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Air Canada Vacations’ new 2021/2022 Sun Collection
Air Canada Vacations
Air Canada Vacations’ new 2021/2022 Sun Collection out now
MONTREAL — Air Canada Vacations has released its newest Sun brochure featuring packages in 42 sun-soaked destinations.
The 2021/2022 Sun Collection, which was unveiled to travel professionals across Canada earlier this month, features over 550 mostly all-inclusive hotels to choose from, including 35 new additions, three resorts exclusive to ACV and 35 semi-exclusive resorts. For cruisers, ACV is offering more than 100 cruises, including from the newly added Silversea.
Other notable highlights include exclusive perks for Aeroplan members from over 184 hotels, more than 124 Play Collection resorts, and the addition of new tour options such as the Pure Nature Tour and Volcanoes & Beach tour in Costa Rica.
Plus, as part of its ongoing commitment to inclusion, ACV is once again highlighting LGBTQ+ friendly hotels. And for those who prefer to travel green, there’s also the introduction of an eco-friendly spotlight for resorts certified for their green policies and support of local communities.
Nino Montagnese, Vice President, Air Canada Vacations, says that he is “tremendously proud” of this year’s Sun brochure.
“We want to advance the recovery of our industry with an inspiring piece that entices Canadians to dream of relaxation, adventure and sunnier days ahead,” he says. “As the demand for leisure travel continues to grow, we’re ready to meet the needs of travellers from all walks of life through an expanded product lineup that gives them the options they’re looking for. With so many choices at their fingertips, it’s easier than ever to plan their perfect getaway and create the magical moments they’ve been longing for.”
“Collaboration is going to be critical”: TIAC calls for action following federal election
TORONTO — The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is urging for collaboration across Canada’s tourism industry as well as government party lines following the results of the federal election.
Extending its congratulations to the re-elected Liberal Government and all party candidates, Beth Potter, President and CEO of TIAC says that the organization is “working diligently” with all elected representative and senior federal officials on behalf of the industry.
“Collaboration is going to be critical to moving us forward,” she said. “It has been our biggest strength over the past 18 months.”
Potter added that TIAC was encouraged to see tourism-specific pledges mentioned in party platforms during the campaign, and advocated for all parties to work with the industry on: targeted support for the hardest hit; delivery of a proof of vaccination certification program; and the implementation of progressive strategies
to address such issues as the labour shortage and traveller confidence.
In the first announcement on the campaign trail, the Liberal Party announced that it would do the following: • Provide Canada’s tourism industry, including hotels, tour operators, convention centers and festivals that experience a minimum 40% revenue loss, with temporary wage and rent support of up to 75% of their expenses (a maximum subsidy rate of up to 75% would be available between September 2021 until May 31, 2022)
• Extend the Canada Recovery Hiring Program to March 31, 2022 • Launch the Arts and Culture Recovery Program that will match ticket sales for performing arts, live theatres and other cultural venues to compensate for reduced capacity • Extend COVID-related insurance coverage for media production stoppages to support 150,000 Canadian jobs • Implement a transitional support program to help bridge workers from the creative industry who continue to be impacted by the pandemic
“It is vital that this once $105 billion industry be recognized as the important economic driver it is,” said Potter. “We look forward to working on an urgent basis with all Parliamentarians to ensure the survival of the tourism industry.”
Scenic to resume luxury expeditions to Antarctica
VANCOUVER — Scenic is heading back to Antarctica, with the Scenic Eclipse set to resume expedition voyages from Jan. 7, 2022.
As one of the first cruise lines to return to Antarctica after nearly two years of no visitors, Scenic is anticipating an exciting season filled with “unbelievable encounters and experiences with wildlife,” says Jason Flesher, Expedition Operations Manager – Scenic Discovery Yachts.
Scenic Eclipse’s 13-day ‘Antarctica in Depth’ voyage will depart from Ushuaia, Argentina with a maximum of 200 guests onboard. Highlights vary, depending on weather conditions, and may include the 11-kilometre-long Lemaire Channel, a visit to a working scientific base, exploring an abandoned whaling station, climbing to the rim of a volcanic crater, and the opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33’ South.
Included daily excursions run the gamut, from cruising among ice formations in Zodiacs, to kayaking, paddleboarding and hiking with expert marine biologists and geologists.
For a truly unique experience, guests are welcome aboard the yacht’s custom-built, six-guest submarine, Scenic Neptune, which offers journeys below the ocean surface with 280-degree views. They can also board one of two state-of-the-art, six-guest Airbus helicopters that offer vistas not seen by any other method.
In celebration of the return to Antarctica, Scenic is offering complimentary roundtrip business class flights and up to 20% off when the booking is paid in full by Dec. 15, 2021, on January to March 2022 sailings. The company is also offering its Flexible Booking Policy, which allows guests to defer their travel plans or cancel up to 60 days prior to departure with no additional booking fees (third party fees may apply).
To sail with Scenic, all guests and crew must be fully vaccinated. On embarkation, guests are given a rapid antigen test (at no additional cost) and temperature checks are ongoing. Other safety protocols include social distancing and mask wearing in public spaces, while state-of-the-art HVAC systems that provide 100% fresh air, and advanced HEPA filtrations have also been installed. For more information on health and safety protocols go to www. scenic.ca/assurance-oceans.
PEOPLE
TTI Travel in expansion mode with 3 new agent hires
TTI Travel is growing its team with the addition of three new travel advisors to its TTI Travel Circle. Rosalba Chiappetta, a 35-year industry veteran, joins the team from First In Service (F1S) in Toronto. John Gravel, based in Montreal, comes to TTI Travel with hopes of expanding his corporate and luxury leisure business, and has strong ties to Cirque du Soleil and Lune Rouge. Lastly, Karen Wyers made the leap from being the Head Concierge at the Four Seasons Toronto to a valued member of TTI Travel earlier this year.
On the new hires, Rocky Racco, CEO of TTI Travel, says: “We are thrilled to be welcoming these three advisors to the TTI family. This demonstrates our ongoing commitment and ability to attract and work with some of the best advisors in the travel industry.”
For more information on becoming an Independent Contractor at TTI Travel contact Barb Finn at bfinn@tticanada.com.
“IPW is reuniting the world”: IPW 2021 goes off without a hitch in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS — The 52nd annual IPW, which took place Sept. 18-22 in Las Vegas, brought more than 2,600 attendees from 52 countries together for the U.S. travel industry’s premier international marketplace.
The event was a much-welcome success after the cancellation of IPW 2020 due to the pandemic.
Health and safety practices were at the forefront as IPW gathered global travel professionals, including U.S. destinations, hotels, attractions, sports teams, cruise lines, airlines and transportation companies, together with international tour operators, buyers and wholesalers from around the world, to meet at the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center for three days of business appointments.
IPW 2021 is the first international, large-scale travel meeting to convene live in the U.S. since the start of the pandemic.
Last week, as IPW was underway, the Biden administration announced plans to reopen the U.S. to international air travel for fully vaccinated travellers worldwide. “The November reopening of international air travel to vaccinated travellers is a critical turning point in our industry’s recovery - and the announcement couldn’t have come at a more perfect time, on the opening day of IPW,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow.
“IPW is not only reuniting the world, it’s a stage for rebuilding relationships and conducting business that will lead to the full return of inbound travel,” said Dow.
New elements for IPW 2021 included IPW Focus, an educational program
