Travelweek - August 26th, 2021

Canada’s Travel Trade News Aug 26, 2021 travelweek.ca

Group bookings are going strong Forward bookings for group travel are up, say agents

An entry fee for Venice? Not to mention electronic turnstiles

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WTTC urges U.S. to prioritize approval of AstraZeneca vaccine Club Med Québec Charlevoix set to open Dec. 3

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TOP NEWS

“There is definitely a demand for groups”: Agents, suppliers see an uptick in group bookings, despite the ‘COVID coaster’

By Kathryn Folliott TORONTO — Even in these atypical travel times, there are booking trends.

And after almost 18 months of the COVID roller coaster, with restrictions on everything from leaving the house, to socializing, to leaving the country, one of the biggest trends for forward bookings is group vacations.

“There is definitely a demand for groups,” says Pat Brady, National Groups Director for Transat. “We started seeing an increase in sales back in late winter 2020/early spring 2021 for fall 2021 / winter 2022 departures.”

While there’s still demand for group vacations for this winter, she adds, Transat is also now seeing increased demand for summer 2022 and winter 2023 too. “Summer 2022 demand includes Europe and South programs,” says Brady.

Travelweek touched base with both sides of the distribution channel as part of an ongoing series of articles looking at travel trends coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

GROUP BOOKINGS FOR ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS Travel advisor Kim Hartlen has a group departure on the calendar already - for fall 2021. The Halifax-based advisor’s Kim Hartlen Travel-TPI agency is known for its hosted group trips, notably with Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts.

“Kim Hartlen Travel hosted groups are doing very well and my first group is off to Beaches Turks & Caicos in October 2021,” says Hartlen.

Just announced last week, Turks and Caicos will require proof of full vaccination for all travellers age 16 and over, starting Sept. 1. The new requirement “is a great help and gives us that peace of mind we are all looking for to get back to travel. We are travel ready!” says Hartlen.

Group travel is Hartlen’s bread and butter and while the pandemic has impacted her business - as it has for everyone - she’s come back strong. “I have been personally hosting group travel for the last 14 years and each

year I add on more groups. For 2022 I have three groups and the response has been amazing. People want to get back travelling and they want me to be there for them.”

“For 2022 I have three groups and the response has been amazing.

People want to get back travelling and they want me to be there for them.”

Groups, particularly hosted groups, could have an edge in the market as travellers seek not just booking assistance, but also on-the-ground support.

Clients are now navigating a world where travel has been transformed,

and travel advisors are in a key position to guide the way. Says Hartlen: “More than ever people are seeing the value and want to feel safe when they get back travelling again.”

CRUISE GROUPS Melissa Erskine is another travel advisor finding success with hosted groups. The Burlington, ON-based Erskine linked up with another Nexion Canada agent, Teena Dowd, and as a team they facilitate a growing number bookings for cruise groups, plus some all-inclusive groups as well.

Erskine says she and Dowd maximized the pandemic downtime by hosting live online events with cruise supplier partners - events that included bonus onboard credit offers. They’ve also been promoting some of their hosted group cruise departures for the months ahead.

For all of their cruise groups, hosted or not, Erskine and Dowd are educating Aug 26, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 3

TOP NEWS clients on the benefits of booking now to lock in prices. They’re also counseling clients to use their FCCs, and making sure clients know about the cruise lines’ flexible cancellation policies.

Erskine and Dowd are also using smart strategies to showcase cruise ship health and safety protocols. Simply put, if a client is reluctant to come to the cruise ship, then Erskine and Dowd will bring the cruise ship to the client -

“Agents should be reaching out to clients.

The business is there,” says Pat Brady, National Groups Director for Transat. virtually, at least. “Teena went on two cruises recently with two different suppliers and documented the whole process for our clients,” says Erskine. “We want to instill confidence in cruising again.”

DESTINATION WEDDING GROUPS What about wedding groups? Few sectors of the travel industry have been upended more than destination weddings. The good news is, destination wedding bookings are picking up.

“Weddings continue to be a big portion of our sales. Now many are planning for winter 2023 and summer 2023,” says Transat’s Brady.

She adds: “The feedback I have heard is that wedding ceremony slots are filling up with the popular hotels.”

The uptake for those wedding ceremony slots is no doubt fuelled in large part by U.S. couples now that Americans are travelling in droves again.

Karen Lantigua, owner of Oakville, ON’s MyWeddingAway.com, says she’s had “lots and lots of enquiries” for weddings and has even booked a destination wedding for December 2021.

Now Lantigua is waiting for those enquiries to convert to bookings.

“Our conversion rate is much lower TRAVELWEEK

than usual [with the pandemic] so we are not seeing the bookings coming in compared to the number of leads we are getting,” she says.

And with the rise in delta variant cases around the world, and nervousness with the coming fall and winter months, there’s still not a little uncertainty.

Lantigua says some clients, who were re-bookings from 2020/21 destination weddings, are now postponing their fall 2021 and early 2022 departures.

Still, says Lantigua, “I do feel confident that we will see more commitment in the coming months.”

FRIENDS & FAMILY GROUPS As for more traditional groups of friends and family travelling together, Transat’s Brady adds that she’s seeing a growing trend of smaller leisure groups where family and friends are re-connecting. “We anticipate there will continue to be opportunity for agents with this segment throughout fall/winter 2021/22 departures, as there could be last minute bookings, i.e. within four months of departure,” says Brady.

Small family groups are booking key vacation periods including Christmas 2021, school break 2022 and Easter 2022, she adds.

“Agents should be reaching out to clients. The business is there,” says Brady.

Transat is offering more flexibility to incentivize group bookings. Agents can hold up to 40 seats for 90 days with a deposit of just $300 for the entire group (“often friends and family groups hold 20 or less”, she notes). After 90 days a $150 per person deposit is required.

Transat is also allowing cancellation up to 60 days prior to departure. The deposit is transferred into a future travel credit (FTC) to be used within one year.

Got a story idea? Questions or comments? Write to us at editorial@travelweek.ca

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Entry fee, advance bookings to visit Venice could be in place by summer 2022 VENICE — Determined to put the brakes on overtourism, Venice is set to introduce a fee system for visitors entering the city.

Reports suggest that the entry fee, along with a booking system to control capacity for tourism, could be in place by summer 2022.

The fee is pegged between three and 10 euros.

There’s even word that visitors would enter the city via electronic turnstiles, in an effort to maintain capacity controls and honour advance bookings.

Venice residents would be exempt from the entry fee, along with young visitors under the age of 6, as well as anyone staying in a local hotel.

This isn’t the first time Venice has clamped down on overtourism. The city’s long-discussed cruise ship ban finally went into effect on Aug. 1, banning large cruise ships from the lagoon basin near St. Mark’s Square and the Giudecca Canal.

Venice is one of the higher-profile cities grappling with overtourism, but it’s not the only one.

Before the pandemic upended international travel, crowds were getting so unwieldy at the Louvre in Paris that security and reception staff at the museum staged a strike in May 2019 to protest unworkable conditions amid huge crowds.

Another traveller favourite, Amsterdam, has for several years looked at halting construction of new hotels; banning “beer bikes; shifting the cruise ship terminal out of the city centre and outlawing new tourist-only stores in the oldest part of the city and its busiest shopping streets, as measures to maintain peaceful city life for residents while still welcoming visitors

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4 | TRAVELWEEK | Aug 26, 2021

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TOP NEWS

More and more Canadians are booking multiple ‘micro-cations’, here’s why

By Cindy Sosroutomo TORONTO — We’ve all heard the term ‘pent-up demand’ repeatedly throughout the course of the pandemic, meant to describe travellers’ growing desire to see the world in the wake of travel’s pause. Now, with international borders opening back up, this pent-up demand is resulting in a flurry of long-awaited trips among Canadians, which is welcome news for the travel agents who are booking them.

But with Canada’s non-essential travel advisory still in place, and with parts of Canada, the U.S. and other destinations now experiencing a fourth wave of COVID-19, where are Canadians booking these trips, how long are they going for and how often?

According to the 13th annual Allianz Travel Insurance Vacation Confidence Index, one in three (34%) of Americans plan on taking multiple vacations this summer, favouring shorter trips over the traditional week-long or more vacation. Two in three (67%) will travel this summer for at least one night, with the average number of trips being 1.2 vacations. Four in 10 (44%) said they were eager to travel, with 22% intending to take three or more trips this summer.

With more trips being booked and the average trip length of each being around four nights, ‘multi-micro-cations’ is becoming a growing trend post-COVID. Though the results are based on U.S. respondents, we wanted to know whether multiple, shorter vacations are taking off here in Canada.

Karlyn Bauer, Retail Operations Leader at Flight Centre Travel Group, tells Travelweek that the agency is definitely seeing an increase in Canadians booking multiple micro-cations this year, in addition to longer international travel later in the year. She attributes the uptick to pent-up demand following lengthy travel restrictions, and notes that people are still hesitant to book longer trips due to changing travel policies and vaccine requirements.

“The non-essential travel advisory is also playing a role in deterring people from travelling overseas and as a result many have chosen to explore locally and do so multiple times for shorter 6 | TRAVELWEEK | Aug 26, 2021

Moraine Lake, Canadian Rockies

durations to ensure less impact from the constantly changing rules and regulations,” she says.

UNIQUE DESTINATIONS PROVING POPULAR Flight Centre’s findings match Allianz’s in terms of average trip length, with Bauer adding travellers who book micro-cations are going for around four or five nights. Many clients are also booking a micro-cation along with a larger, extended international vacation. As for where they’re going, she says Canada’s most unique destinations are proving to be popular, like Whitehorse, Yellowknife, the B.C. Coast, the Maritimes and Montreal/Quebec City.

Over at Travel Professionals International (TPI), there hasn’t been a big increase in clients booking multiple shorter trips, says President & CEO Zeina Gedeon, though the company has seen an abundance of ‘macro-vacations,’ where clients are securing multiple big-ticket vacations at once.

“People have certainly taken the time over the past year to add destinations to their wander lists and are taking advantage of great Early Booking Bonuses and in-market promotions to secure many future vacations with their travel advisor,” says Gedeon.

The shorter duration trips (averaging four nights) that TPI is seeing being booked are mostly for immediate domestic travel, she adds.

“With the mandatory testing requirements, clients are as interested in short weekend getaways out of the country currently,” says Gedeon. “As an orga-

nization, we’ve had a focus on Canadian vacations and we’re seeing British Columbia and Alberta as our primary destinations being booked. We also recently had a group of our TPI Advisors on the Rocky Mountaineer and have already seen some immediate bookings as a result.”

The Canadian Rockies has also been a hit with Ocean Phi Long Le’s clients.

The Toronto-based travel agent with Bodad Travel tells Travelweek that micro-cations are trending upward, with many clients booking short getaways throughout Canada, particularly B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia.

“Micro-cations allow clients who are eager to travel to do so without having to risk their money on a longer trip that might get cancelled due to a fourth wave, or cut short while on vacation because of constantly-changing exit and entry rules,” he says. “My clients have said travelling domestically has never been easier, with fewer tourists to contend with along with flexible airline policies.”

“IT’S RESTORING CONFIDENCE WITH CLIENTS” When asked whether micro-cations are easier to sell than longer trips, Phi Long Le says that they tend to be less complicated during the actual booking process as they’re generally for destinations close to home. He adds that selling these shorter, domestic products has been a “fun experience” as it’s given him the opportunity to learn about destinations like Cape Breton, Gros Morne, Tofino and Salt Springs,

TOP NEWS which he can then recommend to his clients.

But beyond that, the biggest advantage for agents booking multiple micro-cations is two-fold, says Bauer.

“First, it’s restoring confidence with clients each time they travel, and second, it works to build a strong relationship of trust between an agent and their clients,” she says. “Being in constant touch with your clients allows you to learn more about their travel preferences in specific areas versus just connecting every six months for the beach vacation and trip to Europe.”

“Micro-cations allow clients to travel without having to risk their money on a longer trip that might get cancelled due to a fourth wave.”

Gedeon agrees, adding that being accessible to clients has been a huge advantage to home-based advisors in particular.

“We are hearing many stories of clients calling multiple agencies that may be closed or are not answering calls and, in turn, our TPI Advisors are picking up new clients because of one phone call for a short duration trip,” says Gedeon. “Our advisors are reporting that while clients initially may be reaching out for shorter trips, at the end of the sales consultation they end up having 2-4 future trips to plan for them! It’s been amazing to see how the buying patterns of Canadians travellers have changed.”

To optimize your chance at booking multiple micro-cations, Bauer offers these tips: . Lock in prices now: Availability is limited due to demand, plus prices are incredibly good for shorter trips so definitely book ahead as much as possible. . Book the complete package: Customers want to know what to expect these days and want to plan ahead.

Plus, most excursions have limited capacity so to avoid disappointment, book everything in advance including air, land, excursions and car rentals.

Athens: The perfect outdoor getaway

TORONTO — There are few places in the world that can rival Athens for its history and vibrant culture. But did you know that it’s also considered an outdoor haven, with a bounty of open-air landmarks, soft adventure options and beautiful parks and beaches?

Whether visitors are into birdwatching, hiking, biking, culture, cuisine or all of the above, Athens has them covered. Here are some of the top reasons why Athens makes for the perfect outdoor getaway: BIRD WATCHING Athens’ bird population is far more diverse than the pigeons that frequent the plaza outside Parliament. Visitors are likely to spot several species in the city’s small parks and sites, like Mount Ymittos and the Vravrona Estuary. The National Garden is home to the Troglodyte, one of Europe’s smallest birds, while Philopappou Hill is where to go for a chance at seeing sparrowhawks.

HISTORY With a history that spans over 3,000 years, Athens can be considered one big, open-air museum, with countless archaeological and historical sites waiting to be discovered.

Among the most notable, of course, are the Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. Other lesser-known sites like the open-air Plato’s Academy, founded in 338 BC and home to ancient training grounds for athletes, and the War Museum, which houses fascinating military artifacts both inside and outside its walls, are also worth a visit.

BEACHES Less than 30 minutes from the Acropolis is the Athens Riviera, a coastal playground of blue-flag beaches and barefoot fish tavernas.

Along this 50-kilometre stretch of coastline, visitors will find five-star resorts and spas, great shopping and seaside clubs. Aside from sunbathing and swimming, popular activities include diving off the rocks at Limanakia, shopping in Glyfada, and catching a flick at the outdoor Cine Ria cinema.

HIKING Athens’ best-kept secret can be found just minutes from the city’s hustle and bustle. Mount Ymittos, which forms the city’s natural eastern boundary, is a tree-covered slope dotted with monasteries and olive groves, all viewable via easy and pleasant walking trails. What makes these trails particularly unique are the sprawling views of the city far below.

CUISINE What’s better than eating out in Athens? Eating out in Athens with a view. Al fresco dining is a must in a city this beautiful, where seaside eateries and outdoor patios await on every street. Traditional cafes, or ‘kafenia,’ can still be found throughout Athens, as are traditional Cretan dishes, like ‘apaki,’ smoked and salted pork, and ‘symbetherio,’ a veggie-based casserole. Sunday brunch is a particularly beloved local ritual, not to mention seaside dining on the Athens Riviera. For finer palates, the city is also home to five Michelinstarred restaurants, each one more outstanding than the last.

For more information on travel to Athens go to www.ThisIsAthens.org.

Aug 26, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 7

WORLD NEWS

AIRLINES & AIRPORTS Transport Canada has extended the India flight ban to at least Sept. 21. “The Government of Canada is prioritizing the health and safety of all people in Canada by continuing to take a risk-based and measured approach to re-opening the border. Canada's phased approach to easing border measures is informed by the continued monitoring of available data and scientific evidence, including the vaccination rate of Canadians and our improving epidemiological situation,” says Transport Canada. Canada’s India flight ban first went into effect in April 2021.

EVENTS After going completely virtual in 2020, WTM will be a hybrid event for 2021, offering two sets of dates for both in-person and virtual networking opportunities. The in-person event will take place Nov. 1 - 3, 2021, followed by the virtual shows Nov. 8 - 9, 2021. WTM 2021 - both the in-person and the hybrid dates - will run concurrently with travel technology conference Travel Forward. WTM organizers say the Nov. 1 - 3 event will be one of the first face-to-face gatherings for the international travel and tourism sector since COVID-19 restrictions eased. The worldwide travel industry conference typically generates upwards of £3.71 billion in travel industry contracts every year. Canada is currently on the UK’s amber list of travel-restricted countries and Canadians must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.

DESTINATIONS Jamaica recently received its millionth visitor since the island reopened in June 2020. Since reopening, Jamaica has successfully implemented the Jamaica CARES program that includes extensive health and safety protocols, entry testing, COVID-19 training for hospitality workers and travel authorization for every guest visiting the island. COVID-19 compliance certification is also required for hotels and attractions to ensure the safety of staff and guests. “This is the fastest we have achieved one million visitors starting from zero arrivals and we are already seeing the signs of recovery,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Hon Edmund Bartlett.

8 | TRAVELWEEK | Aug 26, 2021

Porter Airlines will introduce a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for its team members. The news comes in the wake of the federal government’s announcement earlier this month that all employees in federally regulated industries, including airlines, must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 31, 2021. Porter says that, aligning with its Sept. 8 restart of service, team members must be fully vaccinated or present a negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours of the start of their shift. Porter is the first Canadian airline committed to introducing these safety measures, and says its policy may evolve once specific requirements from the government are known.

The federal government has announced $81.6 billion in new funding for Canada’s biggest airports, to help facilitate air travel amid COVID-19 testing and other requirements. “This funding will allow major airports across Canada to invest in the infrastructure and tools needed to help re-invigorate the aviation industry and allow Canadians to feel safe when they travel,” said Transport Minister Omar Alghabra. The 26 major Canadian airports eligible for funding under the Biosecurity Funding Stream represented 93% of the volume of air passenger traffic in Canada in 2019.

The EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) and UK NHS COVID Pass can now be uploaded into IATA Travel Pass as verified proof of vaccination for travel. IATA says travellers holding an EU DCC or UK NHS COVID Pass can now access accurate COVID-19 travel information for their journey, create an electronic version of their passport and import their vaccination certificate in one place. Since the early days of the pandemic IATA has argued for the harmonization of digital vaccine standards. Canada’s vaccine passport for international travel is expected to be available starting this fall.

NEWS

Liberal party’s new subsidies for hardesthit businesses do apply to travel agencies: ACTA TORONTO — ACTA says it has confirmed that travel agencies will qualify for new subsidies for hardest-hit businesses, as pledged by Justin Trudeau’s Liberal party last week.

However a different strategy is needed for independent agents, says ACTA President Wendy Paradis.

On Aug. 16, the first full day on the election campaign trail, Liberal party leader Justin Trudeau promised extra help to sectors including tourism that have been hardest hit by the pandemic.

Hardest-hit businesses in the tourism sector with a minimum 40% revenue loss would receive a new rent and wage subsidy at a maximum 75% rate from September 2021 – May 31, 2022 as part of the Liberal platform, as ACTA notes.

It’s an election promise, not policy, at least not yet. If the Liberals are re-elected on Sept. 20, the new subsidies could be a reality.

Says Paradis: “ACTA is pleased with this announcement, as these subsidies will go a long way in supporting our sector’s survival and start of recovery.”

But the Liberal’s pledge does not address the needs of independent travel agents — and that’s why ACTA is developing a separate strategic response for ITAs. “This is a critical time for travel agent businesses to make financial support and survival an election issue. ACTA’s advocacy efforts will continue in full force through the election period, but member grassroots advocacy is key to our success,” says Paradis.

In working with the Hardest Hit Coalition, ACTA says it’s motivating members to show support for the announced rent and wage subsidies for hardest-hit travel and tourism businesses.

ACTA is also encouraging all political parties to adopt platforms that support travel agent business survival.

“We want decision makers to feel like they are making the right decision supporting the travel and tourism industry, to ensure policies becomes law in September by whatever party is elected and that it has as high a budget as possible,” said Paradis.

As reported last week, ACTA is encouraging its encouraging agents to make support for the travel industry an election issue.

ACTA says members can acknowledge positive actions for the industry via Twitter and to specifically reference local candidates.

Paradis notes that candidates, party leaders, and the media are looking to Twitter during the election, and it is the best platform to share the industry’s message.

She adds that industry members should feel free to compose their own Tweet or use the following templates that show appreciation for the support and directs the message to the right decision makers.

Here’s a sample message for posting on social media, courtesy of ACTA (and agents should be sure to include the handle for a candidate in their riding in the space where it says @YOUR LOCAL CANDIDATE): ‘My travel agent business is a hardest-hit tourism business. I appreciate @JustinTrudeau announcement for sector-specific aid and call on all parties to adopt similar policies. This lifeline will help us survive for recovery! @melaniejoly @cafreeland @YOUR LOCAL CANDIDATE #Election2021’.

ACTA is also reminding everyone in the industry to reach out to local can-

didates and request meetings to talk about your business issues, attend a BBQ or other small gatherings, and ask candidates for support for the industry's survival and recovery.

ACTA’s work with other travel and tourism associations across Canada includes a combined goal among the associations and their members to have 1,000 meetings per week between now and September 20, federal election day.

Elite Island Resorts mandating proof of COVID vaccination starting Sept. 1 NEW YORK — Effective Sept. 1, 2021 Elite Island Resorts’ nine properties in the Caribbean and Central America will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon arrival for all guests over the age of 12.

The company represents five resorts in Antigua (Galley Bay Resort & Spa, Hammock Cove, St. James’s Club & Villas, Pineapple Beach Club and The Verandah Resort), plus St. James’s Club Morgan Bay in St. Lucia, The Club Barbados, Palm Island in The Grenadines and Los Establos Boutique Inn, Panama.

Aug 26, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 9

NEWS Elite Island Resorts founder and CEO Robert A. Barrett says mandating vaccines “was the wisest option in protecting the critical tourism industry of these beloved destinations.

"With hospitality at the core of what we do, compassion lives deep within our souls, so it has always been our duty to protect the health and safety of our guests and our employees, first and foremost,” says Barrett.

“While we understand that news of our vaccine mandate may be disappointing to select travellers, it will be uplifting and encouraging to others,” said Elite Island Resorts founder and CEO Robert A. Barrett.

“Further, we have a commitment to our communities and the destinations in which we operate. Current science tells us that if you’re vaccinated, you are less likely to become seriously ill, or end up taking up a hospital bed in a fragile medical environment such as the Caribbean where local resources cannot afford to be overburdened. It’s imperative for us to protect the hospitals of these smaller island nations, and while they have had a good track record so far with COVID-19, we must remain vigilant, and all do our part to become part of the solution “While we understand that news of our vaccine mandate may be disappointing to select travellers, it will be uplifting and encouraging to others,” he added.

“Travel breeds tolerance and with this decision, we don’t seek to divide, because as hoteliers, we bring cultures and people together. Yet, in today’s world, we must consider so many more variables to do that, all while respecting the integrity of these beautiful islands and the people who work in them.

“People rely on us for work—to support their families and their livelihood—so in making this choice, we work for them, too.”

10 | TRAVELWEEK | Aug 26, 2021

Delta signs global distribution agreement with Travelport ATLANTA — Delta Air Lines and Travelport have signed a global distribution agreement designed to enhance travel retailing innovation.

Travelport is the parent company of the Galileo and Worldspan GDSs. The multi-year content distribution agreement will give Travelport-connected travel buyers simplified access to Delta’s content through the Travelport+ platform with enhanced retailing capability. This will allow travellers to better understand, compare and customize offers.

“Our transformative new agreement with Travelport is another big step in elevating retailing in the indirect channel ecosystem for the benefit of all customers and stakeholders,” said Jeff Lobl, managing director of global distribution for Delta Air Lines. “This ensures customers have easier access to all products, whether they are a corporate traveller shopping within travel policy or a leisure traveller finding the right itinerary for their holiday.”

Travelport continues to evolve its worldwide retailing platform, Travelport+, with the next-generation retailing tools and merchandising capabilities that provide long-term value to the travel agency channel.

A multi-product display gives Travelport-connected buyers the ability to access the wide array of available products from all of Travelport’s global air partners, compare those to find the best options, and select the right choice for their customers.

Jason Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Travel Partners at Travelport, added: “This new agreement emphasizes the shared commitment of both Travelport and Delta to improve the way airline products are retailed and make it easier for agents to help travelers choose offers that deliver the most value to them. We look forward to continually evolving and delivering the tools that Delta and all of our travel partners need to effectively reach and engage the entire spectrum of buyers.”

WTTC urges the U.S. govt. to prioritize approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine LONDON — The World Travel & Tourism Council is urging the U.S. government to prioritize approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine, in an effort to reopen the critical U.S. - UK and transatlantic markets.

The WTTC notes that while the FDA this week approved the Pfizer vaccine, it still does not currently recognize AstraZeneca as an approved COVID-19 vaccine. The FDA in the U.S. also hasn’t yet approved AstraZeneca.

The UK’s vaccination effort has been fuelled largely by the AstraZeneca vaccine.

AstraZeneca was also integral to Canada’s vaccination efforts, notably during the third wave in spring 2021, with more than 2 million Canadians getting at least one jab of AstraZeneca.

In June 2021 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau - who got a mixed dose of AstraZeneca, and then Moderna - was asked about Canadians who got AstraZeneca. “We will definitely make sure that people who got two or one AstraZeneca dose will not be at a disadvantage when they want to travel,” he said.

The WTTC notes that AstraZeneca has the largest global reach of all current vaccines and has currently been administered across 176 countries and territories, highlighting the importance of its approval in the U.S. The WTTC adds that even if the Biden Administration allows borders to reopen, the CDC’s non-recognition of AstraZeneca will be a significant barrier to transatlantic travel.

CDC non-recognition will continue to seriously depress consumer demand and prevent any meaningful revival of transatlantic travel from the UK to the U.S., with serious knock-on effects throughout the travel and tourism sector on both sides of the Atlantic, says the WTTC.

NEWS

More frustration with the Ontario Small Business Support Grants, as this agency owner tells it

Hyatt to acquire ALG, including AMResorts, for US$2.7 billion CHICAGO — Hyatt Hotels Corporation is set to double its global resorts footprint with the acquisition of Apple Leisure Group (ALG).

Hyatt has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ALG for US$2.7 billion. The transaction is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.

ALG’s resort brand management platform, AMResorts, provides management services to the largest portfolio of luxury all-inclusive resorts in the Americas under the AMR Collection brand portfolio, which includes the brands Secrets Resorts & Spas, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts and Alua Hotels & Resorts.

The acquisition also includes ALG’s membership offering, Unlimited Vacation Club, travel distribution business ALG Vacations, as well as destination management services and travel technology assets.

Following the deal’s completion, ALG will continue to be led by current EO Alejandro Reynal and the current ALG leadership team. Reynal will also become a member of Hyatt’s executive leadership team and report to Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian.

“With the asset-light acquisition of Apple Leisure Group, we are thrilled to bring a highly desirable independent resort management platform into the Hyatt family,” said Hoplamazian. “The

addition of ALG’s properties will immediately double Hyatt’s global resorts footprint. ALG’s portfolio of luxury brands, leadership in the all-inclusive segment and large pipeline of new resorts will extend our reach in existing and new markets, including in Europe, and further accelerate our industry-leading net rooms growth.”

Hoplamazian also added that the combination of the acquisition and the $2 billion increase in Hyatt’s asset sale commitment will transform its earnings profile, and that the company expects to reach 80% fee-based earnings by the end of 2024.

ALG’s hotel portfolio consists of over 33,000 rooms in 10 countries, growing from nine resorts in 2007 to approximately 100 properties by the end of 2021. It has a pipeline of 24 executive deals with a large number of additional hotels in development.

Following the transaction, Hyatt will offer the largest portfolio of luxury all-inclusive resorts in the world and will be the largest operator of luxury hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean. It will also expand its European footprint by 60%.

In related news, AMResorts has signed two new resort brand management deals: Zoëtry Casa Del Mar Los Cabos and Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia.

The two properties are conversions from independent resorts and will expand the Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts portfolio to seven branded properties.

TORONTO — The travel industry’s frustration with the Ontario Small Business Support Grants continues to grow.

Rosario (Ross) de Gregorio, best known to the industry as the owner of Manditours, reached out to Travelweek after his retail travel operation, Richmond Hill Travel, hit a snag with Ontario Small Business Support Grants process.

First announced by the Ontario government this past spring, the grants provide one-time payments of $10,000 to $20,000. To be eligible, businesses had to have fewer than 100 employees and prove a minimum 20% revenue drop between 2019 and 2020.

Agents have told Travelweek that the application site has been tough to navigate and the process is cumbersome.

Many retailers, especially independent travel advisors, report that their applications have been outright denied.

De Gregorio has his own frustrating experience to relate.

“Last week Richmond Hill Travel, a successful applicant for the COVID-19 Small Business Support Grants, received the following message from ReliefFundSystem@ontario.ca: ‘An audit of the program has now been completed. We regret to inform you that, despite your attestation, and after several reviews of your file, it has been determined that your business is not eligible for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant. We therefore won’t be sending you a second payment under this program’,” said de Gregorio.

“We called the telephone number listed in this e-mail and asked for an explanation or a reason why we were not eligible to receive the Ontario Small Business Grant and the clerk who answered would not be able to offer any explanations.

“She would just say that there was no appeal to the decision. When asked to refer our call to a supervisor or someone able to provide further information, she replied that there was no such a person and she apologized for our situation.”

De Gregorio says Richmond Hill Travel had successfully applied for Aug 26, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 11

the COVID-19 Small Business Support Grants earlier this year, as ‘Retail required to close for in-person shopping (excluding grocery)’ and was approved and received an initial $20,000.

He says subsequently the Ontario government made an announcement that small businesses that were approved for the first $20,000 grant were eligible to receive an additional $20,000 grant to help them stay open and continue their business activities.

“On the basis of this information, Richmond Hill Travel made the financial / commercial decision to stay open and continue with our existing commercial lease,” says de Gregorio.

“We think this is discriminatory and ask for full compensation.”

De Gregorio invites other agency owners in Ontario to contact him if they received the same response. He can be reached at 905-737-6111 or 1-800-566-6608.

“This provincial government has absolutely no understanding nor real concern about the travel distribution industry losses provoked by this pandemic,” he said later.

“Not only were we forced to stay closed, but also our customers were denied the right to travel anywhere and therefore to purchase any travel service from us.”

Switzerland celebrates the return of travel for vaccinated Canadians TORONTO — There was lots to celebrate recently at one of the travel industry’s first live in-person events, hosted by Switzerland Tourism and marking the return of travel for vaccinated Canadians and the retirement of Ursula Beamish-Mader, the long-time and much appreciated media relations manager at Switzerland Tourism’s Canadian offices.

Switzerland’s borders reopened to fully vaccinated Canadian travellers on June 26. Switzerland is now fully integrated with the EU’s Digital COVID Certification system. And with Canada also recently dropping the quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated Canadians upon return, some travel opportunities are finally opening up.

12 | TRAVELWEEK | Aug 26, 2021

Credit: Gary Crallé

NEWS

Switzerland Tourism’s Claudio Zemp, Director, Americas (left) and Pascal Prinz, Director, Canada (right) had well-wishes for their colleague Ursula Beamish-Mader, Manager, Media Relations, North America, at one of the travel industry’s first in-person events in many months.

“We are excited to celebrate the return of travel for fully vaccinated Canadians with no quarantine or test required upon arrival,” said Pascal Prinz, Director, Canada for Switzerland Tourism, at the event.

Canadians rediscovering their love for Switzerland can “hike and bike in the Swiss Alps, explore our boutique towns, swim in our turquoise lakes, discover in our four language regions and ride our scenic trains along palm trees and stunning glaciers,” Prinz added.

Switzerland Tourism will co-host the ‘Air Canada Race’ starting soon in Basel. With 36 agents from Canada and the U.S. taking part, the trip will highlight new developments in Switzerland including many new hotels.

Air Canada and SWISS are resuming flights and increasing their frequencies from Toronto and Montreal to Zurich and Geneva up to three and four flights per week respectively.

To help promote the destination, the tourism board has brought on Callum Snape, a talented outdoor photographer based in Vancouver, to showcase Switzerland’s beauty. The idea is to inspire Canadians, so that they want to see Switzerland with their own eyes.

“Switzerland is an outdoor para-

dise,”says Claudio Zemp, Director, Americas for Switzerland Tourism. “We wanted to showcase what travel is like during COVID, show people travelling on the trains with their masks and the wide open spaces which people can enjoy.”

Canada is also the first market to bring travel agents back to Switzerland.

Switzerland Tourism has joined forces with Air Canada to host the ‘Air Canada Race’ starting in two weeks in Basel.

With 36 agents from Canada and the U.S. taking part, the trip will highlight new developments in Switzerland including many new properties like the Movenpick Hotel Basel, and the new Kempinski hotel in Engelberg.

In October, Switzerland will also be hosting 350 tour operators from around the world in Interlaken for the Switzerland Travel Mart (STM), with a strong contingency out of Canada.

The in-person Toronto event, hosted in collaboration with Travelweek on the rooftop patio atop 130 Queen Quay East, where Travelweek has offices, ended with heartfelt well wishes for Beamish-Mader, and a positive message from Prinz.

“Thank you to all industry colleagues for joining us to celebrate the return of travel for fully vaccinated Canadians,” said Prinz. “With loud cowbell noise, we thank and congratulate the one and only Ursula Beamish on her upcoming retirement, you are an inspiration for all of us, and express our deep gratitude to Devin Kinasz and Travelweek for hosting us!”

More information about Switzerland can be found at my switzerland.com.

St. Kitts welcomes

NEWS

mixed-dose travellers, appoints Fathom Co. as Canadian PR agency BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS — St. Kitts and Nevis has updated its vaccination policy to allow entry to international travellers and Canadians who have received mixed doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

According to the Ministry of Health, the new policy applies to those who’ve taken mixed vaccine two-dose regiments using World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccines. WHO-approved vaccines include the following: AstraZeneca/COVIDSHIELD, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).

The Ministry also states that Canadians who received their first dose of an mRNA vaccine followed by a second dose of a different brand of mRNA vaccine, as well as those who received a viral vector vaccine such as AstraZeneca/ COVIDSHIELD followed by an mRNA vaccine, will be considered fully vaccinated.

As announced in May, only fully vac-

cinated travellers are allowed entry into the destination. Exemptions are in place for citizens and residents of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and children under the age of 18 coming from international destinations, including Canada.

In other news, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA) has appointed Fathom

As announced in May, only fully vaccinated travellers are allowed entry into St. Kitts.

Communications (Fathom Co) as its Canadian Public Relations Agency following an RFP process. Fathom Co’s scope of work will include trade and consumer media relations, content strategy, press trips, events and activations, social media strategy and co-marketing opportunities.

Noting that SKTA is “extremely optimistic” about the Canadian market, Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tour-

ism, Transport and Ports for St. Kitts, said: “The addition of Fathom Communications is significant for us because we have never had a Public Relations Agency in Canada before and it demonstrates our increased commitment to the Canadian source market and rebuilding stayover visitation. We look forward to increasing our visibility in the Canadian market and sharing with them the unique story of St. Kitts, a quintessential Caribbean getaway that provides unparalleled offerings and unforgettable vacation memories.”

Racquel Brown, Chief Executive Officer at SKTA, added that the organization has a five-year growth plan in order to increase visitation from Canada, which has already reaped considerable dividends thanks, in large part, to increased Air Canada service.

“While the pandemic had us all step back last year, we are now looking forward to tapping back into that growing interest and Fathom Communications has the creative capabilities and experience to help us build momentum across all our niche markets,” said Brown.

IMAGINE YOUR KOREA SPECIALIST COURSE The Korea Specialist course will teach you about the beautiful, high-tech and dynamic destination of Korea. Learn about getting to Korea, general information, transport, accommodation, activities, events and what makes it truly unique.

Be one of the first 100 agents to complete the “Imagine Your Korea” Specialist course before September 30th to receive a $20 e-Giftcard!

Visit travelweeklearningcentre.com to learn more!

Aug 26, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 13

REDISCOVER ATLANTIC CITY

The Story Continues Excitement awaits in Atlantic City, including miles of sandy beaches, our world-famous Boardwalk and the thrilling Steel Pier. Enjoy tax-free shopping, award-winning dining, live entertainment and other great attractions.

Here you can experience the ultimate getaway and create a lifetime of memories.

Atlantic City Expert Heather Colache is available at 609-318-6097 or hcolache@meetac.com to make sure you enjoy Atlantic City as it was meant to be experienced.

Meet AC received funding through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

TourAtlanticCity.com

NEWS Club Med Québec Charlevoix

Club Med Québec Charlevoix set to open December 3 TORONTO — It may still be summer but already more than a few winter sports enthusiasts are dreaming of schussing down powder snow ski runs - or maybe partaking in the après-ski scene. Clients can turn those dreams into reality and hit the slopes close to home or overseas at one of Club Med’s acclaimed all-inclusive ski resorts.

Not only that, but Canadians can also enjoy savings on ski packages for a long-awaited mountain escape, including at the brand-new Club Med Québec Charlevoix, Club Med’s first-ever four-season all-inclusive mountain resort in Canada.

Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive vacation concept, says it’s delighted to be making those long-awaited ski vacations more accessible to Canadians this season, with major sales and new resort openings.

For the first time, Club Med will make dream mountain getaways happen right here in Canada with the opening of Club Med Québec Charlevoix on Dec. 3, 2021.

The brand’s first and only Canadian resort joins Club Med’s broader collection of ski properties, including the newest resort in the Alps, Club Med La Rosière and fan favourites Club Med Les Arcs Panorama and Club Med Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon.

Whether travellers are looking for a weekend getaway or an overseas adventure, they can take advantage of Club Med’s all-inclusive packages with the Ready, Set, Ski Sale of up to 45%

off, on now through Sept. 1, 2021.

Club Med vacations are both worryfree and high savings, with packages that include accommodations, lift tickets, group ski and snowboard lessons, après-ski activities, all-day dining and Children’s Clubs and Teen Programs that take care of youth ages four months to 17.

Plus, with travel restrictions across the country gradually lifting, Canadians looking to travel internationally can enjoy an all-inclusive vacation at any of Club Med’s 20+ low-density ski resorts located across the French, Swiss and Italian Alps as well as in China and Japan.

CLUB MED QUEBEC CHARLEVOIX Just 90 minutes away from Québec City in the Charlevoix region, the four-season all-inclusive mountain resort is spread across 300+ acres among a preserved untouched landscape and features sweeping views of the scenic St. Lawrence River. . Accommodations: With 302 rooms and a private Exclusive Collection (5Star) luxury space featuring 25 suites, the resort offers spacious accommodations designed to echo the character of the region. Superior rooms channel the colours of Québec with winter white, twilight blue, and yellow sun décor, while other rooms feature elements like blond wooden floors and lofty ceilings akin to the warmth of the region’s ancestral homes. Nestled at the top of the resort, the Exclusive Collection space offers incredible views, exclusive amenities and all-inclusive premium services, such as concierge support, breakfast room service, a dedicated bar with daily evening champagne of-

ferings and an exclusive lounge with a roaring fireplace and cozy seating options surrounded by the picturesque St. Lawrence River landscape. . Dining: Guests at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix can choose from three signature dining concepts: the main restaurant, Le Marché, the family restaurant, Terroir & Co and the gourmet lounge, Le Chalet. Le Marché sits at the heart of the resort, featuring an expansive selection of local and international cuisine. Five dining spaces each celebrate different gastronomical elements tied to Québec: hunting, fishing, agriculture, foraging, and livestock farming. In the evening, Terroir & Co, transforms into a family restaurant where kids and parents will enjoy preparing meals full of fondue and raclette, local Québec cheeses, charcuteries, freshly baked cookies and their famous maple taffy. Guests seeking a more intimate dining experience will tantalize their taste buds at Le Chalet, a gourmet lounge featuring spectacular views for guests to marvel at as they indulge in locally inspired cuisine.

Le Chalet will also feature a sophisticated lounge bar, wine cellar and boutique gourmet shop, where guests can purchase local delicacies to bring home. . Activities + Experiences: In addition to the included perks provided by Club Med’s all-inclusive package, like accommodations, unlimited meals and beverages plus daily entertainment, guests can also enjoy emblematic Québec activities like ice-skating, dog sledding and sugar shack visits in the winter and biking, guided hiking tours, and whale watching in the warmer months. Guests can also participate in the Club Med Amazing Family programming. . All-New Spa Concept: The Club Med Spa by Sothys will feature a sauna and a 100-square-metre terrace with a jacuzzi – both overlooking the pristine Charlevoix region. Nordic spa-inspired treatments will also be available, including the signature Cold & Hot Therapy Pathway.

CLUB MED LA ROSIERE For clients looking to go farther afield, Club Med La Rosière in the French Alps is an all-inclusive ski resort with sweeping 180-degree views of the surrounding region and unlimited skiin/ski-out access in the heart of Espace San Bernardo, well-known for its bountiful sunshine and snow cover.

Aug 26, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 15

NEWS . Accommodations: With 395 spacious rooms emanating the cozy atmosphere of a refined alpine Chalet, Club Med La Rosière offers a variety of accommodation styles catered to all travellers, including some interconnecting rooms for larger groups and others with private balconies for guests to take in the surrounding landscape. . Dining: Club Med La Rosière has two signature dining concepts: San Bernardo Gourmet Lounge features a bar, wine cellar, and terrace, and offers all-day table service with a subdued and intimate ambiance once night falls; while Le Mont Valaisan features five expansive dining areas surrounded by rustic, wooden partitions, and mountain life-inspired design – including one section specifically dedicated for families, surrounded by glistening snow globes and flowers. Guests will rejoice in the culinary masterpieces served here, which blend Italian and French cuisine – an ode to the resort’s location as it sits where the two countries meet. . Activities + Experiences: Unlimited outdoor activities include skiing and snowboarding with complimentary lift passes and lessons, along with Nordic walking and snowshoeing, mountain-facing yoga workshops, and a panoramic walkway offering 360-degree views over the highest peak of the Alps. After a day on the mountain, kids can play at the Children’s Clubs, while adults relax at the Club Med Spa by Cinq Mondes, featuring a steam room, a heated indoor pool equipped with high-speed jets and a relaxation room with stunning views of the Tarentaise Valley.

“PEACE OF MIND IS A DESTINATION” Club Med notes that after a year full of uncertainty, “the key to a successful holiday is flexibility and safety.”

With an increasing number of travellers making last-minute vacation decisions, the brand’s Flexible Cancellation Policy allows guests to make short notice changes to bookings, while the Emergency Assistance Program provides travellers with medical coverage in case of emergency during their stay.

This includes any issues related to COVID-19 and is combined with Club Med’s Safe Together Program, which focuses on enhanced hygiene and safety measures. For more details see ClubMed.ca.

16 | TRAVELWEEK | Aug 26, 2021

Disney Uncharted Adventure

Disney Uncharted Adventure onboard for Disney Wish debut in June 2022 CELEBRATION, FL — No one tells a story like Disney. Now the company is taking its story-telling prowess to new heights with Disney Uncharted Adventure.

Set to debut onboard Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish, the immersive Disney Uncharted Adventure is billed as a first-of-its-kind interactive experience ‘combining imagination, technology and the magic of a wishing star’, one that takes guests on a multidimensional voyage into the worlds of iconic Disney and Pixar characters.

Disney Wish’s maiden voyage is scheduled for June 9, 2022, followed by a season of three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral to Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay. “With the Disney Wish, we have an incredible opportunity to immerse our guests in the worlds of their favorite stories in surprising, interactive and completely unique new ways,” said Davey Feder, software product manager, Walt Disney Imagineering.

And with the new Disney Uncharted Adventure, “we’re literally putting the power in our guests’ hands to become the heroes of a grand adventure that can only be done on a Disney cruise,” he added.

Here’s how it works: using the Play Disney Parks app — and with some help from their guides, Captain Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse — Disney Wish passengers can transform their mobile devices into an enchanted spy-

glass, a tool that allows them to ‘set sail’ for the worlds of Moana, Tiana, Peter Pan, Nemo and more. The spyglass is the key to unlocking adventures, solving puzzles, conquering quests - and ultimately saving the day, says Feder.

“While guests will need a mobile device to play, this isn’t a traditional mobile gaming experience,” Feder said. “This is a heads-up, active experience that can be played with family and friends. The magic will happen all around the ship. The spyglass is not where the adventure takes place — it’s just the tool that brings the ship to life, opening portals into new worlds and allowing guests to interact with them.”

Leading up to a cruise on the Disney Wish, the app will reveal a special greeting from Captain Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse.

Once on board, passengers will use their spyglasses to reveal special views of the stars above. These ‘constellations’ take shape as recognizable icons from Disney and Pixar stories. When the wishing star suddenly bursts and shatters, families will watch as its pieces are scattered across the sky, each landing in a far-off realm. Captain Minnie will need guests to help navigate the ship to these uncharted worlds to find the missing pieces of the wishing star. Passengers can choose where to go next, charting a course toward adventurous locales such as Motunui, New Orleans, Never Land, Sydney and more.

Each quest takes passengers on a journey throughout the ship, as the quest weaves interaction with the ship’s artwork, signs and props.

The result is a combination of AR (augmented reality) and physical ef-

NEWS fects “to create a hidden layer of magic that can only be unlocked with Disney Uncharted Adventure,” said Feder.

The adventure ends with a grand finale hosted in one of the ship’s premier entertainment venues. During a live interactive experience, passengers will gather with other players to battle an infamous Disney villain (who’s been pulling the strings all along) and finally restore the wishing star to its rightful place in the sky.

Feder says Disney Uncharted Adventure is being developed with flexibility, replayability and customization in mind. Passengers will be in charge of their own adventure, choosing when and how to play. Some guests may not complete every quest but can still enjoy the finale event; others may choose to play again and again, with new surprises and rewards each time. Families can play together on up to six devices at once, or team up on only one or two devices at a time.

AmaWaterways adds a third ‘Seven River Journey’ in response to growing demand CALABASAS — AmaWaterways is launching a third ‘Seven River Journey’ for Autumn 2023 following the hugely successful Spring and Summer Editions announced earlier this year.

The 2023 journey, departing Aug. 24 from Paris and returning Oct. 9 to Giurgiu, Romania, will visit a total of 14 countries over the span of 47 days.

Cruise fares start at $37,439 per guest.

Earlier this year, AmaWaterways introduced its longest-ever river cruise A biking excursion with AmaWaterways

itinerary, the 46-night ‘Seven River Journey Through Europe,’ which garnered international attention from travel agents and guests. A second 45-night ‘Seven River Journey’ was announced a month later, in April, following the overwhelming response to the first.

“Our Seven River Journeys have generated such an amazing response from our guests, and we are delighted to offer yet another opportunity for travellers to immerse themselves in the beautiful regions of Europe during one of my favorite times of year, the delightful autumn season,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “From exploring fairytale castles and storybook villages enveloped in brilliant fall colors to enjoying seasonal wines and the autumn apple harvest, Seven River Journey – Autumn Edition takes place during the perfect time of year for guests to spend extended time in some of Europe’s most-sought after destinations.”

While on the ‘seven River Journey – Autumn Edition,’ guests will embark from Paris on AmaLyra to sail along the Seine, before transferring to AmaCerto in Amsterdam to sail along the Maas, Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers. Their journey will conclude with two weeks onboard AmaVerde, which will sail the full length of the Danube.

‘Seven River Journey – Autumn Edition’ will include fine dining and hand-selected wines at every meal in multiple onboard venues, a Wellness Host, and a choice of land excursions. It will also feature seamless transfers between the three ships, complimentary laundry and portage service, all gratuities onboard and during shore excursions, and a dedicated Cruise Manager that will personally guide guests throughout the entirety of the trip.

The Travel Corporation to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination starting Sept. 1 TORONTO — The Travel Corporation has announced a new COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all adult guests, across all its guided tour brands, effective Sept. 1, 2021.

The policy, which applies to Trafalgar, Contiki, Insight Vacations, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations and Luxury Gold, requires guests to show documented proof of having received two doses of approved COVID-19 vaccines from either Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca, or one dose from Johnson & Johnson.

The final dose of the vaccine must be administered a minimum of 15 days prior to departure.

The new policy will remain in effect until at least Dec. 31, 2021.

“The well-being of our guests is a top priority and many of the countries we travel to now require proof of vaccination or near-daily negative PCR testing results for non-vaccinated visitors to enter museums, restaurants and historical sites,” says Jeff Element, President of The Travel Corporation Canada. “Our new requirement will ensure guests greater peace of mind so they’re able to enjoy a seamless and wonderful travel experience.”

Clients booked with any of TTC’s brands will need to provide proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination to their Wellbeing Director, Travel Director, Trip Manager of Traveling Concierge before joining the tour and also upon arrival to their destination. They will additionally need to comply with specific PCR testing requirements imposed by airlines and/or the destinations, which may differ from country to country.

“With the international travel requirements constantly being updated, we are continuously monitoring evolving vaccination mandates across destinations,” adds Element. “Canada’s recent announcement of the rollout of a vaccine passport for international travel is also a positive step forward for our industry and will enable guests to easily provide the necessary documentation.”

TTC guided tours will operate with enhanced hygiene, physical distancing and on-road protocols, plus a dedicatAug 26, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 17

NEWS ed Well-being Director will accompany Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold trip with 21 or more guests (excluding Austria and New Zealand). TTC has collaborated with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTC) to align and create global protocols. All of its brands have since been awarded the WTTC Safe Travel Stamp.

Uniworld, another TTC brand, is also requiring proof of vaccination.

Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta

WestJet’s CalgaryParis nonstop service Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta is back on CALGARY — WestJet’s nonstop service unveils remodelled between Calgary and Paris is flying guestrooms and high once again.

Flight 10 on WestJet’s 787 Dreamlin- dining upgrades er took off from Calgary International Airport on Aug. 20.

WestJet is the only airline to operate the nonstop route. WestJet is also now the airline with the most European destinations offered direct from its Calgary base. WestJet introduced twice-weekly, nonstop, service between Calgary and Amsterdam on August 5 and is currently serving London (Gatwick) two times weekly. Both routes are expected to increase to three times weekly in September.

"We are thrilled to bring back this historic route between Calgary and Paris, reconnecting these two incredible cities and providing easy and unique travel opportunities throughout Europe for Western Canadians," said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer.

The airline notes that the return of its Calgary-Paris nonstops also restores WestJet's codeshare partnership with Air France. The codeshare gives Canadian business and leisure travellers seamless connections to and from 16 cities in Europe, including Rome, Venice, Athens and Lisbon. Passengers connecting through Air France can earn WestJet Dollars throughout their entire journey.

From Calgary, flights will operate once weekly through Oct. 29. On the return, once-weekly flights from Paris run through Oct. 31.

18 | TRAVELWEEK | Aug 26, 2021

PUERTO VALLARTA — Multiple enhancements are being made to Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa, completely transforming the award-winning resort located on the shores of Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta.

Part of La Colección Resorts by Fiesta Americana, a collection of 30 urban and beach resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, the newly enhanced property is undergoing a top-to-bottom renovation of its 291 guestrooms and suites, the majority of which are already completed with the remaining few scheduled to be ready by the end of the summer. Each room features a private balcony, while the Presidential Suite boasts an expansive outdoor terrace with a breakfast nook, outdoor jacuzzi and sun loungers.

Also upgraded are the resort’s dining venues, including the Asian restaurant Tiantang as well as a brand new option, L’Isola steakhouse. Tiantang now features a sushi bar and teppanyaki tables with lively shows, while L’Isola offers an upscale surf & turf menu of quality cuts and lobster. Guests can also continue to enjoy other favourites at the resort such as the Italian Rosato, the casual buffet Chulavista, local cuisine at El Mexicano and fresh seafood at La Cevichería.

For adults, the rooftop pool SONNE offers 180-degree views of Banderas Bay. The adjacent SONNE Beach Club also entices with two jacuzzies, nine

cabanas, a lounge area featuring Bali beds and a grill stacked with cocktails and snacks. While adults lounge at the club, children can entertain themselves at the Fiesta Kids Club and the Teens Club.

The resort has also been enhanced with ‘Phygital’ experiences that include contactless pre-check-ins via the Fiesta Rewards mobile app, which permits room selection prior to arrival and accelerates the check-in process.

Other perks available through the app include requests for housekeeping, inroom dining or restaurant reservations and amenities.

“Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta is one of our beloved family-friendly destinations best known for its inviting spaces and excellent service, which have garnered the property AAA 4 Diamond awards for the past 16 consecutive years,” said Enrique Calderon, COO of La Coleccion Resorts by Fiesta Americana. “These recent enhancements will elevate the experience for our guests so that they can fully enjoy a restful and memorable vacation in one of Mexico’s most beautiful destinations.”

Bahia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay will reopen Sept. 1 MIAMI — Bahia Principe is getting ready to reopen its second Jamaican resort.

The reopening date for Bahia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay is set for Sept. 1, 2021.

The company’s other Jamaica property, the family-friendly Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica, reopened in July 2020.

“We are very pleased to add Ba-

NEWS hia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay to the roster of resorts available to our guests, as part of our strategic plan to continue to safely reopen our properties spread across Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Mexico, following all health protocols and in compliance with local mandates,” said Dennis Vondenhoff, Bahia Principe’s VP Sales, U.S. and Canada. “The Bahia Principe family is proud to encourage mindful travel to the destination with the goal of assisting the nation’s tourism recovery in the long run.”

To provide a safe and convenient COVID-19 testing option for guests, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts offers onsite antigen and PCR tests at competitive prices in both properties in Jamaica.

The company also has rigorous safety and hygiene measures in place at all of its resorts.

NCL extends vaccination policy until Dec. 31 MIAMI — Norwegian Cruise Line has extended its mandatory vaccination policy for guests and crew by another two months.

Originally set to expire on Oct. 31, 2021, the policy has now been extended for all sailings through Dec. 31, 2021. According to the cruise line, the decision was made under the guidance of globally recognized public health experts and to prioritize the health and safety of all those onboard, as well as the communities it visits.

Passengers on ships embarking or disembarking at U.S. ports must be vaccinated with FDA and/or World Health Organization (WHO) authorized single-brand vaccinations. Those who are not old enough to be vaccinated will not be allowed on these sailings.

“However, we eagerly await an expansion of the age criteria for vaccinations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration so we can once again welcome these guests back onboard,” said NCL in an official statement.

“We will continue to evaluate and modify our health and safety protocols with our team of scientific and public health experts as science and technology evolve,” added the company. “We thank our guests for their understanding and support as we address the

challenges posed by COVID-19 to deliver a safe vacation experience.”

Earlier this month, NCL won a preliminary court injunction that allows it to now require proof of COVID-19 vaccination from guests prior to boarding its ships in Florida, despite Governor Ron DeSantis’ controversial ‘vaccine passport ban’ that was passed in May. The injunction came just in time, with the Norwegian Gem sailing out of Miami a week later, on Aug. 15, the first time NCL has sailed out of the cruise hub since the start of the pandemic.

“We thank our guests for their understanding and support as we address the challenges posed by COVID-19 to deliver a safe vacation experience,” says Norwegian Cruise Line.

Later Frank Del Rio, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, lambasted the Florida government’s decision to appeal that ruling. “It’s beyond bizarre.

It’s shameful,” he said.

Speaking about how the government at all levels and political stripes has handled the pandemic, Del Rio said: “Our leadership has failed us. Can you imagine if 700,000 people died of anything other than COVID, the outrage that there would be, what government would do to stop that? And this government, whether we’re talking about local, state or federal - and I’m not talking Republicans, I’m not talking Democrats, I’m talking government.”

Del Rio added: “I mean, come on, give it up. This is a pandemic we are talking about, people are dying every day, Florida now is the epicentre of the epicentre. What does it take for common sense to rule?”

Air Canada to launch nonstop VancouverSanta Ana service MONTREAL — Air Canada is launching nonstop service between Vancouver and Santa Ana in Orange County, California, starting Oct. 2, 2021.

Flights will initially be available four times per week, with plans to increase to daily service in 2022. Flights going both ways between Vancouver (YVR) and Orange County (SNA) will depart Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 2-Dec. 19, with a Friday flight being added from Dec. 20Jan. 9. From Jan. 10, onwards, service will increase to daily.

Flights will be operated onboard Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft featuring a choice of Premium and Economy cabins and upgraded in-flight entertainment at every seat.

"We are pleased to strategically add another popular transborder service as we continue restoring our Canada-U.S. network,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.

“Orange County is known for iconic tourism, sports and entertainment, high tech industries and more, and our service to John Wayne Airport offers customers another convenient airport choice in the greater Los Angeles area.

Our schedule enables convenient connections through our Vancouver hub to and from our destinations across Canada.”

The news follows Air Canada’s recent announcement of new transborder routes from Quebec City to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale that begin this November. By this fall, Air Canada will offer up to 240 daily flights to and from 35 destinations in the United States, with plans to restore services to all 57 U.S. destinations it operated prior to the pandemic, as conditions allow.

To make travel easier for guests, Air Canada has developed a new digital solution via the Air Canada App. It enables guests flying between Canada and the U.S., and between Canada and select European destinations to conveniently and securely scan and upload COVID-19 test results and validate compliance with government travel requirements prior to arriving at the airport.

Moreover, Air Canada’s new refund policy includes the options of refunds, an Air Canada Travel Voucher or equivalent value in Aeroplan Points with a 65% bonus, should the airline cancel or reschedule a flight by more than three hours. The policy is applicable to all tickets purchased.

Aug 26, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 19

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