Travelweek - April 14th, 2022

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Always-lucrative group travel niche making a strong comeback, for travel advisors and tour ops

By Kathryn Folliott

TORONTO — Talk about a quick pivot.

After two years of tiptoeing around promoting travel, lest any pro-travel messaging sounded tone-deaf during the pandemic, travel advisors are now so inundated with booking requests they’re having to set up auto-responses telling clients how best to secure their time and expertise.

That’s certainly the case for Cindy Almond, owner of Romance and Foodie Travel, and a group travel specialist.

Almond puts it this way in her automatic email message: “Due to the overwhelming demand for travel plan management, I currently have a waitlist for incoming travel inquiries. I pride myself on excellent service and as such, in order to provide that level of service I cannot take on too many clients at once!”

Anyone interested in Almond’s services can use her online calendar to book an appointment. Urgent requests are directed to a member

of her team, whether it’s about an all-inclusive vacation, a destination wedding, Europe, Disney and more.

Almond’s agency does its fair share of group business, and we asked her what trends she’s seeing with her group bookings.

Groups have always been a lucrative side of the leisure travel market for travel agents and tour ops too, and private ‘bubble’ groups were among the first to come back when travel restarted last year.

That’s still happening, only now the bubbles are bigger, with more family members.

“More and more I’m getting small groups of four or five families travelling together for an all-inclusive getaway,” says Almond. “And they’re planning earlier than usual for winter, and asking for March Break 2023 already.”

Long lead times for groups are common - but so are very short booking windows, as bookings at this point in the pandemic continue to swing from one extreme to the other.

Says another group travel expert, Transat’s National Groups Director, Pat Brady: “The biggest group trend we are seeing right now is around the booking window. More friends and family groups are looking to travel last minute (within 60 days of booking), whereas these trips were normally booked further out.”

One of the biggest segments of the groups market - destination weddings - is well into recovery mode, adds Brady. Her message to travel agents with wedding clients? Book soon.

“Destination weddings are also coming back and some of the key hotels offering wedding packages are rapidly filling up. Agents should book as quickly as possible to secure their clients’ first choice,” says Brady.

Almond handles a lot of weddings and she says she’s also seeing a higher tolerance among her clients for shorter turnaround times for destination wedding plans. After a long two years of waiting, brides and grooms are more than ready to say ‘I do’. Even though we’re already well into spring, “people are still inquiring for fall 2022 weddings,” says Almond.

She’s even getting business that piggybacks on weddings. For one file, she’s putting together a trip for clients heading to Italy for a wedding.

“KEEPING AHEAD OF DEMAND”

One challenge with group travel’s recovery is the slow turnaround times with getting group quotes. Many tour operators still haven’t been able to re-hire

employees, and while things are improving, some travel advisors are stuck in the middle of a tough situation, asking for patience from clients looking to book while losing patience waiting for the quote to come back from the supplier.

That hasn’t been an issue for Goway.

While the tour operator - like many in the industry - is at the mercy of the local suppliers who may be short-staffed, Goway’s Shirley Rourke says Goway was able to bring back the majority of its team last year. “Since then we have steadily been recruiting and will continue to recruit to assist in keeping ahead of demand. Goway’s Groups Only is fully staffed and able to turn around quotes fairly quickly.”

Rourke, now with Goway for more than 17 years, has been immersed in group travel in recent months, taking over the role of VP, Goway’s Groups Only from industry veteran Barbara Norton.

We wanted to know what group travel trends she’s tracking, from the tour operator side.

Just like Almond and Brady, Rourke reports shorter lead times. “Generally groups book 12-18 months out. Now we’re seeing lead in time reduced to three to six months.”

All group sizes big and small are booking, with a lot of interest for create-your-own-bubble group travel, and groups of friends planning trip around their interests, she adds. “Lots of multi-generation family groups, too.”

There’s a higher interest in one-destination trips, what Rourke

calls mono-destination itineraries: “People are wanting to linger longer, get off the coach and explore more.”

The pre-pandemic trend for not just visiting a destination, but really experiencing it, is meanwhile going strong and that’s especially true for groups. “Group clients are wanting unique itineraries, they want to interact and be immersive in the destination,” says Rourke.

And clients are spending more, another strong trend as travellers splurge with 2+ years of pandemic savings. “Clients want to spoil themselves so we have seen the spend increase.”

Milestone travel, always a big draw for groups, is an even bigger

trend now as everyone plays catchup after missing so many milestone celebrations during the pandemic. “Any birthday, anniversary or get together is reason to travel in a group!” says Rourke.

She adds that as destinations open, more group travel bookings are coming in for more far-flung spots including Dubai, Iceland, Europe and Africa. Not surprisingly, given Goway’s specialty in Australia and New Zealand, group bookings are coming in for those destinations too. Australia is now open to fully vaccinated Canadians, and New Zealand follows suit May 1.

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Celebration, optimism as tourism boards for Israel, Greece team up

TORONTO — The Israel Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization joined forces for an industry event, celebrating these two gems of the Mediterranean with presentations, networking and more.

Taking place at Toronto’s Windsor Arms Hotel, the in-person event was marked by an air of celebration and optimism as Greece and Israel, and the travel industry at large, get ready for plenty of pent-up demand.

Jerry Adler, IMOT’s Deputy Director for Canada, had everyone at the event stand up and give themselves a round of applause. The relief was palpable after two long years of the pandemic, and even though many challenges remain, at least recovery is finally underway.

One of Israel’s marketing messages - one that underlines the country’s Mediterranean tiesmakes it a perfect partner for joint promotions with other Med

destinations. In the past IMOT has also partnered with Med tourism boards including Italy and Spain. Israel’s partnerships go east too. Later this month, IMOT will hold another joint event, with Dubai.

But at this event it was Greece in the spotlight alongside Israel, and Sofoklis Savvas, Exhibitions & Trade Coordinator with the GNTO, made sure to highlight all the helpful information and assets - including free downloadable images - available at the GNTO’s website, at visitgreece.gr.

Both Greece and Israel have come through the pandemic with strong policies and good vaccination rates.

Greece kicked off its tourist season promotions on March 1, 2022, a month earlier than usual, as it works to make up lost time from the pandemic. Fully vaccinated visitors to Greece don’t need a negative COVID test to enter the country.

Meanwhile Israel is welcoming all tourists, vaccinated and unvaccinated, of all ages with an ease of entry restrictions that took effect March 1.

Gal Hana, Consul for Tourism and Director for Canada’s representative Israel Ministry of Tourism office, says it’s time tourism took a turn in the driver’s seat.

“Travel has been taken for granted for many years,” said Hana. “People didn’t understand the value of travel except that it was fun.”

And the trade hadn’t worked overly hard to reframe travel in a different light, he added. “There was a feeling of comfort in the industry, a sense of, why rock the boat if everything works.”

Now after two years of the pandemic, with its restrictions and worries that kept most of the world home-bound, people have a new and strong appreciation for travel and how it changes people, and can change the world. It’s the perfect opportunity for the travel and tourism sector to get proactive, said Hana.

Meaningful travel can now take centre stage, said Hana. And that includes travel outside the periphery, to lesser-visited destinations, and outside the usual seasonality with a move to year-round travel instead of high season / shoulder season.

“Tourism cannot remain in the passenger seat,” he said. “It has a vision, a purpose. We’ve had two years to think about what are the values we want to promote.”

IMOT’S JERRY ADLER AND GAL HANA WITH GNTO’S SOFOKLIS SAVVAS

German National Tourist Office relaunches German.Local.Culture campaign

TORONTO — Germany’s many treasures, from its charming old towns and vibrant urban cities, to its thriving wine and beer scene, unique architecture and resplendent green spaces, were in the spotlight at an industry lunch hosted by the German National Tourist Office (GNTO).

They’re all part of the GNTO’s relaunched German.Local.Culture. campaign, as strong as ever heading into high season for 2022. The campaign’s four pillars are Green, Flair, Craft and Taste.

Germany is wide open to Canadian visitors - “no tests and no quarantines” - and the GNTO is anticipating strong numbers for 2022, says Anja Brokjans, GNTO’s Director, Canada. The GNTO is represented in Canada by VoX International.

Canadians have made Germany their #4 wish-list destination in Europe, behind Italy, France and the UK, notes Brokjans, citing stats from the European Travel Commission’s 2022 Long-Haul Travel Barometer.

While 2020 and 2021 were as difficult for Germany as they were

GERMANY

for destinations around the world - Canadian overnights in Germany dropped from a high of 730,000 in 2019, to 141,000 in 2020 and again in 2021 - the destination is poised for recovery. Germany and its travel product have strong positioning in line with what the ETC says will be key motivators for overseas travel in 2022: effectiveness in managing COVID (30%), flexible cancellation policies (28%), fully lifted travel restrictions (27%) and health and safety protocols (23%).

Getting to Germany from Canada should be easy too, thanks to flights with Star Alliance partners Air Canada and Lufthansa (and Eurowings).  Flights will be operating out of Halifax to Frankfurt (three nonstop flights), Montreal to Frankfurt and Munich (21 nonstop flights), Toronto to Frankfurt and Munich (35 nonstop flights),

Calgary to Frankfurt (11 nonstop flights) and Vancouver to Frankfurt and Munich (21 nonstop flights). Condor has flights too, May to October 2022 offering direct service from Toronto, Halifax, Vancouver and Whitehorse to Frankfurt. Condor’s Toronto-Frankfurt flights will operate year-round.

Germany is primarily a leisure travel destination from Canada, with 71% of Canadians heading to Germany either for holidays (58%) or VFR (13%). The remaining 29% is business travel.

The country will see a huge influx of leisure travellers this year in particular thanks to Oberammergau, taking place May 14 - Oct. 2 after a two-year delay due to the pandemic.

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IS WIDE OPEN TO CANADIAN VISITORS - NO TESTS AND NO QUARANTINES

CRUISES

Construction on the sixth ship in Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis Class is now underway in Saint-Nazaire, France. Utopia of the Seas, scheduled for delivery in spring 2024, will be the first Oasis Class ship powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas). Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class got its start in 2009 with Oasis of the Seas. By introducing the first LNG-powered Oasis Class ship, the cruise line says it’s taking yet another step toward a clean-energy future after its first LNG ship, Icon of the Seas, debuts in fall 2023. The use of the cleanest fossil fuel available to cruise ships today and additional environmentally-friendly applications on board Utopia will boost energy efficiencies and further reduce emissions overall, says the company.

AIRLINES

There’s no specific launch date yet but Canada Jetlines has a hub: Toronto Pearson International Airport. Flights will start out of Toronto this summer, with a network that will come to include U.S., Mexico and Caribbean destinations as well as Canadian cities, on A320s. The airline is eager to work with travel agents. “This is an exciting day for Canada Jetlines as we name Toronto Pearson as our primary travel hub, in preparation for summer service,” said Canada Jetlines CEO Eddy Doyle. “This partnership will allow us to better service both domestic and international travellers to and from Canada’s busiest airport.”

POLICIES

With its reopening in full swing, Switzerland has launched a new promotional campaign to entice Canadians to book travel now. The campaign, running through the end of June, features Canadian travel and TV personality Jean-Michel Dufaux who highlights the destination’s best experiences and offerings. “Fully vaccinated Canadians can travel to Switzerland and immediately enjoy the Swiss Alps, our boutique towns and our four language regions,” says Switzerland Tourism’s Pascal Prinz. “No tests and no quarantine are required, neither for your departure nor for your return.” Switzerland reopened to fully vaccinated Canadians in June 2021. The destination has lifted just about all of its COVID-19 restrictions, including the Swiss COVID Certificate and Passenger Locator Form. Lift with SWISS/Lufthansa Group and Air Canada offers direct flights to Zurich and Geneva from Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.

FINTECH

Air Canada and Visa have teamed up to introduce

Visa Installment Solution to eligible credit cardholders, a move the companies say will give Canadian travellers more choice and flexibility over how they pay for their airfare purchases. Air Canada will be among the first airlines globally to participate in Visa Installments Solution. Consumer interest in 'Buy Now, Pay Later' (BNPL) payment strategies continues to grow, says Brian Weiner, VP and head of product and digital, Visa Canada, especially for large ticket purchases like travel. "We're excited that an iconic brand like Air Canada has an interest in the Visa Installments Solution," said Weiner.

BORDERS

Canadians in Canada and abroad can now use the simplified process to renew an expired passport, as long as it was issued within the last 15 years. With the simplified renewal process, applicants don't need to have a guarantor or to provide their original documents, such as proof of citizenship or photo identification. They only need two photos, two references, their completed form and the applicable fees.

ACTA keeps focus on recovery of an industry “besieged by debt”

TORONTO — ACTA’s tireless advocacy work over the past two extraordinarily difficult years of the pandemic has resulted in everything from higher wage subsidies in the federal government’s first rounds of COVID financial support, to the eased travel restrictions now fuelling travel’s resurgence.

And while ACTA is now transitioning its focus from the industry’s survival, to its recovery, the trade organization is well aware there’s still a long road back to solvency

for many in the retail travel sector.

“Our industry is in a much better place today than it was just a few weeks ago. Our members are seeing their sales rapidly climb,” said ACTA President Wendy Paradis, speaking at ACTA’s post-Budget virtual Town Hall.

“However our sector will be among the last to recover based on how and when our compensation is paid.”

The last and, as it turns out, final round of financial aid for the tourism and travel industries, the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP), ends May 7.

As Paradis noted, the federal government “made an abrupt shift” with Budget 2022 from pandemic-related financial support, to a focus on economic growth and affordability for all Canadians.

“ACTA’s focus will now transition from survival to recovery. And we will advocate with all levels of government on lifting the remaining barriers to travel, reducing regulatory burdens, tackling the labour crisis and fostering an environment where travel agencies and independent travel agents can thrive.”

ACTA’s Avery Campbell, who spearheads the organization’s advocacy work with government, minced no words in looking at last week’s Budget and what it means for the retail travel sector, especially for independent agents.

“Our sector is besieged by debt,

and only now starting to see recovery. There should be continued support to enable meaningful recovery, and we are deeply disappointed that the government has made the decision to cut off its support,” said Campbell. “We believe the federal government removed its financial support from independent travel agents and agencies far too early.”

Campbell noted ACTA’s targeted campaigns, one focused on ITAs and the other called ‘Save Travel’, in the weeks and months leading up to the budget, including video campaigns inviting agents to post videos with messages about how the pandemic and the travel restrictions have devastated their businesses, and why extended aid was so crucial.

The campaign’s videos were viewed more than 15,000 times, with 3,000 engagements.

“Everyone gave it their best effort. While we didn’t achieve our goals, everything that could be done, was,” he said.

Air Transat resumes direct flights to France, Italy and Madrid

MONTREAL — Air Transat is gradually resuming its flights to a number of destinations in France and Italy, plus Madrid.

Six destinations in France will be available once more to Quebec travellers in the coming weeks, from Brittany to Provence,  Aquitaine and Auvergne.

Transat will also increase flight frequencies between Montreal and Paris, up to 14 flights per week in May. Transat will soon restart its service to Paris from Toronto (May 3) and Quebec City (launched April 10).

WE BELIEVE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REMOVED ITS FINANCIAL SUPPORT FAR TOO EARLY

From Montreal, Air Transat will gradually start flying back to Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice and Toulouse by early May.

At the height of the summer season, Transat will operate a total of 43 weekly flights to France from Montreal, Quebec City and Toronto.

Air Transat is also heading back to Italy, after several months of forced suspension due to COVID-19.

On April 8 the airline operated its first flight between Montreal and Rome (TS402), which will be offered up to four times a week.

Air Transat offers a selection of direct routes to Italy from Montreal and Toronto, as follows (all flights frequencies shown are at the height of the season): four flights weekly Montreal - Rome, started April 8; two flights weekly Montreal - Venice, starting May 5; one weekly flight each TorontoLamezia (June 8) and Toronto-Venice (May 2); and five weekly flights Toronto - Rome (April 16).

Air Transat has also resumed its flights to Madrid.

The first flight on the Montreal-Madrid route, TS384, took off April 5. Flights will run three times a week at the height of the season. Until the end of October, the airline will operate these flights with its new-generation Airbus A321neoLR aircraft.

Air Transat offers a selection of direct routes to Spain from Montreal and Toronto.

From Montreal, Air Transat flies to Madrid, Barcelona (launched April 13) and Malaga (year-round). From Toronto, Air Transat’s flights to Barcelona start May 3.

WestJet marks highest singleday passenger count since the pandemic started

CALGARY — WestJet has marked a major milestone in its pandemic recovery.

Earlier this month, on April 3, WestJet saw its highest single-day guest count since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was two days after the dropped requirement for pre-arrival testing came into effect.

WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said the airline flew an estimated 48,000 guests on more than 450 flights.

The milestone “is a direct reflection of our guest’s desire to return to the skies and their renewed confidence in air travel,” said von Hoensbroech. “This is a strong signal for demand and the recovery of our industry as we look ahead to the busy summer travel season.”

WestJet released its summer schedule last month, with a restored network to near pre-pandemic levels.

At the height of the summer season WestJet will offer 43 domestic, 23 transborder, 16 Caribbean and eight transatlantic destinations. That amounts to 94% of WestJet’s pre-pandemic routes with 600+ daily departures network-wide.

Sunwing launches enhanced agent portal with selfserve tools

TORONTO — Sunwing has debuted its enhanced travel agent portal featuring improved features and new tools that are essential to the booking experience.

Available at sunwingagents.ca, the new portal is designed to improve agent interaction through convenient self-serve options available 24/7. Featuring an intuitive design, it allows agents to navigate with ease and enjoy unlimited access to a suite of marketing tools, key information and resources, along with several new features that will help agents increase their knowledge and save time.

Agents can stay in the know with information on current Sunwing promotions, view on-demand webinars, customizable flyers and more

Agents can also easily sign up for a STAR Card to start earning points for all qualifying bookings and manage redemption of STAR Points for cash.

The portal offers up-to-date information on entry requirements for all Sunwing destinations.

It also has an Agent FAQ section with helpful agent information and answers to commonly asked questions.

AGENTS

dedication by the Sunwing team, we’re thrilled the new and improved Sunwingagents.ca portal is now live, providing more opportunities for our agency partners to book their customers’ dream vacations with Sunwing,” said Andrew Dawson, Sunwing’s President, Tour Operations.

“Timing is everything”: Navigatr eyes Ensemble acquisition

INQUIRIES AND SECURE MORE SALES

Sunwing’s popular ‘Manage my bookings’ feature will now allow agents to perform self-serve transactions, including adding payments and travel insurance, in addition to making changes to bookings, accessing and printing e-docs, selecting and upgrading seats, booking excursions and more.

Plus, agents booking group travel will enjoy easy access to the Group Sales Resource Centre and its services such as creating instant group quotes, with destination information on wedding planning services, group rewards and hotel recommendations by group type readily available.

“Following the culmination of several months of hard work and

“As a vital resource for travel bookings, agents can take advantage of our innovative features and access valuable information that will arm them with the tools they need to address customer inquiries and secure more sales,” he added.

To further engage agents, Sunwing is launching a new contest for the month of April in which agents have even more opportunities to earn STAR Agent Rewards Points with Sunwing’s One Million STAR Points Contest.

Agents registered with the STAR Rewards Program, as well as those who register at Sunwingagents.ca in April, can increase their chances of winning one of 10 weekly 25,000 STAR Points prizes that can be redeemed for cash, simply by logging in and interacting with the portal. Chances of winning points increases the more agents log in and interact with various elements of the platform.

NEW YORK — Navigatr Group and Ensemble Travel Group have announced plans that, if approved, would see Navigatr acquire Ensemble’s North American consortium.

Navigatr Group, led by founder and CEO Jeff Willner, is the parent company of tour operator Kensington Tours along with retailers Travel Edge and Travel Edge Network, plus tech division TripArc.

Navigatr Group has also acquired a number of well-known travel brands over the years and folded them into the group’s operations. They include The Travel Network, Worldview Travel and Horizon & Co.

Navigatr and Ensemble say that if the deal is approved by Ensemble’s shareholders, Ensemble will be a standalone entity within Navigatr Group. It will continue operations in the U.S. and Canada.

New role for Direct Travel’s Race, new post for Saunders

Direct Travel has tapped long-time employee Ian Race to lead its corporate sales team across all of Canada. The company veteran will continue in his current role as Senior Vice President, Corporate Sales & Business Development, with the added distinction of serving in that capacity for both the company’s Canada West and Canada East regions. The unified sales front will centralize efforts, streamlining efficiencies and strengthening the company’s Canadian business.

Direct Travel has also appointed Sherry Saunders as its Senior Vice President, Client Management. In her new role, Saunders will lead the account management teams for both the company’s Canada East and West regions, focusing on client services, retention and strategy. Saunders is well known in the industry for being VP Operations at Navigant Travel, prior to its acquisition by CWT. She continued on with leading roles at CWT for more than 15 years.

Navigatr would leverage Ensemble’s strengths in cruise, tour, marketing, and data monetization with Navigatr’s complementary platforms and expertise in delivering technology that will enable agencies to sell more effectively by bundling services into single price transactions which together will enhance and streamline the overall member experience.

In anticipation of shareholder approval, the Ensemble and Navigatr teams have been working on a transition plan to ensure consistency of experience for members, suppliers and the Ensemble team.

David Harris, the current CEO of Ensemble Travel Group, would assume the role of Chairman if the deal goes through. Michael Johnson,

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Fun for all at Grand Palladium Jamaica and Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton

Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa, both located between two of the island’s most popular tourist towns, Lucea and Montego Bay, are perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends seeking both seaside relaxation and adventure at an all-inclusive retreat.

Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa’s architecture embodies the property’s natural landscape, featuring one for the largest pools in the Caribbean along with spacious grounds providing a blissful experience to all. The property features a central infinity pool overlooking the beachfront, as well as an on-site water park and swim-up bar, providing an array of activities for all types of travellers.

The hotel’s suites come with private balconies and terraces, in addition to hydromassage bathtubs, for a relaxing vacation. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options and a range of activities such as snorkelling, windsurfing and tennis.

Those seeking a wellness experience should not miss Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness, providing a lavish experience with hydrotherapy areas, including jacuzzis, pool, sauna, and steam bath, in addition to an extensive list of available spa treatments.

Families taking those long-awaited reunions and group trips have much to find in Jamaica. Grand

Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa’s lofty architecture pays homage to the magnitude of the natural environment. The hotel’s Villa Suites, which are adults-only, feature ocean views, as well as their own private entrance, jacuzzi, terrace and outdoor shower, for an unforgettable five-star experience.

Guests who are looking for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon have various options, some including a moonlit dinner, sunset wine and cheese, romantic photoshoots, and much more. Weddings by Palladium provides couples with the perfect opportunity to have a stress-free destination wedding with Jamaica as their idyllic backdrop.

“Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa continue to attract travellers from around the world, and we’re thrilled to provide the perfect vacation just in time for summer,” said Pilar Arizmendi-Stewart, VP Sales & Marketing, The Americas, Palladium Hotel Group.

She adds: “From Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness to our destination Weddings by Palladium, the exclusive amenities at our Jamaica properties are ideal for a stay on this iconic island.”

For more information check out palladiumhotelgroup.com.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria

don't go small go admire sculptures carved by the sea.

past President of Travel Edge, would assume the role of President.

Says Harris: “While the pandemic has certainly brought many challenges to our industry, it has also given us the opportunity to explore new ideas and relationships. While it is up to the shareholders to decide on the future of Ensemble, this is an exciting opportunity that would couple Ensemble’s areas of expertise and robust agency network with Navigatr’s great depth of resources that we know will create a compelling value proposition within the consortia space.”

Johnson adds: “In the category of ‘timing is everything’, Navigatr group was in the process of launching its own consortium when the idea of pursuing an acquisition of Ensemble was considered. Navigatr’s dedication to improving agency margins through technology is a major addition to Ensemble’s value proposition. This partnership is a prime example of where the whole would be greater than the sum of its parts providing significant benefits to members and suppliers alike.”

Holland America first cruise line to return to Canada

SEATTLE — After more than two years, cruising has at long last returned to Canadian waters.

Holland America Line’s Koningsdam called at Victoria and Vancouver this past weekend, making it the first cruise line to return to Canada following an industry-wide pause due to the global pandemic.

Koningsdam’s call at Victoria marked 905 days since a cruise ship has visited the port, and it was also a maiden call for the ship. To mark both milestones, Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America

Line, was joined by local government officials in Victoria and Vancouver to celebrate cruising’s restart in Canada.

“We are thrilled to be the first cruise line back into Canada after such a long absence, and we look forward to celebrating a great moment for everyone who loves to travel and for those in Canada and Alaska whose livelihoods depend on tourism,” said Antorcha. “Holland America Line has a robust schedule of cruises that explore Canadian ports on both coasts with Alaska, Hawaii, transatlantic and Canada and New England itineraries.”

In 2022, six Holland America Line ships will call at Victoria and Vancouver for the Alaska cruise season. In total, the six ships will make 45 calls at Victoria and bring nearly 75,000 guests to the port, and 76 cruises begin or end at Vancouver, welcoming approximately 140,000 guests.

For Canada and New England cruising on the East Coast, two ships return in May and cruise between Boston and Quebec City, or Montreal. Nieuw Statendam and Zaandam offer itineraries ranging from 7-24 days to more than 12 Canadian ports.

In total for 2022, Holland America Line operates 141 cruises on eight ships in Canada, with more than 250,000 guests visiting both coasts.

More AMR Collection expansion with Dreams Flora in D.R., Secrets St. Lucia

NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA — When AMR Collection’s Dreams Flora Resort & Spa opens later this year, it will be the sixth Dreams Resorts & Spas property in Punta Cana, and the 29th overall.

The 520-key all-ages resort will command a prime spot on a palm-studded beach in Cabeza de Toro, Punta Cana.

Each rooms will offer a private terrace or balcony with ocean, garden and pool views.

“We are pleased with the addition of Dreams Flora Resort & Spa to the Dominican Republic where

SECRETS ST. LUCIA IS TAKING OVER FROM

POPULAR ST. JAMES’S CLUB MORGAN BAY

THE

KONINGSDAM IN VANCOUVER, APRIL 2022

AMR Collection currently has 12 resorts across five award-winning brands,” said Javier Coll, Group President of Global Business Development at AMR Collection’s parent company, Apple Leisure Group.

Dreams Flora Resort will have four swimming pools, including a beachfront infinity pool. There will also be five gourmet à la carte dining choices, six bars and lounges, pool and beach service, unlimited international and domestic top-shelf spirits, 24-hour room and concierge services, a world-class Dreams Spa by Pevonia, daily activities and entertainment and nightly events.

The onsite waterpark features two waterslides. And the Explorer’s Club for Kids and Core Zone Teens Club welcome children with dedicated activities and programming.

Meanwhile, another new AMR Collection property, Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa, will be the second branded property of the AMR Collection portfolio on Saint Lucia.

It will follow the opening of Zoëtry Marigot Bay Saint Lucia, located 40 minutes away from the future Secrets.

The new Secrets St. Lucia is taking over from the popular and well-known St. James’s Club Morgan Bay. Once rebranding is completed, by late 2023, after extensive renovations starting this fall, the

adults-only Secrets St. Lucia will open with 342 rooms and suites.

Secrets St. Lucia will offer five gourmet a la carte dining choices, five bars and lounges, unlimited international and domestic top-shelf spirits, 24-hour room concierge services, swim-out suites, pool and beach service, a wedding gazebo, Secrets Spa by Pevonia and fitness centre, two beachfront pools with Caribbean Sea views, and day to night activities and entertainment.

TICO opens nominations for position on Board of Directors

TORONTO — Nominations have opened for one elected retail or wholesale position on TICO’s Board of Directors.

The term of office of the Director who is elected will be for two years commencing at the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on June 28, 2022, and ending at the AGM in 2024.

Nominations must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. ET on April 29, 2022. Nominations must be

PARTICIPATION ON TICO’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS INVOLVES A SUBSTANTIAL TIME COMMITMENT, INCLUDING PARTICIPATION AT BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS

sent to: Travel Industry Council of Ontario, 55 Standish Court, Suite 460, Mississauga, Ontario, L5R 4B2.

As this continues to be an unprecedented time in the travel industry, TICO is encouraging eligible registrants to consider running for the Director position.

Participation on TICO’s Board of Directors involves a substantial time commitment, which includes participation at board and committee meetings and preparation time. A board member can expect to commit approximately 140-150 hours per year.

TTAND welcomes new Director of Marketing and support staff

The Travel Agent Next Door has announced several new appointments, including Director of Marketing. Annabelle Seow, formerly of Merit Travel and Travel Cuts, has taken on the Director of Marketing role, bringing with her years of travel and marketing experience to the team.

In addition, the company has added several new support staff members in Alberta to better service its partner agents in Western Canada. They include Pamela Shaw, Rebecca Mueller and Alaina Salita.

According to Flemming Friisdahl, TTAND founder, the company saw its best-ever sales in March 2022. The month also saw the company’s highest payout of commission in its history. “I am sure I am like many people who have recognized we need to learn to live with COVID and any new variants,” says Friisdahl. “The good news is we are learning how to live with it and we are seeing consumers starting to travel in great numbers.”

In other TICO news, 19 claims against the Ontario Travel Compensation Fund were approved by TICO’s Board of Directors.

The claims total $32,966 to assist 27 consumers who did not receive the travel services for which they had paid. The approved claims were in regards to Fly Jamaica Airways ($9,570); Jet Airways ($4,088); and Sunmed Holidays ($19,308).

Celebrity Cruises takes delivery of Celebrity Beyond

SAINT NAZAIRE — Celebrity Cruises has taken delivery of Celebrity Beyond, the third and most luxurious ship in its Edge Series fleet.

During an official ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, Celebrity Cruises’ President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo was joined by Royal Caribbean Group’s President and CEO Jason Liberty and the ship’s captain, Kate McCue as they completed the traditional changing of the flags.

The momentous occasion, which was attended by Beyond’s 1,400 crew members and shipyard officials, was particularly poignant was it marked the cruise industry’s first physical delivery ceremony since the start of the pandemic.

“We could not be happier to officially welcome Celebrity Beyond

into our fleet with the first physical delivery since the pandemic, celebrating this momentous occasion with our exceptional crew and partners at Chantiers de l’Atlantique,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “We are seeing a continued desire to travel as business steadily increases, and we see Beyond leading the cruise industry into the next era of luxury. We are more than ready to welcome our guests onboard and show them just how incredible this ship is.”

Celebrity Beyond’s maiden voyage will depart on April 27, 2022 from Southampton, England for a 10-night Western Europe cruise visiting Bordeaux, Lisbon, Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona. It will then offer a variety of Mediterranean journeys including nine-night Italian Riviera and France itineraries and 10-night Greek Isles itineraries through early October, when it then heads to the Caribbean. Voyages are on sale now.

The 1000 update: “Keen interest from Canadian travel advisors”

TORONTO — Less than six months after launch, The 1000 has welcomed the first recipients into its club of wholly-verified, top-producing travel advisors from around the world.

According to the company, applications received to date represent over US$2 billion in annual sales production, averaging $2.3 million per advisor. Of those advisors who have been verified and accepted into The 1000, their average annual sales production is $3.1 million, with several individual advisors each producing over $12 million per year.

“Thank you to the over 1,000 travel advisors from 37 countries who applied, and congratulations to the initial cohort of advisors who have gone through the verification process and now proudly count themselves amongst the world’s most influential travel advisors,” said Jeff Sirota and Tim Morgan, Co-Founders, The 1000.

“We have been moved by the hundreds of passionate e-mails, phone calls, direct messages and conversations that we have had with travel advisors, agency owners, consortium executives and industry partners all acknowledging that a recognition platform like The 1000 is long overdue,” they added.

Travelweek checked in with Morgan to hear more about the Canadian market specifically, and the interest from the Canadian retail travel sector in The 1000.

About a quarter of all applications to join The 1000 were from Canadian travel agents, he says.

“We’ve seen keen interest from Canadian travel advisors looking to be recognized as part of a global program, with the number of applications from the country consistently representing about 25% of the global total,” Morgan told Travelweek.

WE COULD NOT BE HAPPIER TO WELCOME CELEBRITY BEYOND INTO OUR FLEET WITH THE FIRST PHYSICAL DELIVERY SINCE THE PANDEMIC.

CPT. KATE MCCUE, LISA LUTOFF-PERLO AND JASON LIBERTY

He added: “The main difference we have seen between Canadian travel advisor applications and those from other parts of the world is that we saw U.S. travel advisors have a much stronger rebound in 2021, mainly due to the fact that there were far more travel restrictions and travel hesitance in Canada when compared to the U.S. All feedback from Canadian travel advisors so far points to a stronger 2022 than 2021 as long as global events do not further disrupt consumer appetite for travel this year.”

Travelweek first interviewed Morgan at the time of The 1000’s launch, in October 2021.

Complimentary applications are open to all advisors from around the world until April 15, 2022 at the1000.club.

Among the Canadian travel retailers joining The 1000 is top producer Tully Luxury Travel, based in Mississauga, ON. “To have our loyal and dedicated advisors be recognized for their sales in The 1000 is certainly an honour that we couldn’t be more proud of,” said EVP Aida Silva.

Proceeding with cruise plans “no matter what”, say clients

TORONTO — The cruise sector’s recovery won’t be deterred by new reports of COVID cases — not if loyal cruise travellers have anything to do with it, at least.

Recently cruise ships have been making headlines because of COVID. Big-ship cruise lines have long pointed out that they’re the only product in the travel and tourism industry that must adhere to the guidance of the CDC, and must report all cases of illness onboard their ships.

All the transparency can result in more headlines, even if cruise

ships may be no more conducive to COVID than, say, a hotel.

Jennifer McPherson with Turnkey Travel – Travel Only in Brantford, ON, says that while clients generally need more reassurance these days - and not just for COVID, but war worries too - her cruise travellers are of two minds from months ago.

As McPherson tells it, some clients are firmly convinced that “you wouldn’t catch me within 100 ft. of a cruise ship”.

And the others? They’re saying, “I booked it, paid for it, so nothing is going to stop me.”

Cruise travellers are among the most loyal-to-product clients an agent can have, and this market is showing incredible resilience despite all odds.

Some industry outsiders scoffed in 2020 and 2021 as the cruise sector prepared its comeback, working with the CDC for more than a year on extensive health and safety protocols.

Then bookings came roaring back. And now even with COVID cases and other concerns, the cruise industry’s recovery is holding steady.

Says McPherson: “Whether it’s the pandemic or the war in Ukraine, I have seen lots of examples of travellers proceeding with their cruise plans ‘no matter what’. I have four ladies on Oceania right now cruising from Rome to Lisbon so the war was troublesome but not enough to keep them from going … and definitely not COVID.”

McPherson says her clients have been booking cruises for later 2022 and into 2023, and she’s hoping that trend continues. She’s a strong proponent of keeping health and safety protocols onboard the ships for as long as needed.

“Now that the travel advisories for cruises have been downgraded, the demand has gone up. But I’m an advocate for still maintaining the health and safety protocols until the case numbers are much lower. Cruising has (and continues to get) a bad rap compared to resorts that do not need to report their COVID cases. So I am hoping that travellers use common sense

THE DEMAND HAS GONE UP. BUT I’M AN ADVOCATE FOR STILL MAINTAINING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS.

and these recent articles do not set the cruise lines back with their fragile rebound post-COVID.”

RIT hosts Ireland’s first fam from North America since the pandemic

TORONTO — Royal Irish Tours (RIT) celebrated St. Patrick’s Day this year in the best possible way –in Ireland, on a FAM, with a group of travel advisors from The Travel Agent Next Door.

The seven-night trip marked the first time Ireland has hosted a fam from North America since the start of the pandemic. Advisors were able to visit such iconic locales as Belfast, Donegal, Galway and Dublin.

“Everywhere we went, we really did get the ‘Cead Mile Failte’ (the 100,000 welcomes) that Ireland is known for,” said Jonathan Sargeant, Sales Manager at RIT. “Everyone was so friendly and just delighted to see people back visiting from overseas. For us, it was so nice to be able to host this trip and show the TTAND advisors a little piece of that famous Irish hospitality.”

Topher Campbell, Training Coordinator at The Travel Agent Next Door, who confirmed that this also marked TTAND’s first fam in over two years, added: “From the moment we arrived in Dublin, our partner travel agents were able to see first-hand that Ireland is open and excited to welcome Canadians. Royal Irish Tours is a fantastic partner for our partner travel agents. Travel agents will have peace of mind knowing that their clients will have a wonderful experience.”

Participating TTAND agents were quick to share their positive experience and praise RIT for a successful fam.

Mandy Armstrong from The Travel Agent Next Door in Brockville, ON, said: “RIT treated us to experiences I’ve spent a lifetime dreaming about, and Ireland was everything I had hoped it would be. I’m excited to help my clients have the same experience!”

Judith Coates, Co-Founder of the Association of Canadian Independent Travel Advisors (ACITA), added: “Going to Ireland with RIT Vacations gave me a better awareness of the rich culture, the beautiful people and the warm hospitality that Ireland has to offer. I now have a clear understanding of why RIT is the best choice for my clients when they are planning a trip to Ireland.”

Ireland has lifted all travel restrictions on March 6, 2022. Visitors are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination or recovery, take a COVID-19 test for entry or complete a passenger locator form to travel. Coupled with Canada’s removal of pre-arrival COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Canada, RIT is cautiously optimistic for the upcoming touring season, which will begin on May 2, 2022.

Double vaccination will remain mandatory for RIT guests joining coach and sightseeing tours in 2022.

Goway launches Qatar with air on Qatar Airways

TORONTO — Goway has added Qatar to its Middle East lineup.

“Travel to the Middle East has been a strength for Goway over the past few years, including during the pandemic,” says Moira Smith, VP of Africa & Asia at Goway.

Adding Qatar to Goway’s Middle East portfolio was a no-brainer, adds Smith. “It’s a destination that offers cultural highlights in addition to some remarkable

TTAND AND RIT’S 'WHISKEY ON THE ROCKS' AT THE GIANT'S CAUSEWAY

IT WAS SO NICE TO BE ABLE TO HOST THIS TRIP AND SHOW THE TTAND ADVISORS A LITTLE PIECE OF THE FAMOUS IRISH HOSPITALITY.

natural landscapes. It’s also hosting the World Cup this fall, which adds to the appeal. Add in the fact that travellers can see Qatar on a stopover to other fabulous destinations around the world with Qatar Airways and you’ve got all the makings of a new classic travel experience with Goway.”

The new Qatar collection includes vacation packages throughout Qatar, one of the world’s emerging destinations. Smith notes that Goway has long been a supporter of Qatar Airways.

Qatar is also getting ready to host 2022 FIFA World Cup this fall. Both the Canadian and American national teams have qualified, making Qatar even more attractive to North American travellers this fall, says Smith.

Goway is also promoting Qatar as an ideal stopover option, taking advantage of Qatar Airways’ extensive network. Travellers can stopover for a few nights in Qatar en route to vacations in the Maldives, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt and more.

Softvoyage’s new air booking engine takes off

MONTREAL — Softvoyage has launched a new air booking engine available for all markets in North America.

Now live for Sirev users, ‘Take Off’ is available for all of the company’s partner airlines, tour operators and online travel agencies, as well as potential new Softvoyage customers.

Softvoyage’s Vice-President of Sales & Marketing, Dan Langevin, tells Travelweek that Take Off is a fully revamped version of Softvoyage’s air booking engine, with plenty of new bells and whistles. The new engine boasts several upgraded features including ease of interface, better security and accuracy

in results, faster speed, easy sorting and more.

“Our customers require tools to compete, especially as we are slowly returning to the new normal following the pandemic,” says Steve Ringuet, Co-President of Softvoyage. “The new Take Off air engine is very complete as it reaches several flight databases to offer the best possible price, flexible itinerary and margin options for their customers.”

Ringuet notes that Take Off is “filled with advanced search functionalities” and also comes with a private data control center where users can set up and maintain profile information, define applicable business rules, configure their pricing rules and booking reports, and access web statistic and site activities.

Some of the new advancements include: flexible date options for additional flights; display search results according to customer requirements; new refined search criteria; mouse over information; seat maps (when available); easy search reset; easy to read result grid; detailed stopovers; open jaws; and multi-city options.

For a free demo email info@softvoyage.com or call (514) 273-0008.

Agents can win a trip for two to Egypt with TourRadar

TORONTO — TourRadar is promoting its recently upgraded Adventure Booking Platform with a contest offering a free trip for two to Egypt.

Travel advisors who register with the platform by April 29 are automatically entered to win the prize trip.

The Adventure Booking Platform offers 50,000+ multi-day organized adventures around the world, from 2,500+ reputable and niche operators.

With TourRadar’s Partner Portal, travel advisors can search, compare and book private, tailor-made and group tours and adventures for clients while earning commission.

Travel advisors can sign up for free and immediately get access to search for any of TourRadar’s multi-day adventures in 160+ countries. Advisors can search for the right offering for their clients by using a range of filters including duration, price and age range.

Advisors can also dig deeper using TourRadar’s Adventure Styles, which searches for adventures based on travel styles including Active, Food & Culinary, Hiking & Trekking, River Cruise, Safari and more.

Companies working with TourRadar include Globus, G Adventures, Intrepid, Avalon and more. There are also in-destination boutique operators like Timeless Tours, Sicily Activities, and Galapagos Travel. All offer authentic travel experiences and are carefully monitored on the TourRadar platform.

Agents use their own Partner Portal Dashboard that allows them to manage bookings, see earned commission, manage a team if acting as an agency, and discover educational content.

Agents who are interested in signing up for TourRadar’s Adventure Booking Platform can do so at https://www.tourradar.com/agents. Agents with questions can either call or use the LiveChat available on the website.

TAP AIR PORTUGAL AND VISIT PORTUGAL ALONG WITH TOUR OPERATORS, TRAVEL RETAILERS AND MORE WERE AMONG THOSE TAKING PART IN THE RECENT BTL LISBON 2022. SEEN HERE (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) ARE: LILIANA VIEIRA, DISTRICT SALES MANAGER – CANADA, TAP AIR PORTUGAL; RAVI MEHMI, VOYZANT; ALDO FAUSTINI, VACANCES PREFERENCE; JUAN CARLOS JOUVIN, POLO TRAVEL; INES ALMEIDA GARRETT, VISIT PORTUGAL; NANCY DEAN, CWT VICTOR TRAVEL; CLAUDIA CALDEIRA, SUNSPOTS HOLIDAYS; AND IDA DESCISCIO, CIT TOURS.

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