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Yellowbird Charity Golf Classic taking place Sept. 30
TORONTO — Travel advisors can ‘Make Each Moment Count’ with the new AMR Collection contest. AMR Collection is the new master brand from AMResorts, bringing together its six resort brands all under one name: Secrets, Dreams and Breathless Resorts & Spas, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Alua Hotels & resorts, and Sunscape Resorts & Spas Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of AMResorts, the new master brand was envisioned to help agents and guests easily select the resort that best fi ts their needs. The group is also introducing four- and fi ve-star collection tiers as part of the repositioning to further defi ne the level of luxury of each resort brand and provide guests with multiple entry points for a luxury travel experience. The contest opens Sept. 9, 2021 and off ers an unforgettable prize: a threenight stay for two at Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen. All entrants must be Canadian residents over the age of 18 and a certifi ed travel agent to be eligible for the contest. The contest closes on Oct 7, 2021. The winner will be notifi ed by Oct 15, 2021. To enter go to: travelweek.ca/contests/make-each-moment-count-amrcollection-contest/.
Register for the 2021 Yellowbird Charity Golf Classic, taking place Sept. 30
TORONTO — In 2020, in a year that would have marked its 20th anniversary, the Yellowbird Charity Golf Classic was cancelled due to the pandemic. Over the years the Yellowbird Charity Golf Classic has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of infrastructure projects benefi tting 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 is working hard to make sure that a streamlined version of the 2021 Yellowbird Charity Golf Classic still takes place. With that goal, ClubLink has agreed to amend its contract with the Yellowbird Foundation to replace the usual tournament with a simple day of golf, limited to 60 golfers, 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 will take on full sponsorship responsibilities, alongside Today’s Bride, Destination Weddings and ENVOY Networks. The cost will be reduced to $240 per golfer including a golf cart and HST. Register at: bit.ly/YellowBirdGolf2021 As in past years the event will be held at the Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, ON. Date of play will be Thursday, September 30, 2021. Tee off time will be 8 a.m. “For years the Yellowbird Charity
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Golf Classic has been a favourite event on the travel industry calendar,” says Travelweek Group Chairman, Gerry Kinasz. “This year is different, as we all know. But our commitment to the Caribbean and Latin America is as strong as ever.” For more than 20 years the Yellowbird Foundation has helped fund the construction and renovation of schools and early learning centres in Jamaica, Saint Lucia and more. Kinasz noted that the Travelweek Group including Travelweek, Today’s Bride, Destination Weddings and ENVOY Networks is happy to take on full sponsorship for the 2021 Yellowbird Charity Golf Classic, to help make sure the event goes ahead. "We look forward to seeing our travel industry friends on September 30th,” said Kinasz. To book your spot or for further information, contact Sue Winiecki at yellowbird@travelweek.ca.
Sunwing announces more sun flights from YYZ, YUL, YOW and YQB
TORONTO — Sunwing is ramping up sun routes out of Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa following an “overwhelmingly positive response” to its return to service on July 30. Several new routes will be added from the two gateways, with direct flights to St. Maarten, Aruba and Los Cabos this fall. . Toronto - Los Cabos starting Sept. 16, 2021 . Toronto - Aruba starting Sept. 20, 2021 . Toronto - St. Maarten starting Sept. 30, 2021 . Montreal - St. Maarten starting Nov. 4, 2021 . Montreal - Los Cabos starting Nov. 11, 2021 “Following positive customer demand for our initial destinations of Cancun, Punta Cana and Montego Bay, and based on increasing demand to travel in the early fall, we decided to expand our flight service and destination offerings ahead of schedule,” said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations at Sunwing. “Our customers are looking for even more choice and flexibility. We’re excited to help them plan their dream getaway with ease under our wing, and we look forward to announcing additional flight routes in the near future.” Samantha Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunwing, added: “In addition to seeking out the frictionless travel experiences we provide, we’re seeing more Canadians searching for bucket list destinations and exotic islands that are off the beaten path. By adding Los Cabos, Aruba and St. Maarten to our offerings, customers will have even more options to choose from so they can personalize their vacation to their travel style.” Sunwing is also returning to Ottawa, with flights to 11 destinations across the Caribbean and Mexico starting in November 2021 and running weekly until April 2022. And sun flights to Quebec City, also running weekly between November 2021 and April 2022, include 10 destinations in Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean.
EU’s Digital COVID Certificate “should serve as a blueprint”: IATA
GENEVA — IATA is formally backing the EU’s Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) as the global standard and is urging states to implement the system in order to safely restart travel. The DCC was rolled out across the 27-nation bloc on July 1, plus a number of reciprocal agreements have been made with other states’ own vaccination certificates including Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine. In the absence of a single global standard for digital vaccination certificates, up to 60 other countries are looking to use the DCC for their own certification.
According to IATA, the DCC is an excellent model as it is consistent with the latest World Health Organization Guidance and is fully supported by IATA Travel Pass. The Pass, launched earlier this year, is a mobile app that allows travellers to easily and securely store health credentials in one place. “The DCC was delivered in record time to help facilitate the reopening of EU states to travel,” said Conrad Clifford, IATA’s Deputy Director General. “In the absence of a single global standard for digital vaccine certificates, it should serve as a blueprint for other nations looking to implement digital vaccination certificates to help facilitate travel and its associated economic benefits.” IATA is offering to collaborate with the EU Commission and any other interested state to further integrate the DCC into airline processes. Last month Canada’s federal government confirmed its own plans for a country-wide proof of vaccination system. The first phase of the two-track system makes use of the ArriveCAN app, while the national solution, scheduled for this fall, will be in coordination with provinces.
The DCC was rolled out on July 1, plus a number of agreements have been made with other states’ own vaccination certificates.
Fiona Kosmin joins Israel Ministry of Tourism’s Canada office
TORONTO — The Israel Ministry of Tourism has appointed Fiona Kosmin as its new Director of Marketing and Partnerships for Canada. In her new role, Kosmin will work to connect Israel with travel partners and advocate existing and new initiatives as the country moves toward reopening to international travellers. She previously held roles at Star Jets International, Reach Digital, TRAVELSAVERS, Holiday Extras, Carnival Cruise Lines and more. “We’re thrilled to have brought on travel industry veteran Fiona Kosmin as our newest hire in the Canada office,” said Gal Hana, Israel Consul of Tourism to Canada. “As the vaccination rate grows in Canada and around the world, we understand and know that Canadians are eager to get back to travel, especially international travel. Kosmin will be a major asset to our team leading the marketing strategy on returning travel to Israel, implementing creative programming, cultivating like-minded partnerships and more.” On joining the Ministry’s Canada team, Kosmin said: “I’m looking forward to this new adventure with the Israel Ministry of Tourism and know that with my enthusiastic attitude and the ability to build and tell a story, we’ll be able to continue showcasing to Canadians why Israel should be their next vacation destination.”
Planeterra launches second annual Trek Challenge
TORONTO — Planeterra has announced the launch of its second annual Planeterra Trek Challenge in support of an equitable recovery of global tourism post-COVID. Building on the success of last year’s trek to Everest Base Camp, which raised some Cdn$100,000, this year’s trek will take place virtually, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro between Sept. 23-27 and culminating on World Tourism Day. Throughout the trek, Planeterra will highlight its community tourism partners across East Africa, all while challenging participants to walk approximately 52,500 steps (about 40 kilometres). “Last year the Planeterra Trek Challenge created connections across the travel industry and amongst those who value a different kind of travel, one that puts communities at its heart,” said Bruce Poon Tip, founder and chairman of Planeterra and founder of G Adventures. “We want to highlight this incredible region where travellers are currently safely visiting, while raising some much-needed funds to get community tourism back on track around the world.”
Poon Tip has put together a team of his own and recorded a video encouraging travellers and travel industry professionals to join this year’s virtual Kili Climb. Throughout September, Planeterra will also be positing videos, blogs and travel tips as well as host live events to highlight its work in the region. Evie Nhdlovu, Planeterra’s Program Manager for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, added: “The entire team has been working alongside our partners in Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and others to curate a series of unique stories, videos and information highlighting what it’s like to travel to the region. We’re excited to showcase this area of the continent to participants nad hopefully encourage them to plan their visit.”
Register now to become a Korea Destination Specialist
TORONTO — Travel agents can win a $20 gift card and become a Korea Specialist with the new ‘Imagine Your Korea’ Learning Centre Program. Featuring four modules and hosted by the Korea Tourism Organization, the program highlights the destination’s top offerings, including its UNESCO
World Heritage Sites, its fascinating history, wellness and culinary experiences as well as its most popular cities like Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan. Travel advisors will also learn about the DMZ, the popular demilitarized zone that divides the Korean Peninsula roughly in half. In addition to tourist offerings, the program will also cover useful travel tips and information regarding direct flights from Canada, local transportation and accommodation so that advisors can better cater to the needs and preferences of their clients. The first 100 travel advisors who complete the course by Sept. 30, 2021 will receive a $20 EVERYTHING e-Gift card. See travelweeklearningcentre.com for more details.
Intrepid Travel is shelving Peregrine Adventures
TORONTO — Intrepid Travel says it plans to phase out Peregrine Adventures effective January 2022, as part of a corporate strategy that will see Intrepid extending its higher-end travel options under the Intrepid Premium and Comfort ranges. Peregrine Adventures has been around since 2012, and launched in Canada in 2014, wth small group adventure tours for travellers 50+. Peregrine itineraries have mainly focused on off the beaten track adventures with 3- and 4-star accommodation and plenty of inclusions. Intrepid says the phase-out of Peregrine Adventures supports Intrepid’s growth strategy, as the business aims to become the first purpose-led $1 billion adventure travel company. Also streamlined out, in 2018: the Geckos Adventures brand for travellers 18 - 29 years old. In 2021 Peregrine Adventures offered 186 itineraries in 62 countries. In comparison, from January 2022, Intrepid will offer almost 300 itineraries in 73 countries across the Intrepid Premium and Comfort ranges. Intrepid says Peregrine Adventures customers and agents with Peregrine Adventures credits will be supported through the transition, with a number of flexible options available for future travel plans. Intrepid is reaching out directly to travel agents to discuss the change and the options available. “By focusing all of our expertise and energy into one brand, we can deliver an even better sustainable experience for our customers while ensuring local communities benefit from tourism too,” says James Thornton, Intrepid Travel CEO. Thornton added: “We’re confident Peregrine customers will love our new Intrepid Premium range, which offers all the inclusions and experiences they’ve come to expect, plus our highest standard of accommodation, best tour leaders and even more choice.” Intrepid Premium features Intrepid’s highest standard accommodation (on average 4-star) and “exceptional" ontrip experiences, says the company. The range is designed to minimize travellers’ environmental footprint - like all Intrepid tours - while maximizing their positive impact for local communities. Intrepid Premium tours will be offered in 40+ popular destinations, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Peru and Morocco,
Air Canada Rouge resumes service from Toronto
MONTREAL — Air Canada Rouge has returned to the skies at long last, with flights operating between Toronto and Las Vegas, Orlando and Regina. Service, which has been suspended since spring 2021 due to the pandemic, resumed Sept. 7. Other destinations, including Cancun and Tampa, will be introduced later this month. “Air Canada Rouge remains integral to Air Canada’s overall strategy. As we emerge from the pandemic, we anticipate increased demand for vacation travel and from customers flying to enjoy overdue visits with family and friends,” said Jon Turner, Vice President Inflight Services and President, Rouge Operations, at Air Canada. “Air Canada’s leisure airline is ideally suited to serve this market with a compelling array of leisure destinations and an inviting travel experience so that the holidays begin as soon as customers board an Air Canada Rouge aircraft,” he added. In addition to the resumption of service, Air Canada Rouge also provided a sneak peek of the cabin interior that will be available on nine Airbus A321 aircraft of the 39-aircraft Rouge Fleet, with the first entering service later this fall. These nine aircraft feature a new contemporary interior design with playful Rouge brand accents and will be configured with leather seats featuring a 30-inch seat pitch in Economy class. The A321 aircraft also offer upgraded personal power options, including USB-C ports, and a convenient personal electronic device holder integrated into the seatback. The airline has also upgraded streaming entertainment, allowing customers to stream hours of television and movies on a complimentary basis directly to their own device via their web browser, or their complimentary, sanitized iPad in Premium Rouge. Also, refreshed uniforms have been unveiled, featuring many pieces of the award-winning Air Canada mainline uniformed as well as new neckwear and brevets. Customers travelling in Premium Rouge will be offered a complimentary bar and beverage service, and a complimentary meal on flights over two hours or a snack on flights of shorter duration.
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