The rise of ICs and how they’re changing the travel landscape
BY CINDY SOSROUTOMO
TORONTO Independent Contractors (ICs) are not new to the travel industry. They’ve been around for decades, in fact. But in recent years, Canada has seen a significant rise in ICs, a phenomenon that experts say are changing the travel industry landscape.
Also known as Independent Travel Advisors/Agents (ITAs), ICs are self-employed travel advisors who work with a host agency on a contractual basis as a facilitator of various services, including marketing, supplier agreements, technology and ticketing. They’re often mistaken for home-based agents, employee advisors who work in their place of residence. While ITAs are typically home-based, they are considered self-employed.
In 2019, approximately 4,600 individuals identified themselves as ICs to the Government of/Revenue Canada; this number increased to 5,400 in 2023. But the total number of ICs in Canada is likely much higher, says Wendy Paradis, president of ACTA, which refers to ICs as ITAs. Unlike travel agency employees where government reporting is mandatory, there is no mandatory government reporting of ICs. So, using a mix of Statistics Canada data and data provided directly by members, ACTA can only quantify a ‘baseline’ number for them.
“The actual count of ITAs will be much higher than the approximate 5,400 identified in 2023 because
many of them are reporting and identifying to the CRA as ITAs only if their income is $30,000 or greater, they voluntarily register for a sales tax account and/or are incorporated,” Paradis tells Travelweek. “But we do know that the number of ITAs has been increasing at a fast pace, especially over the past several years.”
Paradis attributes the growth of ICs to many potential reasons, including the appeal of being self-employed, a lower-barrier route of entry into the travel industry, and an increase in part-time workers in travel.
Christine James, Vice President of TL Network Canada, is also seeing a growing number of ICs; in fact, she says it’s probably growing more than any other segment in the travel industry. Why? The pandemic had a lot to do with it, for one thing.
“Ever since coming out of the pandemic, some of our agencies that didn’t play in the IC field starting hiring Independent Contractors, and then the ones that were already established within the host model starting hiring more. And I think the reason is because of the pandemic, many people lost their jobs and were looking for a new career, or perhaps over the course of the pandemic they started looking for a second career. So, they may be back in their jobs they were doing before the pandemic but they’re now looking for something else to do,” says James.
BECOMING AN IC
The road to becoming an IC is relatively the same as an employed travel advisor. In the regulated provinces of British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, there is a more structured process to becoming a travel advisor, employee and an IC than the rest of Canada, which includes potential exams. But regardless of where they are in Canada, an IC will need to identify and contract with a host agency. New entrants to the industry are also encouraged to take introductory training courses, whether it’s ACTA’s Travel Agent Essentials program or a program through a host agency or at an accredited college.
A travel agency interested in working with ICs should market to them, says James. Many agencies use social media to recruit them, or rely on word of mouth, or use their existing employee base for referrals. ACTA also provides all new entrants to the industry who have completed ACTA’s Travel Agent Essentials course with a list of ACTA travel agencies and host agencies currently looking for advisor employees or ICs.
PROS & CONS
From the advisor’s perspective, there are many benefits to being an IC. As a self-employed worker, says Paradis, “an independent travel advisor enjoys complete flexibility in their schedules and the ability to sell whatever products they want, plus they are operating their own business, which allows for potentially unlimited
income.” But the very thing that makes being an IC so appealing – selfemployment – can also be considered a major drawback as they typically do not receive benefits from Employment Insurance or a guaranteed income. Plus, they’re often burdened with their own accounting and other legal requirements, as with any other business.
From a host agency’s point of view, working with ICs means providing them with valuable services like marketing and technology solutions, in exchange for an additional potential revenue stream by way of commission splits and potential fees. But seeing how ICs are not actual employees, possible drawbacks for a host agency can include not being able to direct them and control their schedules, says Paradis.
But if you were to ask James, there are only advantages to working with an IC.
“For the host model, they’re obviously not paying for benefits, which is a huge investment. But also, for an agency that decides to expand into the IC market, it’s nice for traditional full-time employees who have decided they’re at a point in their career where they don’t want to have to come into the office every day, and they want the flexibility of taking a step back. They may still have a really good client base and still want to service, so that’s an advantage,” says James.
TRAINING & SUPPORT
When asked whether ICs are at a disadvantage in terms of training and education compared to employee advisors, James says it all depends on the host agency.
“Host agencies with traditional IC models have a built-in training module, an entire infrastructure for training, and some will even assign mentors. Travel Leaders Network, for example, has a training library with thousands of recorded videos and live training,” she says.
Beyond training, James adds that networking and peer support are just as important, which is why Travel Leaders Network is dedicated to providing likeminded agencies of a particular model with a place to come together.
“We’ve formed what we call alliances, a network within a network,” says James. “One of our alliances is the Host alliance for agency owners, who must have at least 40 ICs to join. We’ll have a one-day session just prior to our annual EDGE Conference for them to network and learn best practices from one another, like writing up contracts for ICs, and talk about the pitfalls, benefits and more.”
THE EVOLUTION
So how is this growing number of ICs changing the travel industry?
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“It’s making it less centralized,” says Paradis. “Since they are their own businesses, there is now an explosion of one-person travel businesses in Canada.”
Paradis also notes that going the IC route provides new entrants into the industry with an easier entrypoint, and also opens doors for more casual work.
If there are concerns of employee advisors becoming obsolete as a result of ICs, James says that there will always be a place for both.
“There will be more and more host models, it’s exponentially growing. But there will always be a need for traditional brick and mortar agencies, which a lot of our cruise holiday agencies are. A lot of them are family-owned and still have that strong community connection. They want that visible access, a physical office, where clients can come in and have a personal consultation.
“Will there be less of them? It’s no secret that a lot of brick and mortars shut down during the pandemic, but the ones that did survive are still here and are going strong. I don’t think they will become obsolete, even with all these ICs coming up. The host model will continue to grow but not at the expense of these traditional agencies.”
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“Our secret sauce is not just one thing”:
TL Network Canada’s Christine James talks agent resources and company growth
CINDY SOSROUTOMO
BRAMPTON, ON — Walk a mile in Christine James’ shoes and you’ll learn very quickly how to be a better travel advisor.
The fact that you’re doing it in gorgeous high heels is just an added bonus.
James, Vice President of TL Network Canada (and known for her enviable shoe collection), is a former travel advisor herself, starting out over 40 years ago at Eaton’s Travel. With her retail background, she knows all too well what an advisor needs in order to survive and thrive as long as she has in this industry, which is why she constantly encourages TL member advisors to take advantage of the company’s vast portfolio of resources.
She hammered home this message on Oct. 17 at the Toronto stop of Travel Leaders Network’s 2024 Canada Fall Regionals. According to James, this year’s Regionals are the company’s most successful in terms of turnout, both among suppliers and members. Across three events in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto, there were 160 suppliers, up from last year’s best-ever turnout of 150, and 575 registered members, up from last year’s 413. In Toronto alone, there were 72 suppliers and 260 registered members, up from last year’s 190.
These numbers, added James, are in line with Travel Leaders’ significant growth this past year. The company
welcomed 31 new members, bringing its total membership year to date to approximately 600; by the end of 2024, James anticipates this to grow to 625. In addition, the average sale has spiked to $10,000 per booking, up from $6,000 pre-Covid, an indication of luxury travel’s continued post-pandemic boom.
“I’m still seeing growth over 2023, which is amazing because 2023 was our best year ever. For all numbers historically, we’re still above in 2024,” said James.
Cruising is leading the charge, she added, making up 38% of TL Network Canada’s total business. “That’s just phenomenal for Canada because we don’t have any port cities in the U.S. so you don’t have any drive-cruise business. It just keeps growing and growing, especially river cruising. They can’t build enough ships and
they can’t find enough rivers to sail,” added James.
To support all this growth, Travel Leaders offers a suite of tools and resources for travel advisors, which James says gives the company a significant edge over its competitors. These include a cruise booking engine; the company’s popular lead generation tool, Agent Profiler; the Super Agent program, which designates advisors as ‘Super Agents’ after incorporating certain elements into their Agent Profile including five referrals; and SNAP (Simple Navigation Advisor Platform), which is currently available for car and hotel bookings, with air launching in Canada in Q1 2025.
“Our secret sauce is not just one thing. Depending on the member or prospective member, we’re going to find something in our toolkit that’s going to be better than anybody
Goway’s Bruce Hodge and Craig Canvin with Qantas’ David Thomas
else can offer them,” said James. “And because we’re so big and doing so many things so well, it’s really hard for a competitor that doesn’t have the depth and breadth of our organization and our parent company, Internova, to match our offerings.”
AGENT PROFILER
Launched a few years ago as a lead generation tool for members, Agent Profiler allows consumers to find the ideal travel advisor for their needs by selecting a full range of travel specialties, destinations and other search options. Advisors create one or more profiles about themselves, which then rank high in Google searches; the close rate for advisors with Google searches is 25%.
Year to date, TL Network Canada has delivered 9,900 leads to its members in Canada who are on Agent Profiler. The total commissions to date that Agent Profile members have earned in Canada is $2.3 million – and that’s just for those who’ve reported their commissions, which is not mandatory.
Even better, Agent Profiler is completely free for members and incredibly easy to use. Not only are they given a template to create their profile, they have access to ‘Toby AI,’ Travel Leaders Network’s AI solution, as well as staff writers who can help write and generate content.
“One of our advisors said that she published her profile and 10 days later, she got a lead for a group of 90 people to Costa Rica. Because she is originally from Costa Rica, she designated herself as Costa Rican, which is how the group found her,” said James. “I don’t know anybody else that’s providing that kind of lead opportunity to grow your business.”
IT’S A SNAP
First launched in the United States in April 2024, SNAP (Simple Navigation Advisor Platform), Travel Leaders Network’s new easy-to-use booking tool, is powered by Sabre and gives non-GDS users the ability to quickly and efficiently book their clients’ travel while at the same time earn greater opportunities. No specialized knowledge on how to use it is required, making it an ideal option for new-to-industry advisors and ICs (independent consultants) who lack formal training. With just a few clicks, advisors can book air, car and hotel for their clients.
The tool then launched in Canada in July 2, 2024 for hotel and car rental bookings only. According to James, the air component will launch in Q1 in 2025, making it even easier for TL members to grow their business and book flights for the clients, something that many advisors are reluctant to do nowadays out of fear of debit memos, low or zero commissions, and the headache of dealing with flight changes and cancellations.
“With SNAP, we’re minimizing that fear of air because it’s so userfriendly. Advisors go in, search, enter their outbound/return dates and it gives them all available fares and tells them which ones are commissionable, which ones are net. And then they have the ability at the end of the transaction to add a service fee,” said James.
“Beyond that, after they issue the ticket, we do the quality control in the background so there’s no risk of a debit memo for them. And then, even more, if mid-trip there’s a flight cancellation or what not, we also have 24-hour service to support clients. This means a client can call in at any time using our 24-hour service, completely bypassing the need to call the airline, and the advisor can then retrieve that booking and service that client.”
Travel Leaders Network’s 2024 Canada Fall Regionals, Toronto, at Pearson Convention Centre
Christine James at Travel Leaders Network’s 2024 Fall Regionals in Toronto
DESTINATIONS
Dominica’s new online immigration forms for embarkation and disembarkation are part of a new streamlined process that took effect on Oct. 18, 2024. Travellers can access the online form by visiting https:// edcard.dominica.gov.dm/. Visitors can complete and submit their details on the online ED card form at any time prior to travel. After submission, travellers will receive confirmation and a QR code, which they should save on a mobile device or print out. Upon arrival, they should present their confirmation, QR code and passport to Immigration and Customs authorities.
Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park, Universal Epic Universe, will open on May 22, 2025. Five themed worlds will offer more than 50 experiences ranging from attractions and entertainment to dining and shopping. Anchoring the park is the 500-room Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel property, with its own dedicated entrance into Epic Universe for hotel guests. Sales for select multi-day tickets and vacation packages inclusive of Universal Epic Universe are now open, as well as reservations for Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel.
CRUISING
Quark Expeditions has launched its Arctic 26 season: Ice, Fire and The Eclipse. The polar adventure specialist, marking 35 years of exploration in the Arctic, says its 2026 lineup includes a variety of options for exploration in Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, and the Canadian Arctic, all aboard Quark’s vessels Ultramarine and Ocean Explorer. Among them are two exclusive new voyages: Iceland Circumnavigation: Helicopters, Glaciers and Volcanoes and Iceland to Greenland: A Total Solar Eclipse. More details can be found at QuarkExpeditions.com.
HOTELS & RESORTS
The Ritz-Carlton brand is headed back to Cancun, this time as a 131key luxury hotel. Slated to open in 2027, The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, Punta Nizuc will be part of a property complex that will also include 126 branded residences. Located just 10 minutes from the airport, the property will feature an oceanfront pool complex, a destination spa, six gourmet restaurants and exclusive residential amenities, all serviced by The Ritz-Carlton. The Ritz-Carlton brand first arrived in Cancun in 1993 with The Ritz-Carlton Cancun. It was then rebranded in 2022 as the Kempinski Hotel Cancun.
The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, Punta Nizuc
Universal Epic Universe Aerial views with Quark
Photo credit: Michelle Sole
“Jamaica is having a moment”: Sandals’ ‘Jamaica Love’ FAM makes history
BY WAHEEDA HARRIS
MONTEGO BAY With the speed of Usain Bolt, Jamaica has become a runaway leader in the Caribbean tourism market.
Recent successes - like surpassing three million visitors year to date in 2024, and the continued expansion of Sandals Resorts International –were celebrated during the inaugural Sandals Jamaica Love showcase.
Kicking off with lively Jamaican music and dance, 1,000+ attendees including travel industry professionals, government officials like Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, plus travel advisors from Canada, the U.S. and Latin America, gathered at the Montego Bay Conference Centre for the day-long session.
The island-wide travel advisor FAM and Sandals & Beaches Resorts Showcase event took place from Oct. 13-20. It was the single largest
privately-run fam trip ever in the history of Jamaica.
Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and recently appointed Jamaica’s Ambassador/Special Investment Envoy for Tourism, happily offered a shout-out to the significance of his homeland.
“Jamaica is having a moment,” said Stewart. “The Jamaica brand has never been bigger – it’s a rock star of the Caribbean – and Sandals is a rock star too.”
Founded in Jamaica, Sandals Resorts International launched in 1981 with 99 rooms at Sandals Montego Bay, where all you needed to bring was love. As Unique Vacations’ EVP Gary Sadler explained, “everything else was included.”
This island resort company is embracing its 2.0 status, with innovation and regeneration the buzzwords for future growth.
Sadler instructed the crowd to chant their new mantra, “You come. You See. You Sell”, a sales pitch to help advisors keep channeling their devotion to selling the Sandals and Beaches Resorts.
Options such as butler service, and Swim-Up Suites, Rondoval Suites, SkyPool Suites and Overwater Bungalows, are among the many tempting options for clients to consider for their next holiday.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025
Tony Cortizas, Chief Marketing Officer of Unique Vacations Inc., revealed a peek into 2025.
Cortizas showed off newly-designed Sandals and Beaches brochures as well as the upcoming marketing campaign which will include online video, outdoor billboard, print, digital, email, television and materials created specifically for travel advisors’ use.
The new tagline is “Born in Jamaica, Made in the Caribbean.”
Prime Minister Holness spoke about the strength of Brand Jamaica and how he’s focused on showing the world a contemporary view of his island, highlighting Jamaica’s safety, security and sustainability … “and I always want it to be sexy.”
Jamaica has the numbers to boost its strong stance in the global economy.
With 4.2% unemployment, the lowest in recent years, Jamaica has cut its national debt in half and boosted the connection of tourism to the rest of the Jamaican economy.
Prime Minister Holness also spoke of additional infrastructure to make it easier to go from hotel or ship to the far corners of Jamaica, including the forthcoming expansion of the Negril Aerodome, after the success of Ian Fleming International Airport in Saint Mary parish near Ocho Rios.
Unique Vacations Inc. EVP Gary Sadler; Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts; Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett; ACV Vice President Nino Montagnese
AGENTS DONATE US$81K TO SANDALS FOUNDATION
ACV Vice President Nino Montagnese praised the strong bond between Air Canada, ACV and Sandals Resort, a friendship forged over 40 years.
“We’re the only airline and tour operator who flies to every destination where there is a Sandals and Beaches Resort,” said Montagnese.
During panel discussions, Sandals team members shared expansion and updated plans and ongoing successes, such as their commitment to staff education, developing community programs, expanding the Sandals Foundation and improving company sustainability. The company’s move into regeneration underlines some incredible initiatives, such as 80% of the 93 million kilograms of fresh produce for the company sourced on Jamaica for its on-island resorts.
Travel advisors also had a surprise – a donation to the Sandals Foundation totalling US$81,000.
Additional presentations included the wedding program Aisle to Isle, and the evolution of food and beverage at Sandals, from the trio of international cuisine (French, Italian, Japanese) to specialty dining options like Butch’s Island Chop House, named for Sandals founder Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.
Other dining favourites include Jerk Shack (a fast-casual option for Jamaican cuisine), Buccan (familystyle dining launched at Sandals Saint Vincent) or Dunn’s Rum Club, with 30 selected Caribbean rums, first opened at Sandals Dunn’s River.
“IT CAN’T HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU”
But don’t assume this spotlight on Jamaica and Sandals was only a series of talking heads. Jamaica Love also showcased the island’s passion for music and dance.
Inspired speakers were followed by entertainment from the Sandals Resorts team and beloved performers like Mr. Big Deal aka Christopher Martin, who performed his hit I’m a Big Deal, and Dancehall DJ Agent Sasco (Jeffrey Campbell) who ended the conference with a rousing medley of favourite songs.
Sadler had a heartfelt reminder for travel advisors: “The power and growth of the travel industry doesn’t happen without you.”
The event’s celebratory mood got even more of a boost with trip giveaways and gift baskets, all dispensed with rollicking fanfare.
Sandals Resorts International and its partners acknowledged a prosperous year for the Jamaican tourism industry and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett emphasized the collective goal for 2025: to welcome five million visitors.
WE’RE THE ONLY AIRLINE AND TOUR OPERATOR WHO FLIES TO EVERY DESTINATION WHERE THERE IS A SANDALS AND BEACHES RESORT.
Egypt’s requirement for pre-entry visas for Canadian travellers
waived as of Dec. 1
TORONTO The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the requirement for pre-entry visas currently applied to Canadian citizens travelling to Egypt will be waived as of Dec. 1, 2024.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates announces that the Arab Republic of Egypt has decided to waive the requirement of pre-entry visas currently applied to Canadian citizens traveling to Egypt, while allowing for obtaining a visa upon arrival at Egyptian ports of entry,” says the Ministry in a Facebook update. “This is in addition to reactivating the option of applying for and obtaining an electronic visa (E-VISA). These procedures are scheduled to take effect as of December 1, 2024 for all Canadian citizens arriving in Egyptian territories starting from that date.”
News of the return of the e-visas first broke last month when Egypt’s foreign minister Badr Abdelatty told Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly that Canadians would soon be able to use the streamlined process again.
The moves come just about a year after Egypt suspended Canadians’ ability to get a visa online or upon arriving in Egypt, which cost roughly $35 for a single person.
Since then Canadians have been paying $150 and mailing in an application form, passport and itinerary to get a visa. The frustrating process, part of a diplomatic rift that saw travellers caught in the middle, raised the ire of the Canadian travel industry.
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Celebrity debuts 2026-2027 lineup with 600+ sailings
Celebrity Cruises has unveiled its 2026-2027 global deployment, offering 600+ sailings to more than 280 destinations in over 70 countries across all seven continents.
Highlights include the debut of Celebrity Xcel and the line’s first-ever 110-night Grand Voyage.
Bookings for Northern Europe, Alaska and other key destinations are now available, with additional itineraries coming soon.
Celebrity Xcel, the fifth ship in the cruise line’s Edge Series, will sail its inaugural season in Europe, featuring Celebrity’s first overnights in Madeira, Portugal. Celebrity Xcel will also return to the Caribbean in winter 2026-27, with sailings from Miami.
Meanwhile, Celebrity Silhouette will host Celebrity’s largest-ever season in Iceland, featuring seven-night sailings from Reykjavik and a chance to view the 2026 Solar Eclipse at sea.
For the first time, Celebrity is offering a Grand Voyage, a 110-night sailing aboard the newly refurbished Celebrity Solstice. The itinerary visits 55 destinations across 15 countries, from Canada to Hong Kong, without repeating a single port.
Celebrity is expanding its European offerings with a fleet of eight ships, including three from the Edge Series: Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Ascent, and Celebrity Apex. These ships will visit more than 100 European destinations, with 59 overnight stays for immersive cultural experiences.
In the Caribbean, nine Celebrity ships will sail to 18 countries. Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent will offer year-round Caribbean getaways, while the Celebrity Reflection will continue to offer weekend escapes from Fort Lauderdale to destinations like the Bahamas and Key West.
Returning to South America in 2026-27, Celebrity will offer sailings aboard Celebrity Equinox. Travellers can also discover Asia’s diverse history and modern cities with new itineraries aboard Celebrity Millennium.
Celebrity is also offering three ships in Alaska, including Celebrity Edge.
For more details check out Celebrity.com.
WestJet’s direct flights connecting
YYZ and Grenada start Dec. 15
TORONTO The Grenada Tourism Authority has an update about WestJet’s upcoming winter season service to the Caribbean island.
WestJet’s flights are now scheduled to start Dec. 15. Earlier announcements put the start date in early November.
The direct flight will operate weekly from Toronto, through April 27, 2025.
WestJet’s expansion into Grenada marks a significant step in the GTA’s efforts to increase accessibility for first-time visitors and diaspora alike, and showcases Grenada’s commitment to promoting tourism and fostering connections with international travellers, said Petra Roach, CEO, Grenada Tourism Authority.
“We are thrilled about WestJet’s new direct flight from Toronto to Grenada,” said Roach. “This new route expands accessibility to our beautiful island, inviting Canadians to experience our vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality. We look forward to welcoming WestJet passengers and providing them with an unforgettable Grenadian experience.”
WestJet’s VP Commercial Development and Strategic Partnerships, Jeff Hagen, added: “WestJet is proud to be the newest gateway between Toronto and Grenada, unlocking new opportunities for Canadians to explore the island’s iconic waterfalls and beaches.
We look forward to sun-seekers connecting through Toronto from across the country to immerse themselves in Grenadian culture with the convenience and comfort of WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations.”
Uber eyes bid for Expedia: reports
SAN FRANCISCO Uber is eyeing a bid for Expedia, according to reports.
Consumer news sites including the Financial Times, CNBC and Bloomberg say Uber – the US$172 billion company that started with ride-hailing in 2009 and then expanded to food delivery, courier services and more – has not officially confirmed the reports.
Talks are said to be in preliminary stages.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi was CEO of Expedia from 2005 to 2017 and is also a non-executive member of Expedia’s board of directors.
TTC Tour Brands to launch 13 fams for 500 travel advisors
CYPRESS TTC Tour Brands is inviting travel advisors to experience its award-winning brands firsthand with the launch of ‘Tour Week.’
Starting March 2025, over 500 travel advisors will embark on 13 unique itineraries worldwide to experience for themselves the company’s mantra of “Tours for any and everyone.”
Each fam trip will be tailored to one of TTC’s brands, including Trafalgar, Brendan Vacations, Contiki, Costsaver and Insight Vacations, featuring themes ranging from wellness to ancestry travel. Advisors will select the itinerary that best aligns with their business objectives.
Every fam experience is priced at US$1,099 land only, twin share and includes most meals, on-trip transportation and accommodations. Each tour will also include one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, a special celebration dinner and other unique experiences like workshops and general sessions to educate advisors about touring and selling TTC Tour Brands. Tours will be accompanied by members of TTC Tour Brands leadership, sales and marketing teams including Josh Hepp, VP of Accounts, and Ashley Woodring, VP of Sales.
“Advisors never need to go anywhere else for their clients’ tour desires; we truly have a tour for any and everyone. And what better way to showcase that than to offer a variety of FAM itineraries to choose from? Tour Week will offer a wide range of brands, experiences, & destinations, and even some special interest trips for new advisors those under 40,” said Melissa DaSilva,
interim CEO of TTC Tour Brands. “Tour Week” represents one of our most significant initiatives to date, designed to allow advisors to experience all the benefits of a tour first hand, and better understand the differences between the six amazing brands in our portfolio.”
Advisors will be able to choose from over 13 fam experiences that align with specific themes, such as:
• Join Trafalgar’s brand new Alaska Northern Lights itinerary to tick off a bucket list travel moment (March 14-20, 2025)
• Delve into the trend of solo travel within the context of a guided tour with premium tour company, Insight Vacations in Morocco (March 9-16, 2025)
• New-to-industry advisors seeking to connect with other new advisors can connect with each other in Germany with Trafalgar (March 14-21, 2025)
• Advisors under 40 who cater to the 18-35 demographic will have the opportunity to explore New Zealand with Contiki, the leading travel company for 18-35 year olds (March 10-17, 2025)
• As wellness travel continues dominate, Costsaver will invite advisors to relax and rejuvenate in Bali and explore a tailor-made wellness itinerary (March 8-14, 2025)
• Ancestry travel is another growing trend in Northern Ireland and Celtic travel experts Brendan Vacations will give advisors the chance to explore the concept of heritage travel (March 9-15, 2024)
To see all the fam itineraries and themes, and to secure a spot, go to https://agents.ttc.com/en-ca/ information/fams.
Emerald Astra joining Emerald Cruises fleet in 2026
VANCOUVER Emerald Cruises’ newest ship, Emerald Astra, will join the fleet in 2026.
The 180-passenger vessel will sail the Rhine, Moselle and Danube as the cruise line’s seventh Star-Ship on these rivers.
Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman of Scenic Group, says the ship’s updated design will focus on both style and functionality, offering toprated amenities from other Scenic ships such as the pool/cinema combination, multiple dining options, and a sun deck.
FLEETWIDE ENHANCEMENTS
Moroney has also announced upgrades across Emerald’s Europe river fleet, which includes vessels navigating the Rhine-MainDanube, Rhône in France, and the Douro in Portugal.
Key upgrades include:
• Horizon Bar & Lounge redesigns: Star-Ships on the Rhine-MainDanube route will receive new lounge furniture, while Emerald Radiance on the Douro and the Emerald Liberte on the Rhone will also see updates to align the new aesthetic across the fleet.
• Pool/cinema and dining space enhancements: Pool and cinema spaces, along with Reflections Restaurant and The Terrace, will be revamped with new furniture and updated layouts. Back-of-house areas will also receive upgrades.
• Missoni textiles and yacht-inspired art
• In-suite technology: Each guest cabin will feature iPads, providing an easy access, digital resource for guests
All upgrades will be completed for the 2025 season.
Emerald Astra’s Horizon Bar (rendering)
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ACV honours outstanding employees at GEM Awards
MONTREAL Air Canada Vacations honoured and celebrated its own at its annual GEM Awards, this year taking place at Hyatt Ziva/Zilara Cap Cana Resort in Punta Cana.
Held earlier this month and first introduced back in 2019, the peer-nominated awards program recognizes employee achievements and outstanding efforts. An acronym for ‘Going the extra mile,’ GEM is considered Air Canada Vacations’ highest honour, with awards handed out in three categories: Ruby Award for outstanding commitment to service excellence; Diamond Award for bringing corporate culture to life; and Emerald Award for leadership.
The celebrations took place over four sun-filled days during which award winners, who were joined by members of Air Canada Vacations’ senior leadership team, had the chance to relax on Juanillo beach, enjoy gala dinners and participate in fun activities like live shows and a traditional Dominican Carnaval.
“I am so grateful to be surrounded by such a talented and dedicated team of individuals,” said Nino Montagnese, Vice President, Air Canada Vacations.
“Our employees are a driving force behind our success. Their commitment to delivering excellence is truly inspiring and helps contribute to making us a leader in the leisure travel industry. Together, we continue to dream bigger!”
Carnival’s Learn & Earn training platform gets an upgrade
MIAMI Carnival has enhanced its Learn & Earn travel advisor training program.
Part of the cruise line’s popular Loyalty Rocks! program, Learn & Earn now includes new curriculum options, with access to more than 50 video-based courses on a variety of topics on Carnival offerings, such as ship overviews, industry trends and helpful tools like social media training.
“The travel industry, especially cruising, has experienced unprecedented growth in the past two years, and these updates to our training program will help travel advisors capitalize on the opportunity that growth presents,” said Meegan Broussard, Carnival’s Senior Director of Trade Marketing and Sales Communications. “We’ve enjoyed a great amount of success together with our travel advisor partners and our Learn & Earn courses are a great way of continuing to build toward more success for the future.”
Participation comes with benefits, such as double Loyalty Rocks! reward points for each course completed and a 50-point bonus at graduation.
Loyalty Rocks! Reward points can be redeemed for a variety of items including gift cards, Travel Agents Rock t-shirts and other merchandise.
Shane Dineen joins WestJet Vacations’ National Sales team
WestJet Vacations has welcomed Shane Dineen to its Leisure National Sales team as a new Business Development Manager. Dineen, who brings with him a wealth of experience as a former travel advisor, will focus on further building and strengthening relationships with trade partners, developing new business opportunities, and providing product training and sales support.
Based in Vancouver, he joins Calgary-based Irene Wong and Toronto-based Meghan Miller as part of WestJet Vacations’ coast-to-coast National Business Development Management team.
The new Learn & Earn coursework was created with extensive input from travel advisors who have graduated from the program, said Broussard.
More details can be found at GoCCL.com.
Shane Dineen PEOPLE
GEM Award Winners
Sunwing Vacations, Iberostar team up for client deals, agent perks
TORONTO Sunwing Vacations has special deals and perks with its Partner of the Month for October, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts.
Not only can clients save, but travel advisors can benefit too, earning 3X STAR Points that can be converted for cash on applicable bookings made by Nov. 2, 2024.
The family-owned and operated Iberostar Beachfront Resorts offers three collections, including familyfriendly Iberostar Waves, comfortforward Iberostar Selection and highend Joia by Iberostar.
On bookings made with Sunwing Vacations at select Iberostar Beachfront Resorts properties Oct. 3 - Nov. 2, 2024 for travel Nov. 1, 2024 - Oct. 31, 2025, advisors will also automatically be entered for the chance to win a seven-night hotel stay at Iberostar Selection Playa Mita in Mexico.
Clients will also be entered for the opportunity to win a seven-night allinclusive vacation for two at Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites in Jamaica. 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.
TRAVEL ADVISORS EARN 3X STAR POINTS THAT CAN BE CONVERTED FOR CASH ON APPLICABLE BOOKINGS.
Ten travel advisors experienced the FAM of a lifetime recently thanks to Exotik Journeys. The tour operator brought the group to Dubai and Abu Dhabi last month, with direct flights from Toronto. Exotik’s Quebec BDM Jennipher Santa Cruz and FIT and Planning Coordinator Mylène Melançon accompanied the agents on explorations of Old Dubai, visits to souks and Dubai Marina and a tour of Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Accommodation at luxurious five-star hotels included site inspections.
South packages now on sale with Transat
MONTREAL Transat has launched a limited-time sale on South packages ahead of the busy fall and winter seasons.
On now until Oct. 30, 2024, the sale includes reduced prices on South packages starting at $799 from Quebec, $899 from Ontario, and $999 from the Maritimes.
Sales apply to individual bookings of packages for select travel dates by April 30, 2025.
To make travel easier, Transat also offers Option Flex, which allows clients the freedom to change, cancel or transfer their trip.
For more details go to www.transat.com.
Viking welcomes newest ship for the Nile River
LOS ANGELES Viking has taken delivery of its newest ship for the Nile River, the Viking Sobek.
The 82-guest ship was officially welcomed into Viking’s growing fleet for the Nile during a delivery ceremony last week at Massara shipyard in Cairo. An identical sister ship to the Viking Osiris, the Viking Aton and the Viking Hathor, the Viking Sobek accommodates 82 guests in 41 staterooms and features several aspects already familiar to Viking guests, including a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace.
Other ships in the Egypt fleet include the Viking Ra and the MS Antares. Viking plans to welcome four additional ships in the next two years: the Viking Amun and the Viking Thoth in 2025, and the Viking Sekhmet and the Viking Ptah in 2026. This will bring the company’s fleet to 10 vessels in total on the Nile River.
The Viking Sobek will sail Viking’s popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, which begins with a three-night stay at a firstclass hotel in Cairo during which guests will visit such iconic sites as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Guests
will then fly to Luxor where they will visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding a Viking river ship for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River featuring visits to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings. They will also enjoy excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel and the High Dam in Aswan, plus visit a Nubian village and a traditional elementary school. The journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city.
For guests looking to extend their time in Egypt, Viking also offers preand post-extensions that provide privileged access to archives and exhibits. For example, those on the five-day British Collections of Ancient Egypt extension will begin their journey in London where they will meet their Viking Tour Director, an expert Egyptologist, and enjoy privileged access to two museums: the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum and the home and personal museum of architect Sir John Soane. Other highlights include visits to London’s Petrie Museum, the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, and Highclere Castle where guests will view the Earl of Carnarvon’s private collection of Egyptian artifacts.
For more information go to www.viking.com.
Scarazzati appointed Regional Sales Director, QC for Club Med
Club Med has named Nathan Scarazzati as Regional Sales Director for the Quebec market. Scarazzati has been with Club Med for six years, originally at the company’s HQ in Paris, and then in Montreal as Club Med’s Data Business Intelligence Manager. In that role he significantly contributed to the development and optimization of sales performance across various channels for the North America region.
THE VIKING SOBEK WILL SAIL THE 12-DAY PHARAOHS & PYRAMIDS ITINERARY.
Nathan Scarazzati PEOPLE
Viking Osiris on the Nile River. Photo Credit Viking
Ontario dates for Granite Travel Trade Expos are Nov. 4-7
TORONTO With its Western Canada shows wrapped up for the season, Granite Travel Trade Expos is now heading to Ontario for four events in early November.
Cities, dates and venues for the Ontario fall schedule are:
• Ottawa: Nov. 4, Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport
• Richmond Hill: Nov. 5, Bellvue Manor
• London: Nov. 6, Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre
• Hamilton: Nov. 7, Royal Botanical Gardens
Bradley Dean, Partner, Granite Productions in Oakville, said the Western Canada Expos were a smash. Events took place in Winnipeg (Oct. 7), Victoria (Oct. 9) and Surrey, (Oct.10).
The shows attracted more than 30 suppliers and 240+ travel advisors, said Dean.
“It was our first time coming to Winnipeg and of course, everyone’s always a little nervous when holding an event in a new market,” he said. “But this far exceeded our expectations and I’m thrilled that our first Fall Expos 2024 were such a success and so are our partners and the agents who attended.”
Every Expo focused on training and networking, with face-toface interaction with agents and products. In each city, a presentation series featured 15-minute segments by suppliers, followed by a trade show, dinner, and prize giveaways.
In addition to a grand prize of a seven-night stay at Bahia Principe Grande in Jamaica, each Expo gave away the following:
• 4-night stay at any Grand Oasis Brand Resort
• 4-night stay at Serenade Punta Cana
• 3-night stay at Princess Junior Suite
• 3-night stay at Occidental Cozumel
• 3-night stay at BlueBay Grand Esmeralda
• 2-night stay at Sensira Resort & Spa Riviera Maya
• 2-night stay at Royalton Riviera Cancun
• 2-night stay at Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya
Suppliers joining St. Kitts and Bahia Principe in 2024 include Oasis Hotels, WestJet Vacations, Majestic Resorts, Expedia TAAP, Catalonia Hotels and Resorts, Princess Hotels and Resorts, Blue Diamond Resorts, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, Princess Hotels & Resorts Jamaica and the Cuba Tourist Board.
Agent registration is now open for Ontario at www. granitetravelexpos.com/agents.
Register now for One Caribbean Canada’s virtual trade show
TORONTO Travel advisors are being asked to save the date for an upcoming virtual trade show designed to showcase the beauty of the Caribbean.
Taking place Oct. 30, the ‘One Caribbean Canada + USA Virtual Trade Show’ will allow travel advisors from both Canada and the United States to connect with representatives from various Caribbean destinations, hotels and boutique accommodations. There will be prizes, live presentations, interactive Q&A sessions and networking opportunities, during which advisors will gain valuable insights about the region’s latest offerings and promotions.
“We are excited to bring this Virtual Trade Show to travel advisors. This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen their understanding of Caribbean travel options and to strengthen relationships with our partners in the region,” said Nancy Drolet, founder of One Caribbean Canada.
The virtual trade show will take place Oct. 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. Registration for the event is now open and free for all travel advisors. To secure a spot, visit OCC Virtual Trade Show and complete the registration form by Oct. 28, 2024.
For more information contact Drolet at ndrolet@onecaribbeancanada.ca.
Granite Travel Trade Expo in Winnipeg in fall 2024
Ambassador unveils 2026/27 season, launches BOGO offer
FORT LAUDERDALE
Ambassador
Cruise Line has launched a ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ booking offer to celebrate its expanded 2026-27 sailing season.
Running from March 22, 2026 through March 29, 2027, the new, ‘bigger’ season on Ambassador’s ‘smaller’ energy-efficient fleet includes 37 sailings and seven Festive Events on Ambience, and 47 sailings onboard Ambition. In total, Ambassador’s fleet will sail 84 itineraries and call at 146 ports – 27 of which are new – in 48 countries across three continents.
The ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ offer applies to bookings made between Oct. 9, 2024 and Dec. 4, 2024 and includes the following:
• Buy One, Get One Free on all sailings in the 2026/27 season, subject to availability. The offer will be shown upon booking, with the first guest at full price and second guest travelling for free.
• In addition to Buy One, Get One Free, guests looking to enjoy Ambassador’s Premium Drinks Package (the Expedition Package) will receive 20% off the per-day price when booking an Ambassador Fare. This drinks package includes premium wines, premium spirits and cocktails, as well as specialty tea and coffee, non-alcoholic drinks and gratuities.
• Solo travellers can take advantage of 50% off full single fares on all sailings in the 2026/27 season, subject to availability.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
In 2026/27, Ambassador’s Ambience will set sail for its fourth season, accompanied by sister ship Ambition, which will embark on its third year of itineraries. The season includes everything from longer duration sailings to the Mediterranean to European city breaks, plus sailings for the over-50s market to destinations ranging from the Caribbean to Scandinavia, and two multi-generational sailings for the whole family.
New countries introduced in 2026/27 include: Croatia; Colombia; Costa Rica; Honduras (TBC); Guadalupe (France); Martinique (France); Dominica; and Montenegro. New major cities include Malmo (third largest city in Sweden); Trieste (for Venice); Dubrovnik; Bordeaux; Cartagena; Kotor; Zadar; Gdansk; and Kiel.
There will be two iconic sailings to the Caribbean: the 45-night Ambassador’s Caribbean Adventure including Mexico and Colombia, and the 42-night Gems of the Caribbean Sea taking in the all-new destinations of Guadeloupe, Martinique and Dominica. There will also be two Solar Eclipse voyages: the 10-night
Multi-Generational Adventure to France & Spain and the Solar Eclipse, and the 13-night Iceland’s Land of Ice & Fire and the Solar Eclipse.
Moreover, the season will feature: a range of shorter sailings lasting from one to four nights, taking in the British Isles and Northern Europe; themed cruise getaways including Back to the 70s, Back to the 80s, and Party Nights; and Christmas Market cruises, Christmas & New Year itineraries and seven Festive Events onboard Ambience at Ambassador’s home port of London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury, Essex.
With more UK departures than any other cruise line, the new season features sailings from London Cruise Terminal, Newcastle Tyne, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol Royal Portbury, and Portsmouth.
The season will also see Ambition move to more sole departures. Following the success of previous seasons, the ship will no longer operate dual pick-ups in Dundee, Newcastle Tyne and Bristol Royal Portbury.
For more information go to www. ambassadorcruiseline.com or email usasales@ambassadorcruiseline.com.
Premium Suite, Ambition
GNTB launches ‘Emma’, its first AI-generated influencer
TORONTO The German National Tourist Board has launched its first AI-generated influencer for Destination Germany.
The idea behind ‘Emma’ is to promote Germany as a travel destination on an international scale.
The GNTB said Emma will serve in addition to, rather than a replacement for, real-life influencers in the GNTB’s digital strategy.
“With the launch of Emma as an AI influencer, we are taking a further step in our digital strategy,” said GNTB’s CEO, Petra Hedorfer.
Hedorfer added: “Artificial intelligence applications are an invaluable asset, providing supplementary technological support for our brand communication. Along the customer journey, Emma can
act as an innovative bridge builder between potential travellers and real, unforgettable experiences in Germany as early as the inspiration phase. Emma will operate in conjunction with our established influencer marketing structures.”
Emma has an Instagram channel @ EmmaTravelsGermany, where she invites followers to travel to Germany, accompanies them on their travels and shares her experiences in an entertaining and informative way, said the GNTB.
In the long term, the idea is that Emma will not only provide information, but act as a personal travel companion and create personalized routes tailored to users’ individual interests as well. She can engage with followers in a chat format in more than 20 languages, and by the end of 2024, Emma will also be able to access not only the information on germany.travel but also real-time data from the GNTB Knowledge Graph.
Hebert joins Goway as Vice President, The Americas
Goway has named Sean Hebert as its new Vice President, The Americas. Hebert will spearhead the company’s transformation of its North American and Latin American product lines. He most recently served as the Head of Marketing Partnerships with TourRadar. Before that, he was Regional Vice President of the Americas at Kensington Tours, where he oversaw the growth of their product line and helped overhaul their hiring and sales training programs.
Under Hebert’s direction, Goway will expand its product line with a new approach to core destinations such as Peru, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Alaska, the Canadian Rockies and the Galapagos Islands. Goway will also diversify its inroads into growing tailor-made destinations including Brazil, California, Colombia, and the Great American West.
The GNTB’s first AI-generated influencer, Emma. AI-generated image courtesy GNTB_Flovision
Sean Hebert PEOPLE
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