NEWS within the app profile, so that we know how to reach each guest.” At this time, says Royal Caribbean, guests will need to provide the following: • For guests 18 years of age and older, proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 • Proof of a negative SARS-CoV-2 RTPCR test result for entry into the country where you are sailing from (age requirements vary by jurisdiction) • Completed Royal Caribbean Health Questionnaire, available in the app 24 hours before sailing . Typical travel documents, including passport or any visas as required by the departure country
Air Canada’s Michael Rousseau pens first column as new President & CEO MONTREAL — In his first official communication as Air Canada’s new president and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Rousseau thanked all customers for their continued loyalty and assured them that when they are ready to travel again, the airline will be more than ready. It’s been over a month since Rousseau took over the reins from Calin Rovinescu, who retired on Feb. 15. Prior to being named president and CEO, Rousseau served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer since 2018, having previously served as Exec-
Michael Rousseau President and CEO, Air Canada
utive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer since 2007. His first column in his new role appears in enRoute Magazine, Air Canada’s award-winning in-flight publication. Here is his column in its entirety: “This is my first column as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada, and I would like to begin by thanking all customers – past, present and future – for your loyalty and for choosing to fly with us. “Although many of you have not had a chance to travel recently, we know the desire to do so remains strong. I assure you that when you are ready to fly again, we are well-prepared to carry you safely. From the very beginning of the pandemic, we have continually layered on new biosafety measures and improved upon those already in place. All of us at Air Canada are eager to welcome you back on board. “I joined Air Canada as Chief Financial Officer in 2007 to help the company at another difficult time in our industry, during the global financial panic. I saw first-hand how a period of upheaval is an ideal opportunity to make changes and try new things. “In the past year, we finished the technically challenging task of installing a new reservation system to serve customers better, and we launched a transformed Aeroplan program that is a step change in terms of flexibility and reward appeal. We also made major changes to our fleet, renewing it with modern Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that are more comfortable and, importantly, more environmentally friendly, than the older aircraft we retired. “We mostly did all this without fanfare. Still, these and other innovations, such as convenient new touchless airport processes, will be key to recovering from the pandemic and allowing us to emerge even better than before. At the same time, we will continue to deliver the superior customer service that won us the title of Best Airline in North America at eight of the last 10 Skytrax World Airline Awards. “Leading an iconic company like Air Canada is a huge responsibility and, for a proud Canadian like me, also a great honour. I look forward to the challenge, confident that our dedicated and highly motivated team will exceed your expectations as we transport you safely to your next destination.”
Intrepid goes high-end with new Premium tour range TORONTO — Intrepid Travel has launched a new range of premium tours to appeal directly to high-end travellers. Comprising of over 70 new trips in 40 countries, Intrepid Premium features hand-picked accommodations, private transportation, train journeys and an array of signature exclusive experiences. It was developed over the past six months as Intrepid continues to reimagine its business for a post-pandemic world. Departures start in January 2022.
Intrepid Premium features hand-picked accommodations, private transportation, train journeys and exclusive experiences. As the world’s largest travel B Corp, responsible travel will be a core focus of Intrepid Premium trips. Most accommodations, which range from an eco-lodge in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to a cave hotel in Cappadocia, are locally owned, with many using renewable and alternative energy sources. A selection of trips will also visit social enterprise projects working to promote gender equality, animal welfare, environmental sustainability and economic empowerment. As with all Intrepid Travel tours, the Premium range is also 100% carbon offset and designed to have a low environmental footprint. Premium itineraries include the following: • 13-day ‘Premium Vietnam & Cambodia’: Priced from $4,615 per person, this itinerary travels from Hanoi to Siem Reap and includes Signature experiences like a photography coach at Angkor Wat and a candlelit dinner on deck in Ha Long Bay. Guests will also dine at three hospitality training restaurants that support marginalized youth. • 9-day ‘Premium Peru’: This itinerary, priced from $4,415, travels deep in the Amazon jungle to a lodge where guests will meet the Ese Eja peoples March 25, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 17
