Travelweek - November 4th, 2021

Canada’s Travel Trade News November 4, 2021 travelweek.ca

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Canada’s Travel Trade News November 4, 2021 travelweek.ca

Get onboard with Hawaii Hawaii reps say inventory is booking up quickly: pg. 6 "Plan ahead, plan ahead, plan ahead"

Travel trends, pricing forecasts and more as bookings ramp up

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JAPEX postponed to early 2022 but demand for the island is strong More airports get ready for int'l flights, just in time for winter sun getaways

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TOP NEWS

What now? Travel trends, traveller must-haves (flexibility is still #1) and pricing forecasts as bookings ramp up in earnest

By Kathryn Folliott TORONTO — They’re fine with masks.

They’ve uploaded their vaccine passports. They might even be okay with the PCR test costs (for now at least).

They’re Canada’s travellers, and after a year and a half with no trips, they just want a getaway already.

Even before the federal government lifted the blanket travel advisory two weeks ago, Canadian consumers were looking at travel in a much more positive light, according to stats from Expedia Group.

Leading up to the fall months, searches for international destinations from London to Las Vegas were already trending up, according to Expedia Group Canadian search data. The search data was mined from Expedia’s B2C consumer-facing sites. Expedia TAAP is the company’s B2B offering for travel advisors.

Expedia Group data also shows that airfare prices are trending down as more capacity becomes available.

While airfares booked by Canadian travellers for the first half of 2021 showed a return to pre-pandemic levels, Q3 is tracking lower than pre-pandemic levels (and significantly lower than mid-pandemic, 2020 levels). Airfare pricing levels have been dropping steadily and it looks as though Q4 2021 prices are beginning to balance out, says the group.

And while economy flight pricing is leveling out from previous highs, premium flight pricing didn’t rebound as quickly, says Expedia. That’s no doubt due in large part to corporate travel’s slow recovery: “In 2021, premium tickets were 193% more expensive than economy tickets compared with 2020 where they were 246% more expensive and 2019, at 260% more expensive. So, for travellers hunting for a good deal, 2021 is the year for premium air travel.”

In addition to Canada-specific data, Expedia Group also compiled a Traveller Value Index based on data from some 8,000 respondents in eight major markets - Canada, plus the U.S., the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico and Australia.

According to that research, travel

is now a top priority for many as the world comes out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Just how much? More than a third of those polled said they would trade a pay raise for more vacation days. And more than seven out of 10 respondents said they plan to take a trip in the next 12 months.

More than a third of those polled said they would trade a pay raise for more vacation days.

And more than seven out of 10 respondents said they plan to take a trip in the next 12 months.

Key drivers as travellers reprioritize travel are new experiences (56%), physical and mental wellness (48%) and learning about other cultures and communities (51%).

Picking up on the bucket list trend, as travellers dream of splashing out on trips and exploring new destinations after months and months of travel restrictions, Expedia’s data shows that

three-quarters of travellers say they’re likely to opt for a destination they’ve never been to before. More than a fifth (22%) say they’re seeking “once-in-a-lifetime experiences” for their next getaway.

Above all else, what are travellers prioritizing most these days? Experiences are key, and so is price, but what really unites all travellers is their need for flexible booking conditions, says Expedia.

While results for the Traveller Value Index questions varied from country to country, booking flexibility was the one area where respondents were remarkably consistent, says Expedia. That, and safe COVID-19 protocols: “Across travel segments - hotels, vacation rentals, air, car rentals, and cruise - travellers now value full refunds or enhanced cleaning above all other considerations. This is a significant shift from the conventional wisdom that price drives purchasing behavior. The shift in value from price to flexibility and cleanliness is consistent across the surveyed markets, reflecting the global scope of the pandemic and the universal need to restore stability after the time of vast uncertainty.”

Isolating the responses from Canadian travellers from the other seven nationalities in the Traveller Value Index, 27% of Canadian respondents specified full refund options as key to their booking experience these days. Some 20% said November 4, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 3

TOP NEWS enhanced cleaning protocols were the top priority.

Expedia Group offered three takeaways for anyone selling travel right now: “One, highlight commitments to social values in your marketing. Two, clearly communicate cancellation policies and cleanliness measures to ease anxieties.

Three, offer a range of prices and options to meet the desire for new experiences.”

JAPEX postponed until early 2022 but demand for Jamaica remains strong Ocho Rios, Jamaica

CORPORATE TRAVEL’S SLOW BUT STEADY COMEBACK While leisure travel is ramping up, up, up, corporate travel is tracking a slow but sure path back to recovery too, says the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Worldwide business travel spending looks set to rise by more than a quarter this year and reach two thirds of pre-pandemic levels by 2022, according to the WTTC. In a new report, the WTTC predicts business travel spend to rise 26% worldwide in 2021, and 34% in 2022.

WTTC notes that this comes in the wake of a 61% collapse in business travel spend in 2020, following the imposition of extensive travel restrictions with considerable regional differences in the bounce back around the world.

In the Americas business travel spend is expected to rise by 14% this year, and by 35% in 2022.

While corporate travel is dwarfed by leisure travel in terms of traffic, it punches above its weigh in dollars. The WTTC notes that while business travel represented only 21.4% of global travel in 2019, it was responsible for the highest spending in many destinations.

The WTTC’s report also details the unprecedented losses to the travel and tourism industry from the pandemic.

The hit to the sector totalled almost US$4.5 trillion, and more than 62 million people lost their jobs. Domestic visitor spending dropped by 45%. International visitor spending was down 69%.

Got a story idea? Questions or comments? Write to us at editorial@travelweek.ca

TRAVELWEEK

TORONTO — The 2021 edition of JAPEX, originally scheduled for Nov. 8 - 10, 2021, has been postponed until early 2022.

Hosted annually by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) in association with the Jamaica Tourist Board ((JTB), the JAPEX tourism industry trade show was planned as a hybrid in-person/virtual event for 2021.

Commenting on the decision to postpone until early 2022, JHTA President, Clifton Reader, says the event “is expected to benefit from the opening up of global borders and the uptick in overseas travel after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our overseas partners in the travel trade - tour operators, travel agents, travel media - are all geared up to resume negotiations with our Jamaican suppliers in the hospitality and tourism sector and we look forward to extending our world-renowned hospitality and hosting them in the style to which they have been accustomed, here in Jamaica,” he added.

Donovan White, the JTB’s Director of Tourism, notes that, “JAPEX has traditionally been an in-person event, however, the global pandemic had moved us to change its structure to a hybrid event. However, it is our hope that by

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delaying the event, we may be able to generate robust in-person attendance for JAPEX when it takes place early next year.”

White continued: “Demand for Jamaica’s tourism product remains strong, and we are confident that our world-class Jamaica CARES health and safety protocols, including our Resilient Corridors, will ensure yet another successful event in the near future.”

Jamaica remains open for travel and continues to welcome visitors safely.

Its health and safety protocols were among the first to receive the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels recognition that allowed the destination to safely reopen to travel in June 2020. The island has also recently announced new cruise developments and ninety percent of planned tourist investments remaining on track.

As White noted earlier this fall, in an interview with Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, and the JTB’s Regional Director of Tourism - Canada, Angella Bennett, forward bookings from Canada are rapidly ticking up and are now at 65% of 2019 levels.

More information on Jamaica’s COVID-19 protocols and more can be found at visitjamaica.com.

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4 | TRAVELWEEK | November 4, 2021

TOP NEWS

“Plan ahead, plan ahead, plan ahead”: Hawaii prepares for winter travel season

By Cindy Sosroutomo TORONTO — How do you practice ‘Mālama’ in Hawaii? Easy, you simply take care of each other, the community, the environment and yourselves.

The age-old concept, meaning ‘to take care of,’ has never been more relevant, with the global pandemic resulting in unprecedented strain on the island’s people and resources.

But with the situation vastly improving in recent weeks – the seven-day average of COVID-19 cases in Hawaii is down from 910 on Sept. 2, 2021 to just 130 on Oct. 27, 2021, a direct result of Governor David Ige’s recent plea to all residents and visitors to delay non-essential travel until after the end of October – the destination is ready to once again welcome Canadians to its shores.

To kick off the unofficial start of the winter travel season, Hawaii Tourism Canada recently hosted its annual Aloha Canada event, held virtually for the second year in a row, with 692 registered travel agents and over 15 suppliers, destinations and cultural partners in attendance.

Calling it a marquee event, Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā tells Travelweek that the Aloha Canada mission is one of the organization’s key touchpoints with the Canadian travel trade.

“Canada is the second largest international market for the Hawaiian Islands and has a longstanding relationship with Hawaii, so Canadian travel agents are very important to us,” she says. “We see them as an extension to us in Canada and we rely on them to educate their clients about our regenerative tourism efforts and how to travel safely and responsibly throughout the Hawaiian Islands.”

With the U.S. set to reopen its borders to fully vaccinated travellers on Nov. 8, and with Hawaii’s Safe Travels pre-testing program still in place, the destination is anticipating healthy visitor numbers from Canada this winter.

The current DBEDT (Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism) forecast as of Q3 is 112,824 Canadian arrivals. In 2019, prior to the pandemic, a total of 540,103 Canadians visited the Hawaiian Islands.

“Moving forward, we are optimistic 6 | TRAVELWEEK | November 4, 2021

due to the positive signs of travel demand and are keen to see the return of Canadians to Hawaii,” adds Ka‘anā‘anā.

The Safe Travels pre-testing program applies to all passengers five years old and over, regardless of vaccination status and also includes a mandatory 10-day quarantine. Travellers from Canada may bypass the quarantine if they show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result from a lab identified by Air Canada or WestJet prior to departure.

All travellers are also required to complete a travel and health form found on

“Canada is the secondlargest international market for the Hawaiian Islands ... so Canadian travel agents are very important to us.” the Safe Travels Digital Platform.

Travelweek chatted with island representatives from Kaua’i, Oahu, Island of Hawaii and Maui who took part in the virtual event to discuss everything from current capacity and health and safety, to the important of planning ahead and pre-booking.

SLOW & STEADY When asked if they’re anticipating a huge influx of visitors come Nov. 8, the island chapters said a slow and steady return to tourism was more likely – and that’s perfectly fine with them.

“I don’t think we’re ready for a big avalanche of visitors, we’re going to get it kind of piecemeal and that’s okay,” said Randy Parker, Director of Sales for the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau. “It gives us a chance to re-tweak, to grow. You have to remember that a lot of outlets and venues are not fully staffed, with some still operating on skeleton crews, and a lot of large venues are operating at maybe 50% or 70% and that’s exactly where they need to be right now. So we certainly don’t want more people than what we can handle.”

Deanna Isbister, Director of Sales, Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau, stressed the importance of booking ahead while suppliers slowly build up their operations.

“When you look at their schedules last month, they may have operated two times a week, Now, they’re maybe up to four times a week,” she said. “So I think it’s important that everybody try and plan in advance as much as they can and book their favourite activities ahead of time.”

TOP NEWS HOTELS & CAR RENTALS Hawaii’s rental car fleet decreased by more than 40% during the pandemic, which in addition to an increase in travel, has now led to a rental car shortage in the destination. But according to Parker, rental car companies are slowly and steadily increasing their inventory.

“There was a point when they had extremely limited resources and those resources were being rented immediately, but now it’s slowly being less of an issue,” said Parker. ‘Are they at 100%?

No. But are they growing? Absolutely.

They committed to us that they’re going to be back in shape for the season, which is right around the corner.”

As for hotel capacity, Karishma Chowfin, Director of Sales, Oahu Visitors Bureau, noted that many hotels have limited inventory, whether due to closing towers or shutting down entire floors to ensure social distancing and better manage the flow of people.

“It’s important to know that here on Oahu, we still do have capacity restrictions, not just for hotels but also our restaurants, museums and attractions,” said Chowfin. “There may be 100 seats now but only 50 available, and those 50 are booking out. So make those reservations in advance.”

WHAT’S NEW & REOPENING Hawaii is slowly but surely returning to some sense of normalcy, with live events and attractions making a comeback.

The Made in Hawaii Festival, the state’s largest festival showcasing Hawaii-made products, will be making its

highly anticipated return on Nov. 1113 in Honolulu after going virtual last year. Set to take place in the open air, the festival will feature over 200 exhibitors selling everything from art and jewelry, to clothing and delicious food.

Also notable is the return of weekly and monthly farmers markets, which according to Maile Brown, Director of Marketing, Kaua’i Visitors Bureau, are back better than ever.

Hawaii reps are encouraging agents to pre-book hotels, car rentals and attractions as soon as travel dates are set, to ensure availability and best possible rates.

“People have been working together to get their stuff out, and I believe there’s a market nearly every single day of the week here that people can experience,” she said. “It goes back to the idea of Mālama because it’s all about interacting and supporting our community.”

Maui’s First Friday series, town parties that take place on the first Friday of each month, was cancelled due to the pandemic. However, according to Parker, city officials in Maui are considering resuming the popular series. “Nothing

Clockwise from top left: Samantha Carreira, Account Manager, Hawaii Tourism Canada Office; Cindy Sosroutomo, Deputy Editor, Travelweek; Randy Parker, Director of Sales, Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau; Karishma Chowfin, Director of Sales, Oahu Visitors Bureau; Deanna Isbister, Director of Sales, Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau; and Maile Brown, Director of Marketing, Kaua'i Visitors Bureau

has been committed to yet but they’re moving in that direction,” he said.

And on the Island of Hawaii, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, known for being one of the oldest food festivals in Hawaii, is set to take place from Nov. 4-7 as a hybrid event, featuring both live and virtual elements. In-person events include farm tours, artist demonstrations, art exhibitions, music performances, a talent night, art strolls and a half marathon.

THE ONE THING AGENTS SHOULD REMEMBER All island representatives had the same message to travel agents heading into the winter season: book early.

Noting that it’s not simply a capacity issue but also a staffing one, Brown encourages agents to pre-book hotels, car rentals and attractions as soon as travel dates are set to ensure availability and best possible rates.

“I know there are several places on all of our islands that require reservations. Places in Kaua’i like the Kalalau Trail, the Hanakapi’ai Trail and Ke’e Beach – if you don’t have an advance paid reservation, you’re not getting in. They release slots 30 days out and they sell out so it’s super important to research those places that are now requiring reservations.”

And over on Oahu, Chowfin also noted that the Pearl Harbour National Memorial, the island’s #1 attraction, no longer has a walk-up window to purchase same-day tickets to the Arizona Memorial. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time at recreation.gov.

“Plan ahead, plan ahead, plan ahead,” said Chowfin. “Making those reservations is so important. And equally important is to be mindful of others if you need to cancel that reservation, to give somebody else the chance to dine at that restaurant or participate in an activity. It all comes back to the idea of Mālama and taking care of one another.”

As part of Oahu’s Safe Access program, customers must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering restaurants, bars and more. For more details go to https:// www.oneoahu.org/safe-access-oahu/ #patrons. For more information about Hawaii’s entry requirements and safety protocolsgotohttps://hawaiicovid19.com/ travel/travel-overview/.

November 4, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 7

WORLD NEWS

AIRLINES Air Canada reported a Q3 loss of $640 million, however its operating revenue nearly tripled compared with a year ago as the airline ramped up capacity in the wake of COVID-19.

Revenue totalled $2.10 billion, up from $757 million in the same quarter last year. Air Canada increased its capacity in the quarter as measured by available seat miles by 87% compared with Q3 2020. It was down 66% compared with Q3 2019. Air Canada plans to increase its fourth-quarter capacity by about 135% compared with the same quarter in 2020.

Costa Rica has updated its COVID-19 safety protocols.

Effective Jan. 8, 2022, all commercial establishments in Costa Rica will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination in an effort to protect the country’s locals and visitors. Proof of vaccination must be verified by means of a QR code or a ‘COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card,’ and will apply to all individuals aged 12 and older. Commercial establishments include hotels and resorts, restaurants and bars, adventure tourism services, casinos, stores, museums and more.

O2 Beach Club & Spa

DESTINATIONS Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) has appointed Jens Thraenhart as its new CEO. A tourism veteran of 26 years, Thraenhart beat out 178 candidates from the around the world for the role. As a German-Canadian tourism practitioner, he is well versed in global tourism strategy and execution, having worked for the Canadian Tourism Commission (now Destination Canada) and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (now part of Accor). He most recently served as Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, during which he created the private-sector tourism board, Destination Mekong. Thraenhart is also an expert in China outbound tourism, plus he served as second Vice Chair of the Affiliate Members Board of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Grenada

Canadians have made their way back to sunny Grenada, thanks to Air Canada. Flight 1066 touched down at Maurice Bishop International Airport on Oct. 31, marking the return of air service from Canada for the first time in a year. Air Canada’s service from Toronto runs twice weekly on Sundays and Wednesdays onboard B737 Max 8s. “Canadians are eager to travel and we anticipate that there will be a surge in international trips during the winter period, particularly to warm weather destinations,” said Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) CEO Petra Roach, adding that in 2019 the island welcomed 17,911 Canadians. “We therefore need to be visible in the marketplace to take advantage of this pentup demand and position Grenada as the ideal destination for Canadians seeking an escape from frigid temperatures to holiday.”

8 | TRAVELWEEK | November 4, 2021

HOTELS & RESORTS The all-inclusive O2 Beach Club & Spa, formerly the Ocean Two Resort & Residences, has debuted in St Lawrence Gap in Barbados with 42 new oceanview and oceanfront suites, for a total of 130 rooms and suites. Amenities include three pools, including one of the only rooftop pools in Barbados, six dining experiences, seven bars with the new Brisa rooftop lounge, and the full-service Acqua spa featuring the only hammam treatments on the island. Fully vaccinated travellers heading to the island are required to present proof of a COVID-19 standard PCR test taken three days prior to arrival.

RAIL In line with the federal government’s vaccination mandate for employees and travellers in the air and rail sectors, VIA Rail Canada has unveiled its new policy, requiring everyone 12 years of age and older onboard its trains to show proof of vaccination. Passengers have until Nov. 30 to show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel time, in lieu of proof of vaccination, during a one-month transition period. After Nov. 30, all passengers must be fully vaccinated in order to board VIA’s trains. “Protecting the health and safety of our people, our passengers and the public is more than just a main priority, it is a core value deeply rooted in VIA Rail’s culture and a responsibility that we all share,” says President and CEO Cynthia Garneau.

NEWS Transport Minister Omar Alghabra

Eight more Canadian airports get the green light for int’l flights effective Nov. 30 WATERLOO — Eight more Canadian airports have been given the green light to reopen for international flights, effective Nov. 30, 2021.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra made the announcement at a media briefing at Waterloo International Airport.

Waterloo Airport is one of the eight, along with the major airports in St. John’s, Hamilton, Regina, Saskatoon, Kelowna, Abbotsford and Victoria.

The move means more Canadian travellers - and their travel agents - will be able to book convenient sun destination flights this winter.

“I’m pleased that increased vaccination levels have allowed us to reopen these additional Canadian airports to international passenger flights,” said Minister Alghabra. “This move will help ensure travellers are able to access more regional airports for their international travels this winter while continuing to support our government’s measured approach to reopening our borders.”

He noted that just over 30 airports across Canada normally have international flights. “We’re now up to 18 that have reopened to receiving international flights, and there’s still more to go … I’m not able to [provide] a date but we’ll certainly want to reopen them as quickly as possible, but also as prudently as possible.”

On Oct. 21 the federal government dropped the blanket travel advisory, the last of the major restrictions hindering travel's restart in the wake of COVID-19. Meanwhile Canada's new rules requiring full vaccination for anyone over the age of 12 boarding a plane or train in Canada came into effect Oct. 30.

Minister Alghabra thanked Canadians for getting their COVID-19 vaccinations, and said vaccination is not only the best protection against COVID-19, it's also crucial to preventing a return to travel restrictions. "We don't want to ever go back to those days," he said.

“Incredibly caring and genuine”: Industry mourns loss of Canada 3000’s Angus Kinnear TORONTO — When former employees, partners and subsidiaries of Canada 3000 gather in Toronto on Nov. 9 for their 20-year reunion, they will be without one of the driving forces behind the airline’s founding and success.

Canada 3000’s President and co-founder Angus Kinnear passed away on Oct. 28, 2021.

Angela Saclamacis, who got her start in the travel industry as Canada 3000’s Manager, Operations Support in 1991, and four years later was named Manager, Corporate Communications, said the upcoming reunions “will now be dedicated in his honour.”

Saclamacis is helping to organize the Canada 3000 reunions, in Toronto and Vancouver. The Toronto event is scheduled to run 7 – 11 p.m. at Dave & Buster’s, located at 2021 Winston Park Drive, Unit E, Oakville, ON. From its early days as a fledgling charter carrier in 1988, Canada 3000 expanded over the years to offer scheduled service to more than 90 destinations around the world. Few names were associated with the airline more than Kinnear’s. Ten years after the company got its start, Kinnear was recognized with the Tony Jannus Award for his work in aviation and the airline industry.

“For me, Canada 3000’s leadership was the key differentiator in the various roles I had throughout my career,” says Saclamacis.

“Our president Angus Kinnear was incredibly caring, genuine and believed in his team to do the right thing,” she added. “He was an exceptional leader, someone who we all loved working for.

He was also very private and wouldn’t have wanted any attention on his passing. But at our 20th anniversary reunion, we will be raising a glass to the legacy of the C3 family that he created.”

Aer Lingus to operate 90% of 2019 capacity next summer, includes Toronto nonstop TORONTO — “Ambitious” is how Aer Lingus would describe its summer 2022 schedule, which comprises 16 transatlantic routes including Toronto.

In total, the airline will be back operating 90% of its 2019 capacity by mid-summer, including 71 routes and 62 destinations, a “strong” schedule that will build up capacity from an already promising Christmas schedule, currently on sale.

According to Aer Lingus’ most recent consumer survey conducted in September, 65% of adults in Ireland are planning to travel internationally in 2022, whether to reconnect with family and friends, conduct business in-person or simply to enjoy a relaxing holiday abroad.

Reid Moody, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, said that the summer November 4, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 9

NEWS schedule reflects the airline’s goal to rebuild to pre-pandemic levels.

“This is an ambitious schedule for Summer 2022 and an important step for the airline and the country as we reconnect Ireland to the world,” said Moody. “We know from our customer research that Irish people are very keen to get back to flying and we certainly are looking forward to welcoming them onboard again.”

Moody added that month by month, the airline is seeing more people taking to the skies again.

“We’re confident that the demand is there for travel next year,” he said.

Anticipating strong customer demand for travel to/from North America following 18 months of travel restrictions, direct flights will be available to Toronto along with New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, Seattle and Philadelphia, with prices starting at €169 each way, including taxes and charges. Aer Lingus will re-introduce flights from Shannon in March to JFK and Boston with 14 flights per week to the U.S. Aer Lingus will also ramp up shorthaul capacity between now and summer 2022, flying at least 50 short-haul routes next summer, 41 routes from Dublin (with more to be added in the coming weeks) and a further seven from Cork.

On Aer Lingus’ extensive new schedule for summer 2022, Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, called it “excellent news” and a “significant milestone on the road to recovery” for Ireland’s tourism sector.

“As we restart tourism to Ireland from overseas after what has been a devastating time, this announcement of the restoration of many Aer Lingus routes is very much a vote of confidence in the future of our industry,” he said. “As an island, the importance of convenience, direct, nonstop flights cannot be overstated, so these flights will be absolutely critical to delivery recovery in inbound tourism.”

Gibbons added that the restoration of connectivity from Canada is particularly welcome.

“Our message – and that of the entire Irish tourism industry – is very simple: we cannot wait to roll out the green carpet and welcome back visitors from around the world. Together with our industry partners, including Aer Lingus, we will undertake our most extensive marketing campaign ever in 2022.”

10 | TRAVELWEEK | November 4, 2021

From l-r: Travel agent Lorraine Simpson, ACTA's Wendy Paradis, Canadian Snowbird Association's Michael MacKenzie, and CanAge's Jana Ray

“Remove unnecessary barriers” including PCR test, especially onerous for older Canadians, says Roundtable TORONTO — Remove Canada’s pre-departure testing requirement and remove it now, was the clear takeaway message from a recent press conference hosted by members of the Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable.

Held at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York, the media briefing featured representatives from ACTA, the Canadian Snowbird Association and CanAge, a national seniors advocacy organization, all of whom highlighted the significant impact that the testing requirement continues to have on the Canadian travel industry and Canadian travellers, particularly seniors.

Currently, all travellers five years of age or older, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, must show proof of a COVID-19 negative molecular test result taken within 72 hours of their departure to enter Canada, or proof of a previous positive test result taken between 14 and 180 days. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.

“Seniors are ready to escape the Canadian winter for a time and families are planning their next vacation,” said Wendy Paradis, ACTA President. “Unfortunately, the closer travellers get to their departure or paying their final payment for their trip, they are often cancelling or rescheduling. The reason? Confusion about the border, ever-evolving rules, testing and an overall feeling of un-

certainty are keeping people at home.

These feelings of uncertainty and confusion are very common amongst our senior clients.”

Paradis noted that even with the recent lifting of Canada’s non-essential travel advisory, Canadian travellers who are fully vaccinated are still faced with the costly expense of a pre-departure PCR test, which can run around $200 per person.

“This government policy was intended to be temporary and is counter to

“Confusion about the border, ever-evolving rules, testing ... these feelings of uncertainty are very common amongst our senior clients and are keeping people home.” the recommendations by the federal government’s COVID-19 testing and screening expert advisory panel report, which was reported in May of this year,” she said. Paradis also noted that many countries including France, Germany, Portugal and the United Kingdom have already removed their own pre-departure and arrival testing policies for fully vaccinated travellers.

“Many Canadian seniors want to start heading south for milder weather, and many of their children and grandchildren go and visit them at the holidays or during March Break. Unfortunately, this year many families will not be able to do this, not because of COVID-19 but rather because of the high cost of bur-

NEWS densome government policy, which is not based on science or evidence,” said Paradis. “We’re asking the federal government to follow the advice of their own expert panel of doctors and scientists, and to look at what is happening around the world, particularly the G7 and G20 countries.”

Tourism Australia relaunches Aussie Specialist Program

“TRAVEL IS BECOMING COST PROHIBITIVE FOR OUR MEMBERS” Michael MacKenzie, executive director of the 115,000-member Canadian Snowbird Association, emphasized how government policy should reflect the huge strides Canada has made this past year in terms of vaccination, health and safety.

“At present we have some of the highest vaccination rates in the world, with more than 83% of the country’s population fully vaccinated, and as a result case numbers have declined significantly,” he said. “But the government continues to force unnecessary burdens on travellers that are not based on science. With the continued requirement for a pre-departure PCR test, travel is becoming cost prohibitive for our members, many of whom are retirees on fixed or limited incomes.”

According to MacKenzie, approximately one million Canadian snowbirds make the annual trek south of the border every winter, with about 600,000 spending a full six months.

However, during the pandemic, the association saw a 70% reduction in travel among its members, most of who drive across the U.S. border.

But the good news is, feedback from its members indicate that the vast majority are planning to travel again this year. And in addition, with the United States now expanding eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots to those 65 years of age and over, returning Canadian snowbirds will be “the safest and most vaccinated Canadians when they return home in the spring,” said MacKenzie.

“I PERSONALLY CANCELLATIONS”

AM

SEEING

To provide an agent’s perspective, the panel also heard from Lorraine Simpson, founder of Lorraine Simpson Travels and a widowed mother of four who started her career as a travel agent 20 years ago in an unfinished basement.

Noting how many seniors are simply choosing to stay home due to costly

TORONTO — Tourism Australia has relaunched the award-winning Aussie Specialist Program, making it easier for travel agents around the world to gain the skills they need to better promote and sell Australia.

The program, which runs in conjunction with Australia’s State and Territory Tourism Organisations, has been given a new look and feel in its 32nd year. It now features greater personalization, faster qualifying times and shorter, more interactive training modules.

According to Tourism Australia’s Managing Director Phillipa Harrison, the investment comes after many frontline agents turned to the program in the past 18 months to position themselves as champions for Australian travel.

“We now have more than 26,000 qualified Aussie Specialists worldwide and hope the new program will allow more agents to complete their learning so they too can best sell Australian tourism experiences,” she said. “Australia remains one of the most desirable travel destinations in the world and the Aussie Specialist Program helps to ensure we will be in the best possible position to convert travel demand into bookings as soon as borders reopen.”

Benefits of becoming an Aussie Specialist include access to bespoke training modules and sales resources, industry rates, invitations to attend exclusive events and monthly

e-newsletter updates.

Once qualified as an Aussie Specialist, travel sellers receive industry recognition as an expert in selling Australia and can promote themselves as an expert to their customers.

The newly revamped program also features a new Sustainability module along with updated existing modules on each state and territory, Signature Experiences of Australia and special interest modules. Travel agents can also redeem badges and points they earn during their training at a rewards store, and create collections and bookmark content across the site for quick access should they want to refer to it again.

In Phase Two of the program’s refresh, travel agents will be soon be able to access the program via a mobile-friendly app, giving them the ability to qualify and complete modules on the go, from their mobile device. They’ll also be able to integrate the program with WeChat and connect online with other Aussie Specialists around the world via Aussie Specialist Communities.

Tourism Australia has also confirmed that the inaugural Australia Global Summit will take place on Nov. 16, 2021. All Aussie Specialists and distribution partners are invited to take part, free of charge. The three-hour online event will feature inspiring keynote speakers, education sessions and on-demand content.

November 4, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 11

NEWS testing and unclear messaging, Simpson said the tourism industry is bracing for more cancellations.

“I personally am seeing cancellation after cancellation,” she said. “As you can imagine, over the past 18 months, it has been catastrophic for the travel and tourism industry and for myself as a small business owner.”

What senior travellers want, added Simpson, is certainty, which is why many trust the value of a trusted travel agent.

“Seniors are looking for certainty and cost certainty and the travel industry is back in a position where we can provide certainty to our customers,” she said. “However, outdated federal government policies are making this difficult. The pandemic vaccination status and available science have changed and so, too, should the response and measures to keep Canadians safe while allowing the travel and tourism industry to reopen. We ask the federal government to remove unnecessary barriers and expense.”

Air Transat to fly 4 new routes for summer 2022 MONTREAL — Air Transat has announced four new routes for its 2022 summer program, with particular focus on popular destinations in the United States.

For the first time ever, the airline

12 | TRAVELWEEK | November 4, 2021

will be serving the San Francisco, Los Angeles and Amsterdam airports from Montreal. It will also offer an exclusive direct flight between Quebec City and London, and will operate routes to Fort Lauderdale and Miami year-round.

"By analyzing travel trends, it's clear that the United States is still one of the top destinations for Quebecers and Canadians in the wake of the pandemic,” says Annick Guérard, President and Chief Executive Officer at Transat.

“Thanks to the versatility of our worldclass fleet, we are perfectly positioned to meet this demand and quickly adapt to our passengers' needs, which is why our service south of the border will be expanding starting in 2022.”

Air Transat is enhancing its U.S. flight program with the addition of California. The Montreal-San Francisco flight will operate twice weekly, while Montreal-Los Angeles will run 3x/week.

Due to ongoing demand for Florida, certain routes that were previously available only in winter will now be offered throughout the year. During summer, Montreal-Miami will operate 3x/week while the Quebec City-Fort Lauderdale flight will run once weekly.

The airline is also expanding its service to Europe with the addition of direct service for two segments: the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

This will make Air Transat the only Canadian airline to fly direct from Montreal to the Dutch capital.

Montreal-Amsterdam will run 3x/ week while Quebec City-London will run once weekly.

Softvoyage named Canada Jetlines’ new travel technology partner TORONTO — Canada Jetlines has appointed Softvoyage to power and manage the selling of personalized travel and tourism packages.

The Canadian-based travel technology company will provide Jetlines’ customers with access to hotels, attractions, air packages and other ancillary travel services. It will also provide the airline with distribution via the group’s network, both on a B2B and B2C basis.

“We’re confident they are the right partner for us ... we have an aggressive long-term plan.”

“Softvoyage is the logical partner for many reasons including their capability to manage the complex business of packaging and selling ITC products, as well as distribution capabilities,” says Duncan Bureau, Chief Commercial Officer for Jetlines. “We’re confident they are the right partner for us as we have an aggressive long-term plan that includes exponential growth and Softvoyage has the bandwidth to help us achieve our goals.”

Softvoyage’s Dan Langevin adds: “Jetlines has very specific needs and requirements in order to grow into a large size airline and Tour Operator.

Our interfaces, Business Intelligence tools, payload functionalities, accounting, and our distribution network, are exactly what the carrier is looking for in a travel technology partner. We are delighted to have been chosen by Jetlines and we look forward to having them available for sales within our network.”

The travel industry has heard about Jetlines for years, however its latest incarnation with the current management team is scheduled to commence operations in early 2022. The carrier says it will offer more budget-friendly travel options with direct-fly access to sun destinations throughout North America. With the A320 as its fleet standard, Jetlines has a projected growth of 15 aircraft by 2025.

NEWS

Tradewind Voyages cancels Caribbean winter season TORONTO — Tradewind Voyages has made the difficult decision to cancel its inaugural Caribbean season planned for winter 2021.

Citing guest concerns over accessibility to certain islands and resistance to travelling in bubbles, the British cruise company has confirmed the cancellation of 17 planned voyages that were scheduled to sail between December and April.

Said CEO Alan McGrory: “As a company, the passion and vision has been to deliver an exceptional guest experience, however, the current culmination of ongoing travel restrictions in place for the winter season does not allow us to deliver the exceptional customer experience that the brand stands for.

“Our commitment is always to deliver an outstanding experience for our guests. With so many variables at play for us this winter, we have made the tough decision to cancel these Caribbean voyages.

“Instead, we plan to focus all our efforts in delivering our European 2022 summer season and return to the Caribbean for our winter season in 2022.

“We thank everyone who has supported us on this journey so far and those that have experienced Golden Horizon know that travellers aboard this spectacular ship deserve nothing but the best.”

“We plan to focus all our efforts in delivering our European 2022 summer season.”

Three new collections – Western Mediterranean, Central Mediterranean and Eastern Mediterranean (including Greece and Turkey) – have been confirmed for the Mediterranean 2022 summer season, which will begin in Palma in May and end in Piraeus (Athens) next October. The extensive program will offer 22 different voyages and include visits to Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece and Turkey.

ACTA on Trudeau’s new cabinet: “We will begin our advocacy immediately” TORONTO — ACTA is eager to work with Prime Minister Trudeau’s new cabinet to ensure the travel industry’s timely recovery.

ACTA says it’s pleased to see many of the ministers it has built strong relationships with over the past 18 months remain in important federal cabinet roles, including: Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland; Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development; Mélanie Joly, who takes over as Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra.

Said Wendy Paradis, ACTA President: “We will begin our advocacy immediately with personal letters going out today to each minister, explaining key points and priorities for our sector.

While we were pleased to see several

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NEWS measures take place last week that will ease the way for travel to resume, there is still work to be done on several fronts.”

Paradis notes that the travel industry is still in need of support, with key priorities that include the following: . The extension of financial support to independent travel agents and furloughed travel agency employees . The immediate rollout of the new Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program . The easing of the ‘avoid all cruise’ travel advisory for fully vaccinated travellers . The removal of the pre-departure molecular COVID-19 test for fully vaccinated travellers returning to Canada

Cayman Islands to remove quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers GRAND CAYMAN ISLANDS — The Cayman Islands will be removing its quarantine requirement starting Nov. 20, 2021.

As part of Phase 4 of its reopening plan, the destination’s mandatory quarantine will be removed for all securely verified, fully vaccinated travellers. All travellers must declare travel and vaccination status via Travel Cayman.

Currently, vaccinated travellers must quarantine for seven days upon arrival while those who are unvaccinated are required to remain in quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.

Cayman Islands

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Come Nov. 20, fully vaccinated will no longer need to quarantine, however, anyone aged five years or older must still take a pre-arrival PCR test 72 hours prior to departure. Negative test results must be presented upon airport check-in.

Unvaccinated visitors and those under the age of 12 are not allowed entry into the Cayman Islands.

“The health and security of our residents and visitors have always been the government’s number one priority, and our Covid experience throughout the pandemic has been exemplary to date,” said Kenneth Bryan, Minister for Tourism and Transport. “With a high percentage of the population now vaccinated, we are keen to relax the current restrictions and move to Phase 4 of our reopening programme on Nov. 20. This will bring an important return to normality for travel and tourism on the islands in time for the holidays.”

Director of Tourism, Rosa Harris, added: “We are excited to share the many beautiful experiences of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac - the stunning beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, wonders of nature and expansive culinary choices. Our repeat visitors and new guests who are interested in visiting our dynamic island trio, may now enjoy our world class destination and warm hospitality. We await your arrival so you may have sweet dreams in Cayman.”

For more details about the new entry requirements and protocols, visit https:// www.visitcaymanislands.com/en-ca/ plan-your-trip/travel-requirements.

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines celebrates successful cruise season KINGSTON — St. Lawrence Cruise Clines’ 2021 cruise season was a huge success, garnering rave reviews from passengers who sailed aboard the iconic Canadian Empress.

The cruise line confirmed no incidences of COVID-19 this season on its overnight cruises on the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers. All passengers and crew were required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, as well as be tested prior to boarding the vessel. Additional safety measures like physical distancing, masking and a ship-wide disinfectant regime were also implemented.

“Despite the challenges, it was wonderful to recognize the longevity of our company and the ongoing contributions to our success from passengers and crew.”

The season went so well that 93% of passengers indicated a willingness to cruise with the company again.

“We believe that the safe and successful completion of our 2021 season proves that we can deliver a fulfilling cruise vacation with the highest levels of hospitality, while maintaining equally high standards of COVID-19 safety measures for everyone onboard,” said Jason Clark, President of St. Lawrence Cruise Lines.

“Despite the challenges that we have all faced in the last year, it was wonderful to recognize the longevity of our company and the ongoing contributions to our success from passengers and crew, both past and present,” he added.

Clark also noted that one of the highlights of the season was the company’s 40th Anniversary Celebration of the christening of the Canadian Empress in 1981.

Bookings for the 2022 season are now underway. For booking availability or to request a free travel brochure call 1-800-267-7868.

NEWS

ACV now offering Buy Now, Pay Later options through Uplift MONTREAL — Air Canada Vacations and Uplift have teamed up to provide flexible payment options to customers bookings their next vacation getaway.

Through the new partnership, travellers can now take advantage of Uplift’s Buy Now, Pay Later flexible payment options on aircanadavacations.com.

They will be given the option to pay Air Canada Vacations in full or pay monthly through Uplift at time of booking.

When selecting monthly payments, customers can apply online to receive an estimate of monthly payments and advance purchase amounts. They can use Uplift to secure best available pricing, book a last-minute trip, add benefits such as preferred seats or upgrade flights to Premium Economy and Business Class, while easily managing the costs with fixed, affordable monthly payments.

Says ACV's Vice President, Nino Montagnese: “Today’s consumers want more flexibility and we are excited to offer Uplift and help more people’s dreams travel. The added flexibility for customers to pay over time through the Uplift partnership allows our customers to take the holidays they’ve been waiting for.”

Denise Heffron, Managing Director, Uplift Canada, added: “We truly are excited about this partnership and it is an honour to work with one of Canada’s most trusted travel brands. Our mission is to make travel more accessible, affordable and rewarding for everyone and this partnership accelerates our ability to provide Canadians with the vacations they deserve.”

Uplift partners with over 200 airlines, cruise lines, resorts and other major travel brands to offer BNPL payment options, providing customers the freedom to book their trip when they’re ready and spread the cost over affordable monthly payments. Customers can compare the costs of paying monthly with those of paying upfront, choosing the option that works best for there. There are no late or early payment penalties and travellers see the monthly payment amount and total cost of the trip at the time of booking.

Captain Kate McCue will take the helm of brand new Celebrity Beyond in spring 2022

Captain Kate McCue, Captain of Celebrity Beyond

MIAMI — Celebrity Cruises’ President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo recently announced that Captain Kate McCue, the first American female cruise ship captain, will take the helm of Celebrity Beyond, the company’s third ship in its Edge Series debuting in spring 2022.

Captain McCue will usher in a new era for the new-luxury brand, sailing a ship brought to life by a dream team of modern lifestyle icons including American designer Nate Berkus; Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud; and goop CEO and founder Gwyneth Paltrow, the brand’s Well-Being Advisor.

How did Captain Kate, as she’s known, get her start in her seafaring career? When the then-12-yearold McCue took a cruise with her family, she told her father that she wanted to be a cruise director when she grew up. His advice to her was that she could do anything she wanted, including captaining the ship.

Since that time Captain Kate has been a pioneer and trailblazer, breaking the gender barrier in 2015 when Lutoff-Perlo named her to be the first – and still only – American female to captain a major cruise ship – Celebrity Summit.

She moved to Celebrity Equinox before being appointed to helm the Celebrity Edge in September 2019.

On March 8, 2020, McCue further cemented her place in the history books when she captained the history-making, barrier-breaking sailing on Celebrity Edge that comprised a cruise ship’s first-ever all-female bridge and officer team.

Captain Kate also led the Celebrity fleet – and the industry – back into operation when, on June 26, 2021, Celebrity Edge became the first cruise ship to sail with guests from a U.S. port in more than a year due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Celebrity Beyond will not only hold the title of the largest ship in Celebrity’s fleet, but also the distinction as the brand’s most luxurious vessel. Celebrity Beyond stands at 17 decks high and 21 metres longer than her innovative predecessors Celebrity Edge (2018) and Celebrity Apex (2020).

Newly imagined spaces and expanded versions of the brand’s popular signature spaces onboard Celebrity Beyond include: . The Retreat, an exclusive area for suite guests, now featuring a two-story sundeck . Two-storey villas with plunge pools and staterooms with infinity verandas . An expanded Rooftop Garden and resort deck featuring cantilevered float pools . A multi-level, multi-terraced Sunset Bar . A first-ever Daniel Boulud fine-dining restaurant at sea, Le Voyage . A redesigned Grand Plaza spanning three decks . The Magic Carpet, soaring cantilevered above the sea, offering guests uninterrupted vistas while sipping cocktails or having dinner Celebrity Beyond’s maiden voyage will depart on April 27, 2022, from Southampton, England, for a 10-night Western Europe cruise visiting Bordeaux, Lisbon, Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona.

The ship will then offer a variety of Mediterranean journeys including nine-night Italian Riviera and France itineraries and 10-night Greek Isles itineraries through early October, when she then heads to the Caribbean. Voyages are on sale now.

For more information on all Celebrity Beyond inaugural 2022-2023 season sailings, check out celebrity cruises.com/cruise-ships/celebritybeyond.

November 4, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 15

NEWS Coconut Grove, Sandals Royal Bahamian

The ritual is accompanied by rake and scrape music and Bahamian cocktails with a sea breeze.

NEW DINING OPTIONS Sandals Royal Bahamian will introduce five new restaurants, for a total of 13 dining options, when it opens this winter including: La Plume for exquisite French cuisine; traditional British pub The Queen’s Pearl; Kanoo for cuisine that celebrates the Caribbean region, Butch’s Island Chop House for hand-cut steaks, fish fillets and seafood prepared to order; and fresh sushi spot Soy.

New details revealed about Sandals Royal Bahamian MONTEGO BAY — Sandals Resorts International has released new details about the reimagined, all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian, reopening Jan. 27, 2022.

Plans for the award-winning hotel, spa and private island have been in the works for nearly three years and are part of a broader company-wide strategy to authentically reflect the Caribbean destinations where Sandals Resorts operates, says SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart.

“We’re dialing up the luxury and leaning into the easy-going spirit of The Bahamas to deliver an incredible and authentic experience that as we like to say, makes love come easy. From an entirely new village of pastel-coloured private villas and Coconut Grove, our innovative new outdoor lounge & entertainment area to our offshore island that has been transformed to a romantic hideaway, every moment, every point of guest touch and experience embodies this beautiful destination,” says Stewart.

Highlights of the reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian include the following: ALL-NEW SUITES & ISLAND VILLAGE Sandals Royal Bahamian has elevated its array of accommodation options with the addition of the brand’s iconic river suites in the freshly named East & West Bays, over 200 fully renovated rooms and suites and the all-new Island Village. The new pastel-coloured 16 | TRAVELWEEK | November 4, 2021

village was inspired by the Bahamian archipelago and features butler-style villas, each named after an island in The Bahamas with their own private pool.

COCONUT GROVE A new addition to the property is Coconut Grove, an expansive lounge area shaded by coconut palms and featuring chic seating options, live music & entertainment, views of the sea and three all-new food trucks. All Sandals ‘firsts,’ guests can grab a sweet treat or coffee at Sweets n Tings, indulge in locally inspired Bahamian fusion cuisine and fresh seafood at Coco Queen, or opt for an Italian classic at Bahama Mamma Mia. A PRIVATE ISLAND HIDEAWAY Deserted beaches and colourful coral reefs await at the resort’s secluded private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay. Couples can sail to the island hideaway and spend the day reconnecting on the quiet shores featuring a beach bar, whimsical seating, outdoor shower and new restaurant, Aralia House, serving up fresh seafood from boat to table and authentic Caribbean delicacies.

EARLY CHECK-INS & TRADITIONAL EVENING RITUAL For early arrivals, Sandals Royal Bahamian welcomes early check-ins with their new programming, The Breakaway. Upon arrival, a dedicated hostess will lead guests to the relaxation lounge with a signature cocktail inhand to freshen up and head straight to the pool while taking care of the rest.

At sunset, couples can participate in a traditional conch blowing ritual said to welcome love and good fortune.

“The end of an era”: Pandaw ceases river cruise operations TORONTO — Pandaw, which has been operating small ship river cruises in Asia for over 25 years, has folded due to the many challenges of the global pandemic.

Citing the closure of its destinations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and India, as well as the critical political situation in Myanmar, the company says that it has “no alternative but to cease its river cruise operations due to the lack of financial liquidity and failure to find additional funding in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.”

Passengers or their travel agents will be contacted in due course by the appointed company liquidator.

In an official statement, Pandaw says that while forward bookings for a restart in 2022 remained strong, it lacks the funding to continue layup operations of its 17 ships for another year and then undergo essential refurbishment to prepare for renewed operations.

“The company has worked tirelessly over the past year to find new investors or other forms of finance to carry the company through, but without success,” reads the statement.

Pandaw founder Paul Strachan adds: “This is a very sad moment for me, my family, our crews and clients. It marks the end of an era for all of us after 25 years of real adventure. We are truly sorry to disappoint our regular passengers who were so looking forward to making a trip after the lifting of travel restrictions. We are also heartbroken for our 300+ crew members and shoreside personnel who have stood by

NEWS Pandaw and were hoping to get going again next year.”

Pandaw was founded in 1995 and is considered a pioneer of river expeditions in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and India with its boutique ships. Up until the start of COVID-19, the company was seeing high occupancy and year-on-year growing revenues, with positive financial results.

Despite the closure of Pandaw Cruises, the Pandaw Charity, which has supported the people of Myanmar throughout the country’s ongoing crisis, will continue its work under the guidance of its trustees.

Collette’s Advanced Commission Program now permanent MISSISSAUGA — Collette has made its Advanced Commission Program a permanent feature for travel advisors.

Launched in September 2020 and originally scheduled to expire at the end of 2021, the program allows advisors to receive a portion of their full commission based on type of booking.

Three flat-rate options for earning advanced commission will continue to be offered: $100 per booking for land-only bookings; $125 per booking for land and air bookings; and $200 per booking for any booking that includes Collette’s Travel Protection Plan.

Also in line with its ‘Sincerely Yours’ promise, Collette has committed to not recalling advanced commission payments should the client cancel their trip. Travel advisors will also be able to earn advanced commission on all tours in the newly released 20222023 Worldwide Travel Guide as well as Oberammergau 2022 tours.

“It has been a difficult year for travel advisors and we know that making this program permanent will put money back into their pockets now, when they need it most,” said Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, President and Chief Brand Officer at Collette.

The Advanced Commission Program is valid on new retail bookings only and is not applicable for group bookings.

Advanced commission amounts will be deducted from remaining commissions due following travel.

Barrie-based advisor named Nexion Travel Group’s 2021 Canadian Rising Star IRVING, TX — Nexion Travel Group has named its 2021 Canadian Rising Star – Gillian Boucher of Barrie, ON. Boucher, owner of Dèrive Travel and a member of Nexion Travel Group-Canada, was honoured for showing great promise in the early years of opening, and for taking advantage of Nexion’s programs and tools, delivering excellent sales numbers, and demonstrating the ability to become a long-term success with the Group.

“Gillian is a success not only because of her experience and positive attitude but also because of the smart way she leverages Nexion Travel Group tools to achieve her goals,” said Mike Foster, President of Nexion Travel Group-Canada.

“Gillian is putting in place a firm foundation to ensure her business succeeds.”

Boucher, who completed her training and joined Nexion Travel Group-Canada in November 2019, is an avid user of the company’s lead generation tool Agent Profiler, which has helped her secure new clients. Although the pandemic consumed the majority of her travel advisor career thus far, she has still managed to post impressive sales numbers.

“The timing of her entry to the industry, and what happened only months later would have been discouraging to many people,” added Foster. “However, Gillian has met the challenge with ease and continues to thrive. She is putting in place a firm foundation to ensure her business succeeds not only in the present, but far in the future. Nexion Travel Group-Canada is so proud to name her our 2021 Rising Star.”

As a mother of four, Boucher has a special focus on all-inclusive and family-friendly properties in Mexico and the Caribbean. She has boosted her knowledge through active participation on NexionTown, Nexion’s private platform for members to share ideas and advice, and has also attended many Nexion Travel Group learning events. She plans to complete her Leisure Certification in the near future.

Israel reopens to all fully vaccinated travellers, including Canadians TORONTO — At long last, fully vaccinated Canadians can enter Israel for the first time in 18 months.

The Israel Ministry of Tourism says all fully vaccinated travellers may now visit Israel following the country’s extended closure due to COVID-19 restrictions. The country’s pilot reopening program, which kicked off in May 2021 for a select number of tour groups, did not include Canada.

“We are beyond delighted that our fellow Canadian travellers can once again visit Israel and experience all the country has to offer,” said Gal Hana, Israel Consul of Tourism for Canada.

“By leading the world in vaccination status and low transmission rates, our ultimate goal has been to ensure the health of all travellers and provide peace of mind to those who choose our country as their holiday destination.”

Yoel Razvozov, Israel’s Minister of Tourism, added: “We have been awaiting this moment, to bring back travellers into our country, for a very long time now. We’re ecstatic to share our country with everyone once again and I’m proud to be working closely with our Prime Minister Naftali Bennett among other Ministers within the country to ensure a thoughtful, safe return to tourism."

Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett along with several Ministers within the country’s Tourism, Health and Transportation sectors have formulated the entry plan for travellers, which took effect Nov. 1.

Among the accepted vaccination requirements are two doses of Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca at least 14 days prior to the day of entry into Israel (14 days must have passed since second dose upon arrival into Israel, but no more than 180 days upon leaving Israel - I.e., if it has been six months since the second dose, you will need the booster shot to enter).

Other acceptable forms of vaccination as well as all updates on entry protocols and answers to FAQs can be found at https://israel.travel/.

November 4, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 17

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