Dominica relaunches

Online Training Program For Travel Advisors

ROSEAU, DOMINICA — The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) is relaunching its online training program for travel advisors.

Launching with OTT, a leading online training and marketing platform, the program gives advisors a comprehensive overview of the destination, located in the middle of the Caribbean Archipelago and known as ‘The Nature Island of the Caribbean.’

Upon completion of the course, travel advisors will become Dominica specialists and be automatically entered into a prize draw for a future Dominica FAM trip.

Canadian travel agents can enroll in the program via this link. The program is available to travel advisors in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, French West Indies, France and Germany. There are five key modules, including:

• Discover Dominica: The island is a paradise for travellers seeking a unique escape off the beaten track, exploring the Caribbean beyond its renowned beaches.

• Land Adventures for all: Dominica is one big outdoor gym and spa, with soft to extreme adventure activities as well as spa and wellness experiences.

• Water Adventures for all: A wide range of underwater experiences await, from world-class diving to whale watching tours.

• Where to Stay, Events & Cuisine: Visitors can enjoy a vast array of accommodations, events, and traditional unique village feasts, plus exotic local foods and rums.

• Selling Dominica: The destination offers an abundance of activities and experiences that make Dominica a perfect holiday destination for many types of visitors. For more information about Dominica, go to www.discoverdominica.com.

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Porter adds EdmontonOttawa flights to E195-E2 network

TORONTO — Porter Airlines is spreading its wings in Western Canada with the addition of a nonstop route between Ottawa and Edmonton.

The new route begins Oct. 4, with one daily roundtrip flight between Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG). Flights will be operated on the 132seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with introductory roundtrip fares starting at $184.

Plus, the new route offers a variety of connections to Eastern Canada via

BranchUp names Anne Marie Moebes to CMO

BranchUp has appointed Anne Marie Moebes to head up its marketing and educational strategy. The 40-year U.S. travel industry veteran has held numerous executive positions including founder and co-owner of Curves Travel, CMO at TRAVELSAVERS, and Director of Travel Agency Marketing at Alamo Rent a Car. She also spent 11 years at ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors).

On her new role at BranchUp, she said: “I am extremely excited to be working with successful entrepreneurs Mike Drever and Peter Steele, as well as the entire BranchUp team. They clearly understand the role of the advisor and the need to keep selling while others do their marketing. They have built an extraordinary social media platform for travel advisors that is efficient, consistent and free, at the same time providing a solution for travel suppliers in reaching qualified customers without bypassing the advisor and keeping their brand integrity.”

Ottawa. Porter also operates multiple nonstop daily flights between Edmonton and Toronto-Pearson.

“The addition of this route provides a higher level of connectivity across our network between Eastern and Western Canada,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “We welcome the opportunity to provide even more travellers across the country with an elevated economy experience that they won’t find with any other airline.”

Service between YOW and YEG includes complimentary beer and wine, premium snacks, and free, fast wi-fi for all passengers. Options for extra legroom, premium pre-mixed cocktails, and fresh, healthy meals are also available on an all-inclusive basis with PorterReserve fares or purchased individually with PorterClassic fares.

The new route complements Porter’s existing presence from Ottawa to Western Canada, including nonstop service from Ottawa and Vancouver and additional connecting options via Toronto-Pearson to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg.