21 minute read
Uniworld to resume cruises in June
Sandals Royal Barbados
MONTEGO BAY — It’s been a long road to recovery but Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has finally done it. For the first time since the start of the pandemic, all Sandals and Beaches resorts are open and accepting guests.
The reopening of Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados prompted Executive Chairman Adam Stewart to call May 14 a “landmark day,” with all Sandals Resorts (with the exception of Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, which is undergoing an extensive transformation before its Nov. 4 reopening) fully open and operational. All three Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos are also open.
“Today is a landmark day for Sandals Resorts International, marking the first time since the start of the pandemic that we are operational in every Caribbean destination we serve,” said Stewart. “This is a testament to our incredible team, our loyal guests and travel advisors who trust our brands to deliver on our promises of putting the health and safety of their customers first.” He added: “We are proud to have led the reopening efforts throughout the Caribbean and set a standard for how to safely and successfully welcome back travellers. It’s really a great day and just the beginning.”
Uniworld to resume cruises on June 20
TORONTO — Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced its long-awaited resumption of operations, with cruises returning to Europe’s rivers next month.
The cruise line, which has been on pause due to the global pandemic, will restart cruises in Italy on June 20, 2021 with its recently transformed Super Ship, S.S. La Venezia. Cruises will resume in France shortly thereafter, with first departures for S.S. Bon Voyage on June 27, S.S. Joie de Vivre on July 4, and S.S. Catherine on July 11.
Both Italy and France recently announced the reopening of borders to international travellers in June.
“We’ve been waiting for this moment and are beyond thrilled to be back on the rivers, welcoming back our loyal guests on four of our most beautiful Super Ships this summer,” says Ellen Bettridge, President & CEO of Uniworld. “Our guests are like family to us and their well-being is our main priority, which is why we’re taking all of the necessary precautions to ensure they’re comfortable when they’re ready to explore the rivers with us again.”
Uniworld’s ‘Milan, Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy’ itinerary, commencing June 18 in Milan, will be the line’s first cruise since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Additionally, the first four sailings of the year are included in the ‘Cruise Back Into Travel’ offer, valid for bookings through May 31 that allows guests to save up to 30% off per person on select dates for a limited time. Savings include: • ‘Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy’:
Guests will sail 8 days roundtrip on the S.S. La Venezia, from Venice along Northern Italy’s coastline.
Highlights include a private evening opening and lighting ceremony at
St. Mark’s Basilica and a trip further south to the fishing port of Chioggia. • ‘Brillint Bordeaux’: Onboard S.S Bon
Voyage, guests will sail throughout
Southwest France for eight days along three rivers – the Garonne,
Dordogne and Gironde. • ‘Paris & Normand’: This eight-day sailing on the S.S. Joie de Vivre will sail roundtrip from Paris through
Normandy’s countryside. • ‘Burgundy & Provence’: Onboard the S.S. Catherine, guests will cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers to discover the medieval wonders of UN-
ESCO-designated Avignon and Lyon’s lively riverbanks. Bettridge adds that these first itineraries are the just “first step in getting all of our ships back on the rivers this year.” Launching in Egypt on Sept. 25 is the all-new S.S. Sphinx, plus Uniworld will begin sailing the Peruvian Amazon on Sept. 1 with two new itineraries aboard the Aria Amazon.
“Demand for river cruising is at an all-time high and the support and excitement we are receiving from both new and old guests is outstanding,” says Bettridge.
All sailings are inclusive of all meals onboard, premium spirits and wines, riverview accommodations, offshore excursions, airport transfers and onboard gratuities and Wi-Fi.
Click here for a complete list of cruises opening for travel. For more information go to uniworld.com or contact the reservations team at 1-800-257-2407.
From Canada, with love: Rendez-vous Canada 2021 connects the industry this week
TORONTO — More than 3,500 travel agents have become Canada Specialists since the start of 2021, thanks to Destination Canada.
Back at the start of summer 2020 Destination Canada launched its new landing page for agents, CanadaSpecialist.ca, as part of the Canada Specialist program. The French-language version is at specialistesducanada.ca.
Since that time the program has seen great success, ensuring that more and more agents are ready to sell Canada either for this summer - if interprovincial travel restrictions ease - or for later in the year.
Destination Canada shared the Canada Specialist metric at the kick-off to Rendez-vous Canada 2021, better known as RVC+.
The online event was held from May 17-20. Delegates were able to connect with tourism operators through oneon-one meetings, visit the Destination Canada virtual lounge and meet with DC team members. It was the fi rst RVC in two years after the 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic.
“With great challenges come the opportunity for renewal,” said Monique Gomal, Destination Canada, Interim Chair, Board of Directors, during introductory remarks at the ‘Inside Track’ session at RVC 2021. VACCINATION CERTIFICATES
Marsha Walden, President and CEO, Destination Canada, then took the virtual stage, providing more insight to the challenges facing Canada’s tourism sector throughout the pandemic. While there are still plenty of uncertainties ahead, Walden said Canada “is making great progress,” noting that Canada has one of the highest rates of vaccine willingness in the world.
Walden and Beth Potter, President and CEO of TIAC, also spoke about vaccination certifi cates, an issue that Canada’s Health Minister Patty Hajdu and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have indicated that Canada is onboard with for international travel. Discussions among the G7 countries are underway.
The outcome of those discussions “will impact our sector tremendously,”
Destination Canada's Maureen Riley, VP, International (left) and Marsha Walden, President and CEO (right)
said Walden. Added Potter: “Our eff orts at TIAC are to lead the conversation” to ensure “one seamless system across Canada” for vaccination certifi cation. The last thing Canada needs is a patchwork of diff erent regional systems for vaccination certifi cation that will make for more confusion than clarity, said Potter. QUICK CLICKS TO SEND A POSTCARD TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS Also highlighted during RVC+’s Inside Track session is Destination Canada’s new partnership with MyPostcard. Starting on May 25 - in celebration of National Tourism Week (May 23-30), Canadians looking to inspire friends and family in Canada with a real postcard celebrating Canadian tourism can do so in just four online steps.
1. Go to mypostcard.com and pick a postcard 2. Write a message 3. Address the card 4. Hit send
MyPostcards will print and mail the postcard with delivery in approximately 3-6 business days. “It’s a real postcard, with a real stamp,” says Walden.
Postcards are available in English and French and can be sent anywhere in Canada. In the future Destination Canada hopes to be able to extend the invitation to friends and family further afi eld. Destination Canada’s recent report suggests that 80% of Canadians are eager to get back out and explore. Destination Canada’s focus is on making sure they do that in Canada.
Sunwing heading back to Windsor, Waterloo & Hamilton with winter sun fl ights
TORONTO — Sunwing is returning to three key Canadian gateways the 2021/2022 season with weekly fl ight service to popular sun destinations.
From Windsor International Airport, fl ights Cayo Santa Maria will begin Dec. 14, 2021 on Tuesdays and will run until April 5, 2022, while service to Varadero will commence Dec. 16, 2021 on Thursdays and will run until April 14, 2022.
From the Region of Waterloo International Airport, weekly fl ights to Cancun will operate on Mondays starting Dec. 13, 2021 and running until April 18, 2022. From John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, fl ights to Cancun, Punta Cana, Montego Bay, Varadero, Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa Maria will operate from early December 2021 through mid-April 2022.
Sunwing has also announced ramped up services in recent weeks from Ontario and Atlantic Canada. In addition to Windsor, Waterloo and Hamilton, it will be heading back to Sudbury and North Bay this winter with service to Cancun and Varadero; to London, ON with service to Cancun, Punta Cana and Varadero; and to Thunder Bay with vacation packages to Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Last month also saw the release of Sunwing’s Atlantic Canada winter schedule featuring weekly fl ights from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Transat unveils new refund tracking tool
MONTREAL — Transat has launched a new online tool to help travel agents and travellers track their refund requests. Transat first announced last month that it will now be offering refunds to travellers who were issued a travel credit due to COVID-19, while at the same time protecting agent commissions.
With the new tracker tool, users simply enter the Transat booking number and full name to check the status of their request. Refund requests will have one of the following statuses: Received, Processing, or Review has been completed.
The tool does not provide tracking for group or GDS bookings.
For more details agents are invited to visit transat.com or Transat Agent Direct.
Build your own bubble with Goway’s smallgroup vacations
TORONTO — Goway is making it possible for travellers to stay within their group bubble with highly-customized ‘bubble’ vacations to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Crafted in partnership with Goway’s trusted travel partners, these smallgroup vacations are based on a minimum of 10 passengers travelling together to destinations across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Central & South America, Downunder, the Idyllic Islands as well as the U.K. and Europe. Each itinerary offers easy movement and adheres to health and safety standards.
According to the company, these small group bubble vacations are an easy sell, perfect for multi-generational families, groups of friends and special interest groups.
Customized small-group vacations are available for 2022 and beyond in destinations like South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Bali and mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. More countries will be available as borders continue to reopen.
“There’s really no better time to adopt the concept of the ‘bubble’ and apply it to group travel than right now,” says Barbara Norton, VP of Groups at Goway. “Not only do our bubble itineraries allow travellers to see the world together and incorporate the best health and safety standards, but they’re also of great value.”
Norton notes that all bubble itineraries have special pre-costed, commissionable pricing based on select travel dates to the end of 2022, plus one tour leader for each group travels for free.
Travel agents are reminded that all group vacations are flexible; there are no set departure dates and nothing is pre-booked. “So everything can be customized to accommodate the specific interests of the group,” adds Norton.
Each vacation has enhanced Terms & Conditions and comes with Goway’s ‘Book with Confidence Commitment.’ For more information go to www.goway. com/group or contact the Groups Only team by email at groups@goway.com or telephone at 1-800-838-0618.
PEOPLE
TICO welcomes new Board Chair
TICO has announced a new Board Chair to take over the reins from Jean Hébert, who has successfully completed his five-plus-year tenure. Stepping into the role is Michael Levinson, who brings with him over 35 years of experience, largely in strategic roles including hotel development & operations, real estate, property management and software development. He previously served as President of the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel & Motel Association, and Vice President of the Ontario Hotel & Motel Association. He was also a board member of the Human Resources Executives of the Canadian Tourism Research Institute (CTRI), a division of the Conference Board of Canada.
Levinson was appointed as TICO’s new Chair of the Board of Directors by the Minister of Government and Consumer Services.
Anguilla to reopen borders May 25 following recent outbreak
THE VALLEY, ANGUILLA — After suffering a temporary setback that saw the re-closure of its borders, Anguilla once again reopened to visitors on May 25.
The island was forced to close to tourists for a month after a cluster of COVID-19 cases was identified on April 22. With the outbreak now successfully contained, coupled with ongoing vaccination efforts, The Government of Anguilla has reduced the quarantine period to seven days for visitors who are fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated means having the last dose of vaccine administered at least three weeks before arrival on the island. “We suffered a temporary setback when we had to close our borders on April 22,” said the Parliamentary Secretary Tourism, Quincia Gumbs-Marie. “We acted swiftly and implemented a number of proactive measures to manage and contain this cluster of infections, along with an expanded vaccination outreach. The result is that we are confident we can now safely reopen while protecting the health of our residents and visitors.”
Anguilla’s previously released measures will remain in place. For more information on travel to Anguilla go to www.IvisitAnguilla.com/escape.
Anguilla
Win a free Eurail pass with Rail Europe’s new travel agent course
PARIS — Rail Europe is inviting travel agents to take its new agent course for a chance to win a free Eurail pass.
Launched on the company’s e-learning platform, The Rail Agent Course is designed to help agents learn about the Eurail pass in all its forms. Those who complete the new module will be entered to win a Eurail pass, First Class, for unlimited travel in Europe.
In February, Rail Europe released a mobile version of the iconic Eurail passes on its API and agent website. The mobile pass allows travellers to cross up to 33 countries on several railway networks using just one pass. Travellers can download the app and enter their pass number and name to view their itineraries, plan journeys and keep all group of family passes in one convenience space.
A Eurail pass is an all-in-one train ticket giving flexible access to most trains across Europe. There are two versions of the pass: the Global pass, which allows pass holders to travel around 33 countries within a given time period, and the One Country pass for exploring a specific European country on Rail Europe’s national railway network.
To take the e-learning program go to raileurope.travpromobile.com.
Over 350 in attendance at TPI’s mid-year conference
TORONTO — TPI is calling its midyear conference a “great success,” with over 30 supplier partners and 350 attendants coming together virtually to discuss ways on building future success.
The two-day conference included partner networking sessions and featured presentations led by various suppliers, including: Nino Montagnese, Vice President, Air Canada Vacations; Gary Murphy, Co-Owner & Senior Vice President, Sales, AmaWaterways; Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service, Royal Caribbean International; Rob McChlery, Partner, Senior Associate, Investors Groups; and keynote speaker Geraldine Ree.
Three Advisor Panel sessions also took place that included the topics ‘Advisor Efficiencies with Technology,’ ‘Leading forward to Groups’ and ‘Activate your Brand Story.’
Saying that the organization has “missed out on so much” over the past 15 months, TPI’s CEO, Zeina Gedeon, called for all members to take the lessons learned throughout the pandemic and apply them as they focus on moving forward. “The Head Office support team is ensuring the needs of our existing and future advisors with every program launched and decision made,” said Gedeon. “We will continue to innovate and introduce new programs that are purposely built to drive business and efficiencies for our advisors.”
Gedeon added that while the conference was a success, nothing beats “in-person connection,” which is why TPI is planning on conducting in-person ‘Fall Connections’ with its advisors across the country in October.
TPI’s 2022 Conference will be held in person next year from May 1-5.
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways to resume Europe sailings on July 3
TORONTO — AmaWaterways has marked July 3, 2021 as its resumption date, with voyages onboard select ships setting sail in Portugal.
According to Executive Vice President and Co-Founder Kristin Karst, sailings will kick off the first week of July in Portugal, followed by other restart dates throughout the month on select ships on all the European rivers, including the ultra-luxe AmaMagna on the Danube on July 21.
“Being born in Germany, I could not be happier about the announcement that Europe will be opened this summer to safely welcome back tourists to assist with the much needed economic and social recovery,” said Karst. Specific sailing dates are as follows: • July 3: AmaDoura will commence sailings through Portugal • July 21: AmaMagna will commence sailings on the Danube River • July 22: AmaKristina will commence sailings in France on the Rhône River • July 22: AmaLyra will commence sailings in France on the Seine River • July 27: AmaVida will commence sailings in Portugal and Spain • July 29: AmaDolce will commence sailings through Bordeaux, France • July 29: AmaSiena will commence sailings on the Rhine River
AmaWaterways will be providing information in the coming days with regards to specific documentation that will be required for passengers to sail. Details will also be posted in the Travel Updates section of its website and will be sent to travel agents via email.
For more details or to book a river cruise for a client, agents can call 1-800-626-0126 or visit the Travel Advisor Portal at www.AmaWaterways.com
PEOPLE
Industry veteran Barb Finn lands at TTI Travel
Travel industry veteran Barb Finn has joined the team at TTI Travel (Canada) as its new VP Leisure, New Talent Development. Finn most recently served nearly three years as Director Canada for Travel Edge and prior to that was Operations Manager/GM at New Wave Travel. On the travel partner and supplier side, Finn also worked in destination management during which she acted as the Account Director for the Kenya Tourist Board.
Rocky Racco, CEO of TTI Travel, added: “As we look forward to the rebirth of travel and coming out of this better and stronger, we are thrilled that Barb has joined us, given her extensive experience, expertise, service ethos and desire to make a very positive difference for all stakeholders associated with TTI.” Finn can be reached at bfinn@tticanada.com or (416) 369-3264.
Porter’s new restart date is July 20
MIAMI — Porter is pushing back its tentative resumption date by another month, to July 20.
The airline, which had previously targeted June 21 as its restart date, has been on pause since March 21, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Though this latest setback means having to wait another month for flights to resume, Michael Deluce, Porter’s president and CEO, says he’s encouraged by the ongoing recovery of the aviation industry in the United States, a hopeful sign of what’s to come here in Canada.
“As vaccination rates in Canada increase, we are hopeful travel restrictions and public health measures will ease so we can recall our team members, welcome back our passengers and begin to rebuild the airline,” he said.
Downloading health app no longer required for travellers, says Belize
BELIZE CITY — Belize continues to ease its entry requirements, first by eliminating the need for a negative COVID-19 test for vaccinated travellers, and now by allowing visitors to enter without downloading its previously required health app.
According to the Government of Belize, travellers entering the country are no longer required to download and complete the Belize Travel Health App prior to arrival.
The country does, however, still require that travellers provide one of the following: proof of full COVID-19 immunization received at least two weeks prior to arrival; a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of travel; or a negative rapid test (Rapid Antigen, Sofia, SD Biosensor, and ABBOTT) taken within 48 hours of travel.
In addition, international visitors must book at a Gold Standard hotel and present confirmation at immigration.
For more information go to https:// www.travelbelize.org/health-safety.
Bookings open for spring, summer fall 2022 at Club Med Québec Charlevoix
TORONTO — Club Med has opened the books for spring, summer and fall 2022 vacations at its highly anticipated Club Med Québec Charlevoix, debuting Dec. 3, 2021.
The company previously launched winter pre-sale rates for stays between Dec. 3, 2021 and April 10, 2022.
With this new sale, which runs from May 18-June 29, 2021, guests can take advantage of the best rates starting at $210 per night, per person. Spring, summer and fall 2022 dates are now available between April 2022 and December 2022.
The all-inclusive mountain resort, the first to open in North America in over 15 years and Club Med’s inaugural all-season resort in Canada, was designed with family and fun in mind. Family-friendly amenities include accommodations with separate rooms for kids, indoor splash pools, a dedicated restaurant ideal for little ones, Children’s Clubs and Teen Programs that take care of children from four months to 17 years old.
As part of all-inclusive packages, guests can explore mountain bike trains (accessible for all levels) and take part in theme guided hikes. A host of activities both inside and out are available, including mini golfing, running trails, volleyball, fitness classes, golf, canyoning, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, a circus school, dogsledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice canoeing and, of course, skiing, with classes for as young as four years old.
Le Marché, Club Med Québec Charlevoix
Earn 5X STAR points with Sunwing on new bookings for select Dreams and Secrets resorts
TORONTO — Sunwing is offering 5X the STAR Agent Reward Points for new bookings for select Dreams Resorts & Spas, and also for Secrets Resorts & Spas.
The promotion runs through June 4, 2021 for travel Nov. 1, 2021-April 30, 2022. Sunwing's STAR Agent Reward Points convert to cash.
Participating properties include Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort in Riviera Nayarit, Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana and Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort and Spa, as well as Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort, and Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana.
Sunwing has extended its Freedom 21/22 Sale to include Dreams and Secrets Resorts. Clients can get flexible booking options, take advantage of an Early Booking Bonus and receive complimentary Price Drop Cash Back of up to $800 per couple at select resorts for travel between Nov. 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022, for a total value of up to $1,000 per couple on applicable packages.
Group clients can also save with Instant Group Savings of up to $400 per couple on applicable packages booked by June 1, 2021, for travel from Feb. 1, 2022 onwards.
Plus, for every room booked at participating Dreams properties, agents will be entered for the chance to win a seven-night resort stay at Dreams Bahia Mita or Dreams Puerto Aventuras, or a seven-night resort stay at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana or Secrets Riviera Cancun for every room booked at participating Secrets properties.
Sunwing's agent webinars taking place over the next month will include information on new properties and recent renovations with Dreams Resorts & Spas and Secrets Resorts & Spas.
Clients can also take advantage of flexible booking options, an Early Booking Bonus and complimentary Price Drop Cash Back at select resorts.
TORONTO — Sunwing has extended its temporary suspension of operations until July 29, 2021.
“In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing travel restrictions, Sunwing is extending its temporary suspension of flights until July 29, 2021,” says the company.
“Customers or their travel agents impacted by cancelled flights are being contacted by Sunwing directly to review their options.
“For any questions or concerns about cancelled flights, customers can contact their travel agent or get in touch with the Sunwing Sales Centre at 1-877-786-9464.”
All four of Canada’s major carriers agreed to a request from the federal government in late January 2021 to suspend sun destination flights through April 30.
In the intervening weeks all four airlines have updated their suspension of operation timelines.
Transat, while initially targeting midJune, later adjusted that date to July 29. Sunwing's original target was June 23, now updated to July 29. WestJet is so far sticking to its temporary suspension of operations until June 4. Air Canada had three sun destinations on its schedule in May (Bridgetown, Kingston and Mexico City) but those were primarily for essential workers and cargo.
