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BY CINDY SOSROUTOMO
TORONTO Any time a global travel company enters the Canadian market, travel agents will sit up and take notice.
Such was the case with Innstant Travel, a leading wholesaler based in Ireland that announced its Canadian entry back in November 2024. Founded in 2011, Innstant includes operations in 12 countries around the world, covering the United States, Brazil, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and now Canada, where it has partnered with Fareconnect and, hopefully, other Canadian agencies in the very near future.
Another wholesaler on the scene may not seem like groundbreaking news, but according to CEO Darryl Ismail, Innstant’s laser-focus on travel advisors and its comprehensive travel solutions will help set it apart from other leading players.
“As a business, we focus on five key factors: competitive pricing, great availability, great service, innovative technology solutions and proactive account management,” he tells Travelweek. “Our mission is to provide the best travel booking experience possible by offering an easy-to-use online booking solution. We aim to empower travel professionals to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced and competitive travel industry.”
Innstant has the goods to back up its directives, boasting a global portfolio of over 750,000 properties including
renowned brands like Hilton, Marriott, One&Only, Wyndham and Best Western, plus over 88,000 activities, 60,000 sports tickets and bespoke Group Department services, including premium VIP packages. Each month, it offers thousands of hotel exclusive promotions worldwide in popular destinations, added value offerings and agent incentives, as well as both static and dynamic rates. It also has its own in-house advanced booking engine, operates 24/7, 365 days of the year and, as Ismail proudly notes, is truly B2B. “We do not compete with our clients,” he says.
Travelweek recently sat down with Ismail to ask him about Innstant’s plans for Canada and what travel agents need to know when booking with the company.
Why did it take so long for Innstant to enter the Canadian market?
“Entering a new market requires careful consideration and strategic planning. We wanted to ensure that we had the right partnerships and infrastructure in place to provide exceptional service to Canadian travel agents. Our recent partnership with Fareconnect, which has a network of 450 Canadian travel advisors, provided the ideal opportunity to enter the Canadian market. Canada’s diverse and growing travel industry, coupled with a strong demand for comprehensive travel solutions, aligns well with our offerings and positions us for success.”
Can you tell us about how the partnership with Fareconnect came
about, and whether there are plans to partner with more agencies in Canada?
“Our partnership with Fareconnect emerged from a shared vision to enhance the travel booking experience for Canadian travel advisors.
“Via this collaboration, we can offer Fareconnect’s network access to our extensive portfolio, including over 750,000 properties worldwide and numerous attractions and services. We have secured various new agreements, and we are in advanced partnerships discussions with other agencies in Canada to further expand our reach and support the Canadian travel industry.”
Innstant currently offers hotels, attractions and sports/concert tickets. Are there plans to include flights as well?
“Currently, our focus is on providing a wide range of ground
services including accommodation, attractions, events, transfers and car rental services. While we continually assess market demands and explore opportunities to expand our offerings, any decision to include flights would be based on ensuring we can provide the same level of quality, pricing and service that our partners expect.”
Can you tell us about the Innstant Travel Platform?
“The Innstant Travel Platform is our own in-house technology. It is an advanced booking engine that empowers travel professionals to manage individual and group bookings seamlessly. Agents can access the platform by registering on our website, via API connection or customized White Labels created by our inhouse tech team. The platform offers features such as a dedicated VIP and Groups division, a loyalty program, a price comparison tool versus the hotel BAR rate, a book & hold option, sophisticated filters, special offers tag, map locator and innovative tools like Price Drop Alerts. Our user-friendly interface ensures a minimal learning curve
(it was tested by my mother!); nonetheless, our account managers and sales support team provide training and support.”
What are your short- and long-term growth plans for Canada?
“In the short term, our focus is on establishing a strong presence in Canada and securing key strategic partners to distribute our global travel products, technology and services to their Canadian clients.
Long-term, we aim to become a trusted and preferred partner for Canadian travel agents, continuously expanding our offerings and adapting to the evolving needs of the market.”
What are some travel trends that you’ve noticed recently, and how does Innstant meet these trends?
clients, attending many global travel events, optimising a diverse range of properties and integrating various travel services into our platform based on demand, allowing agents to provide tailored solutions to their clients.”
Besides offering a huge portfolio of products, how else are you working with travel agents in Canada?
WE AIM TO BECOME A TRUSTED PARTNER FOR CANADIAN TRAVEL AGENTS.
“We’ve observed a growing demand for luxury hotels and experiences. This is combined with demand for unique accommodations such as luxury castles in Europe, serviced apartments and vacation homes, as travellers seek more personalized experiences. Various global brands that we contract directly such as the Hilton Group with its many subbrands feature an array of properties designed to meet different tastes and requirements.
“Additionally, there’s an increased interest in combining accommodations with attractions and events to create comprehensive travel packages. Innstant Travel meets these trends by listening to its
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“We are committed to supporting Canadian travel agents through ongoing training and development opportunities. This includes webinars, workshops, and events designed to help agents effectively utilise our platform and stay informed about industry trends. We encourage agents to stay connected with us through our communication channels to receive updates on upcoming initiatives.”
What is your takeaway message to Canadian travel agents? What do you want them to know about Innstant Travel?
“To all Canadian travel agents, we are excited to partner with you and support your success in the dynamic travel industry. Our comprehensive platform, competitive pricing, extensive portfolio and dedicated support are designed to empower you to provide exceptional experiences to your clients. We look forward to building a prosperous relationship together.”
For more information go to www.innstant.travel.
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BY KATHRYN FOLLIOTT
TORONTO Made-in-Colorado hospitality mixed with Toronto’s snowy weather created a fine brew for the state’s trade mission stop at Steam Whistle Brewing.
More than half a dozen partners of the Colorado Tourism Office showcased their destinations earlier this month at an event at the brewery’s Tap Room.
Travelweek caught up with the Colorado destination reps ahead of the event. Read on for the latest updates.
Denver’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains offers year-round outdoor opportunities. “Think of Denver as an urban city at the base of the Rocky Mountains,” says Visit Denver’s Director of PR & Communications, Taylor Shields.
The Winter Park Express Ski Train offers an easy way to hit the slopes, she adds. The Amtrak train runs from Denver Union Station to Winter Park Ski Resort, Thursdays through Mondays until March 31. Fares starting at US$19.
Shields notes that while 2024 was all about Denver’s new hotels, 2025 “is our year of sports.”
Sports tourism continues to grow in leaps and bounds and Denver is home to several pro sports teams including the NFL’s Denver Broncos, the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, MLB’s
Colorado Rockies and the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche.
For travel advisors looking to plan trips for clients, Denver’s three-day itinerary highlights top attractions and day trips. Free planning assistance for agents is available by emailing Tourism@visitdenver.com.
VisitDenver.com
The authentic Old West city of Durango is in Colorado’s southwest, “right in the heart of the San Juan Mountains,” says Rachel Welsh, PR & Communications Manager for Visit Durango.
One must-do is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGR), a historic steam-powered locomotive that takes visitors on a scenic ride through the San Juans, past waterfalls, and along the Animas River.
The Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa offers a luxury experience with 40 water features, including 32 mineral pools, cold plunge pools and a 25-metre swimming pool.
Durango’s proximity to Mesa Verde National Park offers visitors a chance to explore ancient cliff dwellings. Outdoor enthusiasts in Durango also find their way to class 5 whitewater rafting and serene river floats on the Animas River, and Durango’s 300+ miles of mountain trails for hiking and mountain biking.
Durango.org
Alamosa serves as the gateway to the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, home to towering sand dunes – the tallest in North America. Visitors can try their hand at sand boarding or opt for a Jeep tour.
The city is also home to accommodation options ranging from traditional hotels to glamping. No matter where visitors stay, they’ll want to look up – way up –as Alamosa recently earned the prestigious Colorado Adventure Dark Sky designation, thanks to its incredible stargazing.
Just 20 minutes from the New Mexico state line, Alamosa’s off-thebeaten-path charm includes a strong Hispanic heritage. “We have a great food scene with authentic Mexican influence,” says Beth Sumner, Director of Destination Development & PR for Visit Alamosa.
Alamosa.org
Rocky Mountaineer has added eight extra departures for its Rockies to the Red Rocks route in 2025. The extra departures run April 9 - Nov. 18.
Dallas Carlson, Communications Specialist with Rocky Mountaineer, shares that very positive passenger feedback about Glenwood Springs, CO prompted the rail company to add options for longer stays in the pretty mountain town, home to the Yampah Mineral Baths.
The two new packages are the Glenwood Springs Getaway Return Journey and the Glenwood Springs Return Journey, available June, July and August 2025.
Carlson notes that while Rocky Mountaineer has been operating in Canada for 35 years, the company only just started its U.S. routes in 2021.
“We’ve seen great uptick on our American routes,” Carlson tells Travelweek. Of course, she adds, “the Canadian routes had a big head start.”
RockyMountaineer.com
Snowmass Village is home to skiing, biking, restaurants, spas, shops and year-round events, and offers a ‘not too big, not too small’ vacation experience just 12 kilometres from Aspen. Aspen Snowmass resort includes the towns of Snowmass Village and Aspen, as well as four ski mountains: Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Highlands and Snowmass.
“Snowmass is shaped on a U, so everything is ski in, ski out,” says Sara Stookey Sanchez, PR Manager, Snowmass.
She adds that Snowmass is a multiseason destination, bookending its incredible ski and snowboarding offering in the winter with summer pursuits from mid-June to early October.
GoSnowmass.com
The charming university town of Fort Collins, home to Colorado State University, is just about an hour’s drive from Denver. That means lots of day trip possibilities, says Abby Davidson, Partnership Manager with Visit Fort Collins.
If visitors here think some buildings look familiar, it’s with good reason: Harper Goff, who grew up in Fort Collins, went on to help design Disneyland’s Main Street USA with Walt Disney, and drew inspiration from many Fort Collins buildings for that famous street.
Davidson says Fort Collins is a great itinerary add-on: “It offers big city amenities with a small town feel. It’s a hidden gem, and once you find it, it’s hard to leave.”
Fort Collins is also well-located for visiting big-draw national parks like Yellowstone National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
VisitFortCollins.com
Colorado welcomed 6% more Canadians in 2023 than in 2019, putting this market well ahead of prepandemic numbers.
“We’ve definitely seen recovery from Canada and we hope to see more of the same” for 2025, says Andrea Blankenship, Deputy Director, International Sales, Colorado Office of Tourism.
Colorado offers 300+ days of sunshine annually, she adds. And the state is very much a fan of sustainable tourism, complete with a destination stewardship plan. “We want our tourists to have a good experience, and for our residents to feel comfortable too,” says Blankenship, pointing to the state’s ‘Do Colorado Right’ campaign.
Lift is good, she added, with flights on airlines including Air Canada and WestJet, as well as United. Many Canadian destinations have flights to Colorado, including Calgary, Edmonton, Regina (effective May 2025), Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto.
Colorado.com
Antigua and Barbuda celebrated a milestone year for tourism in 2024, reporting record-breaking visitor arrivals and unveiling key initiatives for 2025. The destination welcomed over 330,281 stay-over visitors and more than 823,955 cruise passengers in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic figures from 2019. The United States led the surge in stay-over arrivals, with significant growth also recorded from Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Hotel occupancy exceeded 2019 levels and the cruise sector also thrived, benefiting from increased homeporting operations.
Belize’s tourism industry achieved a record-breaking year in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic overnight arrivals from 2019. The country welcomed 562,405 overnight visitors, a 21% increase over 2023 and 11.8% higher than 2019. March was the peak month, with 69,202 arrivals. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) credits industry-wide efforts for this success and anticipates even greater growth in 2025. Committed to sustainable tourism, BTB aims to enhance the visitor experience while preserving Belize’s natural and cultural heritage.
Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, saw a record 92.3 million passengers pass through its terminals in 2024. The result cements Dubai’s bounce-back from the coronavirus pandemic, surpassing the previous record set in 2018 for the first time. Authorities plan to move operations in 2032 to the citystate’s second airport after a nearly $35 billion upgrade. In 2023, the airport, known as DXB, had 86.9 million passengers. Its 2019, traffic was 86.3 million passengers. It had 89.1 million passengers in 2018 — its previous busiest-ever year before the pandemic – while 66 million passengers passed through in 2022.
Hilton added 973 hotels and nearly 100,000 rooms in 2024, the single biggest increase in rooms in Hilton’s more than 100-year history, achieving net unit growth of 7.3%. Hilton also strengthened its development pipeline, signing more than 1,430 hotels representing 154,000 rooms in 2024. The company’s pipeline now stands at roughly 3,600 hotels totalling more than 498,500 rooms, a year-over-year increase of 8% in pipeline rooms. In 2024, construction started on 88,500 rooms, excluding acquisitions and partnerships, the highest level of construction starts in Hilton’s history. Hilton also welcomed more than 224 million guests to its properties last year, more than any year in its history.
HAMILTON Porter Airlines is heading to Hamilton for the first time, with four routes launching this June.
Announced on Feb. 4, Porter will kick off daily flights from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) to Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG), Halifax (YHZ) and Vancouver (YVR) in June 2025, coinciding with a series of airport terminal enhancements.
Hamilton-Halifax and HamiltonVancouver launch on June 3, while Hamilton-Edmonton and HamiltonCalgary starts June 11. All routes will be operated with the new 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 featuring a two-bytwo configuration and free, fast Wi-Fi.
With YHM and in addition to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Porter becomes the only airline with comprehensive schedules at all three major airports in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area.
Airport enhancements are currently underway at Hamilton International, including new and expanded curb canopies, a refresh of terminal interiors from check-in counters to gate seating, new digital signage and architectural and design finishes.
MIAMI Celebrity Cruises has announced the debut of Celebrity River Cruises, offering European itineraries.
Bookings are set to open this year.
Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, said: “We’re thrilled to announce our entry into the river cruise market through our Celebrity Cruises premium travel brand. Our guests and travel partners should expect us to do what we do best – innovate and elevate the river cruise experience as we meet the growing demand for intimate, culturally enriching travel experiences.”
Liberty added: “With about half of our guests having experienced or intending to vacation on a river cruise, we know they will enjoy Celebrity’s elevated offering on the river. By leveraging our valuable loyalty programs across our three brands, we will deepen customer engagement and further our ability to keep guests within our ecosystem of vacation offerings.
“We are the best in the world at delivering the vacation of a lifetime, and this is the latest example of how we are building the capabilities to deliver a lifetime of vacations.”
Billed as a premium river cruise line, Celebrity River Cruises has an initial order for 10 ships.
More details including booking opportunities, destinations, fleet size and ship info will be announced in the coming months, according to the cruise line.
BermudAir’s
MONTREAL BermudAir has announced new nonstop service between Montreal and Bermuda.
The new route will start June 12, making BermudAir the only airline offering direct service between YUL and Bermuda.
The twice-weekly flights will operate Thursdays and Sundays, with a choice of Business or Economy class travel. Packages for golf, family and other getaways are available with BermudAir Holidays.
The new Montreal service expands BermudAir’s growing Canadian presence, which already includes Toronto and Halifax.
“We are proud to expand our Canadian footprint with the introduction of nonstop flights from Montreal,” said Adam Scott, Founder & CEO of BermudAir. “This new route not only strengthens our commitment to providing outstanding travel experiences but also offers Quebecers an effortless gateway to reach Bermuda’s unmatched hospitality, rich heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty.”
More details on flight schedules can be found at www. flybermudair.com and www. bermudairholidays.com.
TORONTO There’s a brand new offering at Travelweek’s Learning Centre, for the leader in polar adventures: Quark Expeditions.
The Quark Expeditions Partner Portal is a one-stop shop providing all the tools and support travel advisors need to sell polar travel.
There’s a long list of benefits for agents who sign up, including: marketing materials; training to become a PolarPRO; news and offers; advisor incentives; order printed brochures; selling Quark Expeditions; Quark’s helpful Quote & Hold Tool and more.
Agents can also use the portal to find their BDM, and sign up for Quark’s monthly travel advisor newsletter, The Q Report.
Those who complete PolarPRO and book a cabin with Quark within three months are eligible to receive a $100 gift card.
As the company says, “We are your trusted partner in small-ship polar exploration. With over 30 years of experience specializing exclusively in Arctic and Antarctic adventures, we have everything you need to be successful selling polar travel. Register today to launch your sales journey with Quark Expeditions, Polar-Obsessed since 1991.”
Sebastian Canape, Director of Trade Marketing at Quark Expeditions, adds: “Our commitment to innovation is driven by our desire to empower Travel Advisors with the tools they need to confidently and efficiently sell polar travel. The newly launched Quote and Hold tool will significantly enhance the advisor experience, allowing our advisors to deliver exceptional service with greater speed and precision than ever before.”
For more details click here.
OUR COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION IS DRIVEN BY OUR DESIRE.
Former Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO Andy Stuart has landed at Trevello World Holdings Inc. as its new Co-Chairman and Co-Founder. Prior to his new role, Stuart served as a board member of Trevello Canada, a division of Trevello World Holdings and the countryʼs leading host agency.
According to Morris Chia, Founder and CEO of Trevello World Holdings, Stuart – who is an owner of the new enterprise – joins the company at a pivotal time. He says: “Andyʼs decision to join Trevello is a testament to our shared vision for the future of travel and our commitment to investing in the success of travel advisors. His expertise and strategic insight will be invaluable as we embark on this next chapter and beyond.ˮ
MIAMI Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) is sailing full steam ahead with an order for four new cruise ships.
First announced in April 2024, the Letter of Intent signed with Fincantieri has now been transformed into a firm order for four new cruise ships, the largest ever for the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) brand at approximately 226,000 tons. With over 5,100 berths, the ships will be able to accommodate over 8,300 people, including crew. They will also include sustainability features.
The ships will be built at the Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard in Italy, with the first vessel to be delivered in 2030. The other ships will follow in 2032, 2034 and 2036.
Fincantieri has already built two ships for the NCL brand – Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. Norwegian Aqua, the first ship of NCL’s Prima Plus class, will be delivered in the coming months. Three other ships are in various stages of design and construction.
The order for the four new cruise ships is subject to financing and other terms and conditions.
MIAMI Sandals Resorts’ and Beaches Resorts’ refreshed travel advisor and agency partner program, Sandals Elite Advisor (S.E.A.), has launched in Sandals’ and Beaches’ Travel Advisor Portal.
Gary C. Sadler, OD, Executive Vice President of Sales & Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, Inc. (UVI), says the S.E.A. program is a cornerstone of the brands’ everevolving relationship with the travel advisor community.
“It is incredibly exciting to see the Sandals Elite Advisor Program come to fruition to further empower the TA community to deliver exceptional service while enjoying the exclusive benefits they deserve,” said Sadler.
to build lasting memories for their clients,” said Sadler.
Travel advisors can ascend through different status levels with S.E.A., with rewards including exclusive perks for registering commissionable travel bookings of three nights or more.
In addition to S.E.A., the portal is also showcasing a refreshed Advisor’s Benefits page with new status tiers. With BDM support, specialized call centre teams and the portal, the program provides a high-touch experience that sets Sandals and Beaches apart in the industry, said the company.
An updated Travel Advisor Dashboard now appears in the ‘My Bookings’ section of the advisor’s account, with all new dials and bars showing total lifetime, travelled and future bookings – along with a new dial to track revenue for current year and tracking towards potential Chairman’s Royal Club (CRC) membership.
THE FOUR SHIPS WILL BE THE LARGEST EVER FOR NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE.
First announced at UVI’s 2025 Global Sales Conference last month, S.E.A. has all-new tools, support systems and opportunities for advancement for travel advisors. “Travel advisors are integral to the success of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, and we are committed to helping them thrive as they continue
Advisors can visit the Sandals and Beaches Travel Advisor Portal to learn more. Travel advisors can also keep an eye out for an allnew TA Portal scheduled to launch in June 2025.
TORONTO Riu Negril is officially back and open for business after a much-anticipated refurbishment, and as RIU’s preferred partner in Canada, Sunwing Vacations is ready to help travel advisors book their clients to the recently reopened resort.
This winter Canadians can travel to Montego Bay with Sunwing Vacations from eight cities across the country, including Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Halifax and more.
One of the first RIU properties in Jamaica, built in 2004, the fivestar all-inclusive Riu Negril on Bloody Bay’s beachfront “has raised the bar for travellers searching for a unique blend of excitement, relaxation and Jamaica’s authentic spirit,” says Sunwing.
RIU’s other Jamaica properties include Riu Palace Tropical Bay, Riu Montego Bay, Riu Palace Jamaica, Riu Reggae, Riu Ocho Rios and Riu Palace Aquarelle.
As of December 2024, Riu Negril now offers new services, new restaurants and 600 renovated rooms and suites. The reopening follows an extensive refurbishment of all rooms and suites, which now include the addition of 28 swim-out rooms.
The hotel’s lobby is also newly renovated, plus guests can now choose from eight restaurants, three of which are new: the ‘American Country’ themed restaurant, Pepe’s Food grill and Tiki Taco.
Riu Negril has also refitted five swimming pools – a pool for water activities, a relaxation pool, one for general use, a kids’ pool and one with a swim-up bar – and has also adapted to the rising popularity of pickleball, installing three courts. RIU’s famous Neon Party and White Party now take place in the hotel theatre.
Carpenter has returned to TravelBrands as its new Strategic Account Manager.
With over 20 years of travel industry experience, Carpenter will work closely with select TravelBrandsʼ retail partners to provide tailored solutions, identify growth opportunities and ensure they receive the highest level of support in his newly created role.
Carpenter is no stranger to the TravelBrands team, having previously served as Business Development Manager for Western Canada.
“Weʼre excited to welcome Jeff back to the TravelBrands family,ˮ said Bruce Lidberg, Director of Sales at TravelBrands. “Having worked alongside Jeff for many years, I have seen firsthand his dedication, strategic mindset and ability to build lasting relationships. His return to TravelBrands in this key role underscores our commitment to providing top-tier support and solutions to our valued retail partners.ˮ
Carpenter can be reached at jeff.carpenter@travelbrands. com.
LOS ANGELES Uniworld’s newest travel advisor resources include complimentary access to social media marketing tool Rallio and comprehensive advisor toolkits.
“Our advisors are an essential part of the Uniworld family, and we’re dedicated to providing them with the best resources to support their success as we continue to grow together,” says Uniworld’s President and CEO, Ellen Bettridge.
Available to travel advisors free of charge, Rallio provides a range of Uniworld social media content that can be customized, scheduled and tracked using intuitive analytics. Travel advisors can connect their social media accounts and publish posts featuring Uniworld products, updates and brand highlights generated by Uniworld’s internal marketing team. The tool offers both manual and ‘set it and forget it’ automatic posting options, along with the flexibility to customize posts before they go live, serving as an allin-one way for advisors to manage their social media presence. Rallio is available to connect to Facebook Business, Instagram Business, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, Google Business and Yelp accounts.
Uniworld’s travel advisor toolkits meanwhile have been designed as one-stop-shop resources designed to provide marketing materials, assets and sales strategies to support Uniworld campaigns and offers.
Each toolkit includes campaign or offer details, social media resources, direct mail pieces, flyers, PowerPoint slides and more. They also feature a new Selling Points PDF to help travel advisors identify the ideal clients for specific campaigns and include key talking points for presenting offers.
The first toolkit was officially launched for Uniworld’s ‘12 Days of Christmas’ event in December 2024 and the toolkit for Uniworld’s current ‘Sail Into Savings’ promotion is now live.
Uniworld also offers a Uniworld University online education program, in which participating advisors receive exclusive travel advisor rates, points towards CLIA’s Certification Program, a Preferred Specialist listing on the Uniworld website and a Uniworld Preferred Specialist badge for their e-mail signature.
Uniworld travel advisors can visit uniworld.rallio.com to set up their free Rallio accounts and link their social media accounts to begin scheduling posts. Travel advisors can access Uniworld’s current and future toolkits by reaching out to the Uniworld Sales Department at sales@ uniworld.com or by connecting with their Uniworld Strategic Account Manager.
TORONTO ACTA is encouraging members to save the dates for a long list of events in 2025.
Events are complimentary to ACTA members, while non-ACTA members are asked to provide a donation to ACTA’s advocacy fund.
Registration for West events will open soon. Details about ACTA’s International Summit and Conference will be unveiled at a later date.
2025 ACTA events in Canada are as follows:
• Au Tour du Monde « Viva » ACTA Québec 2025
March 5, 2025, 5:30pm-8:30pm Hyatt Centric Montreal, Montreal, Quebec
Quebec registration is open! Sign up here
• ACTA Manitoba Travel Advisor
Appreciation Event
March 24, 2025, 5:30pm-8:30pm
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg
• ACTA Edmonton Travel Advisor
Appreciation Event
March 25, 2025, 5:30pm-8:30pm
MKT Food Market, Edmonton
• ACTA Education Roundtable Calgary March 27, 2025, 8:30am-2:30pm DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North, Calgary
• ACTA Travel Industry Golf Event, Advocacy Fund Raiser July 10, 2025
Royal Ontario Golf Club, Milton, Ontario
• Eastern Canada Travel Industry Summit Sept. 11, 2025, 9am-6pm Toronto Congress Centre
• Western Canada Travel Industry Summit Sept. 18, 2025, 9am-6pm River Rock Casino Resort, Richmond, BC
• Quebec Travel Industry Summit Sept. 30, 2025, 9am-6pm Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel
For more information go to www.actaevents.ca.
TORONTO G Adventures is giving credit where credit is due following a record-breaking month of sales.
The adventure tour operator surpassed its January targets with an impressive 54% increase in agency sales in Canada versus the previous year.
To celebrate this milestone, G Adventures is thanking its travel agent partners in Canada with a special ‘G Normous’ incentive, featuring up to 3% additional commission through the month of February.
“January is our most important sales month and our travel agent partners have knocked it out of the park, working round the clock to help connect their customers with the
TRAVEL AGENT PARTNERS HAVE KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK.
trip of a lifetime,” said David Green, managing director, Canada.
“Over this last quarter, agency sales are 51% up compared to last year, and we’ve just seen the highest January sales in G Adventures’ history in Canada. Our agents have played a huge part in helping us to achieve this. I’d also like to say a huge thanks to our Canadian sales team who continue to do an outstanding job in supporting our agency community with passion, purpose and happiness,” he added.
During the company’s four-month ‘G Normous’ incentive, agents can earn monthly prizes until the end of April. A total of $40,000 in prizes is up for grabs. With the new incentive, agents can earn an additional 2% on any G Adventures trip, or an additional 3% on its new Geluxe trips, when booked before Feb. 28, 2025.
Agents must add the promo code GNORMOUS into Sherpa when booking to take advantage of the incentive. All bookings also count towards G Adventures’ ChangeMakers incentive, which runs until May 31, 2025 and awards top-selling agents a spot on the company’s GX Summit in Jordan this September.
BY NATHALIE DEGRANDMONT
MONTREAL French bee, a French airline specializing in affordable long-haul flights, will make its official debut in Quebec on April 30.
With 15,000 tickets already sold, the airline’s launch to and from Canada looks promising.
The move into Canada follows an earlier expansion of the airline’s network to Reunion Island, Tahiti and several U.S. cities.
Roundtrip fares from Montreal to Paris start at $449.
So far French bee’s debut here “looks great, beyond our expectations,” said Gregory Jamet, EVP Network Strategy, at a recent launch event in Montreal.
Jamet points to the 15,000 tickets already sold (mostly in the French market, where the promotion has already started) and the 50% load factor for the first flight. “For us, Montreal is a natural next step. It’s a city that’s already well-known and
appreciated by the French, and we believe there’s still a strong potential for growth in this market,” he said.
French bee’s model is similar to that of many other low-cost carriers, with very low base prices for flights, and the option to add extra services à la carte, such as checked baggage, seat selection and meals.
“For Montreal-Paris flights, the basic fare (Light category) will also include one cabin bag,” said Jamet.
For more services, customers can also choose the Smart category (which includes checked baggage and meals) or the Flex category, which offers the advantages of the Smart category plus seat selection and the option of a refund. Checking a suitcase costs around $90, while selecting a seat starts at $30.
Also in line with other LCCs, French bee focuses solely on economy class, with very high load factors, and everything is carefully planned around this business model.
French bee is a subsidiary of the Dubreuil Group, which has over 30 years of experience in the airline sector. “Since the company’s inception in 2016, it has never closed a route,” Jamet added.
Montreal is French bee’s seventh long-haul destination. Starting April 30, the airline will operate four weekly flights between Montreal and Paris, with a fifth seasonal weekly flight operating July 4 - Aug. 31 to meet summer demand.
According to Jamet, French bee expects load factors of more than 85%.
French bee’s A350 fleet reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 25% compared to previous generations. For the time being, these A350s will be used for all flights between Montreal and Paris, with 376 economy class seats and 35 Premium seats.
Take note, all French bee flights arrive and depart from Orly Airport (ORY), which is now served by a new direct metro line, allowing passengers to reach downtown Paris faster than before.
When asked about travel advisors, Jamet said French bee is in discussions with APG (based in Canada and representing airlines) to quickly establish their business relationship with the retail travel distribution network here.
This was confirmed by APG’s CEO, Mable Tang, who states that they plan to communicate their action plan to industry professionals — and launch a promotional campaign for French bee — starting in early February.
This article originally appeared at ProfessionVoyages.com, part of The Travelweek Group
FACTORS OF MORE THAN 85%.
TORONTO Intrepid Travel has integrated Urban Adventures, its popular city tour brand in the United States, into its North American Destination Management Company (DMC).
This move marks the conclusion of a successful 15-year partnership with WeVenture, which was instrumental in creating and operating U.S.-based tours for Urban Adventures.
The United States is Intrepid Travel’s largest market within its global DMC network, with 75% of Urban Adventures travellers hailing from the U.S. In 2025, Intrepid is expected to host over 40,000 Urban Adventures customers across the country, supported by six city managers and more than 80 expert tour leaders. Including overseas visitors and Wildland Trekking’s immersive hiking experiences, Intrepid anticipates welcoming over 55,000 travellers in the U.S. this year.
“Urban Adventures is central to Intrepid’s mission of connecting travellers with the heart of local communities,” said Matt Berna, Senior Vice President for North
America. “This isn’t just about tours; it’s about reshaping how Americans explore their own country. We’re fostering deeper connections, elevating local stories, and giving back to the communities that make these cities unique.”
Urban Adventures offers tours in iconic cities like Boston, Chicago, Denver, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Each tour is led by local guides who bring their intimate knowledge and passion to the experience, a feature consistently praised in customer feedback.
To support this expansion, Amanda Neiman has been promoted to Operations Director for Intrepid’s North American DMC, overseeing the operational delivery of Urban Adventures. Reporting to Berna, Neiman will collaborate with Jason Fried, one of WeVenture’s original founders, who will continue to lead the Urban Adventures team for Intrepid.
For more information go to https:// www.urbanadventures.com/en.
CHICAGO A new Hyatt Vivid resort is expected to open in Punta Cana by year’s end.
After signing a management agreement with Anacaonda de Inversiones, Hyatt Hotels Corporation will debut Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, the first Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts branded property in the Dominican Republic, by the end of 2025.
The 500-room, adults-only flagship resort will focus on living well, offering a spa, indoor/outdoor gyms, pickleball and tennis courts as well as a juice and healthy snack bar. There’ll also be five specialty restaurants, casual dining alternatives like a sports bar and a barefoot beach grill & bar, a speakeasy jazz club, four pools, swimout rooms, a quiet corner pool serviced by its own wet bar, and a convention centre with a capacity of 1,000 guests.
Hyatt’s all-inclusive resort presence in the region is on track to expand by approximately 30% in 2025, following the recent openings of Dreams Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Secrets Tides Punta Cana and Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo, and a joint venture with Grupo Piñero for more than 20 Bahia Principe resorts. Up next are the anticipated openings of Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa and Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa.
For more information go to www.hyattinclusivecollection.com.
POLAR EXPERTS
We have focused exclusively on the Polar Regions since 1991
BEST EXPEDITION TEAM
We offer an industry–leading guide–to–guest ratio of 1:6.
MOST DIVERSE FLEET
Our small polar vessels go where larger ships can’t.
OFF–SHIP ADVENTURES
We offer the most off-ship excursions, from heli hiking to kayaking.
Collette has named Denise Sablone as Executive Vice President of Tour Development and Delivery.
Based in the U.S., Sablone will continue to oversee Colletteʼs entire tour development process, from initial research and design through execution and post-experience evaluation. She will also lead the global teams responsible for tour design, contracting, operations and delivery, plus she will continue to manage traveller relations.
As Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, President and CEO at Collette, notes, ensuring that traveller feedback is incorporated into Colletteʼs tour design and delivery processes is key for the company.
“Denise has done tremendous work for Collette since joining our team in 2017,ˮ said LeiblCote. “She is a change agent, holds accountability and is open to new ways of doing things. Denise is a leading driver of excellence across this company and all of the areas she oversees and will be an asset to this team.ˮ
MICHES Marriott International has announced the transformation of the newly reopened Sunrise Miches Beach Resort into Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive Resort.
This marks a significant milestone for the brand, introducing its first allinclusive property in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean.
The conversion, which began in late 2024, included extensive renovations designed to enhance the guest experience. Updates feature refreshed interiors, reimagined culinary concepts, revamped common areas, new functional spaces, and enhanced entertainment. Situated along nearly 1,000 feet of pristine beachfront, the resort provides direct access to Miches’ renowned white sands and crystal-clear waters.
Marriott Miches Beach introduces a unique all-inclusive experience with two distinct sections. One area is tailored for families, featuring a waterpark and engaging entertainment, while the other offers an upscale, adults-only retreat. The
resort will eventually feature 500 elegantly designed suites, each with a private balcony or terrace showcasing breathtaking beach or garden views.
Guests can currently enjoy six gourmet dining options, with plans to expand to 11 restaurants. Notable culinary venues include IBO, a sophisticated seafood and raw bar, Solano, specializing in South American and Caribbean cuisine, Neko, a ramen-inspired eatery, and Cabana, offering a multi-sensory dining experience. Additional bars include Moka, a coffee lounge with sweet and savoury treats, as well as three unique pop-up venues.
The resort boasts multiple pools, a state-of-the-art spa and a fully equipped fitness centre. The expansive spa offers a variety of rejuvenating treatments using toptier products, ensuring a luxurious relaxation experience. Additionally, the resort caters to corporate and social events with 8,166 square feet of indoor meeting space, complemented by open-air venues, including a scenic rooftop area. Guests can also enjoy interactive local artist showcases and cuttingedge water features.
RIVIERA MAYA Playa Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International have announced the grand opening of Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Resort, Riviera Maya, Adult All-Inclusive.
As reported in June 2024, the boutique, adults-only all-inclusive retreat marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between Playa Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International, said Fernando Mulet, EVP and Chief Investment Officer, Playa Hotels & Resorts.
“Following the initial success of our first collaboration with Marriott International, we are excited to bring another exceptional property to life with Paraiso de la Bonita. This resort embodies the same level of style and sophistication that has made our partnership with Marriott and Playa’s commitment to delivering unparalleled hospitality a benchmark
for luxury all-inclusive experiences worldwide,” said Mulet.
Located 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport, Paraiso de la Bonita is the third luxury all-inclusive resort for The Luxury Collection and Marriott International, joining Sanctuary Cap Cana in the D.R. and Almare on Isla Mujeres.
After a multimillion-dollar renovation, Paraiso de la Bonita features 100 oceanfront suites with private terraces or balconies. Dining venues include K’uhul for authentic Mexican cuisine, the Latin American-infused Joya, Mediterranean dining at Côté à Costa and Qin Qin offering traditional Chinese cuisine. There are also three bars, a 22,000-square-foot Thalasso Spa Center, private yacht excursions, scuba diving adventures and more.
TORONTO VoX International has added Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) to its client roster.
VoX International will be providing a range of public relations, trade, consumer and MICE activities for the destination, including media and trade outreach, destination training, FAMs and co-op marketing campaigns.
Famous for its 37 kilometres of shoreline and iconic attractions, Daytona Beach is a favourite for Canadian vacationers and travellers around the world. Highlights include Daytona International Speedway and the DAYTONA 500 NASCAR Cup Series race, the Smithsonianaffiliated Museum of Arts & Sciences, live concerts at the historic Daytona Beach Bandshell … plus, of course, the beautiful beaches.
“We are thrilled to be a part of Daytona Beach’s expansion into the Canadian market. This partnership is a great opportunity to introduce this incredible destination to new audiences and help raise its profile among Canadian travellers and the tourism industry,” said Susan Webb, President, VoX International.
Webb added that VoX aims to introduce Daytona Beach as a mustvisit destination to Canadian trade and consumers, positioning it as a top choice for travellers looking for unforgettable experiences.
For more information, email Daytonabeach@VoXInternational.com.
AS ABUNDANT AS OUR SKIES ARE
In Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua [boh-ree-kwah,] a unique name paying homage to our Island heritage and exuding the vibrant spirit of our people. We are proud, passionate, and grateful to travel advisors like you who have helped us share that spirit with the world. Become a Puerto Rico specialist today a t PuertoRicoTravelSpecialist.com
‘FAM-ulous’ fams, summits and road show with Globus family of brands
TORONTO The Globus family of brands is rolling out a raft of inperson training initiatives for 2025, all for the company’s valued retail travel partners.
The initiatives include road shows, executive summits and FAM trips.
“Advisors are the heart of what we do, and when we combine their passion with our support, we’re an unbeatable team. That’s why we’ve created a robust lineup of events to empower, educate and celebrate advisors, ensuring they have everything they need to succeed in 2025 and beyond,” says Denise Harper, Senior Director of Business Development for the Globus family of brands.
DIRECTOR & TOUR DIRECTOR ROAD SHOW
The Globus family of brands is set to host 100+ Tour & Cruise Director events across Canada and the U.S. in February, with an eye to engaging with as many as 8,000
travel advisors. The events will feature interactive presentations led by expert Cruise Directors and Tour Directors, providing advisors with firsthand insights into cruising and touring to share with clients. For details, advisors can reach out directly to their BDMs or contact insidesales@ globusfamily.com.
For the first time the Globus family of brands is also offering networking and education opportunities for top-performing agency owners via Executive Summits. The two-day events will take place across seven cities in 2025: Toronto, Vancouver, Orlando, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and Denver.
The Globus family of brands is also rolling out “a FAM program like no other.” With BDMs leading the way, 1,500 travel advisors will be invited to experience Globus tours and Avalon river cruises firsthand.
More information about all of the above programs, and to register to join one of the upcoming events, is at www.traveladvisorportal.ca.
CHICAGO Hyatt Hotels Corporation is making good on its intentions to acquire Playa Hotels & Resorts.
Hyatt announced on Feb. 10 that it has entered into an agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. for US$13.50 per share (approximately $2.6 billion), including approximately $900 million of debt, net of cash.
Word of the potential deal surfaced in December 2024, with an exclusivity agreement under which Playa agreed to negotiate exclusively with Hyatt regarding potential strategic alternatives, which possibly included the acquisition of Playa by Hyatt.
“Hyatt has firmly established itself as a leader in the all-inclusive space, a journey that began in 2013 through an investment in Playa Hotels & Resorts that launched the Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara brands,” said Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO, Hyatt. “We have respected and benefitted from Playa’s operating expertise and outstanding guest experience delivery for years through their ownership and management of eight of our Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara hotels. This pending transaction allows us to broaden our portfolio while providing more value to all of our stakeholders through an expanded management platform for all-inclusive resorts.”
The company notes that the pending acquisition provides an opportunity to secure long-term management agreements for Hyatt’s luxury allinclusive Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara branded properties. It also will expand Hyatt’s distribution
channels, including ALG Vacations and Unlimited Vacation Club, to Playa’s portfolio.
The move will leave Hyatt wellpositioned to drive value creation through complementary business segments and further optimize its existing all-inclusive infrastructure in Mexico and the Caribbean, adds the company.
Hyatt’s all-inclusive portfolio has grown exponentially over the years, with the acquisition of Apple Leisure Group in 2021, and the 2024 completion of a 50/50 strategic joint venture with Grupo Piñero, which added the Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts portfolio to Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection, which currently spans approximately 55,000 rooms across Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe.
CHARLOTTETOWN Stewart
Travel Group has transitioned to new ownership.
Based in Prince Edward Island, the multi-award-winning boutique travel agency are partnering with Glen Kennedy and Jeni Mutch-Kennedy “to ensure the continued success and growth of the company.”
Founders Travis and Paula Stewart will remain actively involved, with Travis continuing as Director of Travel and both serving as hosts on select tours. Frances Gertsch, Trusted Senior Travel Advisor and Manager, Business Development and Talent, will remain as part of the company’s leadership team.
“Stewart Travel Group has always been about creating meaningful travel experiences and building lasting relationships with our clients,” said Paula and Travis. “With Glen and Jeni joining our team, we are confident that the company’s future is brighter than ever. Together, we’ll blend experience and innovation to deliver exceptional service.:”
New owners Glen, a chartered professional accountant, and Jeni, a former owner of Taylor’s Garage, will continue to take the peoplecentered approach the agency has become known for.
Said Glen: “We’re honoured to carry forward the incredible legacy that Travis and Paula have built. Our vision is to uphold the values that make Stewart Travel Group unique while exploring new opportunities to delight our clients.”
Added Jeni: “Travel is such a personal and transformative experience. We’re excited to be part of a team that’s dedicated to creating unforgettable moments for people around the globe.”
WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THE COMPANY’S FUTURE IS BRIGHTER THAN EVER.
For more information go to www.stewarttravelgroup.ca.
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