Travelweek - May 05, 2023

ONE TRAVEL AGENCY OWNER'S MESSAGE

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SPECIAL OFFERS & INCENTIVES

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TRAVEL AGENT DAY SPOTLIGHT

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HAPPY TRAVEL AGENT DAY

YellowBird online auction now live

Great items up for bidding Support children in Ukraine

• 2 Business Class air tickets with Air Canada North American + ACCOR stay for 3 nights

• 7-night Caribbean-Antilles Cruise with MSC Cruises

• 2 Roundtrip WestJet tickets to anywhere they fly except Europe

• 2 airline tickets to Las Vegas with Canada Jetlines

• 4-8 Night Caribbean cruise with Virgin Voyages

• 7-night Kenya Safari with African Oasis Safaris

• 7-night Avalon Waterways River Cruise

• VIA RAIL gift cards

• Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Huntington Travel

• Luggage set courtesy of CAA Club Group

• Signed Sports Jerseys

• Unique Artwork + Home Decor

• And much more!

By Kathryn Folliott

TORONTO — Travel Agent Day has always been a standout on the travel industry’s calendar. This year, it’s even more so.

After everything travel advisors have been through over the past 3 years, it’s time for suppliers to salute travel retailers with incentives and promotions.

No doubt those special offers will be popping up all over the industry today, this week and all this month, in some cases.

And while the Travel Agent Day perks are very much appreciated, Jamie Milton with Uniglobe Carefree Travel in Saskatoon, SK, tells Travelweek that just as important, if not more so, are words of appreciation and gratitude from supplier partners.

Especially when those kind words are broadcast for all to see via traditional and social media.

“Promotions and incentives are great and very much appreciated by travel advisors,” says Milton. “That being said, the feeling of being appreciated, valued and respected is also important. One of my favourite things to see suppliers do, is promote travel advisors to the general media, and through their own personal social media. Hearing well-known and respected suppliers promote travel advisors and all they do, is very impactful.”

It was at Uniglobe Carefree Travel - and thanks to travel advisor Colleen Lorenzen - that Travel Agent Day got its start back in 2011. On the first Wednesday of every May, Travel Agent Day is when travel agencies recognize their hard-working team of agents, and encourage other agency

Agent Day 2023

managers and owners, and suppliers, to do the same.

Travelweek asked Milton, who is co-owner of Uniglobe Carefree Travel, about the most gratifying feedback a travel advisor can hear from a supplier - and for that matter, from a client.

Says Milton: “Any words of thanks mean a lot. You would be surprised how great it makes our advisors feel; to have even simple words of thanks and appreciation given – to know their work has meant something. The best stories are always being able to help clients facing extra-stressful situations and being able to alleviate some of that stress. Clients who have had a family emergency and need last-minute travel, or who face a massive cancellation, missed connection or disruption to their travel plans. If we can take that stress away and fix some of these situations for them, it’s very fulfilling and gratifying. Hearing from those clients how our work has impacted them, lends importance to the work we do.”

Travel Agent Day 2023 is certainly a far sight better than Travel Agent Day in 2020 and 2021, or even 2022, as travel was just starting to get back on track this time last year after the last big hurdle to travel - the COVID-19 test for returning travellers - was dropped on April 1.

But in some ways, at Milton’s agency and at other travel agencies across

Canada, it’s a classic case of ‘the more things change, they more they stay the same’.

“In some ways, we have come 360 and in other ways, it feels like we are still stuck in the same place,” she says. “During COVID, we dealt with extreme workloads and stressful travel situations for our clients, as well as staffing shortages. Right now, we are dealing with extreme workloads, stressful travel situations for our clients, as well as staffing shortages.”

The big difference now, she adds, “is that instead of fear and defeat, there is optimism that travel is ‘back’. There is a sense that travel advisors are needed and appreciated – not only by our own industry, but by the public as well. The main challenges going forward will be managing advisor burnout, adjusting client expectations to the new travel normal - which includes the potential for disruptions - and enticing new people into this industry that we all know and love!”

We asked Milton about booking trends. “The momentum and demand for travel is incredible and despite worries that the economy or general travel disruptions would cause a slowdown, we aren’t seeing any of the demand diminishing,” she says. “In fact, we continue to see a strong trend of booking well in advance (2024 bookings are going strong!), as well as a higher average price point and travellers asking

“Hearing well-known and respected suppliers promote travel advisors and all they do, is very impactful”: One agency owner’s message on Travel

THERE'S A SENSE THAT TRAVEL ADVISORS ARE APPRECIATED – BY OUR OWN INDUSTRY, AND BY THE PUBLIC

for larger rooms, upgraded seats on flights and smaller group sizes.”

Two key trends she’s seeing: clients are looking for bucket list trips that have been put off for a few years; and clients are also trying to fit more trips into a small amount of time. “Instead of one trip a year, many are taking three or four to make up for lost time. There is a sense that clients want to travel now while they can – they no longer take that freedom for granted.”

And there’s no stopping the momentum for group travel, especially among families. “There is still a very strong trend for group travel and multi-generational family travel. People want to reconnect with loved ones and travel is the way they are choosing to do it.”

Ever since travel restarted last spring, travel retailers as well as suppliers have been off-the-charts busy accommodating all the pent-up demand. Some may wonder if in all the hustle and bustle, Travel Agent Day promotions might get pushed to the back burner.

Here’s the message from Milton: “As an industry, we have come through our biggest challenge to date and we are stronger than ever. The reason we are here and thriving, is our travel advisors and they absolutely deserve more appreciation and thanks than ever before.

“For suppliers – remember these are the folks who worked around the clock this year when storms hit, systems failed and clients were stranded and they often did so for no compensation. They had your back when times were tough and now is the time to show these travel advisors your appreciation and your love.”

Got a story idea?

Questions or comments?

Write to Kathryn Folliott at kfolliott@travelweek.ca

Cruise lines, tour ops and more celebrate Travel Agent Day with special offers

Suppliers will be unveiling their Travel Agent Day promotions today and through this week.

Here are some of the incentives on offer …

SCENIC GROUP CANADA

Scenic Group Canada is marking Travel Agent Day with $100 and $200 gift cards as well as giveaways of free luxury river and ocean cruises. New deposited bookings made May 1 - 31, 2023 will earn travel advisors a $100 gift card per cabin for river cruises, and $200 for ocean cruises – on top of their commissions. For every booking, they will also receive one entry in the ‘Win a Free Cruise’ contest for one of four cruise giveaways. Applicable bookings include all 2023 and 2024 European river sailings; 2023, 2024 and 2025 (through May 2025) Southeast Asia river cruises; and all 2023, 2024 and 2025 ocean sailings – for both brands.

ROYAL IRISH TOURS

Royal Irish Tours (RIT) is celebrating Travel Agent Day this year with gift cards – a lot of them. The tour operator will be giving away $10 Tim Hortons gift cards for all bookings made the week of May 1 - 5, 2023 in honour of Travel Agent Day. In addition, all agents who make a booking during the month of May will be added to a draw to win the grand prize of an eight-day FAM trip to Ireland or Scotland in 2023-2024. Multiple bookings in the month means multiple entries into the draw. For more information email info@ritvacations.com or call 1-866-907-8687.

CELEBRITY CRUISES

Celebrity Cruises is celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week on May 7 - 13, 2023 by turning the national holiday into Travel Advisor Appreciation Month. Celebrity is offering exclusive incentives and up to $70,000 in cash prizes with several promotions. The cruise line also has a ‘You’re the Celebrity’ contest. Now through May 23, 2023, advisors can share their favourite Celebrity Cruises moment and tag both their Sales Manager and the new travel advisor Facebook page (@TheCelebrityCommitment) for a chance at being one of 10 winners of a US$500 gift card. Call 1-800-327-2056 or visit the ‘Contact Us’ page once logged in to www. CruisingPower.com to identify your Sales Manager.

COLLETTE

Collette will be giving away trips and other prizes to advisors for Travel Advisor Appreciation Month this May. Each advisor who secures at least two Collette bookings from May 1 - June 30, 2023, for departures through 2023, will earn a $50 incentive. Plus, the three advisors who secure the most bookings in the month of May will earn even more. The top booking advisor will win a free Spotlight tour of their choosing. Second and third place will win $2,000 and $1,000 travel vouchers respectively. The winners will be announced on May 31, 2023.

“No one else does it better”: Seabourn on expedition cruising, its 2024 Grand Africa Voyage & brand new leadership

By Cindy Sosroutomo

TORONTO —  To say it’s an exciting time for Seabourn would be an understatement.

Not only is the cruise line fresh off its hugely successful ‘Extraordinary Expeditions Roadshow,’ which took place in top North American markets, including Toronto, in February, March and April, it’s also on the verge of launching its second purpose-built, ultra-luxury expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit, this August. Its summer debut will certainly help Seabourn on its quest to becoming an expedition leader, having launched its first expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, which is identical to the Pursuit, in 2022.

Of course, the 600-plus travel agents who attended the roadshow learned all about the company’s new foray into expedition cruising, which Steve Smotrys, vice president of Global Sales, says has garnered very positive feedback from both agents and guests.

“With our new expedition ships, Seabourn will offer a true ultra-luxury expedition product with no compromise, unlike anything else on the market today,” he tells Travelweek. “It’s easy for other brands to offer elements of luxury, but an authentic ultra-luxury product is one that extends throughout everything a ship does. We believe that no one else does it better than Seabourn.”

Including a Toronto stop on the North American roadshow was essential to spreading the word about new expedition cruises and growing the company’s presence in the coveted Canadian market, Smotrys adds.

“Canadians love cruising and we’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm

of the travel advisors here. Their interest in Seabourn expedition expands beyond just learning about the product to understanding how we stand out in the marketplace so that their clients get the best expedition experiences,” he says.

In this Q&A, we ask Smotrys about Seabourn’s future plans in expedition cruising, how the company is working with Canadian travel agents, and any new offerings that they should keep an eye out for.

Travelweek: Can you tell us a little about Seabourn Pursuit’s 2023 launch and inaugural voyage:

Smotrys: “Beginning Aug. 12, 2023, our second purpose-built, ultra-luxury expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit, will sail five voyages in the Mediterranean before embarking on two voyages across the Atlantic and through the Caribbean. On Oct. 10, 2023, the ship will arrive in Barbados from where it will begin its expedition journeys, taking guests to remote corners of the globe. Seabourn Pursuit will head south for expeditions exploring coastal South America, the Amazon, and Antarctica into late March 2024.

“Following its inaugural Antarctic season, the ship will head to the South Pacific and Australia, which will include the line’s first exploration of the Kimberley region in northern Australia between June and August 2024. The iconic Kimberley, with its

red sandstone gorges, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife, and aboriginal stories, is the ideal setting for a truly, worldclass expedition experience. In addition to the Kimberley, Seabourn Pursuit will visit Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and sail to the South Pacific from Chile to Melanesia between March and October 2024.”

Travelweek: Expedition cruising has become extremely popular in recent years, with several cruise lines entering the field. Are you worried at all about the market being overly competitive?

Smotrys: “Seabourn is entering this new market with two compelling ultra-luxury expedition ships and extensive operational experience that will appeal to travelers, especially those who may typically choose a land-based experience. These new ships are going to be game changers in the luxury expedition cruise category because they were designed by leading travel experts with deep levels of knowledge in expedition, fine dining, and luxury cruising. Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit are equipped to provide a myriad of experiences from Zodiacs, scuba diving and even submarines, and they are built to explore hard-toreach corners of the world.

“Our 10 years of experience in operating our program in Antarctica and our Ventures by Seabourn program has reinforced that this is a natural extension of the existing ultra-luxury

SEABOURN IS ENTERING THIS NEW MARKET WITH TWO COMPELLING ULTRA-LUXURY EXPEDITION SHIPS

cruise experience Seabourn offers rather than a separate product. So much activity is packed into each voyage, making it easier for the travel advisor to ensure their clients will be well cared for with many life-expanding moments. The ships and our world class expedition team will deliver amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experiences to any guest who chooses to sail with us.”

Travelweek: What else is new that travel agents should know about?

Smotrys: “Seabourn has just released extraordinary worldwide itineraries to explore the Caribbean, Asia and Arabia between fall 2024 and winter/spring 2025. Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation will take guests on more than 40 unique sailings to hidden harbors, marquee ports, and must-experience destinations, including new stops and ports Seabourn has not visited in five years, such as Isabel Segunda, Puerto Rico; Santa Marta, Colombia; Port Antonio, Jamaica; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and Kaohsiung and Magong (Makung), Penghu Islands, Taiwan.

“Seabourn just opened booking for its first-ever ‘Grand Africa Voyage.’ Departing Nov. 30, 2024, Seabourn Sojourn will circumnavigate the continent and sail more than 17,000 miles during a 90-day, roundtrip adventure departing Barcelona, Spain. The journey will offer a world of experiences for guests, visiting 44 marquee and off-the-beaten path ports and cities throughout 26 countries, with six overnight stays on the itinerary.

“The 2024 Grand Africa Voyage will feature a blend of historically profound destinations such as Alexandria, Cairo, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem; luscious, tropical paradises such as the Seychelles and Bom Bom Island; lands with breathtaking, diverse landscapes and wildlife such as Kenya, Madagascar and Zanzibar; and culturally rich destinations such as Cape Town, Morocco and Mozambique. In addition to renowned destinations, guests can discover Africa’s lesser-known gems such as Luanda, the ‘Paris of Africa,’ and Cape Verde, the ‘Gateway to the West’.”

Travelweek: What’s selling the most for summer 2023?

Smotrys: “ Antarctica is on the must-visit list for many travellers, and therefore, it is one of our most popular destinations. It truly feels out of this world, and you must visit Antarctica to fully understand the awe and majesty of the destination. For many, there is no greater place on Earth.

“Another destination proving to be very successful is Scoresby Sound, located on the east coast of Greenland. Scoresby Sound is the world’s largest fjord system, couples with the Greenland icecap pouring into the fjords through endless glaciers, making this truly one of the most spectacular scenes in the world.”

Travelweek: Seabourn has a new President at the helm – Natalya Leahy. How will her leadership style impact the direction Seabourn will take this year and beyond?

Smotrys: “Natalya is an accomplished leader who brings a wide variety of diversity of leadership experiences working in large global organizations and iconic consumer-centric brands in companies and organizations, such as Procter and Gamble, Coca-Cola, and United Nations. She spent the past

seven years supporting Seabourn in various capacities, including her roles as Chief Financial Officer for Holland America Group and Chief Operating Officer for Holland America Group. She was a part of building the success of Seabourn and supporting the brand, as well as leading the restart of cruise operations, and she values the importance of listening to our trade partners, guests and team members to develop strategies supporting their needs.”

Travelweek: How is Seabourn working with Canadian travel agents this year?

Smotrys: “Recently, Seabourn has doubled down on its support for the market. We now have a dedicated National Account Manager based in Toronto, helping support the dual branded business development managers with their Seabourn accounts. Travel advisors have access to Seabourn travel advisor rates to experience Seabourn firsthand including 50% off select voyages, and even more reduced rates once they complete our Seabourn Academy Graduate training course. We also provide limited time offers of bonus commissions as extra incentives, and we offer limited ship tours in Vancouver and in the Maritimes.”

DESTINATIONS

WestJet has officially launched its brand new service to Asia. Flight WS80 from Calgary arrived at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport earlier this week. The nonstop service will operate on a 787 Dreamliner three times per week through Oct. 28, and will return in spring 2024. “We are thrilled to see our new service to Tokyo, Japan take flight as we welcome our newest destination to our 787 intercontinental hub at YYC,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive VP and Chief Commercial Officer. WestJet’s flight to Tokyo is just one of many new direct services launching this spring.

It was 40 years ago this week that Cathay Pacific flight CX800 departed Hong Kong for Vancouver, marking the airline’s first entry into North America. With the milestone flight, Cathay Pacific also became the first airline in the world to connect the two cities with nonstop service, which began with two flights per week in each direction. Considered ground-breaking at the time, the Boeing 747-200 flight provided travellers with a nonstop option for the first time, reducing the total journey by more than two hours versus the previously established route via Japan. Vancouver would eventually become one of Cathay Pacific’s biggest markets outside of Hong Kong. The airline opened its first ticket office in 1983 at 1018 West Georgia Street, in the heart of Vancouver’s ‘airline row,’ employing 26 in sales, marketing and reservations.

LABOUR

It looks as though a WestJet pilot strike has been averted, with the airline reaching a tentative agreement with Unifor. Both sides agreed on the first collective bargaining between the organizations and now await the ratification vote to be put forward to membership.

“WestJet is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that recognizes the important contributions of our valued airport employees at YYZ,” said Diederik Pen, WestJet EVP and COO. “Our airport employees play an integral role in supporting our operations and this settlement reflects WestJet’s commitment to supporting them as they continue to provide the friendly, reliable service our guests know and expect of the WestJet Group.” The ALPA, represented by Unifor, voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike mandate in mid-April, which would have allowed 1,600 WestJet pilots to launch a strike as early as May 16, just ahead of the May long weekend.

AIRLINES

Condor Airlines is increasing its presence across North America with more nonstop flights to Frankfurt - including a number of routes from Canadian gateways.  From its Frankfurt hub, Condor offers connecting service to 100+ destinations throughout Europe via a network of airline and rail partners including Lufthansa, SAS, Aegean Airlines and more. Plus, North American passengers can take advantage of Condor’s interline partner WestJet, as well as Alaska Airlines and JetBlue. This summer out of Canada, Condor will fly from Toronto (5x/week service started May 1); Vancouver (5x/week service starts May 3); Halifax (3x/week service starts May 20); Edmonton (2x/week service starts May 26) and Whitehorse (1x/week service starts May 28).

CRUISING

Seabourn’s first-ever ‘Grand Africa Voyage’ will circumnavigate the continent and sail more than 17,000 miles over 90 days. Sailing roundtrip from Barcelona onboard the Seabourn Sojourn, the voyage will depart on Nov. 30, 2024 and visit 44 ports and cities throughout 26 countries, with six overnight stays included in the itinerary. Bookings are now open.

The i’s

the t’s

crossed: WestJetSunwing deal now complete

CALGARY — The WestJet Group has completed its acquisition of Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations.

Originally announced in March 2022, the transaction successfully combines two of Canada’s biggest airlines. The federal government had given the deal the green light in March 2023, with Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra saying that it would “provide affordable vacation packages to Canadians, create more good jobs, and protect current jobs as well as Canadians who have already purchased tickets.”

Initially, the airlines will continue independent operations, maintaining a sharp focus on providing an exceptional guest experience and ensuring safe operations. As the two entities transition from competitors to collaborators, the combination of these businesses will be planned in a way that positions Sunwing as an instrumental pillar of the WestJet Group, and prioritizes the experience of a growing number of guests, said Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of the WestJet Group.

“As we have set out on our new strategic trajectory for the WestJet Group, investing further in leisure and sun flying across Canada is a critical driver for growth. It brings me great pleasure to welcome Sunwing to the group, adding 18 Boeing 737s, 2,000 employees and Canada’s largest

vacation tour operator and significantly expanding our footprint in Eastern Canada. Together, we will strategically enhance our sun and leisure offerings to bring even more affordable and accessible travel opportunities to Canadians,” said von Hoensbroech.

Stephen Hunter, formerly the CEO of Sunwing Vacations, has been appointed CEO of the WestJet Group’s Vacations Business, responsible for all tour operating and vacation package businesses of both the Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations brands.

“The combination of our complementary businesses marks an important milestone that will enable us to fast-track our growth plans and provide Canadians with more affordable vacations to more destinations than ever before,” said Stephen Hunter, CEO of the WestJet Group’s Vacations Business. “I am thrilled to join forces with WestJet and, in doing so, create even more opportunities for our people and deliver greater value for Canadian travellers.”

As previously announced, the WestJet Group’s newly combined tour operator businesses, comprised of WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations, will

be headquartered in Toronto, Ontario and will continue to operate a Montreal office. In the coming years, the Vacations Business expects to facilitate new flying and new employment opportunities by retaining Sunwing’s aircraft in Canada year-round, among other sources of anticipated growth.

Air Canada ready for take-off with NDC, with first changes in effect June 14

TORONTO — Air Canada is going allin with New Distribution Capabilities (NDC) - and the airline wants to make sure its valued travel advisor partners are onboard.

Fare content already available via Air Canada’s NDC technology includes the carrier’s domestic Basic fares, and starting June 14, 2023, best available seat inventory and discounted ancillary pricing will become available via NDC as well.

Also on June 14, Air Canada will introduce a new NDC coupon incentive, to support travel agency transition to NDC - and away from GDS EDIFACT channels. The coupon incentive will apply to eligible NDC bookings made directly with an Air Canada NDC API connection or via select NDC certified technology partners.

are dotted,

are

I AM THRILLED TO JOIN FORCES WITH WESTJET AND, IN DOING SO, CREATE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR PEOPLE

Along with the carrot, there’s also a stick.

A new Distribution Cost Recovery (DCR) fee, pegged at $20 - $30, will be introduced June 14 as well, to address the high expense of legacy models, says the airline. The DCR will apply to all tickets issued globally via GDS EDIFACT channels. The DCR does not apply to bookings made via any of Air Canada’s NDC connection options including NDC-sourced content in a GDS solution, as well as through Air Canada’s other direct booking channels such as aircanada.com, aircanada.com/agents, Air Canada for Business, and the Air Canada mobile app, or group bookings.

Mark Nasr, Air Canada’s SVP Products, Marketing & eCommerce, says the DCR will be integrated into the

People

fare and paid by the customer.

Lisa Pierce, VP Global Sales & ACV, says a big part of Air Canada’s plan is to educate front-line agents on NDC. “We know a lot of people might not even know what NDC is. We know change is difficult. There will be bumps along the way. But there is no perfect time, and we have to start somewhere.”

Whereas airline fares were once fairly standard in the early years of mass market travel, they’re now incredibly complex, with a wide range of fare classes, not to mention an ever-growing list of ancillary fees.

Airlines also have robust loyalty programs - Aeroplan, in Air Canada’s case - with special offers for members that need to be easily booked through travel agents as well.

Celestyal welcomes new BDM in Canada

As part of its ongoing plans for growth in North America, Celestyal has ramped up its sales and marketing team to 12 executives in total, the most in the company’s history.

Recent hires include Stephanie McDonald, who has been named BDM, Canada. Prior to joining Celestyal, she served as a BDM with Royal Caribbean Cruises in Canada and Florida for the past 15 years.

In her new role, McDonald will help grow Celestyal’s market share in North America alongside newly hired Richard Sandoval, BDM, West Coast, who’s based in California.

Both McDonald and Sandoval will be responsible for developing strong relationships with key travel agents, group and tour operators, increasing trade awareness, providing training and marketing support in their respective territories, and representing the company at industry events. They will report to Jon Grutzner, VP Business Development for the Americas.

Airlines have been pushing back on GDS segment fees for years, and NDC has been gaining traction as an alternative booking capability that will give travel agencies access to all the new fare and product content that airlines are selling. The airlines want agents to be able to easily sell all of their content, and argue that NDC is the only way to feasibly do it.

Air Canada says its NDC program will provide a competitive alternative to legacy distribution, giving agents access to Air Canada inventory, fares, ancillary services, ticketing, and digital products. Air Canada’s NDC route will also eliminate select debit memos, according to the team.

Continuous pricing, as well as the addition of Flight Pass, is planned for 2023. Upgraded service and support levels include dedicated business and IT teams, 24/7 monitoring and near real-time system status. Additional servicing automation options and order change notifications are also slated for this year.

There are several ways travel agencies can access Air Canada’s NDC content, each designed to suit different agency business models. Agencies can integrate an Air Canada NDC API into their agency, offering content flexibility and 24/7 monitoring and support. They can work with tech partners to get access to a wide rate of functionality and tech option. They can use Air Canada Connex, the airline’s free webbased tool, for direct (and free) access from their desktop. There’s also a GDSbased solution, so far with Amadeus’ IT solution, Altéa NDC.

Nasr and the team also confirm that NDC content will be available through Softvoyage as well, and when asked about SABRE, confirmed that talks are taking place with other distribution platforms as well.

Part of Air Canada’s NDC plan includes plenty of resources for its travel agency partners. There’s an NDC hub at aircanada.com/ndc with upto-date program information. Agents can take part in webinars and other training sessions, or connect with questions via email.

Proposed changes aim to strengthen APPR, simplify complaint resolution process

OTTAWA — Proposed amendments to the Canada Transportation Act have been introduced as part of Bill C-47, the Budget Implementation Act.

The proposed amendments would strengthen Canada’s passenger rights regime, streamline the processes for administering air travel complaints before the Canadian Transportation Agency, and increase air carriers’ accountability.

The federal government brought in the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) in 2019. The regulations clarified minimum requirements and compensation. During the pandemic, the government strengthened the APPR to include refunds for cancellations and long delays in situations outside the airline’s control, including major weather events or a pandemic.

These new proposed amendments to the Canada Transportation Act would, among other things, allow the CTA to modify its regulations to …

• Make compensation mandatory for all disruptions, unless the disruption was caused by very limited circumstances that would be

specifically defined by regulations;

• Remove exemptions to air carriers’ compensation obligations based on broad categories of disruptions (e.g., disruptions outside/within the control of airlines or required for safety);

• Make standards of treatment, such as the provision of food and water, mandatory for all flight disruptions;

• Establish requirements for delayed baggage and prescribe parameters around refund requirements as a result of a travel advisory issued by the government.

The amendments would also …

• Replace the current process for resolving air travel complaints, which includes an adjudication process by Governor in Council-appointed members, with a more simplified process conducted primarily by CTA staff to ensure travellers get quicker decisions;

• Impose a greater burden of proof on air carriers where it is presumed that compensation is payable to a complainant, unless the air carrier proves the contrary;

• Require air carriers to establish an internal process for dealing with air travel claims;

• Broaden the authority of the CTA to set fees and charges to recover its costs; and;

• Enhance the CTA’s enforcement powers with respect to the air transportation sector by allowing the CTA to increase the maximum amount of Administrative Monetary Penalties applicable to the APPR for corporations and by providing the CTA with the authority to enter

into compliance agreements with air carriers.

Following royal assent of the Budget Implementation Act, the CTA would have the authority to initiate the regulatory process to amend the APPR in consultation with the Minister of Transport.

New regulations are expected to be in place at the earliest opportunity, according to the government statement.

“It is clear that a stronger and simpler system is needed to increase air carriers’ accountability and transparency, reduce the number of incidents referred to the [CTA], and streamline the [CTA’s] processes for addressing travel complaints. The proposed amendments would significantly enhance our air passenger rights regime to ensure travellers get the services and treatment they pay for and deserve,” said Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra.

As of Sept. 30, 2023, or if it is later, as of the day on which the Budget Implementation Act receives royal assent, the CTA would begin to resolve complaints through the new complaint resolution process.

Together with the $75.9 million over three years previously announced for the CTA to help reduce the backlog of complaints, the new measures are aimed to help ensure that if events similar to those of last summer and over the holiday season occur, passengers are treated fairly, and the carriers meet their obligations swiftly.

IT IS CLEAR THAT A STRONGER AND SIMPLER SYSTEM IS NEEDED TO INCREASE AIR CARRIERS’ ACCOUNTABILITY

JTB appoints Philip Rose as Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas

KINGSTON — The Jamaica Tourist Board has appointed Philip Rose to serve as its Deputy Director of Tourism (Ag.), Americas, with responsibility for the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America.

“Philip Rose has a long history working in tourism to promote brand Jamaica,” said the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “Throughout the years, he has proven himself to be a visionary leader whose numerous successes have helped to elevate and maintain Jamaica’s status as one of the world’s top tourism destinations, particularly from North America. It was therefore a natural fit for him step into this key role.”

He has previously held senior-level positions within the organization including Regional Director of Canada for 7 years, during which time the country recorded its highest visitor arrivals to Jamaica. After a fond farewell to the Canadian market in December 2018, he was named Regional Director of Tourism, Northeast USA in January 2019.

“We are truly fortunate to welcome Philip Rose to this post, as he is a champion of Jamaica’s tourism with outstanding qualifications and a well-established track record of excellence,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board. “The strategic direction, proficiency and foresight he provides have been invaluable to growing arrivals and we are fully confident that he will continue to be a driving force for tourism to Jamaica in his new position.”

“It’s an honour for me to accept this appointment within the Jamaica Tourist Board, who first recruited me from the hospitality sector over 20

HE IS A CHAMPION OF JAMAICA’S TOURISM WITH OUTSTANDING QUALIFICATIONS AND A WELL-ESTABLISHED TRACK RECORD

years ago,” said Rose. “I have always been passionate about selling and marketing travel to Jamaica as well as aligning strategies and tactics to meet objectives and targets, so I look forward to doing so in an expanded capacity with this promotion.”

Rose grew up in the tourism and hospitality industry, having worked in city hotels and beach resorts across Jamaica since his first summer job at 14 years old. Upon his recruitment by the Jamaica Tourist Board, he has thrived in different roles in the U.S. and Canada and has been promoted in every position he has held. Philip has lived and studied tourism in Jamaica, Canada, U.S., Singapore and Italy and has been a featured guest lecturer on tourism in various universities in the U.S. and Canada.

Virtuoso celebrates hugely successful ‘On

Tour Canada’ series

TORONTO — Over 13,700 one-toone connections were logged at Virtuoso’s hugely successful ‘On Tour Canada’ show, which took place earlier recently in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto.

The series brought together a total of 221 travel advisors and 179 partners, starting in Vancouver at The DOUGLAS, an Autograph Collection Hotel, then Montreal at The Ritz-Carlton, Montréal, and finally in Toronto

at the Four Seasons Hotel, Toronto.

‘On Tour Canada’ featured networking appointments, professional development courses and discussions on traveller trends and complimentary professional headshots, of which nearly 300 were taken.

Travel advisors were also updated on Canadian outbound leisure spending projections for the next four years. According to Tourism Economics, outbound travel will reach 100% of 2019 levels in the second quarter of 2024, and climb steadily to 156% by the end of 2026. Virtuoso advisors and preferred partners were particularly optimistic about the year-over-year growth projections of 27.2% in 2023, 21.8% in 2024, and 18% in 2025.

“Based on a global consumer survey completed by YouGov, Virtuoso-advised travellers plan to spend 3.4 times more than do-it-yourself travellers, and 2.7 times more than other advised travellers. Two-week cruises are 150% more popular among Virtuoso travellers than non-Virtuoso travellers, and average hotel stays are 50% longer,” said Úna O’Leary, Virtuoso’s General Manager, Canada.

Denise Harper, Virtuoso Canada’s Director, Partner Relations, also indicated that the first quarter of 2023 has already shown considerable increases over 2019’s numbers.

“Hotel sales are 68% higher than first quarter results in 2019. Ancillary services such as insurance and car rentals are not far behind at 60%, and on-site and cruise sales are also strong at 50% and 10%, respectively,” said Harper.

TRAVEL AGENT DAY

The travel industry is once again raising its glass to travel agents

Earn extra STAR Points with Sunwing’s Travel Agent Day offers

Sunwing is wishing travel advisors a very happy Travel Agent Day and thanking them for their ongoing dedication and collaboration in making their mutual customers’ vacation dreams come true.

To show its appreciation, Sunwing is offering agents 2X STAR Points on all vacation package bookings made on May 3, 2023 (not combinable with other offers), plus the chance to win a seven-night all-inclusive vacation for two at the adults-only Royalton CHIC Cancun on all new individual client and group bookings made between May 3-31, 2023. The contest giveaway includes airfare and transfers for travel between May 4, 2023 and Oct. 31, 2023. The winner will be contacted directly.

Travel agents can also take advantage of a number of Sunwing offers this May for themselves and their clients. Agents can earn 5X STAR Points on all eligible

bookings at Dreams Resorts & Spas and Secrets Resorts & Spas properties made between May 2-31, 2023, for travel by Dec. 15, 2023, as part of Sunwing’s Partner of the Month promotion with Hyatt Inclusive Collection.

Plus, agents can win a seven-night stay at either Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa or Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya. Their clients also have a chance to win, plus access to reduced rates on their favourite destinations, like Cancun.

A sought-after coastal paradise for Canadians in search of year-round exploration or a quiet place to disconnect and recharge this summer is Cayo Largo. Agents can earn 12% commission on eligible Cayo Largo bookings made between May 2-31, 2023, for travel between May 5, 2023 and Oct. 27, 2023.

For more details go to sunwing.ca.

HAPPY TRAVEL AGENT APPRECIATION DAY FROM SUNWING.

At Sunwing, feel-good moments come with perks worth celebrating, like agents earn 2X STAR Points on all vacation package bookings made only on May 3, 2023! PLUS, agents have the chance to win a seven-night vacation for two at Royalton CHIC Cancun on new client bookings made by May 31, 2023 for travel between May 4, 2023 and October 31, 2023.

TICO shares new data on Ontario’s travel trends and sentiments

The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) is fully aware of just how hard Ontario travel agents have worked throughout the pandemic. Calling their passion and dedication for providing exception service and consumer protection “truly commendable,” the organization is extending its gratitude to agents for all that they do.

“It has been a challenging three years for the travel industry, but Ontario’s travel agents have proven their expertise, professionalism and commitment to their clients day after day,” said CEO Richard Smart. “Travel agents are an integral part of Ontario’s travel consumer protection framework and play a vital role in ensuring consumers have added peace of mind as they purchase travel.”

TICO conducts yearly research with Ontario consumers to better understand their perceptions and sentiments around travel and consumer protection. It is sharing the findings of its latest survey of 1,209 Ontario residents, which highlight their current concerns and preferences around travel, and opportunities for travel agents to highlight the value of consumer protection. Key findings include the following:

• 53% of respondents said they are more likely to travel to/within Ontario in 2023

• 44% of respondents said they are more likely to travel to/within Canada in 2023

• 40% of respondents said they are more likely to travel internationally in 2023

• When asked how confident they would be getting accurate and up-to-date information when booking with an in-person travel agent, 33% of respondents said very confident, 33% said confident, 19% were neutral, and 7% said not very confident

• When asked how concerned they are about protecting

their financial investment when booking travel, 2-in-3 respondents said they are “always” or “often” concerned

• 50% of respondents said they “strongly agree” with the statement: I expect to be fully refunded, or offered other similar travel, if my travel is cancelled for any reason other than me

• 36% of respondents said they “strongly agree” with the statement: I are more likely to book travel with flexible change/cancellation policies today

• 30% of respondents said they “strongly agree” with the statement: “I feel travel is more complex now than prior to the pandemic”

• When asked how they would rate the value of a travel agent, 22% of respondents said they find agents to be “extremely valuable” in 2023, compared to 17% prior to the pandemic

To view the report click here.

The key takeaway is this: during what has at times been a volatile travel environment, consumers continue to value the added peace of mind that comes with TICO’s consumer protection.

To help spread the word among clients, download shareable resources in TICO’s Registrant Toolkit here.

We

Happy Travel Agent Day from everyone at TICO!

celebrate and thank you for supporting consumers with your professionalism and dedication each and every day.

Uplift leading the way in Buy Now, Pay Later travel solutions

Uplift is the perfect solution that gives travel advisors’ clients the option to secure a loan to pay for their vacation or cruise in full at the time of booking. The company was designed to make it easy for clients to commit to their dream vacation now with a flexible and convenient monthly payment solution.

Uplift is available to travel advisors through an easyto-use agent tool, as well as via Sirev. The entire process is quick and easy. Should clients wish to finance, travel advisors can simply send them an application link where they can fill out the application on their smartphone or desktop. The entire process takes only a few minutes.

Clients will be given a variety of payment plan options based on what works best for them. Once they select the plan that meets their needs, they’ll be given their total trip cost along with a monthly payment amount, giving them immediate booking satisfaction while taking control of their budget. The best part is that this allows clients to travel before their trip is even paid off.

There is no charge to the travel advisor to offer Uplift. The only cost to travel clients is an annual percentage rate that can be as little as half the traditional credit card rate. And there’s no need to worry about chasing down payments as all plans are done directly with Uplift.

“Travel advisors are the cornerstone of our business and we value and appreciate the ongoing support of Uplift’s pay-over-time solution,” said Denise Heffron, Uplift Managing Director. “Uplift was designed to make it easy for the travel advisor clients to obtain their dream vacation now with flexible and convenient monthly payment options.”

Uplift partners with over 300 of the world’s leading airlines, cruise lines, resorts, travel advisors and other major travel brands in Canada and the U.S. to offer BNPL payment options to help more consumers make meaningful purchases and experience the travel that they deserve.

For more details go to uplift.com.

Air Canada committed to growing ties with agent community

Air Canada is showing its appreciation to the travel agent community not just on Travel Agent Day on May 3, but every day. Describing them as an “invaluable part of Air Canada’s business,” the airline is committed to continuing to grow its relationship with the agency community and supporting agents and counsellors every step of the way.

Air Canada is constantly seeking out new ways to engage with the travel agent community. Most recently, the airline hosted the Air Canada-United Airlines Race in April, which saw travel agents from across Canada and the U.S. gather in Portugal to participate in an Amazing Race-style adventure.

This year marked the first year that Air Canada and United Airlines collaborated on the race, with travel agents completing a series of training modules in the months prior for the chance to participate in the event. A total of 15 travel agents from each country were selected and travelled to Evora, Portugal where they were

divided into six mixed teams and took part in a series of exciting challenges. Each travel agent from the winning team received a prize of two tickets on Air Canada or United Airlines to Lisbon and a week-long stay in Alentejo, Portugal.

To further show its support for the agent community, Air Canada is also launching its annual ‘Your Turn to Travel Contest.’ Each week, travel agents will have the chance to win incredible prizes by successfully completing fun trivia questions. Agents who enter the contest will get the chance to win Business Class tickets, Aeroplan points and more. Weekly prize packages include:

• May 3-9: Atlantic and Western Canada prize packages

• May 10-16: Iconic Asia prize packages

• May 17-23: South of France prize packages

• May 24-31: America Coasts to Coast prize packages Week one of the contest is now live. Travel agents can enter at aircanada.com/TAAM.

TTAND wraps up ‘Breaking Barriers Together’ 2023 conference with a few surprises

By Vawn Himmelsbach

CANCUN —  Vicky Young had been working at Flight Centre for 15 years, up until the pandemic, when she was among the many agents who were let go when storefronts locked down or shut down.

When considering her options, she did her due diligence, speaking to five or six host agencies to find the right fit. “I had a beautiful spreadsheet,” she told Travelweek at The Travel Agent Next Door’s annual conference, held at the Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres.

Young joined TTAND in January 2021. “My clients found me, so it was an easy transition to get back into my

People

business, back to my happy place.”

This was also her first TTAND conference, the largest gathering of independent home-based agents held outside of Canada, with some 240 travel agents and 67 suppliers (from 42 companies) in attendance.

“Probably the biggest thing for me was the opportunity to network with suppliers - having this many suppliers come and want to be part of this also speaks to TTAND’s status within the host agency community,” said Young.

Andrew Dyer is Navigatr Group’s new EVP, Travel Partner Relations

Navigatr Group has appointed Andrew Dyer as its new Executive Vice President of Travel Partner Relations.

Dyer, who comes to the team from Expedia Group, will work with partners across all Navigatr brands to enhance long-term relationships with partners. While leading this brand new division of Navigatr Central Services, Dyer will source supplier inventories across all verticals such as air, hotel, cruise, car rental, insurance and tours & activities.

Navigatr Group includes several travel brands, including Kensington Tours, Travel Edge Network, Travel Edge, Ensemble and TripArc, a travel technology company.

In moving the procurement role and responsibilities from TripArc to Navigatr with the creation of this new position, TripArc will now focus solely on driving Navigatr’s proprietary travel technology platforms, including achieving improved revenue outcomes for its advisors who book travel on its platforms. This includes its proprietary technology and booking platform, ADX (Agent Digital Experience).

She was also surprised - and delighted - when she was called to the stage during TTAND’s supplier awards, when she received the award for ‘Rising Star’ from G Adventures (Chen Ye was awarded G’s top producing agent). The Rising Star awards recognize the hard work and achievement of TTAND agents and agencies by suppliers.

The award was handed out by David Green, G Adventures’ VP of sales and customer operations and managing director for Canada. Green later surprised the audience of travel agents when next year’s conference location was announced.

AND THE 2024 CONFERENCE LOCATION IS…

Aside from adding to (and refining) its list of preferred suppliers, TTAND is also aiming to bring on more tourism boards, one of which is the Jordan Tourism Board.

Green took the stage with Omar Banihani, Jordan Tourism Board’s director of marketing for Canada, to announce that next year’s TTAND conference will take place in Jordan, in partnership with G Adventures. This will also be a celebration of TTAND’s 10-year anniversary.

In June 2024, participating agents will be transported to Amman via a private Royal Jordanian Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Perks will include a private dinner by candlelight at Petra

TTAND'S 2023 CONFERENCE AT MAJESTIC ELEGANCE COSTA MUJERES

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and an afternoon at the Dead Sea. The keynote will be delivered by G Adventures’ founder and CEO, Bruce Poon Tip.

“I DON’T THINK THE BUBBLE OF POST-COVID IS GONE”

This year’s conference, however, was all about breaking barriers, and as travel rebounds, TTAND has hired more staff, added new suppliers and is paying more commission to its agent partners, with a 66% increase in sales from 2019. TTAND is also onboarding, on average, 43 agents per month.

While the travel sector is booming, there’s some concern about an inflationary environment that’s creating higher prices for everything from transportation to accommodation.

“So do I worry about it?” said Flemming Friisdahl, TTAND’s founder and CEO, in an interview with Travelweek. “I would if we weren’t selling anything. I don’t think the bubble of post-COVID is gone.”

He also points to TTAND’s support model and high ratio of staff to agents (approximately one staff member to every 10 agents). And while TTAND is adding new agents, he wants to be careful not to add too many agents, focusing on quality rather than quantity, and maintaining a two-year onboarding process with mentoring opportunities. He also points to additional investments in education, training and marketing.

“I think that we’re in a comfortable position without being too

comfortable,” he said. “I am not worried about sales coming down. I’m worried about making sure we have the right services for our partners.”

FREE ONE-WEEK STAY WITH MAJESTIC

While the audience of travel agents was already buzzing from the news about Jordan, it was abuzz again during the gala awards and dinner, when Majestic Resorts, which hosted this year’s conference, announced that all travel agents at the conference would receive a free one-week stay at their Majestic resort of choice.

TTAND also raised money for Pencils for Kids, which has been its charity of choice since 2016. Pencils for Kids partners with communities in Niger, West Africa, to create sustainable educational programs for children and income-generating opportunities for women. This year, agents and suppliers raised a total of $58,865 through a silent auction, 50/50 draw and donations, which TTAND topped up to $60,000.

Other highlights included a keynote speech from Tareq Hadhad, the CEO of Peace by Chocolate, who spoke about his family’s remarkable journey from Syria to Canada; a superhero-themed party at Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa, hosted by Air Canada Vacations; and a contemporary Mexican-themed party at Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort hosted by Transat.

Rocky Mountaineer’s 2023 season underway, 2024 packages now on sale

VANCOUVER — Rocky Mountaineer’s 2023 season has officially launched with four unforgettable routes and a brand new promotion.

The company’s glass-domed trains travel through Western Canada and the American Southwest, offering all-daylight journeys that showcase some of North America’s most spectacular scenery.

To celebrate the season’s launch, Rocky Mountaineer has unveiled the ‘Travel Again’ promotion. Returning guests receive $500 per couple on the Canadian routes, or US$400 per couple on the ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ in the U.S. The offer is valid on any Rocky Mountaineer package when travelling with the company in 2023 or 2024, and is bookable through the Sales Centre.

Rocky Mountaineer has also refreshed its culinary program with regionally-sourced ingredients. Canadian routes include Alberta beef short rib, sweet corn and kale gnocchi, and Lois Lake steelhead salad, with new lemon lavender posset and Earl Grey macaron for dessert. On the ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks,’ guests will enjoy local braised short rib with New Mexico fire-roasted green chile demi-glace, lemon and herb roasted chicken breast with peach demi-glace, and peach strata bake. Each morning will begin with a pastry from Sweet Coloradough Bakery.

With 2023 now officially underway, Rocky Mountaineer is also looking ahead to next year’s season, announcing that 2024 packages are now on sale at its site as well as on the Agent Portal and the Sales Centre.

“It’s in my DNA”: Holland America Line’s VP Sales, North America talks about the cruise line’s 150th, and travel agents

By Vivian Vassos

ONBOARD ROTTERDAM After setting sail from Fort Lauderdale for a 150th anniversary crossing of the Atlantic, Holland America Line’s Rotterdam arrived to great fanfare at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands the same day Holland America Line first began a century and a half ago.

HAL’s pinnacle class flagship and the newest in its fleet played host to the celebrations, including a gala dinner and after-party onboard. Princess Margriet of the Netherlands anointed a specially designed 150th anniversary ship’s bell with Champagne, which will be on permanent display at the hotel. Local dignitaries such as the city’s mayor and top execs from the cruise line, including HAL’s President Gus Antorcha, as well as descendants of the company’s founding family, joined in.

“The celebration of 150 years is about more than our history, it’s about how we are building on the legacy of a great brand to make it relevant for the next 150 years,” said Antorcha. “From those first early days, we built our reputation on the care we provided to every person who stepped on board … whether that person was an immigrant, a titan of industry, a soldier or a vacationer, each of them was treated as though they were a guest in our own home. It is still a hallmark of our brand.”

Rob Coleman, newly appointed VP Sales, North America, has been sailing with HAL with his family since he was a child, “so it’s in my DNA,” he told Travelweek. Although he’s a VP now,

Coleman started with an entry-level job with the cruise line 24 years ago. “I’ve had almost every role in our trade-facing sales organization.” So how will he approach working with agents in Canada?

“We have a team of BDMs there,” says Coleman. “And we now have a senior manager who works with the larger consortia and online agencies for Canada specifically, because it is a unique market.” Coleman will take a deeper dive into how HAL communicates and delivers the tools needed that are distinct for Canadian advisors. “We need to fine-tune it; is what we’re doing working? It is one of our strategic initiatives, to better underpin our efforts in Canada.”

According to Coleman, the line will maintain its customary incentives that are commission-based while fine-tuning; most advisors belong to a homebased network or consortium. “We negotiate with the consortia first, so there’s a trickle down to the individual agent. This is how we deploy the incentives and commissions.”

HAL is also promoting more options for much longer cruises. “It’s a distinction that HAL offers, I think, more than any other mid- or largeship brand,” says Coleman. The cruise line just announced its latest itinerary, the industry’s only Grand Voyage ‘Pole-to-Pole’ roundtrip in 2025. At 133 days, it covers five continents and simultaneously joins the 124-day, six-continent 2025 Grand World Voyage; both depart from a U.S. homeport, in January 2025.

Does Coleman see HAL going the way of the all-inclusive, a trend that’s taking greater hold in the premium category? “Coming out of the pause, our fare structure is really being driven by our ‘Have it All’ option – pricing that includes the beverage package, the WiFi, etc.” On many departures, he notes, more than 50% of HAL’s guests are opting to ‘have it all.’”

And, he adds, “technology is also on our side, with the ability to electronically book a more complex fare – we have figured out how to merchandise and present those opportunities for guests to take advantage of. While before it had different components, now, for advisors, the booking path is clear and it facilitates being able to buy the inclusive (and commissionable) Have it All offering for their clients.”

After a successful GTM in Essen, GNTB looks ahead to Chemnitz for 2024

TORONTO — Riding high after wrapping up a successful 49th Germany Travel Mart (GTM) in Essen, the German National Tourist Board is already looking forward to the 50th GTM, scheduled for April 21 - 23, 2024 in Chemnitz.

CHEMNITZ, GERMANY

Chemnitz, in the German State of Saxony, is known for its museums and award-winning city centre. Chemnitz has also been named European Capital of Culture 2025.

At this year’s GTM in Essen, some 200 German companies from the hotel, transport and leisure industries, Incoming Services, regional tourism organizations as well as approximately 230 buyers from international travel companies and online travel companies took part in GTM to negotiate offers for the coming year. They also used the GNTB’s GTM Networking Tool to arrange 5,300 appointments. Around 100 media also took part in the event.

Tallying this year’s post-event feedback, a very strong 90% of suppliers were satisfied/very satisfied with the way the 2023 GTM took place. The GTM was rated as a good or very good platform for conducting business by 94% of respondents.

The GNTB focused on making this year’s GTM a green event by reducing the carbon footprint and implementing different sustainable measures.

Petra Hedorfer, Chairwoman of the GNTB’s Executive Board, said: “The focal topics placed at the GTM were validated by the positive feedback received from the participants: Sustainability, digital transformation, linking city breaks with rural vacations, climate and environmentally friendly means of transport and extending the length of stay. The positive response to the GTM 2023 is a strong testimony to the position of German incoming

tourism in the global competition of destinations.”

The GNTB organized the 49th GTM as a green event. Specific measures to reduce the event’s carbon footprint included, for example, supporting environmentally friendly travel for participants by rail, offsetting the CO2 emissions of all flights, catering as far as possible from regional sources and the use of reusable exhibition furniture and energy-saving event technology.

Trevello’s Connex Conference 2023 gets underway in Cancun

TORONTO — Trevello’s Connex Conference is taking place this week at Breathless Soul Cancun Resort.

This year’s conference will take on the theme of ‘Connex,’ celebrating human connections in the travel industry. Travel advisors and partners will spend their days connecting, learning from each other and sharing insights to further the growth of the travel industry, says Zeina Gedeon, CEO of Trevello Travel Group.

“We are thrilled to host Connex Conference 2023 and bring together some of the best minds in the travel industry. Our theme – Connex

– highlights the importance of human connections, and we look forward to fostering new relationships and strengthening existing ones at this year’s conference,” says Gedeon.

The host sponsor of this year’s conference is Inclusive Collection. Platinum sponsors include Air Canada Vacations, Collette, MSC Cruises and Seabourn.

Granite Travel Trade Expos going national for fall 2023

MISSISSAUGA — The inaugural Granite Travel Trade Expos were a huge hit, with over 325 travel agents attending the Ontario shows last week.

Taking place in Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, Mississauga and Barrie, the in-person, high-energy events allowed travel agents to learn updates from 20 top suppliers, including Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts. St. Kitts Tourism, Manulife, Porter Airliners, Tauck Tours, Expedia TAAP, ATA Airlines and more.

In addition to a trade show, each event included supplier presentations, dinner and prize giveaways.

According to Bradley Dean, Partner, Granite Productions, the Ontario events proved so successful that

GRANITE TRAVEL TRADE EXPOS GOING NATIONAL

THIS SERIES OF EVENTS HAS PROVED THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR FACE-TO-FACE INTERACTION

Granite Travel Trade Expos will be launching National Expos across Canada in September 2023 in key markets including British Columbia, Ontario and the Maritimes. Dates and locations can be found at granitetravelexpos.com.

“The market has spoken and postCovid in-person events are back,” said Dean. “This series of events has proved that there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction.”

Dean added that the expo series was launched “to bring suppliers to less-serviced key markets in Ontario where agents had expressed a desire for in-person interaction and collaboration with suppliers.”

As supplier events typically occur in major city centres, regional travel agents are often required to “commit hours to travelling,” resulting in the “opportunity loss in such a busy post-market climate,” said Dean. With this in mind, Granite Travel Trade Expos provided a $20 gas card to all travel agents attending the presentation series in each city to help off-set expenses.

Tahiti Tourisme North America kicks off Canada & U.S. trade events

TORONTO — Tahiti Tourisme North America hosted trade receptions in the U.S. and Canada - for the first time since 2018 - including the kickoff event in Toronto this week.

Travel advisors took part in comprehensive half-day destination training sessions, plus there were networking opportunities too. Participating partners included Air Tahiti, Aranui Cruises, Conrad Bora Bora Nui, French Bee, Paul Gauguin Cruises, The Brando, Far & Away Adventures, Travel Brands and more.

Some 14 suppliers in all were on

hand to talk Tahiti, Bora Bora and more. There was also a two-hour long Tahiti presentation by the tourism board.

Stan Enden, BDM, North & Southeast USA for Tahiti Nui Travel, told Travelweek’s Michelle Zimmer that his DMC can take care of just about everything a travel advisor needs for their client’s trip. “We do air, transfers, hotels, even restaurant reservations,” says Enden. “We do hotels, three star and up. We’re based right there and we’re there for travellers 24/7, I think that puts a lot of clients at ease.” Tahiti Nui Travel has been around since 1965, “so we’re not the new kids on the block,” Enden joked. The company’s site is tahitinuitravel.com.

One of the destination’s top luxury properties, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, is a showstopper, says Director of Luxury Sales, Amanda Esposito. “We recommend saving Bora Bora for last - because nothing will top it,” says Esposito. The resort commands 44 acres and offers 77 overwater villas. There are also 13 land villas, starting at 1,500 square feet. “We have a lot of celebrities, a lot of athletes,” she shares. The property’s F&B offering is second to none, she adds. “We’ve got the best food in Bora Bora.”

Steven Kona Simao, VP Sales, North America for Variety Cruises, offered up a vision of easy onboard elegance for the cruise line’s Tahiti sailings. “No tuxes, no ties,” he said. “It’s a yacht-type ship, with 21 crew.” The staterooms aren’t sprawling, but as

Kona Simao points out, “on our sailings, you’re not in your room a lot, you’re ashore.” The intimate size of the ship means groups are a good fit. “When you do a charter, you can customize everything.” Prices lead in at Cdn$2,500 per person in the off-season.

Goway was at the event too, represented by Rares Dumitru, National Account Manager. “Tahiti is one of our destinations, and Bora Bora. All of French Polynesia,” said Dumitru, adding that Goway offers some 150 destinations worldwide. Goway’s full-service offering for the trade includes an air consolidator department, and a cruise department. He says celebration travel, including anniversaries and the like, are big for Goway’s French Polynesia bookings. “And 95% of what we do is customized,” he adds.

For all the latest product and destination news check out tahititourisme. ca/en-ca/. The site includes information on the different islands, attractions, and accommodations, as well as practical information on travel requirements and customs.

Tahiti Tourisme also offers a number of tools and resources for travel agents, including a dedicated travel agent portal, comprising training modules, sales tools, and marketing materials. Tahiti Tourisme also hosts fam trips and other educational opportunities for travel agents who want to experience Tahiti first-hand.

CONRAD BORA BORA NUI

Martinique cheers new nonstop flights from Toronto with Air Canada

MONTREAL — The Martinique Tourism Authority is cheering the launch of a new direct flight between Toronto and Martinique.

The new Air Canada route offers nonstop service from Toronto to Martinique, and builds on a successful 14year run of nonstop flights from Montreal, says Martinique’s Tourism Commissioner, Bénédicte di Géronimo, who worked hard to secure the lift.

“This connection between The Isle of Flowers and the Canadian economic capital reinforces the presence of Martinique in Canada, which is now our second most important market,” said di Géronimo.

“I salute the commitment of our key partners such as Club Med, MSC Cruises and The Martinique Aimé Césaire Airport Company (SAMAC) and all partners in the tourism industry in both Martinique and Ontario. This is one more opportunity for our Canadian visitors to discover, taste and share the famous ‘joie de vivre’ that inspires us every day,” she added.

Alexandre Lefevre, Air Canada’s VP,

Network Planning – North America and Scheduling, said: “Air Canada is very pleased to be the leading carrier between Canada and the French Caribbean, and we are exceptionally delighted to add new flights from Toronto to Martinique this winter. This new service complements our year-round flights from Montreal.

Martinique is a unique leisure destination renowned for its rich history and culture, outdoor activities and natural beauty. We have optimized connections to and from our Toronto hub to give customers convenient travel options and bring more people to discover Martinique!”

Air Canada’s Toronto-Martinique service is a nonstop, 5-hour flight aboard an A220, with a capacity of 137 seats.

“We are delighted to offer our Canadian visitors the experience of an authentic, beautiful and romantic Martinique.  We await them with open arms and thank Air Canada for helping us realize the launch of this vital new route,” said Muriel Wiltord, Director of the Martinique Tourism Authority, Americas.

Princess to sail seven ships in Alaska in 2023

SANTA CLARITA — The countdown is on for the official start of Princess Cruises’ 2023 cruise and cruisetour season in Alaska, which this year kicks off on April 29.

The cruise line has announced that it will be sailing seven ships throughout The Great Land, including its newest ship Discovery Princess along with Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Majestic Princess, Grand Princess, Crown Princess and Sapphire Princess, with 14 cruise itineraries and 25 land-sea vacations.

Guests can enjoy cruises from 7-11 days departing from San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver and Anchorage (Whittier), as well as cruisetours that take them 500 miles into the heart of Alaska, where they can then transfer from ship to train to Denali, all in one day.

MARTINIQUE

Tripcentral.ca agents treated to a week in Kissimmee

TORONTO — A group of top performing travel agents from tripcentral.ca were rewarded for their efforts with a fun-filled week in Kissimmee, Florida.

Hosted by Experience Kissimmee, represented in Canada by VoX International, and led by Account Manager Denise Graham, the trip kicked off with flights onboard Sunwing Airlines and a stay at Margaritaville Resort Orlando’s eight-bedroom cottages.

While in Kissimmee, the group enjoyed a number of activities, including a VIP Experience at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, a backstage tour of SeaWorld Orlando’s rescue

centre, a Wild Florida Airboat ride and Drive-Thru Safari tour, zip lining and tree trekking at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park, a scenic bike tour of Celebration, kayaking on Shingle Creek, and sun and fun at Island H20 Water Park and Aquatica Orlando.

Other trip highlights included an evening at Old Town Kissimmee where everyone was able to ride along in a number of classic cars as part of the weekly car cruise night parade down Main Street, followed by dinner and entertainment at Estefan Kitchen, owned by award-winning musician Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio.

The group also enjoyed fun nights in their cottages, including executive chef dinners, live local entertainment, barbecues, a margarita contest, a battle of the sexes game of Pictionary, plus free time at Margaritaville.