandemic, cost-effective and purpose-driven tactics have never been more crucial. Enter grassroots marketing,” says Sandals. “Can a 'think big, start small' approach really benefit the bottom line? How does getting 'back to basics' take your Sandals and Beaches business to the next level?” This second online town hall – 'Let's Talk: Grassroots Marketing', will take place June 23 from 1-2 p.m. EDT. Like the May 2021 town hall, it will be led by moderators C.J. Smith, Senior National Sales Manager and Lorna Richards, National Training Manager, Unique Vacations Canada Inc. Special guests joining on June 23 include Winston Chang – BDM, British Columbia, Saskatchewan & The Yukon, and Robert Smith – BDM, Ontario. Advisors are encouraged to join the conversation by submitting questions before June 21 to: webinars@uvisandals. ca. Contact your Sandals BDM for registration details.
WestJet President & CEO, Ed Sims, to retire in December
CALGARY — WestJet President and CEO Ed Sims has announced his retirement at the end of the year, a decision he says was spurred by his desire to reunite with family in New Zealand. Sims has spent four years at WestJet’s helm, during which he was responsible for the successful introduction of the airline’s Boeing 787 long-haul aircraft, the launch of two new airline ventures, the significant expansion of WestJet’s international network, as well as the continued growth of WestJet Vacations, WestJet Cargo and the WestJet Rewards program. He will remain as President and Chief Executive, as well as a member of the WestJet Group board of directors until December 2021. Moving forward, he will continue in a senior advisory role with Onex Partners focused on aerospace and aviation. In a video message, Sims stressed the importance of family and how the pandemic has served as a “powerful reminder that family matters and comes first.” He plans to return to his home in New Zealand where two of his children, who he hasn’t seen in two years, currently live. “Family has always been important for me and the pandemic has served to underscore the need to be reconnected in person,” he said. “My time with WestJet has been an absolute career highlight and a privilege in my 35 years in the travel and aviation industries. I would like to thank WestJet’s founder Clive Beddoe, Onex and past and current board members and my Executive Leadership team who have all been tremendously supportive. My special thanks go to the remarkable group of people who call themselves WestJetters for everything they have achieved.” Chris Burley, Chairman of WestJet’s board of directors, added: "I want to thank Ed for his contributions to WestJet's strategy and growth initiatives over the past four years. Ed has led WestJet through the worst crisis in aviation history and will see us through to the end of 2021. We owe our relative strength and stability in no small measure to Ed's leadership and steady hand. On a personal note, we're pleased that Ed will be able to rejoin his family in New Zealand at the end of the year." The board of directors of WestJet has commenced a search for a new Chief Executive Officer.
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 are 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.
RIU Tequila
Win a US$200 Florida gift box with the new and improved Florida Travel Pro specialist program
TORONTO — The easing of restrictions at the Canada-U.S. border could be coming any day now and that means it’s a great time to learn more about Canada’s favourite U.S. vacation destination: Florida. VISIT FLORIDA’s new and improved Florida Travel Pro specialist program is now available on Travelweek’s Learning Centre. An English-language version is available now; a French-language version is coming soon with more details on the way at ProfessionVoyages.com. Agents who take the course to become a Certified Florida Travel Pro can win one of three specially curated Florida gift boxes valued at US$200 each. Of special note, the gift boxes contain items from specialty lifestyle brand Spartina 449. To enter, travel advisors must complete all seven modules of the VISIT FLORIDA Travel Pro Specialist Program in order to qualify. The end date for the contest is June 30, 2021, and contest entry is open to Canadian certified travel advisors who have completed the requirement to become a qualified specialist. Florida Travel Pro has three new modules: Road Trips; Ecotourism; and LGBTQ. Overall the program is designed to showcase different aspects of destinations within Florida, including (but not limited to) attractions, shopping, art and culture, nightlight, music and theatre, festivals and events, accommodations, beaches and water activities, spas and golf. Says VISIT FLORIDA: “The entire site has also been given a complete overhaul making it faster, smoother, and more intuitive. The addition of showcase listings now gives you an inside look at popular places and attractions all throughout Florida. Lastly, make sure to keep up with our message centre, as we will keep you updated on everything new to come!” The Florida Travel Pro program includes: Essential Modules • Complete these modules to learn the basics for promoting and selling Florida and earn a specialist certificate • The Fundamentals, Beaches, Beyond the Beaches, Experiences NEW Specialization Modules • Take your knowledge a step further and earn badges in niche categories • Road Trips, Ecotourism, LGBTQ Partner Programs • Earn additional badges from VISIT
FLORIDA’S partners Benefits for certified Florida Travel Pros: • Personalized VISIT FLORIDA Travel
Pro diploma and use of the official
Florida Travel Pro logo • Qualify for participation in destination
FAMs, and priority invitations for additional training and special events • Access to an exclusive Florida Travel
Pro toolkit which includes an interactive directory, maps, images, and videos for promotional use Adds VISIT FLORIDA: “The Sunshine State offers every type of adventure, experience, and entertainment, but many would say its most alluring assets are its 1,000+ kilometres of sunkissed beaches and 2,000 kilometres of coastline. Shopping, museum-going, tropical rambles, historic stops, and all manner of water sports showcase the state’s versatility… with everything from big-city experiences and smalltown fun to the planet’s most beautiful landscapes and a range of flora and fauna that simply must be seen to be believed. You’ll never run out of things to do in Florida, a state packed with nature trails, parks, roller coasters, museums and so much more.” Complete the Florida Travel Pro specialist course at travelweeklearning centre.com for a chance to win!
TIAC urges feds to #OpenTheBorder, forms new cruise committee
TORONTO — “We need a plan and we need it now” was the call to action during a recent TIAC press conference on June 8, during which the organization launched its new #OpenTheBorder campaign. Beth Potter, President and CEO of TIAC (Tourism Industry Association of Canada), “stood united” with representatives from Provincial and Territorial Tourism Industry Associations across Canada to urge the federal government to commit to a plan to reopen the Canada-U.S. border. The hour-long virtual conference followed an in-person event at Toronto’s Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, where the campaign was offi cially launched. “We’d like to see the borders open as soon as possible and we know that it will take some time to put necessary protocols in place. We also know it takes time for businesses to ramp up operations again, to rehire and retrain staff . What we’re really asking for right now is, what is the time frame [to reopening] so that we can begin to plan as an industry.” As part of the campaign, TIAC has launched a new website, openuscanborder.ca, and is asking Canadians to write to their local elected offi cials to “let them know that they’re ready to welcome U.S. visitors across the border again,” said Potter. She added that she’s encouraged by the conversations currently happening between the government and provinces. “But what we need is a plan in the end, we need to see what the timeline looks like to reopen so that the more than 225,000 businesses that make up our industry from coast to coast can plan to be ready when the borders are open,” she added. The Canada-U.S. border has been closed to all but essential traffi c since March 21, 2020. The closure is up for renewal on June 21, 2021.
When asked what the economic impact would be should the border remain closed for the summer, Potter said that Canada’s tourism industry would continue to see revenues decline. “Prior to the pandemic, our industry was a $109 billion a year industry. Right now, we’re averaging about 50% of that but in some sectors, the devastation is actually 90%-100% if businesses haven’t been reopened. And with the border closed, those businesses that rely up to 100% on U.S. customers will see a second summer of zero revenue,” said Potter. Dave McKenna, TIAC Chair, also added that with both CEWS and CERS payments coming to an end in September, the need to reopen the border is even greater now. “Right now, the government is talking about decreasing the CEWS and CERS programs that have helped keep tourism businesses afl oat for the past 15 months. If that is the case, then the border needs to reopen to allow for the tourism industry to have a chance at their own recovery,” he said. “We can’t have it both ways. If fi nancial aid is going to decrease, then the border needs to reopen so that businesses can go back to work and support themselves.” A week after it launched the new campaign, TIAC also announced a brand new National Cruise Committee comprised of TIAC members, Canadian organizations that operate in the global cruise industry and represent all regions of Canada impacted by cruise – Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Northern Canada. The group will advocate for the cruise industry to be treated no diff erent from other travel sectors in Canada, act in an advisory capacity to identify key issues and provide regular updates and recommendations to TIAC’s Recovery Committee. It hopes to send a clear message that the sector is ready to safely welcome ships back and that it has confi dence in cruise line partners that their restart will follow the necessary protocols to keep guests, crew and communities safe. Canada’s cruise ship ban, fi rst implemented in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been extended until Feb. 28, 2022. It essentially bans cruise vessels carrying 100 or more people from operating in Canadian waters. The cruise sector is responsible for 30,000 direct jobs in Canada. “We are a part of the tourism industry that is eff ectively in ‘lockdown’ until Spring 2022 due to the federal ban on cruise until Feb. 28, 2022. As other parts of the country and industry may start to see some recovery in summer 2021, we won’t have the ability to make any movement. This committee will allow for coordinated advocacy for this sector,” said Danielle Timmons, TIAC National Cruise Committee Chair. “This is a pivotal time to be launching. The committee is in full support of TIAC’s recent campaign launch on opening the U.S. Canada border. We hope to bring awareness education and support for the cruise supply chain businesses that are still in lockdown,” added Timmons.
#OpenTheBorder press conference
“We need a timeline to reopen so that businesses can be ready when the borders are open."
Air Canada has Rome fl ights starting July 2 that don’t require quarantine in Italy
MONTREAL — Air Canada plans to begin off ering fl ights to Italy starting July 2, 2021. Flights are scheduled to operate to Rome from Toronto and Montreal. According to Air Canada’s website, passengers arriving into Italy on these fl ights do not need to quarantine upon arrival. Passengers must show proof of negative COVID test results within 48 hours before departure, and again on arrival. As reported by Global News, and outlined on Air Canada’s site, the fl ights are government-approved COVID-tested fl ights. Italy has begun to re-open, with bars and restaurants reopening for indoor dining earlier this week, for the fi rst time in months. As reported in April 2021, while the EU is preparing its Digital COVID Certificate of vaccination and testing certifi cation for travel within the 27-country EU bloc, and has indicated a potential reopening for fully vaccinated travellers, Italy had signalled that it wanted to take things a step further and reopen to global markets. Complete details about the Air Canada fl ights can be found at aircanada.com. Previously the quarantine requirement for arrivals in Italy was 10 days. As the Air Canada site notes, “passengers travelling on a COVID-tested fl ight as of July 2 are exempt from the quarantine.” Transat eyes July 30 restart, discontinues hotels division MONTREAL — Transat is gearing up for a gradual resumption of operations on July 30. The restart date is in line with Transat’s update last month that it was suspending operations through July 29. In a list of notables from its Q2 2021 results (see below), the company said it will continue to refocus its airline
operations with a greater presence in Eastern Canada and Montréal, and also that it has discontinued its hotels division. “Following a quarter without revenues, progress made on vaccinations allows us to plan for a gradual resumption starting July 30,” says Annick Guérard, President and CEO, Transat. “We hope that a safe travel recovery plan can be deployed as soon as possible and will lead to a lifting of restrictions in the near future. All indications are that our customers are eager to make use of some of their savings from recent months to travel. We're excited about welcoming them back soon,” she added. Guérard took over the top spot at Transat on May 27, following the retirement of Jean-Marc Eustache. "The fi nancing we secured will allow us to roll out our plan over the coming years. Our strong brand, our employees' commitment and the transformation we have undertaken and which will continue over the coming years will allow us to position ourselves again as our customers' favourite leisure travel company and HKS_7x4-875in_EN_062021_op.pdf 1 8/6/2021 14:15:59 become more profi table than before the
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pandemic," says Guérard. Transat’s Q2 results, also announced on June 10, included a net loss of $69.6 million. Last year’s Q2 loss, when a strong start was soon overshadowed by the early weeks of the pandemic, was $179.5 million. Revenue was $7.6 million, down from $571.3 million year over year. As Transat notes in its Q2 briefi ng, all four of Canada’s major airlines agreed to a request from the federal government in January 2021 to temporarily suspend all winter sun fl ights until April 30. Since that time sun fl ights and fl ights to most other destinations have been largely grounded in the wake of the second and third waves of COVID. Transat says it has implemented a series of operational, commercial and fi nancial measures, including new fi nancing and cost reduction measures, aimed at preserving its cash. On April 29 the company announced its agreement with the Government of Canada that allows it to borrow up to $700 million in additional liquidity through the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF). Also in April, Transat and Air Canada announced they were walking away from their acquisition deal after months of delays in the wait to get a green light from the European Commission. “While the availability of a vaccine makes it possible to hope for the resumption of operations at a certain level during 2021, the Corporation does not expect such level to reach the pre-pandemic level before 2023,” says the company. Other notables from the Q2 briefi ng: • As at April 30, 2021, cash and cash equivalents totalled $346.1 million. • Deposits from customers for future travel amounted to $560.4 million in
Q2 2021, compared with $605.1 million as at April 30, 2020, a decrease of $44.7 million. • Following Transat’s April 29 announcement that it would off er
COVID refunds, the company has received requests for about 64% of the amount of credits issued and made refunds for more than 70% of amounts claimed, at the end of May 2021. Customers have until Aug. 26, 2021 to submit their refund requests. Transat’s strategic plan includes: • During 2021, stabilize the business by
streamlining operations and laying the foundations for a recovery that will ensure the Corporation's longterm viability after the pandemic; • During the 2022-2026 period, make the Corporation profi table again and complete its transformation to achieve a level of profi tability that exceeds pre-pandemic levels, as well as grow in new markets; • After 2026: leverage those achievements to propel Transat toward a new growth phase. • To achieve those goals, Transat says it will refocus airline operations and redefi ne the network by ensuring a greater presence in Eastern Canada and Montréal and forging alliances to strengthen the network; among other fi nancial and fl eet strategies • Discontinuation of the hotel division: On May 20, 2021, due to the decline in liquidity as a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic, and in line with the objectives of the new strategic plan, Transat’s board of directors approved the discontinuation of the hotel division's operations.
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Register before June 21 for Brand USA’s ‘USA Training Day’
TORONTO — The countdown is on until Brand USA’s ‘USA Training Day’ for Canadian travel agents, taking place virtually on June 23. The event, which will be available on Brand USA Global Marketplace, will connect Canadian agents with the U.S. travel industry in preparation for the reopening of the Canada-U.S. border. Agents will also learn about Brand USA’s resources and tools designed to sell, promote and inspire travel to the USA. There will be an opportunity to hear directly from destinations themselves, as well as the National Park Service and some of Brand USA’s receptive tour operator partners. In addition, by attending the training, agents will have the chance to win travel prizes during the USA Networking and Training Day quiz. Prizes include two Air Canada tickets and USA land packages. Agents must register by June 21 on Brand USA’s Global Marketplace at brandusaglobalmarketplace.com. The USA Training Day program is as follows: • 11:30-11:32 a.m. EDT – Welcome and
Introduction, Chris Thompson • 11:32 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EDT – Brand
USA Travel Trade Resources, Suzy
Shepard • 12:00-12:20 p.m. EDT – Keynote on National Parks, Donald Leadbetter,
Tourism Program Manager, U.S. National Park Service • 12:20-1:35 p.m. EDT – Regional Destination Training • 1:35-2:00 p.m. EDT – Kahoot! Quiz, networking and further Q&A • 2:00 p.m. EDT – Session ends Chris Thompson, CEO of Brand USA, encouraged agents to register for the event during Travelweek’s recent ‘Future of Travel: Sunnier Days Ahead’ virtual conference. “As we begin welcoming our friends and visitors to the north back, there’s going to be a lot of questions that has to do with travel policy,” he said. “The reach and relevance that the travel trade has with their clients is going to be a critical role in our ability to be able to welcome people back once we have a safe environment.”
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line gets green light to conduct test cruise
WEST PALM BEACH — Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is still on track to resume sailings on July 2 after being granted CDC approval to conduct a simulated sailing. As part of the CDC’s updated Framework for Conditional Sailing Order, simulated cruises – or test cruises – are now required for cruise lines, prior to the resumption of regular cruises, in order to set sail. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line will conduct a closed-group test cruise that will include a full evaluation of the line’s cleanliness and safety protocols. A small, private group of pre-selected, fully vaccinated passengers will join a group of fully vaccinated crew members onboard Grand Classica, departing June 25 for a two-night, roundtrip cruise from the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island. The sailing will simulate all aspects of the onboard experience, including dining, entertainment, leisure activities and shore excursions. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line plans to resume sailing on July 2, 2021 and is currently accepting bookings on its website. It anticipates earning CDC approval to cruise on July 2 following this month’s simulated sailing. In recent days, Royal Caribbean has also been given the green light to operate a test cruise ahead of its resumption of service.
PEOPLE
Retail travel industry veteran Cheryl Babulal joins the Travelweek team
Travelweek's new Business Development Manager, Cheryl Babulal, is no stranger to the travel industry, with more than 25 years of experience at some of the biggest names in retail travel. Babulal joined The Travelweek Group last month after 14 years with Ensemble Travel Group, most recently as Business Development Director. In that role she developed and fostered partnerships with over 100 Ensemble members in Eastern Canada - Ontario, Manitoba and Atlantic Canada, and was responsible for new member sales and retention. Over the course of another 10+ years Babulal worked in retail management with companies including American Express, Thomas Cook Travel, Sears Travel and Travelchoice. At Travelweek Babulal will report to Annie Cicvaric, Director of Business Development and Content Strategy.
Disney Cruise Line gets CDC's go-ahead for test cruises
CELEBRATION, FL — Disney Cruise Line has received the green light from the CDC to operate test cruises out of Florida. Numerous consumer and cruise industry news outlets are reporting that DCL's test cruise will operate June 29 – July 1, 2021 out of Port Canaveral on the Disney Dream. There would be no shortage of volunteers among the general public for DCL test sailings; Disney blogs say it's more likely the test sailing will be filled with Disney cast members and other company volunteers. An emailed statement to the Orlando Sentinel from DCL spokesperson Cynthia Martinez said: “We have reached an important next step toward our gradual and responsible resumption of service, and are grateful for the productive dialogue with the state, local and federal officials, the CDC and others in our industry that has made this possible. We look forward to our amazing crew once again creating magic for
our guests and to helping the many workers who support our industry get back to work.” Test cruises are part of the CDC's Conditional Sailing Order, which replaced the No Sail Order earlier this year. In the past several weeks several major cruise lines have announced sailings from U.S. ports starting this summer.
Globus has more details on its vaccination-required policy
TORONTO — The Globus family of brands – consisting of Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways and Monograms – is providing more details about its COVID-19 policies. First announced in February 2021, Globus family of brands will require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to join the company’s upcoming international tours, river cruises and independent vacation packages. “As part of our commitment to provide sustainable, responsible travel across the globe – while keeping in line with current and anticipated destination policies – we are instituting a new requirement for travellers embarking on international vacations,” said Stéphanie Bishop, managing director for the Globus family of brands. “They will now need to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for international vacations.” With the new policy in place, travellers ages 12 and older must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, completed at least 14 days prior to embarkation. The Globus family of brands will accept vaccines authorized or approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention (ECDC), Health Canada or an official government body. Those who do not comply will not be able to join a planned international vacation with Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways or Monograms. The new protocol will take effect for international vacations departing July 15 through Oct. 31, 2021. The company plans to revert back to its policy of proof of vaccination, negative COVID-19 test or immunity for travel after Oct. 31, 2021. “While we do not anticipate that Canadians will have the opportunity to travel internationally with us for most of the summer, we’re ready and providing ample time to prepare for their next, best vacation,” said Bishop. “This international travel policy provides our guests the safest return to travel, follows the latest requirements of many countries and ensures more seamless movement between destinations.” The Globus family of brands also provides travellers a complimentary Peace of Mind Travel Plan. If guests are unable to go on their vacation due to COVID-19 restrictions, they have the flexibility to move their plans to any other 2021 or 2022 date, destination, itinerary or even, another brand in the Globus family of brands’ travel portfolio, without penalty.
Globus family of brands welcomes new BDM for BC territory
The Globus family of brands has appointed Fiona Schonewille as its new BDM in British Columbia on a contract basis. Schonewille, who will be covering a parental leave, will be based in Vancouver and responsible for building and maintaining travel partner relationships and regional sales goals for Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways. On welcoming Schonewille to the Globus family of brands, Carla Brake, director of business development, said: “She brings with her more than two decades of travel industry experience, including spending the last six years honing her business development skills with Holland America, Seabourn Cruises and Transat Tours Canada. With a background in both cruising and touring, we know her expertise will seamlessly translate for our needs in the BC region.”
TravelBrands offering refunds, protecting commission
TORONTO — TravelBrands says it's ready to offer COVID refunds and will do so without recalling travel agent commission. The company announced on June 14 that it will offer full refunds on vacation packages impacted by COVID-19, for travel on or after Feb. 1, 2020. The policy also covers new bookings as of June 1, 2021, going forward. Frank DeMarinis, President & CEO, TravelBrands, says the company will offer the refund program without relying on external assistance. In April 2021 both Air Canada and Transat announced new COVID refund policies and commission protection as part of financial assistance packages, including loans and credit, from the federal government. “Trust is paramount in any industry, especially the travel industry, and we saw an opportunity to do more,” says DeMarinis. “Our team worked relentlessly behind the scenes to deliver a meaningful action plan that would positively impact the travel agent community and their clients. We will continue to redefine industry norms to renew confidence in the incredible travel experiences that are ahead of us.” TravelBrands' refund policy will include all Air & Hotel bookings, including TravelGenie, Sunquest, and Exotik Journeys packages that have flights with Air Canada or Transat. If a refund cannot be secured on a land portion, a future travel voucher will still be applicable. Coverage dates include travel on or after February 1, 2020, and new bookings as of June 1, 2021. The company says “this forward-thinking response to changes in the travel industry is a reassuring step towards the promising future ahead.” More information and an FAQ are at travelbrandsaccess.com.
Royal Caribbean and AQSC celebrate fi rst resumption cruises
MIAMI & NEW ALBANY — Two more cruise lines are celebrating the resumption of operations, further adding steam to the cruise industry’s road to recovery. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas set sail from Nassau, The Bahamas on June 12, as previously announced, the fi rst of its ships to resume cruising in the Western Hemisphere. More than 1,000 fully passengers are onboard, with those 16 years and older fully vaccinated (along with the crew). Vaccinated guests make up 94% of all those onboard, while the remaining 6% of guests are children younger than 16. Adventure of the Seas now begins a summer lineup of seven-night sailings to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas; Grand Bahama in The Bahamas; and Cozumel, Mexico. “The return of Adventure of the Seas marks a start in the tremendous step forward our guests have been waiting for and we’ve been working toward for more than 15 months,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “This is all possible thanks to the government of The Bahamas, the support of our partners and the hard work of our teams across Royal Caribbean.” Guests sailing with Royal Caribbean aged 16 years or older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This age minimum goes down to 12 or older on Aug. 1. Guests younger than the eligible age must undergo testing and follow other protocols. Following its inaugural cruise, 11 Royal Caribbean ships are set to cruise from the U.S. and Europe beginning in July and August. The complete lineup of 2021 cruises is available here. Meanwhile, American Queen Steamboat Company’s American Empress embarked on June 14 on the company’s fi rst sailing of the 2021 Pacifi c Northwest season. This sailing marks the fi rst overnight river cruise with 100% COVID-19 vaccinated guests and crew in the United States, as well as AQSC’s return to cruising on the Columbia and Snake rivers. The popular Pacifi c Northwest Splendor itinerary, which sails from Portland to Spokane or reverse, is almost sold out for the 2021 season. “Today is an important milestone for both American Queen Steamboat Company and Pacifi c Northwest tourism as we restart operations in the region and cruisers can once again relish the majestic beauty of the Columbia and Snake rivers,” said Shawn Bierdz, president of American Queen Steamboat Company. “We look forward to safely welcoming guests onboard the American Empress to sail through this diverse environment and discover the communities that make it such a unique travel experience.” AQSC was the fi rst U.S.-based cruise company to announce a 100% vaccination policy for guests and crew in February, which will go into eff ect fl eetwide, including Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland river departures, after July 1, 2021. All guests must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination at check-in by providing a valid vaccination card or an image of a valid vaccination card. Guests who fail to provide proof of vaccination will be denied boarding and subject to full cancellation penalties.
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
SEATTLE — Holland America Line has updated its summer 2021 Europe cruise schedule, with some cancellations. The cruise line’s Eurodam will maintain its recently announced Mediterranean season through October 2021. However, cruises onboard Nieuw Statendam and Volendam cruises will be cancelled, and Rotterdam’s season will shift. The move comes as Holland America Line continues to work with governments and port authorities in correlation with the phased resumption of cruising. Holland America is cancelling the remainder of the summer 2021 European sailings aboard Nieuw Statendam and Volendam, impacting cruises that were scheduled to depart from September through November, along with the Collectors’ Voyages associated with those departures. Rotterdam will remain in non-guest operations until its Sept. 26 cruise from Amsterdam, after an expected on-schedule delivery from the Fincantieri shipyard July 30. Plans for Rotterdam’s naming ceremony are being finalized, says the cruise line. Passengers currently booked on cancelled Nieuw Statendam and Volendam departures automatically will be moved to a 2021 cruise on Eurodam in the Mediterranean, beginning with the Aug. 15 cruise through the Oct. 30 transatlantic crossing, and receive a US$100 onboard spending credit per person. Nieuw Statendam and Volendam passengers also can choose to move to an equivalent cruise in 2022 at the 2021 fare or receive a future cruise credit of 110% of any cash paid that will be placed in the guest’s loyalty account. Passengers currently booked on a cancelled Rotterdam voyage may select an equivalent sailing in 2022 at the 2021 fare paid, or they can choose to receive a future cruise credit of 110% of any cash paid. Any passenger on a cancelled voyage also can request a full refund of all monies paid to Holland America Line.
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).
“By becoming sole shareholder, Transat is strengthening its inbound services in key markets.” Become an Intrepid Travel Specialist with new training program
TORONTO — In anticipation of travel’s return, Intrepid Travel has launched a new training program to certify advisors as Intrepid Travel Specialists. The program, which comprises five 30-minute trainings, comes complete with certification and exclusive access to promotions, incentives and more. Agents will learn about Intrepid Travel as a business and brand, with topics that include responsible travel and Intrepid’s B-Corp status. Upon completion, each participant will receive a custom email signature, certificate and logo to add to their website. They will also gain exclusive access to promotions and discounts for their clients that won’t otherwise be available, early access to public promotions, bonus commission offers only available to Specialists, and other incentives such as prizes and giveaways. “With travel on the rebound, it’s more important than ever that people are aware of the impact their vacations have on the world and why choosing a responsible travel provider is essential,” said Shayna Zand, Head of Business Development in North America for Intrepid Travel. “Our goal with this new Specialist Program is to support our partners with expanded knowledge about Intrepid and what makes us a responsible business so they can feel confident and comfortable when recommending our tours to their clients.” For more information on how to become an Intrepid Travel Specialist email intrepidspecialist@intrepidtravel.com.
Sunwing has sun flights from Saskatchewan, cruise savings on Marella Explorer 2
TORONTO — Sunwing has announced sun flights this winter from Regina and Saskatoon as well as cruise packages onboard the Marella Explorer 2. Saskatchewan flights will begin operating in December and run until midApril 2022, just in time for the holidays. The flight schedule from Regina will be as follows: • Between Regina and Cancun, Mondays and Saturdays from December 11, 2021 until April 11, 2022 • Between Regina and Puerto Vallarta,
Fridays and Sundays from December 10, 2021 until April 10, 2022 • Between Regina and Los Cabos,
Thursdays from December 16, 2021 until April 14, 2022 • Between Regina and Mazatlán, Fridays from December 17, 2021 until
April 8, 2022 • Between Regina and Punta Cana,
Wednesdays from December 15, 2021 until April 13, 2022 • Between Regina and Varadero, Tuesdays from December 14, 2021 until
April 12, 2022 The flight schedule from Saskatoon will be as follows: • Between Saskatoon and Cancun,
Mondays and Saturdays from December 11, 2021 until April 11, 2022 • Between Saskatoon and Puerto Val-
larta, Fridays and Sundays from December 10, 2021 until April 10, 2022 • Between Saskatoon and Los Cabos,
Thursdays from December 16, 2021 until April 14, 2022 • Between Saskatoon and Mazatlán,
Fridays from December 17, 2021 until April 8, 2022 • Between Saskatoon and Punta Cana,
Wednesdays from December 15, 2021 until April 13, 2022 • Between Saskatoon and Varadero,
Tuesdays from December 14, 2021 until April 12, 2022 • Between Saskatoon and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Thursdays from December 9, 2021 until April 7, 2022 Meanwhile, starting in November 2021, guests can set sail onboard the adults-only Marella Explorer 2 – Marella Cruises’ newest ship – with Sunwing and save up to $300 per couple, or $150 per person, on applicable packages. Bookings must be made by July 1, 2021 for select sailings between Nov. 23, 2021 and Jan. 25, 2022 (excluding Dec. 21-28, 2021). Sunwing’s cruise packages include roundtrip flights between Toronto and Montego Bay, pier transfers, cruise accommodations, meals, the Standard Beverage Package and daily service charges and gratuities. Marella Explorer 2 sets sail to ports of call across the Caribbean and Central America, with passengers embarking and disembarking from Montego Bay in Jamaica. Calls include the Cayman Islands, Guatemala, Cartagena in Colombia and Panama.
Marella Explorer 2
Ontario lifts border restrictions with Quebec, Manitoba
OTTAWA — Inter-provincial travel restrictions have finally lifted, the latest victory in Canada’s long road to recovery. As confirmed by Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, the government did not extend the order that restricted non-essential travel between Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba. The order, first announced on April 16 in response to Ontario’s third wave of COVID-19, expired at 12:01 a.m. ET on Wednesday, June 16. Those entering Ontario “must continue to follow the public health measures in place in the province,” said Jones in a statement.
Under the ban, access was limited to essential travel only, including essential workers and anyone travelling for medical care, transportation of goods and exercising indigenous treaty rights. Those without a valid reason for entering Ontario were turned back. Jones announced the news on June 14, as Ontario reported 447 new cases of COVID-19, a slight decrease from the 525 cases reported a week before. The news also comes on the heels of last week’s announcement by Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc that Canada’s mandatory three-day hotel quarantine will be gradually lifted starting as early as July for fully vaccinated Canadians returning from abroad, essential workers, foreign students and other eligible travellers.
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