Canada’s Travel Trade News March 11, 2021 travelweek.ca
In love with The Bahamas The latest on weddings and romance travel
The 46-night river cruise that taps three post-COVID travel trends
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The longest-ever 46-night river cruise taps 3 big post-pandemic trends, including ‘revenge travel’ - and it’s selling out by Kathryn Folliott TORONTO — As the industry waits eagerly for the restart of travel, some suppliers are making never-before-seen bets on new product ideas. And in the case of AmaWaterways, those bets are already paying off. Earlier this week AmaWaterways announced a 46-night European river cruise itinerary set to sail in 2023. The cruise company says it’s the longest-ever river cruise. Bookings don’t open to the general public until March 15, however the suite category is close to sold out based on the priority interest payment list, says AmaWaterways’ Chief Marketing Officer, Janet Bava. But not to worry. At the rate this ultralong-duration river cruise is selling, there will be plenty more to come. Called the ‘Seven River Journey Through Europe’, the month-and-ahalf long cruise sets sail June 1, 2023 from Paris and includes 14 countries. Rates start at Cdn$36,120 per person. We caught up with Bava to talk strategy, and we checked in with several travel agents too, to see if they thought the super-long cruise with the 5-figure per person price tag would strike a chord with clients. It’s been exactly a year since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic and travel restrictions all but shut down travel around the world. As vaccinations roll out and travel begins to restart, two trends that are getting a lot of attention for post-pandemic travel are bucket-list trips, and long-stays. Asked if the ‘Seven River Journey’ will tap into both of those trends, Bava says “absolutely, 100%.” Says Bava: “This is definitely a post-pandemic phenomenon as our core product traditionally consisted of a 7-night itinerary and adding land package before or after the cruise of additional four nights. We are not only seeing guests currently booked add additional sailings to their current bookings, but they are also adding land packages. Once they are making their way to Europe, they want to stay as long as they can and see as much as
AmaMagna in Bratislavia
they can see.” Many travellers especially in the highend travel market are sitting on extra money from a year in lockdown, and the $36,120 price tag isn’t as daunting as it might have been pre-pandemic, say agents we spoke to. There’s also the ‘revenge travel’ trend fuelling all-out, no-cut-corners trips of a lifetime. After a year and counting with no travel, travellers are looking
AmaWaterways’ ‘Seven River Journey Through Europe’ sets sail June 1, 2023 and returns July 17, 2023. Rates start at Cdn$36,120 per person. to maximize their vacation time, in a safe environment. AmaWaterways restarted sailings in summer 2020 with charter groups and a full complement of health and safety protocols. Based on its initial success, an ultralong cruise like the Seven Rivers Journey could become a permanent offering for AmaWaterways. “Based on demand, we are looking to add two additional dates in 2023 … this one will
be the most epic but the other two will certainly accommodate the demand for longer river journeys of 21 days or more,” Bava says, adding that 21-day Upper and Lower Danube journeys will be offered in 2022 and 2023 on AmaMagna, “the best ship on the river attracting those ocean cruisers who need more amenities onboard.” While ocean-going ships are working hard with the CDC to restart big-ship cruising, many predict river cruise companies, with their small ships and intimate ports of call, will be the first to see a boost in numbers when travel restarts in earnest. Many big-ship cruisers who were never interested in river cruising might think differently post-pandemic. Bava says post-pandemic travel will see more customization too. “We are currently customizing our itineraries for 2022 and 2023 and taking new groups on sailings averaging 20-36 nights,” she says. “Travel advisors are now calling us and saying my clients can not join for 46 nights, but can you help me in creating a custom itinerary for them where they can sail for 3 weeks, and explore 4 rivers? We have innovated personalized combination river cruise selling and travel advisors are thrilled we can do this. All they need to do is call our reservations team and we will figure out how to best combine the various itineraries for their clients.” March 11, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 3
TOP NEWS WHAT AGENTS ARE SAYING Cruise enthusiasts have always had the option to do back-to-back sailings, making the standard 7-night cruise into a longer getaway, and many do. But 46 nights? Plus, the Seven Rivers Journey is on 4 separate ships (AmaLyra, June 1 - 8; AmaKristina, June 8 - 13; AmaPrima, June 13 - July 4; and AmaVerde, July 4 - 17). Passengers will have to pack and unpack every time they switch ships. We asked agents if that might be a problem for clients, and if they think this cruise will sell. Niche Travel Group owner Faith Sproule in Dartmouth, NS, doesn’t see the four-ship schedule as an issue. She’s not concerned about the price tag either. In a typical year her agen-
“If they are attempting to replicate an ocean world cruise, I expect to see many bonus amenities included for those completing the full journey. There could be private dinners, tours and other surprises along the way.” cy sells more than $500,000 worth of AmaWaterways cruises. “I think there are clients that would love the 14 country sailing and we are trying to find them,” she says with a smile. "You would see so much of Europe in 46 days and sail in luxurious comfort the entire time. We have many guests pay $5,000 to $10,000 for a one week sailing, so $36,000 is a good value. Packing up four times isn't a deal breaker in my opinion.” Got a story idea? Questions or comments? Write to us at editorial@travelweek.ca
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Sailing the Moselle river loop with AmaWaterways
Michelle Whalen with Uniglobe Enterprise Travel in London, ON says she’s surprised this length of river cruise hasn't come out sooner, and says AmaWaterways is designing to traveller demand. “River cruise interest has been on the rise the last few years and even more so since COVID hit. Travellers like the idea of being on a smaller ship, not out in the middle of an ocean when a crisis hits. River cruising vessels have a smaller maximum capacity and do not face the degree of challenges and logistics that the larger ships face with covid prevention management.” Whalen says the bucket-list trip trend and ‘revenge travel’ are key factors. “Sure they will go on four different ships but they only have one transatlantic flight each way,” says Whalen. “Many have been postponing their European river cruises for quite a while due to COVID. In fact, many of the 2021 spots were booked in 2020. Now they can achieve those bucket list items in one journey.” AmaWaterways says Seven River Journey passengers will have 130+ complimentary excursions to choose from. Rates also include transfers between ships; complimentary laundry and portage service; all gratuities onboard and during shore excursions;
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and a dedicated Cruise Manager who will personally guide guests throughout their 46 nights onboard. “If they are attempting to replicate an ocean world cruise, I expect to see many 'bonus' amenities included for those completing the full journey. There could be private dinners, tours and other 'surprises' along the way. All this remains to be seen,” says Sandra McLeod with RedDoorTravel in LaSalle, ON. Says McLeod: “Being a premier river cruise line, I expect AmaWaterways will ensure clients are transferred from one ship to the other with minimal interruptions. Yes, they will have to pack and unpack so it will be important for them to understand this before embarking on such a journey. I suspect it might appeal to clients who are accustomed to travelling on land tours that require the same packing and unpacking.” The price point seems reasonable, she adds. Bava says agents will earn their standard commission for the Seven Rivers Journey, including for air, hotel, insurance and so on. “Selling one of these epic journeys is what has the travel advisors most excited,” she says. As one agent told Bava, “it’s exciting to see my commission go from 4 digits to 5 digits." CONTENTS COPYRIGHTED We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.
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“Now it’s grab your swimsuit, sunscreen and a hard copy of your clean COVID test”: The latest on destination weddings ‘From The Bahamas With Love’ TORONTO — When it comes to love, where there’s a will there’s a way and The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation has proven just that with its first-ever virtual expo. More than 1,000 travel agents tuned in for the two-day ‘From The Bahamas With Love’ event, featuring an afternoon of breakout sessions that further solidified The Bahamas’ reputation for being a leading romance and wedding destination. A consumer event took place March 10. Though the global pandemic has forced the Ministry to go virtual with this year’s expo, the decision to go ahead with the event reflects the destination’s ability to adapt to current times, says the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, Minister of Tourism & Aviation for The Bahamas. “Change is inevitable, life dictates it, therefore we must anticipate it and position ourselves to embrace it,” he says in his opening address. “In adapting to the new regime brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Bahamas Ministry for Tourism & Aviation quickly took action and made the necessary adjustments and re-strategized to ensure a smooth and seamless transition from the old to the new.” Health and safety protocols that have been put in place since The Bahamas fully reopened to tourists last October include negative PCR testing prior to arrival on the island, a mandatory Bahamas Travel Health Visa that includes COVID Health Insurance, and a rapid COVID-19 antigen test if staying in The Bahamas longer than four nights. Plus, Bahamian hotels must now adhere to the island’s new ‘Clean & Pristine’ Certification Program and verify at check-in that all guests have a negative PCR or antigen test and agree to comply with physical distancing measures and face mask requirements. When asked whether romantic escapes are still possible with all these safety protocols in place, Ellison ‘Tommy’ Thompson, Deputy Director Gen6 | TRAVELWEEK | March 11, 2021
Credit: BMOT
By Cindy Sosroutomo
Vow renewal in The Bahamas
eral, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation tells Travelweek that they absolutely are. “Masks are only required when in larger social situations, like going through the airport for example. If a couple is strolling hand in hand down
“It’s so important to let our clients know that it is okay to travel and that there are destinations that are very proactive,” says DWHSA co-founder, Lisa Sheldon. the beach, masks aren’t necessary,” he says. “The romance and wedding sector is a very important component to The Bahamas. Our many islands and cays make it an ideal destination for a romantic vacation, destination wedding or honeymoon.” With the rollout of global vaccines, Thompson adds that the Ministry of Tourism is feeling optimistic about
the future. Prior to the pandemic, The Bahamas was seeing strong arrivals from all markets, including Canada; the destination finished the year with a respectable 44,000 Canadian visitors, despite momentarily closing its borders and Canada’s stringent travel restrictions. “Once travel picks up again, we believe that The Bahamas is perfectly situated to welcome back visitors to our shores who are seeking a warm-weather destination that’s not too far from home,” says Thompson. “We are definitely open for tourists and look forward to welcoming Canadians back The Islands of the Bahamas when Canadians are able to travel again.” Here are some key insights from yesterday’s panel session titled “A New Take On Romantic Travel,” hosted by Alan Berg of Wedding Business Solutions and featuring Lisa Sheldon, Co-Founder of Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Specialists Association (DWHSA), David Woods, President and Founder of Association of Bridal Consultants, and Danielle Andrews, Co-Founder and President or Wedding Planners Institute of Canada:
looking for people who give them good vibes and have all the knowledge that they need during this time because it’s more stressful than it’s ever been to plan a wedding in another country,” said Andrews. DWHSA’s Sheldon shared how during a trip to Costa Rica in November, she made sure to share the experience of going through airport security, checking into a resort, getting her temperature taken and dining at local restaurants on her social media. “It’s so important to let our clients know that it is okay to travel and that there are destinations that are very proactive,” said Sheldon, adding that she felt more comfortable at her resort in Costa Rica than she does at a local store in her hometown. “They need to know we’re still there for them when they are ready to travel.”
The Exumas, The Bahamas
SHIFTING TRENDS When asked how she anticipates the romance and weddings market to change as a result of the pandemic, Andrews said she’s seeing more and more couples who were previously considering homebound weddings now opting for a destination wedding instead. “It used to be among millennials, we’d have 35% of them doing destination weddings. That number’s way higher now because couples want to spend that time with family and friends now, and so we’re seeing more people shift to destination weddings,” she said. Andrews also noted that wedding couples are staying longer in destination, from 3-4 days to 7-10 days, “because it’s such a big deal to travel right now and they’re going to make it worth their while.” One other notable outcome of the pandemic is the fact that many hotels and resorts aren’t as heavily staffed now as they adhere to strict safety and distancing protocols. But the upside to this, said Andrews, is more personalization for individual weddings since properties are no longer able to accommodate multiple ceremonies at once.
GET ON SOCIAL All speakers were in agreement: it’s imperative for wedding planners and destination wedding specialists to be active on social media, now more than ever. Said Andrews: “People just aren’t utilizing social media enough but that’s where the wedding couples are and they are utilizing it.” Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest are not only useful for sharing relevant information about destinations, resorts and wedding processes, but they also give planners the opportunity to share their own personalities with clients. “Couples really want to connect with you, they want to see you and are really checking you out. They want to see that the process is going to be fun and are Credit: BMOT
Credit: BMOT
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STAY INFORMED When describing how the role of a wedding planner has changed from pre-pandemic to now, Woods stressed the importance of education. “It used to be just grab your swimsuit and sunscreen but now it’s grab your swimsuit, sunscreen and a hard copy of your clean COVID test,” he said. “What a planner can do is start as early as they can and educate the client. Make sure you also get your professional credentials and keep learning and earning. It’s a little bit of a different environment but it’s still fabulous.” Sheldon added that due to travel restrictions and requirements changing almost daily from one destination to another, planners need to do everything they can to stay up to date with all relevant information by reading news briefs from the travel trade and attending virtual conferences as often as they can. “The last thing you want to do is provide wrong information or no information at all to clients,” she said. For the most up-to-date information on travel to The Bahamas go to https:// www.bahamas.com/tourism-reopen ing.
Beach wedding in The Exumas, The Bahamas
March 11, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 7
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AIRLINES U.S. airlines reportedly carried an average of 1 million passengers per day last week. According to wire service Bloomberg it’s the first time since the pandemic began that the 1 million mark has been reached in the U.S., with the exception of holiday travel. While airline industry watchers in the U.S. are optimistic for a modest recovery starting this spring, the vast majority of travel is expected to be domestic flights within the U.S., at least until the recovery picks up steam and more people are vaccinated. Meanwhile in Washington, D.C., Congress is on the verge of approving a landmark US$1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill that reportedly includes billions in payroll relief for U.S. airlines.
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CRUISING The UK is preparing for the resumption of domestic cruises as early as May. According to news reports, U.K.’s maritime minister, Robert Courts, appeared at a virtual meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Maritime and Group (APPMPG) to discuss the likely restart of voyages between English ports on May 17. Last month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled England’s four-stage roadmap for easing restrictions. According to the roadmap, international travel from England will be banned until May 17 at the earliest. According to Courts, resuming domestic cruises will help the cruise industry restore confidence and highlight the robust protocols implemented by cruise lines for passengers and crew. Princess Cruises and Holland America Line, both part of the Carnival Corporation umbrella, have announced an extended pause of select cruises through June 2021. While both lines continue to work with government and port authorities to plan a safe return to cruising, certain voyages have been cancelled due to ongoing travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Princess is extending its pause of cruise vacations sailing the Caribbean, California coast, Mexico and the Mediterranean through June 30, 2021. Holland America is extending its pause of European cruise operations to include departures through June 30, 2021. Celestyal Cruises is hoping to resume operations on May 29 from Piraeus, Athens with its seven-night Idyllic Aegean itinerary. The start of the season was earlier planned for the end of April. The new recommencement date is in accordance with the recently announced Greek Ministry of Tourism roadmap to opening Greece to tourism and cruising for the 2021 season. The seven-night Idyllic Aegean itinerary will call on Kusadasi, Rhodes, Santorini, Lavrion (for Temple of Poseidon), Mykonos, Milos and Crete. 10 | TRAVELWEEK | March 11, 2021
Air Canada has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the sixth straight year by Mediacorp Canada Inc. The annual competition recognizes the nation’s leaders in creating inclusive workplaces for employees from five diverse groups: women, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal Peoples, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) peoples. Air Canada was included on the list this year for its various initiatives and programs that promote equal opportunities and a work environment where all employees feel respected and recognized.
POLICIES A constitutional rights advocacy group is mounting a legal challenge to the federal government's quarantine hotel policy, arguing it infringes on Canadians' fundamental rights. The Canadian Constitution Foundation has filed an application with Ontario's Superior Court of Justice along with five individuals, seeking an end to the policy. The application names the Attorney General of Canada as the defendant. The government order mandating that anyone entering Canada from abroad must stay in a federally approved hotel for the first three nights of a 14-day quarantine has been in effect since mid-February. “The biggest issue is that we have a fundamental right to enter Canada and this is a limit on that right and it's not a justified limit,” said Christine Van Geyn, litigation director for the CCF. “There are so many alternatives that would be less infringing on rights.”
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Commission recalls, financial aid and an Air Canada update: ACTA webinar recap
ETC has a new trade initiative and consumer campaign
ETC kicks off new Canada-specific trade initiative, with consumer campaign to follow TORONTO — The European Travel Commission (ETC) has kicked off a new trade campaign in Canada, first aimed at keeping Europe top of mind with the Canadian travel industry and then promoting the destination to Canadian consumers when the time is right to travel again. The first phase of the bilingual campaign runs through the end of May. The focus is training travel agents and tour operators on the implementation of European safety protocols and the many new travel experiences in destination. ETC plans to follow-up the initial phase later this spring with a high-profile consumer campaign to inspire Canadians to visit Europe this summer or fall. ETC is also working on the development of the ‘Europe Invites the Curious’ global campaign co-funded by the European Union. This portion of the campaign is in partnership with the ETC’s member National Tourism Organizations (NTOs). “The goal of this Canada-specific campaign is to restore confidence and
build a distinctive image of Europe as a desirable travel destination for Canadians,” said Miguel Gallego, ETC's Head of Marketing. “Our objective is to maintain the European travel market share and better disperse traveller flows in terms of geography and seasons, all the while considering aspirations for sustainability in tourism and its growth. When the time is right, Europe looks forward to welcoming Canadians back to experience our pristine nature, creative cities and historic sites.” When it comes to out-of-region outbound travel markets for European destinations, Canada ranks third. Some 6.5 million travellers from Canada travelled to Europe in 2019. “During these challenging times, ETC wants to show its full commitment to support Canadian travel to Europe for when the time is right,” said Pascal Prinz, Chair, Canada Chapter, ETC. Prinz added: “The pandemic has not stopped the love of Canadians for Europe. If anything, Canadians have missed Europe even more since the border closure last March. Our aim is to show Canadians how Europe has worked hard to implement strict safety travel protocols and can’t wait to welcome visitors back.” For more information about current travel conditions in Europe, travel agents and tour operators are advised to check out reopen.europa.eu.
TORONTO — About 35% of airline tickets and 15% of tour operator bookings impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic have already triggered commission recalls. But the lion’s share of potential recalls, from a total amount typically pegged at $200 million, is still facing travel agents as the retail sector waits to hear if the federal government’s airline industry bailout will include any form of commission recall protection. ACTA President Wendy Paradis, and Vice-President, Advocacy and Member Relations, outlined this and more at ACTA’s recent webinar, ‘2021 Advocacy Updates, Latest Developments and Response to Crisis’. The webinar also featured guest speaker Lisa Pierce, Managing Director of Canada & USA Sales for Air Canada. UPDATES FROM AIR CANADA’S LISA PIERCE Asked if she thinks the government will allow sun destination flights, so far suspended until April 30, to resume on May 1, Pierce answered with an emphatic “I hope so." But she’s realistic about the path to that goal. “They keep moving the horizon line further and further,” she said. “I think we have to remain optimistic. But I’m also realistic. I know we’re not really in control of that, and that’s why having a path forward is so important.” Airlines need extra runway to restart operations and get bookings coming in, she added. “As [former president and CEO] Calin [Rovinescu] used to say, ‘We’re not a pizzeria. It takes us a little longer to get going.’” Pierce also highlighted recent wins and challenges ahead. The airline’s resumption of Boeing 737 MAX service is good news, she said, as the planes marked their first month back in service earlier this week, after a hiatus of two years. “This is a clear example of actually overcoming a crisis,” said Pierce, emphasizing that challenges can be conquered in spite of hurdles. WHAT ACTA IS ASKING FROM THE GOVERNMENT Craig-Peddie says ACTA is “very encouraged by discussions with the fedMarch 11, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 11
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ACV encourages clients to ‘Plan Now, Travel Later’ with new promotion
eral government” around the airline bailout. ACTA has indicated in recent weeks that talks with the government have progressed from ‘if’ commissions will be protected, to ‘how’. And last month a report in the Globe and Mail suggested bailout talks, now in the hands of the Ministry of Finance, were in the home stretch. Feedback sent to Travelweek last month from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, underscored that positive news. Paradis said ACTA’s ask on the commission recall situation is this: that any federal government bailout of the airline industry include additional funds to cover recalled travel agent commissions, with a condition that travel agency commission on airline and tour packages can’t be recalled; and a fund to cover past bookings already recalled. ACTA was pleased with the extension of CRB and EI, however more help is needed. For CRB and EI, Paradis says ACTA is lobbying for an extension to the end of September 2021, or 90 days after travel restrictions are eased. For CEWS, ACTA is also lobbying for 85% to the end of September, of 90 days after travel restrictions are eased, with limited conditions, and the base and top-up subsidy calculation to be based on the year-to-date revenue comparison to 2019. For CERS, ACTA is also lobbying for 90% to the end of September, of 90 days after travel restrictions are eased, retroactive to April 2020 and remove the $300,000 overall cap. 12 | TRAVELWEEK | March 11, 2021
Paradis also noted that the HASCAP loan program for hardest-hit businesses, including those in travel and tourism, launched Feb. 1. Feedback from agents about the HASCAP program is urgently needed, she adds, as ACTA is working with the government one-onone on this issue. For restarting travel post-pandemic, Paradis said that in the first two months of 2021 the federal government was “not open to any sort of discussion about restarting the travel and tourism industry.” Vaccines are now rolling out, however slowly, making this a better time to renew discussions, said Paradis. Any restart for travel and tourism won’t come with a magic date but rather a set of conditions, she adds. These conditions could include the number of COVID cases, the number of hospitalizations, the number of Canadians vaccinated and the development of vaccination verification tools. ACTA’s advocacy work is bolstered by on-the-ground efforts from individual travel agents. “If you have not reached out to your MP, we encourage you to do so,” said Craig-Peddie. If agents would prefer to join in with a group organizing Zoom calls and the like to get the message out to MPs, Craig-Peddie invites agents to email memberservices@acta.ca to link up with one of those groups. Paradis and Craig-Peddie also urged agents to join ACTA if they’re not already members. The link is acta.ca/ membership.
MONTREAL — Air Canada Vacations’ Early Booking Bonus Offer comes with savings worth up to $400 per family, reduced deposits, and a travel protection plan. “As travel professionals, we need to equip ourselves with all the tools possible to help our customers feel safe and comfortable to travel once again,” said Nino Montagnese, Vice President, Air Canada Vacations. “Tomorrow will be made of vacations, with Canadians dreaming about their next escape. As they plan their future adventures, we are proud to provide them with added peace of mind thanks to our CareFlexPlus and CareFree Travel Protection Plans, and significant savings with our Early Booking Bonus Offers,” added Montagnese.
“As travel professionals, we need to equip ourselves with all the tools possible to help our customers feel safe and comfortable to travel once again.” ACV’s combined CareFlexPlus and CareFree protection plans let clients cancel with a full refund up to 25 days prior to departure. The tour operator’s Travel Protection also includes seat selection, price drop guarantee, StormGuard, and a fee waiver. Plus, clients can change their departure date, destination or hotel, or transfer their booking up to 7 days prior to departure. Early bookers can also take advantage of $50 per person deposits and get up to $400 in savings ($100 per adult and $100 per child) for bookings made until June 30, 2021, for 2021/2022 travel. ACV’s EBBs are valid for departure dates May 1, 2021 - April 30, 2022 to select destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Conditions apply.
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The Travelweek Group acquires Today’s Bride and Destination Wedding magazines TORONTO — The Travelweek Group is pleased to announce that it has acquired Canada’s largest bridal magazine, Today’s Bride, as well as Destination Wedding magazine published by Today’s Bride, from Newcom Media Inc. Since its inception in 1973, The Travelweek Group has focused on publications for the travel industry. Travelweek’s knowledge of the travel trade, paired with the expertise that Today’s Bride has in honeymoons and destination weddings, make for a natural fit that will benefit The Travelweek Group, its readers and its clients. “We are very proud to have acquired Today’s Bride. It's a beautiful and prestigious publication with an impressive track record of success,” said Travelweek's Publisher, Devin Kinasz. “The synergies with Travelweek in regards to destination weddings, honeymoons and romance travel, plus on the warehousing and distribution side, make it a great addition to the Travelweek Group. We're excited to build on opportunities that come our way and we are well-positioned for when travel takes off again in earnest.” Today’s Bride, in its 43rd year of publishing, will continue to provide essen-
tial wedding information to engaged couples across Canada. The current Today’s Bride team (editorial, sales and art) will continue their work with the publications, ensuring that the transition will be seamless for readers and clients. Amy Bielby, Editor-in-Chief of Today’s Bride, is excited about this next step. “I love weddings and working in the bridal industry. I am so happy to be able to celebrate with couples across Canada. I am looking forward to working with the Travelweek Group and can’t wait to begin work on our first issue together.” The Travelweek Group’s goal is to maintain and over time improve the quality and distribution of Today’s Bride and Destination Wedding, ensuring engaged couples get the magazines before they start making their wedding plans. Travelweek Group will also be building upon and improving Today’s Bride’s digital products. The Travelweek Group looks forward to working with the Today’s Bride team, readers and customers. With more than 20 years’ experience each in the bridal industry, clients will be well serviced by Today’s Bride’s dedicated bridal sales team: Shannon Dameron (national sales) at 416-543-6497 and Jennifer Gigis (Ontario retail/Destination Wedding sales) at 416-821-3714. Today’s Bride will operate out of The Travelweek Group’s offices, located at 130 Queens Quay East, Suite 512, Toronto, ON M5A 0P6.
Today's Bride
Register now for RIT’s virtual fam to Northern Ireland TORONTO — Royal Irish Tours is going virtual for its upcoming fam trip to celebrate St. Patrick’s Month. Taking place March 15 at 1 p.m. ET, Canada’s leading tour operator to Ireland will take participants on a twohour tour that follows its three-night itinerary of Northern Ireland. Agents will get to experience Belfast, Derry-Londonderry and the Causeway Coastal Route, all without leaving the comfort of their homes. Special highlights include a live baking demonstration, a virtual tour of Titanic Belfast and the Walled city of Derry.
“This showcase will hopefully inspire agents to join our next in-person fam and give them great ideas for their clients’ next trip to the Emerald Isle.” Two lucky agents will also win a trip on RIT’s next fam trip to Ireland, plus other prizes will be up for grabs for live attendees including four Irish gift baskets, pre-paid VISA gift cards, a twonight stay at the Europa Hotel in Belfast and a bottle of Bushmills Irish whiskey. Ian Duffy, President of Royal Irish Tours, says the fam will provide agents with information and much-needed travel inspiration. “During these times, we all need some travel inspiration for the future. This showcase of Northern Ireland will hopefully inspire agents to want to join our next in-person fam trip as well as give them some great ideas for their clients’ next trip to the Emerald Isle,” he says. The fam trip is being hosted in conjunction with the tourist board and live presenters will include Jonathan and Orla from RIT who will serve as tour guides, as well as Conor Carberry from Tourism Northern Ireland and Karen Henderson of Visit Derry. For more information contact jonathan@ritvacations.com or sign up at https://watch.livemedia.biz/register/ RIT.aspx . March 11, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 13
NEWS
The blame game: Who’s at fault if an unvaccinated cruise passenger is denied boarding? By Cindy Sosroutomo TORONTO — Imagine this: a passenger arrives at a port to embark on their long-awaited cruise but is denied boarding because they don’t have proof of vaccination for COVID-19, claiming they were unaware of the requirement. Who’s to blame? The passenger, the cruise line, or the travel agent? The question is a valid one considering the growing number of cruise lines that will be requiring proof of vaccination upon their resumption of operations. Britain-based Saga Cruises was the first out of the gate to announce the requirement in January, followed by sister U.S. brands American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines last month. Most recently, and perhaps most significantly, is Crystal, the first large-ship cruise line to make vaccination a requirement for guests, a move that could usher in a wave of other cruise lines to follow suit. While proof of vaccination is being regarded by many in the cruise industry, including travel agents, as a welcome requirement to rebuild traveller confidence and help safely resume global cruising, it can be assumed, like with any newly introduced travel protocol, that there will be some challenges ahead for all those involved. Recent reports of travellers finding loopholes to avoid Canada’s quarantine hotels and even falsifying negative COVID-19 test results indicate mounting frustrations over ongoing travel restrictions. Could something similar happen in the cruise industry if proof of vaccination becomes more widespread, with cruisers attempting to sidestep the requirement? Whether they do so deliberately or innocently, who will be blamed if they’re denied boarding? When reached for comment, CLIA’s Laziza Lambert, Strategic Communications Manager, told Travelweek that the organization is currently discussing the potential pitfalls proof of vaccination will have for the cruise industry. Travelweek also reached out to trav14 | TRAVELWEEK | March 11, 2021
el agents to weigh in on the issue. Marianne Vogel, CTC and owner of Just for You Travel & Consulting in Dundas, Ontario, believes that travel agents will be the likely scapegoat should their clients claim they were unaware of the vacci-
“My lawyer says, ‘those who have the most paperwork win.’ Take a paper copy with your passport until it can be added electronically in the future, like with some visas.” nation requirement prior to departure. Saying that “we always seem to get the brunt of the blame,” Vogel tells Travelweek that the only way for agents to protect themselves in this scenario is to request a copy of the client’s vaccination certificate in advance to send to the cruise line. “I always ask for a copy of my client’s passport so that I have it on file, in case they lose it or something happens and so I can check that all data is correct for the booking,” says Vogel. “It would be prudent for agents and cruise lines to
ask for proof of vaccination too at the time of booking, or at least before departure, to deal with this.” Giving as much information as possible to clients will be imperative, adds Vogel, who makes sure to provide upto-date hardcopies of airport procedures and country requirements along with tickets. “I know everyone loves electronic tickets these days but my lawyer always says, ‘those who have the most paperwork wins.’ Electronic stuff can be doctored, your phone or iPad can be lost, stolen or not work in destination – same goes with the vaccination certificate. Take a paper copy along with your passport until it can be added to your passport electronically in the future, like with some visas,” she says. Carlton Montaut, Chief Executive Officer of Centre Holidays in Mississauga, Ontario agrees that travel agents are responsible for advising their clients of all travel requirements. “However, if the client booked directly with the cruise line it would be the responsibility of the cruise line to advise the passenger of the vaccination requirement,” he says. “If they fail to do so then the blame is definitely on the cruise line. If a travel agent was involved, the same process would apply.”
NEWS With travel requirements changing almost daily and without any prior warning, Montaut relies heavily on Centre Holidays’ Pre-Vacation checklist for all clients “to ensure that nothing is overlooked.” Even more, all clients must sign a waiver that states Centre Holidays cannot be held responsible for any requirement set forth by tour operators or cruise lines that has not been conveyed to the company. To cover its bases on the supplier side, American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC), whose vaccination mandate goes into effect on July 1, 2021, says that any guest who booked a sailing after July 1 prior to the mandate was contacted, along with AQSC’s travel agent partners, about the new policy. All new bookings are informed of the vaccine mandate by reservations as well as by the travel agent. AQSC is already seeing the effects of the new mandate, telling Travelweek that bookings are already up: “We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests. January and February 2021 bookings are over 35% higher than November and December 2022 bookings.” With these numbers, providing proof could very well be the new normal in cruising. Vanessa Lee, President of Cruise Strategies Ltd, thinks other cruise lines will soon follow AQSC’s lead, with many already considering the legal ramifications of requiring guests to be vaccinated prior to sailing. Of course, this also means more responsibility for travel agents who are tasked with relaying all necessary information to their clients. “As in any other booking scenario, travel agents will ensure that clients know all the requirements to sail, whether it be with a vaccine, a visa or other restrictions,” says Lee. But, she adds, “each guest is responsible for ensuring they have the right documentation, including proof of vaccine, should that be relevant.” When asked whether proof of vaccination will ultimately help or hurt the cruise industry, Lee is optimistic. “At this juncture, we are all wildly still consulting our crystal balls but overall, I feel anything that offers prospective guests a safer environment or assuages anxiety is a positive,” she says. “Personally, I would prefer to sail with other guests who have been vaccinated.”
Uniglobe Founder, Chairman & CEO, U. Gary Charlwood and President and COO, Martin Charlwood
“A ‘can-do’ spirit is the Uniglobe DNA”: Iconic travel brand marks 40th anniversary VANCOUVER — Uniglobe Travel has launched its 40th anniversary with a series of #Uniglobe40Strong events that will kick off with a company-wide webinar broadcast to 3,800 Uniglobe agency professionals across six continents. The #Uniglobe40Strong events aim to recognize four decades of business success, and to reinforce the company’s vital role in a reimagined travel future, says Uniglobe Founder, Chairman & CEO, U. Gary Charlwood. “Today we reflect on the past and celebrate everyone involved in Uniglobe’s remarkable growth over the past 40 years,” he said. “Our mission today is as clear as it was from the beginning: To drive client success through better travel. We will always do everything we can to help our clients build their businesses and thrive. During its company-wide webinar Uniglobe will debut its 40th anniversary marketing campaign, ‘Putting You First for 40 Years,’ designed to showcase Uniglobe customer success stories throughout 2021 via its social media channels. A travel industry visionary and global franchising icon, Charlwood founded Uniglobe in 1981 in Vancouver. In February 2020 the company unveiled a new look for its brand. “The values that defined us 40 years ago continue to drive results today
through elevated personal service and unrivalled travel expertise,” said Charlwood. “Today, across 60 countries, Uniglobe professionals help their corporate and leisure clients ‘travel well’ by solving complex problems, finding innovative solutions and caring for every need. This is the hallmark of the Uniglobe family, and it will continue to set us apart for decades to come.” A series of virtual events will recognize company milestones throughout 2021 and will feature guest speakers from across the travel industry. For now all events will be hosted for Uniglobe agencies and staff members exclusively, however, as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions subside, external (customer, supplier and industry) audiences may be included, according to the company. Industry partners can contact Uniglobe for more information. “I am proud to represent a company that has stayed true to its foundational values for nearly half a century,” said Martin Charlwood, Uniglobe President & Chief Operating Officer. “Our absolute dedication and passion for travel defines who we are; it’s our essence. Since the company was founded in the 1980s, we have seen many changes disrupt our industry – sometimes to the very core – from commission cuts to volcanic ash to a global pandemic. While we know the travel landscape is constantly changing, we also understand that a resilient, hands-on travel professional serves a vital role in helping travellers navigate all the uncertainties. A ‘can-do’ spirit is the Uniglobe DNA that will guide our company forward the next 40 years and beyond.” March 11, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 15
NEWS
Sunwing’s domestic program now open for booking for flights starting May 10 TORONTO — Nothing can stop Sunwing’s domestic summer program, now open for bookings for the 16th consecutive year. Flights will start in May 2021 and run weekly until the beginning of September 2021, with convenient weekly routes to some of Canada’s top destinations. Savings worth up to $200 per couple on domestic flights will help clients make the most of their travel budget. “With lots of Canadians staying closer to home this spring and summer, we wanted to make it easier for them to safely reconnect with family and friends across the country,” said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations. “We’re thrilled that our domestic program will be making its return for a 16th consecutive season and we look forward to bringing loved ones together from coast to coast,” added Dawson. Daily departures between Toronto and Vancouver, start May 10 and run twice daily starting May 21 until September 7. Departures between Toronto and St. John’s, NL from Monday to Friday, run June 9 until September 1. Departures between Toronto and Gander, NL on Tuesday and Fridays, run June 15 until August 31. And departures between Toronto and Stephenville, NL on Wednesdays, run June 9 until September 1.
G Adventures launches new Active tours with 15% off offer TORONTO — There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to Europe’s most popular holiday spots, which is why G Adventures has launched 15 new Active tours that show travellers an alternative side of mass-market destinations. Based on three emerging post-pandemic travel trends, the new program reflects travellers’ desire to experience more active travel, to visit remote destinations and to reconnect with nature. New itineraries visit the Canary Islands, Ibiza and Andalucia in Spain, on the islands of Crete and Corfu as well as on 16 | TRAVELWEEK | March 11, 2021
mainland Greece, in Sicily and Piedmont in Italy, on Portugal’s Azores and Madeira islands, and in Cyprus, Greenland, Iceland and Slovenia. To provide an added incentive to book now for travel later, during the month of March all trips in the ‘Active’ travel style, including those in this new collection, will be offered at 15% off with departures up to June 30, 2022. Citing a recent G Adventures survey of Canadian travellers that found 25% of respondents said they intend to take an Active holiday and 38% expressing interest in reconnecting with nature on their next international trip, Sean Russo, national sales manager, says that the new Active tours cater to the changing tastes of travellers post-pandemic.
“We can’t wait to show travellers a new side to these old favourites and to challenge what they thought they knew.” “This new program of tours provides alternatives for people looking to get more from their travel experience in terms of local experiences but also to give back with regards to their desire to ensure their dollars stay in the local community,” he says. “We can’t wait to show travellers a new side to these old favourites and to challenge what they thought they knew about these popular places.” In addition to the 15% off offer, Russo adds that all Active tours make incredible private group travel experiences for people looking to get active with like-minded friends and family. “We encourage our agency partners to explore these options with their customers and to even consider the idea of hosting a life-changing trip themselves.” Example itineraries in the new Active collection include the 6-day Hiking Ibiza; the 6-day Trekking Eastern Iceland; the 5-day Walking Piedmont and the Barolo Wine Region; and the five-day Hiking East Greenland. In line with all G Adventures’ tours, the new collection in Europe features the latest health and safety measures that are part of the company’s new ‘Travel with Confidence’ policy.
Carnival’s BDMs to host new webcast for agents MIAMI — Carnival Cruise Line has launched a webcast series to keep travel advisors informed and engaged with its North American BDMs. Called ‘From the Funnel,’ the series will focus on a new topic every other month, with upcoming sessions highlighting tips for effective sales and marketing strategies, creative business development opportunities, inspiration and motivational tools, and regional updates and must-know facts that impact advisors and their clients in their area. The event schedule will be posted on GoCCL.com. Travel advisors can select to attend any ‘From the Funnel’ talks hosted by their regional BDM or others on the team. Carnival’s Independent Advisor Team (CIAT Team), a fully dedicated team to serve the needs of independent home-based agents, will also offer their own ‘From the Funnel’ talks. “From the Funnel is another example of our commitment to keeping our travel advisors updated and engaged, complementing an extensive roster of educational tools tailored just for them,” said Adolfo Perez, Carnival’s senior vice president of global trade sales and marketing. “Now more than ever, we need to keep our travel partners informed on the latest industry news and happenings while providing a platform for their business success going forward and ‘From the Funnel’ fits perfectly into that philosophy.” For more information call 1-800-3279501 (individual) or 1-800-327-5782 (groups) or visit GoCCL.com.
Register now for ENIT’s annual travel trade event TORONTO — The Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT) is gearing up for its annual travel trade event, which this year will be held virtually for the first time. Scheduled for March 16-17, Workshop Italia 2021: Active & Leisure will allow Canadian tour operators and travel buyers to meet with 74 Italian tourism-related suppliers as well as the regional tourism agencies of Tuscany,
NEWS Trentino, Puglia and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Although the annual B2B event may have changed format this year, its objective has not, says Salvatore Basile, ENIT’s country manager. “It’s always about bringing buyers together from all over Canada and showcasing Italy as the world class destination that it is. This platform will provide an opportunity to safely meet across borders and six different time zones,” he says. ENIT’s marketing director, Maria Elena Rossi, adds: “Health and safety are major issues in Italy these days, hotels and incoming operators have provided thorough training for workers so visitors will feel comfortable. Now is not the time to visit but when things are more open, many tourists will be looking for places that are away from the crowds, including lesser-known locations, islands and country estates in regions such as Umbria, Tuscany and Puglia.” To register go to https://italia.vfairs. com/.
Rocky Mountaineer extends travel agent & Canadian Resident offers VANCOUVER — Rocky Mountaineer is extending its Canadian Resident Offer and travel agent incentive program to entice Canadians to explore their own backyard in 2021. As part of the offer, which is now extended through March 26, Canadian travel agents who make three new Rocky Mountaineer bookings for Canadian residents to travel in 2021 will receive a complimentary vacation package for their own travel. The complimentary Classic Rail package is a four- to five-day package, which includes two to three days onboard the train and overnight accommodations, valued at up to $4,479. In addition, through March 26 Canadian residents can save up to $1,400 per couple on qualifying 2021 vacation packages of five days or more, or $1,000 per couple on Classic Rail packages. Both offers are available for travel agents making FIT and custom group bookings for 2021. To learn more, visit Rocky Mountaineer’s Agent Portal.
ATPCO’s new content keeps track of testing and vaccination requirements DULLES, VA — ATPCO has launched new flight shopping content to help air passengers keep better track of which countries and airlines require proof of negative COVID-19 testing and vaccination prior to departure. The new Routehappy Content: ‘COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Requirements’ centralizes and standardizes content for 102 airlines, covering more than 75% of global available seat kilometers. New information for testing and vaccination requirements is delivered in a structured format that uses simple to understand, uniform text and visuals, allowing consumers to easily sift through conflicting and sometimes confusing information when purchasing airline tickets. The new dataset is already live on multiple channels, including Sabre and Serko. “The science is evolving quickly, so countries, airlines, and channels are having to adjust travel requirements at a pace not previously seen. It’s almost impossible for even the savviest travelers to keep up with these changes on their own,” said Jonathan Savitch, Chief Commercial Officer at ATPCO. “As an
industry-owned company that exists to make flight shopping easier, these are the challenges we need to tackle by enabling a simple and standard format that can be leveraged from existing connections that channels, systems, and airlines already have with ATPCO. One-off developments won’t work.” While no government explicitly requires a vaccination to enter its borders as yet, ATPCO has proactively extended this dataset to ensure it can instantly serve the industry as flight shopping requirements evolve. Systems and channels will be able to use their existing connections and integrations of Routehappy Content without the need to undergo new or lengthy development processes. ATPCO’s Routehappy Content also covers cleaning, masks, temperature checks, blocked seats, and passenger capacity in the same Structured UPA format. ATPCO is also developing options to expand this offering further as consumer and industry needs evolve, such as for digital health passports. Routehappy, a product differentiation platform for air travel, was acquired by ATPCO in 2018. ATPCO has since fully integrated Routehappy into its organization to provide modern retailing solutions that include dynamic pricing, branded fares, NDC and other distribution capabilities. March 11, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 17
LORETO MEXICO SPECIALIST PROGRAM
Visiting Loreto is taking a journey through time: discovering the historic missions, exploring our unforgettable landscapes and wandering in the magical towns are great ways to learn the history of a region filled with adventures.
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