22 minute read
How to vacation like a star at Planet Hollywood Cancun
Antigua & Barbuda update entry protocols, welcome back WestJet
TORONTO — Antigua and Barbuda have updated their entry requirements to include both PCR and antigen tests for fully vaccinated visitors.
Visitors who are fully vaccinated can now present either a negative PCR test or an approved rapid antigen test result within three days of their flight or fewer.
Prior to this new update, the destination was requiring all arriving passengers by air to present a negative PCR test result within seven days of their flight.
With the updated protocols, all partially vaccinated passengers will require a negative PCR test taken within four days of their flight or fewer.
Children below the age of 5 years entering Antigua do not require a PCR test.
And all arriving passengers including returning nationals and residents (excluding children 18 years and younger) are required to have received at least one dose of a WHO or Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment (MOHWE) approved 2-dose COVID 19 vaccine.
The wearing of face masks in public spaces is mandatory throughout Antigua and Barbuda and social/physical distancing protocols must be adhered to.
The new protocols come at the same time WestJet resumes flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport. The airline resumed weekly flights Nov. 21, marking the first time it has flown to Antigua & Barbuda since March 2020.
“We are ecstatic that WestJet has decided to resume flights from Toronto to St. John’s Antigua,” said Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez. “Antigua and Barbuda is every bit as warm and beautiful as Canadians remember and we look forward to welcoming our northern friends back once again.”
What it’s like to vacation like a star at Planet Hollywood Cancun
By Gwendoline Duval
COSTA MUJERES — The Riviera Maya has several hundred all-inclusive hotels competing to please vacationers seeking sun, beaches and fun. Despite an already very dense hotel offering in the area, new complexes continue to emerge, some of which feature new concepts that break with tradition.
This is certainly the case with the new Planet Hollywood Cancun. It’s one of more than 20 Blue Diamond Resorts properties now part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection.
Open since January 2021, this is the second Planet Hollywood resort in the south after the 2018 opening of Planet Hollywood Costa Rica. The promise: “Vacation Like a Star!”
We had always wanted to experience the Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts concept. Thanks to Sunwing Travel Group’s Blue Diamond Resorts, we got to do just that at Planet Hollywood Cancun. In fact we had a ‘Hollywood’ style vacation while enjoying one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
The trip was truly an escape, in more ways than one. The federal government had lifted the blanket travel advisory against all non-essential travel just days before our departure. At the resort, bookings are strong and hitting the 80% occupancy threshold as authorized by the State of Quintana Roo under its COVID19 security protocols.
Located in Costa Mujeres, north of Cancun and about 45 minutes from the airport, Planet Hollywood Cancun offers a long sandy beach fronted by the tranquil turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea - and thankfully, no Sargassum algae. Its geographical location in front of the island of Isla Mujeres is a natural barrier that makes it one of the best-protected areas of the Riviera Maya.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE MOVIES
Planet Hollywood Cancun embraces its love of cinema, classic and contemporary, with all sorts of film references - from Marilyn Monroe to Captain Marvel to Romy Schneider - all over the hotel. When we arrived in the family section, there were iconic characters waiting for us, as well as the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse from the ‘Fast and the Furious’ movie franchise. Don’t forget to take your group photo in front of the magnificent stage opposite the entrance.
“We brought Hollywood to Cancun and in over 50 years of tourism in the area, this had not happened. Vacationers always love new experiences, and our concept was unexpected and I believe this is one of the reasons the hotel has been so successful despite the pandemic,” says GM Jonathan Iriarte with pride.
The resort caters to all types of guests looking to experience a Hollywood-influenced stay in a large resort with a plethora of experiences. This is primarily a hotel for families, but adults can also book in the ‘Adult Scene’ section which offers dedicated services and facilities including a swimming pool, a lobby and an à la carte restaurant.
A GIGANTIC SITE
With its large footprint, Planet Hollywood also has the luxury of space, both on the site and in terms of neighbouring resorts. “The hotel is really large, we have 13 restaurants, a large play area for families and one of the best beaches in Cancun with 500 metres of beach reserved for hotel guests. To get from the lobby to the beach, you can even go there by taking the lazy river,” says the GM.
There are 648 rooms in the family section and 380 rooms in the adult section, for a total of 1,028 rooms spread over 200,000+ square metres. Suite categories carry on the Hollywood theme, including The Entourage suite, The Producers suite and The Directors suite. Room décor highlights cinematic themes, with cult phrases from fi lms and movie-themed accessories. Even the bathroom has a real backstage decor with its mirror.
Here’s a tip: if you (or your clients) are ‘STAR Class’ members, don’t hesitate to ask your concierge for the aromatherapy experience in your room. A real plus! Guests can also personalize the soundtrack of their room by contacting reception.
DINING: DOLCE VITA, SAMURAI, BOLLYWOOD AND MORE The dining off er at Planet Hollywood Cancun is vast and diverse, and all 13 restaurants immerse you in a fi lm setting. You can choose the Sutra Indian Restaurant & Hookah Lounge for a Bollywood atmosphere, or dive into a dolce vita decor at the Italian restaurant Gusto Italian Trattoria, or go for Japanese at East Sushi & Teppanyaki Bar with an exhibition gallery of themed costumes - including the Power Rangers!
We fell in love with the Italian restaurant Gusto and the incredible welcome from Mauricio, who will not hesitate to ‘match’ you with a solo (and possibly single) dining companion if you do not want to dine alone. The stars are not forced to eat alone… already several couples to his credit! The Sunset Strip Steakhouse & Grill is another favourite, off ering a real feast and above all excellent quality. For special group events, it’s possible to privatize the 6th Sense restaurant for a gourmet meal with a private chef. Or you can treat yourself to a gourmet meal on the beach, or a mixology class.
Seamless vacations in Mazatlán with Sunwing
TORONTO — Nestled along Mexico’s Pacifi c Coast and known as the Pearl of the Pacifi c, the charming resort town of Mazatlán is home to breathtaking golden-sand shores, historic architecture and plenty of opportunities for both relaxation and adventure. Sunwing is making it easy for vacationers to explore everything that Mazatlán has to off er with free COVID-19 coverage, simplifi ed travel requirements and more fl exibility than ever before.
Requirements Made Easy Sunwing has taken the guesswork out of planning the perfect getaway with its new Travel Requirements page, off ering simplifi ed information on entry requirements, PCR testing and more. Everything that agents and customers need is right at their fi ngertips to provide a seamless planning experience.
Plus, Mexico has been designated one of Sunwing’s Easy Entry Destinations, with no inbound testing requirements or complicated restrictions. Travellers can also look forward to complimentary COVID-19 emergency medical coverage on most all inclusive vacation packages, plus the freedom to change their plans anytime with no fees, up to seven days prior to the departure date.
Discover Mazatlan’s Natural Beauty Mazatlán is more than just a sun and sand destination; its varied landscapes make it the perfect destination for eco-explorers. They can visit the lush jungle at Huana Coa Canopy Park and get a bird’s eye view of the area’s natural beauty as they zipline through the treetops. Vacationers can also head out to Deer Island, one of three islands off the coast, and snorkel through colourful coral reefs that surround the island or head to Stone Island and ride along beautiful trails on horseback. Excursions to all three attractions are available with Sunwing Experiences.
Tour The Historic Old Town
With a fascinating history dating back to the 19th century, Mazatlán’s restored Old Town is a must-see for any visit to Mazatlán. Clients can stroll along the cobblestone streets lined with charming colonial buildings before visiting Plaza Machado to take in live music at the park’s bandstand and sample local fare at the many restaurants that line the plaza. Other popular landmarks in the neighbourhood that travellers will want to add to their itinerary is the Angela Peralta Theatre dating back to the 1800s and the baroque-style Cathedral Basilica de la Inmaculada Conceptión.
Explore The Golden Zone
Just outside the historic city centre is the Golden Zone, home to popular beachfront resorts for every travel style. Vacationers can stroll hand in hand along the Malecón, the city’s famous boardwalk that winds along the coast for more than seven kilometres. The area’s sprawling golden-sand shores are lined with a host of resorts for every travel style, whether customers are planning a romantic retreat or a family-friendly vacation. Sunwing vacation packages to Mazatlán are available from Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Edmonton. For more details, visit sunwing.ca
Couples Sans Souci to undergo $10 million makeover
OCHO RIOS — Couples San Souci, one of four all-inclusive Couples Resorts properties in Jamaica, has been tapped for a US$10 million renovation. The resort will briefly close from May 1 to July 31, 2022 for a top-to-bottom renovation of its suites. It will partially reopen in August 2022, with its full reveal scheduled for Dec. 1, 2022. “Upon completion, all 150 suites will be fully renovated in a style that is fresh and modern, yet retains the classic, old-world glamour that makes Couples Sans Souci so beloved by its guests,” said Abraham Issa, President of Sales & Marketing at Couples Resorts.
Issa added that the company is announcing the renovation well in advance to ensure there is no disruption to the guest experience and provide extensive alternatives and options to accommodate existing guest reservations during the full or partial closure. “It is our first priority to make sure that guests are accommodated according to their preferences, should this temporary closure impact their scheduled stay,” said Issa. “Whether that means offering alternatives at our sister hotels or matching rates for rescheduled dates, along with various credit options, we are working closely with our customers and travel partners to ensure complete guest satisfaction.”
As part of the refresh, new furnishings, fabrics and organic textures will be added, as well as a fresh colour palette of soft neutrals, light wood headboards with cane insets and modern patio seating. Upon the reopening, fully operational and available amenities will include 72 beachfront suites and the majority of public spaces such as the main swimup bar, Beach Bar (Bella Vista), Veggie Bar, Martini Bar and Sunset Beach Bar. Palazzina, Bella Vista Beach Grill, and Sunset Beach will also be open for dining, along with in-room dining. Spa and salon services, the gym and fitness facilities will be available, along with three pools including the Mineral Spa, main pool and Sunset Beach pool.
SEATTLE — Windstar Cruises has added an all-inclusive pricing option for its guests.
Previously the small ship line charged a base cruise fare with options to add alcohol, gratuities, and other onboard services.
Windstar President Christopher Prelog says the move to an all-in pricing option is in line with other offerings in the upscale cruise market. “In an effort to be more in line with other luxury offerings in the cruise industry, particularly with the rollout of our newly transformed all-suite Star Plus Class yachts, we’re now giving the option of an all-inclusive price for all of our sailings,” says Prelog. “We didn’t want to take away the à la carte option from guests who enjoy going that way. We want our guests to have the choice based on their preference, what they need on board, and their general vacation philosophy.”
Windstar’s site and all sales materials have been updated with the all-in pricing option. The base cruise fares are also available. All are listed per person in U.S. dollars based on double occupancy. For Windstar, all-inclusive covers unlimited wine, beer, and cocktails; WiFi; all gratuities; as well as the cruise fare. The new fare is available for the Wind Class yachts as well.
Prelog adds: “We thought about only offering the all-inclusive fare on the newly transformed Star Plus Class yachts. But after talking and listening to our repeat guests and valued travel advisors, we found some like to go à la carte and only purchase amenities as they go. After discussing internally, we all came to the same conclusion – why not offer both on all our yachts? We offer a choice between sailing yachts and all-suite yachts, and now a la carte or all-inclusive. That seems to fit the Windstar brand.”
Windstar’s Beyond Ordinary Care health and safety plan requires guests and crew to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Starting Jan. 1, the line’s policies include a free COVID-19 antigen test at the pier for embarking guests. Passengers may also choose to purchase antigen (US$69) or PCR tests (US$135) in advance of their cruise or on board to take prior to departure from the yacht to comply with CDC policies currently requiring negative tests prior to flying into the U.S. Any additional testing required by specific ports during the cruise may be purchased on board.
Intrepid launches largest-ever collection of U.S. trips
TORONTO — Intrepid Travel has unveiled its biggest USA program ever in its 30-year history.
At 38 new trips, the collection marks the company’s most robust offering in the U.S., with each itinerary featuring must-see attractions and more curated offerings for guests. Departures start in 2022.
The launch of these new trips brings Intrepid’s total portfolio in the United States to 57 tours, together covering 28 states and Washington D.C.
“We’ve thought for a long time about the unique role Intrepid can play in the United States,” said James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel. “We felt compelled to not only offer sustainable and unique travel experiences for both domestic and international travellers, but to also ensure we use the power of tourism as a force for good.
“We created these itineraries to showcase the U.S. through a more authentic and diverse lens. While they will offer travellers the chance to see the country’s most iconic sites and cities, they also celebrate the lesser-known places, communities and highlights that make up the rich fabric of America.” New trips include South Dakota to Montana Parks Explorer (6 days, from $2,905 per person); Portland to San Francisco Discovery (6 days, from. $3,025 per person); Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans (6 days, from $3,470 per person); and Georgia History Trail to Nashville (7 days, from $3,335 per person). According to Thornton, the U.S. will play a big part in Intrepid’s future growth as a company. To increase its capacity and incorporate the highest sustainable and responsible measures, the company has built and launched its own dedicated American operations hub this year, which allows it to build more meaningful and impactful relationships with its suppliers.
Celebrity Cruises cuts steel on fourth Edge Series ship, Celebrity Ascent
SAINT-NAZAIRE — Celebrity Cruises recently celebrated the steel cutting ceremony for its fourth Edge Series ship, Celebrity Ascent.
The ceremony took place earlier this month at the Chantiers de L’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
The traditional shipbuilding moment went beyond its traditional meaning to represent the resilience and recovery of the cruise and travel industry, and consumer confidence.
As company executives signed the ceremonial first cut of steel for the fourth ship in the award-winning Edge Series at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, the cruise line that took consumers to the ‘Edge’ and ‘Apex’ of luxury travel, and will soon show consumers ‘Beyond’ what anyone thought possible for a cruise ship, revealed it will climb even higher with the beginning of construction on Celebrity Ascent.
The ceremony signalled the next chapter in a remarkable year for Celebrity Cruises as it led the cruising industry out of the pandemic with Celebrity Edge, the first ship to sail from a U.S. port on June 26, 2021.
Celebrity Cruises also formally launched the second Edge Series ship, Celebrity Apex, in an emotional naming ceremony on Nov. 2, 2021; and shared more details throughout the year on the series’ third ship due in late April, 2022, the highly-anticipated Celebrity Beyond.
“The name of this new ship is very apropos as the industry rebounds, but also as Celebrity continues to lead the industry as an unmatched new-luxury brand and cruise line,” said Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Celebrity Cruises.
“Celebrity Ascent will take the industry to new heights as it pushes the boundaries of what people can experience on a ship and how they experience it,” added Fain.
“What another wonderful moment for our brand, our company and our industry to be in this incredible shipyard making the traditional first cut of steel on this magnificent ship and signaling the bright future that lies ahead,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “While I wish I could share what we have in store for this ship, I can tell you our ‘Ascent’ will be Celebrity Beyond’s sister ship in every way, and then some.”
Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique called the event a momentous occasion, “and a new milestone in the long success story we have with Celebrity Cruises and the Royal Caribbean Group. Celebrity has been on the forefront of pushing the industry forward on multiple levels, and it’s our privilege to partner and collaborate with them as we bring Celebrity Ascent to life.”
Celebrity Ascent is expected to make her debut in early 2023.
Caribbean Travel Marketplace inperson for 2022
MIAMI — The 2022 edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) will be in-person for 2022.
Organizers from the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) say the in-person event will build on the success of the virtual CTM held earlier this year.
Next year marks the CTM’s 40th anniversary - and the CHTA’s 60th anniversary.
The 2022 edition will likely be in the spring (e.g. late April or early May 2022), said CTM chairman Karen Whitt at CHTA’s recent AGM. There’s no word yet on the location. Whitt is also an executive committee member of CHTA and VP Marketing and Brand Development for the Hartling Group in Turks and Caicos. Says Whitt: “CTM’s success in 2021 enabled CHTA to expand and reach well beyond our traditional North American and Canadian buyers” and allowed the CHTA to “reach out into Europe and other areas where we haven’t really been successful in the past … so we will be building on that momentum.”
The 2021 virtual edition hosted 6,000+ meetings over three days, between suppliers representing more than 150 Caribbean hotels and tourism-related businesses, and buyers from 20 countries, including Canada.
CHTA is setting up focus groups with CHTA members, the association’s executive committee, and tourism buyers to determine the form and function of the next conference and to ensure the broadest benefits for all attendees, in preparation for CTM 40.
Organizers say they’re also reviewing the diversity of offerings, with an eye to widening the range, as well as including the travel agent community, and attracting more small properties to join the traditional CTM mix of boutiques and big brands.
Next year marks the CTM’s 40th anniversary - and the CHTA’s 60th anniversary. Agents earn 13% with BodyHoliday and Rendezvous
TORONTO — BodyHoliday and Rendezvous, part of SunSwept Resorts, have upped its commission offering to 13% in support of travel agents. The offer, which is available when advisors book direct at both properties, follows the launch last month of SunSwept’s pre-arrival personalization tool, which allows agents to log in on behalf of clients before their stay to personalize the guest experience. The company has also invested in its connectivity channels, now available via GDS for ease of booking.
“Personalization of holidays is increasingly key and travel advisors play a key role in this,” said Rebecca Platt, Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing at SunSwept Resorts. “We value all of our distribution channels, from travel advisors, tour operators and other partners, and this increase in commission is part of a global strategy to support the travel advisor community and place us in line with industry incentives.” In addition, SunSwept Resorts’ Travel with Confidence Policy allows guests to receive a full refund or credit note if: travel needs to be cancelled or postponed due to a positive PCR test within five days prior to travel; the country of origin is place on lockdown, prohibiting travel; or any other government mandate prohibits travel.
First round of winners for JNTO’s specialist program
TORONTO — The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has announced the first round of winners in its gift card giveaway.
The JNTO launched the travel agent incentive last month as part of its Japan Travel Specialist Online Certification Program.
Agents are invited to deepen their knowledge of Japan and qualify to win a $100 gift card.
The program was created and designed specifically for travel agents, and is available in two levels: Japan Travel Advisor and Japan Travel Specialist. Courses are available in both English and French.
Agents who complete both courses in full will be entered to win a $100 gift card. Gift cards will be awarded each month until the end of February 2022. Participating agents will also receive an exclusive certificate and priority invitation to Japan tourism events and seminars.
All eight winners for October 2021 won a $100 Amazon e-gift card: Caroline Racine (Vasco beauport et la Côte); Ismael Tan (Centre Holidays); Ricky Poon (One Dream Travel); Jivek Narang; Mirissa Jackson (Riding with Rissa Travels); Vincent Bolduc (Espace Select); Denise Lambert (SolSya); and Danielle Desy (Voyages Terre & Monde). For more details or to register for the program see japantravelspecialist.ca.
Flair heading for Cancun, Los Cabos and Hollywood
EDMONTON — Flair Airlines is going international with new flights to Mexico from Vancouver, Abbotsford, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Kitchener-Waterloo starting Feb. 1, 2022.
The ultra low-cost carrier has been on an expansion track in recent years, adding U.S. flights in 2018. In July 2021 Flair announced it was heading back to the U.S. with six destinations (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando-Sanford, Phoenix-Mesa, Hollywood-Burbank, Palm Springs and Las Vegas). Now the ULCC is gearing up for Mexico, with nonstop, low-fare flights to Cancun and Los Cabos. Flair’s nonstop flights to Mexico will start Feb. 1, to Los Cabos from Vancouver, with departures Tuesdays and Saturdays. The airline will also offer nonstop flights to Los Cabos from Abbotsford and Edmonton on Wednesdays and Saturdays. To Cancun, Flair’s nonstop flights will operate Wednesdays and Saturdays from Ottawa and Wednesdays and Sundays from Kitchener-Waterloo. Flair Airlines is also now offering service to Los Angeles / Burbank, into Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). The inaugural flight took off Nov. 21 from Vancouver. Flair plans to add Los Angeles / Burbank flights from Edmonton as well, starting Dec. 16.
Sheraton Gateway shows off its new look as $30 million reno nears completion
TORONTO — The Sheraton Gateway in Toronto International Airport is showing off its new look as it heads into the last stages of its $30 million makeover.
The 484-room property - the only hotel directly connected to Toronto Pearson Airport - has been a mainstay since 1991. After 30 years, and hundreds of thousands of guests, it was time for a refresh, say hotel execs. The property was purchased in November 2019 by Knightstone Capital Management. Jennifer Kazlauskis, Sheraton Gate-
The lobby at the Sheraton Gateway
way’s Director of Sales & Marketing, says the hotel’s transformation “is nothing short of a metamorphosis.” She adds: “Our loyal guests who’ve recently returned are blown away. You can see it on their faces as they walk in. They can’t believe they’ve stepped across the terminal and into the same hotel. The difference is night and day.” The Sheraton Gateway’s lobby has been re-imagined as a holistic, wide open space, well-lit lobby and with high ceilings and ample room for social distancing. Meanwhile the light-filled guest rooms - all still featuring coveted floorto-ceiling windows with city or runway views - have nearly 400 square feet of space and platform beds (1 King or 2 Queens, 55” TVs, a height adjustable table that transitions to a standing desk, and a bench running beneath the TV for additional seating and storage. The Sheraton Club Lounge, open 24/7, is an exclusive space for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members and Sheraton Club level guests offering updated food and beverage offerings, access to complimentary amenities, enhanced connectivity, all in an upgraded private environment conveniently located off of the lobby. For dining, Sheraton Gateway’s &More is billed as part cocktail bar, part coffee bar serving favourite Starbucks drinks, part grab-and-go market.
The hotel also has more than 18,000 square feet of flexible, updated meeting spaces, a fully-equipped fitness centre, indoor heated swimming pool and whirlpool. There’s also a dedicated Peloton studio in the works that will house a pair of bikes available to guests 24/7. Sheraton Hotels are following Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean protocols, created in partnership with leading experts in food and water safety, hygiene and infection prevention, and hotel operations. These protocols include mandated mask wearing for all associates within the hotel, and the use of disinfectants recommended by the CDC in the country/region where the hotel operates and the WHO to sanitize surfaces in the hotels.
The hotel is now welcoming guests to experience its renovated rooms and common areas. Rates start at $229. “Our new home reflects our shared values for community and connection and prioritizes cleanliness and convenience without sacrificing style,” says Sheraton Gateway’s GM, Douglas Brennan. “And while it seems like everything has changed, our exemplary service remains. For three decades, guest reviews consistently called out the attentive service they received here. As we mark this milestone, we’re more ready than ever to carry on that tradition as we help guests navigate the new realities of travel.”
