Travelweek - October 7th, 2021

Canada’s Travel Trade News October 7, 2021 travelweek.ca

The Way Back Forward bookings to Jamaica are pg. 17 approaching 2019 levels

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Remember The Travel Corporation’s Stanley Tollman

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Marketing tips from 3 experienced travel agents

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TOP NEWS

Don’t have much of a budget? We asked 3 agents how they’re marketing right now TORONTO — When Kim Paquette first acquired her Sandals-wrapped RV, she did not expect all the “neck-wrenching.”

Of course, anyone who drives a “moving billboard” can expect a few gawks on the highway. But Paquette, an Ottawa-based Incentive & Group Travel Specialist and a member of Travel Professionals International (TPI), wasn’t prepared for how amusing all the attention would be.

“I watched my husband pull onto the road when a female driver completely turned her head as she drove by him,” she tells Travelweek. “It was quite comical and obvious. The compliments have been constant, too.”

The 37-foot, Sandals-branded RV, the first of its kind in Canada, was a carefully thought-out investment, adds Paquette. Believing that opportunity is hidden in every crisis, she took this time of pause in the industry to zero in on her strengths and goals, and set up a strategic business plan moving forward. Sandals’ free Car Wrap program fit in perfectly with that plan.

“I made the decision to make Sandals my exclusive AI product and I felt comfortable entering into an agreement with them,” she says. “I chose the photos that connect me to my target market, and the RV was completed late August. Trips have been localized to eastern Ontario but we have plans to also head to Northern Ontario and maybe the East coast. I have already received bookings into my February cruise group because of the RV.” Paquette’s plan certainly isn’t for everyone but it does speak to the value of marketing, especially during this time of crisis in the travel industry.

Though bookings may have dwindled and marketing budgets have been slashed, staying visible, relevant and within reach of clients will help agents fast-track their recovery.

“Even if agents don’t have the monetary means to invest in their business, they should be investing their time.

Nurturing clients is free,” says Paquette.

We asked Paquette and two other experienced travel advisors how they’re handling marketing during this time.

Here’s what they had to say:

On the cover: Martha Brae River, Jamaica

By Cindy Sosroutomo

Kim Paquette and her Sandals-wrapped RV

“We’re connecting with our valued clients more than we ever have” Laurie Keith, President of Boutique Travel Services in Hamilton, ON, tells Travelweek that the global pandemic has drastically impacted the way her agency markets. Before COVID-19, she budgeted around $100,000 in marketing each year, which included attending bridal shows across Canada and hosting a consumer event called The Romance Travel Show in various Canadian cities.

But now? Her budget has essentially vanished.

“Even if agents don’t have the monetary means to invest in their business, they should be investing their time. Nurturing clients is free.”

“Dropping the marketing budget was a necessity, not only to be fiscally responsible but also because I found that not many Canadians were receptive to the idea of travel during the peak of the pandemic, especially with travel advisories, the Quarantine Act, government travel-shaming ad campaigns, cancelled flights, the mandatory hotel

quarantine and testing regulations in place,” says Keith.

But this didn’t mean marketing fell off the radar completely. The pandemic simply forced Keith and her team to pivot their strategy and find new ways to engage with existing clients as well as find new ones.

“We started complimentary Zoom presentations in the spring of 2022 and invited our key supplier partners to co-present with us,” she says. “It began with trying to rebuild consumer confidence with the new health and safety protocols, and has now evolved to include live interviews with our travelling team members in destination speaking to wedding coordinators at the resorts, and tourism, tour operator, cruise and resort partners.”

In addition, her agency converted its annual print brochure to a digital format, cleaned, updated and segmented its database, and is currently enhancing its existing CRM system by creating automatic drip campaigns, monthly newsletters, lead magnets like landing pages and more.

“Retargeting existing customers is truly the least expensive marketing strategy that can yield the best results,” says Keith. “We’re connecting with our valued clients more than we ever have in the past. This, combined with launching our live events and social media marketing again in 2022, will ensure a well-rounded marketing strategy.”

October 7, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 3

TOP NEWS “A sustainable business needs to rely on the value you provide” Amira Harris, Destination Wedding Specialist and Luxury Travel Advisor at Aisle Travel in Calgary, has been extremely fortunate thus far – most of her business has come from referrals and vendors/suppliers that she has already worked with.

Noting that her pre-pandemic marketing budget was modest at best, with priority going towards social media ads and co-promotions with suppliers, Harris says that she has never relied on “traditional” marketing.

“A sustainable business needs to rely on the value you provide so that those clients you connect with come back to you again and again,” she says.

Throughout the pandemic, Harris has made a point to stay in close contact with existing clients. But she also focused her energy on assisting non-clients who reached out for help, which she says is another creative way to get your name out there.

“During the peak of the pandemic, when we were helping cancel, change, rebook and sitting on hold for hours with airlines and resorts, our clients saw firsthand the value and expertise that we brought. Now, most wouldn’t even think about not booking with a travel advisor and risk doing it themselves,” says Harris.

“Take a seat at the table, be part of the conversation” When asked whether the pandemic forced her to put the brakes on marketing, Paquette says it was quite the opposite. With help from TPI, which provided daily support, Paquette made it her mission to “invest today for increased visibility.” The massive Sandals RV helped, of course, but Paquette took additional steps to “aggressively paint the picture of future travel.”

She adds: “I looked at what I had as opposed to didn’t have. All indepenGot a story idea? Questions or comments? Write to us at editorial@travelweek.ca

TRAVELWEEK

Kim Paquette

Amira Harris

dent advisors have the opportunity to run their business as desired. For me, it was simple – I’m either in or I’m out.”

Paquette selected a handful of preferred suppliers that she felt really lent their support to agents during the crisis. She also formed deliberate partnerships with other agents who

“A sustainable business needs to rely on the value you provide so that those clients you connect with come back to you again and again.” were all working toward a common goal. And as many other agents have done throughout the pandemic, she also maximized government grant programs and invested those funds back into her business.

In addition to all that, Paquette worked with Digital Main Street, a free service available in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick that connects businesses with digital product and service providers. “I took what I want-

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Laurie Keith

ed and left the rest,” says Paquette, adding that she continues to seek out expertise when treading the unfamiliar terrain of social media.

As for what marketing advice she would give to other agents at this time, Paquette says to pick a niche, make a clear core message, define your clients and make an annual plan. “Immediate revenue is not required to set a business plan,” she notes, adding that agent resources are unlimited right now, with suppliers going out of their way to accommodate the agent community with events and free virtual courses.

And though fams come with a slight expense, there are still ways to “plant the seed of a vacation” at no cost, says Paquette.

“Use Canva to direct business to a landing page with your contact details, read comments made from agents in Facebook groups, speak to others who have participated in fams and relate their experience to your clients,” she offers. “It’s still painting a picture and developing the ‘know, like and trust’ factor. Use your BDMs, take a seat at the table, be part of the conversation.

And keep smiling and believing that success is your only option.”

CONTENTS COPYRIGHTED We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

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For circulation inquiries please email circulation@travelweek.ca

4 | TRAVELWEEK | October 7, 2021

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TOP NEWS

Service fees, airline outlooks, upfront commissions and more: ACTA 2021 Summit

By Kathryn Folliott TORONTO — Airlines, tour operators, retail travel execs who took part in the ACTA 2021 Canadian Travel Industry Summit offered an optimistic and, at the same time, realistic look at the way forward, after more than a year and a half of the pandemic.

The 2021 edition kicked off Sept. 30 with a keynote session from Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice President and COO, Air Canada, and President, ACV. “Our industry is in recovery mode,” said Guillemette, adding that “while it's not a straight up trajectory, signs of recovery are all around us.”

While still flying a fraction of the number of passengers that it would have carried in 2019, Air Canada welcomed over 75,000 customers on its strongest day in August, she noted. “And you can only imagine how pleased we were.”

Having Canada’s borders open to fully vaccinated travellers - the new policies came into effect Sept. 7 for all international travellers - is a big step forward, says Guillemette. “That might not help Canadian agents with their domestic point of sale focus [but] it does go a long way to instilling in people's minds that things are getting back to normal,” she said. “The message is clear. It's now okay to travel.”

Travellers heading out in the near future say they will travel next for leisure purposes, according to Air Canada’s stats.

Business travel outbound from Canada is still soft - lagging behind the U.S., as Guillemette notes – with only 29% of Canadians planning travel for business purposes. “But some sectors and SME businesses have shown signs of resiliency throughout the pandemic,” she said.

In June 2021 Air Canada announced services to 50 Canadian airports. Then in July, the airline announced its summer schedule. As for international travel, “we’re already observing healthy demand signals for Europe into 2022.”

Air Canada’s international schedule, released in July, included the resumption of 17 routes and 11 destinations, including a return to Vienna, Dublin, Zurich, and new services to Doha and Cairo.

To winter sun destinations, Guillemette says Air Canada is optimistic about its recovery to those markets, 6 | TRAVELWEEK | October 7, 2021

based on early bookings for the remainder of 2021 and early 2022, both for Air Canada and ACV. “In some instances, we've seen demand for sun that is above 2019 or pre-pandemic levels.”

Among other initiatives, Air Canada relaunched its Travel Ready hub on its website. Says Guillemette: “I cannot emphasize enough how useful we believe this tool will be for our customer and agents. It puts in one place a great deal of information about testing, vaccine requirements, needed documents, helpful travel advice about things like checking times, and even details about where we flying as well.”

Also at the ACTA Summit, a panel discussion hosted by ACTA President Wendy Paradis, ‘A Look at 2022 Travel Trends, Challenges & Opportunities’, included insights from TPI CEO Zeina Gedeon; American Express Global Business TravelCanada’s VP and General Manager, Patrick Doyle; Transat’s Chief Distribution Officer (and President, TDC), Joe Adamo; and TL Network Canada VP, Christine James.

Adamo says that TDC retail locations started to get busy over the summer, with advance bookings for 2022 and 2023. But it’s not all next year and beyond. Last-minute getaways are ticking up too: “A lot of pure leisure bookings, very near in. We are taking 30 day in bookings like I’ve never seen before.”

Paradis noted that there’s a concern that strong forward bookings could be misleading, since many Canadians are still cancelling travel plans amid pandemic concerns. James says TL Network Canada hasn’t seen too many cancellations: “There is concern about drop-off, but we haven’t seen that drop-off yet.”

Gedeon said TPI’s strongest message to its advisors is to make sure supplier T&Cs offer maximum flexibility.

Adamo stressed the need for commissions to be paid upon final payment, at a minimum, as opposed to upon departure. The need for upfront commission payment, as agents hit the 18-month mark with no real revenue, has become a key issue during the pandemic.

With wait times for supplier call centres still sky high, Adamo also urged agents to resist the urge to make a phone call to a supplier if something can be done online instead. At the same time, said Adamo, “we as an industry need to do better with putting the right online tools into the hands of agents,” to help them do their jobs and avoid hourslong wait times on the phone.

Gedeon noted that she’s hearing from TPI advisors enduring call wait times of six hours or more.

It’s a topic that CATO chair Brett Walker addressed as well, during his keynote session, ‘Restarting and Rebuilding Your Relationship with Tour Operators’.

TOP NEWS “Book it through the site, book it through the portal,” said Walker, addressing the issue of unwieldy call centre hold times that have been the bane of travel agents throughout the pandemic. The phone should be seen as a last resort, he added, while acknowledging that “tour operators need to do a much better job at handling the volume of calls.”

Walker also touched on the silver lining of the pandemic: “This is a time that the services of a travel professional will be critical. Consumers know that, and the industry knows that.”

Service fees also came up. “If you weren’t a believer [in professional fees] before [the pandemic], I hope you’re a believer now,” said Adamo. “You need to charge for your time, for your services, full stop. And you need to charge the right amount. I'm not talking $20 or $25. You need to charge a legitimate fee for your services.” Agents also shouldn’t have any clients travelling without proper insurance, he added.

Another panel discussion at the ACTA Summit, ‘Setting Your Standards through Professional Fees’, dealt exclusively with the importance of travel advisors making sure they see their own value, and charge for it, with service fees.

Flemming Friisdahl, founder and owner, The Travel Agent Next Door, moderated the panel, which included Chelsey Wheatley with CAA Atlantic, TTAND advisor Becky Kershaw, and Ottawa-based travel advisor Norm Payne. The panelists were forthcoming about what they charge, and why.

“Professional fees are something I’ve championed since day one,” said Payne. “I’ve always instinctively felt that travel agents should be charging a fee.”

The ACTA Summit also included a presentation by Jennifer Hendry, Senior Research Associate, Conference Board of Canada, who cited Canadians’ growing reserves of discretionary income for post-pandemic travel spending, and pent-up travel demand.

The vast majority - 89% - of Canadians say they miss travel, said Hendry.

The stats also show the highest travel intentions in over a year, however only 1 in 10 of those say they plan to travel outside of Canada. Confusion over travel requirements, from testing to accepted vaccines, will continue to suppress demand. Travellers right now “are reticent,” she said, adding “they need your assurances … to help close the deal.”

Remembering Stanley Tollman, Chairman of The Travel Corporation TORONTO — The travel industry has lost a true visionary and innovator with the recent passing of Stanley Tollman, Chairman of The Travel Corporation (TTC).

A much beloved patriarch, Tollman passed away in France, surrounded by his family, following a battle with cancer. He was 91.

Under Tollman’s leadership, TTC, which celebrated its centenary in 2020, has become one of the most renowned family-owned and run travel businesses in the world.

A man from very humble origins, Tollman was born in the small fishing village of Paternoster in the Western Cape of South Africa in 1930. There, his family ran a modest hotel where the lavatories were outdoors and a young Tollman roamed barefoot. At the age of eight, his family moved to Johannesburg where his parents acquired another hotel and it was during this time that Tollman’s work ethic, curiosity and passion for the world of hospitality began to take shape.

In 1954 he married Beatrice Lurie, beginning an extraordinary love story and partnership that has lasted almost 70 years. Their journey in hospitality began right away, when in 1954 they used their wedding money to purchase their first business venture – the Nugget Hotel in Johannesburg.

As a young hotelier, Tollman worked tirelessly and was driven by his relentless pursuit of perfection.

With this ethos in place, the young Tollmans soon became some of the leading hoteliers of South Africa. In the mid-1950s, their Hyde Park Hotel put them on the global stage by being the first to bring world-famous artists to South Africa, including Marlene Dietrich and Maurice Chevalier.

Their reputation as world-class hoteliers grew even further with the opening of the first five-star and allsuite hotel in South Africa, the Tollman Towers.

Simultaneously, Tollman’s interests across all segments of the tourism industry came together with the creation of The Travel Corporation, which included the purchase of Trafalgar Tours.

As a man of values, Tollman was unable to accept the racist apartheid policies being enforced in South Africa at the time. He was one of the first to boldly invite black guests and performers into his luxury hotels despite the ruling government’s policies. Sadly, government policies forced Tollman to shift his focus beyond South African borders, and together with his wife and four children, he left South Africa in 1976.

Rebuilding in England and then the United States, Tollman continued to expand and innovate in the travel industry over the decades.

He had a special affinity for Canada, making his first trip abroad as a young man to Hamilton, Ontario to visit relatives. He opened TTC’s first Canadian office in Toronto in 1968, beginning with the guided tour brand Trafalgar. He travelled across the country, personally hosting travel presentations and visiting travel advisor partners. With the success of Trafalgar, Tollman later purchased and brought Contiki, the leading youth travel company, to Canada in 1989, followed by premium guided tour brand Insight Vacations in 1994.

In 2003 he acquired Canadian-based Lion World Travel, and was also instrumental in bringing Uniworld, the most-awarded luxury river cruise line, to the Canadian market in 2004.

Today, Canada represents the third largest travel market for The Travel Corporation.

TTC has since grown to become a portfolio of 40 award-winning brands. Tollman’s travel businesses, pre-pandemic, carried over two million travellers annually worldwide.

October 7, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 7

WORLD NEWS

AIRLINES

DESTINATIONS

Recovery for the airline industry is happening, slowly but surely, however the latest stats from IATA underscore the massive challenges still on the horizon. Net industry losses are expected to reduce to US$11.6 billion in 2022, after a $51.8 billion loss in 2021. And net 2020 loss estimates have been revised to $137.7 billion (from $126.4 billion). All in all, that means total losses for the airline industry in 2020-2022 could reach $201 billion, according to new figures released

by IATA. Total passenger numbers are expected to reach 2.3 billion in 2021. This will grow to 3.4 billion in 2022 which is similar to 2014 levels and significantly below the 4.5 billion travellers of 2019. Demand (measured in RPKs) is expected to stand at 40% of 2019 levels for 2021, rising to 61% in 2022.

VisitScotland has launched a new travel trade platform called Discover Scotland 2022. The new event series comprises an online B2B event called ‘Discover Scotland: Reconnect 2022’ featuring five regional showcases. These showcases, known as ‘Discover Scotland: Live Showcase,’ will take place in May and September 2022 to promote trade-ready-Scottish tourism businesses to key international buyers on the ground in Scotland. In 2022, Discover Scotland 2022 will replace the longstanding annual VisitScotland Expo, featuring a new format designed to mitigate the challenges of the pandemic and build on the success of Scotland Reconnect 20/21. Scotland Reconnect was held virtually in November 2020 and was successfully repeated in April 2021 as an alternative to live events during the pandemic. More than 7,000 pre-arranged business meetings took place over the three days in April.

Silver Spirit

CRUISE LINES Silversea Cruises has launched its first international television commercial. Part of an integrated, multi-channel advertising campaign that includes print, digital, and social media, the 30-second television spot is now appearing on major national television networks and streaming platforms in the U.S. and the U.K. and will also roll out in markets around the world. The TV commercial invites curious travellers to rediscover the world and features Silversea collaborator and world-renowned photographer Steve McCurry. From his suite aboard the ultra-luxury Silver Spirit, McCurry pens an open invitation, addressed ‘To the Curious,’ in which he writes: "To all of you who have been yearning to travel: It's time. The world is reopening. Open up to the world.”

Atlas Ocean Voyages has expanded its complimentary insurance coverage with the launch of the Atlas Assurance protection program. As part of the program, medical coverage includes emergency evacuation and return home transportation; emergency prescription and eyeglasses replacement; payment guarantee of medical expenses; dispatch of physician or specialist; worldwide hospital and physician referral, return of dependent children; and more.

Travel services include lost document assistance; 24-hour emergency travel arrangements; embassy and consular assistance; traveling companion transportation; and more.

Guests also are covered with worldwide legal and bail bonds assistance.

8 | TRAVELWEEK | October 7, 2021

Quinta Eden Villahermosa

HOTELS Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, has welcomed 19 new members to its global portfolio this summer. These include: The Dupont Circle Hotel (Washington D.C.); Montage Big Sky (Montana); Hotel Haven, and Hotel Lilla Roberts (Helsinki, Finland); The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru (Bengaluru, India); Mercer Hotel Sevilla, and EME Cathedral Mercer (Seville, Spain); Quinta Eden Villahermosa (Villahermosa, Mexico); Sommerro (Oslo, Norway); Capellan de Getsemani (Cartagena de Indias, Colombia)); Bellwether House (Savannah, Georgia); Grosvenor House Suites (London, U.K.); Alsace Hotel (Los Angeles); Smyth Tribeca (New York); Marijani Beach Resort & Spa (Zanzibar); Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort (Daytona Beach); The Scottsdale Plaza Resort (Arizona); HS HOTSSON Smart Guadalajara Autónoma (Guadalajara, Mexico); and Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico).

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has opened its first hotel in Peru: Iberostar Selection Miraflores. Having opened on Oct. 1 in Lima’s city centre, the five-star hotel features 18 floors, at the top of which sits a stunning rooftop infinity pool. It also boasts the Cosmos Level, a new concept offering exclusive spaces within the hotel as well as other perks like concierge service and private meeting rooms. Guests can also enjoy two specialty restaurants – Ortega & Huamán and Tapería 27 Tapas – both led by renowned Peruvian chef Carlos Testino.

NEWS

The Transat team at Toronto's in-person agent event

Transat back in person: “We’ve built Transat by supporting travel agents” MISSISSAUGA — It wasn’t hard finding Transat’s Toronto office on Monday – all you had to do was follow the music.

A DJ played front and centre at the company’s in-person agent event on Oct. 4, its first since the start of the pandemic, and the first in a series of agent events that also includes Toronto, Hamilton, Montreal and Quebec City this month. Approximately 100 travel agents registered for yesterday’s Toronto event, which was held outdoors and with COVID-19 protocols in place, including mask wearing and proof of vaccination.

And despite the overcast skies, people danced in the rain, overjoyed to be together again.

“We really wanted to take a chance to have fun and put fun back in this industry,” Nicole Bursey, Commercial Director at Transat tells Travelweek.

“We’ve got a great day planned with music, we have a food truck and we have some information to share with agents as well.”

Most notable, says Bursey, is the launch of a Virtual Training Academy on Oct. 26, during which a brand new hotel-sharing tool will make its debut.

“Without a printed brochure, we know agents need to have a tool where they can share hotel information with their clients. So we’ve got a great hotel-sharing tool that we’ll be launching and I’m sure that agents will be happy

to have that,” she adds.

In addition to the Virtual Training Academy and the new tool, Bursey is reminding agents about Transat’s other agent-friendly initiatives, including the ability to add Option Flex onto their file and check their refund status online.

“I think anything that gets an agent off the telephone lines to our call centre is important,” says Bursey. “Transat, as well as others, are really suffering with being able to staff up the call centers. These new tools that allow agents to avoid a phone call is what we’re all about.”

Heading into the winter season, Bursey says the company is “really excited” about its program, which will include some 50 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, the United States and Europe.

In Europe specifically, where Transat recently resumed service to the U.K. and Portugal, she adds that bookings have been on the rise.

“For the last few months, a lot of Europe travel has been people visiting friends and relatives. We’re really looking forward to when Canadians can feel more comfortable about travelling to Europe on true vacation and we’re starting to see a good pickup in sales,” she says.

When it comes to momentum heading into the winter months, Bursey adds that the company is coming off a “better than anticipated” summer. Air Transat returned to the skies on July 30, following a six-month pause due to the pandemic, starting with just three commercial flights and culminating with 24 routes to 16 destinations in Canada, the United States, the South and Europe.

“It was a modest program, with domestic really leading the way. But there certainly were a number of Canadians who had that pent-up desire to go somewhere sunny, to go somewhere south, so our South program did quite well,” she says.

In addition to the resumption of flights, the summer was also marked by a “whack of refund requests,” as Bursey says. After securing government financial aid back in April that allowed Transat to borrow up to $700 million in additional liquidity, the company announced that it would start offering refunds to travellers who were issued a travel credit due to COVID-19.

The deadline to submit a refund request was Aug. 26.

“We’re just finishing up the last few files to actually get money back in people’s bank accounts, which we wanted to support wholeheartedly,” says Bursey. “We’re happy it was able to happen and we were also thrilled that we could also protect agent commission for those files.”

Adding that commission protection was “critical” for the company, Bursey says that agents have always been and always will be a central figure in Transat’s success.

“We’ve built Transat by supporting travel agents. We don’t want that to ever stop,” she says. “We know that this pandemic has hit them really hard, as it has hit all sectors in travel. But we were there to support our travel agent partners.

“Now there are still tough decisions to be made and we can’t always make decisions that are popular to the travel agent community but I really hope that they understand that we do consider them in our decisions.”

When asked how morale has been among its agent partners, Bursey says it’s been a bit of a mixed bag, as it has been with Transat’s own team.

“You feel like there’ve been a couple steps forward and then something pushes you back a bit. But I think for the most part, more agents are back to work, more of our staff are back to work, and it’s been really optimistic but with a little bit of realism thrown in there,” she says. “But we’ve learned a lot along the way and we’ve developed new tools that will make agents’ job easier when they do come back to full servicing new business.”

October 7, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 9

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NEWS

‘40 Years of Love and Trust’: Sandals Resorts’ anniversary plans

Austrian Airlines resumes Montreal Vienna route MONTREAL — Austrian Airlines has resumed its Montreal – Vienna route, joining the already reinstated Lufthansa routes from Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver to the air carrier’s hubs in Germany, as well as SWISS’s Montreal flight to Zurich.

The three Lufthansa Group airlines are Star Alliance partners with Air Canada.

Austrian Airlines’ Montreal-Vienna flights restarted on Oct. 1, three times per week. The route previously operated from April 2019 to March 2020, before being suspended due to the pandemic.

Flight OS 73 will be year-round and consist of three weekly flights at the onset. It will depart from Vienna at 10:30 a.m. and arrive in Montreal at 1:25 p.m.

Eastbound flight OS 74 departs Montreal at 6:45 p.m., landing in Vienna at 8:45 a.m. the following day. The route will be flown with a B767-300 ER, seating 211 passengers in a three-class configuration.

“The Montréal-Vienna flight was an important milestone for Austrian Airlines and we are thrilled to finally be flying the route once again,” said Brendan Shashoua, Director of Sales for Canada, Lufthansa Group.

Added Shashoua: “Now, Montrealers, and those living in the region’s surrounding communities, will be able to experience, first-hand, Austrian’s elevated service, premium products and culinary options, all while being in a safe and sanitized environment.”

The cooperation with Star Alliance partner Air Canada also continues to expand, says Shashoua. Since mid-July, Air Canada has been operating a codeshare flight with Austrian Airlines from Toronto to Vienna, three times a week.

12 | TRAVELWEEK | October 7, 2021

Yellowbird Charity Golf Classic welcomes back industry friends for 2021 event TORONTO — A beautiful early fall day marked the return of Yellowbird Charity Golf Classic at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, ON. After being forced to cancel in 2020 due to the pandemic, the event, which took place on Sept. 30, marked another welcome return to normalcy.

Says Gerry Kinasz, Chairman, Travelweek Group: “It was wonderful to see so many industry friends and colleagues out on the golf course for the Yellowbird Charity Golf Classic, and all in support of a great cause. We want to thank everyone who took part and we’re already looking forward to the 2022 event.”

Over the years the Yellowbird Charity Golf Classic has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of infrastructure projects benefiting children in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Given the worthiness of that cause, and working within the safety protocols needed during these (hopefully waning) days of COVID-19, Travelweek Group’s Yellowbird Foundation worked hard to make sure that a streamlined version of the 2021 Yellowbird Charity Golf Classic could still take place this year.

The simple day of golf was limited to no more than 60 golfers, at a reduced cost, with no other activities (i.e. no breakfast, no lunch, no cocktail reception, no activities on the golf course).

Knowing that it has been a tough year for everyone, Travelweek took on full sponsorship responsibilities, alongside Today’s Bride, Destination Weddings and ENVOY Networks.

TORONTO — Sandals Resorts International is marking the 40th anniversary of its flagship brand for couples-only, Sandals Resorts, with resort-wide festivities and surprises throughout the year, plus dozens of Caribbean community tourism projects, and a brand new school of hospitality honouring the legacy of Sandals Resorts founder Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, who passed away in January 2021 at the age of 79.

“This year marks an incredible milestone for Sandals Resorts, and it’s especially meaningful as we take this moment to honour what my father created and carry on his revered legacy across the Caribbean,” said SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart.

“Since the flagship opening in 1981 at Sandals Montego Bay, we have continued to elevate and lead the all-inclusive resort space. More than that, we have demonstrated that some of the industry’s most exciting and lasting hospitality innovation is created in the Caribbean. I’m proud to celebrate this milestone for our company alongside our Sandals family as we look to the next 40 years of inspired Caribbean vision and innovation.”

Here’s a look at the highlights: THE GORDON ‘BUTCH’ STEWART INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM In honour of Sandals’ late founder Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart and his legendary entrepreneurial spirit and lifelong belief in the power of education, Sandals Resorts International has announced the construction of the Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart International School of Hospitality and Tourism at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) and in conjunction with Florida International University’s (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.

Both leaders in tourism education, FIU in partnership with The UWI, will develop the next generation of international tourism and hospitality leadership, through fully accredited undergraduate and graduate programming.

The new school will be located on the Western Campus of The University of the West Indies, Mona in the Caribbean’s tourism capital of Montego Bay. The cutting-edge, research-led fa-

NEWS cility will offer students meaningful educational opportunities beyond the classroom. “My father believed in learning by experience – ‘on-the-job training,’ as he often put it,” said Stewart.

“As a consummate entrepreneur and a lifelong dreamer, he knew success was born beyond the boardroom; found instead in the moments of exploration and discovery. It’s this drive that will inspire the world-class curriculum, putting students in real-world experiences as part of their development.”

Investment in education has long been a priority of SRI, and the new school will complement the Sandals Corporate University, which was established to provide Caribbean-based Sandals team members with opportunities to improve and develop occupational skills and earn undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. “When we invest in Caribbean people, we invest in the future of the region,” said Stewart.

Sandals was established 40 years ago — has been part of the fabric of the company since its founding.

“The link between tourism and the wellbeing of the local Caribbean communities where we operate is undeniable,” says Stewart.

He adds that in honour of the company’s 40th anniversary, Sandals Resorts International, together with the Sandals Foundation, is identifying 40 projects that best showcase the link between tourism – the region’s most influential industry – and its power to transform Caribbean communities and improve lives.

Projects will be selected across five main areas: supporting local farmers, hospitality training and certification, preserving natural resources, harnessing unique artisan crafts and community outreach.

From ecological conservation efforts at the UNESCO World Heritage site in Jamaica’s Blue and John Crow Mountains and improving the capacity of farmers 40 FOR 40 INITIATIVE: PROJECTS BEN- to increase their efforts toward sustainEFITTING CARIBBEAN COMMUNITIES able food production, to working closely Stewart notes that the spirit of cor- with local artisans to maximize on their porate social responsibility (CSR) — al- talents, Sandals team members will be Travelweek ads:TravelWeek 2016 2021-09-27 4:51 Page 1 rolling upPM their sleeves to bring these though not2020 a common phrase when

projects to life and are inviting guests to join in, says Stewart.

SANDALS PALMCAST Sandals Resorts’ first-ever podcast, 'Sandals PalmCast’, gives listeners the inside scoop on all the latest happenings across the resorts with 13- to 20-minute-long episodes featuring expert insights, resort overviews, and special interviews with surprises along the way.

RESORT-WIDE FESTIVITIES On-property, guests can join in the celebration at all Sandals Resorts with a nod to nostalgia including: • From the OG to the Extraordinary – Then & Now Custom Cocktails & New Poolside Service Sandals not only invented the swim-up bar, it perfected it. Guests can ‘take a sip down memory lane’ while perusing the side-by-side 1981/2021 cocktail menu to switch between tastes ‘without having to use time machine to get there’.

All Sandals Resorts will also debut new poolside service serving up a Caribbean-inspired snack & cocktail menu so guests can lounge poolside for longer.

Additionally, bars and restaurants

Attention smAll Agencies

customized marketing, social media content and a branded website. it’s All included. click here for details.

October 7, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 13

NEWS throughout the brand will debut a new hand-crafted cocktail experience consisting of eight new curated cocktails using distinctive flavour blends, premium liquor, fresh ingredients, and handpicked herbs from local farms.

• Sandals Rewind Events Special weekly poolside celebrations will commemorate 40 years of fun, and guests can soak up the sun while the past meets the future brought to life by live DJs spinning inspired music and bartenders serving up classic craft cocktails.

• Vintage Retail Collection in Beach House Resort Shops Sandals Resorts is launching an EST. 1981-inspired vintage t-shirt and retail collection available in all Beach House resort shops. Guests can choose from 10 nostalgic and vibrant designs that pay homage to Sandals’ founding era style, available for purchase beginning in November.

• And something for CSS travel advisors too In addition to on-property plans, Sandals Select Rewards members and longtime Certified Sandals Specialist travel advisor partners will be invited to attend the weekly returning guest dinners / parties while staying at the resorts.

More details about Sandals Resorts’ 40th Anniversary celebrations can be found at: https://www.sandals.com/ celebrating-40-years/.

Swoop to fly nonstop from Toronto to Punta Cana this winter TORONTO — Swoop is heading to sunny Punta Cana this winter, with new nonstop service from Toronto starting Dec. 5.

According to Bert van der Stege, Head of Commercial & Finance, Swoop, the airline’s expansion into the Dominican Republic furthers its commitment to “bringing even more choice to Torontonians who are looking to vacation without paying the traditionally high cost of travel.”

To celebrate the new seasonal service, Swoop is offering a limited quantity of introductory one-way fares starting at $200, all in.

Flights from Toronto (YYZ) to Punta Cana (PUJ) will be offered twice weekly, with total one-way fares starting at $199.99, if booked by Oct. 15, 2022 (or while seats last), for travel between Dec. 5, 2021 and Feb. 16, 2022 (blackout dates from Dec. 17, 2021 to Jan. 4, 2022).

Punta Cana flights can also be paired with hotels and all-inclusive resorts when booking a Swoop Getaway. Powered by Expedia, Swoop Getaway packages are available anywhere Swoop flies, including from Toronto to Cancun, Montego Bay and now, Punta Cana.

PEOPLE Transat’s Group Department announces new appointments Transat has announced two new appointments in its Group Department.

Cole Keitamo has been promoted to Group Sales Manager, Ontario, Atlantic and Western Canada. He has over 20 years of experience in various roles at Transat, including Group supervisor and Call Centre Supervisor. He has served as Group Sales Manager in Western Canada since 2017.

Marie-Eve Charbonneau has also been promoted to Group Sales Manager, Quebec and Ottawa. Having joined Transat in 2003, Charbonneau has held several positions over the years including various supervisor roles within the Group Department.

Both Keitamo and Charbonneau will be responsible for managing the group teams that serve Transat’s agency partners, and will oversee the execution of commercial group actions in their respective regions.

They can be reached at cole.keitamo@transat.com and marie-eve.charbonneau@transat.com.

14 | TRAVELWEEK | October 7, 2021

In recent weeks, Swoop has announced several new flights and destinations as it continues to recover operations heading into the winter season. These include nonstop flights from Winnipeg to Orlando, the addition of Los Cabos from both Edmonton and Toronto, nonstops from Toronto to Kingston, Jamaica, as well as new service to San Diego, St. Pete-Clearwater and Orlando Sanford.

Unique Vacations Canada has exclusive incentives for Canadian travel advisors TORONTO — Unique Vacations Canada Inc., affiliate of the worldwide representatives of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, is rewarding Canadian travel agents for all their hard work throughout the pandemic.

Effective immediately, all Points to Paradise rewards earned by Canadian travel advisors in 2019, 2020 and 2021 have been extended through Dec. 31, 2022. As such, Canadian advisors are now able to redeem their earned P2P points on free night stays of their very own up until the end of next year.

In addition, for a limited time, Canadian advisors will enjoy two exclusive incentives for all new Sandals and Beaches bookings made between Oct. 1-31, 2021, for travel any time. All bookings must be registered on the Sandals TA portal at taportal.sandals.com within 30 days in order to qualify for either incentive.

They are as follows: • Bonus Cash Commission – Every new booking of six nights or longer to any Sandals or Beaches resort in any room category will translate into bonus cash (Cdn$100 for a Butler Elite / Love Nest / Together Nest Suites booking; $75 for a Club Sandals / Concierge booking; $50 for a Luxury booking) • Double P2P Points – For the first time, Canadian travel advisors will receive double Points to Paradise on all new bookings of six nights or longer to any Sandals or Beaches resort, in any room category. For every room dollar paid by their clients, Canadian advisors will receive two points (instead of one) to redeem on a Luxury Included vacation of their own.

NEWS “We are absolutely thrilled to introduce these Canadian exclusives to our retail partners, and best of all, they are available on bookings made with your preferred tour operator,” saysMaureen Barnes-Smith, Vice President Sales & Marketing Canada, Unique Vacations Canada Inc. “With our new Sandals and Beaches Vacation Assurance programs firmly in place, there’s never been a better time to book your client’s next worry-free luxury all-inclusive vacation – and receive some extra cash and bonus reward points at the same time.”

For more information, travel advisors can contact their local Sandals BDM or call Inside Sales at 1-800-545-8283.

Register now to become a Japan Travel Specialist TORONTO — Travel agents can deepen their knowledge of Japan, one of Asia’s most exciting destinations, and win a $100 gift card by enrolling in the Japan Travel Specialist Online Certifica-

tion Program.

Launched by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), and created and designed specifically for travel agents, the program is available in two levels: Japan Travel Advisor and Japan Travel Specialist. Courses are available in both English and French.

Agents will learn what sets Japan apart so that they can sell the destination to first-time visitors and those who return again and again.

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.

By taking JNTO’s courses, agents will learn what sets Japan apart so that they can easier sell the destination to

both first-time visitors and the many Canadians who return again and again.

From Japan’s language to its cuisine and culture, agents will gain in-depth knowledge of classic destinations along the so-called ‘Golden Route’ as well as the country’s countless hidden gems.

Courses will also take them through the distinctive character of each part of the country, from unique regional dishes to unmissable festivals and events, from multi-day rock extravaganzas to fireworks displays that fill the summer sky with tens of thousands of colourful explosions.

Between 1999 and 2019, visitors to Japan leapt sevenfold, from below 4.5 million to nearly 32 million. Known for both its dense cities and breathtaking natural beauty, the nation awaits with mountains, lakes, beaches, islands and forested hills topped with ancient shrines – all remarkably accessible along one of the world’s most advanced and reliable public transportation systems.

To learn more about this fascinating destination, visit japantravelspecialist.ca today!

Japan National Tourism Organization

JAPAN TRAVEL E-LEARNING PROGRAM Test your knowledge of Japan through our Japan Travel e-Learning Program and learn how to promote and sell this increasingly popular travel destination

Complete the course for a chance to win!

REGISTER NOW

Five $100 gift cards will be given away each month until the end of February 2022

japanspecialist.ca October 7, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 15

THIS ISN'T YOUR ORDINARY BEACH.

FALKLAND ISLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA. You’ve heard about the snow-capped mountains, expansive glaciers and sculpted icebergs of the Antarctic—but did you know about the windswept beaches where few humans have ever set foot?

Imagine shorelines teeming not with crowds of sunbathing people but with incredible wildlife as far as the eye can see.

Join Quark Expeditions on a journey to Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia for an unforgettable polar adventure that surpasses all expectations. Visit the sandy beaches of the sub-Antarctic islands of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, where you’ll encounter thousands of curious king penguins and lounging elephant seals, not to mention great albatrosses soaring overhead. Then, sail further south to explore the rugged shoreline of the Antarctic Peninsula.

The most remote beaches on Earth await you.

MULTIPLE DEPARTURES FOR 2021, 2022 & 2023 Contact your travel professional today.

NEWS

JTB’s good news: Forward bookings to Jamaica from Canada are 65% of 2019 levels

Rendering of Emerald Sakara

Emerald Sakara coming in 2023 as sister-superyacht to Emerald Azzurra VANCOUVER — Emerald Cruises has announced the build of a second superyacht, Emerald Sakara, which will be welcomed to the brand’s yacht cruising fleet in 2023.

Emerald Sakara – a Sanskrit mantra meaning ‘thoughts become things’ – will join sister-superyacht Emerald Azzurra sailing the Med, Adriatic, Red and Black Seas.

The company says the addition of a second yacht adds additional capacity to keep up with the strong demand for the brand’s ocean-going itineraries, which saw Black Sea sailings sell out within two weeks of being released, despite the pandemic.

The launch of the 100-guest Emerald Sakara will also introduce a new destination for Emerald Cruises – the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. Emerald Sakara’s maiden voyage, the eight-day Tropical Charms of the Seychelles itinerary, will explore Port Victoria (Mahé Island), Sainte-Anne Island, Cousin Island, Praslin Island, Grande-Soeur Island, Curieuse Island, La Digue Island and Aride Island.

Construction is underway on the new 110-metre-long Emerald Sakara in Ha Long City, Vietnam, with the steel already cut. Like Emerald Azzurra, 88% of Emerald Sakara’s 50 cabins will

have balconies. It will also boast more space per guest than similar vessels of its size. Amenities will include a large infinity pool, spa, gym and marina platform with paddleboards, snorkelling equipment and more. Emerald Cruises’ inclusive pricing comprises all onboard meals, complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, as well as a number of excursions and onboard activities.

Emerald Sakara is expected to launch in Q1 2023, with bookings already on sale.

“We’ve received enormous interest in yacht cruising since announcing the launch of Emerald Azzurra, and we’re thrilled to be able to announce the building of our second luxury superyacht, Emerald Sakara. The yacht’s name is Sanskrit for the idea of ‘thoughts becoming things,’ and refers to the philosophy that positive thoughts can manifest into reality. We love this idea, which underscores Emerald Cruises’ brand promise of making our guest’s dreams of taking a luxury yacht vacation for an exceptional value come to life,” says David Winterton, Global Director of Brand & Marketing, Emerald Cruises.

Emerald Sakara is the 11th vessel in the Emerald Cruises fleet, joining nine river cruising Star-Ships and Emerald Azzurra, which is due to commence sailing on Jan. 28, 2022 with the eightday ‘Best of the Red Sea’ itinerary.

Digital brochures are available at emeraldcruises.ca.

TORONTO — Jamaica is more than ready for Canadian vacationers this fall and winter - and apparently Canadians are ready for Jamaica too, with forward bookings currently at 65% of 2019 levels.

It’s an amazing metric amid a pandemic, and much of the momentum heading into the fall and winter season is thanks to the Jamaica Tourist Board, which has worked hard to keep the destination front and centre with Canadian travellers - and travel agents.

Granted, some of those forward bookings may be in watch-and-wait mode. While Canadians are realizing they’re in desperate need of a winter sun getaway, many are still wary of the delta variant, and the Canadian government’s ever-present travel advisory against non-essential travel.

But after an extremely challenging 18 months, hearing that forward bookings are even approaching 2019 levels is extremely positive.

Jamaica reopened in June 2020 “and we never closed after that,” said Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, in an interview with Travelweek last week.

Jamaica’s Resilient Corridors, which created COVID-19 safe zones for vacationers across 85% of the island’s top tourism destinations, have been a big part of Jamaica’s success with bringing back international visitors. Jamaica welcomed its millionth visitor for 2021 on Aug. 15.

Another major contributor to Jamaica’s momentum, especially from the Canadian market, has been the tireless efforts of the Jamaica Tourist Board, particularly where the trade is concerned. From the JTB’s Virtual Product Showcase to countless Irie Hours, webinars and more, the JTB’s work in this market under the direction of Regional Director of Tourism - Canada, Angella Bennett, has done wonders.

Says the JTB's Director of Tourism, Donovan White: “One thing we’ve made sure of throughout this entire experience of COVID is being very accessible to our trade partners, and particularly our travel agent community. At the end of the day they are our touch points in the consumer space.”

October 7, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 17

NEWS

L-R-The JTB's Director of Tourism, Donovan White and Regional Director of Tourism Canada, Angella Bennett, and Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett

White added: “We realized that the better informed travel agents are, the better they’re able to get the right information about the destination to the Canadian people. So we use the [travel agent] channel a lot and it has truly been to our benefit.”

Jamaica has 82% of its 2019 lift back for the 2021-2022 winter season out of Canada. Airline partners including Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, Transat and Swoop have flights to Jamaica from gateways across Canada. Several airlines and resort companies shared their outlook for Jamaica for the upcoming season in the July 2021 Virtual Product Showcase hosted by the JTB. “All of our traditional partners are back on board,” says Bartlett. With all the lift from Canada, amounting to upwards of 260,000 seats for the season, “it’s a true demonstration of confidence in Jamaica,” he adds.

“The better informed agents are, the better they’re able to get the right information about Jamaica to Canadians.”

Bartlett added that tourism’s recovery “is predicated heavily on vaccination. It’s important for consumers to know the importance of being vaccinated.” The level of hesitancy about vaccination in countries around the world “is becoming the next pandemic,” he added.

“Travel has to take responsibility for recovery,” said Bartlett. “Source markets must be vaccinated - and destinations too.”

Last week Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated the federal govern18 | TRAVELWEEK | October 7, 2021

ment’s intention to mandate proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for any Canadian traveller looking to get on a plane, train or cruise ship in the coming weeks.

Jamaica is safe and secure for Canadian travellers looking for a getaway this winter, says Bartlett. Plus, who can forget “the sun, the music, the food,” he adds.

Canadians arriving in Jamaica just need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival.

For more details see visitjamaica.com/ travelauthorization.

Air Canada Foundation Golf Tournament raises more than $765,000 for charities MONTREAL — The ninth edition of the Air Canada Foundation Golf Tournament raised more than $765,000 to support charitable organizations dedicated to the health and well-being of children and youth in Canada.

The tournament took place on Sept. 27 after a one-year pause due to COVID-19. Held at Quebec’s Saint-Raphaël Golf Club and following local COVID-19 protocols, the tournament brought in some 250 guests.

"On behalf of all the children and families whose lives are touched by the Foundation, I extend a heartfelt thank you to Air Canada's partners and friends who joined us today to support the Foundation's activities," said Priscille LeBlanc, Chair of the Air Canada Foundation.

"Their ongoing generosity is particularly heartwarming this year as the pan-

demic has made times more difficult than ever for many of the young Canadians we support. The funds raised at this event will go to children in need, some who otherwise would not get to eat breakfast every day and others who need to fly great distances for urgent medical care,” added LeBlanc.

Says Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs at Air Canada: "After a challenging 2020, we were thrilled to finally hold this annual event that helps support charitable organizations across Canada which are focused on the health and well-being of children and youth. The Foundation has made a difference in the lives of thousands of children, and through the tireless work of so many outstanding Air Canada volunteers, employees and retirees, as well as the unwavering support of our partners. This successful event would not have been possible without them.”

One of the activities during the tournament allowed golfers to support three charities selected by the Air Canada Foundation. Each participant was given a $50 certificate, which they could donate to either of the three charitable organizations during their round of play. Thanks to this initiative, The Terry Fox Foundation, La Tablée des Chefs and Canadian Red Cross received a total amount of $12,000.

Meanwhile at the lemonade stand youngsters Maika and Zachary, representing charitable partners of the Air Canada Foundation, raised $16,375.

At the closing of the event, each guest received a meal box, courtesy of the Tablée des Chefs. Unused meal boxes were donated to the Old Brewery Mission.

The Air Canada Foundation was pleased to welcome TD as Presenting Partner of this year's event. There was also a long list of Honour and Gold sponsors.

In 2020 the Air Canada Foundation granted over $2.4 million in financial and in-kind support to 100 Canadian registered charities and helped over 150 fundraising events and initiatives.

Other fundraising initiatives include Every Bit Counts, Air Canada’s onboard collection program that facilitates the donation of currency of any denomination on Air Canada flights or through collection containers available at Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges.

NEWS

Kensington Tours launches Voyages by Kensington TORONTO — Kensington Tours has launched Voyages by Kensington Tours, a one-stop shop that allows travellers to combine pre- and postcruise experiences with the world’s top ocean and river cruises.

Featuring both the Classical Collection and the Adventure Collection, Voyages by Kensington Tours weaves together ocean and river cruises with curated pre- and post-cruise experiences on land to create personalized journeys in the world’s most desirable destinations.

Travel advisors earn commission on the entire trip, plus they earn double the cash in a prepaid VISA Swift card, paid upfront, up to $400 on each of their first five Voyages by Kensington Tours bookings.

On each journey, a Kensington Tours Destination Expert will work closely with travel advisors to select the desai163044351031_15059 - Travelweek's tination, vessel, time of year and level

of accommodation. Around that cruise, they will tailor a pre- and post-cruise itinerary on land featuring Kensington Tours’ private-guided experiences.

With the Classical Collection, clients enjoy luxury river cruises in some of the world’s most captivating destinations, from the Rhine to the Danube and the Nile. Available cruise lines include Avalon Waterways, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises,

Guests can combine pre- and post-cruise experiences with top ocean and river cruises.

Sanctuary Cruises and VIVA Cruises.

With help from the Destination Expert, curated itineraries can sail down the Danube, for example, starting or ending in Munich, Prague, Vienna or Budapest, for as many days as the client wishes.

For those looking for more thrills, the Adventure Collection features a Half Page Sept 23- fall issue2.pdf 1 8/31/21 broad range of land and sea expedi-

tions that allow clients to explore destinations in the Arctic, Antarctic, Alaska, the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon. Cruise partners include Celebrity Cruises, Albatros Expeditions, Aqua Expeditions. Hurtigruten Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, Silversea and Swan Hellenic. Before and after their cruise, clients can personalize their itinerary just as they would with the Classical Collection, with possible adventures that include hiking, diving and more in Iceland, Norway, Chile, Argentina and more.

Kensington Tours has extended its Risk-Free Guaranteed booking promise until Dec. 31, 2021, for travel through 2022. The promise allows clients to change their mind, for any reason, right up to 30 days before departure, knowing that their travel investment is fully protected, including airfare booked with a Kensington-preferred air carrier. Clients can postpone their trip, cancel it for a 100% future travel credit, or rebook to any other Kensington Tours destination.

For more information about Voyages4:58

by PMKensington Tours, go to www. kensingtontours.com/voyages.

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Antigua and Barbuda welcome back Air Canada flights ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA — Antigua and Barbuda is ready to welcome back Canadians, with the resumption of Air Canada flights this past weekend.

Flights resumed on Oct. 3 to and from Toronto to St. John’s, giving Antigua and Barbuda a welcome boost in airlift for the winter season.

“We welcome Canadians back to our shores and are very pleased that Air Canada has decided to resume services from Toronto to St. John’s, Antigua,” said Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez. “This upcoming winter season visitors will continue to safely enjoy Antigua and Barbuda.”

Canadian Empress, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines celebrates 40th anniversary with Anniversary Cruise KINGSTON — Forty lucky passengers were on hand to help St. Lawrence Cruise Lines celebrate its 40th anniversary during a special Anniversary Cruise last week.

“We believe that it is important to pay tribute to the origins of the company, including the construction of the CANADIAN EMPRESS in Gananoque.”

Sailing from Sept. 27-Oct. 1, the cruise carried 40 guests, many of whom have previously travelled with the cruise line, on a journey through the Thousand Islands and St. Lawrence Seaway, between the line’s homeport of Kingston, Ontario and Morrisburg, Ontario.

Paying homage to the company’s rich history and its original small ship CANADIAN EMPRESS, the cruise included afternoon tea at Cosies Tea Room in 20 | TRAVELWEEK | October 7, 2021

Brockville, a celebratory dinner at the Harvest Barn at Upper Canada Village, and a Dedication Ceremony for the ship on Oct. 1 at the 1000 Islands boat Museum in Gananoque. The museum is located only a short stroll from the location where the ship was originally built and launched in 1981.

“We believe that it is important to pay tribute to the origins of the company, including the construction of the CANADIAN EMPRESS in Gananoque, as well as our first voyages through hthe Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River. This Anniversary Cruise gives us a chance to do that,” said St. Lawrence Cruise Lines President, Jason Clark.

“We are excited to share this Anniversary cruise with our passengers and crew,” he added. “We will also be welcoming a number of past crew members, many of the original journeymen involved with building the Canadian Empress to the Dedication Ceremony on Oct. 1,” St. Lawrence Cruise Lines operates overnight cruises on the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers, with departures from Kingston, Ottawa and Quebec City. Its vessels travel exclusively in Canadian waters and makes overnight stops at select ports in Ontario and Quebec.

For more information or to request a travel brochure call 1-800-267-7868 or go to www.StLawrenceCruiseLines.com.

“We are very pleased that Air Canada has decided to resume services from Toronto to St. John’s.”

Nino Montagnese, Vice President, Air Canada Vacations, added: “Canadians are anxious to travel to the beautiful locations they’ve been dreaming of and we’re ready to respond to their needs.

Our packaged holidays from Toronto to Antigua, available as of Oct. 3, give them the opportunity to experience a stunning corner of the Caribbean and create new memories under the sun.”

All arriving passengers are required to present a negative COVID-19 RTPCR test using a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab taken within four days or fewer of their flight. Children below the age of five entering Antigua do not require a COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

As of Oct. 1, 2021, 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 World Health Organization- or Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment (MOHWE)-approved two-dose COVID-19 vaccine.

In addition, masks in public spaces are mandatory throughout the destination and social/physical distancing protocols must be adhered to.

For more information on in-destination protocols go to https://visitantigua barbuda.com/travel-advisory.

NEWS fare from celebrated chefs.

Then it’s time to go with the flow of craft beer and creativity on a journey from a downtown humming with energy to a museum park that expands the mind across 65 hectares.

Next up: the Outer Banks, a destination shaped by the winds. Wondrous beauty and monumental history await with dune-lined beaches, towering lighthouses, and adventure borne on air and water.

More destination information about North Carolina is at VisitNC.com.

Aruba welcomes the return of flights from Canada ORANJESTAD, ARUBA — Aruba is welcoming back Canadians with open arms, with Air Canada, WestJet and Sunwing all resuming service to the ‘One happy island.’

Nearly 55,000 seats will be available to Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad, Aruba, between October 2021 and March 2022, giving Canadians more options to soak up some sun this winter season.

“In working with our trusted airline partners, we are thrilled to resume direct airlift service from Canada, expanding flight options for Canadian visitors to travel to our One happy island this fall and winter,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of Aruba Tourism Authority.

“With our year-round sunny skies and award-winning white sand beaches, Aruba is the perfect escape from the cold weather that’s on its way to Canada.”

Below is a roundup of airlines resuming air service to Aruba, as of Sept.

20, 2021 (flight schedules are subject to change without notice): SUNWING Flight service from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Queen Beatrix (AUA) resumed on Sept. 20. Service will be offered weekly on Mondays.

AIR CANADA Weekly service (Sundays) from YYZ to AUA resumed Oct. 3. The service will ramp up to twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, starting in November, then 3x weekly on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays starting in December.

From January 2022, flights will depart four times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

WESTJET Flight service from YYZ to AUA will resume on Nov. 6, twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Come January 2022, service will increase to four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Since reopening its borders last summer, Aruba has implemented a number of traveller protocols to keep visitors and locals alike safe, including requiring travellers to present a negative COVID-19 test prior to or upon arrival and purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance. More than 75% of eligible residents in Aruba (aged 12+) have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. For the most up-todate entry requirements and on-island protocols, visit www.aruba.com/us/ traveler-health-requirements.

Merit Travel Group advisor wins trip for two to North Carolina TORONTO — One lucky travel advisor has won a North Carolina getaway in a contest promoted by Visit North Carolina and available through Travelweek.

Gordana Stevovic with Merit Travel Group in Toronto is the happy winner of a holiday for two to North Carolina with airfare, car rental and hotel. The trip is valued at $4,000.

Visit North Carolina’s contest ran June 30 – July 25, 2021.

The prize trip showcases North Carolina to full effect.

It starts with time in Raleigh, a city to savour for culinary excellence, in everything from barbecue to farm-fresh

“Now is Our Time”: Globus family of brands launches new campaign TORONTO — With the majority of Canadian travellers now vaccinated against COVID-19, Globus family of brands has launched a new marketing campaign to emphasize that “Now is Our Time” to travel.

Encouraging Canadians to “run away, fly away and pack yourself a holiday,” the campaign focuses on worldwide travel and the more than 500 itineraries available around the world with the company’s brands: Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways.

In total, the brands visit 70 countries in six continents, offering everything from guided tours and packaged vacations to river and small-ship cruises.

“Now is our time to come back to the world,” says Stéphanie Bishop, managing director of the Globus family of brands. “For more than 90 years, the Globus family of brands has shared its great travel love affair with Canadians driven by wanderlust. For us, and them, this recent ‘detour’ has been difficult but it’s also reminded us how much we miss the world.

“Now it’s time to make plans to wrap our arms around wonderment, curiosity and intrigue once again in the places we’ve missed – global destinations that have also missed us.”

Bishop adds that over the last year, the company has unveiled additional ways for travellers to explore, including ‘Choice Touring by Globus’ in Europe and North America. It also expanded the series of ‘Undiscovered’ tours around the world and introduced new October 7, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 21

NEWS Storyteller sailings with celebrity hosts.

“We’re ready to help Canadian travellers leave normal behind, get back to amazing and find our happy place back in the world,” says Bishop.

For more information go to http:// nowisourtime.ca/.

Crystal Serenity’s 2022 Grand Voyage now available for booking MIAMI — Crystal Cruises has opened the books on its 2022 Grand Voyage, ‘Caribbean Idylls & Mediterranean Masterpieces’, onboard Crystal Serenity.

Embarking in Miami on Jan. 17, 2022, Crystal’s 2022 Grand Voyage will be available as three options of 102, 116 or 132 nights, each offering full Grand Voyage benefits and incentives.

Passengers also have the option to choose from 11 cruise segments ranging from nine to 16 nights.

Crystal’s 2022 Grand Voyage will be available as three options of 102, 116 or 132 nights.

The full 2022 Grand Voyage will call on 82 ports in 32 countries and features 11 overnights in some of the world’s most iconic cities including Istanbul, Monte Carlo, Naples and Cannes, as well as the exclusive island enclaves of St. Barts, Madeira, the Canary Islands and more.

Fares for the Full 2022 Grand Voyage start at US$31,102 per passenger including up to $10,500 Book Now Savings, As You Wish shipboard credits of up to $2,500 per guest, Crystal Society Savings of 2.5%, New-to-Crystal savings of 2%, and reduced cruise deposits of 15%.

Segment fares for the 2022 Grand Voyage begin at $2,699 per person including $1,000 Book Now Savings per guest, Crystal Society Savings of 2.5%, New-toCrystal savings of 2%, and 5% savings on Back-to-Back combination voyages.

22 | TRAVELWEEK | October 7, 2021

Plush merchandise, Vault Collection

More details unveiled about Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebrations ORLANDO — Who better than Mary Poppins herself to officially kickstart 50th anniversary celebrations at Walt Disney World?

Dame Julie Andrews, who won an Academy Award for her leading role in Walt Disney’s 1964 film Mary Poppins, opened media-exclusive virtual showcase on Sept. 30 about the resort’s 18-month-long anniversary celebrations. In her opening remarks, Andrews shared how founder Walt Disney first brought her out to Los Angeles to show her around Disneyland.

“People were stunned to see Walt himself driving around with his golf cart, me beside him, trying to touch his sleeve, calling out to him, telling him how much he was loved and how much they appreciated all that he did,” said Andrews. “And I, like so many others, was lucky enough to be blessed by true Disney magic all those years ago.

And all these years later, I’d like to wish everyone at Walt Disney World many more years of joy and love and wishing upon stars. Happy 50th anniversary to the most magical place on Earth.”

Walt Disney World Resort officially opened its doors to guests for the first time 50 years ago on Oct. 1, 1971. The 18-month-long anniversary celebra-

tions kicked off last week with Disney cast members ushering in an array of new attractions, nighttime spectaculars and more.

Here are some updated details from the showcase: EXPANDED EPCOT FRANCE PAVILION The Oct. 1 grand opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure takes guests into the world of the Academy Award-winning film ‘Ratatouille.” In this family-friendly attraction, guests will feel as if they’ve shrunk to the size of Chef Remy while scurrying through Gusteau’s famous restaurant. They will discover Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in World Showcase as part of a newly expanded France pavilion.

Also debuting Oct. 1 in the expanded pavilion is La Crêperie de Paris, a new restaurant offering both table- and quick-service options. On the menu are sweet crepes, savoury buckwheat galettes and authentic French hard cider.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, La Crêperie and the expanded pavilion are all part of EPCOT’s transformation that is currently underway.

MAGICBAND+ In 2013, Walt Disney World Resort introduced MagicBand, a revolutionary way to make the guest experience in its theme parks and resorts more convenient and hands-free. The next generation MagicBand+ will debut at Walt Disney World in 2022, adding new functionality for guests. Upon entering a Walt Disney World theme park, the wearable will come alive at various times with colour-changing lights,

NEWS

American Queen Steamboat Company unveils new brand: American Queen Voyages

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

vibrations and gesture recognition.

While wearing the band, guests will be able to play like a bounty hunter in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and interact with the ‘Disney Fab 50 Character Collection.’ MagicBand+ will also light up and complement nighttime spectaculars, including the new ‘Harmonious’ at EPCOT and ‘Disney Enchantment’ at Magic Kingdom Park.

Current MagicBands will continue to be available, along with the complimentary Disney MagicMobile service that extends MagicBand features, such as park entry, to smart devices.

HEY DISNEY! Disney is creating its own custom voice assistant using Alexa technology for supported Amazon Echo devices.

Called ‘Hey Disney!’, it will work alongside Alexa to respond to vocal prompts, bringing Disney characters and stories to life at Walt Disney World Resort. It will begin rolling out in Disney Resort hotel guestrooms across Walt Disney World in 2022.

Access will be offered as an optional, complimentary feature during guest stays. ‘Hey Disney!’ will also feature an all-new character, the Disney Magical Companion, who will help guests discover more than a thousand magical interactions.

DRAWN TO LIFE Presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney, Drawn to Life is a new family-friendly show premiering at Disney Springs on Nov. 18, 2021 during ‘The World’s Most Magical Celebration.’

As an original collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, the live acrobatic show tells the story of Julie, a girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her Disney animator

father. Tickets are available at www. cirquedusoleil.com/drawntolife.

STAR WARS: GALACTIC STARCRUISER Two of the most highly anticipated new experiences at Walt Disney World Resort will debut in 2022 as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. Debuting March 1, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a first-of-its-kind experience that allows guests to become the heroes of their own stories during a two-night adventure. General bookings begin Oct. 28, 2021.

Also opening next year as part of the historic transformation of EPCOT is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the park’s first ‘other-world’ showcase pavilion. The family-friendly adventure features a new storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees and the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.

HOTEL ENHANCEMENTS Two original Disney Resort hotels are being reimagined for the 50th anniversary. All guestrooms in the iconic A-frame tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort are being completely refurbished, blending a sleek Tomorrowland motif with favourite characters from the ‘Incredibles’ films.’ In the lobby, guests will see a collection of modern art pieces as well as historical, behind-the-scenes photographs of the resort while under construction. Steakhouse 71, the resort’s lobby restaurant, has also been enhanced.

Meanwhile, over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, guestrooms have been updated with a colour palette inspired by the Pacific Ocean and its necklace of islands. Taking inspiration from the film “Moana,’ the resort features characters and references to the film’s storytelling and also boasts a dramatic new porte cochere.

FORT LAUDERDALE — American Queen Steamboat Company, now in its 10th year, has rebranded as American Queen Voyages, a new overarching brand name that merges the company with sister line Victory Cruise Lines.

Offering a varied portfolio of North American itineraries, American Queen Voyages is comprised of American Queen Voyages River, American Queen Voyages Lakes & Ocean (formerly Victory Cruise Lines), and American Queen Voyages Expedition, which includes new Alaska and Central America expeditions beginning 2022.

Embracing the new tagline ‘Discovery Runs Deep,’ American Queen Voyages invites travellers to venture off the beaten path in some of North America’s most historic destinations.

“Through a decade of transformation, American Queen Voyages has surged from the great American rivers to include lakes, ocean and expedition experiences,” said Shawn Bierdz, president, American Queen Voyages. “Today, we are American Queen Voyages and embrace this simple but important expression – Discovery Runs Deep. As we move into this new chapter and introduce our version of encounter travel, we uphold the originating vision of our company’s founder and chairman, John Waggoner and his unwavering belief in the renaissance of U.S. river cruising and close-to-home adventures.”

Here's an overview of the various lines under the new brand: American Queen Voyages River American Queen Voyages River is led by namesake U.S.-flagged American Queen, the largest riverboat in the world, stretching longer than a football field and towering six decks in height. The boat offers convenient departures from America’s river port cities, including Memphis, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Louisville, Pittsburg, St. Louis and Minneapolis. In April 2014, American Queen Steamboat Company began serving the Pacific Northwest with the American Empress, and added the American Duchess to the Mississippi River in August 2017. The newest October 7, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 23

NEWS

The pool at Royalton Grenada Resort

and fourth boat to join the fleet is the American Countess, which made its debut in March 2021 and sails the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers.

American Queen Voyages Lakes & Ocean American Queen Voyages Lakes & Ocean encompasses Victory Cruise Lines’ voyages to Canada, the Great Lakes, New England and Eastern Seaboard and Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula, sailing on identical 202-passenger ships. Victory I will be renamed Ocean Voyager, while Victory II will be known as Ocean Navigator. Itineraries sail throughout coastal North America to historic ports like Mackinac Island and cities like Charleston and Savannah.

American Queen Voyages Expedition American Queen Voyages Expedition marks the brand’s entry into expedition cruising. Comprised of newly build 186-passenger vessels, the expeditions line will operate all-inclusive cruises to Alaska on the Ocean Victory in 2022 and the Ocean Discoverer in 2023. The brand new, 186-guest Ocean Victory will traverse 12- and 13-day journeys through the less-travelled regions of Alaska’s Inside Passage.

At the same time the company announced the rebrand, it also confirmed that it will be opening a brand new headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The new 23,000 square-foot office location will serve as the center of the cruise line’s marketing, sales and vessel operations with over 100 jobs.

“South Florida is the heart of the cruise industry, and Fort Lauderdale is undeniably the epicenter of that region,” added Bierdz. “Having a presence in Fort Lauderdale allows us to tap into a talented workforce across the tri-county area, as well as offer an attractive home base for those looking to relocate here.”

24 | TRAVELWEEK | October 7, 2021

Here are the 20 Blue Diamond Resorts properties now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection TORONTO — Sunwing Travel Group has announced the full integration of 20 of its Blue Diamond Resorts properties into Marriott International’s Autograph Collection and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.

News that Blue Diamond Resorts had joined forces with Marriott International in a move that would see a long list of Blue Diamond Resorts properties become part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection first surfaced in February 2021.

The 20 participating Blue Diamond Resorts are the first all-inclusive properties to join Marriott’s Autograph Collection brand, a curated collection of independent properties with distinct perspectives on design and hospitality.

The resorts will continue to be independently owned and operated by Blue Diamond Resorts under the Autograph Collection name and deliver on the brand’s promise to create unique and memorable vacation experiences tailored to guests’ unique interests, says Sunwing.

While the Feb. 2021 announcement comprised 19 Blue Diamond Resorts properties, the list now also includes Royalton Grenada for an even 20.

“We are excited to announce the full integration of 20 of our properties into the Autograph Collection,” said Jordi Pelfort, President, Hotels and Resorts of Sunwing Travel Group.

“By aligning our portfolio of worldclass resorts with Marriott’s presti-

gious reputation and award-winning loyalty program, we’ll be able to offer the highest level of all-inclusive service and help make even more travellers’ vacation dreams come true,” he added.

The resorts have also joined Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s loyalty program and travel marketplace.

Hotels that are now part of the Autograph Collection include: Mexico: Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort; Planet Hollywood Adult Scene Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only; Royalton CHIC Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only; Royalton Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino; Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only Dominican Republic: Royalton Bavaro, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino; Royalton CHIC Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino – Adults Only; Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino; Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino – Adults Only; Royalton Splash Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino Jamaica: Grand Lido Negril Au-Naturel, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only; Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort; Royalton Negril, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort; Hideaway at Royalton Negril, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only; Royalton White Sands Montego Bay, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort Saint Lucia: Royalton Saint Lucia, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort; Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only Costa Rica: Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort Antigua: Royalton Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino Grenada: Royalton Grenada, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

AN ADVENTURE LIKE NO OTHER Escape to some of the Caribbean’s most unspoilt islands in search of hidden beaches and natural wonders, following ‘safe sailing’ protocols, on board Golden Horizon, a ship which perfectly marries rich sailing heritage and modern luxury, with a sustainable twist.

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Holidays depart regularly between Nov 21 - Mar 22

PRICES FROM $2,399 USD pp* *Prices include all meals and soft drinks. Port charges and taxes of $210 are additional. All prices are per person, based on two people sharing and correct at time of going to print 19/09/21. Please note that cruise prices and special offers can be withdrawn without notice.

To book please call 437 826 9600 or visit tradewindvoyages.com

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