24 minute read
6What we know for sure about the U.S. border’s new rules
Confused about the U.S. border’s new November rules? Here’s what we know for sure
By Cindy Sosroutomo
TORONTO — Ever since the United States announced on Sept. 20 that it will reopen its border to fully vaccinated air travellers come November, questions have been circulating as to how the relaxed measures will impact Canadians specifi cally.
Will Canadians, who have been able to fl y into the U.S. throughout the pandemic, need to start showing proof of vaccination? ? Will COVID-19 testing be required too? And will the U.S. side of the land border, closed since March 2020, fi nally reopen too?
To help clear up any confusion, Travelweek reached out to Brand USA, the organization tasked with marketing the United States as a travel destination. Here’s what we know for sure: • On March 21, 2020, the governments of the United States, Mexico and Canada temporarily restricted non-essential travel across the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico land borders. These restrictions have been rolled forward on a monthly basis and are scheduled to remain in eff ect for the land border into the U.S. through Oct. 21, 2021. • Since Jan. 26, 2021, all air passengers entering the United States, including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents, have been required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three calendar days of departure, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days. • There are currently no restrictions in place for Canadians entering the United States via air unless they have been physically present, in the 14 days prior to entry, within one of the countries subject to restrictions and do not qualify for an exemption. These countries include those in the European Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Iran. • The new rules that come into eff ect in November will require all international visitors, including Canadians, to provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result taken within three days of their fl ight, plus additional passenger contact information. • The new system will replace the current one that restricts travel on a broad basis, according to physical presence in restricted countries.
Of course, one of the biggest question marks surrounding the new rules pertain to mixed doses of COVID-19, and whether travellers who’ve received a mixed dose regimen will be allowed entry into the United States starting in November. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), COVID-19 vaccine products are not interchangeable, citing limited
The new system will replace the current one that restricts travel according to physical presence in restricted countries.
data on the safety and effi cacy of a mixed-product series. However, mixed doses of the two mRNA vaccines – Pfi zer and Moderna – are acceptable, but only in “exceptional situations,” for example, when an mRNA vaccine administered for the fi rst dose cannot be determined or is no longer available for the second dose.
So where does that leave the 3.9 million Canadians who have received mixed doses of vaccines, whether a combination of the two mRNA vaccines or one with AstraZeneca?
“Further operational details will be developed by the federal government in the weeks ahead, and we expect this will include information about accepted vaccines, as well as other information Canadian travellers will need to prepare for and safely enjoy their next visit to the United States,” says Aaron Wodin-Schwartz, Senior Vice President, Public Aff airs at Brand USA.
Wodin-Schwartz, who says that the organization is “thrilled” by the news of the reopening of international travel to the USA for vaccinated travellers, adds that Brand USA is also closely tracking developments along terrestrial borders, “as these points of entry are important to a great number of our visitors from Canada and Mexico.”
Canada reopened its side of the border on Aug. 9, permitting fully vaccinated American travellers to enter the country, including for discretionary travel. It was widely believed that the U.S. would reciprocate, however, just two days after Canada announced the reopening, the United States said that
it would be extending the closure of its side of the border for another month. It has since been extended again until Oct. 21, 2021.
The U.S. Travel Association has been vocal in its support of the border’s reopening. In August, Executive Vice President of Public Aff airs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes said that “for each month the status quo continues at the Canadian border, America’s number one source market of inbound arrivals, the United States loses US$1.5 billion in potential travel exports, leaving countless American businesses vulnerable.”
Wodin-Schwartz at Brand USA also stresses the importance of the Canadian market, telling Travelweek that COVID-19 continues to have a massive impact on the tourism economy, on both sides of the border. And although Brand USA is not permitted to engage in lobbying or other advocacy, Wodin-Schwartz says that the organization is staying in close contact with its partners to ensure that they are prepared when the land borders reopen to non-essential travel.
“Canadians are the largest source of inbound travel to the United States and we know they maintained their affi nity for our destination over the past year and a half,” he says. “We look forward to welcoming even more Canadian travellers once the land border fully reopens and sharing the many safe, beautiful winter destinations – and warm-weather destinations – that the United States has to off er.”
Got a story idea? Questions or comments? Write to us at editorial@travelweek.ca
“We value your partnership”: WestJet’s Crowder kicks off virtual showcase
CALGARY — Agents got a sneak peek at WestJet Vacations’ new digital brochure as well as updates on WestJet’s network, loyalty, sales & distribution, safety protocols and much more at the WestJet and WestJet Vacations Virtual Showcase.
Agents also had the opportunity at the event, which took place Sept. 28, to network directly with WestJet reps, hotel partners, tourism boards, and friends and colleagues in the virtual networking lounge and breakout sessions.
Prizes were up for grabs too, with the collection of Xperience Points (XPs) throughout all areas of the show.
Chuck Crowder, Vice-President of Sales, Distribution, WestJet Vacations and the Contact Centre, welcomed agents, saying that the interactive virtual event was designed to off er the latest information about WestJet’s network products and WestJet Vacations destinations “so that you can continue to promote travel with confi dence.”
Added Crowder: “We're excited to announce new destinations and increased fl ight frequencies along with premium and business cabin features, all designed to elevate your clients' travel experience and to take them further.”
WestJet has introduced enhanced digital self-serve options and a refreshed Travel Agent Resource Site. Yesterday’s event also off ered more info on WestJet Rewards benefi ts, and corporate program updates.
Crowder struck a note of optimism and brand leadership in his opening remarks to agents.
“As your clients and our guests return to the skies, we want to reassure you that 'Safety Above All’ is more than just a saying. It’s our promise to you and our guests,” he said.
WestJet’s Travel Ready series of short videos, packed with helpful tips about health and safety protocols, are ideal for sharing with mutual clients, to give peace of mind every step of the way, he added.
Crowder also underlined WestJet’s commitment to travel agents.
“As a company built on care and connection, our travel trade partners are important to us. We recognize that the past 18 months have been hard for you and we value your partnership and consider you to be an extension of our sales force,” he said.
Returning to a more robust network after the past 18 months doesn’t happen without a few bumps along the way. Crowder also addressed WestJet’s recent operational issues.
“Our recent operational disruptions are not representative of the WestJet you know and love,” he told agents. “You deserve better and be assured these challenges are temporary.”
Crowder fi nished with a thank you to all of WestJet’s and WestJet Vacations’ travel agent partners: “On behalf of all of us at WestJet we're thankful for your support and for allowing us to celebrate 25 years of connecting you and your clients to the places you all love to go. Thank you for your trust and support. We hope you enjoy this interactive virtual expo and we wish you a strong and successful booking season.”
Chuck Crowder
TRAVELWEEK
130 Queens Quay East, Suite 512, Toronto, Ontario M5A 0P6 Tel: 416.365.1500 Fax: 416.365.1504 Toll-free: 1.855.392.8820 Web: www.travelweek.ca
SUBSCRIPTION RATES (PER YEAR)
Canada: $85 Canadian + $4.25 GST per year United States & International: $100 US per year
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENTS COPYRIGHTED
We acknowledge the fi nancial support of the Government of Canada.
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.
SAILING FROM BARBADOS AND CALLING AT DESTINATIONS INCLUDING:
Port Elizabeth, Bequia Mayreau, Grenadines Soufriere Bay, St Lucia Falmouth, Antigua Basseterre, St Kitts Gustavia, St Barts
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
“There certainly was a buzz in the room:” TL Network Canada’s Mississauga Mixer breaks all attendance records
By Cindy Sosroutomo
TORONTO — As Vice President of TL Network Canada, Christine James has attended a countless number of the company’s Mixers since its very first one in 2007. But she doesn’t recall any being as uplifting and as exciting as its recent one in Mississauga, Ontario.
Taking place Sept. 15 at The Vue EventSpace, the event marked TL Network Canada’s first in-person Owners and Managers Mixer in Eastern Canada since the start of the pandemic. Welcoming 12 suppliers and over 60 members - the most for any previous Mixer – the event garnered so much buzz that, for the first time ever in Eastern Canada, the company had to close registration two weeks early.
“The Mississauga Mixer far exceeded prior attendance records, which shows that our suppliers were eager to interact in person with our advisors after such a long 18 months of virtual events,” says James in an exclusive interview with Travelweek. “The key difference between this Mixer and others in the past is not just in the numbers of members and suppliers who showed their support, but the overwhelmingly positive energy generated throughout the entire evening compared to what we have typically seen in pre-pandemic times.”
Deana Murphy, Vice President of Sales, Sunwing Travel Group, also attended the Mississauga event, telling Travelweek that it was a “pleasure” to attend in person.
“Both suppliers and travel advisors were so excited to reconnect and talk travel while enjoying a wonderful dinner, tradeshow and informative presentations. I was so very happy to see and hear that many advisors are booked or are planning to travel with Sunwing on our ‘Do it Yourself Agent Fams’ this fall. Thank you to Travel Leaders for hosting such a wonderful evening!”
Similar feedback was shared by Lola Vassiliadeis, Owner/Manager of Cruise Holidays of Oakville & Lawrence Park, who said: “There certainly was a buzz in the room and everyone was very excited to be there. It was great catching
From l-r: Deana Murphy, Christine James, Lola Vassiliadis, Melissa Wheaton
up with some of my colleagues and suppliers in person. Seeing them on Zoom meetings helped but being with them in person meant a great deal and truly connected us. There’s no replacing that real-life connection. I left the evening with a happier heart.”
Hosted by both James and TL Network Canada’s Business Development Manager for Eastern Canada, Melissa Wheaton, the Mississauga event kickstarted another series of Mixers across the country, on now until the end of the year. Full COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place, with all guests required to show proof of double vaccination and wear masks throughout each event.
Member agents can register to attend an upcoming Mixer at www.Agent Universe.com. Following Mixers in Mississauga, Calgary, Kitchener/Waterloo, Halifax and Edmonton, the schedule of remaining events is as follows: • Oct. 5: Saskatoon, SK • Nov. 23: Winnipeg, MB • Nov. 23: Montreal, QC • Nov. 24: Ottawa, ON • Dec. 1: St. Catherine’s, ON • Dec. 14: Vancouver, BC
James, who’s celebrating 22 years with TL Network Canada this year, tells Travelweek that these Mixers have played an essential role in members’ success over the years. In the past decade, the company has hosted an average of 24 Mixers per year across Canada at premium venues, giving members the opportunity to mix and mingle with key suppliers, network, solicit ideas and share product information, all of which are more essential than ever in the midst of a pandemic and heading into the all-important winter season.
“Based on the advance sales reports for this winter, I am very encouraged by the positive trending compared to 2019,” says James. “Bookings have levelled off over the past four weeks for obvious reasons, with the rise in the Delta variant in addition to the distraction of the election. However, week by week we’re seeing a gradual move in the right direction. If this trend holds, we should see a decent recovery.”
With 22 years of experience under her belt, James is more than capable of leading TL Network Canada out of the pandemic. But she does admit that the challenges of COVID-19 are unlike any that the travel industry has ever seen.
“Like so many others, I’ve had to quickly adapt to the highly fluid industry environment but the most significant lesson I’ve learned is that absolutely nothing can be taken for granted,” she says. “All the logic and good sense that you used in the past that guided you in making the right decisions no longer applied. It was like creating a whole new rule book using what you were faced with on a daily basis to create the best possible outcome.”
When asked for her advice on how travel advisors can stimulate their own recovery, James says maintaining relationships will be key.
“Stay connected and engaged with your existing clients through phone calls, emails and social media, to let them know you’re ready and capable to start making their travel dreams come true,” she says.
“In addition, do the same with our advisors,” she adds. “Let them know that you’re there to support them for the long haul and remind them that we’re definitely closer to the end of what seems to be a reoccurring nightmare and that there are positive signs of light at the end of the tunnel.”
Tourism Ireland’s new ‘Green Button’ campaign highlights ease of travelling to Ireland right now
TORONTO — Ireland is open and ready to roll out the green carpet for Canadians.
Always a favourite from this market, Ireland is looking to tap into Canada’s pent-up demand for travel, and the charms of the Emerald Isle, with a new ‘Green Button’ promotional blitz.
The new campaign, from Tourism Ireland, will be seen by over 10 million Canadians.
Says Sandra Moffatt, Tourism Ireland’s Manager, Canada: “We are delighted to roll out our ‘Green Button’ campaign in Canada. We look forward to working closely with our key media, travel trade and carrier partners in the months and years ahead – to rebuild tourism to the island of Ireland.”
The multi-media promotional campaign aims to generate awareness of Ireland and drive bookings for short breaks and holidays in Ireland, between now and the end of 2021, she adds. “Our key message is that we cannot wait to roll out the green carpet and welcome back visitors from Canada.”
Flights to Ireland are ramping up as well. On Sept. 18 Aer Lingus resumed its nonstop flights between Toronto and Dublin with two flights per week. As of Sept. 27 that frequency increased to four flights per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays). Sale fares bookable between now and Oct. 7 start at $399 roundtrip, for travel Oct. 1, 2021 - Feb. 17, 2022.
Aer Lingus passengers can change their flights up to two hours before they are due to depart with no change fee. The Aer Lingus ‘Book with Confidence’ offer is available on all fare types allowing flexibility should plans change.
“We are delighted Aer Lingus has reinstated their direct flights from Toronto to Dublin, with regular frequency and great value airfare on offer for travel this fall-winter,” says Moffat. “Whether your trip is to reconnect with family and friends, explore your heritage or to experience all Ireland has to offer, it is now even easier for travellers to experience our world-famous ‘Céad Míle Fáilte – ‘one hundred thousand welcomes’ that awaits on the Emerald Isle.”
Moffat adds that Tourism Ireland’s ‘Green Button’ campaign concept will deliver a clear ‘book now’ message, creating a commitment to travel by pressing a green button – green being the colour of ‘go’ and the colour universally connected with the island of Ireland.
Before COVID-19, in 2019, Ireland welcomed almost 11.3 million visitors to the island of Ireland, whose visits generated €5.8 billion in revenue.
Moffat adds that Ireland has maintained strict entry requirements for international arrivals in line with the EU, in order to ensure the health and safety of travellers and local communities, as well as implemented strict health and safety protocols to ensure all businesses, including the hospitality sector, have been able to re-open and operate safely.
For fully vaccinated travellers to Ireland, no travel-related testing or quarantine is necessary.
Travellers without valid proof of vaccination will need to: present evidence of a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours prior to arrival into Ireland; self-quarantine; and undergo post-arrival testing (provided through the Health Service Executive in Ireland).
We asked Tourism Ireland if Ireland recognizes mixed-dose vaccinations as fully vaccinated.
“Mixed dose vaccines are still not recognized in Ireland, however that will likely change in the coming months,” Tourism Ireland spokesperson Jocelyn Black told us.
And if third booster shots become more widely available, that offers an option for mixed-dose travellers, says Black. Ireland accepts two doses of a single brand, so if a traveller got a Moderna and a Pfizer as their first two doses, they would just need to get a third dose of one of those brands.
Close to 4 million Canadians have mixed-dose vaccinations.
For travel-related information and up to date requirements, Tourism Ireland recommends the Irish Government website and the Northern Ireland Government website. Meanwhile Tourism Ireland’s site is ireland.com.
Princess Cruises
CRUISE LINES
Princess Cruises is extending its pause in Australia/New Zealand to Jan. 27, 2022, citing uncertainties around the return of cruising in the region. As a result of the extension, Coral Princess voyages through Jan. 17 have been cancelled, as well as Royal Princess and Sapphire Princess seasons through to March 2022. Guests booked on a cancelled cruise have the option to move to an equivalent cruise. The rebooking process will have the added benefit of protecting the guests’ fare on their replacement cruise. Alternatively, guests can choose a future cruise credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional nonrefundable bonus FCC equal to 10% of the cruise fare paid (minimum US$25), or a full refund to the original form of payment. Requests must be received via www.princess. com/pcl by Oct. 31, 2021, or guests will automatically receive the FCC option. FCCs can be used on any cruises booked by Dec. 31, 2022, and sailing by April 30, 2023.
RCL Cruises Ltd., a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group, has been awarded the tender for the construction of a new cruise terminal in Ravenna, Italy. Scheduled for completion in spring 2024, the Port of Ravenna will provide a world-class homeport for cruise ships to begin and end their itineraries in the Italian destination. A major overhaul of Porto Corsini will include a new terminal that, when fully operational, will result in an increase of cruise guests to over 300,000 per year. Upon completion, the terminal will span 12 hectares and feature public green spaces, pedestrian and cycling pathways and entertainment areas. Shore power will be available on the docks to enable ships in port to turn off their engines. Plus, guests will have convenient access to the airports of Bologna, Forlì, Rimini and Venice.
Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise company, is expecting to return over 50% of its total fleet capacity to guest cruise operations by the end of October. This represents an important milestone for the company’s previously announced plans to resume service with nearly 65% of its fleet capacity to begin the New Year. To date, eight of the company’s line brands – Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises and Cunard – have resumed guest sailings. By the end of October, 42 ships across all eight brands will be operating. The brands are operating vaccinated cruises with updated testing and masking policies, from major global ports in the U.S., Mexico, Caribbean, United Kingdom, Western Europe, the Mediterranean and more. Air France has taken delivery of its first Airbus A220-300, the latest addition to its short- and medium-haul network. This marks the first aircraft in Air France’s 2019 purchase order of 60 A220-300s. All 60 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by 2025, replacing the airline’s A318s and A319s as well as several Airbus A320s. The order also includes an additional mix of 30 options and 30 purchase rights. Starting Oct. 31, 0221, the Airbus A220-300 will fly to Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, Milan-Linate and Venice from Air France’s hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. During the 2021-2022 winter season, it will gradually extend its network to Bologna, Rome, Lisbon and Copenhagen.
Following months of preparation after exiting business rescue, South African Airways has resumed both domestic and continental service. Its first scheduled flight took place Sept. 23 from Johannesburg to Cape Town, one of three return flights per day between the two cities. Flights are also set to start to five African capitals: Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka and Maputo. SAA’s Interim CEO Thomas Kgokolo says: “Our journey back to the skies has not been easy and I pay tribute to our dedicated workforce in all areas of the business, all of whom have and are putting in long hours ahead of this day. People in every facet of the business want nothing more than for SAA to succeed and for us to build a new airline based on safety and exemplary customer service.”
HOTELS & RESORTS
The Iberostar Group has kicked off an ambitious plan to reopen its hotels in Cuba this winter season, in anticipation of a significant uptick in visitors. Following the recent news that Cuba will be easing entry requirements effective Nov. 15, Grupo Iberostar will reopen Iberostar Grand Packard – its top luxury property in Cuba – along with the Iberostar Selection Bella Vista Varadero, Iberostar Selection Ensenachos, Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Ensenachos, and Iberostar Daiquiri, all on Nov. 1. Shortly after on Dec. 1, Iberostar Bella Costa in Varadero and Iberostar Selection Holguin will reopen along with the Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Holguín. These will be followed by the Dec. 22 opening of Iberostar Playa Alameda and Iberostar Heritage Grand Trinidad. Iberostar Selection Playa Pilar in Cayo Guillermo, as well as Iberostar Parque Central, Iberostar Selection Varadero, Iberostar Laguna Azul and Iberostar Taínos are scheduled to open in January 2022.
Air Canada resumes nonstop service to India from YYZ, YVR
MONTREAL — Air Canada has resumed nonstop service to and from Delhi, following the lifting of restrictions on nonstop flights from India.
Air Canada’s flights from Delhi to Toronto and Vancouver resumed on Sept. 27.
“People are eager to reunite with family and friends and we are very pleased to resume service immediately from India to our Toronto and Vancouver hubs following the lifting of restrictions by the Government of Canada,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.
Galardo added: “We continue to be focused on the growing visiting friends and relatives market, and together with the long-standing cultural and business ties between Canada and India which are expected to grow over the coming years, Air Canada remains strongly committed to this important Asia-Pacific market.”
Since service began in 2015, Air Canada has operated flights from Toronto and Vancouver to Delhi and from Toronto to Mumbai. The airline is planning to launch new nonstop flights from Montreal to Delhi and resume service to Mumbai as market conditions allow.
Full schedule details are at aircanada. com.
Fain delivers straight talk in his latest video message to agents
MIAMI — Royal Caribbean Group CEO Richard Fain, in his latest video message to the cruise company’s travel advisor partners, delivers some straight talk - as is his style - on the cruise experience right now, forward bookings and more.
Fain starts by summing up the past few months: “What a roller coaster ride it’s been. Every day seems to bring dramatic news of one kind of another. Some positive, some negative, but it's always dramatic.”
Recapping 2021 so far, Fain adds: “We responded at the beginning of the year when the pandemic was at its height. Then we got excited when we started reopening in June, and bookings matched our euphoria. Then came the delta variant, which has caused such turmoil and hurt our bookings so much.”
Fortunately, he adds, the vaccines are working, even if just to lessen the impact of the delta variant.
Fain then talks bookings: “Our focus is therefore on 2022, not the remaining months of 2021. Obviously, we don't like giving up on any period. But we are more determined to do well in ’22 and ’23. Even if that means accepting shortterm hits this year.”
Royal Caribbean Group has two overriding goals right now, he adds.
“Firstly, key to our success in 2022 will be Wave period. And to have a good Wave, we need to show that we go into Wave with a solid and stable operation. That means by December we want stability. None of the confusion and endless changes that we have been experiencing, and that are so frustrating to you and your clients.
“By the end of this year, we want virtually all of our ships to be operating and operating seamlessly in our core markets. Your clients need to know that we're back. And they need to know that the turmoil of the last 18 months is behind us.
“The second goal was, we wanted to show, in a tangible way, how safe and healthy cruising is. We're doing that today. Not by theory, not by prediction. But by actual operations. Already two-thirds of our capacity is operating. We've carried over half a million guests, and only had 141 cases amongst those 500,000 people. As we've always said, there will be cases aboard the ship, just as there are cases on shore. But because of our protocols, there haven't been any big outbreaks.
“Isolated cases, yes. Big outbreaks, no,” he added. “The signs are very encouraging. Bookings for 2022 demonstrate that there is pent-up demand.”
After initial hesitancy from 20% of its employees, Royal Caribbean Group now has a 96% vaccination rate for its workforce, he adds.
“In sum, we're excited about the way forward and confident that the darkest days are behind us, as we set our sights on a strong Wave and a powerful 2022. Getting there is still going to take fortitude, but we all need to take the steps now to prepare."
And incorporating his signature signoff for this series of pandemic-era videos, Fain adds: “Of course, I need to remind you that preparing for 2022 also means washing your hands and getting your vaccine!”
