Travelweek - March 18th, 2021

Canada’s Travel Trade News March 18, 2021 travelweek.ca

Above and beyond CATO weighs in on how tour operators can accommodate pg. 3 clients in need of COVID-19 testing

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Crystal will be first ocean-going line to restart cruises in the Americas

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Jamaica hints at possible cruises

Globus launches new flexible touring style

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How far will tour operators go to accommodate guests in need of COVID-19 testing?

By Cindy Sosroutomo TORONTO — A trend only becomes a trend when it becomes mainstream, adopted and replicated by many. So as of now, it’s much too early to determine whether tour operators will start offering guests COVID-19 testing services on a broad scale, however, thanks to early adopter Kensington Tours, Canada’s travel industry is at least taking notice.

The North American tour operator, which has offices in both Canada and the U.S., first announced on March 10 that it has started managing in-destination PCR and antigen testing for all clients returning to Canada and the United States, making it the first private-guided luxury operator to launch such a global initiative in North America.

Noting the varying rules and logistics from country to country, Helen Giontis, President of Kensington Tours, tells Travelweek that a customized approach to COVID-19 testing is needed to ensure that each guest has access to the right antigen or molecular test prior to their return home. In some locales, for instance, hotel partners may have testing capability on site, allowing guests to book an appointment at time of check-in and take the test in their room, the ballroom or a convention area. In other locales, Kensington can arrange for a mobile testing team to visit a safari lodge or a city hotel so that guests can take a test prior to or following a day tour, or set up a test appointment at a local clinic and provide private transport, either as a standalone visit or as a stop on a private tour.

All this, says Giontis, is currently being done across the more than 100 countries where Kensington operates.

Even more reassuring, the company will not be resuming operations in any destination this year unless its local team is able to provide guests with a reputable antigen test of lab-supported molecular test that will be accepted by Canadian or American officials.

Every guest can rest assured knowing that no matter where they’re travelling to with Kensington, their testing needs will be accommodated. And even more? In some destinations, Kensington

is offering tests on a complimentary basis. In destinations where travellers will need to pay clinics directly, pricing varies depending on the destination and the type of test but will generally cost less than $100 for an antigen test and under $300 for a PCR test.

“People should feel confident about booking travel today and our new PCR testing initiative gives clients real peace of mind knowing that we will help ar-

“In 2021, facilitating COVID-19 testing is a logistical obstacle that must be overcome by any tour operator that wishes to safely send travellers abroad.” range and manage the testing requirement for them – it takes another potential concern off their plate,” says Giontis. “In 2021, facilitating COVID-19 testing is a logistical obstacle that must be overcome by any tour operator that wishes to safely send travellers abroad.

To that end, Kensington is pleased to be a leader in this space.”

With Kensington leading the way, others may soon follow. Globus family of brands, for example, will be ready to accommodate guests once it resumes international operations, potentially as early as June, going so far as to cover the expense of a PCR test for Canadians prior to their return home should Canada’s testing requirements remain in effect at that time, says managing director Stéphanie Bishop.

G Adventures, on the other hand, has no plans to build COVID-19 tests and their associated costs into its tours, “as there are many variables in terms of what is required for the different nationalities that join our trips,” says David Green, VP Commercial. The company is, however, assisting guests with scheduling tests, transport to/ from testing centres and, in some cases, arranging for testing at hotels, and has been doing so since Canada’s pre-arrival testing requirements were first announced back in January. “We have been providing testing options on day one of each tour so travellers can plan ahead, as they need to be tested during the last two or three days of their trip if they are flying straight March 18, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 3

TOP NEWS home,” adds Green.

Whether tour operators agree to absorb the cost of testing or simply provide transport to/from testing facilities while in destination, understanding and accommodating the need for testing prior to a guest’s return home to Canada will become the new normal, says Brett Walker, Chair of the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO).

“I’ve heard from our membership that everyone will be accommodating guests in need of a test. They’re going to have to because people are going to want to know that we’ve got their back,” he tells Travelweek.

Walker, who also serves as General Manager of Collette, says that Collette will be providing its guests with a list of local accredited testing facilities, as well as transportation to/from these facilities. It will also carve out the necessary time within itineraries to allow guests to be tested, without taking away time from any included features. Getting tested will, however, likely mean less free time for guests, “but we’re in a pandemic,” adds Walker.

“I think the most important thing that the consumer wants to hear is that whether I’m travelling with one operator or another, I need to know that they’re going to be accommodating so that I can return home in simple fashion,” he adds. “Tour companies in the shortand mid-term will make accommodations to allow everyone to get to/from testing sites with ease.”

Of course, even if a tour operator doesn’t pay for the test itself, providing transport still comes at a cost for them.

Are operators willing to absorb the cost of transport to/from testing facilities, especially after the difficult year they’ve just had?

“This is about getting people to travel again,” adds Walker. “Initially, I think it’s going to be baked into any tour or ITC product. It may not last forever and it will at some point become slightly comGot a story idea? Questions or comments? Write to us at editorial@travelweek.ca

TRAVELWEEK

petitive. But a tour company willing to provide transportation will be a nice plus.”

It’s inevitable that testing will become a competitive issue among tour operators. Though the topic may be taboo, as Walker would say, anything that adds value to a tour product – like complimentary or discounted PCR testing – may become a selling feature that consumers can eventually com-

“I’ve heard from our membership that everyone will be accommodating guests in need of a test.

People are going to want to know that we’ve got their back.” parison-shop for. If it comes down to which company is offering the cheapest testing option, could we eventually see tour operators negotiate deals with local labs? Hotels and resorts in the Caribbean are already teaming up with local labs and clinics to provide complimentary and/or discounted testing to guests, and just last week Accor announced a new partnership with x.labs to offer guests PCR testing kits for purchase. But Walker doesn’t foresee the same approach being taken by tour

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operators.

“As CATO Chair, I think it’s more likely that most tour operators will operate at arm’s length with regard to public health as opposed to cutting a deal,” he says. “For a big operative like Sunwing where you’ve got people buying a oneweek all-inclusive in Cancun, for example, cutting a deal would work. But for other tour operators, there are implications should they cut a deal with a given facility and all of a sudden it’s discovered that something wasn’t happening as it should at that facility. Even though the tour company had nothing to do with it, there will still be implications because that’s the facility they cut a deal with.”

Rather than signing exclusive partnerships with labs and clinics, Walker believes it’s incumbent on tour operators to simply provide guests with information on where to get tested while in destination, and which labs and clinics are accredited, as Collette will be doing.

Beyond that, as long as testing requirements remain in place by governments, we can expect tour operators to, at the very least, provide transportation to/ from testing facilities, and at most, arrange testing appointments for clients and even pay for testing themselves.

Whatever the service, the important thing moving forward is that they accommodate guests one way or another.

Those that do, says Walker, “will rise to the top very quickly.”

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TOP NEWS

Jamaica hints at possible cruises, updates entry requirements

By Cindy Sosroutomo TORONTO — Cruising has picked up significant steam in recent days, with Crystal announcing on March 11 that it will be resuming operations this summer and now word coming from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) that it’s currently in talks with several cruise lines about the possibility of homeporting in Jamaica this year.

The news, announced by Donovan White, JTB’s Director of Tourism during a recent virtual travel trade briefing, would be a significant development in Jamaica’s recovery plan, as the cruise industry represents a major economic driver for the island.

According to White, if all goes well there’ll be cruise itineraries across three or four different ports in Jamaica.

After flying to the island, cruisers will be taken to their cruise port before embarking on voyages that either remain in Jamaican waters or sail to other islands before returning to Jamaica.

“We will have more to say in the coming weeks but you can be assured that conversations are indeed happening and the necessary policy and strategic frameworks that are required to make this a reality are, in fact, in place and are being reshaped where necessary,” said White.

When it comes to recovery, Jamaica has fared better than other tourist destinations, thanks to swift health and safety measures taken early on in the pandemic. Like with many destinations, Jamaica temporarily closed its borders to tourists last March in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, but managed to roll out its phased reopening by mid-June during which time a Resilient Corridor was introduced from Negril to Port Antonio.

Within this stretch of coastline, designated hotels and resorts, all of which had implemented stringent safety measures, safely welcomed back tourists to Jamaica’s shores.

In those first two weeks after its reopening Jamaica welcomed just over 7,000 visitors, “which we saw as an encouraging sign,” said White. Momentum continued to build, boosted by Air Canada’s resumption of service in June, and by July and August the island was 6 | TRAVELWEEK | March 18, 2021

Donovan White, JTB’s Director of Tourism

seeing over 80,000 visitors. In December, its highest visitor arrivals month in 2020, Jamaica welcomed just over 90,000 visitors.

“The establishment of Resilient Corridors was a critical measure in which the destination sought to manage the

“You can be assured that conversations are indeed happening and the necessary policy and strategic frameworks that are required to make this a reality are, in fact, in place.” pandemic,” added White. “At a time when very little was known about the COVID-19 virus, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Health & Wellness worked together with international tourism and health organizations to identify health and safety protocols that would keep our travellers and local communities safe upon reopening.”

Jamaica was on track to build on De-

cember’s promising numbers in 2021, but then came the news of Canada’s cancelled winter sun flights in January, a measure taken by the federal government to protect Canada’s borders from concerning COVID-19 variants. With no flights coming in from Canada until April 30, Jamaica saw a dip in January arrivals with some 43,800 visitors. February looks to be more encouraging, however, with preliminary estimates putting total visitor arrivals at just over 50,000.

“The Canadian market has been extremely soft,” said White. “Most of the carriers did not restart when we reopened and the ones that did since the reclosure of borders or the grounding of air travel out of Canada, those bookings have significantly softened.

Looking ahead even six months out, as of right now we are still relatively low.

We’re still less than 10% of room nights booked compared to 2019 at the same time, so it’s extremely soft.”

White did, however, report a “phenomenal” level of responsiveness from travel agents and tour operator partners in Canada, as well as client demand and requests for opportunities in Jamaica. When asked how he feels about Canada’s ongoing travel

TOP NEWS restrictions, considered among the most stringent in the world, White said: “Canada’s leadership must determine what’s best for their citizens, and Canadians have responded in kind and, for the most part, yielded to the request of their Prime Minister, and we respect that. We understand that it’s a pandemic. But we remain confident that we will have our fair share of the Canadian travel marketplace once flights resume from airports out of Canada.”

Here are more updates from the briefing: UPDATED ENTRY REQUIREMENTS As of March 4, 2021, all travellers to Jamaica 12 years of age and over, regardless of nationality, are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result to check in for a flight to Jamaica. Negative test results must be presented to the airline representative in order to complete the check-in for their flight.

In addition, Jamaica has shortened the window travellers have to take a COVID-19 test prior to their arrival, from 10 days to three. For travel after March 10, 2021, the date of the sample collection must be within three days of the travel date.

Moreover, according to White, in addition to being tested prior to departure to Jamaica, business travellers must also be tested upon arrival.

When asked whether these new updates were made in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases in Jamaica, White said it was a combination of global standards as well as greater community transmission in recent weeks.

“It’s in our best interest from a health perspective to protect Jamaicans and do whatever we can to keep our economy open because the last thing we want to do is to be in a situation where you are importing more cases of the virus, which would only deepen our own cases and affect our economy,” he said. “It really is about looking ahead and trying to manage as best we can while at the same time ensuring that we can maintain economic activity.”

For the latest information on Jamaica’s entry requirements go to www.visit jamaica.com/travelauthorization.

JAMAICA CARES’ INSURANCE PROGRAM STILL TO COME After the launch of Jamaica’s groundbreaking Jamaica Cares program last fall, White confirmed that the insurance and health logistics portion of the pro-

gram is still being “reimagined.” At its launch in October 2020, the program was described as a first-of-its-kind traveller protection and emergency services program comprising two parts: an ‘All Hazards’ program that covers case management, transportation, field rescue, evacuation and repatriation for medical emergencies and other crises; and international health coverage up to US$100,000 for visitors as well as on-island health coverage up to $50,000. The program, mandatory for all foreign travellers, would come at a cost of $40 and was scheduled to launch by end of 2020.

“To be clear, Jamaica Cares is not an end-to-end health logistics program.

The insurance and health logistics of the Jamaica Cares program is still under development and will come to market fairly soon,” said White. “We are still aggressively pursuing that aspect of the

“This comprehensive, destination-wide approach, paired with a laserlike focus, will bring the public and private sectors together to turn any obstacles into opportunities and ensure we are delivering the highest levels of health.” program but it’s not quite there yet and we do not and will not bring half-baked products to the marketplace. We want to make sure that we get it right and that we have done all the necessary research to ensure that when we bring it to market, that it’s indeed a successful addition to our destination assurance programs.”

White noted that rather than just a health insurance program, Jamaica Cares should be regarded as encompassing Jamaica’s destination-wide response to the pandemic, which includes testing at hotels and resorts and other health and safety protocols.

“It’s about responding nimbly and showing resilience in the evolving landscape, using innovation to enable fun and authenticity but also ensuring

health and safety,” he added. “Through Jamaica Cares, we instill confidence in travel specialists and trade partners to showcase that Jamaica is safe to book and beneficial to sell. But it is important to note that Jamaica Cares will continue to evolve.”

White went on to highlight key steps in Jamaica’s expansive response to the pandemic, including the recent ramping up of COVID-19 testing at resorts, airports and participating laboratories.

More than 40 hotels and resorts are currently providing testing on property for their guests, while over 15 labs have also been granted approval to provide testing. Plus, testing resources have been added at Sangster International Airport and Norman Manley International Airport.

“This comprehensive, destination-wide approach, paired with a laserlike focus, will bring the public and private sectors together to turn any obstacles into opportunities and ensure we are delivering the highest levels of health for our visitors, tourism workers and, indeed, our local communities,” added White.

WHAT ABOUT VACCINATION PASSPORTS? When asked his opinion on vaccination passports and whether Jamaica will one day allow vaccinated tourists to arrive without the need for testing, similar to Belize, White said the issue is still a matter of policy at the ministerial level. He did acknowledge that “conversations” are currently taking place between government heads and that an update specifically about the matter is expected in a couple weeks.

As of now, the government is currently focused on Jamaica’s national vaccination program, which rolled out on March 10. As more and more Jamaicans become vaccinated, said White, travellers coming to Jamaica will have “the added assurance that there is an active and aggressive vaccination program happening.” This, he added, will “hopefully add to their own personal security, knowing that they’re going to a destination that has taken COVID-19 extremely seriously and has been at the forefront of driving policy that protects lives and livelihoods and provide a safe environment for our visitors.”

March 18, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 7

WORLD NEWS

DESTINATIONS Travellers who enter Belize through the airport and provide proof of COVID-19 immunization are no longer required to present a negative test result for entry, according to a new health order now in effect. Vaccinated travellers must present the COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card, and the vaccine must have been administered at least two weeks prior to arrival. Non-vaccinated travellers are still required to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of travel or a negative rapid Antigen test taken within 48 hours of travel to Belize. If passengers fail to present a negative PCR or antigen test, travellers can get one at the airport at the traveler’s expense, for US$50. Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has also expanded testing to facilitate all persons departing from Belize for travel to the U.S. and other countries that require a negative test result for entry.

Canada requires a 72-hour PCR test. For more details go to travelbelize.org/health-safety.

Celestyal Cruises

billion in 2021. It will take three years for the hotel industry to recover from the effects of the pandemic. The world’s largest hotel chains lost $14 billion in revenue amid the pandemic.

Wyndham Worldwide, the biggest hotel chain in the world by the number of hotels, saw revenues drop 36% amid the pandemic, falling from over $2 billion in 2019 to $1.3 billion in 2020. Choice Hotels International's revenue was down 31% or $340.7 million for 2020. Marriott International, saw revenue fall $10.4 billion. Hilton Worldwide Holdings had a $1.5 billion revenue loss in 2020.

AIRLINES Emirates is offering Economy Class customers the chance to purchase up to three empty adjoining seats on their flight to address the need for extra privacy and space. These seats will be offered to all Economy Class customers holding a confirmed booking. Customers will not be able to pre-book empty seats as these are subject to availability, but rather empty seats will only be offered for purchase at the airport check-in counter prior to flight departure. Costs range from US$55-$165 per empty seat, plus applicable taxes depending on flight sector. In addition, Emirates currently offers a variety of seat products for Economy Class customers, including Extra legroom seats, Twin seats, Preferred seats and Regular seats. These seats are offered for free or at a charge, depending on the customer’s Emirates Skywards membership tier, fare type, time of departure and other special needs.

CRUISE LINES Celestyal Cruises will be resuming operations on May 28 from Piraeus, Athens with its seven-night ‘Idyllic Aegean’ itinerary, a month later than its previously planned start of the season for the end of April. Guests currently booked on the cancelled late April through May voyages will have the option to receive a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the amount paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 20% of the actual cruise fare paid. Plus, guests currently holding FCCs as well as those about to receive FCCs can apply their FCC towards Celestyal’s soon-to-be-announced 2023 itineraries in addition to 2021 and 2022 itineraries. The seven-night ‘Idyllic Aegean’ itinerary starts at US$729 per person and will call upon Kusadasi, Rhodes, Santorini, Lavrion, Mykonos, Milos and Crete.

HOTELS & RESORTS A Statista survey cited by StockApps.com indicates that the global hotel industry's revenue dropped to US$198.6 billion in 2020, a 46% decrease year-over-year. Revenues for the global hotel industry are expected to grow by 43.4% yearover-year and reach $284.7 billion in 2021, down $83 billion from 2019. The survey also found that the entire sector is expected to witness a recovery with revenues rising by $86.2 8 | TRAVELWEEK | May 7, 2021

Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe

THEME PARKS Work is resuming on Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe, the widely anticipated, 750-acre attraction featuring a new theme park, entertainment centre, hotels, shops, restaurants and more, located just a few miles from Universal Orlando’s current theme parks in Southwest Orange County. Work on Epic Universe was paused in July 2020 as the company adjusted plans in the midst of the pandemic. The restart will begin immediately but is expected to take several months before reaching full-speed as Universal re-staffs for the project and reassembles its vendor and contractor teams. Restarting Epic Universe will result in hundreds of jobs within Universal and thousands of jobs across Central Florida. Upon completion it will infuse billions of dollars into the Florida economy and also create more than 14,000 permanent jobs.

NEWS

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises will be first ocean-going line to restart sailing in Americas MIAMI — Crystal Cruises has announced it will be the first ocean-going cruise line to restart cruises in the Americas, with new all-Bahamian 7-night cruise itineraries onboard Crystal Serenity starting July 3, 2021.

Crystal Cruises’ interim CEO Jack Anderson said sales for the new cruises will open on March 18.

The “100% Bahamian itineraries” will operate July 3 through October 2021, said Anderson, adding, “this is an exciting day for cruising.”

The week-long cruises will depart from Nassau or Bimini. Ports of call include Harbour Island, San Salvador, Long Island and Great Exuma.

Capacity onboard Crystal Serenity will be capped at 900 passengers.

Last month Crystal became the latest cruise line to announce required proof of vaccination for all passengers once operations resume.

The cruise line is requiring all guests to be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to their Crystal cruise. Guests will need to provide proof of vaccination before embarkation and must have received both doses of the vaccine if recommended by the manufacturer by that timeline.

In addition, passengers must also complete an online form acknowledging this requirement before their cruise tickets will be issued. An FAQ

document on the advisory alert section of Crystal’s website has been published for more details.

Dionisio D’Aguilar, Minister of Tourism & Aviation for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, said The Bahamas is “thrilled to welcome back cruise passengers after a one-year hiatus.”

He added that passengers can add pre- and post-stays in The Bahamas, and noted that in addition to Crystal’s vaccination requirement, visitors need proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 5 days in advance of arrival.

Passengers will also need a Bahamas travel health visa.

“This is a milestone achievement. After a year of despair and doubt, we will remember this moment,” said D’Aguilar.

“We are delighted with this partnership.”

When will the CanadaU.S. border reopen?

More questions as vaccinations on both sides of the border ramp up TORONTO — Vaccination shots are now happening for more than 2 million Americans per day, and U.S. President Joe Biden suggested in a televised address last week that the country’s July 4 celebrations could also mark Independence Day from COVID-19 in the U.S. Canada’s vaccination program is also

underway, albeit at a slower pace.

The rollout on both sides has not surprisingly led to more questions for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about when the Canada-U.S. border will reopen.

It was one year ago next week that the Canada-U.S. border closed.

Asked about the ongoing closure and possibility of reopening the border as part of an interview with CTV’s Your Morning on March 12, Trudeau said: “We will see what vaccinations look like, we will see what case counts look like. We will listen to experts on when we can start easing restrictions, but the safety of Canadians needs to come first.”

Many in the travel industry are asking for more of a plan, or at least benchmarks. And not just for the Canada-U.S. border, but for Canada’s borders to all travel.

Listing off the agenda for ACITA’s upcoming Zoom meeting with Transport Minister Omar Alghabra, ACITA co-founder Brenda Slater told Travelweek on March 15: “We also need a clear plan to reopen our borders when it’s safe to do so, so we are able to rebuild confidence in advisors and consumers and restart our industry.”

ACITA has secured an upcoming meeting with Alghabra though the exact date has remained under wraps as scheduling can change. ACITA co-founder Brenda Slater told Travelweek on March 15 that the meeting is a go: “Our intention is to run the call in exactly the same format we normally do,” says Slater. “The three co-founders, the Minister and members of our group. Specific priority will go to those who have been involved in getting meetings booked, help us with our various projects and have consistently supported us by attending the MP calls.”

Slater says the agenda will drive home ACITA’s key messaging points.

“We continue to push for solutions to gain access to federal grant programs, extensions for the CRB, and alternatives to the 3-day quarantine hotel stay,” she says. “We also need a clear plan to reopen our borders when it’s safe to do so, so we are able to rebuild confidence in advisors and consumers and restart our industry. It is important to us that he understands the full picture of why we are struggling and what his ministry can do to help the entire travel community."

And ACTA, which has had talks with March 18, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 9

NEWS the Ministry of Transport and is also now in talks with the Ministry of Finance as the airline bailout heads towards the finish line, is looking more at a metrics-based restart too.

Any restart for travel and tourism won’t come with a magic date but rather a set of conditions, said ACTA President Wendy Paradis at ACTA’s webinar earlier this month. As she noted, the conditions could include the number of COVID cases, the number of hospitalizations, the number of Canadians vaccinated and the development of vaccination verification tools.

Meanwhile an analysis piece at CBC. ca says no metrics are in place yet, and quotes one unnamed Canadian official who says, “I can see the light at the end of the tunnel … in the near term, however, people should expect the border measures [to continue].”

The CBC reports that two dozen members of U.S. Congress, from states along the Canada-U.S. border, have asked President Biden, to outline a border reopening plan.

Here’s why saving the Alaska cruise season could spell trouble for Canada TORONTO — Temporary measures have a way of becoming permanent.

With that in mind ACTA is joining CLIA and the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) in their advocacy efforts urging the federal government to protect the future of Canada’s West Coast Alaska cruise program.

When Canada’s cruise ship ban in place was first extended to Feb. 28, 2022, a U.S. congressional committee suggested cruise ships could sail Canadian waters without disembarking (or embarking) passengers at Canadian ports.

Now another possible solution, put forth in early March by two U.S. senators, could shut Canada out of the Alaska cruise season completely - and potentially jeopardize every sailing season going forward, says ACTA. WHY ONE FOREIGN PORT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE: Ships with non-U.S. registry can’t embark and disembark passengers at 10 | TRAVELWEEK | March 18, 2021

Alaska

more than one U.S. port - unless the itinerary also includes a distant foreign port.

Most U.S. cruise lines register their ships with non-U.S. registry - like in Panama - so they’re subject to this rule.

It’s all part of the U.S. Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA), often referred to as the Jones Act. On Caribbean and Med cruises, with so many ports in so many countries, it’s not a problem.

“This may have a long term and devastating impact on the B.C. economy and the Canadian travel industry.”

Where things get tricky is with Alaska cruises - and Hawaii cruises too, for that matter. It’s because of the Jones Act and the PVSA that Hawaii cruise itineraries are so often repositioning cruises that sail out of Sydney, Australia or Vancouver.

One of the only major U.S. cruise ships with U.S. registry is NCL’s Pride of America, able to sail all-Hawaii itineraries without the need for a foreign port.

The ship is registered in Honolulu.

“WE ARE VERY CONCERNED” ACTA reports that two U.S. Senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both from Alaska, are working to save the Alaskan cruise industry with new legislation, The Alaska Tourism Recovery Act. If passed, the Act would allow cruise ships to sail to Alaska without requiring a stop in Canada.

ACTA President Wendy Paradis says ACTA and the cruise line industry sup-

port the health and safety of Canadians being paramount, adding that as vaccines roll out across Canada and the U.S., it’s crucial that the infrastructure for cruising remain intact for the future, and at the same time allow for the potential of sailings later in 2021.

The workaround to the PVSA as proposed by the Alaska senators could gravely impact the future of the cruise line industry in Canada, she says.

“We are very concerned that this temporary change to the U.S. Passenger Vessel Services Act could become permanent,” said Paradis.

Paradis adds: “At the very minimum, in 2021, the Canadian government should allow an operational or ‘technical’ stop in Victoria to satisfy the Jones Act and thus allow Seattle-based Alaska cruises to run this season, with the required stop in Canada. It keeps port operations continuing and will allow for a more expeditious start when the cruise ban order is lifted.”

“DEVASTATING IMPACT” If cruise ships are no longer required to call at Canadian ports, “this may have a long term and devastating impact on the B.C. economy and the Canadian travel industry.”

In 2019 the positive economic impact to B.C. from the Alaska cruise season was $2.72 billion and 17,384 jobs.

ACTA recently discussed the economic impact of the cruise ban to the BC economy with MP Tako Van Popta, for Langley – Aldergrove, BC. MP Van Popta raised this point --and the risk of U.S. workarounds — directing questions to the Minister of Transport during the March 9, 2021 Question Period in the House of Commons.

Paradis points out that any amendments to the U.S. Passenger Vessel Services Act would also have significant and negative impact to the East Coast –

NEWS Atlantic cruise market as well.

The overall economic impact to Canada (including the Atlantic cruise line industry) is $4.278 billion – direct and indirect.

“This economic impact also includes the loss to travel agencies, travel agents and independent travel agents and is another important issue that underscores the urgent need for the governments to start working with industry on a roadmap to recovery that will protect jobs and the Canadian travel industry infrastructure,” said Paradis.

CTO forecasts 20% increase in visitors arrivals and spend for 2021 BARBADOS — This puts 2020 in perspective: While tourist arrivals to the Caribbean were down by 65.5%, that was better than any other region in the world.

The latest stats from the Caribbean Tourism Organization underline the challenges the Caribbean experienced in last year’s almost complete shutdown of international travel.

“Across the Caribbean, the impact of COVID-19 on the travel and tourism industry has been very apparent. The impact was particularly evident during the period of April to about mid-June when there was literally no activity in some of our destinations,” says the CTO in its report.

In the second quarter of 2020, arrivals were down by 97.3%.

Here are some more key points, based on data received from CTO member countries for 2020: • While there were some fluctuations in the levels of visitors for the remaining months of 2020, the influx of visitors has not reached levels even closely comparable to those being experienced prior to March 2020.

• Some destinations remain closed to visitors, with limited airlift primarily for repatriation of locals and cargo.

• Cruise lines typically sailing Caribbean routes remain non-operational.

• Tourist arrivals to the Caribbean in 2020 fell to just over 11 million, a decline of 65.5%, versus a record 32 million tourist visits in 2019. The

world average was a 73.9% decline during the same period. A significant portion of the Caribbean’s winter season (January to mid-March 2020) saw average levels of tourist arrivals when compared to 2019. Plus, summer is typically low season for the Caribbean, which is not the case for other international destinations.

• Destination initiatives including longstay work programs and other promotional activities, plus the efforts of regional organizations such as the CTO, the CHTA and the CPHA contributed to the gradual rise in arrivals.

• Like stayover arrivals, cruise was buoyed by the performance in the first three months of 2020, particularly in February 2020, when there was a 4.2 % rise in visits. However, a 20.1% fall in Q1 was followed by no activity for the remainder of the year as ships remained non-operational.

The overall result was a 72% slide to 8.5 million cruise visits, when compared to the 30 million visits in 2019, says the CTO. • Visitor expenditure across the region declined by 60 - 80%, in line with the decline in stayover and cruise arrivals, according to CTO estimates.

• Preliminary data indicates that the average length of stay for 2020 remained at roughly seven nights, the same as in in 2019.

CTO’S FORECAST FOR 2021 Tourism to the Caribbean in 2021 will depend largely on the success of the authorities in the marketplace and the region in combatting, containing and controlling the virus, notes the CTO, adding that the vaccine roll-out taking place in North America, Europe and the Caribbean is encouraging.

“However, this must be tempered by some other factors such as: lockdowns in our key source markets which are expected to continue into the second quarter, international travel confidence not expected to pick up until the summer 2021, a steep fall in the number of people planning to travel abroad and the possible requirement by the authorities in our key markets for their citizens to vaccinate before travelling abroad,” says the CTO. “With these factors taken into consideration, our initial forecast is for a 20% rise in arrivals in 2021, with a similar increase in visitor expenditure, when compared to 2020.”

Globus launches new touring style focused on fun and flexibility

By Cindy Sosroutomo TORONTO —With names like ‘Boogie & Blues,’ and ‘The Bold & The Brewtiful,’ you can bet that Globus’ brand new touring style isn’t your average way to see the sights.

Announced today and launching in September 2021, ‘Choice Touring by Globus’ comprises 13 new itineraries in Europe and North America that focus on fun, and more importantly, flexibility, with YourChoice Excursions – a selection of curated experiences – built into the price.

According to Stéphanie Bishop, managing director of Globus family of brands, the idea for the new touring style came about from a post-pandemic survey by Mintel Research, which found that 55% of potential touring and adventure customers now regard flexibility of itinerary as a critical success factor.

“We posed ourselves a question: what if there was a tour operator that could design a tour with freedom, flexibility and choice built into the tour?”

“There is a rising importance of flexibility within an itinerary, now considered just as important as a traditional sightseeing tour,” said Bishop during a media briefing this morning. “One of the silver linings of current circumstances is that our team was able to rethink and redesign journeys that had been deprived of freedom. So we posed ourselves a question: what if there was a tour operator that could design a tour with freedom, flexibility and choice built into the tour? With that, we’re so excited to introduce Choice Touring by Globus, which allows travellers to choose their days, their way. It’s the right time and the best time to launch this.”

The 13 new itineraries are as follows: • Hot Tam! Scotland by Design (9 days from Edinburgh to Glasgow) March 18, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 11

NEWS • Green With Envy: Ireland by Design (8 days from Dublin to Limerick) • Oh My Goddess! Greece by Design (8 days) • The Alps Out Loud: Switzerland & Lake Como By Design (8 days from Zurich to Como) • Veni, Vidi, Vici: Umbria & Tuscany By Design (8 days) • Rocks & Rhythm: Portugal By Design (8 days) • Toasting & Coasting: Portugal & Spain By Design (9 days) • From The Top: Western Canada By Design: (8 days starting in Vancouver) • Mad About Mounties: Eastern Canada

By Design (7 days from Toronto to Montreal) • Boogie & Blues: The Southern U.S. By Design (8 days from New Orleans to Nashville) • California Dreamin’: Northern California By Design (9 days) • Sunny Days, Starry Nights: America’s Rocky Mountains by Design (8 days) • The Bold & The Brewtiful: Mid-Atlantic America By Design (9 days) On average, across all Choice Tours, there will be 2-4 days that will be designated as ‘Choice days,’ during which guests can choose from 2-3 excursions each time at no extra cost. These YourChoice Excursions can be selected ahead of time and include, but are not limited to, the following: • Inverness: Castles and clan seals or coasting on two wheels?

• Siena: Feast on fresh homemade pasta or pedal through Florence air: • Sacramento: Sing Folsom blues or feed hometown roots?

• Eastern Townships: Sail scenic waters or sip sparkling wines?

• Yellowstone: Hike below falls or rise above a mountain village?

Travellers who book a Choice Touring vacation early can save up to 10%.

For more information go to www.agent lingo.ca.

Vision Travel’s new ASCENT program targets independent travel advisors TORONTO — Vision Travel has ramped up its offering for independent travel advisors with the new ASCENT program.

The program’s launch coincides with 12 | TRAVELWEEK | March 18, 2021

On March 16 Air Canada honoured its history by unveiling its newest Airbus A220. Fin 119, sporting the grey, red and white Trans-Canada Air Lines livery, left Montreal's Mirabel Airport as the second Air Canada aircraft to fly the TCA livery since 1997. Air Canada, as Canada's national carrier, got its start as TCA in 1936.

the addition of two experienced industry veterans to the group’s senior management team: Joelle Goldman, formerly with Virtuoso, in the new role of Vice President, Host Services; and Nicole Goodheart, formerly with CWT Vacations, in the new role of Director, Leisure Operations.

“From access and support to training and development, it’s a full package for the independent travel advisor or the agency owner looking for a new host.”

Vision Travel, the leisure arm in Canada of Direct Travel, is looking to build its team of Independent Travel Advisors.

The ASCENT program includes professional development and mentoring, lead generation and collaboration.

Stephen Smith, Toronto-based Senior Vice President, Leisure Marketing, notes that ASCENT is an acronym that spells out each element of the program. “From access and support to training and development, it’s a full package for the independent travel advisor or the agency owner looking for a new host,” he says.

ASCENT: • A is for Access to systems, partners, and back-up for advisors and their clients • S is for Support in business development, lead generation and strategic suppliers • C is for Collaboration and a strong sense of community • E is for Elevate: to ensure success in building and maintaining business • N is for Networking: helping advisors build relationships with partners, colleagues and collaborators • T is for Training and Development, with access to the Virtuoso Travel Academy, continual supplier training, and ongoing professional development including weekly Town Hall zoom calls with Direct Travel’s senior management.

ASCENT is the right combination of a solid, accessible support system, the latest technology in the industry and the prestige of a great partnership with Virtuoso, the world’s leading luxury travel network, says Brian Robertson, President, Canada West region of Direct Travel.

“We have a marketing team to drive client engagement and generate leads for all advisors; a supplier management team that builds personal relationships with regional and national suppliers; and a leadership team which has strong connections to key decision makers at a global level,” adds Robertson.

NEWS

Travelweek debuts redesigned website

of the latest travel industry updates is more important than ever. Travelweek saw a 300% increase in traffic during the height of the pandemic as Canada’s travel agents sought trusted news sources.

“Travelweek is known for its print magazines. But we have invested heavily in our digital products too, for more than 20 years now,” says Travelweek’s

TORONTO — Travelweek’s new-look website at Travelweek.ca delivers all the in-depth reporting that travel agents and the trade have come to rely on, with a brand new high-impact, high-function design.

The redesigned Travelweek.ca is an ideal complement for Travelweek Dai“We're a leader and an ly, also sporting a new look, and Travelinnovator as a digital week magazine, now in digital format.

In 2020 travelweek.ca averaged more news source for the than 190,000 unique viewers per month Canadian travel industry.” and had close to 3 million page views.

Travelweek also has the largest social media following of the Canadian travel trade news sources, and is the Publisher, Devin Kinasz. “Between travhighest ranked website of the Canadi- elweek.ca and Travelweek Daily we’re an travel trade news sources by Amazon a leader and an innovator as a digital Alexa. Travelweek’s social media chan- news source for the Canadian travel nels include Twitter, Facebook, Insta- industry. We are proud to have such a wide offering of marketing products gram and LinkedIn. An informed, reliable and up-to-the- to offer our clients. Whatever they need minute news source is crucial in these to reach Canadian travel agents, we can Travelweek 2020 ads:TravelWeek 2021-02-05 9:58 AMsolutions Page 1 and the results.” challenging times.

And staying2016 on top provide the

IT’S ALL AT TRAVELWEEK.CA All the top-level content that travel agents have come to rely on and trust is at Travelweek.ca, starting with the latest industry news coverage, from airline, cruise and tour operator updates, to travel retailer news, to the latest government policies and their impact on the industry.

Original and in-depth articles, and special series, have become a hallmark of Travelweek’s news coverage on travel week.ca and Travelweek Daily.

And special sections include 'Industry Experts' and our 'Take 5' series. Job listings are available 24/7 in our muchloved Marketplace. There are contests too.

Adds Kinasz: “Travelweek is also committed to helping grow and revitalize the travel industry when the time is right. That’s why we’re offering job posts on our Marketplace job board for free for all of 2021 and 2022.” Please submit any jobs to https://www.travel week.ca/submit-a-job/.

Agency owners!

Tired of the struggle? cut costs.

Focus on selling.

For more details, visit: theagencysolution.ca

March 18, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 13

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.

Prizes, Prizes, Prizes!!

5-nights Hotel Tripui 5-nights Hotel Plaza Loreto 3-nights at Hotel 1697 3-nights Hotel Posada del Cortés

In this series of learning modules, the region of Loreto will be highlighted as well as the beautiful landscapes from sea to volcano, endless activities from whale watching to mountain biking, luxury accommodations to glamping options and the vast history, culture and cuisine of found in this part of the Baja California Sur peninsula.

Take the course now at Travelweek’s Learning Centre at travelweeklearningcentre.com

REGISTER

LEARNING CENTRE 130 Queens Quay East, Suite 512, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5A 0P6 travelweeklearningcentre.com (416) 365-1500

NEWS

Eustache says Transat expects to resume operations mid-June

By The Canadian Press MONTREAL — Transat AT Inc. expects to resume its operations around midJune, during the high summer season, the travel company said Thursday as it reported its latest financial results.

The timeline for a restart follows a suspension of the company’s regular flights following the Canadian government’s Jan. 29 request for all four of Canada’s major airlines to temporarily halt service to Mexico and the Caribbean because of the pandemic.

“We will restart when European volume picks up for the summer, which will probably be sometime around mid-June,” Transat chief executive JeanMarc Eustache said on a call with analysts Thursday, following the release of the company’s Q1 results. “And we’re finalizing our plan to build from there.”

Eustache said the Montreal-based company is also working to secure financing in case its deal to be acquired

by Air Canada is cancelled. The future of the deal is uncertain as the deadline for it to be completed passed last month.

Both sides now have the right to terminate the agreement, which still requires approval from the European Union. The European Commission was originally expected to make a decision on the deal in December, but later re-

vised that to January. The EC now says it will hand down a decision sometime in the first half of 2021.

Asked about the delay on a call with analysts on March 11, Eustache said “it takes time in Europe to do something.”

Transat says it will need at least $500 million in long-term financing if the Air Canada deal is not completed. The company may also be forced to tap into a federal loan program for large employers if the deal falls through and the airline industry does not receive a government bailout, Eustache said.

“Having extended our short-term $250 million credit facility to the end of June, we are now making good progress in our efforts to obtain the financing we need to get us back to the

“We will restart when European volume picks up for the summer, which will probably be sometime around mid-June. And we’re finalizing our plan to build from there.” level of activity where we can sustain ourselves,” Eustache said. “Should the agreement with Air Canada come to an end, we will actively consider all other options.”

Transat has been in conversations with the government for months about drawing on the Large Employer Emer-

gency Financing Facility, also known as LEEFF, and could take out a loan as soon as this month, Eustache said.

Transat would not have to issue refunds to passengers who were offered vouchers for cancelled flights if it decides to tap into the LEEFF program, Eustache said.

If Transat were to make use of the program, it would be the second major Canadian airline to do so since the start of the pandemic, after Sunwing announced in February that it was taking a LEEFF loan. Airlines have been trying to preserve cash as low demand and travel restrictions force them to scale down operations.

The airline is not expecting the air travel market to return to 2019 levels until 2024, said Annick Guerard, Transat’s chief operating officer.

Emerald Waterways, Emerald Yacht Cruises now sailing under one brand VANCOUVER — Emerald Waterways and Emerald Yacht Cruises have officially merged under a single global brand: Emerald Cruises.

Effective immediately, the new brand will feature river and yacht cruising via its new website, www.emeraldcruises. ca, a singular site where viewers can show based on their preferences for destination or cruise type, compare vessels, check availability and book their river or yacht cruise.

“We are excited to announce the move to our new single brand, Emerald Cruises, at the same time as launching new websites around the world,” said David Winterton, Global Director of Brand & Marketing, Emerald Cruises.

“We believe moving to a single brand will support our long-term growth ambitions as a leading, small ship cruise company.”

Winterton also noted that in recent weeks, the company has seen a surge in popularity for its portfolio of river and yacht cruises.

Emerald Cruises, which boasts one of the youngest fleets on the river today, has seen steady growth since its launch nearly seven years ago. In 2013 Australia-based Scenic Group announced that it would be launching a March 18, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 15

NEWS new, premium river cruise line aimed at younger travellers. A year later, in April 2014, with the launch of two new ships – Emerald Sky and Emerald Star – Emerald Waterways was born. Today, the line sails eight branded ‘Star-Ships’ across 15 countries and two continents, with its ninth – Emerald Lunaset to launch later this year.

Scheduled to debut in January 2022, the fivestar Emerald Azzurra will sail the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Red and Aegean Seas, with the Black Sea being added in 2023.

In early 2020, the line announced that it would be adding yacht cruising to its portfolio with the 100-guest, fivestar luxury superyacht, Emerald Azzurra. Scheduled to debut in January 2022, the superyacht will sail the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Red and Aegean Seas, with the Black Sea being added to the sailing scheduled in 2023. Unlike other yachts in this class, 88% of the cabins onboard the Emerald Azzurra feature balconies, plus guests will find onboard a marina platform from which they can take part in paddle boarding and snorkelling as well as three tenders and two zodiacs for shore landings.

The Travel Corporation announces new groups incentive & groups webinar for agents TORONTO — The Travel Corporation (TTC) is zeroing in on groups with the launch of a new sales incentive and an upcoming webinar that will introduce travel agents to the company’s newly enhanced Groups department.

As part of the group sales incentive, agents who book a new group with Trafalgar, Costsaver, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold or Contiki from now through June 30, 2021 will receive a bonus commission of $250 for booking groups of more than nine guests, 16 | TRAVELWEEK | March 18, 2021

The Travel Corporation

$750 for groups of 15+, and $1,000 for groups with over 20 guests.

According to TTC, group sales will be an important revenue driver for travel agents as travel begins to rebound. To help prepare agents for a successful rebound, Nick Roberti, director of group business development for TTC Groups Canada, will be hosting a two-part virtual webinar for all agents interested in learning how to expand their groups business.

“It’s no secret ‘bubble travel’ and ‘group travel’ have been at the forefront of client trends and TTC recognizes the important role groups bookings will play in this recovery period,” said Roberti. “We want to help our valued Canadian agents with this sales incentive so they can boost their earnings, and we’re hosting these webinars to serve as tools to provide them strategic tactics to grow their business for years to come.”

The first hour-long session will be hosted on March 19, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. and will introduce agents to the new TTC Groups department, which comprises the groups department of Costsaver, Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold and Contiki. Other topics that will be discussed include the immediate and long-term benefits of selling groups, group travel trends following the COVID-19 lockdown, the various types of groups and top-selling group itineraries.

The second session is scheduled

on March 26, 201 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will take a deeper dive into the specifics of actioning agents’ group strategies for the rebound of travel. Topics will include: types of affinity groups; how to find pre-formed groups; how to create your own special group; and how to market your group.

For more information on how to register contact Roberti at Nick.Roberti@ TTC.com or (416) 333-5376.

Accor to offer testing options at all hotels in Canada and U.S. TORONTO — Starting this month, Accor hotel guests in Canada and the United States can purchase PCR testing kits as part of a newly launched partnership with x.labs.

The PreCheck kits combine smart technology and digital healthcare with an in-app wellness and symptom survey, FDA-approved Bluetooth smart thermometer and an FDA-authorized COVID-19 self-collection diagnostic PCR test that provides results in as little as 24-48 hours.

The kits will also be available to order directly from x.labs for at-home testing prior to travelling through a special co-branded Accor and x.labs website.

Through this site only, testing kits are available at no cost for U.S. residents,

NEWS

Travel Edge joins TripArc consortium to improve benefits for travel advisors

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

through insurance providers.

For groups hosting meetings and events at Accor properties, planners will receive special access to a concierge contact at x.labs to coordinate at-home PreCheck diagnostic testing kits and/or on-site COVID-19 antigen rapid testing for attendees.

To organize advance PreCheck PCR testing kits, planners simply place an order with the x.labs concierge and the kits will be sent directly to attendees for at-home testing. Planners can set up parameters for clearance to attend their meeting or event – including a negative PCR test, acceptable temperature range and a customizable wellness and symptom survey – and track results via the PreCheck App prior to the event.

Planners may also order antigen rapid tests directly through the x.labs concierge, however they must arrange for a local medical professional to administer onsite testing. Planners can track test results in real-time via the READY App to see who has been cleared for attendance.

Both PreCheck PCR testing kits and antigen rapid testing kits are available through x.labs at preferred pricing offered exclusively for Accord guests and clients. All x.labs partner products are FDA authorized, plus all digital data are HIPAA, SOC2 and GDPR compliant. Accor is not involved in the administering of tests.

Accor’s new testing offering complements its ALLSAFE hygiene and cleanliness prevention label and its strategic partnership with AXA that provides free access to telemedicine to guests across its 5,000 hotels worldwide. To learn more go to www.ALLSafeandWell.com and www.ALLMeetWell.com.

Playa adds The Yucatan Resort Playa del Carmen to growing portfolio FORT LAUDERDALE — Playa Hotels & Resorts and Hilton have announced its newest all-inclusive resort: The Yucatan Resort Playa del Carmen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

With the new addition, the two hotel companies, which entered a strategic alliance in 2018, have effectively entered the growing soft branded all-inclusive market. They currently operate Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Jamaica, Hilton La Romana all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, and Hilton Playa del Carmen in Mexico.

The adults-only Yucatan Resort Playa del Carmen marks the second Playa-managed Hilton all-inclusive property in Playa del Carmen and as a result, guests of both resorts will have expanded offerings between the two properties.

Formerly the Live Aqua Playa del Carmen, The Yucatan Resort Playa del Carmen is slated to open in May 2021 with 60 guestrooms in a four-storey building, a restaurant, sushi bar, rooftop pool and bar, spa and a fitness centre. The boutique property is located just minutes from the beach on Playa del Carmen’s famed Fifth Avenue known for its high-end restaurants, luxury boutiques and well-known resorts.

The Yucatan Resort Playa del Carmen will participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands.

More details about the resort will be released soon on PlayaResorts.com.

TORONTO — As part of its long-term commitment to add value to the travel industry and agent community, Travel Edge has announced that it is joining TripArc, which it regards as a “new kind of travel consortium.”

Combining innovative technology with a re-imagined blueprint for how travel consortia can work harder, TripArc embraces direct access and transparency to increase value throughout the industry, particularly luxury travel advisors. For both suppliers and advisors, this direct relationship frees up resources to redeploy more strategically.

According to Michael Johnson, President of Travel Edge, the move enables travel advisors to be part of a strong community that offers multiple opportunities for training and support as well as access the Limitless Digital Luxury Travel Conference, which has given out over $150,000 in prizes directly to advisors in its first two events. The next Conference will run on March 24-25, plus plans for the first Limitless Live in-person event are currently underway.

TripArc embraces direct access and transparency to increase value throughout the industry.

In addition, with the free and easyto-use ADX platform, advisors have the ability to easily bundle different services (air, hotel, activities and insurance) into one branded itinerary.

“Travel advisors are the important people in this travel industry and it’s time that a consortium valued them accordingly,” said Johnson. “TripArc’s new vision of a consortium, powered by innovative technology, means that advisors will not only continue to get their current level of benefits but they’ll enjoy increased opportunities to improve revenue, enjoy rewards and recognition and get the support they need. It puts them in the driver’s seat when it comes to building the future of their business.”

March 18, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 17

NEWS

Rocky Mountaineer delays Canadian season, extends inaugural season of new U.S. route VANCOUVER — In light of ongoing travel restrictions, Rocky Mountaineer is delaying the start of its Canadian travel season until June 1, 2021.

In addition, the luxury train company is extending the inaugural season of its new route in the United States, ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks,’ by four weeks. The preview season for the route, which travels between Moab, Utah and Denver, Colorado, will start on Aug. 15, 2021 and, with the extension, will run until Nov. 19, 2021. With some departure dates nearing capacity, Rocky Mountaineer is adding rail cars to increase guest capacity on all dates and adding 16 new departure dates to the preview season.

Guests can change their departure dates or people on the booking, up to 30 days ahead of travel, without charge or penalty.

For guests impacted by the delayed start to travel in Canada, the company is offering several benefits, including: providing a future travel credit equivalent to 110% of monies paid; holding its 2021 and 2022 rail pricing at 2022 levels; and providing a price guarantee for its 18 | TRAVELWEEK | March 18, 2021

vacation packages to ensure travellers can book a similar tour at the same price, once the present force majeure event has passed, even if third-party hotels or tour operators raise their prices.

Guests can choose to transfer their booking to the new route in the U.S., ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks,’ with an added incentive to return to travel on the Canadian routes in the future.

Recognizing that some guests may be hesitant to select a new travel date immediately, Rocky Mountaineer has added greater flexibility to its bookings, allowing guests to change their departure dates or people on the booking, up to 30 days ahead of travel, without charge or penalty.

Agents can win hotel stays with the Loreto, Mexico Specialist Program TORONTO — Great prizes are up for grabs for agents who want to learn all about Loreto, Mexico, with learning modules now at Travelweek’s Learning Centre.

The Loreto, Mexico Specialist Program is available through March 31 at travelweeklearningcentre.com.

Agents who complete the course by March 31 qualify to win one of the following great prizes: • 5 nights at the Hotel Tripui; • 5 nights at the Hotel Plaza Loreto • 3 nights at the Hotel 1697; or • 3 nights at the Hotel Posada del Cortés The learning modules highlight Loreto with its beautiful landscapes from sea to volcano, endless activities from

whale watching to mountain biking, accommodation options from luxury to glamping and the vast history, culture and cuisine of found in this part of the Baja California Sur peninsula.

“This is a really fabulous destination and a great option for Canadians when they start travelling again in earnest,” says Travelweek’s Publisher, Devin Kinasz. “With several different hotel stays up for grabs, this is one of the best prize giveaways our Learning Centre has seen in a while and the odds of winning for agents are very favourable.”

While Baja California Sur is one of the youngest states in Mexico, Loreto has many must-sees dating back more than 10,000 years. A visit to Loreto is like a journey back through time, with its historic missions, unforgettable landscapes and magical towns.

Air Canada aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 MONTREAL — Air Canada is doubling down on its commitment to advancing climate change sustainability by setting an ambitious new goal of achieving netzero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

To reach this, the airline has set absolute midterm GHG net reduction targets by 2030 in its air and ground operations compared to its 2019 baseline, and has committed to investing $50 million in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and carbon reductions and removals.

Air Canada has identified the following key carbon reduction pillars: • Fleet and operations: Air Canada will continue deploying its newly modernized and energy-efficient Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 MAX narrow-body fleets that are more efficient and expected to average approximately 20% less fuel consumption per seat and emit approximately 20% less CO2 and 50% less nitrogen oxides than aircraft they replace. It will also continue to integrate climate factors in route and fleet planning, phase out carbon-intensive ground equipment, further advance electric vehicles and seek other electrification opportunities.

• Innovation: Air Canada will further evaluate the viability, safety and performance of new electric, hydrogen or

NEWS

St Lucia

hybrid operational technologies and other innovations such as short-haul transportation and electric drones to complement its global business network.

• Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and clean energy: Air Canada will invest $50 million in SAF and other low carbon aviation fuel (LCAF) development, evaluate the practical applications of renewable energy sources such as biogas and renewable electricity, and energy transition measures.

• Carbon reductions and removals: Air Canada will explore carbon negative emission technologies and other direct emission reduction and removal strategies in addition to further developing its carbon offset strategy for CORSIA compliance, customer offerings and more.

Since 1990, Air Canada has improved fuel efficiency by 43%. From 20162019, the airline has reduced more than 135,000 tonnes of GHG from its air operations through fuel efficiency initiatives.

Saint Lucia’s new virtual roadshows aimed at travel agents, tour operators TORONTO — A new series of virtual roadshows presented by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority kicks off March 23 and runs through early April.

Travel agents and tour operators in

the island’s three key source markets - Canada, the U.S. and the UK - are welcome to take part.

Rod Hanna, Director of Sales (Canada), says the roadshows will be different from webinars, as they go a step further in recreating a fam trip experience online. He says participants will get a close-up perspective of Saint Lucia’s hotels, activities, and more.

The live events will be hosted by the sales team in Saint Lucia with market representatives available for Q&As. The idea is to offer a fun and interactive way to update and inform agents who sell Saint Lucia.

"We know our valued travel partners, professionals and agents all miss Saint Lucia, so we are bringing them the absolute best of our destination on three different dates,” says Hanna. “Each event will be different, immersive, and have inspiring new content. Agents will have access to amazing new collateral and customized handouts, plus useful cheat sheets for selling. But, above all meet with our general managers, destination experts and even hike our iconic trails, take a rejuvenating dip in our mud bath and of course - win some great prizes, not your typical webinar.

‘SHE’ Saint Lucia is Ready to host you, along with our team during this exciting virtual event.”

The following accommodation partners taking part, plus one DMC: Anse Chastanet & Jade Mountain; Bay Gardens Resorts; Blue Sky Luxury Villas; BodyHoliday & Rendezvous; Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa & Serenity at Coconut Bay; Ladera Resort; Stonefield Villa Resort; Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort; The Landings Resort and Spa; Ti Kaye Resort and Spa; Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort; Island Routes.

Dates and times for the virtual roadshows are: March 23: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

EST; March 30: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. EST; and April 6: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. EST To register go to: https://lp.constant contactpages.com/su/4j54yVP or for more information email Rod Hanna rhanna@stlucia.org.

PEOPLE Remembering Frank LaFleche Frank LaFleche, known to many in recent years for his work with the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) and after that, the Jordan Tourism Board North America (JTBNA), has passed away at the age of 86.

Malia Asfour, Director of the JTBNA, said: “Frank was a legend, and for Jordan a true treasure. He opened up doors for JTBNA, brokered agreements and together with his long-time friend Bill Coleman started the Jordan Travel Mart similar to Rendezvous Canada that they had started together in the past. It is hard to lose a team member, a friend, a confidant, a mentor and an incredibly giving human. We mourn the loss of Frank and celebrate the laughter and joy he brought into our lives and all our friends in the travel industry. As an honorary Jordanian and a true Canadian we will miss his laughter, sense of adventure and cocktail hour with this legend.”

March 18, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 19

NEWS

African Travel, Inc. launches new Canadian Advisor Educational Program with featured trips TORONTO — With African Travel, Inc.’s new Advisor Educational Program, Canadian travel advisors can not only learn about Africa’s top destinations but also visit them in person.

The 2021 program, featuring trips to Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, was created to reflect emerging trends this year, including single-country exploration and flexibility in planning and travelling. With the program, advisors and their travel companion can both take advantage of the same low price, plus those interested in travelling to East African can bring along another couple.

To be eligible, Canadian travel advisors are encouraged to sign up and complete two courses: 1) African Travel Selling Tools and Resources; and 2) Africa Destinations Masterclass. Courses are taken via African Travel University, a dedicated Agency Academy eLearning program offering insights on ATI as well as tools and resources for advisors to help close the sale.

In addition, advisors will receive US$200 total cash back on the cost of an educational trip after the first booking of seven nights or more.

Example trips that advisors can look forward to, when the time is right to travel, as part of the program include: • Discover Kenya: During this eightday adventure, advisors will visit Amboseli and learn about animal conservation at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy while staying at some of the lodges featured in ATI’s most popular safaris to East Africa, the World’s Greatest Show & Safari - Mara. This trip is valid for travel between May 1June 15, 2021 and Oct. 15-Dec. 15, 2021, and is limited to an advisor and their guest or the guest and another couple.

• Experience Tanzania: While on this eight-day trip, advisors will stay among one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations and enjoy the view of the baobabs from their treetop suite in Tarangire. They’ll also delight in the views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, see wildlife in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater and stay in camps and lodges 20 | TRAVELWEEK | March 18, 2021

Switzerland-Bernina Express

featured in World’s Greatest Show & Safari - Serengeti and Ultimate Tanzania and Rwanda. This trip is valid for travel between May 1-June 15, 2021 and Oct. 15-Dec. 15, 2021, and is limited to an advisor and their guest or the guest and another couple.

Courses are taken via African Travel University, a dedicated Agency Academy eLearning program offering tools for advisors to help close the sale.

• South Africa In Style: This eight-day itinerary takes in the views of Cape Town’s coast from the award-winning Red Carnation Hotels’ Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. Advisors will also journey to Shamwari Private Game Reserve for a four-day safari.

This trip is valid for travel between March 1-Oct. 31, 2021 and is limited to an advisor and their guest.

• Scenic Cape Town and Safari: Highlights of this eight-day journey include a four-day safari at Kapama Private Game Reserve and a stay at Kapama Southern Camp or River Lodge. This trip is valid for travel between March 1Oct. 31, 2021 and is limited to an advisor and their guest.

For more information call a dedicated safari specialist at 1-800-421-8907.

Sign up for the new Swiss Travel System Excellence Program TORONTO — Swiss Travel System has launched its new Excellence Program, the only e-learning program in the world that covers the entire public transport system of a single country.

Designed for travel agents to broaden their knowledge and provide essential know-how to better support their clients, the Swiss Travel System Excellence Program features a modular structure comprising individual courses during which agents learn everything from tickets and passes, to premium panoramic trains to luggage transport. Each module, which is led by two animated characters called Heidi and Peter, takes on average six minutes to complete.

Upon completion of the program, travel advisors will be certified as Swiss Travel System Excellence Experts and will be given a diploma that can be downloaded. In addition to various incentives like souvenir pictures and awards, participants can look forward to attractive prizes several times a year.

Plus, those with the highest scores by 2022 will be rewarded with a visit to Switzerland that includes travel, hotel and a Swiss Travel Pass.

To access the Swiss Travel System Excellence Program go to mystsnet.com /elearning.

NEWS

NCL, Oceania and RSSC extend suspension of operations to June 30 MIAMI — Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which operations NCL, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has announced an extension of its previously announced suspension of global cruise voyages.

NCLH continues to work through its return to service plan to meet the requirements of the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order issued by the CDC. The suspension now includes all voyages on NCL, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises embarking through June 30, 2021.

NCLH says it will continue to work in tandem with global government and public health authorities and its Healthy Sail Panel expert advisors to take all necessary measures to protect passengers, crew and the communities visited.

Passengers currently booked on cancelled voyages on NCL, Oceania Cruises or Regent Seven Seas Cruises are being asked to contact their travel advisor or the cruise line for more information.

SIA launches IATA Travel Pass; THAI Airways onboard for the pass too SINGAPORE — Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced it is now the world’s first airline to pilot the IATA Travel Pass mobile app for digital health verification.

SIA’s launch of the pass started March 15, 2021 and runs through March 28, 2021 with passengers travelling from Singapore to London. It marks the second phase of SIA’s digital health verification process trials, which is based on the IATA Travel Pass framework.

Passengers with mobile phones running on Apple’s iOS operating system can download the IATA Travel Pass app, and create a digital ID comprising their profile photo and passport information. They can also insert their flight information into the app and book their pre-departure Covid-19 test at one of

THAI and THAI Smile to trial IATA Travel Pass

seven participating clinics in Singapore via a dedicated online portal. They can then register at the clinic using the digital ID and flight information in the app.

SIA says participants will need to show their confirmed status in the app to the check-in staff in Changi Airport before flight departure. In line with current regulatory requirements, they will also need to bring a physical copy of their health certificate that is issued by the clinic where they took their Covid-19 test.

“In the longer term, the digital identity elements of the IATA Travel Pass will place Singapore Airlines passengers at the front of the queue for an even more convenient contactless travel experience.”

If successful, the pilot will pave the way for the integration of the entire digital health verification process into the SingaporeAir mobile app from around mid-2021, again using IATA’s Travel Pass framework.

Says Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Airport, Passenger, Cargo, and Security: “Our partnership with Singapore Airlines for the first full de-

ployment of the IATA Travel Pass will help get the world flying again. In the immediate term, it is the solution for travellers to safely and securely manage their travel health credentials. In the longer term, the digital identity elements of the IATA Travel Pass will place Singapore Airlines passengers at the front of the queue for an even more convenient contactless travel experience.”

THAI AIRWAYS SIGNS ON FOR TRIAL Meanwhile THAI Airways and THAI Smile have come onboard with the IATA Travel Pass too.

“The IATA Travel Pass will be more secure and efficient than current paper processes used to manage health requirements. This will be important given the potentially enormous scale of testing or vaccine verifications that will need to be securely managed,” say the airlines.

Chansin Treenuchagron, Acting President, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited and Charita Leelayudh, CEO, THAI Smile Airways both signed agreements to pilot the IATA Travel Pass.

Other carriers that have signed on to use the IATA Travel Pass include Emirates, Etihad and Copa.

Last month Air New Zealand announced it will trial the IATA Travel Pass on its Auckland-Sydney route in April 2021.

March 18, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 21

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