Travelweek - JUNE 01 2023

ASIA AT LAST

June 1, 2023

FLIGHT SEARCHES TO ASIA ARE WAY UP

Page 3

AIR CANADA'S WINTER SUN SCHEDULE

Page 9

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR ACTA AWARDS

Page 17

SANDALS DUNN'S RIVER NOW OPEN Page 20

Flight searches to Asia are way up, which is very good news for destinations like Hong Kong

By Cindy Sosroutomo

TORONTO — It’s going to be a breakout year for Asia now that most countries in the region have dropped the last of their COVID-19-related entry requirements and fully reopened their borders to international visitors.

According to KAYAK, flight searches to Asia are up 100% since last summer, with Manila (+287% year-overyear increase in searches), Tokyo (+279% YoY) and Bangkok (+229% YoY) leading the top trending international destinations in 2023. This summer, searches by Canadians for rental cars in Asia are also up 126% year-over-year, while hotel searches in the region have spiked 120% year-over-year.

Also notable is the fact that compared to pre-pandemic levels in summer 2019, Canadians are searching for longer international trips, from an average of 18 days to 21, indicating that they’re ready to go further afield and explore bucket-list destinations once again.

“Pre-pandemic, we saw interest searches spike for travel to Asia in

April and May and so far this year, the same is true with April and May being the most searched months for travel to Asia in 2023, so far,” says Leon Mulder, Senior Country Manager of KAYAK Canada. “Pre-pandemic, we also saw a spike in searches for travel to Asia during the holiday season and don’t expect this year to be any different, especially given the strong interest we’ve seen from Canadians searching for travel to Asia this summer.”

All this is great news for destinations like Hong Kong, which has also

seen a significant increase in searches for travel from Canada this summer compared to 2019 (+94%). Having dropped all pre-departure and post-arrival quarantine and testing requirements on April 1, 2023 and its mask mandate on March 1, 2023, coupled with the Canadian government’s lifting of temporary pre-departure test requirements for air travellers from China, Hong Kong and Macao on March 17, 2023, Hong Kong is poised for major recovery this year, particularly from the Canadian market, which contributed over 318,000 visitors prior to the pandemic, in 2019.

“There is clearly an interest in travelling to Hong Kong, likely influenced by the removal of travel restrictions,” says Michael Lim, Acting Director-Americas, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). “We saw a jump of 70% in visitor arrivals from Canada in March compared to February, and an increase of 90% in April compared to February, before the removal of travel restrictions.”

The HKTB’s new global campaign, ‘Hello Hong Kong,’ was fortuitously timed in February, just ahead of the removal of Hong Kong’s travel restrictions, causing a much

VICTORIA HARBOUR, HONG KONG

PEAK TRAM, HONG KONG

needed back-to-back boost in tourism. Launched as a clear signal to the world that it is ready to welcome back international tourists, the campaign includes a vast selection of enticing offers from more than 16,000 local establishments ranging from complimentary welcome drinks to exclusive gifts and transportation vouchers.

But what really has people talking is the campaign’s massive air ticket giveaway – 500,000 tickets, to be exact, courtesy of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK). Distributed globally through Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong Express, Hong Kong Airlines and Greater Bay Airlines on a first-come-first-serve basis, the complimentary air tickets generated huge buzz for the destination in key markets, particularly Canada.

“In Canada, air tickets were distributed on May 17, and we are very encouraged by the enthusiastic response from Canadians. As of today, all the tickets have been claimed,” says Lim. “HKTB has launched various worldwide campaigns through

Got a story idea? Questions or comments?

Write to Cindy Sosroutomo at cindys@travelweek.ca

HONG KONG IS THE PERFECT YEAR-ROUND GETAWAY!

the years, and we think that each one is unique, bold and innovative. ‘Hello Hong Kong’ is not an exception but this is the first time that AAHK is giving away 500,000 airline tickets.”

Of course, once visitors arrive in Hong Kong, they’re going to want to see the sights, of which the city certainly has no shortage of. A host of new and upgraded attractions has been unveiled in recent years, most notably the M+, a museum of 20thand 21st-century visual culture, and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, featuring over 900 treasures from the Palace Museum at the Forbidden City in Beijing. There’s also the state-ofthe-art, sixth-generation Peak Tram,

which carries riders to the upper levels of Hong Kong Island, Water World Ocean Park, Asia’s first all-weather, year-round water park by the sea, and ‘Momentous,’ an all-new nighttime spectacular at Hong Kong Disneyland.

When asked when would be the best time for Canadians to visit, Lim says there are two peak seasons – fall and winter. “But with so many events happening throughout the year, including summer, Hong Kong is a perfect year-round getaway!”

There are currently 21 weekly direct flights to Hong Kong from Canada. For more information about travel to Hong Kong go to www.discover hongkong.com/ca.

M+ MUSEUM, HONG KONG

HONG KONG CUISINE

A look ahead to next year’s IPW in Los Angeles, and more from successful IPW 2023

SAN ANTONIO — IPW 2023, held last week in San Antonio, TX, highlighted just about every U.S. destination in the country, including many favourites high up on travellers’ top picks list.

A mainstay on the travel industry calendar for decades, this year’s iteration of IPW hosted an incredible 110,000+ appointments between more than 1,200 U.S. travel suppliers and over 1,300 travel buyers from around the world. More than 500 media were in attendance as well. IPW drives an estimated US$5.5 billion in future travel to the U.S.

Over 5,000 attendees from more than 60 countries heard all the updates, including a look ahead from host city L.A. to IPW 2024.

L.A. PREPARES TO WELCOME IPW 2024

Los Angeles Tourism has kicked off ‘The Road to IPW 2024.’ Across the city, new places to stay, award-winning dining experiences and more make up ‘LA 2.0’, ready to welcome the world. Updates include a US$15 billion modernization of Los Angeles International Airport and the addition of 6,700 hotel rooms in the past three years. With 11 professional sports teams, Los Angeles will also be hosting a lineup of major sporting events including the U.S. Open Championship in June 2023, the FIFA World Cup in 2026, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

LOTS NEW AT ORLANDO THEME PARKS

Several new additions and attractions are coming to Orlando theme parks. SeaWorld Orlando is launching Pipeline, the world’s first ‘surf coaster’ while Universal Orlando Resort has introduced Illumination’s Villain-Con

Minion Blast, an interactive blaster game set in a new Minion Land. Walt Disney World has TRON Lightcycle/ Run, a high-speed coaster based on the movie TRON: Legacy, Peppa Pig Theme Park has a limited-time Breakfast With Peppa experience, and LEGOLAND Florida has debuted the Go Xtreme stunt show. Visit Orlando will also enhance its online training resource, the Orlando Travel Academy, (orlandotravelacademy.com) in June.

NEW YORK CITY UPGRADES AIRPORTS

LGA is undergoing an $8 billion transformation to a single, structurally unified main terminal with better transportation access and first-class passenger amenities. In June 2022, Delta Air Lines opened the doors to the new Terminal C, while Terminal B was named the best new airport terminal in the world by Skytrax. In December 2022, JFK unveiled the newly revitalized Terminal 8, developed by American Airlines and British Airways, offering travellers new premium lounges, enhanced baggage systems, premium check-in space and more to be discovered. In January, Newark Liberty

International Airport debuted the updated $2.7 billion Terminal A, offering 33 new gates directly connected to a multilevel parking facility. EWR is also working toward a new 2.5-mile elevated guideway train system, which will reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and ease traffic congestion.

ACCESSIBLE MIAMI

Access means accommodating physical disabilities, and Greater Miami & Miami Beach has rolled out the welcome mat. The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne boasts a range of accessible features and accommodations including an accessible entrance and registration desk, and wider doorways for wheelchairs. Aloft Miami-Brickell features accessible rooms with rollin showers or accessible tubs, plus a visual fire alarm and televisions with closed captioning. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort features two accessible tropical infinity pools and wheelchair-accessible rooms. And Carillon Miami Wellness Resort has modern luxury apartments, some with inroom accessibility including accessible bathrooms.

IPW 2023 SPORTS ZONE DELEGATES

Photo courtesy: Vanessa Velazquez

Expedia TAAP unveils new agent tools & URL at Toronto open house

By Cindy Sosroutomo

TORONTO — For Expedia Group, last month’s open house was about more than just showcasing its beautiful Toronto office to its VIP partners. It was also an opportunity to share exciting new updates that will make it easier for Expedia TAAP travel advisors to book and build trips.

Expedia TAAP (Travel Agent Affiliate Program), an agent-friendly online booking platform with competitive commissions on multiple lines of businesses, has grown exponentially since launching in Canada in 2010. Today, the program actively supports over 37,000 travel agencies and more than 100,000 travel advisors across 32 countries, including Canada, with advisors booking over 2.3 million trips and experiences for their clients in 2022 alone.

At the May 16 Toronto event, part of a cross-Canada series that also included open houses in Montreal and Vancouver, the Expedia TAAP team celebrated its many successes with approximately 100 guests. Rebecca Cregan, TAAP Commercial Director –North America, tells Travelweek that in Q1 in 2023, Expedia Group saw “strong growth in our B2B business, driven by an expanding partner base and growth from our existing partners,” and that its overall B2B business, of which TAAP is part of, grew by 55% compared to the same quarter in 2022.

“Our team has been pleased to see the strong recovery since the pandemic. At Expedia Group, one of our core objectives is enabling growth for our B2B partners, with travel advisors playing a central role in this. We continue to invest in TAAP, and with that comes looking at other locations where we can provide advisors access,” says Cregan.

In June 2022, Expedia Group announced that it would be expanding Expedia TAAP to an additional 53 new

markets in the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, giving more travel advisors access to a broad range of travel offerings, including hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, cruises and activities, as well as a suite of tools and technology like ‘Virtual Agent,’ which allows them to search for information and modify bookings at their leisure.

On the heels of this rapid expansion, Expedia Group is now in the midst of launching a new shopping experience for its travel advisors, making it easier than ever to find the right properties at the right rate for their clients.

“With the new shopping experience, our partners can spend less time shopping and easily compare different rates in one single view,” says Cregan. “They will be able to see at a glance rate conditions, cancellation policies and the commission they could earn per rate.”

Cregan adds that Expedia TAAP will also debut a new dynamic map that makes it easier for advisors to locate properties in their clients’ desired area, In addition, travel advisors will be able to create and share customizable quotes for their clients with information on up to four different properties or rate types. And coming soon for select partners is a deferred payment option that will give clients a way to book now, pay later and secure better lodging rates by making reservations earlier with no down payment upfront.

Many of these new updates, says Cregan, were a direct result of feedback

from TAAP advisors and can be found at the program’s new URL, www. ExpediaTAAP.ca. This move, she adds, “allows our team to build more travel agent-specific features and is designed to deliver a better and more consistent booking experience for travel agents.”

It’s because of innovations like these that Expedia TAAP has been able to survive and thrive during these last three very challenging years. With the main goal of “getting money into agents’ pockets at a faster rate,” Cregan says that Expedia Group fast-tracked membership to Silver tier during the pandemic, increasing agents’ earnings potential and empowering them to earn up to 42% more in revenue. In addition, the company also implemented the Expedia flexible policy, allowing eligible bookings to be converted to ‘refundable,’ or be eligible for an Expedia TAAP coupon.

“As the travel industry moves forward, we want our agents to know we’re here to help. Whether it’s by using our self-service booking manager to modify reservations online, our mobile-friendly, AI-powered chatbot for self-service of trip management tasks, or our 24/7 worldwide support in several languages, we’ve got our partners covered,” says Cregan. “No matter what stage of the booking journey, there are support agents in over 40 countries available online or on the phone to help before, during and after their travellers’ trips.”

For more information about Expedia TAAP, go to www.ExpediaTAAP.ca.

EXPEDIA TAAP CANADA TEAM, MONTREAL OPEN HOUSE, MAY 15

DESTINATIONS

Universal Orlando Resort is counting down the days until the opening of Minion Land on Illumination Ave., a new area created in partnership between its award-winning creative team and the filmmakers of ‘Illumination.’ Opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida, the land expands the popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and includes a photo-worthy marquee featuring 22 Minions, the Minion Café with three themed areas, and Villain-Con Minion Blast, an all-new, fully-interactive gaming experience. There’s also Bake My Day, a whimsical retail location and bakery, Pop-ANana, a walkup location featuring banana-flavoured popcorn, and the Illumination Theater where guests can meet the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes.

The Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism, David Collado, has called on the Ministers of Tourism of the UNWTO to seek a common solution to sargassum, saying that individual actions will not solve the problem. Sargassum has been the bane of tourism officials in parts of the Caribbean, Mexico and U.S. states including Florida, but has ramped up in recent years. The brown seaweed accumulates in giant masses, floating in the ocean and then washing ashore on the beach. Minister Collado issued a fervent appeal to the members of the UNWTO’s Executive Council, which met earlier this month in the D.R.

“The solution to the Sargassum problem cannot be individual. And organizations like this should help small countries find solutions when we don’t have them,” said Minister Collado. He added that tourism is not a luxury for the D.R., but an essential sector because of the impact it has on the economy, which represents more than 25% of the GDP.

AIRLINES

The Italian National Tourist Board is alerting trade partners to a new site that provides timely updates on accessible areas in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, which was impacted by destructive flooding earlier this month. ENIT says the site offers the latest information on tourist destinations, including updates on road conditions, attractions, accommodations, and facilities, in the wake of the flooding. Travel advisors, tour operators and any travel industry professional looking for more information can visit https://visiter.it/ emilia-romagna-2023-en for updates on accessible areas and ongoing recovery efforts.

The yet-to-be ratified agreement between WestJet Group and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) reportedly includes what could be the beginning of the end of Swoop. According to a CityNews report, the agreement between WestJet Group and the pilots union includes the condition that Swoop must be fully integrated into WestJet by October 2024. Swoop’s first flights took off in 2018. The collective bargaining agreement between the WestJet Group and the ALPA, hammered out just hours before the strike deadline that would have seen WestJet Group pilots walk off the job on May 19, has yet to be ratified.

RESORTS

Club Med has unveiled a modernized brand identity that takes inspiration from its original philosophy: creating simple moments of happiness. As part of this brand evolution, the company is enhancing all consumer communication touchpoints with refreshed logos, iconography and colour palette from its website and emails to the ‘My Club Med’ app as well as in-resort signage.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT REVEALS ALLNEW DETAILS ABOUT MINION LAND, OPENING THIS SUMMER AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Air Canada releases winter sun schedule featuring four new routes

MONTREAL — Four new routes have been added to Air Canada’s winter sun schedule, said to be the airline’s most comprehensive ever.

This winter from Toronto and Montreal, Air Canada will be flying to Monterrey and Los Cabos in Mexico, as well as La Romana and Fort-de-France in the Caribbean. It will also be deploying a substantial increase in capacity from its Vancouver hub to Mexico, Miami, Phoenix, Las Vegas and San Diego, as well as additional flights from coast to coast to popular winter vacation destinations in Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean.

With the winter sun schedule, Air Canada is anticipating an 11% capacity increase from 2022 and plans to operate 8% more than its 2019 pre-pandemic sun schedule. Key highlights include up to 20 routes from across Canada to Florida, increased flights from across Canada to Cancun, Montreal to Palm Beach, Toronto to Fort Myers, and from Vancouver to Miami, Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

“We are seeing strong, ongoing interest for winter leisure travel, and as the leading carrier from Canada to popular sun destinations with up to 683 weekly flights planned this winter,

we are thrilled to add exciting new services from Toronto and Montreal to the Caribbean and Mexico and significant increases from our Vancouver hub in response to pent up demand,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada.

In keeping with its global network strategy, Air Canada has extended several European routes to yearround, including Toulouse, Barcelona, Edinburgh, Lisbon, Rome, Madrid and Copenhagen. According to Galardo, it has also optimized its schedule to connect Europe to leisure destinations in Florida and Mexico.

Network highlights include the following:

TORONTO-MONTERREY, MEXICO (YEAR-ROUND)

Air Canada becomes the only Canadian airline to offer flights between Canada and Monterrey, Mexico’s third largest metropolis. Flights have been timed for convenient connections between Monterrey and Europe through Toronto.

Flights from Toronto (YYZ) begin Oct. 29 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, returning from Monterrey (MTY) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays starting Oct. 30.

TORONTO-FORT-DEFRANCE, MARTINIQUE (SEASONAL)

Air Canada is the leading carrier between Canada and the French

Caribbean, featuring new flights from its Toronto hub this winter, complementing its year-round flights from Montreal. It will offer seven weekly flights from Canada to Martinique this winter peak.

Saturday service between YYZ and FDF kicks off on Dec. 16.

MONTREAL-LOS CABOS, MEXICO (SEASONAL)

New flights from Montreal will complement services from Toronto and Vancouver to this popular Mexican leisure destination.

Friday flights from Montreal (YUL) to Los Cabos (SJD) begin Dec. 1.

MONTREAL-LA ROMANA (SEASONAL)

Sunday flights from Montreal (YUL) to La Romana (LRM) kick off Dec. 17.

INCREASED CAPACITY FROM VANCOUVER (YEAR-OVER-YEAR)

• Vancouver-Las Vegas: 14 weekly flights (up from 7)

• Vancouver-Phoenix: 14 weekly flights (up from 7)

• Vancouver-Puerto Vallarta: 7 weekly flights (up from 3)

• Vancouver-Cancun: 7 weekly flights (up from 4)

• Vancouver-Miami: 6 weekly flights (up from 3)

• Vancouver-Los Cabos: 5 weekly flights (up from 3)

• Vancouver-San Diego: +110% capacity increase with larger aircraft

INCREASED CAPACITY FROM ACROSS CANADA ON KEY ROUTES (YEAR-OVER-YEAR)

• Halifax-Cancun: 3 weekly (up from 2)

• Montreal-Cancun: 14 weekly (up from 11)

• Montreal-Barbados: 4 weekly (up from 3)

• Montreal-Fort-de-France: 6 weekly (up from 4)

• Quebec City-Cancun: 4 weekly (up from 3)

• Ottawa-Cancun: 3 weekly (up from 2)

• Ottawa-Punta Cana: 4 weekly (up from 2)

• Toronto-Cancun: 21 weekly flights (up from 11)

• Toronto-Fort Myers: 21 weekly flights (up from 14)

• Toronto-Grenada: 4 weekly flights (up from 2)

• Toronto-Punta Cana: 14 weekly flights (up from 10)

• Toronto-Saint Vincent: 4 weekly flights (up from 2)

• Edmonton-Cancun: 3 weekly flights (up from 2)

Perfect day on the green for Air Canada

YellowBird golf tournament

OAKVILLE — It was a sunny day on the green for over 120 golfers last month, all hitting the links for charity. The Air Canada YellowBird Charity Golf Classic tournament, which took

People

place on May 19 at Glen Abbey Golf Course in Oakville, ON, was a huge success, with travel industry partners participating and raising funds for children impacted by the war in Ukraine. Money raised from the event went towards the care of 380 orphans living in Ukraine’s Mercy of St. Nicholas Orphanage Care Centre.

Back to its pre-pandemic size and format, the tournament, which this year was organized by Reps4Rent, also included an Online Silent Auction featuring over 40 incredible items available for bidding, from hotel stays and a seven-day cruise, to roundtrip air tickets and a Kenyan safari. This year’s sponsors included Air Canada, MSC Cruises, TravelBrands,

Star Clippers welcomes new Business Development Executive for Canada

Star Clippers has appointed Fernanda Sarubbi to the role of Business Development Executive for Canada. In her new role, Sarubbi will focus on developing Star Clippers’ individual and group business, incentive and charters, overseeing all of Canada as her territory. Originally hailing from Brazil, she brings with her nearly 10 years of experience in sales and marketing in the tourism and food and wine industries, previously working for a destination management company in Paris and a marketing agency in Sao Paulo where she represented several clients in Latin America, including Star Clippers.

To reach Sarubbi, email fernanda.sarubbi@starclippers.com.

Manulife, Softvoyage, Globus family of brands and many more.

“We could not have had a better day of fun and golf, with perfect weather, cloudless skies and so many of our friends and partners coming out in the name of charity,” says Devin Kinasz, publisher of Travelweek. “Thank you to all who participated, made bids and donated items and, of course, to Reps4Rent and all our amazing sponsors whose support was invaluable. Coming together in person, meeting new friends and seeing those we haven’t seen in a while was incredibly special.”

Started in 2003, the YellowBird Foundation was created by travel industry executives who envisioned giving back to communities and destinations where they serve and send passengers. Since inception, the Foundation has raised over half a million dollars and completed approximately 15 projects, most recently, the rebuilding of a school in Turks & Caicos following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2019. Other notable projects, all of which have been funded by money raised from the annual YellowBird golf tournament, include the installation of solar panels in Jamaica school, transporting young cancer patients to Toronto to receive life-saving treatment at SickKids hospital, and the Goat Dairy Project in Grenada, which supports and empowers local farmers.

GOLFERS ON THE GREEN AT THE AIR CANADA YELLOWBIRD CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

CRUISING

S ail away with these top cruise lines in 2023

Oceania Cruises’ beautiful new ship Vista sailing the Med for summer 2023

Oceania Cruises recently christened its brand new ship, Vista, at a glittering ceremony in Valletta, Malta.

The first of the line’s Allura Class vessels, the beautiful 1,200-guest, all-veranda ship, made its debut with a star-studded celebration headlined by Italian-American chef, author, restaurateur, food personality Giada De Laurentiis, the ship’s godmother, plus musician Harry Connick, Jr., who gave an exclusive performance.

“We have been eagerly awaiting this historic day as we christen our first new ship in more than ten years and pave the way for an exciting future,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “The world-class experience of this beautiful ceremony perfectly aligns with Vista’s impeccable onboard experience, which features a stunning design, exceptional entertainment, top-notch service and innovative culinary delights. We are so thankful to our team members and partners worldwide who have worked tirelessly to bring us to Vista’s grand debut.”

Setting new standards for comfort and residential-style luxury, Vista features all-veranda accommodations. The ship’s elevated variety of onboard activities include eight bars, lounges and entertainment venues plus the luxurious Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center and Aquamar Spa Terrace. Vista also boasts the most spacious standard staterooms at sea, which measure more than 290 square feet, plus new Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms for solo travellers. The 67,000-ton ship also offers a market-leading staffing ratio with two crew members for every three passengers.

Continuing to elevate The Finest Cuisine at Sea, Vista

features 11 onboard culinary venues including three of which are new to Vista. These include: Aquamar Kitchen, offering an array of wellness-inspired dishes; The Bakery at Baristas; and a new signature restaurant, Ember.

With an emphasis on innovating for drinks, as well as all things culinary, Vista is also introducing The Casino Mixology Bar, a new concept for the line, focused entirely on the art of the cocktail.

As godmother, De Laurentiis will create two signature dishes to be served in Toscana, Oceania Cruises’ authentic Italian specialty restaurant evolved from rich family traditions, as well as The Grand Dining Room, the luxurious grand dame of the line’s culinary venues.

Following the seven-night roundtrip VIP christening cruise, Vista sailed its maiden voyage from Rome to Venice before embarking on a sold-out summer in the Med. In September, Vista will sail to Canada and New England before heading south for a series of winter itineraries exploring Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean from a Miami homeport.

Vista’s 2024 summer season will feature a series of Grand Voyages in the eastern Med, Aegean and Adriatic Seas, visiting an array of iconic cities and smaller boutique ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Greece and the Holy Lands.

Next up: Allura, Oceania’s sister ship to Vista, will debut in 2025. Allura’s inaugural season is expected to open for reservations this summer.

The small ship adventure cruise line UnCruise Adventures is known for its immersive, active experiences in some of the world’s most photogenic destinations, from southeast Alaska to Latin America and the Galapagos.

In its 27 years - the line got its start in 1996 - UnCruise Adventures has grown to 9 ships, ranging in size from the 22-passenger Safari Quest, to the 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy.

Alaska was the birthplace of UnCruise Adventuresand certainly the company continues to offer a wide range of sailings in ‘The Last Frontier’.

“We are focused on an amazing Alaska summer and throughout May have been doing flash pop-up sales to ensure travellers know about the adventures of UnCruise and the options to travel for 7-14 nights through the wilderness and glaciers of Alaska,” says the cruise line’s Director of Marketing & Communications, Liz Galloway.

She adds: “We will have some more bigger news in July around some new itinerary options and expansion into the Alaska and Pacific North areas with visits up close and personal to places others are not providing. We love staying ahead of the cruising game and providing more adventure options for our guests, returning and new.”

Other itineraries include Costa Rica, Colombia, Belize, Guatemala, Panama, Mexico, and the Hawaiian Islands.

Travel styles range from adventure, to family travel, adult-only travel, solo travel and groups and charters.

Few cruise lines escaped the pandemic unscathed but an update earlier this year from UnCruise Adventures owner and CEO Captain Dan Blanchard underlined the company’s resilience, and momentum for 2023 and beyond.

The company notes that while “most cruise lines are still dealing with massive losses and crushing debt … UnCruise Adventures’ savvy business decisions, loyal guests, adaptive staff, and quick ability to pivot during the pandemic have propelled them into a profitable return to business, giving travel advisors and guests solid confidence in the reliable future of the company.”

“Our approach to adventure cruising and business management is different from the big multi-national cruise lines,” says Capt. Blanchard. “We have always focused on small group and sustainable travel, and that has paid off. The best investment we can make is in ourselves and our environment. Our guests appreciate that, coming back year after year.”

The company successfully bounced back from the pandemic “and may be the only profitable cruise line in both 2021 and 2022.” The achievement is a testament to UnCruise Adventures’ commitment to its guests and resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Like many companies, UnCruise Adventures made its fair share of pivots during the pandemic. Notably, the cruise line switched to a digitally focused marketing and content strategy, and a paperless digital brochure, saving millions annually and improving the environment at the same time.

“We have a responsibility to do what we can to preserve the natural wonders we showcase to our guests and to provide confidence in the strength and longevity of our brand,” says Capt. Blanchard.

For more information go to uncruise.com.

“The best investment we can make is in ourselves and our environment”: UnCruise Adventures

CAPTAIN DAN BLANCHARD

‘Sunwing Loves Cuba’ event highlights incentives for agents, savings for clients

VAUGHAN — More than 200 travel professionals came out to hear the latest updates from Cuba, plus details about Sunwing’s wide-ranging program in the popular island, at a recent ‘Sunwing Loves Cuba’ industry event.

There was a lavish dinner and remarks from Sunwing executives including Dave Wright, Sunwing’s Director of Sales, Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

The beautiful Arlington Estate in Vaughan, ON provided the perfect spring setting for the event, which took place on May 24. It was a full circle moment for Sunwing and Cuba. In June 2022, the travel company and the tourism board gathered industry partners at the Arlington Estate to make their big announcement: that Sunwing Travel Group, through its hotel management company Blue Diamond Resorts, would be taking over the island of Cayo Largo and its properties.

INCENTIVES FOR TRAVEL ADVISORS

When booking DIY Groups, agents can earn an additional 2% commission:

• Book a minimum of 10 and up to a maximum of 30 people travelling together (including children) using system rates. Agents can book in their system or call Sunwing’s Sales Centre.

• Across multiple booking numbers

• Bookings must be travelling on the same day to the same hotel

• All names are required at the time of booking

• Email all booking numbers together to promotions@sunwing.ca to receive an additional 2% commission

• Regular individual deposit, payment and booking terms and conditions apply

The DIY Groups offer is applicable for bookings made within 60 days of departure unless otherwise advised, for travel until Nov. 30, 2023.

DEALS FOR CLIENTS

There are also compelling deals for travellers. Clients can get reduced rates and no single supplement fees, free room upgrades when they book at select Blue Diamond Resorts properties in Cayo Largo by June 30, 2023.

Plus, groups get their 6th passenger free when they book by June 30, 2023. The travel deadline is Oct. 27, 2023.

Sunwing lists the applicable resorts: Memories Cayo Largo, Starfish Cayo Largo, Villa Linda Mar, Villa Caprice, Sanctuary at Grand Memories Cayo Largo, Villa Soledad and Villa Marina.

Sunwing is also offering up to 60% off per person on a wide range of trips to Cuba, during the Sunwing Loves Cuba sale. Destinations include not just Cayo Largo but also Havana, Varadero and more.

With this sale, travel advisors can earn STAR Reward Points that can be converted to cash on all applicable bookings made by June 4, 2023 for travel by Oct. 31, 2023.

Visit Orlando updates online training platform for agents

ORLANDO — Visit Orlando is updating its online training platform for travel advisors to include additional tools to boost their knowledge of the destination.

New features that will be rolling out this month on the Orlando Travel Academy, the destination’s premier e-learning platform, include launching in German on both web and mobile devices, as well as a new specialization module, ‘Value to VIP,’ an interactive chapter that focuses on experiences for every budget.

“The Orlando Travel Academy is a one-stop training tool where travel advisors can learn more about all

CLIENTS CAN GET REDUCED RATES, FREE ROOM UPGRADES WHEN THEY BOOK SELECT BLUE DIAMOND RESORTS.

SUNWING LOVES CUBA EVENT

aspects of Orlando, from theme parks and water parks to our award-winning dining scene and unique local neighbourhoods,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.

“As our destination continues to evolve and expand, our goal is to provide the best resources and tools to better support travel advisors and their clients’ personal needs and budgets,” she added.

Graduates of the program will be designated ‘Certified Orlando Experts’ upon completion and gain access to exclusive offers including:

ACCOMMODATIONS

• Sonesta ES Suites Orlando Hotels: Save up to 40% off

• Orlando World Center Marriott: Special rate of $199 per room per night

• Drury Inn & Suites near Universal Orlando Resort: Savings of up to 25% off

ATTRACTIONS

• LEGOLAND Florida: Complimentary admission ticket for travel advisor

• SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment: Complimentary admission ticket to SeaWorld Orlando or Aquatica Orlando for travel advisor

• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Complimentary admission tickets for travel advisor and one guest

People

• The Mall at Millenia: Complimentary valet parking, welcome gift, tote and exclusive shopping and dining offers

TRANSPORTATION

• Spirit Airlines: Complimentary waived bag fee (one checked or carry-on) for travel advisor

To complete the program go to www.orlandotravelacademy.com.

More connections added to Air Transat-Porter codeshare

TORONTO — Air Transat and Porter Airlines have announced additional connections to their codeshare agreement.

First launched last October, the agreement now includes more routes that link Canada to destinations in

Jason Stratford is Goway’s new Account Manager, Canada

Goway Travel has appointed Jason Stratford as its new Account Manager for Canada. An Australian by birth, Stratford brings with him over 30 years of experience, previously serving as APT’s Sales and Marketing Manager for North America for nine years where he spearheaded sales and marketing strategies in the region. He also worked as Director of Sales for Australia, New Zealand, and Iceland at The Travel Group in Vancouver, as a supervisor and travel consultant at ANZA Travel in Vancouver, and in customer service at Travel Alberta in Edmonton.

the South, the United States and Europe. It expands the range of routes and destinations available, including the possibility of combining flights from both carriers on a single ticket. Passengers are also protected in the event of a flight delay or cancellation.

With the latest update to the agreement, Porter’s domestic flights can be combined with Air Transat’s flights via a connection at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), and now Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ).

Travellers departing from Toronto Billy Bishop Bishop, Toronto Pearson, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Halifax will be able to combine a domestic Porter Airlines flight with an Air Transat flight to Europe, the South, the U.S. or Canada.

These codeshare flights are currently available for bookings made via most distribution channels, including the Air Transat website for travel starting June 1st, 2023.

For more information, travel agents are invited to visit Agent Direct.

Nominations open for ACTA Awards

TORONTO — Nominations have opened for the annual ACTA Awards, including a newly added Lifetime Achievement Award.

This year’s awards will be handed out during the ACTA 2023 Eastern Canada Travel Industry Summit, taking place in September in Toronto.

The ACTA Awards recognize ACTA members who have proven their excellence across a broad range of

THE AGREEMENT INCLUDES MORE ROUTES THAT LINK CANADA TO THE SOUTH, THE U.S. AND EUROPE.

categories and recipients will be selected by a panel of jurors appointed by ACTA.

The six ACTA Awards categories are:

• Leisure Travel Agent Awards

• Corporate Travel Agent Award

• Tomorrow’s Leader Award

• Ches Chard Education Award

• Gerald Heifetz Advocacy Award

• CTC/CTM Lifetime Achievement Award

The new CTC/CTM Lifetime Achievement Award honours an exceptional Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC) or Certified Travel Manager (CTM) who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and continuously expanding their knowledge of the travel industry and client service excellence.

Criteria for each of the categories can be found here.

Anyone can nominate a person, however, all nominees must be ACTA members. Nominations will close on Friday, June 23, 2023.

Businesses or individuals are encouraged to nominate themselves or others for consideration using the Nomination Form. A brief biography is required to support the nomination in order to demonstrate how the nominee meets the criteria for the award.

For more information email Deanne Mills at actaawards@acta.ca.

ACV alerts trade to changes with Groups bookings

MONTREAL — Air Canada Vacations has made some adjustments to its Group processes, effective May 23, 2023 for departures starting Nov. 1, 2023.

In its Dedicated Groups Update newsletter sent to the trade, ACV says: “We are pleased to inform you that the transition process for Groups from one system to another is nearing completion. We sincerely thank

you for your continued support and understanding.”

Also starting May 23, 2023, ACV’s Book Your Own Group (BYOG) program features a bonus 2% commission applicable when combining multiple individual bookings made online or via any GDS systems to Mexico, the Caribbean, California, Florida, Hawaii, Las Vegas or a Europe ITC Package to make a group of 10 or more.

The promotion is valid on bookings of 10 adults or more for travel on the same departure date, and to the same hotel. All bookings for passengers travelling together as a Book Your Own Group, must be made within 48 hours to qualify. All bookings need to be emailed to byog2vacv@ vacv.com in order to receive the bonus commission.

Here’s a look at ACV’s Groups updates:

CONNECTORS

A maximum of 3 connector routes per booking will be allowed for passengers requiring a connector as part of their vacation travel plans.

• Western Canada Region - YVR, YWG, YYC, and YEG

• Eastern Canada Region - YOW, YQT, YTS, and YAM

• Quebec and Atlantic Canada Regions - YQB, YYT, YHZ, YQM

DEVIATIONS

ACV will allow a maximum of two different travel dates per booking. Exception for Wedding groups – an additional date will be permitted for the Bride & Groom.

LAST-MINUTE GROUP DEPARTURES

New Groups travelling within 30 days of departure will not be permitted. “Please book via our individual reservation booking channel,” says ACV.

GROUP TRANSFERS

All groups must take ACV transfers. No exceptions will be permitted. Any

groups not using ACV transfer services (where available) will not be accepted.

GROUP SEAT SELECTION

ACV says all efforts will be made to seat select groups according to rooming lists and based on space availability.

GROUP TERMS & CONDITIONS

ACV says it has made changes to its Terms & Conditions, and encourages travel advisors to give themselves time to  get familiar with the new version, “as it provides you with important and relevant information.”

• Full Payment & Names are due 60 days prior to departure

• Name changes, date changes or any type of modification will not be permitted at 28 days or less prior departure.

E-DOC RELEASE

All documents will be issued 3 weeks prior to departure.

• Changes are not permitted 28 days or less prior to departure

• Fees may apply for any name corrections required once files are ticketed

CONTACTS

“Your group coordinator is your main point of contact for any/all inquiries,” ACV tells agents.

• Quotes are valid for up to 30 days

• Bookings must be requested during Groups business hours of operation

HOURS OF OPERATION

• Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

• Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

ACV GROUP TRAINING

Travel advisors who want to be an Air Canada Vacation Group Expert are asked to request a Group Training session with their ACV rep.

Strong recovery for Caribbean detailed at annual CHTA forum, along with strategies for further growth

By Chris Kinasz

BARBADOS — The news that came out of the 2023 CHTA Caribbean Travel Forum was generally rosy as the Caribbean has been the fastest recovering region in the world - and that’s after some predicted it wouldn’t recover.

In fact, the Caribbean is close to seeing full recovery, as it’s only down 1% from 2019 levels. An upward trend in occupancy has dovetailed with a high demand for upper-end luxury travel.

Travelweek got all the latest news and updates at the 2023 CHTA (Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association) Caribbean Travel Forum, held last month in Barbados.

A key issue to recovery that was repeatedly touched upon was air connectivity, which has yet to return to 2019 levels and currently showing deterioration once again.

The differential in demand versus supply is creating a spike in airfare prices. There’s a strong push from the CHTA and other organizations and tourism boards for more direct flights to Caribbean vacation spots as many destinations struggle with direct connectivity.

Another important issue that arose was the need for more capability to “island hop.” Many people are not visiting multiple destinations, especially compared to other regions, underlining the need for a joint strategy between Caribbean nations. One lowcost idea floated at the forum was an ‘all-you-can-fly’ pass between islands.

The Caribbean is in growth mode, although growth is uneven across the different destinations. It’s heavily dependent on tourism, more so

than any other region in the world. The Caribbean has a population of 19 million people and 2019 saw 31 million visitors to the islands. Average costs for Caribbean travel have been increasing due to inflationary pressures, but this can also be said for the rest of the world, and people have been willing to pay more for Caribbean travel because of the region’s high value proposition. There’s also been a strong bounce-back of events and, since 42% of tourist expenditure is on food, also a strong effort to build out more food experiences.

The Caribbean is also at the forefront of trying to solve the climate crisis with, for example, the Bridgetown initiative. It’s a planet-wide plan for addressing the crisis by establishing a global climate mitigation trust that lends directly to projects instead of to governments. The Caribbean sees itself as being on the front line of the effects of the crisis, explaining its concern and desire to create policy.

The CHTA Destination Resilience Award in Category A was given to Jamaica, with Bonaire, St. Lucia and St. Maarten as runners up. In Category B, it was awarded to Eleuthera, Bahamas.

The CHTA’s Icon of Hospitality Award was honoured posthumously upon Sandals Resorts founder Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, who passed away in 2021, and George Myers, who passed away earlier this year, and also to Sir Royston Hopkin, who passed away in 2020.

The first-ever CHTA President’s Award for Caribbean Tourism Excellence was given to Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett.

Porter confirms year-round service between Charlottetown and Ottawa

CHARLOTTETOWN — Porter Airlines has confirmed plans to fly year round between Ottawa and Charlottetown following the route’s inaugural flights on May 17.

THERE’S A STRONG PUSH FROM THE CHTA FOR MORE DIRECT FLIGHTS AS MANY DESTINATIONS STRUGGLE WITH DIRECT CONNECTIVITY.

2023 CHTA CARIBBEAN TRAVEL FORUM

The direct service begins with 11 weekly flights before increasing to 14 weekly roundtrips during the summer peak season. As of Oct. 29, 2023, the route will increase to daily through the winter.

With the service, Porter now flies to all Atlantic provinces for the first time. It is also the only airline to offer yearround, daily nonstop service between Charlottetown Airport (YYG) and Ottawa International Airport (YOW).

“The launch of the Charlottetown-Ottawa route is an important milestone for Porter as we bring our signature service to Islanders for the first time,” said Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines. “As we continue building a broader North American network, our growth throughout Eastern Canada remains an important priority to ensure communities have access to reliable air service.”

The nonstop flights between Ottawa and Charlottetown are served by 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft featuring a selection of premium snacks and free beer and wine served in glassware.

With the introduction of

Charlottetown, Porter is now operating 10 nonstop routes from Ottawa International Airport this summer. For more information about schedules and Porter Escapes hotel and flight packages, go to www.flyporter.com.

Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica’s newest resort, opens in Ocho Rios

OCHO RIOS — The completely new and transformed Sandals Dunn’s River has begun welcoming its first guests.

Located on a beautiful stretch of white sand beach - a site originally selected by Sandals Resorts International founder the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart when the first Sandals Dunn’s River opened over 30 years ago - the resort is now in full operation following its grand debut on May 19.

Sandals Dunn’s River is the 17th

resort in the Sandals Resorts portfolio.

The 260-room luxury all-inclusive resort features new culinary concepts and elevated suite designs, and offers a personal connection to its setting on Jamaica’s north coast, said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI).

“Ocho Rios has been the backdrop of some of my family’s most pivotal moments, including along this very beach where my father grew up and turned a perhaps once unimaginable dream into one of the world’s most well-known hotel brands,” said Stewart. “Today, we celebrate innovation and a commitment to excellence as we unveil the next generation of Sandals Resorts in our home country of Jamaica. I cannot think of a better way to honour his legacy and acknowledge the incredible future of our brand than to welcome our very first guests to Sandals Dunn’s River. It’s great to have you home.”

Sandals Dunn’s River infuses its Jamaican roots into every sense, Stewart added, designed to embrace the essence of the destination’s rivers, lush forests, and majestic banyan trees. Upon arrival in the open-air lobby, guests will even experience Sandals Resorts’ first-ever signature fragrance, a mix of white florals and fruits, with notes of musk and sandalwood.

ACCOMMODATION

• Sandals “firsts” at Sandals Dunn’s River include Tufa Terrace SkyPool Butler Suites, a first in Jamaica with glass panel edge infinity pools spanning the length of balconies flanked by views of the Caribbean Sea.

• Coyaba Sky Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suites with Private Pools, standouts thanks to their iconic standalone circular villas, have been reimagined with open-air rooftops.

• Mammee Bay Beachfront Butler Suites feature expansive balconies that overlook the sea with sunset views.

• Travertine Beachfront Club Level Rooms are named after the wellknown Dunn’s River Falls’ giant,

COYABA SKY RONDOVAL VILLAS, SANDALS DUNN’S RIVER

OUR GROWTH THROUGHOUT EASTERN CANADA REMAINS AN IMPORTANT PRIORITY.

natural limestone steps.

DRINKS, DINING & MORE

• Sandals Dunn’s River’s connection to Jamaica continues at BLŪM, one of 12 new culinary concepts at the property. A tip of the hat to the island’s Blue Mountains, BLŪM offers a first-of-its-kind coffee drinking experience with 25-cup cold drip towers, nitro cold brew on tap and Modbar pour-over units. Pastries and treats are on offer too.

• Dunn’s Rum Club features the largest selection of rum on the island of Jamaica and any other Sandals Resort. Curated and cleverly named rum flights elevate the experience even more.

• The luxurious Lapidus Lounge is an homage to Morris Lapidus, the famed architect who designed the site’s first resort - the Arawak Hotel. Lapidus’ aesthetic also epitomized 1960s Caribbean chic.

• For an authentic taste of Jamaica, the Jerk Shack is as traditional as it is delicious, offering crispy festival - fried sweet corn cakes, alongside spicy “jerked” meats and seafood infused with local allspice and scotch bonnet pepper. There’s also Laughing Waters Beach Bar.

• Culinary offerings include: Hamani, an izakaya-inspired sushi restaurant; Edessa and its Mediterranean flavours; an Asian-fusion menu at Banyu; Central and South American flavors at Zuka; Italian at Cascata; a taste of France at L’Amande; grilled delights and island staples at Galene; and Saltaire, offering live-action breakfast and lunch selections.

DIVERSIONS

• The source of the water that flows through Sandals Dunn’s River is from the natural reserves of the Dunn’s River Falls, from the lobby waterfalls to the cascading pools of the Red Lane Spa.

• Guests can tee off with complimentary green fees at the nearby and newly refurbished Sandals Upton Estate Golf & Country Club

• Other options include diving the depths of the ocean and exploring marine sanctuaries with  PADI, or rafting the Martha Brae River.

Win a trip for two to the Galapagos with Exodus

TORONTO — Exodus Travels has launched a new travel agent incentive that includes a premium trip for two to the Galapagos Islands.

Until June 22, 2023, for every badge travel agents complete as part of the Exodus Expert online agent training program, they will receive one entry for a chance to win the trip. The more badges they complete, the greater the chances of winning.

There are currently four badges available to complete: Intro Exodus Expert Badge; Cycling Expert Badge; Walking Expert Badge; and Private Groups Expert Badge.

In addition to receiving multiple entries into the contest, agents who complete the program are also eligible for priority access on any upcoming fam trips.

“The Exodus Expert Program provides agents with the training tools and resources needed to grow their business and their adventure knowledge with the leader in active travel since 1974,” says Sasha Andrews, Director of industry Sales for Exodus Travels.

“The program provides advisors with the ability to learn at their own pace, with bite-sized training modules and quizzes broken down by subject. Through this exciting new contest, we are offering our travel agent partners an even greater incentive to learn more about Exodus Travels,” Andrews adds.

To get started, go to Exodus-Expert. com.

Win gift cards and a free rail journey with Rocky Mountaineer’s new agent promo

VANCOUVER — Rocky Mountaineer has launched a new limited-time travel agent incentive that includes fabulous prizes and a free rail journey for two.

Now through Sept. 30, 2023, travel agents who sign up and complete Rocky Mountaineer’s TRACKS Agent Training will be eligible to win monthly prizes or a grand prize of a complimentary rail journey for two on select Rocky Mountaineer routes in Canada and the United States.

Once agents graduate from the program, they’ll be entered into a monthly draw for a $150 gift card. There will be one winner each month for five months, from May through September. Graduates from all regions will be eligible to win.

Monthly gift card winners along with all TRACKS graduates over the incentive period will be eligible for the grand prize draw, which will take place the first week in October 2023.

The grand prize winner will receive a complimentary two-day rail journey for two onboard Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service on the route of their choice. Eligible routes include First Passage to the West, Journey through the Clouds, or Rockies to the Red Rocks. The grand prize winner must travel during the 2024 travel season, on select dates between April 15 and Oct. 21, 2024.

No purchase is necessary to complete the TRACKS Agent Training, which is open to certified retail travel agents and wholesale agents/partners around the world. It takes most people less than an hour to complete.

For more information go to Rocky Mountaineer’s Agent Portal.

Trevello Connex 2023 conference a “tremendous success”: Gedeon

TORONTO — Trevello has wrapped up its highly anticipated conference, Connex, with resounding success.

Taking place last month at Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa, the event brought together partners and travel advisors for an unforgettable experience, fostering meaningful connections among attendees, said Trevello CEO Zeina Gedeon.

The conference surpassed expectations and solidified Trevello’s commitment to collaboration within the travel industry, she added.

“We are incredibly proud of the tremendous success achieved at Connex,” said Gedeon. “This conference served as a remarkable platform for our partners and travel advisors to forge strong connections, exchange valuable insights, and collectively celebrate their dedication to the industry. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to making this event an extraordinary achievement.”

The conference featured insightful partner presentations and keynote speeches by industry leaders, offering valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of the travel industry.

Every day started with a ‘Rise and

Shine’ activity, for mental and physical well-being, and emphasizing Trevello’s dedication to their overall wellness.

The highlight of the conference was the gala night awards ceremony, which coincided with Travel Agent Day. The evening was a celebration of achievements, with partners, advisors, and staff adorned with Trevello’s vibrant brand colours of purple and red. From all accounts, the gala dinner was a culinary delight, while the prestigious Trevello Awards recognized the dedication and hard work of the host agency’s partners and travel advisors.

Gedeon says Connex stands as a testament to Trevello’s unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful connections and providing unwavering support to the travel industry. “Building on the triumph of Connex, the company is already planning its next event with great enthusiasm.”

Virtuoso to hold 2024 Symposium in Dubai

NEW YORK — Virtuoso is heading to Dubai for its next Virtuoso Symposium, set to take place next year from May 20-24.

The news was announced during last month’s 2023 Symposium in

Montreal, which welcomed 385 attendees from 35 countries.

“Dubai is one of the most dynamic cities in the world and we couldn’t be more excited to hold our next Symposium there,” said Virtuoso Chairman and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch. “The destination is an important element of this particular event. When we’re evaluating potential locations, the collaboration between the public and private sectors plays a large part in the selection process. Our incredible preferred partners have come together to create an exceptional program that will surely wow our Symposium attendees.”

Dubai Economy and Tourism is leading the effort to host next year’s Symposium, with the following Virtuoso preferred partners providing additional support: Atlantis The Royal Dubai; Burj Al Arab Jumeirah; Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab; Jumeirah Al Naseem; Jumeirah Al Qasr; The Palace Downtown Dubai; and Arabian Adventures.

Dubai joins a long list of worldclass cities where Virtuoso has held its annual Symposium, including Cairo, Cannes, Singapore, St. Petersburg, Madrid, Mexico City, Buenos Aires and Berlin. Its latest Symposium, which concluded on May 21 in Montreal.

For more information go to www. virtuoso.com.

TTAND’s 10-year anniversary conference in Jordan sells out in 47 seconds

TORONTO — The 2024 10-year anniversary TTAND National Conference in Jordan sold out in 47 seconds, with over 150 agent partners now on a wait list.

“We really wanted to do something special for our 10th anniversary and we have been secretly working behind

the scenes for a year with G Adventures, Jordan Tourism and Royal Jordanian Airlines to arrange what is believed to be a Canadian travel industry first - a major Canadian travel agency conference in the Middle East,” said TTAND founder, Flemming Friisdahl.

TTAND agents, staff and suppliers will travel to Jordan on a private, chartered Royal Jordanian Airlines jet in June 2024.

The surprise location of next year’s conference was announced live at the 2023 TTAND conference in Cancun to 240 attending agents, while another 568 had the opportunity to watch it through a Facebook livestream.

“People were standing in the room and the energy was out of this world – the tension was very high amongst agents as speculation grew about where the 10-year anniversary conference would be held,” said Friisdahl. “ The announcement video reveal did not immediately mention the destination but rather showed images and videos of the destination with a countdown from 10 to 1. By the time Jordan was announced, agents were literally jumping off their seats, hugging each other, clapping and some were even crying.”

TTAND waited three days after the conference ended for registration to open, allowing everyone to return to Canada and be ready to register.

“It was incredibly hard to keep the 2024 conference destination details a secret from the travel agents while in Mexico,” said Omar Banihani, Director of Marketing, Visit Jordan. “The TTAND team was keen on keeping it a secret and for a good reason! I was pleasantly surprised at the response we received after the announcement. So much love and interest in Jordan and selling out in 47 seconds was not expected at all. We are so excited to have the TTAND family in Jordan next year.”

G ADVENTURES WILL SHOWCASE JORDAN

The co-host for the 2024 conference is G Adventures.

“Everyone at G Adventures is excited to co-host The Travel Agent Next Door in Jordan for their 10th anniversary conference in 2024. When we announced the destination at their conference in Mexico there was so much excitement in the room, that I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that the event sold out in a record 47 seconds!” said David Green, VP Sales and Customer Operations & Managing Director Canada.

He added: “We have an incredible partnership, our sales with TTAND are growing exponentially and we can’t wait to showcase Jordan and the great work we do at G Adventures in creating life changing experiences for our travellers. We of course couldn’t do this without the support of the other

co-hosts! A big thanks to Royal Jordanian and Jordan Tourism Board. Bring on Jordan!”

Apart from the conference being in the Middle East, it will also be unique because it  will combine a G-Trip experience.

“Of course, agents and suppliers will still get a lot of presentation and networking time – just in spectacular locations,” said Friisdahl.

Atlas Ocean Voyages unveils new loyalty program

FORT LAUDERDALE — Atlas Ocean Voyages has launched a brand new loyalty program to reward past guests for their continued loyalty and support.

Called Atlas Yacht Club, the fivetiered program, which officially launched on May 24, features plenty of benefits and exclusive offers for loyal past guests. Based on number of nights sailed, the program offers Purple (7-35 nights), Bronze (36-75 nights); Silver (76-125 nights) and Gold (126-200 nights) levels, culminating with the Captain’s Yacht Club for those who sail 201 nights or more.

Travellers are automatically enrolled in the Atlas Yacht Club when they make their first booking. Using their loyalty number, they can register at MyAtlas to indicate their personal preferences such as minibar beverages, preferred bed configuration, park and rubber boot sizes and any special requests such as distilled water for sleeping devices.

As a member, travellers will enjoy benefits, special savings on select voyages, private cocktail parties with the captain and senior officers as well as onboard credits of up to US$200 per guest.

TTAND FOUNDER, FLEMMING FRIISDAHL (LEFT), OMAR BANIHANI, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, VISIT JORDAN (CENTRE) AND DAVID GREEN, VP SALES AND CUSTOMER OPERATIONS & MANAGING DIRECTOR CANADA, G ADVENTURES (RIGHT)

In addition, past guests of Atlas can refer friends and family to sail on their first expedition, with the new guests receiving the applicable loyalty savings as offered.

“Atlas was founded on uniquely offering immersive expeditions aboard luxury yachts, so we’ve taken an equally unique approach designing our loyalty program,” said James Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “I have met many customers who rebook while on onboard because they crave another adventure with us. This new program is our way of thanking them for their commitment to the brand.”

For more information call 1-844-44-ATLAS or go to www.Atlas OceanVoyages.com.

VoX International renews partnership with Hawai‘i Tourism Authority

TORONTO — VoX International will continue to represent the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s destination brand management and marketing services in Canada, after winning the HTA’s

business once again.

The HTA is the state agency providing holistic tourism management for the Hawaiian Islands.

HTA issued an RFP for destination brand management and marketing services for the Canadian market requesting a contractor to educate Canadian visitors about travelling mindfully and respectfully, while supporting Hawai‘i’s communities.

The contract was awarded to the incumbent, VoX International, and Susan Webb, President of VoX International, announced yesterday that VoX is “honoured and delighted” that HTA chose to continue the partnership.

The new contract will cover 2.5 years, beginning on June 30th, and has an option for one two-year extension, and allows VoX to continue to work on HTA’s behalf as Hawaii Tourism Canada.

VoX has managed the account since 2017, working closely with HTA, Island Chapters and key partners in destination, on trade initiatives, digital marketing, social media, public relations,

crisis communications and consumer marketing.

“We will continue our efforts to market the Hawaiian Islands to Canadians, while encouraging mindful travel and a regenerative tourism model that is respectful of cultural values, the local community and the ‘āina (land). We are excited for the rewarding work that lies ahead,” said Webb.

Air Canada, flydubai sign codeshare, interline deal

MONTREAL — Air Canada and flydubai say their new partnership will give passengers flying between Canada, the Middle East, East Africa, Indian Subcontinent and Southern Asia more convenient travel options.

Pending final regulatory approval, Air Canada’s marketing code will be placed on nine routes operated from Dubai by flydubai, giving passengers the ability to travel to these markets with the issuance of a single ticket. The routes include the Middle Eastern cities of Medina, Dammam, Bahrain, Jeddah, and Muscat, as well as flights to Colombo, and Karachi on the Indian Subcontinent.

Additionally, through an interline arrangement, customers will be able to seamlessly connect in Dubai to 60+ destinations that flydubai flies to in the Middle East, East Africa and

WE WILL CONTINUE OUR EFFORTS TO MARKET THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS TO CANADIANS.

Southern Asia, including Kathmandu, Djibouti and the Maldives. Of these destinations, more than 30 are unique to flydubai and not flown by other partners of Air Canada.

“Air Canada is very pleased to partner with flydubai, further expanding our connectivity to the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, a growing source of immigration and travel to Canada. This new partnership is a perfect complement to Air Canada’s nonstop service to Dubai from Toronto and Vancouver, and growing our relationship with Emirates, flydubai’s codeshare partner. Together we look forward to bringing together our networks and building a better experience for our customers,” said Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Executive VP, Revenue and Network Planning.

The airlines say they plan on further improving the connection process in Dubai, and are working toward introducing expanded features and benefits for one another’s loyalty program members to be announced later this year.

Explora Journeys launches

Pioneers’ status for travel advisors

GENEVA — Explora Journeys, MSC Group’s luxury lifestyle brand, has unveiled its new Pioneers status for travel advisors.

Pioneers was launched to recognize and reward travel advisors who have embraced the Explora Journeys brand from the start and have booked at least one journey for their clients during the brand’s inaugural year of operations. The maiden journey of its first luxury ship, Explora I, is scheduled to depart July 17, 2023

from Southampton, UK for a 15-night journey into the Norwegian fjords and the Arctic Circle before concluding in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The new status also offers an invitation for a travel advisor and a guest to join a complimentary Educational Insider First Look journey between July 17, 2023 and May 31, 2024, as well as access to Explora Journeys’ Travel Advisor Fares for personal travel. The brand also provides special referral benefits for engaging with other travel advisors and referring them to Explora Journeys, including a bonus commission on all new bookings made by the referred travel advisor in 2023.

“Our travel advisor community is the heart and soul of our industry, and from day one we have been bold in creating industry-first initiatives to support not only our success but also theirs,” said Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer of Explora Journeys. “We are sincerely grateful to our Pioneers and proud to equip them with the right tools to support the growth of their business and our mutual success.”

Any travel advisor who has booked at least one journey with Explora Journeys during its inaugural year of operation has automatically unlocked Pioneer status.

For their clients, Pioneers can offer the following incentives:

• 10% value savings on the next five journeys booked and departing in 2023.

• 5% value savings on the next five journeys booked and departing in 2024 and beyond.

• €100 (Can$146) JEC per person, maximum two per suite can be applied – a gift from the travel advisor on the next 5x2 (10) journeys (if they take full advantage of the 2023-2024 and beyond opportunity). This is combinable with other promotions, Explora Early Booking Pay in Full Benefit, Solo fares and Combo value savings.

In addition to Pioneers status, Explora Journeys offers up to 18% commissions, no NCFs, rolling commission payments, and up to 10% commission paid on add-ons.

For more information go to www. explorajourneys.com.

OUR TRAVEL ADVISOR COMMUNITY IS THE HEART AND SOUL OF OUR INDUSTRY.