Travelweek FEBRUARY 15 2024

Canada’s Travel Trade News

February 15, 2024

TRAVELWEEK, TRAVELBRANDS TEAM UP FOR A.I. INITIATIVES Page 6 NEW A.I. WEBINAR SERIES GOES ALL YEAR Page 7

THE A.I.

ADVANTAGE

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A.I. ISSUE

Where would we be without the CRS and GDS, email and the Internet?

Soon the same will be said about A.I.

By Kathryn Folliott

TORONTO — “Work smarter, not harder.”

Ask just about any travel advisor about their professional goals and that’s what you’ll hear.

Especially in these days of record-breaking demand for travel, as agents put in more time and effort with their clients than ever.

Making sure travel advisors have time to do what they do best - crafting customized itineraries, offering unparalleled customer service, making travel dreams come true - means keeping schedules clear of routine tasks that can use up more time than they’re worth.

No wonder many think the time has come for Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to gain traction in the retail travel industry.

If there’s any doubt, think of the biggest technological advances in retail travel, and what workflow would be without them.

Without the CRS and the GDS, airline res agents would still be sitting around a giant lazy Susan, keeping track of booked seats using a system of slotted index cards and relaying the information by phone to travel agents, a process that could take upwards of an hour per booking.

E-ticketing streamlined things even more, and made bookings virtually paperless.

And as for email and the Internet … well, it’s just about impossible to remember what selling travel was like before email and the Internet.

In Canada, AI use is growing. According to a recent Leger poll, 30% of Canadians are using AI tools these days. That’s up from 25% a year ago.

As Travelweek, in partnership with TravelBrands, rolls out a new slate of initiatives aimed at propelling travel agents and suppliers into the dynamic realm of AI (see p. 6 -7) we wanted to hear what some of the most forward-thinking companies in the Canadian travel industry have to say about AI.

TRAVELBRANDS Nathalie Tanious President & CEO Travelweek: Why partner with Travelweek on this new AI venture?

Tanious: “Our shared objective is to elevate the operational efficiency of travel agents and open new horizons for growth. The synergy inherent in our partnership with Travelweek, renowned for its expansive reach, not only strengthens our message but

also propels the entire travel industry towards a future defined by technological innovation and excellence.”

Travelweek: Why is AI an essential tool for travel agents?

Tanious: “AI is a game-changer for travel agents, providing them with invaluable insights and streamlining complex processes. It allows them to personalize recommendations based on customer preferences, creating tailored experiences. With AI handling routine tasks, travel agents can focus on building meaningful connections with clients, offering a more human touch to the travel planning process.”

Travelweek: What has TravelBrands done to keep their technology as current as possible?

Tanious: ”At TravelBrands, staying at the forefront of technology is a priority. The launch of Access+ and GIGI are a true testament of our commitment February 15, 2024 | TRAVELWEEK | 3

A.I. ISSUE to invest in research and development to ensure our reservation platforms are cutting-edge. Continuous training programs for our team ensure they are well-versed in the latest advancements. We also actively seek partnerships with tech innovators to integrate their solutions into our platform.”

DIRECT TRAVEL Darryl Hoover Chief Technology Officer Travelweek: The travel industry isn’t known as an early adopter when it comes to technology.

Why is it important for us to get familiar with the power of AI as quickly as possible?

Hoover: “Today’s travellers seek personalized, efficient, and seamless experiences, which AI can deliver more effectively than traditional methods.

AI enables us to analyze vast amounts of data to understand customer preferences, predict trends, and make informed decisions. By adopting AI, we can enhance customer satisfaction, optimize operational efficiency, and stay competitive in a market that is increasingly driven by technological innovation.”

Travelweek: What are some of the ways you can see AI changing how front-line travel agents do their jobs?

Hoover: “AI can automate routine tasks, allowing agents to focus on more complex and personalized customer service tasks. AI-driven

Got a story idea?

Questions or comments?

Write to Kathryn Folliott at kfolliott@travelweek.ca TRAVELWEEK

analytics can also provide agents with insights into customer preferences and behaviours, enabling them to offer highly tailored travel recommendations and experiences. Chatbots and virtual assistants can handle initial customer inquiries, freeing agents to handle more nuanced and complex issues. Moreover, AI can enhance decision-making with predictive analytics, helping agents anticipate travel disruptions and provide proactive solutions.”

Travelweek: What AI tools is Direct Travel developing?

Hoover: “Direct Travel has been actively engaging in incorporating AI and advanced tools to equip its travel advisors. This includes training programs to familiarize agents with AI technologies and their applications in travel planning and customer service. Direct Travel is also exploring partnerships with tech companies to integrate AI-powered tools into our systems, such as CRM platforms with predictive analytics and AI-based chat support.”

TREVELLO TRAVEL GROUP Zeina Gedeon President & CEO Travelweek: Why should travel advisors get onboard with AI? Gedeon: “Embracing AI swiftly is crucial for staying relevant and competitive. AI is not just another technology; it’s a transformative force that allows us to achieve more with less, streamline operations, and deliver hyper-personalized experiences to our clients. By adopting AI, we can process vast amounts of data for actionable insights, predict travel trends, and tailor our services to the unique needs and preferences of each traveller. Harnessing the power of AI is

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not an option but a necessity.”

Travelweek: Does Trevello have AI tools in the works?

Gedeon: “The beauty of AI and GenAI tools is their inherent simplicity to operate. The key is the availability and the accessibility of the data. This is what Travello is investing in.

“Our travel advisors are digital natives these days and by arming them with the right data and tools we are embarking on an unprecedented journey to ensure our advisors can provide an insights-based, trusted and reliable experience for our client.

My vision is to ensure the curation of data and insights is at their fingertips so they can provide a personalized experience that will save the client time and money, and be trusted in terms of recommendations.

“We recently launched an AI itinerary builder; this tool normalizes all the information on the web and instantly produces an itinerary personalized to client preferences for any destination in the world, for any length of stay. If you aren’t a destination expert, you can write or talk to our AI destination expert in a few clicks, mobile or desktop.

“We’ve also introduced an AI support help agent, a sophisticated tool that encapsulates all of Trevello’s contractual data and how-to articles. This AI agent acts as a reservoir of Trevello’s collective knowledge, readily available at a prompt, ensuring that our advisors have immediate 24/7 access to a wealth of information and guidance.

“These AI tools aim to help and make our advisors more productive and empower them to work smarter not harder.”

For more information on Travelweek’s new AI initiative, in partnership with TravelBrands, see p. 6 - 7 CONTENTS COPYRIGHTED We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

Venice, Italy - Photo by Steve McCurry

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A.I. ISSUE

Travelweek debuts new AI initiatives with TravelBrands to help agents harness the technology TORONTO — In a groundbreaking

move, Travelweek in partnership with TravelBrands, has launched a wave of new initiatives aimed at propelling the travel industry into the dynamic realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The array of educational programs will help travel advisors realize the time-saving benefits and efficiency gains of AI. There’s also a suite of new products and services for travel suppliers.

It’s all part of a new division called Travelweek AI. “Over the past year, Travelweek has dedicated extensive efforts to thoroughly researching this innovative new technology. We have now gained confidence in our findings and are eagerly looking forward to introducing this technology to the travel industry,” says Devin Kinasz, Publisher of Travelweek. “We approach our responsibility of delivering essential information to our readers with utmost dedication, and we firmly believe that this is information they must know.”

AI is exciting, but can also be intimidating for many. On offer to travel agents will be a suite of educational opportunities for agents, so they can begin to harness the technology in their own businesses.

“We are very excited to partner with Travelweek on this smart initiative to utilize AI technology. At TravelBrands, we love technology and innovation as both embody our mission to make travel agents’ lives easier,” says Nathalie Tanious, President & CEO, TravelBrands. “We provide tools to the travel agent community to help them better meet Canadian travellers’ 6 | TRAVELWEEK | February 15, 2024

WE'RE EXCITED TO PARTNER WITH TRAVELWEEK ON THIS INITIATIVE TO UTILIZE AI TECHNOLOGY needs with greater speed, efficiency, and accuracy. With our ever-evolving air reservations system, GIGI, and Access+, we are proud to take the lead and adapt to new travel technologies to continue raising the bar and set a new standard.”

AI INITIATIVES FOR AGENTS Travelweek will present a monthly year-long webinar series for travel agents called ‘Unleashing AI’s Potential for Travel Agents’ sponsored by TravelBrands.

The series will take participants step-by-step through how to set up and use all the best AI tools. That includes everything from generating 10 social media posts in 10 seconds, to writing email responses to client complaints, building custom GPTs, chatbots for sales leads, lifelike video avatars and much, much more.

The FREE ‘Unleashing AI’s Potential for Travel Agents’ webinar series will run the second Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m. with many prizes to be won. The next session takes place Wednesday, March 13.

Agents can register for free at https:// us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_T_T301CKSlGxWoT4pQBKuw#/ registration.

For those agents who want to learn

more quickly or have a deskside resource, the ‘AI Manual for Travel Agents’ has been released with stepby-step information and instructions on using all the AI tools most relevant to travel agents. The regular price is $99, but courtesy of TravelBrands, will be discounted until the end of February for $29; see https://www. travelweekaimanual.com/.

Furthermore, agents can join the TravelBrands Facebook group where the company will share tips, and where agents can ask questions, and together with Travelweek help build the knowledge base. Agents can join the group at https://www.facebook. com/groups/yourtravelbrandsbdm.

AI INITIATIVES FOR SUPPLIERS Travelweek has also launched a suite of five new AI marketing products to help their advertising partners leverage the power of this powerful technology, including in the realms of marketing, editorial, e-learning, social media and more. This will be showcased in the new media kit, ‘Travelweek AI Marketing Unleashed.’

If you are interested in more information, visit travelweek.ca/ai, contact your Travelweek sales representative or email ai@travelweek.ca.

TOP A.I. NEWS ISSUE

Join the FREE webinar series ‘Unleashing AI’s Potential for Travel Agents’ TORONTO — In the ever-evolving

world of travel, staying ahead of the curve is not just an advantage – it’s a necessity.

That’s why Travelweek, in partnership with TravelBrands, is thrilled to announce an innovative, year-long webinar series designed specifically for travel agents: ‘Unleashing AI’s Potential for Travel Agents’.

Agents can earn TravelBrands loyalty points for attending, plus there will be prize draws throughout the webinar.

“Travelweek is eager to impart the wealth of AI knowledge we’ve acquired, which can be effectively applied by travel agents. The beauty of this technology lies in its simplicity, making it not only easy but also enjoyable to use. In the webinar series, we are going to go step-by-step through everything you need to know, so don’t be afraid, this will be fun,” says Devin Kinasz, Publisher, Travelweek.

WHAT TO EXPECT Each month, on the second Wednesday at 1 p.m., travel agents will embark on a journey through the intricacies of AI, learning to master tools that will transform their business.

You will be guided through practical, step-by-step instructions on…

• Generating Marketing: Learn how to produce engaging posts and marketing in seconds, keeping your audience captivated and driving engagement.

• Crafting Email Responses: Streamline your communication by writing effective responses to client inquiries and complaints with ease.

• Building Custom GPTs: Create personalized GPT that knows your business intimately and can craft content in your brand voice with your agency details.

• Build Chatbots: Create personalized AI assistants to handle sales leads, answer customer queries, and provide 24/7 support.

• Automization: Create personalized AI assistants to handle sales leads, answer customer queries, and provide 24/7 support.

• Creating Lifelike Video Avatars: Elevate your online presence with video avatars that can speak to your clients, offering a unique and interactive experience.

And that’s just the beginning. With a focus on practical application, this series will equip you with the knowledge to implement AI tools effectively, ensuring you stay competitive in the digital age.

REGISTER NOW AND MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 1 P.M.

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND • Free Registration: Access to this valuable resource is completely free, offering unparalleled insights into AI without any cost.

• Expert Guidance: Learn from Travelweek who are pioneering the use of AI in travel, benefiting from their experience and insights.

• Practical Skills: Gain hands-on knowledge that you can immediately apply to your business, from automating tasks to enhancing customer interaction.

• Win Prizes: Attendees will have the chance to win many exciting prizes, adding an extra layer of fun to the learning experience. Agents can also earn TravelBrands loyalty points for attending.

JOIN US AND SHAPE THE FUTURE OF YOUR TRAVEL BUSINESS Register now and mark your calendars for the second Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting series and together, embracing the future of travel.

Upcoming webinars take place Wednesday, March 13; Wednesday, April 10 and Wednesday, May 8.

Here’s the link to register: https:// us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_T_T301CKSlGxWoT4pQBKuw#/ registration February 15, 2024 | TRAVELWEEK | 7

A.I. ISSUE

TravelBrands’ revamped platform, Access+, is a big hit with agents

T

ravelBrands showed once again that technology is its driving force when it launched its improved all-inone travel platform: Access+.

The revamped and enhanced platform, which made its debut in 2023, welcomes travel agents from all over Canada with its new features and design.

“We are very excited about our improved travel reservations platform, Access+,” says Nathalie Tanious, President & CEO, TravelBrands. “We call it Access+ because travel agents can do everything they already love, plus so much more! All enhancements were carefully thought out and developed in collaboration with our partners to get their feedback on what would make their life easier. Our main goal is always to help travel agents meet Canadian travellers’ needs quickly and efficiently.”

The new advancements include an improved hotel search widget, dynamic fly & drive packages and dynamic cancellation penalties.

Loyalty Rewards points have also been integrated into the booking flow, and it’s now possible to book river cruises online.

The user dashboard, My Bookings, has also been redesigned to help travel agents work more efficiently, adding new features like sales graphs.

For more details on Access+ or to try it out, visit www. travelbrandsaccess.com.

8 | TRAVELWEEK | February 15, 2024

A.I. ISSUE

Powered by AI, TravelBrands’ GIGI air res system by Intair is on Access+

T

ravelBrands’ GIGI is a groundbreaking air reservations system, which promises to revolutionize the booking experience for travel agents.

Powered by artificial intelligence (A.I.), GIGI offers a seamless, user-friendly interface that streamlines the booking process.

With features like enhancements on branded fares and payment, access to multi-contract options, an improved user experience with more capabilities, and more selfsufficient tools, GIGI gives travel agents greater control and more online options for their files.

By integrating GIGI into Access+, TravelBrands’ comprehensive travel booking platform, travel agents can benefit from a more efficient and smooth booking process.

“We are thrilled with our air reservations system, GIGI, and we’re happy to share it with our valued travel agent partners,” says Nathalie Tanious, President & CEO, TravelBrands. “GIGI embodies our mission to make travel agents’ lives easier, and we believe it helps them better meet Canadian travellers’ needs with greater speed, efficiency and accuracy. With GIGI, we’ve raised the bar for the travel industry and set a new standard for innovation.”

GIGI represents a significant step forward for TravelBrands and the travel industry as a whole, she added, making it easier than ever before for travel agents to provide their clients with unforgettable travel experiences.

Travel agents can access GIGI by navigating to the Flights tab on Access+. For more details on GIGI or to try it out, visit www.travelbrandsaccess.com.

February 15, 2024 | TRAVELWEEK | 9

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The revamped and enhanced platform now available coast to coast for Canadian travel agents.

We named it Access+ because travel agents will be able to do everything they already love, PLUS so much more!

This new and improved all-in-one platform helps travel agents across Canada meet their clients’ needs quickly and efficiently.

With an enhanced hotel search widget, dynamic fly & drive packages, improved cancellation penalties, Loyalty Rewards Points within the booking flow, the ability to book river cruises online, the enhanced user dashboard, My Bookings, redesigned to help travel agents work more efficiently with new features like sales graphs, and so much more!

Check it out today!

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WORLD NEWS

CRUISE

HOTELS Freed Developments has announced its first-ever Freed Hotel and Residences tower in downtown Toronto. Designed by Chicago-based tall building experts Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, known for Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia and Central Park Tower in New York, the $800 million skyscraper will feature 100 five-star luxury hotel rooms (and 400 luxury condominiums) with a Skybar/restaurant on the 63rd floor and a 10,000 sq. ft. Katsuya Restaurant on the second floor. Freed Hotel and Residences is expected to open in fall 2028. Freed Developments is responsible for over $10 billion of developed projects completed, including Toronto’s Thompson Hotel.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is heading back to New Orleans with a new property slated to open in summer 2025. Fairmont New Orleans will be part of a redevelopment project that will transform the former Bank of New Orleans Building, a 31-storey skyscraper and the city’s 10th tallest building. The luxury hotel will occupy 18 stories within the building, offering 250 guestrooms. There will also be three food & drink venues and more than 20,000 square feet of function space divided between ballrooms, meeting rooms and a library and business centre, plus a 10,000 squarefoot spa.

TECH Hilton is expanding its mobile messaging platform to its 7,000+ Hilton properties worldwide by the end of 2024. The system will enable messaging via the Hilton Honors app, SMS, WhatsApp and other messaging channels.

The digital messaging capability, facilitated by software company Kipsu, will enable a two-way, immediate exchange between guests and hotel teams to answer questions, address concerns, arrange experiences and more, for everything from late check-out requests, to extra pillows, wine glasses and more. Back in 2013, when Hilton first launched the messaging service, just over 40% of guests responded to the hotel welcome message.

Ten years later, 3,618 Hilton properties using the messaging service facilitated over 10.5 million conversations with nearly 70 million messages, leading to 70% of guests who used messaging.

POOL DECK

NCL has removed Venice from several sailings operating in 2024, while 2025 calls to Venice will be cancelled and replaced with a day at sea until a new port is confirmed, based upon availability.

“We are modifying 2024 itineraries that call to Venice and replacing it with calls to one of the following ports: Ravenna, Italy; Rijeka and Zadar, Croatia; or Koper, Slovenia, based on port availability,” said an NCL spokesperson. “While we have made every effort possible to maintain these calls to Venice, the tender operation and overall experience this provides our guests has fallen short of the standard we aim to deliver.” Guests and travel partners will be notified of the modified itinerary.

AIRLINES Air Canada has become the first airline in North America to adopt the globally recognized Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. The program, which first launched at Gatwick Airport in 2016 and has since grown to over 230 airports in over 30 countries and 15 airlines worldwide, employs the use of a discreet sunflower symbol to identify customers with non-visible disabilities.

NEWS

“Significant setback”: ACTA reacts to TICO’s pending fee hikes TORONTO — ACTA has called TICO’s

decision to increase registrant fees a “significant setback for travel agencies and advisors.”

The new fees, posted in TICO’s Notice of Fee Change, come into effect on April 1, 2024. The new funding model represents a 3.4% aggregate increase in total fees paid by registrants, based on sales from 2019/2020.

ACTA has long advocated for a consumer-pay model for the Compensation Fund as a way to minimize the fee structure for its members.

“This decision to increase fees while maintaining a registrant-paid model for the Compensation Fund is a significant setback for travel agencies and advisors. These changes impose an undue financial burden on our industry, particularly during a period of recovery and rebuilding,” said Wendy Paradis, ACTA President.

Over the years, ACTA has voiced its concerns about the TICO funding formula with the government of Ontario and TICO. “Unfortunately, despite lengthy consultations with the Ontario government and TICO, our concerns have not been addressed, leading to this unfavourable outcome,” said Paradis.

“A MORE EQUITABLE APPROACH” ACTA has emphasized the need to re-evaluate prior studies, assess the provincial government’s role in federally regulated sectors like airlines, expedite consultations, as well as to rethink TICO’s core mandate and value

to consumers.

“We have strongly advocated for key items, including pausing any changes proposed by TICO until a thorough review of the Travel Industry Act is completed, as recommended by the Auditor General’s report,” said Paradis.

In December 2023, TICO was taken to task in an audit from the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario, which noted that “TICO’s cost to administer the Compensation Fund may outweigh the benefits it provides to consumers.”

ACTA has advocated for simplifying the Travel Industry Act, focusing on core priorities that protect consumer funds and reduce burdens on Ontario registrants, particularly small travel businesses, at the same time.

“ACTA’s stance has been clear: if the current, costly Compensation Fund system, which provides minimal benefit to consumers, is to continue, significant changes are necessary. Yet despite advocating for a consumer ‘insurance’ contribution model for enhanced protection, ACTA has been met with resistance to this change,” said Paradis.

If substantial improvements to the Comp Fund model are not forthcoming, said Paradis, “we urge the government to consider eliminating the fund or advocating for a national program funded by the beneficiaries – the travel consumers.”

Noting that the new fee changes are likely to have a detrimental effect on the travel industry, Paradis added that ACTA members will be at a competitive disadvantage in what is becoming a global marketplace, adding an additional layer of financial strain.

“We are committed to engaging further with government officials and TICO to revisit and reconsider this decision, advocating for a more equitable approach,” said Paradis.

WE HAVE STRONGLY ADVOCATED FOR KEY ITEMS

A banner year for Travel Leaders Network and plenty of success in Canada TORONTO — By the end of 2023, and

looking ahead to the start of 2024, Travel Leaders Network had the most forward business on its books, ever.

It was fitting for the end of one “banner year” and the start of another.

Every metric is up, said John Lovell, President, Travel Leaders Group, at a recent press conference. “Recruiting, retention, they’re all up. We’re in a really, really good position,” he said.

People are prioritizing travel like never before, he added, and that’s despite inflation and credit card debt.

Not even the upcoming U.S. election which normally brings a bit of a slowdown in the U.S. - is having an impact.

Meanwhile the value proposition for travel advisors just keeps going up. “This is the renaissance of the travel advisor. It’s a golden age,” says Lovell. Even Google searches for travel agents are at an all-time high.

It’s an important message for potential new recruits, as the retail travel industry continues to grapple with a major labour shortage: “Travel agents are thriving,” he said. “We just need more of them.”

Lovell said he’s hearing from some suppliers that the travel agent distribution channel is bringing in upwards of 70% of their business.

“The role of the travel advisor is stronger than ever. There’s no better time to be a travel agent,” said Lovell.

CANADIAN SUCCESSES & STATS That’s just as true in Canada as it is in the U.S. Drilling down to the Canadian numbers, TL Network added 42 new members in 2023. TL Network members here brought in more than $28 million in sales from preferred suppliers.

February 15, 2024 | TRAVELWEEK | 13

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NEWS Total agency sales amounted to more than $167 million.

TL Network’s land-product sales in this market are dominated by ITC packages, representing 95% of the revenue. ‘Fun & Sun’ was up 108% year over year. FIT and tours were up 91%.

In the cruise segment, sales were up across the board, across contemporary, premium, luxury and river.

In November 2021 Canada’s largest host agency, The Travel Agent Next Door, made headlines when it joined TL Network, after leaving Ensemble.

Christine James, VP, TL Network Canada and the rest of the team at yesterday’s media conference had nothing but praise for TTAND. “Their volume speaks for itself,” said James.

Roger Block, President, Travel Leaders Network, added: “They’re a class organization. They run a very good shop. They know what they’re selling.” And as Lovell noted, “we’re only as good as our membership allows us to be. It’s a good marriage between

two organizations. And we think it will just make the Canadian membership stronger as a whole.”

TL Network’s cross-Canada series of Mixers is on the calendar for 2024, plus PEAK Regional events.

Canadian agents should also watch for news about TL Network’s site in this market, CanadianTravelAgents.ca.

The team is keeping a tight lid on their announcement about the Canadian URL, expected in the next month or so. But keep in mind that in May 2023, Travel Leaders Group, LLC won the right to use the Travel Leaders trademark in Canada. The win was a major victory for the company, and capped a six-year legal battle.

The site is TL Network’s lead generator in this market, showcasing member profiles. Stephen McGillivray, Chief Partner Marketing Officer of Internova Travel Group, the parent company of Travel Leaders Network, calls it an “online marketplace of retail travel advisors.” More than 13,000 leads were delivered to

People Condor Airlines welcomes new CEO Condor Airlines has welcomed Peter Gerber as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Effective immediately, Gerber will lead Germany’s second-largest airline alongside Christian Schmitt, COO and Accountable Manager, Björn Walther, CFO, and Heiko Holm, CTO. Gerber takes over the reins from Ralf Teckentrup, who stepped down as planned at the end of December 2023 after nearly 20 years as Condor’s CEO. On his new role as CEO, Gerber said: “I am delighted to be taking over the management of Condor. Under the leadership of Ralf Teckentrup, the company has overcome existential crises in recent years and at the same time, set an important course for the future. The fleet change to the most modern fleet in Europe was initiated, many new employees were hired and extensive investments were made in IT and digitalization. Together, we will continue this transformation in order to lay the foundation for successful long-term growth.”

Prior to his new role, Gerber held management and board positions at the Lufthansa Group for over 30 years. Most recently, he served as CEO and CCO of Brussels Airlines.

16 | TRAVELWEEK | February 15, 2024

Canadian members via CanadianTravelAgents.ca last year, generating $2.3 million in sales, with the average sale coming in at $6,000.

TECH UPDATES Another initiative from Travel Leaders Network is TobyAI. Launched in December 2023, and part of a partnership with Travel Research Online, TobyAI is billed as an AI engine designed specifically for supporting travel advisors. In a typical session with TobyAI, TLN advisors can craft itineraries, draft a new bio for Agent Profiler (in the U.S.) or CanadianTravelAgents.ca, write client correspondence and curate social media posts.

Members can get a free TobyAI subscription for one year.

“We are big believers that AI can be helpful when creating marketing materials and can improve efficiencies for members so they can concentrate on selling and serving clients,” said McGillivray. He added that one silver lining of the pandemic was that it “sensitized consumers to reach out to travel agents for validation on their choices.”

Cory Voss, VP, Product & Solutions, Travel Leaders Group, had another tech update with news that Cruise Compete (which debuted after CruisePRO wound down) now has 100+ agencies enrolled in Canada. A B2C version is now in beta testing.

Voss outlined plans to also build a CRM (customer relationship management) agnostic API (application programming interface), to expand integration capabilities and allow more members to efficiently load clients into TLN’s Engagement program, opening up more marketing opportunities.

LUXURY DEMAND Travel Leaders Network is maximizing its alliances within its membership, for everything from high-end travel to ‘A&A’ (Active & Adventure).

Block outlined travel advisor participation in the group’s alliances, from the Honeymoon & Destination

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NEWS Wedding Leaders Alliance (98 members; 48% rejection rate; $994K average individual HM & DW sales; $97 million total Alliance annual HM & DW sales) to the Luxury Leaders Alliance (328 members, $1.37 million average individual luxury sales; $450 million total Alliance annual luxury sales), and several more.

The luxury market is exploding with high demand, says the team. Bookings for high-end product, on the rise for years, have increased exponentially post-pandemic as travellers splurge on bucket list trips and celebrations abroad.

Travel Leaders Network is riding the luxury wave. “We’re very well known for serving the contemporary and premium markets but we’re very strong in luxury too and it’s a space we don’t get enough credit for,” said Lovell. The Luxury Leaders Alliance, with its $450 million in annual luxury sales, has a 36% rejection rate for members who apply to join. It’s a dedicated group with advisors who are highly motivated and knowledgeable in the luxury travel space.

Block notes that a Travel Leaders Network travel advisor booked one of the highest category accommodation options on Royal Caribbean’s 274-night world cruise. The booking was worth some US$800,000. The commission for the travel advisor?

Six figures.

WestJet releases summer 2024 schedule with 10 new routes CALGARY — WestJet has unveiled

its summer 2024 schedule featuring more ways for Canadians to travel coast to coast and to the sun.

The season will see the launch of 10 new routes, plus the return or extension of 16 routes. The full summer schedule will be completed over the coming week.

18 | TRAVELWEEK | February 15, 2024

TRAVEL LEADERS NETWORK SHARES GOOD NEWS FOR 2023 AND 2024

“Our 2024 summer schedule continues to deliver on our commitment to make critical investments across Canada, providing more affordable options for Canadians and international visitors to connect with the people and places that matter the most,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer.

“This summer will see the return of seasonal, leisure-focused flying, to connect Eastern and Western Canada, and substantial growth in service to sun destinations, further cementing our position as Canada’s leading leisure airline. At our global hub in Calgary and cities across the country, WestJet’s schedule supports Canada’s visitor economy with more than 75,000 seats arriving each week from Europe, Asia and the United States,” he added.

COAST TO COAST In addition to the continued expansion of WestJet’s network with 15 new routes to/from Western Canada, this summer Eastern Canada will benefit from 11 new routes including: New direct seasonal service between Calgary and Deer Lake; the return of seasonal nonstop service between Toronto and Deer Lake; Moncton, Charlottetown and Victoria; return of transatlantic flying between Halifax and Dublin, Edinburgh and London, and St. John’s and London-Gatwick; and 44% growth in Halifax and 60% growth in St. John’s compared to summer 2023.

TRANSBORDER GROWTH WestJet will grow transborder seat capacity by 26% this summer, including 70% growth to Delta hubs. Highlights of the transborder schedule include: new service between Regina and Minneapolis, Vancouver and Detroit, and Edmonton and Atlanta; direct connectivity between Edmonton and San Francisco and Nashville; return of summer seasonal service between Halifax and St. John’s to Orlando; and more direct flights to Phoenix and Las Vegas from Western Canada than any other airline.

Through WestJet’s codeshare partnership with Delta Airlines, guests can access more than 100 U.S. destinations when connecting through Delta’s hubs in Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Los Angeles and Seattle.

WestJet guests can reach Delta’s U.S. network on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure, baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access for select guests.

NEW MARKETS New routes include the following: Edmonton-Atlanta; Edmonton-Nashville; Edmonton-San Francisco; Vancouver-Detroit; Halifax-Edinburgh; St. John’s-London (LGW); Regina-Minneapolis; Calgary-Seoul; Calgary-Reykjavik; Calgary-Deer Lake.

Returning routes include the following: Halifax-Dublin; Halifax-London (LGW); Halifax-Orlando; St.

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NEWS John’s-Orlando; Toronto-Dublin; Toronto-Edinburgh; Toronto-Providenciales; Toronto-Puerto Plata; and Toronto-Moncton.

Summer extensions include the following: Calgary-Honolulu; Calgary-Maui; Calgary-Punta Cana; Calgary-Varadero; Vancouver-Phoenix; Edmonton-Phoenix; and Edmonton-Orlando.

Air Canada Vacations’ 2024 Europe Travel Agent Toolkit is here MONTREAL — Air Canada Vacations

has brought back its popular Europe Travel Agent Toolkit featuring exciting new additions and enhancements that support travel agents.

The 2024 toolkit aims to promote Europe as a year-round program with robust winter tours and ski packages, in addition to existing summer options. Key features include a planning guide with overviews of different package types, the newly revamped Europe collections, and an enhanced ‘Tours at a glance’ and ‘Cruises at a glance’ table featuring cruise line partners.

In addition, travel agents can explore a summary of ACV’s products and offers, including car rentals, Aeroplan, travel protection, ACV’s Vacation and Cruises Promises, ACV&ME Rewards program and more.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to share the excitement of our 2024 Europe program with our trade partners,” said Ana Paula De Souza, Director of Sales at Air Canada Vacations. “We are committed to assisting our mutual customers in creating lasting memories. Plus, we’re very happy to offer travel agents the chance to earn bonus commission and enjoy 20% in savings, allowing them to experience our product firsthand. With our comprehensive list of curated vacations and our new Europe Travel Agent Toolkit in hand, travel professionals will be equipped with the tools they need to help their customers do exactly that.”

ACV’s Europe program has increased to over 170 tour packages that suit every travel style, including new collections such as European Beach Holidays, Urban Tours, and Premium Tours. Plus, ACV has enhanced product offerings in key destinations like Athens, Rome, Venice, Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon and Dublin, as well as new destinations such as Scandinavia, the Azores, Alentejo, Madeira, Lombardy and Sicily.

AT THE COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE’S INDUSTRY GET-TOGETHER IN TORONTO, THE SPOTLIGHT SHONE ON THE DESTINATION’S MULTIFACETED ATTRACTIONS, BLESSED WITH 300+ DAYS OF SUNSHINE, A THRIVING ARTS AND CULTURAL SCENE, AND A RICH HERITAGE. SAYS THE CTO’S ANDREA BLANKENSHIP: “I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE THINK OF COLORADO AND SKIING, BUT WE ARE DEFINITELY A YEAR ROUND DESTINATION. SOME 75% OF OUR VISITATION COMES IN SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL.”

Travel agents can book tours, Flight & Cruise or Flight & Hotel packages in 16 countries across Europe.

Jamaica surpasses 2019 pre-pandemic visitor arrivals KINGSTON — Jamaica is raising

a glass to a record-breaking year in 2023, during which it welcomed approximately 4.1 million visitor arrivals.

This marks a 16% increase over 2022 arrivals and a 7.5% increase over 2019’s pre-pandemic numbers.

Of this total, more than half of the island’s visitors, approximately three million, were from the United States.

“Jamaica continues to break records in terms of tourism arrivals in a spectacular pattern of growth,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett. “It is deeply gratifying to remain a top destination of choice among travellers internationally as well as from our primary source market, the U.S., and maintain our position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. Based on arrival figures to date, we fully expect to post an 11th consecutive quarter of significant expansion.”

Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, also noted that the island recorded a 42% repeat visitor rate to complement its visitors arrivals growth.

“We are confident that 2024 will be yet another record-breaking year,” said White. “In addition, we continue to add new airlift from key gateways and will have a number of new hotels opening throughout the year to support our tourism growth trajectory.”

This year, Jamaica expects to add 2,000 new rooms to its hotel portfolio.

These include the first 1,000 rooms of the 2,000-room Princess Grand Jamaica, the 753-room Riu Palace Aquarelle, and the 450-room Unico Hotel in Montego Bay. February 15, 2024 | TRAVELWEEK | 21

NEWS The JTB is also launching a new virtual travel agent engagement series this month with the Jamaica Winter Open House taking place Feb. 21 from 1 - 3 p.m. ET. The informal drop-in session, hosted on Zoom, will showcase new developments on the island, plus there will be a Q&A session, and a chance for agents to learn about the JTB’s programs and activations in market.

Destination Jamaica will host Open House events on a quarterly basis throughout 2024. The series will continue with a Spring Open House on May 21, a Summer Open House scheduled for Aug. 21 and the Fall Open House on Nov. 21.

Jetlines Vacations talks competition with Canada’s top tour ops TORONTO — Less than three months

after initially opening bookings to travel advisors, Jetlines Vacations is now available direct to consumers.

Launched by Canada Jetlines in November 2023, Jetlines Vacations offers packages to sun destinations where the airline – which made its debut in September 2022 – currently serves.

These include Mexico, Jamaica, Florida and Las Vegas, with additional destinations in the pipeline as the airline sets its sights on rapid expansion.

Over the next couple of months, it will be doubling the size of its fleet with the arrival of its fourth, fifth and sixth A220-200 aircraft.

During a media briefing, Canada Jetlines’ CCO Charles McKee said the full realization of Jetlines Vacations

for both the travel advisory community and consumers is “a very important part of our business.” Though still in its infancy, McKee says there are high hopes for Jetlines Vacations to compete with Canada’s top tour companies.

“There are some wonderful names in travel that offer packages today, but we wanted to offer travellers – particularly the next generation of travellers – an alternative to those established brands,” said McKee. “We have an advantage where very few tour operators have in Canada in that we actually have our own airlift.

This means we can effectively point our airplanes to wherever we think makes sense. We’re reading the tea leaves and taking signals from our travellers on where they want to vacation next. So we have this ability to actually grow our Jetlines Vacations business in a way that’s really synced up to the airline itself,” he added.

Eventually, McKee hopes to establish Jetlines Vacations as a tour operator that has aircraft as opposed to an airline that has a tour company: “That’s how much promise we see, and we’re full steam ahead.”

TRAVEL AGENTS REMAIN KEY Although consumers can now book Jetlines Vacations online, McKee says the airline remains focused on building relationships with the travel advisor community through several ways. It announced last month that any travel advisor who books a Jetlines Vacation product through Canada Jetlines will receive a $25 gift card of their choosing. Plus, the airline has extended its 10% base commission offer through to the end of May. But what McKee says is equally as important as monetary incentives is talking freely and openly with the

WE HAVE THIS ABILITY TO GROW OUR BUSINESS IN A WAY THAT ’S SYNCED TO THE AIRLINE 22 | TRAVELWEEK | February 15, 2024

advisor community about logistical issues that often plague airlines.

“Being an emerging, smaller airline, there are understandably questions about, ‘What would you do in the event of a delay or flight disruption?’

We’re really sitting down with agents and having very open discussions with them about these concerns.

We’ve built our schedules in such a way that we’ve got a lot of flexibility,” said McKee. “It’s not easy being a new player in a well-established sector like the tour business in Canada. But if you come in with a fresh approach, with fresh thinking and with an economic proposition that recognizes the incredible value that travel agents have, then I think we’ve got a good shot,” he added.

THE HOTELS Jetlines Vacations currently has access to 18,000 rooms across sought-after sun destinations like Montego Bay and Cancun. It will also be expanding to include hotels in Central Florida, including Orlando. Nevada, said McKee, will be a “fast follower in all of this,” however, the immediate focus in terms of short-term expansion will be Florida.

As for what kind of hotels Jetlines Vacations offers, there’s a range from three- to five-star properties. The “sweet spot”, however, will be in the four-star segment.

“That seems to give us the greatest lift,” said McKee. “And certainly from an inventory standpoint, the redefinition of the four-star category by many hoteliers over the last 10 years provides an incredible price value equation for travellers.”

THE DESTINATIONS Expect to see big things from Canada Jetlines this year, including a significant increase in destinations, mainly in the Caribbean and Mexico. And as the airline’s product offering expands, so too will Jetlines Vacations’.

“We’re in deep discussions right now with airport authorities, national tourist offices and our colleagues at the Greater Toronto Airports

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NEWS package side,” said McKee. Montego Bay, which launched in December 2023, is also seeing growth this winter season. Service to Montego Bay will continue throughout the year “so we think it’s going to be an excellent contributor as we mature in that marketplace,” he added.

With Toronto Pearson International Airport as Canada Jetlines’ home airport, all vacation packages – as well as all flights – currently originate in Toronto.

THE DIFFERENTIATORS Authority (GTAA) to secure slots for what will be a fairly major announcement for Jetlines in the coming weeks on what our winter 2024-2025 program will look like,” said McKee. When asked what Canada Jetlines’ most popular destinations are right now, McKee says it’s established itself

well in Cancun, Mexico, despite fierce competition from other airlines.

“We’ve been flying to Cancun without packages for the last year and it continues to go from strength to strength. What we’ve seen on the air-only side of our business into Cancun is now being translated into the

People Jamaica Tourist Board adds Machado as BDM, Western Canada The Jamaica Tourist Board’s Canadian sales team has added Sonia Machado as BDM for Western Canada.

Machado will be responsible for overseeing sales initiatives and industry engagement activities across B.C., Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. She will be based in Calgary.

Machado began her career working as an advisor with Stadium Travel in Calgary and then relocated to Vancouver to work in sales with tour operators including Transat Holidays and Canada 3000 Holidays. She later returned to Calgary to represent Transat Holidays as a BDM for Southern Alberta.

So how will Jetlines Vacations differ from major tour ops currently in the marketplace? According to McKee, it comes down to scale.

“Because of our scale, we can truly offer a more personalized level of service in the pre-sale environment, whether it’s with a travel agent or the customer directly. And we pride ourselves on that,” he said. “That is a qualitative difference from perhaps some of the larger, more mass market operators out there today.”

McKee also noted that as the airline grows its fleet, it will have the flexibility and opportunity establish a presence in less-developed markets.

“You’re going to see some interesting route announcements as we move forward that will be applicable and relevant for our consumers,” he hinted.

And finally, with the Jetlines team heavily focused on the next phase of product development for the tour arm of the business, “we’re out there trying to find and source experiences that could be unique to Jetlines Vacations.”

Machado most recently represented Krystal Resorts in Mexico with Dave Emery Travel Marketing. Her 25+ years of experience in the travel industry also included a stint with Sunset Resorts in Jamaica.

“Our highly engaged business development team in Canada plays a key role in Jamaica’s ongoing success within North America,” says the JTB’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White. “Western Canada represents an important market for the destination, and we look forward to working alongside Sonia to enhance Jamaica’s brand awareness and drive growth in the region.”

Machado can be reached at (403) 404-8701 or smachado@visitjamaica.com.

“I’m very much looking forward to joining the JTB’s Canadian Sales Team to represent Jamaica and grow the business in Western Canada!” she says.

24 | TRAVELWEEK | February 15, 2024

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Ready for its close-up: Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa Palladium Hotel Group’s recently renovated Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa is a winner.

The US$27.5 million investment included the remodelling of the resort’s 537 suites as well as various common areas such as the lobby, a show-cooking restaurant and a bar.

The renovation refreshes the resort’s English colonial style in line with the brand elements of the Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts. It also follows the 2016 renovation at the 517-key Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa, located in the same resort managed by the Palladium Hotel Group.

REMODELLED ROOMS & NEW CATEGORIES In the newly renovated 537 rooms, two new categories stand out in 48 suites with sea views: 40 Superior Junior Suite Private Pool Ocean View, and eight Superior Suite Private Pool Oceanfront View.

Surrounded by vegetation, these swim-up suites offer a private pool and terrace and are fully equipped with seating and a wooden pergola.

COMMON AREAS The Infinity Saloon Bar, the meeting point par excellence of the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa featuring 180-degree views of the Caribbean Sea, has an openair terrace that now boasts elegant awnings and

lounge-style furniture with sofas and large armchairs.

In the lobby, the reception has been updated with white treillage lattices and mirrors, while on the culinary end, the MoBay show-cooking, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, has increased its capacity to accommodate up to a total of 286 diners.

SUSTAINABLE OFFERINGS All told, Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts in Jamaica has 1,054 rooms of different categories and offers guests direct access to the beach, 11 restaurants and 15 themed bars, various entertainment options for all ages, the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness wellness centre, as well as extensive facilities, including one of the largest pools in the Caribbean.

All these facilities, coupled with quality services, make Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts in Jamaica the ideal place to celebrate corporate events, dream weddings through the Weddings by Palladium brand, and special occasions such as bachelor or bachelorette parties, among others.

In line with Palladium Hotel Group’s commitment to the environment, the resort has more than 6,000 photovoltaic panels, the largest panel installation in the entire hotel group and one of the largest in the country. Other measures on-site further Palladium’s commitment to sustainability.

More details are palladiumgroup.com.

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January 25, 2024 | TRAVELWEEK | 27

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THE RESERVE The Reserve stands as the pinnacle of the adults-only experience at Paradisus La Perla. Exclusive to The Reserve guests, this adults-only haven provides privileged access to designated areas within the resort, dedicated Destination Concierge service and a water ritual at YHI Spa. Also included as part of the resort’s Destination Inclusive program is a private experience in a cenote in the Riviera Maya ecological reserve, complete with a Mayan ritual performed by a shaman and a yoga class. As a bonus, a delectable dinner at Sal Steak Cave is also included, ensuring that every moment is extraordinary.

RENOVATED AREAS The resort’s renewed areas and bars have been meticulously redesigned to elevate moments of relaxation and socialization. From the chic South Avenue Bar to the laidback vibes of Kanna by The Beach and the tropical charm of Cocos Bar, every space invites guests to unwind in style.

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INTRODUCING CAPELLA The resort’s Italian signature restaurant, Capella, is not to be missed. In collaboration with celebrity chef Antonia Lofaso, Capella’s three-course, limited edition menu promises a dining experience like no other. Lofaso is regarded as one of the United States’ top chefs, serving as Executive Chef and Owner of three acclaimed Los Angeles restaurants.

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“Confident, charismatic and resilient”: Hong Kong comes roaring back TORONTO — The Hong Kong Tour-

ism Board and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, along with their many tourism and business partners, celebrated Lunar New Year recently with a lavish event at one of Toronto’s top event venues, The Carlu.

Michael Lim, Director, Americas for the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), was front and centre at the festivities, along with members of the HKTB team here in Toronto including Yuen Kan Wong, Senior Manager, Trade Marketing; Carol Lam, Manager, Marketing and Public Relations; Terry Lee, Senior Manager, Finance and Administration; and Jorge Lee, Senior Manager, Marketing and Public Relations.

Guests were treated to a top-level dragon dance by the Wushu Project, as well as a performance by The Hong Kong Freestyle Kendama Association.

The year of the dragon is characterized by growth and success, strength,

CELEBRATING AT THE HKTB'S LUNAR NEW YEAR EVENT WITH DIRECTOR, AMERICAS MICHAEL LIM

courage and resilience, making it a perfect fit for Hong Kong. “Hong Kong is confident, charismatic and resilient too,” said Lim. The city’s ‘Hello Hong Kong’ campaign, launched in February 2023, brought a year of big successes on the tourism front. The campaign was timed just ahead of Hong Kong’s final pandemic travel restrictions falling to the wayside, and included special offers from thousands of local establishments. Hong Kong welcomed 34 million visitors this past year, including thousands who visited the city with free airfare thanks to the campaign’s big air ticket giveaway.

Hong Kong is buzzing again, thanks in part to some new initiatives. A sixmonth activation on Temple Street kicked off Dec. 15, 2023 and includes authentic decorations that serve as

perfect photo backdrops. Night Vibes Hong Kong recently wrapped up after a successful run.

Lim thanked partners for being part of the HKTB’s journey. “Let us embody the dragon spirit, its vigour and power,” he said to applause.

Canada is an important market for Hong Kong, he added. With that in mind, the HKTB team here in Toronto is growing, with a new team member joining in the next few weeks.

Ocala, FL will host Florida Huddle and Encounter 2025 TALLAHASSEE — Save the date for

A HIGH-ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF ‘SIX’ MADE FOR AN INTIMATE NIGHT OF MUSIC, GLITZ AND AGENT CAMARADERIE FOR 10 LUCKY AGENTS, HOSTED BY G ADVENTURES. BEFORE THE SHOW, AGENTS GATHERED FOR AN INFORMATIVE ‘G IS FOR GROUPS’ CATCH-UP SESSION AT G’S BASE CAMP IN TORONTO TO LEARN ABOUT THE ‘SIX REASONS TO LOVE GROUPS’.

30 | TRAVELWEEK | February 15, 2024

next year’s Florida Huddle and Encounter, scheduled for Feb. 3-5, 2025 at the World Equestrian Centre in Ocala, Florida.

The dates and location were announced at the 2024 Florida Huddle, which took place last week at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami.

Travelweek was there to get all the latest updates from Dana Young, President and CEO of Visit Florida; see Travelweek.ca for coverage.

Florida Huddle is the state’s official travel trade show that showcases the best of Florida to international and domestic tour operators, wholesalers and media with one-on-one appointments, educational sessions

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NEWS and networking. This year marked the show’s largest attendance ever, with 728 suppliers, buyers and guests in attendance.

Florida Encounter, one of the longest running appointment trade shows in the MICE industry, will take place in conjunction with Florida Huddle 2025. Encounter features appointments between fully hosted, qualified planners with proven business for Florida and Florida suppliers.

“Florida Huddle and Encounter provide invaluable opportunities to unlock business potential for the Sunshine State’s destinations, hotels, resorts, and attractions. Next year, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase the diverse offerings of the Ocala area to key travel professionals from around the globe,” said Young.

On hosting next year’s show, Marion County Tourism Development Director Loretta Shaffer said: “Ocala/ Marion County is beyond excited to be hosting Florida Huddle and Encounter in 2025. We are honored to welcome these prestigious international trade shows to our destination, in partnership with VISIT FLORIDA and the World Equestrian Center. We look forward to showcasing Ocala/Marion County to the hundreds of travel experts who will be in attendance, from event planners and tour operators to airlines and travel journalists.”

Save up to 15% with Collette’s ‘Summer in Europe’ sale PAWTUCKET, RI — Collette’s ‘Sum-

mer in Europe’ presale is now live, giving travel advisors the chance to be the first to save up to 15% on all tours to Europe.

The sale runs through Feb. 26. Offer code EUROPE 24 must be used at the time of booking. The travel window is May 1 - Aug. 31, 2024, and Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024. The offer applies to land package only and does not apply to any other required supplements or internal air. The offer is not valid on group or existing bookings, and is not combinable with any other offers. Space is on a first come, first served basis.

“Collette is excited to give travellers the opportunity to explore their dream spots for a discounted price,” said Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, Chief Executive Officer at Collette. “Our ‘Summer in Europe’ sale is a great opportunity for travellers to plan a European adventure during some of the mostly lovely months of the year. These deals are giving travellers the chance to really take advantage of some big savings when booking an Explorations experience.”

With the sale, travellers can save big on such tours as the 15-day ‘The Best of Ireland’ tour, with departures as early as March 5, 2024 and prices starting at US$3,699 per person. They can also book a seat on the 13-day ‘Italian Vistas’ tour, with departures as early as March 4, 2024 and prices starting at $3,899 per person.

Save the date for the YellowBird Golf Charity Classic, May 17 TORONTO — The YellowBird Foun-

dation has announced its annual charity golf tournament, the YellowBird Charity Golf Classic, which will take place at Glen Abbey Golf Course in Oakville, ON on May 17, 2024.

The always-popular event promises to be a highlight on the travel industry’s event calendar, so save the date now and keep an eye out for more information in the coming week.

YellowBird Charity Golf Classic’s designated planner, Reps4Rent, will be responsible for managing event activities including the golf tournament, sponsorships, raffles, lunch, silent auction, and much more to create an enjoyable day.

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Register now 2023-07-12 5:22 PM

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NEWS Cassandra Jackson, President of Reps4Rent, expressed her excitement in being selected for the second time as the event planner for the prime golf tournament in the industry. “We appreciate being involved with such a worthy cause, and acknowledge the support provided by the YellowBird Foundation to sun destinations, as well as continued fundraising for Ukraine.”

This year’s tournament will revert to its pre-pandemic size and format, with capacity for 144 golfers and plenty of sponsorship opportunities.

In addition to a great day on the links, there will be a sit-down lunch plus fundraising initiatives. Anyone unable to attend in person can still contribute by participating in the online silent auction or making a donation.

Travel industry professionals are encouraged to mark their calendars for May 17, 2024.

For more information, participation details, sponsorship opportunities, or

34 | TRAVELWEEK | February 15, 2024

to donate prizes for the event, interested parties are asked to contact Reps4Rent at yellowbird@reps4rent.com.

Earn e-gift cards with TTC Tour Brands’ new incentive program CYPRESS, CA — TTC Tour Brands is showing its love for travel advisors this month with a brand new incentive program.

Called ‘For the Love of Travel’ and running throughout February, the program allows advisors to earn a $25 e-gift card per passenger booked on itineraries and experiences across the entire TTC Tour Brands portfolio, including Trafalgar, Contiki, Costsaver,

THIS IS OUR WAY OF THANKING AGENTS Brendan Vacations, Luxury Gold and Insight Vacations, for travel in 2024.

Travel advisors new to TTC Tour Brands earn a $100 e-gift card for their first booking.

“It’s nice to be reminded of the work we love and even sweeter to be rewarded for it,” said Guy Young, Chief Engagement Officer of TTC Tour Brands. “Travel is our passion and this limited-time offer is our way of expressing gratitude for the dedication and hard work of our travel advisor partners during one of the busiest selling seasons of the year.”

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SEMI-ANNUAL SALE

TAKE

OFF

ND GUEST*

BONUS SAVINGS

GET

BONUS SAVINGS ON SELECT DATES*

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

*Cruise must be booked Dec. 06, 2023 through Apr. 07, 2024 (the “Offer Period”) and applies to select sailings 3-nights and longer departing Dec. 06, 2023 – Apr. 30, 2026 (the “Offer Cruise”). Promo code not required. Full deposit must be paid by deposit payment required due date. Standard full deposit penalty is applied if booking is cancelled within final payment period; see CEL’s cancellation policy for details. Non-Refundable Deposit Bookings (“NRDB”): To qualify for the lowest available cruise fare, guest must choose a non-refundable deposit. All deposit payments for NRDB made after 03/02/23 are non-refundable from the time of booking. NRDB are applicable to groups at prevailing rates. Not applicable to incentive, contract, or charter groups. Nonrefundable deposit offers are applicable to sailings within final payment, however full deposit is due at time of booking. BOGO 50% Off 2nd Guest Offer is for Refundable Fares only, applies to new, individual bookings at standard rates during the Offer Period, and provides 50% off refundable cruise fares on the 2nd guest only in the same stateroom as the first full fare guest on an Offer Cruise, exclu ing Galapagos and Alaska Cruisetours. All other charges, including but not limited to, taxes, fees and port expenses are additional and apply to all guests. BOGO 75% Off 2nd Guest Offer is for Non-Refundable Fares only, applies to new, individual bookings at standard rates during the Offer Period, and provides 75% off nonrefundable cruise fares on the 2nd guest only in the same stateroom as the first full fare guest on an Offer Cruise, excluding Galapagos and Alaska Cruisetours. All other charges, including but not limited to, taxes, fees and port expenses are additional and apply to all guests. Combinability: BOGO 50% Off 2nd Guest for Refundable Fares and BOGO 75% Off 2nd Guest for Non-Refundable Fares Offers will be automatically applied at checkout and are combinable with Savings offers, All Included or No Perk Rate. BOGO 50% Off 2nd Guest for Refundable Fares and BOGO 75% Off 2nd Guest for Non-Refundable Fares Offers do not apply to Group X Rates, single occupancy guests, charters or contracted groups and are not combinable with Travel Agent, Interline, or Net Rates, Exciting Deals, or worker cabins. Up to $200 Savings Offer applies to new, individual bookings at standard and prevailing or closed group standard or GroupX rates from 2/2 – 2/5, 2/9 – 2/12, 2/16 – 2/19, 2/23 – 2/26 on an Offer Cruise, excluding Galapagos, and provides cruise fare savings per stateroom varying by stateroom category: $100 for inside and ocean view; $200 for verandas, Concierge Class, AquaClass® and the Retreat. Up to $150 Savings Offer applies to new, individual bookings at standard and prevailing or closed group standard or GroupX rates from 2/6 – 2/7, 2/13 – 2/14, 2/20 – 2/21, 2/27 – 2/28 on an Offer Cruise, excluding Galapagos, and provides cruise fare Savings per stateroom varying by stateroom category: $75 for inside and ocean view; $150 for verandas, Concierge Class, AquaClass® and the Retreat. Combinability: Savings Offers are combinable with BOGO 50% Off 2nd Guest for Refundable Fares or BOGO 75% Off 2nd Guest for Non-Refundable Fares Offers, All Included or No Perk Rate, and Alaska Cruisetours and will be automatically applied at checkout. Individual reservations can be transferred into an existing group, certain restrictions apply. Single occupancy guests paying 200% cruise fare are eligible. 3rd/4th/5th Guests Cruise Fare Offer applies to new, individual bookings at standard rates from Jan. 23, 2024 through Feb. 19, 2024 on select sailings 3-nights and longer departing Jan. 23, 2024 through Apr. 30, 2026, excluding Galapagos and Alaska Cruisetours. 3rd/4th/5th Guests Cruise Fare Offer applies to Inside, Ocean View, Veranda, and Concierge Class staterooms only (“Eligible Stateroom”) and provides $0 cruise fares for any additional guests in the same Eligible Stateroom as the first full fare and second guest. All other charges, including but not limited to taxes, fees and port expenses are additional and apply to all guests. Combinability: 3rd/4th/5th Guest Cruise Fares Offer is combinable with BOGO 50% Off 2nd Guest for Refundable Fares or BOGO 75% Off 2nd Guest for Non-Refundable Fares Offers and will be automatically applied at checkout. 3rd/4th/5th Guest Cruise Fares Offer cannot be combined with All Included. BOGO 50% Off 2nd Guest for Refundable Fares and BOGO 75% Off 2nd Guest for Non-Refundable Fares Offers do not apply to Group X Rates, single occupancy guests, charters or contracted groups and are not combinable with Travel Agent, Interline, or Net Rates, Exciting Deals, or worker cabins. All offers are capacity controlled; availability varies by sailing, and eligible staterooms may sell out. All offers are nontransferable and applicable only to the Offer Cruise. Changes to booking may result in removal of offers. Prices and offers are subject to availability and change without notice, capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. Refer to Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. Celebrity reserves the right to cancel the offer(s) at any time, correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, and change or update fares, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice. ©2024 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador.

A series of firsts for Celebrity Cruises in 2024

Celebrity Cruises is celebrating a series of firsts in 2024, with its four Edge Series ships located in top destinations for the summer season and beyond.

For the first time, cruisers can experience the idyllic Caribbean on new three- and four-night itineraries, or board the newest Edge Series ship, Celebrity Ascent, all while saving big with the line’s new Semi-Annual Sale.

The sale includes up to 75% off the fare of the second guest on all sailings from now until April 30, 2026. Those booking on select dates will also receive bonus savings of up to US$200 on the stateroom they want.

This year marks Celebrity Cruises’ biggest Caribbean season yet, with nine of its ships sailing the region, the most ever for the brand. For the first time, guests will have the chance to escape every weekend, from Friday to Monday, on Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Summit sailing new three- and four-night itineraries.

Top Caribbean itineraries include a three-night ‘Bahamas & Perfect Day’ sailing on board Celebrity Reflection, priced from US$333* per person, and a seven-night ‘Bahamas, Mexico & Grand Cayman’ cruise from Ft. Lauderdale and seven-night Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries on board the Celebrity Ascent, with prices starting at US$1,317* per person. Meanwhile, Celebrity Beyond is spending its first summer in the Caribbean, sailing a six-night ‘Western Caribbean and Perfect Day’ voyage starting on May 12 and departing from Ft. Lauderdale, with prices starting at US$966* per person.

Beyond the Caribbean, Celebrity Edge will spend its first season in Alaska this year with a seven-night ‘Alaska Dawes Glacier’ cruise starting on June 7 from Seattle. Priced from US$1,249*, the cruise includes visits to the region’s top spots, including Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway before heading to Victoria through the Inside Passage.

Celebrity Ascent will also make its European debut in April 2024, spending the summer with sailings to all of the Mediterranean’s hotspots, including Santorini, Mykonos, Naples, Portofino and Sicily. A seven-night ‘Best of Europe’ cruise sails roundtrip from Barcelona on June 29, 2024, with visits to Florence, Portofino, Provence and Marseille at prices starting at US$2,237* per person.

And with Japan gaining in popularity, Celebrity Cruises is offering brand new itineraries in the region, including a 12-night cruise on board Celebrity Millennium that departs from Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2024. Highlights include Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Busan, with prices starting at US$1,604*.

All prices are based on two adults sharing an Oceanview stateroom. For more information go to www.celebrity cruises.com/ca.

NEWS

Railbookers Group wraps up inaugural Global Summit PHOENIX — Railbookers Group staff

from all over the world - plus dozens of vendors and partners - recently converged at the Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix for the company’s first-ever Global Summit.

More than one-third of the company’s global remote staff from five countries and 34 U.S. states interacted with partners and vendors at the three-day event.

“We wanted to bring together some of our global staff from every department in the company, along with our invitation-only vendors and partners to meet, learn and grow our relationships – all while celebrating the growth and future of our company,” said Railbookers Group President and CEO, Frank Marini. “As a fully-remote company, this was the first time many of our staff had the chance to actually meet in person vs. just digitally, which

RAILBOOKERS GROUP'S FIRST-EVER GLOBAL SUMMIT

made it an emotional, out-of-body, unique experience. Of course, as all who has worked with us or attended could tell you, we had a lot of fun too.”

The high-energy event lived up to its ‘Heavy Metal/VIP Rock Star’ theme with a welcome reception under the palm trees, giving everyone a chance to meet, interact and network.

A panel discussion featured four of RBG’s key rail partners: Amtrak, Rocky Mountaineer, Swiss Travel System and VIA Rail Canada. The day also included a trade show, giving vendors and partners the chance to actively meet and engage with staff.

A LUCKY GROUP OF TRAVEL AGENTS FROM ACROSS CANADA RECENTLY MADE THE TRIP TO KISSIMMEE FOR A FUN-FILLED FAM. LED BY DENISE GRAHAM, ACCOUNT DIRECTOR FOR EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE, REPRESENTED IN CANADA BY VOX INTERNATIONAL, THE WEEK-LONG FAM INCLUDED FLIGHTS WITH AIR CANADA AND AIR CANADA ROUGE AS WELL AS VACATION HOME SITE INSPECTIONS AND LOTS OF EXCURSIONS.

38 | TRAVELWEEK | February 15, 2024

One of the areas of emphasis throughout the week was the company’s ongoing use and advances with Artificial Intelligence, putting AI at the forefront of every aspect of the business.

Sessions also focused on professional development as well as company goals and achievements, including updates featuring new destinations and technologies.

RBG also hosted a ‘Fishbowl Session’ where staff from each department worked side-by-side with colleagues while vendor partners observed firsthand. They sat shoulder-to-shoulder with each team to see how they work with cutting-edge technology, which allows the RBG team to grow at an exponential pace while in a remote environment. Staff also participated in focused professional development sessions throughout.

At the black-tie gala, RBG presented its donation and pledge to its corporate charity, Make-A-Wish, including the announcement of a child’s wish to be granted later this year.

The event’s keynote address was delivered by best-selling author and former Amazon executive John Rossman.

“Our first Railbookers Group Global Summit was an undeniable success, and we look forward to announcing the next summit dates and location soon,” said Marini. “Most companies are still trying to figure out how to operate in a hybrid model, let alone a remote model. Our consistent focus on our customers, travel advisors

NEWS and staff allows us to continue our record growth. Being a 100% remote company, the emotion, excitement, engagement and pure joy and family feel of being together was something out of this earth.”

TTAND, Travel Leaders Network honoured by Royal Caribbean Int’l MIAMI — Royal Caribbean Interna-

tional’s list of Travel Partners of the Year for 2023 includes honours for one of Canada’s highest-profile host agencies.

The cruise line has named The Travel Agent Next Door as its Canada

z

Partner of the Year for 2023.

The news comes on the heels of Royal Caribbean’s launch of Icon of the Seas.

The winners also include the 2023 Chairman’s Award recipient, Travel Leaders Network.

The cruise line says the 13 valued travel partner agencies honoured for 2023 are outstanding travel agencies, spanning from newcomers to repeat winners, that have demonstrated unwavering dedication, unmatched passion and the keen ability to book Royal Caribbean vacations.

Royal Caribbean International’s Senior VP, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Vicki Freed, said: “These are extremely exciting times for the entire cruise industry – cruise lines and travel partners alike. The sky’s the limit at Royal Caribbean, and the strong performance we’ve seen is thanks in large part to our valued travel professionals and their incredible knowledge when

I'M VERY PROUD TO HONOUR THESE EXPERTS it comes to matching their clients with the right vacation experience.”

Freed added: “I’m very proud to honor these experts who consistently work with us and continue to see success with their businesses. As we dive into 2024 with the exciting launch of Icon of the Seas and then Utopia of the Seas in July 2024, as well as the next Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, in 2025, we’re excited to reach new heights for the entire travel industry.

Thanks for the support, and congratulations to the winners.”

NeW sUrVeY resUlts for 2024

NATioNAl surVey oF AlmosT 700 cANADiAN AgeNTs shows:

top trends for home based agents!

85% fared better

the trend toward

home based is taking over the industry.

Most home-based agents did better or the same coming out of COVID.

42.02%

27.88% saMe

57.96% ALWAYS HOME-BASED

61.50% Better

ONCE WORKED AT TRADITIONAL AGENCY

almost 90%

of travel agents stayed in the industry throughout COVID.

11.60% left 88.40% stayeD

10.62% wOrse FiND ouT more™

Visit us at: TheTravelAgentNextDoor.com February 15, 2024 | TRAVELWEEK | 39

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