Marriott International launches new agent incentive program

TORONTO — Marriott International has teamed up with My Booking Rewards (MBR) to launch a brand new incentive program for travel advisors.

With the ‘All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy Incentive Program, advisors can earn Marriott Bonvoy points on all qualified Marriott bookings logged at mybookingrewards.com.

With up to 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy points available per room, per night, agents can earn big and redeem points against travel. This includes flights and car rentals, experiences like music, cultural and sports events, and free night stays across Marriott’s more than 8,100 hotels. Advisors can also use their points to add value to client’s stay by redeeming them against upgrades and other added value extras.

Travel advisors can earn up to 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per room, per night on actualized bookings of three nights or more made via the GDS, Marriott.com, all-inclusive.marriott. com, Marriott’s Customer engagement centre or by calling a Marriott property directly. They can also earn up to 500 Marriott Bonvoy points per room, per night on actualized bookings of three nights or more made through a wholesale partner, tour operator, Online Travel Agent or via Expedia Partner Solutions (EPS).

To be eligible to access the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program via MBR, agents must be affiliated with an agency holding a valid ARC, IATA, IATAN, TIDS or CLIA accreditation. Agents must also have a valid Marriott Bonvoy account.

ACV and Unique Vacations complete cross-country sales blitz

TORONTO — Air Canada Vacations and Unique Vacations Canada, an affiliate of the worldwide representatives of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, have teamed up for a series of agent meet-and-greets across Canada.

Taking place over the past few months, the in-person visits spanned from Vancouver to Halifax, during which agents learned about the longstanding partnership between the two brands. In fact, Air Canada Vacations is the only Canadian tour operator with direct flights to each and every island destination that is home to a Sandals or Beaches resort.

“Simply put, Sandals and Beaches clients are ACV clients and vice versa,” said Maureen Barnes-Smith, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Unique Vacations Canada. “Canadian travel advisors know that it’s a win-win for their clients who want a quality product and exceptional service when they book a Sandals or Beaches package with Air Canada Vacations. After all, they’re placing their trust in not one, but two strong brands.”

Israel launches new Destination Specialist Program

TORONTO — The Israel Ministry of Tourism has launched its new Destination Specialist Program for travel advisors.

Now live on the Travel Agent Academy, the program aims to educate advisors on Israel’s many offerings in faith-based, multigenerational, heritage and outdoor/adventure travel. Advisors will also learn about culinary and cultural tours, from water adventures and Dead Sea tourism to local cuisine and UNESCO heritage sites. Upon completion, advisors will qualify for up to four continuing education units (CEU) through the Travel Institute.

Canadians Back In Israel

According to the Israel Ministry of Tourism, a record 8,000 passengers from Canada entered Israel in April 2023. Overall, since the beginning of 2023, 26,000 Canadian tourists have visited the country, a tell-tale sign that tourism from Canada is back and stronger than ever.

“I am excited to see the numbers go up over 2019, our record-breaking year to Israel,” said Gal Hana, Israel Ministry of Tourism’s Consul to

Canada. “Israel is a destination that offers a truly unique and inspiring experience to all who visit.”

Earn rewards through May with Sunwing & Hyatt

Inclusive Collection

TORONTO — Sunwing and Hyatt Inclusive Collection are teaming up to offer travel agents incredible perks for Travel Agent Appreciation Month.

Agents who book their clients a Hyatt Inclusive Collection vacation package at select Dreams Resorts & Spas and Secrets Resorts & Spas properties by May 31, 2023, for departures by Dec. 15, 2023, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a free seven-night stay at Dreams Sands Cancun Resort and Spa, or Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya.

Plus, agents will earn 5x STAR Points on eligible bookings.

Travellers can also take advantage of a couple perks when booking during the month of May. Until May 31, 2023, they’ll enjoy reduced Sunwing package rates, plus the chance to win an all-inclusive getaway for two at Secrets Tulum Resort and Beach Club.

Paired with the month-long incentives from Hyatt Inclusive Collection, Canadians can enjoy more value when travelling with Sunwing, including their first checked bag free at a value of $100+ roundtrip. The Sunwing Guarantee also includes transportation from the airport to the hotel and back and the lowest price on change and cancellation protection with Sunwing’s Worry Free coverage options.

For more information go to Sunwing.ca/en/partner-of-the-month.

Hilton to manage Zemi Miches AllInclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton

PUNTA CANA — Hilton has signed on to manage the new-build Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, marking the fi rst all-inclusive Curio Collection by Hilton property in the Dominican Republic.

Located north of Punta Cana in the coastal town of Miches, the brand new, 502-room, all-inclusive resort is expected to open in 2024 as Hilton’s 10th all-inclusive property in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Owned by Zemi Hotels & Resorts, S.R.L., and managed by Hilton, the property is part of Hilton’s plan to nearly triple its portfolio in the Dominican Republic over the next five years. It currently offers five hotels in the destination, with nine more in various stages of development across the country.

“The signing of Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton is a momentous addition to our robust pipeline in the broader Caribbean, where we have nearly 30 Hilton properties operating across the region and approximately 30 hotels in development,” said Pablo Maturana, vice president, development, Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton. “

As we work to double our Caribbean portfolio and nearly triple our presence in the Dominican Republic, we are proud to work alongside visionary owners who share our values and support responsible tourism to incredible destinations like Miches,” he added.

Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton is situated on a half-mile stretch of Esmeralda Beach, approximately 60 miles from Punta Cana International Airport. The 502 guestrooms are spread across 6 four-storey buildings and 18 free-standing beach bungalows. This includes 123 ground level swimup guestrooms featuring individual plunge pools that connect via a winding pool, allowing guests to swim to other areas of the resort.

Other features include a sprawling pool complex with a water park,