TORONTO As the Stanley Cup finals play out this week in Edmonton and Florida, have you connected with any hockey-obsessed clients?
Hang on to them - they could well be the starting point for your new niche in sports travel.
Sports travel isn’t new by any means. For decades sports fans have been hitting the road to see their favourite team play in a different city.
But in the strange way that trends work, suddenly after all this time, sports travel is breaking through and capturing the attention of the industry at large.
You only had to listen to the pitches from delegates at Brand USA’s Canada Connect last week to get a sense of the growing popularity. From Minnesota, to Denver, to Los Angeles, there were many mentions of thriving sports scenes with plenty of professional league teams.
“Sports tourism is huge, and we have all the teams,” said Crystal Atkinson, Global Tourism Development Manager for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Bureau, at Brand USA’s Canada Connect event in Toronto.
In Arizona, “it’s a rapidly rising market,” said Laura Nestenau, Account Director, Arizona Office of Tourism Canada. “It’s a growing audience and we’re trying to see how we can get into that niche and get more Canadians into that market.”
It makes sense that in these days of bucket-list travel, more and more sports enthusiasts are elevating their fandom with travel.
They’re treating themselves to customized air, hotel and sightseeing packages featuring a game or two with their favourite teamsand enjoying the trip of a lifetime while they’re at it.
Tim Macdonell knows all about the rising popularity of sports travel. He’s definitely along for the ride.
Based in Ontario, he started Elite Sports Tours (EliteSportsTours.ca) in 2008 “as an avid sports fan who would travel with friends to different sporting events in Canada and the U.S.,” as Macdonell tells Travelweek. “I was always the one buying a block of tickets to an event and rounding up
the troops to go on an epic adventure to a new destination.”
He cites the latest industry intel from Sports Events & Tourism Association’s State of the Industry Report, showing that fans typically embark on three sports-related trips annually. Eight out of 10 of these enthusiasts plan to maintain or increase their travel frequency in the coming year, he adds.
Also from the report is this staggering stat: in 2023, sportsrelated travel had a direct economic impact of US$52.2 billion - and that’s just in the U.S. (and up from $45 billion in 2019). Over 200 million travellers contributed to this surge, resulting in more than 73 million room nights.
Asked about the top three sports leagues clients request from Elite Sports Tours, Macdonell checks them off in order: NFL, MLB and NHL.
“The most popular trip for Canadians is the NFL and we see a lot of clients book one big football trip a year to a new city to cross another stadium off their bucket list,” says Macdonell. “I would attribute that to the fact that NFL is arguably the most popular sport in North America and Canada doesn’t have any teams locally. So planning a yearly trip to see their team in a different city is a priority for Canadians.”
Baseball and hockey take second and third spot for the company. “With the MLB having 162 regular season games and being the main sport running throughout the summer months, Canadians are often planning trips to see the Toronto Blue Jays south of the border. For hockey, you see fans trying to leave the cold and get value by booking a hockey trip to a warmer climate where they can often get packages for cheaper than in local Canadian markets – and they can make a vacation out of it.”
Macdonell says he’s always been a “big advocate of building a brand and engaging with our clients to build a community of sports fans who could trust a strong Canadian company with their dream sports trips as the industry evolved.”
While the company is all about the latest technology, Macdonell says the personal touch is also key. That’s something travel advisors know very well.
“We put a strong emphasis on the knowledge our team has when assisting clients who are more often than not planning a sports trip to see their favourite team but don’t have any familiarity with the city or where to begin. The fear of spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on a trip to a city they have no experience on their own can be daunting,” he says.
Asked about booking trends, he says Elite Sports Tours is seeing more and more sports fans doubling up by booking football trips early in the season, and then pairing it with a hockey or basketball game once those schedules come out. Not only does it enrich the experience, it can be more wallet-friendly too. “We’re seeing an increase in multi-city and multi-sport packages. Clients are looking for more value and many of the cities have multiple sports teams. They figure, if I’m going to travel all that way to a particular city to see a football game and the hockey team is playing the night before, I can cross off two venues on one trip.”
Travel advisors who book with Elite Sports Tours can make it worth their while by either charging a flat fee, or building in a margin.
We asked Macdonell what travel agents should know about selling sports travel. Does he have any tips, or words of wisdom?
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“Sports fans are a different breed of travellers,” he says. “They have an emotional attachment to the players, teams, stadiums and cities, an attachment that’s been there since they were a kid. I would compare it to kids dreaming of going to Walt Disney World. As they get older, the sports fan has built an emotional connection with a team.”
He adds that sometimes that attachment is built from cheering on the team with their parents growing up, and it becomes a part of their identity. “It’s not just booking a trip to New York, it’s going to ‘the Mecca’ – Madison Square Garden – where so many historic events have taken place. There is a ton of history and emotional connection for sports fans that go way deeper than just planning a vacation.”
With that in mind, travel advisors would do well to apply the same due diligence and dedication that they would bring to any dream trip for a client. Says Macdonell: “In most cases, you are selling an experience that clients have built up over years and have high expectations for. It’s more than just a game. It’s a memory they will have for the rest of their life.”
Watch for more updates from Elite Sports Tours in Travelweek this summer.
In celebration of the Sandals Foundation’s 15th anniversary, Sandals Resorts International announces a new project, The Power of 15. Harnessing the strength of the Caribbean sun, the Sandals Foundation will fund the installation of solar panels on school buildings in the region, ensuring a dedicated, eco-friendly, and cost-effective power supply that keeps kids digitally connected for learning to continue uninterrupted.
This June, in honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, Sandals Resorts will donate $15 to the Sandals Foundation for every donation of $15 or higher made to The Power of 15 project. Join our mission and donate at: sandals.com/sandals-foundation-the-power-of-15
TORONTO Leisure travel is booming in Canada, and with 274 properties currently open across the country – and an astounding 90 more in the pipeline – Marriott International is reaping the rewards of a very big footprint.
The company celebrated a 36% year-over-year increase in hotellevel leisure revenue in 2023, and so far the outlook for 2024 is full steam ahead.
Paul Cahill, Senior Vice-President for Canada Operations for Marriott International, Inc. was in Toronto recently and spoke to the trade media about what’s new with the brand.
Or should we say brands? Because of course Marriott has not just one brand, not two, but 30 brands worldwide.
Canada is home to 21 of the 30, “but there’s no reason why all of the brands couldn’t be in Canada,” said Cahill.
In fact one of Marriott International’s most beloved brands could be making a return to the Canadian market in the near future.
Le Méridien once had a strong presence in both Toronto and Montreal, and there’s now the possibility the luxury brand could
come back to Canada, at multiple locations. “Stay tuned,” said Cahill.
Cahill notes that while each of Marriott International’s brands have their own vibe and category, “all of our travellers travel in all our brands.”
He tells the story of a recent wedding he attended with his family in Atlanta, GA, home to several Marriott International properties at varying price points. One is a Moxy, which typically skews to a 25-35 demographic, and is known for its lack of check-in desk (guests check in at the bar) and fun, quirky atmosphere. When Cahill arrived to have a look at the Moxy, he found several of the wedding’s older guests whooping it up at the bar.
Whatever works. “Marriott is the biggest hotel brand in the world, but we don’t talk about that much, we don’t put it out there too much,” says Cahill. “The important thing is, to be the best hotel brand in the world, you have to be where your customers are.”
Speaking of the Moxy brand, Canada is now home to two: the just-opened Moxy Banff, and Moxy Halifax Downtown, which opened earlier this year. Moxy Hotels are also planned for various gateway cities throughout Canada including Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa over the next three years.
Says Cahill: “Moxy Banff is a conversion, it’s a family-run hotel that’s been there since the 1960s and they wanted to have some fun with it.” Like turning an old 1960s Volkswagen bus into a coffee cart and parking it in the lobby. “Moxy is a lifestyle brand, it’s cool but not pretentious. The price points are lower and the square footage of the rooms tends to be smaller,” says Cahill.
Another of Marriott International’s brands that Cahill can see making a good fit in Canada: the Ian Schragerdesigned EDITION Hotels. “It’s a concept that would be perfect for Vancouver, and Toronto. It’s a luxury brand in the lifestyle space. We’re looking for opportunities,” he says.
Like the Moxy Banff, a good number of the 90 hotels in Marriott International’s Canadian pipeline are conversions.
A recent Canadian market update notes the increased demand for leisure travel has Marriott continuing to focus on the lifestyle sector with conversion-friendly collection brands.
These also include Autograph Collection, and Tribute Portfolio. Case in point: HONEYROSE Hotel, Montreal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, offered the owners and developers a chance to target couples, families and more with beautiful art-deco-inspired design and a blend of vintage and modern amenities, all with an ideal downtown Montreal location.
The company expects leisure demand in Canada to remain strong throughout 2024, particularly in destinations like Vancouver Island, the Okanagan Valley, Atlantic Canada and the Niagara Region.
MARRIOTT
“YOU NAME IT, WE HAVE THE PARTNERSHIP”
Cahill notes that, in addition to development teams in Eastern and Western Canada, Marriott International has dedicated sales and marketing teams across Canada. “Our Canadian-based team engages with owners, developers, customers and guests to truly understand what’s important to these stakeholders in this market. We’re focused on growing our presence in Canada with new openings, localized Marriott Bonvoy partnerships and programming.”
Marriott Bonvoy, of course, is Marriott International’s loyalty program. Launched in early 2019, it replaced Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG).
When it comes to a loyalty program like Marriott Bonvoy, “it’s not just about the road warriors anymore, collecting
points,” says Cahill. “It can be, but it’s so much more. It’s about earning points to use points for unforgettable experiences.
The size and clout of Marriott Bonvoy – which of course is free to join – means those experiences can be truly memorable. Earlier this year Marriott announced that as a touring sponsor of Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour in select cities, Marriott Bonvoy will offer an opportunity to attend the show of a lifetime with tickets to over 30 performances across Europe and North America. There’s the opportunity to see Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour through a sweepstakes, or through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform. There are multiple opportunities to see the show –including one trip to see three shows in three countries with tickets, flights and hotels provided by Marriott Bonvoy.
“It’s really something special. The access to experiences that Marriott Bonvoy members have, you wouldn’t have seen that 10 years ago. You name it, we have the partnership. And it’s thanks to these partnerships that Marriott Bonvoy members get access to exclusive experiences – in entertainment, sports, arts, culture, culinary and wellness and more – with Marriott Bonvoy Moments,” says Cahill.
Localized marketing efforts and strategic relationships in Canada with Marriott Bonvoy Moments include Live Nation Canada, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Montreal Canadiens and others.
Doubling down on leisure travel means Marriott International can wait out the slow but steady rebound for corporate travel.
“The ‘revenge travel’ boom has been almost entirely leisure travel,” says Cahill, noting Marriott International’s 36% year over year revenue growth in leisure travel in Canada.
Group travel also came storming back, he adds, “starting in 2022 and just ramping up. For groups and conferences, 2023 was the best year ever, it was off the charts.”
Cahill also spoke about the importance of travel advisors, especially for Marriott International’s higher tier bookings. “One thing that has never changed is in the luxury travel segment. When you think about luxury travel, agents are still at the centre of that. Agents own those customers,” he said.
And what about the competition from short-term accommodation platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo and all the rest? “I think there’s a place for all of it. We say what we’ve always said: we just want a level playing field,” says Cahill.
In the meantime, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy was developed several years ago as an option for customers who want the home stay experience, “but who still want the safety and security and standards of a hotel. Our homes and villas get all the same high-level checks that our hotels get,” he says.
For more information about everything Marriott International, see Marriott.com.
WestJet and Virgin Atlantic have announced a “significant expansion” of their codeshare relationship, unlocking further international connectivity for Canadians including multiple points in India. Starting this winter, WestJet passengers will have greater access to global destinations through Virgin Atlantic’s network from London Heathrow.
“With daily flights from our global hub in Calgary to London, Canadians have never had better international access from across Western Canada to the United Kingdom and beyond,” said WestJet EVP and CCO, John Weatherill. The move comes as Virgin Atlantic announces a new direct route between Toronto Pearson and London Heathrow, operating daily as of March 30, 2025 with a mix of aircraft including the A330-900neo.
Air Canada is giving the Economy experience an upgrade with complimentary premium snacks on all flights. In addition to these homegrown Canadian treats, the airline is expanding its complimentary beer and wine offering to customers on flights within Canada and the U.S., alongside a selection of $5 spirits, through the end of the year. “We’re thrilled to continue elevating the Economy travel experience in North America, and we’re proud to spotlight Canadian brands with this thoughtfully curated lineup of complimentary snacks and beverages, in time for summer
A new tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign from the Vienna Tourist Board playfully warns travellers about ‘Post-Vienna-Blues’ (PVB). The campaign launched earlier this month in the U.S. with a prominent billboard in New York’s Times Square. In Canada, the focus for the campaign will be on Toronto and Montreal. Opulent locations like Schönbrunn Palace, Gustav Klimt’s ‘The Kiss’ at the Upper Belvedere, and pastries from ‘K.u.K. Hofzuckerbäckerei’ Demel all showcase Vienna’s grandeur.
Toronto has welcomed a brand new hotel in its downtown core. Revery Toronto Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton – a joint initiative by Hilton, Easton’s Group of Hotels and The Gupta Group – has opened its doors at 92 Peter Street in Toronto. The 224-room property marks the first Curio Collection hotel in Ontario and, like all properties in the brand’s portfolio, was handpicked for its distinctive design, world-class food and beverage and curated experiences. The theatrically-themed hotel features the Muse Lobby Bar, a modern ‘concession stand’ where guests can meet for bespoke cocktails, coffee and small bites.
CALGARY The WestJet Group will acquire an additional three Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from BOC Aviation Limited, plus another Boeing 737 MAX 8 from aviation leasing company AerDragon.
The aircraft are expected to integrate into the WestJet Group’s fleet and operations in 2024, following the completion of leasing agreements.
“We have an ambitious growth strategy, and the expansion of our fleet is critical to our mission of providing affordable air travel to Canadians,” said Mike Scott, WestJet Group’s EVP and CFO.
Updating and refreshing the interior cabins of the aircraft will be prioritized as part of the airlines’ existing fleet reconfiguration plans, to ensure a consistent experience for passengers across its operation as soon as possible, according to the company.
“Two years ago, we set out a plan for growth that would maintain our position as both Canada’s national
leisure champion and western home carrier, while enhancing domestic connectivity from coast-to-coast,” said Scott. “We are seeing the benefits of our strategy come to life across our network and the consistent growth of our fleet capacity is essential to maintaining our momentum.”
WestJet Airlines has also replaced its basic ticket tier with a new fare category that does away with a free carryon bag and other perks. The new ‘UltraBasic category’, the lowestpriced of seven fare classes, is a nofrills fare. “It is anticipated that the introduction of UltraBasic will expedite the boarding process, contributing to enhanced on-time performance and a better guest experience,” said the airline.
MONTREAL Air Canada is adding more capacity to India for the winter 2024-25 season.
Starting in late October, the airline will be adding 40% more seat capacity to the destination, with new services that include the only nonstop flights from Canada to Mumbai, improved service from Western Canada to Delhi with the introduction of new seasonal daily flights over London Heathrow, and daily flights from Montreal to Delhi.
In total, Air Canada will operate 25 weekly flights to India, the most of any carrier between Canada and India, representing 7,400 seats each week.
“India is an important market for Air Canada, reflecting longstanding and growing family and trade ties between our two countries. We are thrilled to expand our network to Mumbai and Delhi by building additional scale at our hubs in time for Diwali festivals this fall,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President – Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada.
“With new nonstop flights from Toronto to Mumbai, the addition of new flights to Delhi from Western Canada via London Heathrow, together with the unparalleled connectivity from our robust North American network, we are solidifying Air Canada as the leading airline offering the most travel options between Canada and India. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard.”
DUBAI Total travellers are expected to reach 4.96 billion in 2024, a record high, however an aggregate return above the cost of capital continues to elude the world’s airlines, according to the stats from IATA’s AGM in Dubai.
IATA announced strengthened profitability projections for airlines in 2024, compared with its June and December 2023 forecasts.
Net profits are expected to reach US$30.5 billion in 2024 (3.1% net profit margin), an improvement on 2023 net profits which are estimated to be $27.4 billion (3.0% net profit margin). It is also an improvement on the $25.7 billion (2.7% net profit margin) forecast for 2024 profits that IATA released in December 2023.
Operating profits are expected to reach $59.9 billion in 2024, up from an estimated $52.2 billion in 2023.
Total revenues are expected to reach $996 billion (+9.7%) in 2024, total expenses are expected to reach $936 billion (+9.4%) in 2024 and total travellers are expected to reach 4.96 billion in 2024, all record highs.
“In a world of many and growing uncertainties, airlines continue to shore-up their profitability. The expected aggregate net profit of $30.5 billion in 2024 is a great achievement considering the recent deep pandemic losses,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
“With a record five billion air travellers expected in 2024, the human need to fly has never been stronger. Moreover, the global economy counts on air cargo to deliver the $8.3 trillion of trade that gets to customers by air. Without a doubt, aviation is vital to the ambitions and prosperity of individuals and economies. Strengthening airline
profitability and growing financial resilience is important.
Profitability enables investments in products to meet the needs of our customers and in the sustainability solutions we will need to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” said Walsh.
According to IATA’s projections, passenger revenues are expected to reach $744 billion in 2024, up 15.2% from $646 billion in 2023. Revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) growth is expected to be 11.6% year on year. The long-term 20-year growth trend is expected to see passenger demand grow 3.8% annually for the 2023-2043 period.
Utah Tourism celebrated 100 years of film at its recent ‘Matinee & Mingle’ event in Toronto. While Utah is best known for its ‘Mighty 5’ National Parks, it has also made a name for itself in the film sector, and enjoys a high-profile with ‘set-jetting’ travellers visiting destinations featured in movies and TV shows.
OTTAWA The Ottawa-edition of ‘Mr. Porter’s House Party’ was less about introducing the airline to the market – as was the case with last summer’s party in Vancouver – and more about Porter’s significant investment developing Ottawa International Airport (YOW) as a hub over the past 12 to 18 months.
Ottawa has a special place in Porter’s heart. It was the first destination on the airline’s route map back in 2006, when the airline first launched out of YTZ.
Almost 20 years later, Ottawa is now Porter’s fastest growing hub outside of Toronto.
Ahead of the party, Travelweek had the chance to connect with Kevin Jackson, President of Porter Airlines.
“We’ve built out Ottawa to be a strong east-west connecting hub for Canada and now down into Florida as well,” explained Jackson. “You’ll continue to see us expand our destinations out of Ottawa through the next several years. We’re currently up to 16 nonstops out of Canada’s capital, in 2023 we served about 750,000
passengers. This year that will grow to two million passengers and will be even higher next year. By this summer, we will be the largest carrier out of Ottawa based on flights and seats in the market.”
Jackson continued: “I believe people in Ottawa are happy that Porter is choosing to expand its product in that market and to offer nonstops that were historically not offered.
Typically, from Ottawa, travellers would have to go through Montreal or Toronto to get to their destination. Ottawa is an underserved and, at times, overlooked market, which gives us a great opportunity to build it into a strong local market that’s a connecting hub for travel across Canada and down into the U.S. The investment and commitment are immense, and competition has definitely taken notice of Porter’s large presence in this market and are maneuvering in response.”
On Porter’s rapid expansion, Jackson had this to say: “I think it’s critical to build scale quickly and we are taking delivery of aircraft very fast. We are now 14 months into the launch of our jet service, and we just took delivery of jet aircraft number 34 in a 100-aircraft order, which is incredible
speed. Porter needs to boldly go quickly in order to challenge the marketplace as it’s critical for us garnering the market share we require to succeed. So far, we’re seeing great success.”
That success is seen through Porter’s growth to 10% of domestic capacity by the end of this year, up from 3% when it embarked on its expansion.
On what he believes sets Porter apart from its competitors, Jackson says: “Passengers know that the product and experience is different, and customer satisfaction scores tell us that, with 85% customer satisfaction and a 70 net promoter score (NPS), plus written comments in surveys. The satisfaction is pervasive in everything I see. We’re gaining market share in this country with a far superior economy product.”
The Ottawa edition of Mr. Porter’s House Party, held at Zibi House across the river in Gatineau, featured a live two-hour set by DJ Marsh. Jackson notes that the House Party concept has proven successful for Porter. The Toronto event, in November 2023, resulted in 1.7 million social media impressions.
“The experience and brand are different; it’s fresh, youthful and modern, which is demonstrated at these events,” says Jackson. “We know that it spreads the word, we know people see what we’re doing, and it differentiates Porter in the marketplace.”
BY SUMMER WE’LL BE THE LARGEST CARRIER OUT OF OTTAWA
TORONTO Goway has rebranded for the first time in its 54-year history with a state-of-the-art website designed to empower travel advisors to sell more.
With the same URL (goway.com), the site features a more intuitive user experience that showcases the company’s 1,000+ tailor-made trips with a focus on four- and five-star accommodations and private-guided touring. Users can also watch videos, browse through travel guides to 100+ countries, and read travel stories from Goway’s Destination Specialists and travel writers on the new Globetrotting blog.
“The new Goway.com represents our true passion for travel and utmost commitment to providing the best experience for travel advisors and their globetrotting clients,” says Adam Hodge, Goway’s Senior VP. “In the past, my father and Goway’s
Founder and President, Bruce Hodge, personally wrote hundreds of our webpages, pouring his personal knowledge and passion for travel into the very expression of our company.
Today, our Destination Specialists continue the journey by imbuing
about honouring our rich 54-year history while defining a contemporary look that reflects Goway’s ambitious and exciting future,” says Fawcett.
IT WAS A PRIVILEGE TO GUIDE THE REBRANDING
the new Goway with their passion, personality and expertise.”
Core to Goway’s rebranding is a new logo that Mitchell Fawcett, VP Marketing, says captures the forward-thinking spirit of a company that’s pioneered tailor-made trips for over 50 years.
“It was a privilege to guide the rebranding of a travel company with such a legacy. Our new brand is all
In addition to the new website, Goway has refreshed its portal for travel advisors, now known as GowayPro.com. The portal now features more incentives for travel advisors, a ‘Passport to a Free FAM’ incentive that’s easier than ever to earn, the all-new GowayPro Travel Tales podcast, and an evergrowing GowayPro Travel Academy education program.
“Our travel advisor partners are always front of mind for Goway,” adds Hodge.
“GowayPro.com is now a better tool to help travel advisors sell and succeed. It’s never been a better time to partner with Goway.”
Hodge adds that more exciting investments will be announced in the months leading up to Goway’s 55th anniversary year in 2025.
TORONTO The first phase of Air Transat’s and Porter Airlines’ new joint venture has officially launched.
Travellers can now use each partner’s distribution channels to book direct and connecting flights with either Air Transat or Porter.
This means that Air Transat now offers an extensive range of destinations operated by Porter across Canada – from St. John’s to Victoria – and select U.S cities including Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Tampa and Washington. Porter, meanwhile, now provides nonstop flights operated by Air Transat to Europe from Toronto Pearson, MontréalTrudeau and Quebec City as well as connecting flights to Europe from anywhere in Canada.
Ticket sales for these new flight options are available now.
The two airlines first announced their codeshare agreement in March 2022, with their first codeshare flights taking off in October 2022. In November 2023, they then announced an expansion of the
TAP Air Portugal, Visit Porto and Galicia Tourist Office, recently hosted an Education & Experience (E&E) trip, which included several Canadian meetings & incentive travel companies. Seen here in picturesque Porto are (top row): Heather Dow, Events Management; Trevor Howes, e=mc² events; Mo Regnier, GATI Event Management; Liliana Vieira, TAP Air Portugal; Lou Klevinas, Connect Meetings; Karen Lee, Conference Connect; Jan Zandboer, Select Group Marketing; and (seated) Jacqueline Hooper, MCI Group Canada; Juliane Farinazzo, Bijou Group; along with reps from Visit Porto.
agreement with the creation of a joint venture that would integrate their complementary networks at YYZ and YUL airports.
“Our alliance is enhancing the travel experience by seamlessly integrating our services across North and Latin America, as well as Europe and North Africa. By leveraging the strengths of our highly complementary networks, we are committed to delivering more choice to Canadians with a high-quality service,” said Sebastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Officer at Transat.
BETHESDA, MD Marriott
International and Playa Hotels & Resorts are teaming up to expand The Luxury Collection brand in the Mexican Caribbean.
The two companies have signed an agreement to open Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Adult All-Inclusive Resort, Riviera Maya in late 2024.
Edmond Eldebs, Porter’s SVP and CCO, added: “Porter’s growing presence throughout North America fits perfectly with Air Transat’s international routes. We are able to operate independently, but collaboratively, to give passengers more choices when they are booking their travel, whether for single flights or itineraries requiring connections with both airlines.”
Located in Puerto Morelos, 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport, the resort will offer 100 oversized, oceanfront suites, a 22,000 square-foot spa, and three restaurants including a 5,000-bottle cellar, a sushi bar and a ceviche bar. There’ll also be a ‘resort within a resort,’ a separate building within the property featuring 10 suites with private plunge pools and beach access, an exclusive pool plus two dedicated restaurants with a private chef.
“Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Adult All-Inclusive Resort, Riviera Maya is the result of Playa’s strategic initiative to offer our customers differentiated concepts in the all-inclusive segment,” said Fernando Mulet, EVP and Chief Investment Officer for Playa Hotels & Resorts. “We are excited to continue expanding our managed portfolio alongside Marriott International. The demand for luxury all-inclusive products has been growing significantly, and we are proud to lead this transformation.”
The signing also reinforces Marriott’s commitment to conversion-friendly brand offerings. The company anticipates substantial conversion opportunities within the luxury segment for The Luxury Collection brand, adding to its diverse portfolio of conversion-friendly brands spanning various brand segments, including Autograph Collection Hotels, Tribute Portfolio, Delta Hotels, and Four Points by Sheraton.
Other properties in Marriot’s portfolio of luxury and adults-only all-inclusive resorts include Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection Adult All-Inclusive Resort, Punta Cana and Almare, a Luxury Collection Adult All-Inclusive Resort, Isla Mujeres.
NEW YORK Lufthansa is increasing capacity for the upcoming 2024 winter season, with new year-round service between Munich and Vancouver.
The new route departs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays on an Airbus A350, connecting Canadians on the west coast to the heart of Bavaria on a year-round basis. Flight LH476 will depart Vancouver at 12:20 p.m. and land in Munich at 1:50 p.m. the following day.
As part of the winter flight schedule, Lufthansa will also be flying to further destinations with its new premium Allegris cabin product. In addition to Shanghai and San Francisco, which will already offer the new product this summer, Lufthansa will introduce Allegris service on flights to and from Bangalore, India and Cape Town, South Africa.
Furthermore, Lufthansa is increasing capacity on popular routes flying aboard the A380. Guests will be able to experience the doubledecker aircraft this winter when flying from Munich to Los Angeles, Bangkok and Delhi.
Lastly, Lufthansa passengers can once again travel nonstop from Munich to South America this winter.
Beginning Dec. 9, 2024, an Airbus A350 will fly to Sao Paulo, Brazil on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. LH504 will depart Munich at 11:45 a.m. and arrive in the Brazilian metropolis at 8:15 p.m.
The Travel Agent Next Door has restructured its executive and management teams to set itself up for future growth.
Travel industry veteran Jeff Element has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, overseeing Marketing & Training, Finance, Support & Operations. Based in Toronto, he comes to TTAND from The Travel Corporation, where he served as President, overseeing the Contiki, Insight and Trafalgar brands.
Joining Element on the executive team is Chris Senior, who takes on the role of CFO. Senior has been in the travel industry for many years, holding finance roles at TICO, TTI Travel as VP Finance, and HRG North America as Director of Financial Analysis.
Flemming Friisdahl will continue as Founder and CEO. “With the retirement of our VP Agent Experience, Penny Martin, this coming July, we believe now is a good time to reorganize the company to prepare it for the future,” said Friisdahl.
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Clients in search of chic, social resorts in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico will find everything they’re looking for with Breathless Resorts & Spas.
The brand’s adults-only, allinclusive properties offer an array of impressive offerings, from sleek accommodations featuring personalized mood lighting and private balconies, to innovative culinary delights and ‘flairtender’crafted cocktails. Guests can also unwind at spas that take an energizing spin on a margarita cycle,
or ‘paint and sip’ before dancing the night away. At Breathless properties, every aspect of a client’s stay is designed to exceed expectations while embracing fun.
To ensure that guests get the most out of their stay, Breathless Resorts & Spas is offering the ‘Life in Full Color’ package, priced at US$129 per person. The package includes:
• A 25-minute full-body massage
• A private mixology class *
• A private yoga class with friends *
• A locally-inspired arrival amenity
*Private experience for groups of six or more; semi-private for groups up to 5
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“The best new tech for agents” Softvoyage celebrates 25 years
TORONTO For any company in the tech industry, 25 years “is more like 175 years,” says Softvoyage’s Chief Commercial Officer, Dan Langevin.
It’s that longevity in an ever-changing market that makes Softvoyage’s 25th anniversary that much more impressive.
Softvoyage’s many industry partners agreed, joining together under sunny blue skies at The Drake Hotel to celebrate Softvoyage’s landmark birthday. It was the second of two parties, following a Montreal event.
Several were honoured with special shout-outs and beautiful gift baskets, including Frank DeMarinis, co-founder of Bel Air Travel, Softvoyage’s very first customer back when it all began.
Travelweek caught up with Langevin for a quick interview amid the revelry.
Langevin joined Softvoyage in 2001, just a couple of years after the company was founded.
What is he most proud of as he looks back on Softvoyage’s successful run?
“The fact that we’re still essentially the same company, in our values and our goals. We’ve always been about providing the best new technology for travel advisors and that hasn’t changed,” said Langevin.
“Over the years the team has grown, but the core is the same, and I think that brings so much stability,” he added.
Softvoyage’s technology solutions for the travel industry, including Sirev, are tools that keep travel agencies competitive. That competitive edge includes speed, something that’s a big part of Softvoyage’s product refinements. “To get something that used to take 2 seconds, down to 1.8 seconds, you wouldn’t believe the work and money involved in that,” said Langevin.
Softvoyage is also placing major importance on top-level privacy and security measures. “Protecting data, that’s a huge investment for us,” added Langevin.
AI is on the company’s radar too. “Of course, AI,” said Langevin. “We’re starting to determine what works best for us with AI.
Beaudoin as Nat’l
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has named KAI’s Edith Beaudoin as its dedicated National Sales Manager for North America.
In her new role, KAI’s Beaudoin will advise Hapag-Lloyd Cruises on a strategic and operational level aimed at furthering the company’s presence in North America, with a specific focus on enhancing partnerships with the travel trade.
All five of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ ships have received five-star ratings from Insight Guides (formerly Berlitz Cruise Guide), giving Hapag-Lloyd the position as the ‘best fleet worldwide’ (Insight Guides Cruising & Cruise Ships 2024).
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ luxury ships are EUROPA and EUROPA 2. In the expedition sector, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has three modern sister ships: HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration (put into service in 2019), and HANSEATIC spirit (added in 2021).
English-speaking guests are recommended to sail onboard EUROPA 2 and HANSEATIC inspiration, where everything onboard is offered in both German and English.
AI is complicated. It looks easy but it’s not. But we’re onboard with AI, we’re in full analysis mode.”
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Langevin was joined by Steve Ringuet and Moise Lévy, Softvoyage’s copresidents and co-founders, for heartfelt speeches as the event hit its stride.
Softvoyage has a staff count of 65 or so, and the executive trio was joined by a dozen other team members at the Toronto event yesterday.
Ringuet spoke of the early days and his experiences doing trip searches at his mother’s travel agency. In the late 1980s and very early 1990s, ‘trip search’ of course had nothing to do with the Internet. “A client would call up and say ‘I want to do a one-week trip to this destination’ and I’d get on the phones to call the tour operators to check on pricing. Then I’d give that info to the travel agent. Then the client would say ‘what’s the price for two weeks’ and back I’d go to the tour operators,” said Ringuet to laughs.
Early attempts to streamline the process with a database had him rigging up a makeshift antenna in a coworker’s office. “And then the Internet arrived and everything changed.”
Softvoyage’s 25th anniversary party bookends the company’s 20th anniversary event at the CN Tower back in 2019. With the unthinkable - the pandemic - in the years in between, the industry and Softvoyage have emerged stronger than ever.
TORONTO TravelBrands is doubling down on its commitment to providing travel advisors with better service, and it’s using technology to do it.
Launched in collaboration with Local Measure, the company has announced a state-of-the-art contact centre and telephony solution
Brand USA’s Canada Connect event took place earlier this month, bringing reps from 30 U.S. destinations up to meet with Canadian suppliers and the trade media, for networking and product updates. Seen here at the Toronto event at One King West Hotel are Debra Bustos and Colin Wood representing Travel Texas.
“We are thrilled to have collaborated with Local Measure to transform our operations,” said Nathalie Tanious, President & CEO of H.I.S.Red Label Vacations. “This initiative was essential to meet the growing demand and increasing volume we are experiencing. The new contact centre solution optimizes our operational efficiency and greatly elevates the experience we offer. The project required immense effort, and our team executed this transformation flawlessly.”
THIS INITIATIVE WAS ESSENTIAL TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND AND INCREASING VOLUME WE ARE EXPERIENCING
that will service thousands of travel advisors across Canada. By leveraging Local Measure Engage for Amazon Connect, TravelBrands will provide seamless inbound/ outbound voice communication and CRM integration across the entire call centre.
Local Measure Engage is a pre-built contact centre platform that uses the power of AWS and Generative AI to provide customers with highly personalized experiences. According to Tanious, by integrating cuttingedge technology with customer relationship management tools, TravelBrands aims to enhance the overall experience for advisors while improving productivity.
Set on a stunning beach between Cancun and Riviera Maya, the wellness-inspired, EarthCheckcertified Haven Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa invites adults 18 and over to indulge in all-suite, allinclusive luxury.
Serenity Club guests benefit from a private section with stunning views, exclusive check-in lounge, exceptional concierge service throughout your stay, an exotic international à la carte restaurant, complimentary green fees and more benefits.
PALMA DE MALLORCA Iberostar is heading to Aruba, with its first hotel on the island expected to start welcoming guests in late 2024.
Nestled on Eagle Beach just 15 minutes from Queen Beatrix International Airport and 10 minutes from downtown Oranjestad, the five-star JOIA Aruba by Iberostar will open with 240 suites, some with swim-up features and Jacuzzis on the terrace. Other amenities include a 10,000-plus-square foot convention centre, a spa, casino and a fullyequipped gym. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy 18 holes at Iberostar’s Tierra del Sol championship golf course.
The resort will also offer three main dining options, including a buffetstyle restaurant and two themed restaurants specializing in Caribbean cuisine and open-fire cooking.
A terrace bar will also be available to guests, a perfect spot to watch Aruba’s famed sunsets.
Also notable, the hotel will open its doors as 100% electric; it was developed using passive design principals to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. It will also implement lowerimpact operations and progressive waste management techniques to minimize emissions.
“We are delighted to introduce Iberostar’s inaugural resort in Aruba, a stunning destination that shares our passion for quality and commitment to a model of responsible tourism,” said Phil McAveety, CEO, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts. “JOIA Aruba by Iberostar is a testament to our promise of providing guests with exceptional experiences. We are very pleased to expand Iberostar’s presence in the Americas, aiming to contribute positively within the local community with a shared sense of prosperity and commitment to sustainability.”
TORONTO Clients will have more Globus Independent tours to choose from in Asia in 2025.
The company is unveiling nine new Independent tours, from Bangkok to Bali and Abu Dhabi to Nepal.
“With Globus Independent tours, our guests are free to enjoy the many benefits of touring, untethered and unscheduled,” said Steve Born, Chief Marketing Officer for the Globus family of brands. “Providing handpicked hotel accommodations, handselected optional excursions and the services of a Local Host – an expert dedicated to ensuring the trip goes off without a hitch – this unique travel style helps guests to uncover the perfect ways to spend their days on vacation. Globus Independent tours invite travellers to simply travel better – with ease – as they explore destinations across the globe.”
With its largest series of exotic destinations to date, Globus invites independent travellers to discover Asia with an ‘Independent City Stay’ or ‘Independent Tour’ in 2025.
Says Born: “Broken out into ‘Independent City Stays’ featuring some of Asia’s most spectacular cities and ‘Independent Tours’ offering travellers a larger swath of featured destinations and countries –no other international tour operator has the depth and breadth of travel styles Globus offers guests – including independently minded travellers.”
WE’RE PLEASED TO EXPAND IBEROSTAR’S PRESENCE IN THE AMERICAS
TORONTO The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) recently held a joint luxury seminar called ‘Uncovering Elegance in Korea and Japan’, to share some information on the luxury offerings available to travellers in these two nations.
Reps from Air Canada were also on hand at the event, at Toronto’s Gardiner Museum. The airline partners with the KTO and JNTO since it offers the most flights to and from both countries.
“Korea and Japan are close neighbours, which makes them perfect for dual destination trips,” explained Hillary Nguyen, Marketing Manager for KTO.
A sample itinerary gave travellers (and travel agents) an idea of what they could see and do in both countries.
The South Korea portion, focusing on history and culture, included three days and nights in Seoul, one in Gyeongju and then two in Busan, South Korea’s second largest city.
Highlights of the Seoul segment are Bukchon Hanok Village, National Museum of Korea, Cheongdam Street, Jenny House, Han River Cruise, DMZ Tour and National Theatre of Korea.
In Gyeongju, the attractions on the itinerary are Yangdong Village, Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa
The flight from Busan to Tokyo takes two hours. Two days and nights are suggested in Tokyo with attractions such as Ginza Noh Theater, Nezu Museum, Tokyo Skytree and a guided tour of the Imperial Palace.
The next two days and nights are spent in Kyoto with a Zen Buddhist meditation session and dinner with Geisha performance. Clients take the Nozomi Express for over 500 kilometres and 131 minutes to reach Kyoto.
On the fifth day, a 2.5 hour flight takes travellers from Osaka to Ishigaki. The following day, a onehour flight is taken from Ishigaki to Okinawa for the final night of the sample itinerary.
Many luxury accommodations are available in both countries, ranging from international chains to uniquely national brands. As of March 2024, Japan has 46 hotels that are either five-star in the Michelin Guide or four/five-star in Forbes Travel Guide.
KOREA AND JAPAN ARE CLOSE NEIGHBOURS, WHICH MAKES THEM PERFECT FOR DUAL DESTINATION
Temple. Some of the Busan activities are Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Air Cruise, the Sky Observatory and Spaland.
The Japan portion of the sample itinerary features three stops with three distinct themes for each: Modern Tokyo, Traditional Kyoto and Relaxing Okinawa.
In addition to daily flights to Japan and South Korea, Air Canada has expanded its service from June to October with seasonal flights between Toronto-Osaka (starting June 17) and Montreal-Seoul (starting June 18).
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MISSISSAUGA Collette has launched its 2024-2025 African safari brochure.
The company is seeing tremendous growth in African safari bookings from its travel advisor partners in that area.
The new brochure aims to inspire travellers and offer support to advisors, says Collette’s CEO, Jaclyn Leibl-Cote.
“We have seen some incredible growth from our advisor partners for our tours to Southern and Eastern Africa,” notes Leibl-Cote. “We not only want to support this growth, we want to launch it to a new level. We’ve been designing inclusive safari tours for three decades, allowing travellers to get closer to the wildlife, to nature, to culture, and to picturesque landscapes that they’ve only dreamed about exploring. This brochure is a great tool for advisors to share with prospective travellers interested in experiencing an African safari or an unforgettable adventure.”
The Collette Connection on-demand print service launched earlier this year allows advisors to order the safari brochure with an attached personalized letter to their clients.
“The Collette Connection program has gotten off to an incredible start with our Explorations brochure,” said Christian Leibl-Cote, Collette’s
Executive VP Global Sales. “So far, it has given advisors an opportunity to grow their business in a personalized way and we’re confident that we will see similar engagement and success with this safari brochure.”
All African safari tours have a maximum of 18 travellers, falling under Collette’s small group Explorations travel style. Tailored specifically for a more intimate
Goway GroupsOnly has hired Elana Gindel as Group Sales & Reservations Manager. Gindel will lead Goway GroupsOnly’s Europe and South Pacific teams and help grow the market in these key destinations for Goway. She joins Goway from TTC Tour Brands where she was Groups Manager, Canada.
Now based in Toronto, and buoyed by a few years of living in London, Gindel has worked in group travel for 10 years.
Shirley Rourke, VP Goway GroupsOnly, says: “With her vast experience in group travel and the hospitality industry, and her ability to connect and build relationships, Elana is an excellent addition to the Goway family. We’re thrilled to have Elana join our team as her experience and energy are a great fit. She fuels our ever-evolving passion and enthusiasm for tailor-made group travel.”
Goway GroupsOnly now has more than 40 team members, adds Rourke. Travel advisors looking for tailor-made group vacations to over 115 countries on all seven continents are asked to get in touch with Goway GroupsOnly.
size group they allow for more immersive experiences.
On safaris this results in travellers enjoying creative comforts in lodges, tented camps, and safari boats in close proximity to parks and game reserves.
On ‘Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land and Water’, travellers embark on seven game drives and three game cruises with an opportunity to see a wider range of wildlife. Other highlights include a visit to Victoria Falls for a homehosted lunch, a journey through Chobe and Hwange National Parks, and a farewell dinner on the banks of the Zambezi River. Seats on this tour are still available as early as Aug. 1, 2024, for prices starting at Cdn$9,449 per person.
And coming in 2025, ‘Namibia and South Africa: Epic Landscapes and Wildlife’ explores Etosha and Kruger National Parks. The 16-day itinerary also features game drives in each country, a journey through the Namib Desert, which is home to the world’s largest sand dunes, a drive along the Skeleton Coast, an area where shipwrecks are plentiful, and a home-hosted dinner with a Capetonian family.
MONTREAL Air Canada Vacations is offering greater flexibility after bookings have been made, with new updates to its self-service travel tools.
Travel advisors can now add Air Canada Vacations’ Travel Protection CareFree and CareFlex up to 48 hours after the booking date. Private transfers can also be included postbooking. Las Vegas excursions and activities, Club Mobay Lounge at Sangsters International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica, a round of golf at The Westing Reserve Conchal in Liberia, Costa Rica, and even meal plans (when/if available) are just some of the exciting additions that can be added after the initial booking.
To help agents save time, Air Canada Vacations has also enhanced its self-serve tools for cruise bookings made online, GDS and its call centre. These enhancements include the ability to view and print bookings and e-documents, add payments, including Future Travel Credits, on reservations with options or a final payment, seat selections, and Aeroplan number.
“These enhancements underscore our unwavering commitment to innovation and responsiveness
‘Team Canada’ joined more than 130 other golfers at the sixth annual Kissimmee Golf Classic in Florida. Hitting the links for charity were (left to right) Elvi Cal with Travel Brands, Travelweek’s Annie Cicvaric, Air Canada’s Audrey Tanguay Beaudette and Denise Graham, Account Director, Experience Kissimmee-Canada.
to the needs of our valued travel partners,” said Nino Montagnese, Vice President at Air Canada Vacations.
“Through the continuous refinement of our self-service tools, Air Canada Vacations aims to enhance the booking experience for both travel agents and customers alike, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel planning process.”
The additional tools are accessible through Air Canada Vacations’ website and all external distribution channels, including Sirev, Galileo Vacations, and Sabre Vacations through TripBook. Plus, customers now have the ability to access their reservations directly online and modify certain elements of their booking via the Manage Your Booking page on aircanadavacations.com.
Travel advisors earn up to 20% commission on CareFlex and CareFree plans. Starting at $79 (Canada and U.S.) and $99 (Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Europe) per person, the CareFlex travel protection plan allows travellers to transfer their package, change their departure, or cancel with an in-house credit up to three days prior to departure. Starting at $79, the CareFree travel protection plan includes free seat selection and a Price Drop Guarantee.
In today’s ever-changing travel landscape, education isn’t just a tool—it’s the cornerstone of exceptional service and continuous business growth. At Globus family of brands, we recognize that for Advisors to excel, staying informed is essential.
Learn all you need to know about selling Florida, from our wonderful beaches to everything in between!
By becoming a certified Florida Travel Pro, you’ll be able to provide clients with informed recommendations, create tailored travel experiences, and ultimately boost your sales by showcasing the best of what Florida has to offer.
Our Celebrity learning link is only accessible through each of the agents own personal Cruising Power accounts, so we cannot link directly to the modules, however what we can do is link to this page which allows them to access our learning program when they login through cruising power, but also get familiar with other helpful resources such a webinars and marketing materials.
No visit to New York City is complete without seeing a Broadway show. Experience the hottest shows on Broadway, OffBroadway, at the Metropolitan Opera and NYC Ballet—PLUS, NY Yankees tickets!
Whether you need a pair of tickets or want to book a larger group, Broadway Inbound and the Broadway Collection collaborate with Canadian partners providing easy access to all the top shows.
Slowing down for
A great time to switch to
TORONTO Sunwing Vacations has booking perks, complimentary upgrades and vacation giveaways with Melia Hotels & Resorts.
The hotel company is Sunwing Vacations’ June Partner of the Month, “and the best option for travel advisors looking to give their clients the most value on their getaways to paradise,” says the tour operator.
When advisors book their clients an all inclusive vacation package at Meliá properties in Mexico and the D.R. by June 30, 2024 for travel by April 30,
2025, they will receive 3X, 4X or 5X STAR Points on every booking. STAR Points awarded varies by property.
Plus, bookings made at Meliá properties in Mexico, the D.R. and Cuba booked through Sunwing during this time will automatically enter advisors for the chance to win one of five, seven-night hotel stays at Melia Puerto Vallarta, Paradisus Grand Cana All Suites, Paradisus Cancun, Melia Las Antillas or Melia Jardines del Rey.
As a client incentive, those who secure a vacation package at a Meliá resort for this booking and travel window can take advantage of reduced rates, no single supplement
fees, discounted child prices and free upgrades. Perks vary by property.
Clients will also be entered for their own chance to win one of two, sevennight all inclusive vacation packages for two at either Melia Las Dunas in Cayo Santa Maria, or Sol Rio de Luna y Mares Resort in Holguin.
Non-purchasing customers are also eligible to win but are limited to one entry during the contest period and must submit the form available on Sunwing.ca.
