don't go small go admire sculptures carved by the sea.
TORONTO — Two years of processing untold numbers of cancellations, and rebooking the same trips again and again and again, all for no pay.
Two years of virtually no revenue due to travel restrictions, not to mention border closures. And even now, no revenue until clients depart.
Two years of hearing from the travelling public how grateful they are for their travel advisor’s services, after so many years of seeing clients siphoned off by OTAs, and hearing that the travel agent era was over.
Two long years of the pandemic. And now? Vindication.
For so many travel agents across Canada - leery of losing clientele if they introduced a fee schedule - the pandemic has been the ‘aha moment’ for service fees.
How many travel agents? Here’s at least one statistic from The Travel Agent Next Door that points to the sharp uptake: Overall services per million in sales at TTAND are up 300%, says TTAND founder and CEO, Flemming Friisdahl. TTAND is so committed to the service fee message that in 2021 it released a video with service fee tips and ideas for all travel advisors, regardless of affiliation.
Host agencies and consortiums, including TTAND, TPI, Vision Travel, TravelOnly and many more, have worked for years to encourage their members to value their own worth, literally, with service fees.
It took a global event of catastrophic proportions to get more agents onboard with service fees. And now there’s no looking back.
Travelweek spoke to four travel advisors about their service fee
strategies. All have made changes to their fee schedules over the past two years - from starting service fees from scratch, to doubling existing fees.
While the details of their fee strategies vary, their motivation is largely the same: to finally earn what they know they’re worth.
Barefoot Travel owner Sara Boville started implementing service fees last year. “Our process is, we have an initial chat, at which point we discuss our planning process which includes a professional planning fee,” says Boville, whose Ontario agency is affiliated with TravelOnly. “The number one thing it has done is stop the ‘tire kickers’. And two, we have not had to get a part-time job as the fees have that covered and then some.”
Barefoot Travel’s site lists the planning process which the agency’s team provides to clients, along with a link to the Professional Fee Agreement that clients receive after
the initial conversation, says Boville.
Along with the fees came a new system of booking appointments.
“The pandemic taught me that my time is valuable, as is my knowledge, so not only have fees been implemented, with the amount of the fee dependent on the type of travel, I also have set hours with appointments outside of those hours,” Boville tells Travelweek.
“So the ‘good’ that has come out of the pandemic, is standing up for my knowledge and experience, which has felt right and validating. We are experts in our field, it is no different than any other professional charging a fee for their services.”
Calgary-based independent travel advisor Jodi Fox, part of the Vision Travel network, used to only charge fees for air-only, hotel bookings and the like.
The fee made up for the minimal commission on those bookings. But Fox realized that her true value as a travel advisor lay in her skill
with putting together complex itineraries for her clients.
Fox specializes in creating bespoke and unique itineraries for clients in destinations such as Africa, South America and South Pacific - as well as small ship and expedition cruising - and she now charges fees for all of these bookings as well.
“I realized that the full service I provide is where I provide my worth as a travel advisor and that a large fee should be charged no matter what the required components are,” Fox tells Travelweek, adding that her fees now “reflect my professional services, not the transaction for an air booking or hotel.”
She has a directional professional fee list that changes with each client request. “Usually I based the fee more on the length, and would charge a higher fee for a 15-day journey versus an 8-day journey. For something like an customized African Safari I would charge somewhere between $300 - 500.”
In 2022 she introduced cancellation fees. “If a journey is cancelled there will be a fee involved usually around $100,” says Fox.
Compared to 2019, her service fee intake has increased by about 150%. “This makes a significant impact to my income, and more importantly an immediate return. After two difficult and challenging years, being compensated for my time and work is welcome following the loss of commissions and the completion of government support. Without the change to my professional fee model, I may not
have been able to continue running my business at all.”
Asked if there’s anything she would do differently, Fox just says: “Charge larger, well-earned fees sooner.” She notes that no other industry offers clients advice for free.
And the reaction from clients?
“I have never felt more appreciated by my clients than I have in the last two years. I have not received any opposition from my clients, new or existing, on the change in my business model, and more often than not, I am told to charge more,” says Fox.
Travel advisor Heather Cohn has always charged her corporate clients service fees. Now she’s including leisure travel bookings in her fee schedule as well, after she stepped in numerous times to help clients with bookings gone wrong.
“I have always collected service fees from my corporate clients but felt it was more important than ever as I received calls from leisure clients that booked online - some were previous clients that didn’t want to bother me to book just flights,” says Cohn.
“Unfortunately they got takenwith fraudulent fees, misconception of what was being booked and who they were actually booking with, or no service when they questioned their reservations. I had to intervene with the airlines on their behalf to try and sort things out –hence service fees.”
Cohn adds: “I also gained new clients with exactly the same issue – they booked thinking they were processing their reservation with the airline and a third-party intercepted – again I had to intervene
and charge fees because of the time spent solving their issues.”
She sees service fees as “a way of telling your clients that your service in fact is worth something and not just a provider of information then to be booked elsewhere.”
Manitoba-based travel advisor
Christy Schmidt, affiliated with TPI, has been charging service fees for many years. “However during the pandemic, I came to the point in which I realized that my expert services were worth more, since I work so hard to keep my clients up-to-date with the requirements of travel to make their travel experience as smooth as possible, avoiding any hiccups on their day of travel. Therefore I basically doubled my fees.”
Pre-pandemic, Schmidt - who specializes in travel to South America - typically charged $100 per adult, $80 per child and $40 per infant. Over the past two years she increased her fees to $200 per adult, $180 per child and $50 per infant.
She also makes adjustments as needed. She’s dropped her fees per child to $150 - $160 in some cases, as she has a lot of clients with large families.
Schmidt reports that hardly any clients have asked for a discount or questioned her fees. “I make a practice to include my service fee in the quote so that they do not have any unhappy surprises.
The very few clients that don’t want to pay for my fees do not value my expertise; therefore, not a great loss to lose them.”
The bottom line, according to Schmidt? “Be confident about the value of your own services.”
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TORONTO — Flair Airlines’ President and CEO Stephen Jones says passengers can continue to book flights with the ultra low-cost carrier, because “Flair Airlines is here to stay.”
Jones spoke at a press conference to address speculation about the outcome of the Canadian Transportation Agency’s ongoing review of Flair.
Ultra-low cost carriers aren’t known for working with travel agents, and with their streamlined cost model, very few offer commission. For that reason ULCCs and LCCs don’t get a lot of notice from the travel trade.
But in recent weeks some industry watchers have been wondering about the airline’s future after the CTA’s review called Flair’s ownership into question.
Foreign ownership in Canadian airlines can’t be higher than 49%. That percentage drops to 25% if the foreign investment is from one individual. There are also rules around foreign interests controlling a Canadian carrier.
777 Partners, based in Miami,
owns 25% of Flair, plus has seats on its board, and leases a number of aircraft to Flair.
The CTA’s preliminary determination, submitted March 3, noted that Flair may not meet Canada’s requirements for Canadian ownership. After Flair was given 60 days to respond, reports followed that Flair could lose its license to operate in Canada by May 3.
“The May 3 deadline that’s been widely reported in the media is not a drop-dead date. May 3 is simply the date by which Flair needs to respond to the CTA on the concerns they’ve raised in their preliminary determination. There is zero chance that Flair will lose its license on May 3,” Jones said.
Over the years the Canadian travel trade has seen airlines come and go, particularly ULCCs and LCCs, from Jetsgo to the shortlived Greyhound Air and many, many more.
And Flair is just one of several Canadian airlines battling it out for more marketshare in the months ahead. New-on-the-scene ULCC
Lynx Air launched last month. Start-up Canadian Jetlines, while not a low-cost carrier, is also determined to win over passengers with flights scheduled to start this summer. And Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, WestJet and Swoop, Transat, Sunwing, Porter and more ensure plenty of choice for Canadian travellers.
The travel trade has also seen what overcapacity can do to pricing, and the race to the bottom. As all of Canada’s airlines fully ramp back up to pre-pandemic capacity levels, this is “the calm before the storm”, as one aviation expert put it in a Feb. 2022 interview with Travelweek.
Jones says Flair will have 20 aircraft by this summer, with 650 flights per week on sale to 20 Canadian cities.
Flair has also expanded with flights into the U.S. and Mexico.
Addressing the reports about the review, Jones noted that the CTA is looking for three things. First, companies must be demonstrably owned and operated by Canadians. Second, 50% or more of voting shares must be owned by Canadians.
And third, there’s the ‘control in fact’ test. Basically, the CTA determines whether or not a company is essentially under Canadian control. It’s a subjective test to ensure that any involvement by non-Canadian stakeholders isn’t “dominant and determining in nature.”
In its March 3 findings, the CTA called out Flair’s depth of relationship with 777 Partners, largely stemming from Flair’s debt to 777 in the wake of the pandemic, says Jones.
Jones wouldn’t put a number on Flair’s debt to 777, except to say that “it’s a significant amount.” Flair, like airlines around the world, faced extreme challenges over the past two years. Flair also didn’t receive the pandemic financing from the Canadian government that Canada’s other major airlines got, said Jones. “Flair wasn’t part of the billions in bailout funding” that was provided to many of Canada’s airlines, he added. “Instead we turned to our shareholders to survive, and 777 Partners provided a lifeline to protect thousands of jobs from coast to coast.”
Jones said 777 Partners “has never used the fact that they were providing cash to exert day-to-day control.”
He said that Flair has so far refinanced millions of dollars of its debt to 777 Partners, but adds that the refinancing of the balance of the dept “will take some time. It is for this reason alone that we have sought an 18-month exemption” to Canadian ownership requirements under the Canada Transportation Act.
On April 19 the NACC, which includes Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat, along with ATAC, voiced their strong opposition to Flair’s 18-month exemption request. “Domestic control and ownership is not just a ‘nice to have’, it is a necessary underpinning of the system, and should be defended,” said the NACC.
Flair will respond to the CTA by May 3, said Jones.
In response to a question from the media, Jones said that as Flair works to rectify the CTA’s corporate governance concerns, and given that the airline is cash self-sufficient, “the only thing that will remain is the fact that we owe some debt to a shareholder (777 Partners) who provided it to enable us to survive COVID. And all we’re really asking for is time to refinance that debt. And the CTA will form a view on that.”
TORONTO — Now that Australia has reopened its borders to fully vaccinated international visitors, the destination’s new tourism campaign – ‘Don’t Go Small. Go Australia.’ – is reminding travel agents of the country’s vast landscapes and bounty of diverse and engaging experiences.
Whether it’s popular cities like Sydney and Melbourne, or lesser-known but equally inspiring spots, Australia offers personalized Down Under journeys to meet the demands of every traveller type and interest. Here is a snapshot of destination highlights that focus on Aboriginal culture and wildlife experiences that agents can consider when customizing trips to Australia for their clients.
Travellers heading to Sydney can sign up for a unique experience that allows them to scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge with an Indigenous storyteller who will chronicle the city’s Aboriginal heritage. Also in Sydney, one-hour Aboriginal tours with a First Nations Education Officer are available at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, traditional land of the Gadigal people, during which guests will learn how native trees and plants are used for food, medicine and tools.
Located just 30 minutes from Cairns in Kuranda’s rainforest, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience at Rainforestation Nature Park includes dance performances and learning about spear-throwing.
And in Melbourne, the Koorie Heritage Trust provides a deeper understanding of urban Aboriginal culture through walking tours and exploration of art, photography, oral history and objects at its headquarters.
Beyond the cityscapes, in the largely untouched Arnhem Land region in the Northern Territory,
Aboriginal-owned Lirrwi Tourism organizes tours that highlight the Yolngu people, who have been guardians of this vast wilderness for millennia. Also available, Kingfisher Tours takes travellers in Western Australia’s emblematic Kimberley region to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, go on hikes to see ancient rock art, and embark on a 4WD adventure to a secluded Aboriginal community.
Australia is known for its abundant wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos and wallabies, all of which can be found in Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island. Located just eight miles off the coast of South Australia, the island is often referred to as a ‘zoo without fences,’ allowing visitors the chance to view these amazing animals in their natural habitat.
Also not to be missed is the UNESCO World Heritage Area, the Great Barrier Reef. At 1,430 miles, it is the largest coral reef system in the world, offering a near-unparalleled ocean habitat of diverse marine life. In this magical underwater environment, visitors can spot the reef’s ‘Great Eight’: clownfish, giant clams, manta rays, Maori wrasse, potato cod, sharks, turtles and whales.
And finally, within the lagoons of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, off the coast of Western Australia, is one of the world’s largest groups of whale sharks. Swimming with these incredible creatures has become a favourite activity among adventure seekers.
To become a certified Aussie Specialist, sign up for the Aussie Specialist Program at aussiespecialist.com
Thailand’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved the removal of the pre-arrival and arrival RT-PCR testing requirements for all international arrivals beginning May 1, 2022. The news comes courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Fully vaccinated international travellers must register for a Thailand Pass with a certificate of COVID-19 vaccination and an insurance policy with coverage no less than $10,000 (reduced from $20,000). Upon arrival in Thailand, fully vaccinated international travellers will be allowed to enter the country and will be free to go anywhere in the kingdom without testing requirements during the entirety of their trip.
The start of the Easter long weekend included a 100,000+ passenger day for Air Canada, the highest single-day passenger count for the carrier since early in the pandemic. Says Kevin O'Connor, Vice President of Air Canada's Systems Operations Control: “Clearly there is a pent-up demand for travel that is matched only by our enthusiasm to welcome back our customers." The last time Air Canada carried more than 100,000 customers in one day was March 13, 2020. In 2019, prior to the pandemic, Air Canada carried on average nearly 150,000 people daily and its single-day, passenger-load record was 187,000 customers on August 16, 2019.
VIA Rail Canada is on track to resume most of its services across the country by the end of June 2022. The rail company has announced more options for passengers this summer, with service resumption from coast to coast. VIA Rail’s decision to add frequencies throughout the pandemic has been based on various factors, including demand and the health and safety of passengers and employees. VIA Rail’s Winnipeg-Churchill route will continue to operate its full three frequencies per week as it has since the beginning of the pandemic. Existing safety measures implemented by VIA Rail in response to COVID-19 remain in effect. These include, among others, a mask wearing policy on trains and mandatory vaccination required by the federal government. Wearing a mask is required at all times in VIA Rail’s stations and onboard trains.
The WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) found that the sector is expected to create nearly 126 million new jobs within the
next decade. The report also found that the Travel & Tourism sector will be a driving force of the global economic recovery, creating one in three of all new jobs. Meanwhile the sector’s GDP is forecasted to grow at an average rate of 5.8% annually between 2022-2032, outstripping the 2.7% growth rate for global economy, to reach US$14.6 trillion (11.3% of the total global economy). To further boost optimism, the EIR report also shows global Travel & Tourism GDP could reach pre-pandemic levels by 2023, just 0.1% below 2019 levels.
Los Cabos has seen record 13% growth in domestic and international visitors in Q1 2022. According to the Los Cabos Tourism Board, the destination welcomed 2.8 million travellers in 2021, marking a complete recovery of its tourism activity. The momentum continued in March 2022 with nearly 325,000 arrivals, up 18% versus 2019. Q1 also saw 70% hotel occupancy, with an average hotel daily rate of US$455, the highest in Mexico.
OTTAWA — The federal government’s multi-phase easing of border measures continues with new relaxed requirements for younger travellers.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children aged five to 11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor are no longer required to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test for entry to Canada. The new measures took effect April 25.
Pre-entry tests are still required for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers 12 and older who are currently eligible to travel to Canada. Children under five years of age are not required to provide a COVID-19 test result.
Additionally, all fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry. This requirement has also been removed for children aged five to 11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian, or tutor and travellers with a medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine.
And finally, fully vaccinated travellers arriving to Canada are no longer federally required to do the following for 14 days after arriving: mask while in public spaces; monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms; quarantine if another traveller in the same travel group exhibits signs or symptoms or tests positive; and maintain a list of close contacts and locations visited.
The federal government is reminding travellers that they are still required to use ArriveCAN to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours of their arrival to Canada and/or before boarding
a plane or cruise ship destined for Canada. That information includes contact and travel info, and vaccination information and proof of vaccination (if applicable).
“The gradual easing of restrictions for travellers is part of our balanced and science-based approach to managing COVID-19 and its variants,” said Transport Minister Omar Alghabra.
TORONTO — ACTA has posted a Budget 2022 FAQ with frequently asked questions and answers about the end of the federal government’s pandemic aid and subsidies.
ACTA President Wendy Paradis says ACTA is hearing from travel agencies and independent travel agents their frustration and disappointment in the wake of the April 7 federal budget and the end of the government’s pandemic support.
“ACTA is also disappointed — but not surprised — as there were many signals coming from the government close to the federal budget release that COVID-related subsidies were ending,” said Paradis.
“ACTA understands some travel agencies and independent travel
agents are disappointed and understandably upset that financial subsidies were not included in the federal budget,” she added.
“At this point, it is clear that further pursuing financial subsidies after a definite ‘no’ is not in our members’ interest, when there is no reasonable prospect of success. We also do not want to give travel agencies and independent travel agents false hope.”
MONTREAL — Air Transat has enhanced its virtual interlining service with the addition of three new European airline partners.
Its connectair by Air Transat platform now allows travellers to combine Air Transat flights with those of Azores Airlines, Loganair and SKY Express, bringing the total number of additional destinations available to over 240.
With this new offering, Canadians can easily fly to several cities in England and Scotland, the Portuguese Azores islands and Greece. The platform already enables Air Transat passengers to combine flights to a number of destinations in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, as well as in Quebec, thanks to partnerships with easyJet, Vueling, Avianca and Pascan.
On the new additions, Joseph Adamo, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Transat, said: “connectair by Air Transat, our virtual interlining service exclusive to our airline in Canada, is a great, easy-to-use tool that enables us to quickly add trusted new partners and help travellers choose their dream holiday
FINANCIAL SUBSIDIES AFTER A DEFINITE ‘NO’ IS NOT IN OUR MEMBERS’ INTEREST
from an ever-expanding selection. This initiative is in line with our desire to always stand out with an innovative approach focused on continuously improving the customer experience.”
The entire range of connections is now available in the airtransat. com search engine and through some flight aggregators. When booking, customers will be redirected to the connectair.airtransat.com platform, which offers self-connection options and low fares for departure and destination cities using technology developed by Dohop. Bookings also include servicing in case of flight delay or cancellation.
MONTREAL — Air Canada has secured a new set of luxury wheels, courtesy of Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd.
The airline has signed a new agreement with the luxury car retailer to be its exclusive vehicle supplier of the Air Canada Chauffeur Service at Toronto Pearson. The service is available to select Signature Class customers connecting to Asia, Europe and South America.
Eligible connecting international Signature Class customers arriving from within Canada will be met by a Concierge before being whisked away on the tarmac in a Porsche vehicle to the Air Canada Signature Suite, which recently reopened at Toronto Pearson.
The fleet of vehicles will comprise electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, including the Porsche Taycan, Panamera and Cayenne, supporting Air Canada’s commitment to reach a goal of net-zero
greenhouse gas emissions throughout its global operations by 2050.
“We’re excited to relaunch another key dimension of our Signature Service for international customers, anchored by our industry leading Air Canada Signature Suite in Toronto’s Pearson Airport,” said Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty & Product, Air Canada.
“Thanks to our partnership with Porsche, customers flying in International Signature Class can now experience their exciting and uncompromising vehicles. As we continue to restart key international routes, we look forward to welcoming our customers at Toronto Pearson with this one-of-a-kind airport premium experience in Canada, in partnership with one of the world’s most iconic luxury car brands.”
The Air Canada Chauffeur Service is now available for customers
at Toronto Pearson. Following the reopening of the Air Canada Signature Suite at Vancouver International Airport later this spring, the service, in partnership with Porsche, will be available for Vancouver passengers later in 2022.
TORONTO — TICO’s new digital Registrant Toolkit aims to provide Ontario’s travel agents, travel agencies, online travel business and tour operators with shareable resources that speak to the value of booking with a TICO-registered business.
The resources can be found at tico.ca/toolkit.
Says TICO: “We know how busy travel professionals are and how it can be a challenge to find time to either write or source materials that are informative, relevant and credible. The resources TICO is providing are free and easy to share via email, printed copies, on company websites or social media accounts.”
These shareable tools include: consumer protection overview PDF
WE’RE EXCITED TO RELAUNCH ANOTHER KEY DIMENSION OF OUR SIGNATURE SERVICE
in 16 languages (can be attached to client emails or printed off for in-person sales); logos; social media posts; blog posts; and videos.
All the resources speak to the consumer protection benefits of booking with a TICO registered company.
According to a recent survey, some 82% of Ontario consumers think it’s important that the travel agency or website they are booking with is regulated. Consumers expect to learn about the consumer protection available to them from the company they are booking with, says TICO President and CEO, Richard Smart.
“Enhancing consumer confidence will be a critical way for the travel industry recovery to move forward,” says Smart. “The shareable resources in the Registrant Toolkit speak to the knowledge, professionalism, experience and support that come with booking with a TICO-registered business and the added peace of-mind for consumers, especially during this recovery period.”
TORONTO — Sandals Resorts has opened registration for its upcoming Masterclass sessions on both Sandals and Beaches properties.
Created exclusively for Canadian travel advisors, the fast-paced, twohour online sessions are designed to “Reignite, Refocus and Reboot” their Sandals and Beaches business, and will allow them to also fulfill the educational requirement for Certified Sandals Specialist status.
Taking place live from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (local times) across Canada, the sessions will be led by Lorna Richards, National Training
Manager, Unique Vacations Canada, who’ll be joined by respective Sandals BDM across the country for each Masterclass. Together, they’ll discuss a range of topics including tips and tricks for sales growth, identifying niche markets, effective marketing strategies and more.
Travel advisors can register by clicking on the below links or by contacting their BDM or Inside Sales team at 1-800-545-8283.
The schedule is as follows: May 4: Atlantic Canada + English Quebec, BDM Sandra Brousseau; May 10: French Quebec, BDM Guy Archambault & Sandra Brousseau; May 11: British Columbia, BDM Winston Chang; May 18: Saskatchewan, BDM Winston Chang; May 24: Manitoba, BDM Donné Nixon; June 2: Ontario, BDM Giselle Williams; June 8: Ontario, BDM Robert
Smith; Aug. 10: Ontario, BDM Robert Smith; Aug. 16: Alberta, BDM Donné Nixon; and Aug. 26: Ontario, BDM Giselle Williams.
— Atlantis Paradise Island in The Bahamas is getting a major makeover, complete with fully renovated guestrooms, new restaurants and a refreshed casino.
Known for its iconic pink architecture, the renowned resort, open for nearly 25 years, is scheduled to debut these multimillion-dollar enhancements later this year.
Said Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director of Atlantis Paradise Island: “We could not be more excited for all of the developments coming to Atlantis this year. With these incredible additions, we are continuing Atlantis’ legacy of offering guests endless, immersive experiences during their stay.”
Atlantis is set to add an additional Michelin-starred chef to its dining roster, making it the only resort in the region to boast three Michelin-star rated chefs. Joining Chefs Nobu Matsuhisa and José Andrés will be Chef Michael White, fourtime James Beard Award nominee and Michelin-recognized Italian chef and former chef/owner of such celebrated restaurants as Convivio, Alto, Ai Fiori and Marea in New York City. Chef White will serve modern coastal Italian cuisine at his latest outpost, Paranza at The Cove, expected to open this year.
Also new at Atlantis will be Pita, a Mediterranean-style beachside concession situated near Aquaventure and offering homemade shawarma, falafel, chilled bites, dips, salads and desserts.
The renovation of all guestrooms and suites in The Royal East Tower will be completed by summer 2022, followed closely by newly renovated rooms and suites in The Royal West Tower.
The Royal’s world-famous Bridge Suite is on track for a total
renovation next year. Upon completion, it will boast an oceanic design motif, rich and opulent textures, and gold finishes inspired by the lost city of Atlantis.
Looking beyond 2022, in partnership with David Grutman of Groot Hospitality, Atlantis will open a brand new ‘oasis within an oasis’ resort called ‘Somewhere Else.’ Replacing the current site of The Beach Tower, this oceanfront escape will open in 2024 with 400 guestrooms and suites in addition to top-tier dining venues, multiple pools, recreation areas, and live performances.
The Atlantis Casino will undergo a refresh that will include the expansion of two on-site lounges, an exciting high-limit slots lounge and an expanded gaming salon.
The Cove, the resort’s luxury allsuite hotel, recently debuted the Lapis Club Lounge offering daily breakfast, hors d’oeuvres and a full-service bar. The resort also introduced Sapphire Services, new bespoke concierge offerings that include bookable experiences like intimate beach dinners, exclusive programming at the resort’s
14-acre marine mammal habitat, Dolphin Cay, and private cabanas. The ever-popular, adults-only Cove Pool will also undergo a refresh.
For kids, Splashers, the pool and water playground, will be adding new slides, climbing areas and more later this year.
TORONTO — Air Transat is making it easier for passengers to change and cancel their bookings in both Economy and Club Class.
According to the airline, it is now possible to cancel a trip, regardless of the chosen fare. For Eco Budget, Eco Standard and Club Standard fares, a cancellation fee of $200 applies. The refund will be done according to the payment method on file.
For Eco Flex and Club Flex fares, cancellation is possible at no additional cost.
In addition, Air Transat continues to allow flexibility to change flight itineraries, which has been in effect since Dec. 1, 2021. Passengers can now change their date and/or destination free of charge up to 24 hours before departure. Only the fare difference applies.
ove is in the air at these world-class resorts, all of which guarantee some much needed R&R for couples looking to get away. L
Credit: AMR Collection
AMR Collection is here to help agents provide their customers with an unforgettable romantic experience that combines breathtaking views and all-inclusive luxury service. For more than 18 years, AMR Collection wedding coordinators have crafted incredible experiences for all types of romantic occasions, including destination weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries. AMR Collection offers something for every stage of the romantic journey, whether at the beginning or somewhere in the middle.
Partner with AMR Collection to host the wedding of your clients’ dreams with luxurious amenities and a breathtaking backdrop for memorable photos. Whether couples prefer a complimentary wedding package or one customized to perfection, there is a package for them, with options that include everything from a gorgeous beachfront or sunset gazebo ceremony to personalized cakes. On-site wedding coordinators take care of every detail.
With endless opportunities for intimate moments, relaxation and fun, AMR Collection offers ideal destinations to celebrate this blissful chapter of life. When you partner with this collection of all-inclusive luxurious resorts, you will be sure to provide couples with a romantic experience that will exceed their expectations. AMR Collection resorts go above and beyond, offering couples unforgettable experiences that include everything from sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries, to extra special touches like breakfast in
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Every year marks another milestone, and couples deserve to celebrate their love again and again. With perfectly crafted anniversary packages, couples will receive everything from sparkling wine to spa credits for a couple’s massage at a world-class spa. They can also enjoy candlelit dinners on the beach and, best of all, earn complimentary nights when they celebrate their first anniversary with AMR Collection.
Let the festivities begin with a pre-wedding getaway at an AMR Collection resort. Whether it’s a fishing trip in Los Cabos for the boys or pre-wedding pampering in Punta Cana for the girls, celebrations will be amplified with beachfront gourmet dining, trendy bars and lounges, daily activities, and nightly entertainment, all included. For those looking for one last getaway before the big day, bachelorette and bachelor packages will take the party to the next level with manicures, massages, cigar rolling classes and more.
Each of AMR Collection’s thoughtfully designed romantic wedding, honeymoon and anniversary packages maximize the couple’s special time together. AMR Collection wedding coordinators will work to make your client’s dream a reality and perfect for their memorable celebration.
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The Weddings by Palladium program, available at Palladium Hotel Group properties in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, offers guests a dream wedding with one-of-a-kind settings for ceremonies, ocean views, and the flexibility to adapt to the individual tastes and needs of each couple. Weddings by Palladium collections are designed exclusively by internationally renowned party guru Karen Bussen.
As the exclusive designer for Weddings by Palladium, Bussen believes in giving couples a palette of fabulous possibilities and all the flexibility they want to tell their own unique love stories in their own way. The designs unite timeless style with the latest trends in flowers, colours, food, and mixology. All Weddings by Palladium events can be fully customized with the Fabulously Flexible approach, offering legal and symbolic services to meet the needs of each couple, including ceremonies for same-sex couples in the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
For culinary lovers, Weddings by Palladium offers couples celebrating a wedding, honeymoon or anniversary curated dining experiences. A few options include:
• Twilight Photoshoot and Dinner for Two: Guests will enjoy a few unforgettable hours creating gorgeous images and beautiful memories while enjoying a romantic dinner.
• Love Deluxe: The ultimate romantic dinner, this refined formal evening for two allows guests to indulge in a private dining experience with upgraded wine and gourmet dishes.
• Picnic Experience for Two: A cozy Mediterranean-style setting to enjoy a relaxed afternoon or evening, on the beach or in one of the property’s gardens for a sunset viewing in paradise.
• Bohemian Breeze Dinner: A semi-formal plated dinner with delicate lighting and boho-chic details for a private evening.
• Sunset Wine and Cheese for Two: Guests will enjoy a selection of fruits and cheeses, a choice of wine, and the blissful ocean breeze as the backdrop.
Available at TRS Coral Hotel, located on the beaches of Costa Mujeres, is the Love is Blind package that guests can book to live the same experiences that couples shared on the hit show, ‘Love Is Blind.’ The all-inclusive package in the Junior Suite Swim Up has a furnished terrace and luxury services including:
• Welcome gift
• Butler service
• Hydromassage bath
• Five-course romantic dinner
• Day with Balinese Bed reserved at the pool
• Two tickets for CHIC Cabaret, a fabulous multicourse entertainment and dinner experience
• Access for two people to the hydrotherapy circuit of the incredible Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness
• Two hours of Late Checkout (depending on availability)
For tennis enthusiasts, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, available at the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres complex, is one of the top-rated tennis facilities in Mexico, offering guests an exciting fitness activity to enjoy during their stay. Featuring eight clay tennis courts, a soccer field for a team of up to seven players, a paddle tennis court and a museum, this tennis centre offers an unforgettable experience for players of all ages and abilities with a wide range of programs and impressive sport facilities.
For more information on the experiences and packages at Palladium, visit palladiumhotelgroup.com
What creates the perfect moment? It’s pristine white-sand beaches enveloped by the bluest waters, where couples can play, or relax. It’s luxurious sanctuaries made for romance at water’s edge, or directly over the water. It’s a mouthwatering gourmet creation and a creatively crafted cocktail. But, most of all, the perfect moment is found in the details, an art that we’ve perfected with our Luxury Included ® Vacation. Sandals ® Resorts has been turning moments into memories for 40 years—and we couldn’t have done it without you.
Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.
— If my experience sailing on the inaugural voyage of Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess last month was a harbinger for the cruise industry’s embrace of cutting-edge technology, I can’t wait to see what’s next as the line’s MedallionClass tech platform matures.
In fact, what Princess calls the ‘MedallionClass Experience’ focuses on what has been - up until now - a critically missing component of the cruise experience: easy, contactless transactions for guests onboard and ashore. And another recently-announced - but no less important - major initiative promises to result in enhanced cuisine across the Princess fleet.
But first, a little housekeeping. The 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess, the last newbuild in Princess’ six-ship Royal class, features guest-favourite food-and-beverage venues (Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, Bistro Sur La Mer), while boasting copious open deck space, comfortable accommodations and the gorgeous, three-deck Piazza, which sparkles day and night as the ship’s social hub. But alas, at least for me, the software stole the show.
Princess took advantage of the pandemic pause to refit every ship in the fleet with the MedallionClass technology. As a new-build, however, Discovery Princess was designed to incorporate the platform from the get-go, resulting in seamless integration. With the quarter-sized Medallion, which can be carried in a pocket, purse or worn in a clip, watchband or lanyard, guests
breeze through embarkation to their first impressive encounter aboard as their cabin door unlocks automatically upon approach.
MedallionClass designer and Princess Cruises president, John Padgett, who, not incidentally, also created Disney’s MagicBand, told me that the beauty of the MedallionClass Experience is that “it makes the technology disappear,” effectively allowing guests to experience many of its benefits without effort.
Working in tandem with a companion smartphone app, hundreds of touchscreen portals throughout the ship and cabin TVs, the platform allows for easy restaurant reservations; touchless payments onboard and ashore; wayfinding (which is very helpful on a large ship like Discovery); locating kids and other family members; remote casino and sports betting; and the ability to order food and drinks virtually anywhere aboard - without the need to flag down a waiter.
Encompassing this functionality, though, is a wider, even more impressive capability: the ability to deliver personalized service at scale - a feat heretofore impossible on large ships. Crew members can now immediately greet guests by name, noting their preferences, dietary restrictions and other desires as they approach.
But it’s the OceanNow delivery-on-demand functionality that I really loved using. Putting it to the test, I sat in a remote corner of an upper deck and ordered a dessert (which was free, by the way) via the MedallionClass app on my phone. While watching the progression of my order in the app - similar to a Doordash or Grubhub app that confirms the order receipt, then shows its progress through preparation and delivery - I moved to another deck near the main pool. At no time did I deliberately reveal my new location (my Medallion took care of that). After about 15 minutes, a waiter appeared in front of me, confirmed my identity (via my photo on his device), then served me my hazelnut chocolate mousse - which was delicious, by the way.
Shipboard payments using the Medallion are easy and seamless, with nothing to sign and no need to even tap the disc on a payment pad. And the company has recently extended MedallionPay to select shoreside bars, restaurants
THE MEDALLIONCLASS EXPERIENCE MAKES THE TECHNOLOGY DISAPPEAR
where he told me he plans to focus on “synergizing and optimizing the culinary offerings” in all Princess dining venues.
and retail establishments in a few Mexican and Caribbean ports. In those locations, guests can forget about bringing their wallet or phone ashore, and just pay using their Medallion, which is tied to the credit card associated with their onboard account. And as an added bonus, guests receive 7% of every shoreside MedallionPay purchase back in onboard credit.
Another substantial fleetwide upgrade was also put into motion shortly before - and fleshed out in more detail during - my sailing.
Newly named as Princess Cruises’ Head of Culinary Arts, veteran chef Rudi Sodamin, an indefatigable culinary talent and arguably one of the cruise industry’s top chefs, is already making his presence felt with new dishes designed expressly for the upcoming Alaska season under the ‘Wild for Alaska Seafood’ banner.
Sodamin, familiar to travel advisors as Holland America Line’s Master Chef, will be doing double-duty as he applies his vision, creativity and culinary know-how at Princess,
When we spoke onboard Discovery Princess about his latest endeavor, he enthused about the scope of the task, while acknowledging the challenges ahead as he described his mission “to build a culinary brand” at Princess. And after following the arc of his illustrious career - and enjoying his delicious creations along the way - I have no doubt that Sodamin is not only the right person, but the only person for the job.
Discovery Princess will sail Mexican and California coastal itineraries this spring, then reposition to Seattle for the summer Alaska season.
TORONTO — In keeping with the post-pandemic trends of wide, open spaces and off-the-beatenpath destinations, Goway is reporting 75% grown in passenger numbers to the Maldives compared to 2019, the last full year prior to the pandemic.
The tour operator has partnered with The Maldives Tourism Board to capitalize on this growing interest, and has 25 dedicated Destination Specialists handling bookings to the Maldives ranging from luxury honeymoons to multi-generational family getaways and snorkelling/ scuba adventures.
Goway offers a wide range of budget options to the destination, plus fully-customizable inclusions. Clients can customize a city and beach combo that includes the Maldives, or stopover in such cities as Dubai, Doha, Singapore, Paris and Istanbul before connecting to the Maldives for a week at the beach.
“The Maldives has been a huge success story for Goway over the past two years,” says Moira Smith, VP of Africa & Asia, Goway. “For many months during the pandemic, the Maldives was the only Asian country open to international travellers and Goway made the most of it. We’re thrilled to see a 75% increase in demand for vacations to the Maldives and will continue to expand and promote the nation’s exceptional travel products to our diverse community of travellers.”
The Maldives reopened its borders to international travellers fairly early on in the pandemic, in July 2020. In March 2022, the destination eased its entry requirements even further, dropping COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated travellers.
USING THE MEDALLION ARE EASY AND SEAMLESS
MIAMI — Celebrity Cruises has announced new deployments for its ships Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Millennium.
Mexican Riviera Deployments: From September 2022 through April 2023, Celebrity Solstice will be embarking on five-, seven-, and eight-night itineraries from its homeport in L.A., sailing the Mexican Riviera and visiting cities including Puerto Vallarta, Ensenada, Mazatlan and on some select itineraries, Cabo San Lucas.
Pacific Coastal Itineraries: Celebrity Solstice will also offer five unique Pacific Coastal itineraries that take guests up and down the West Coast from Ensenada, Mexico, all the way up to Vancouver, including stops in San Francisco, Catalina Island, and Monterey.
Returning to the Caribbean from October to December 2022, Millennium will embark on seven-night itineraries making stops at destinations including St. Thomas, Barbados and Nassau.
Also onboard Millennium, Celebrity will offer a special 15-night itinerary highlighted by passage through the Panama Canal. Departing from San Diego, Millennium will visit six ports including Puerto Vallarta, Puntarenas and Oranjestad before reaching its final destination – San Juan, Puerto Rico.
With Celebrity’s ‘Always Included’ offering, WiFi, drinks, and service charges are now always included on every Celebrity cruise.
MONTEGO BAY — Sandals Resorts International is outlining initial plans for its investment strategy in Saint Lucia, with expansions on the way for two of its three resorts on the island.
The plans, which will be fully unveiled in 2023, come as Sandals Resorts marks its 40th anniversary, as well as its 30th year of resort operations in Saint Lucia.
SRI owns and operates three luxury all-inclusive resorts in St. Lucia: Sandals Halcyon Beach, Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Grande St. Lucian. It also has the Greg Norman-designed Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate.
“Since opening our first property, Sandals Regency La Toc, nearly three decades ago, our commitment to working alongside government to make real the promise of tourism in Saint Lucia has been unwavering,” says SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart.
“My father loved Saint Lucia and, like so many, was originally captivated by its beauty. But he quickly came to understand that the real treasure of Saint Lucia are its
people - friendly, hardworking, and industrious. People are the inspiration and the source that make investment possible, and the reason Sandals Resorts will continue to grow here,” added Stewart.
Sandals Halcyon will add 25 new rooms in February 2023. The new development consists of 20 beachfront, two-storey villa rooms featuring large balconies and five Rondoval suites.
First phase plans for SRI’s expansion at Sandals Regency La Toc include the introduction of a new Sandals Resorts innovation: a village comprised entirely of 20 Rondoval suites, with seven of them offering open air rooftop decks.
Set to open in 2023, the village is a ‘resort within a resort’ concept of the highest category Rondoval suites built adjacent to the golf course, each with their own golf cart for navigating the course as well as the larger property, and featuring luxury amenities including Sandals Resorts’ butler service, and dining and entertainment options designed for guests of the village.
Later phases will include additional spa facilities, new suite categories and a re-imagination of the current golf course offerings.
SRI’s latest investment in Saint Lucia brings 350+ construction and tradesman jobs into the local workforce, says the company. The
addition of these high-end room categories also means the creation of 120 butler positions in the Saint Lucia system.
“As we expand, we will grow from the top down,” says Stewart. “That means we lead with the development of suites, and here, Sandals is by far and away the most innovative resort company. Concepts such as our signature Skypool Suites, with their infinity plunge pools that seem to blend in with the horizon, Over the Water Bungalows with their incredible views and glass floors, and our Rondovals, are suite categories that drive demand and generate the longest stays. That is good news for Saint Lucia and good news for team members who train and earn the butler role.”
VANCOUVER — Emerald Cruises’ newest river ship has set sail on its maiden voyage, marking the company’s eighth year of operations and the resumption of its 2022 Europe river cruise season.
Departing April 8 from Amsterdam on an eight-day Holland and Belgium in Bloom river cruise, the 180-guest Emerald Luna is a brand new river ship designed to dock directly in the heart of cities, towns and villages that line rivers of Central Europe. Onboard, it boasts spacious suites and staterooms, a three-tier atrium, and a heated swimming pool that transforms into a cinema.
“Emerald Luna marks a new, exciting addition to our growing fleet, following closely from last month’s launch of our first-ever ocean-going superyacht, Emerald Azzurra,” said David Winterton, global director of brand & marketing at Emerald Cruises. “While bookings remain
Scenic Group has named cruise veteran Mark Robinson as its new Vice President of Cruise Operations. Robinson most recently served as chief commercial and operations officer with startup Cruise Saudi. Prior to that, he spent three years as the Chief Commercial/Head of Business Development for Global Port Holdings, the world’s largest cruise port operator, and another 27 years with TUI & First Choice Group where she served as CEO of Intercruises Shoreside 7 Port Services.
Robinson will oversee the day-to-day operations of Scenic Group’s luxury river and ocean yacht fleet, as well as direct the transitioning of the company’s new builds into operation. His oversight duties include cruise/shore operations, hotel services, nautical and technical departments, HR and purchasing. He will report directly to Rob Voss, Scenic Group’s Chief Operating Officer.
strong for this spring and summer and with Europe continuing to be a popular destination for both new-to-cruise and loyal guests, the launch of Emerald Luna allows more opportunity for our trusted agent partners to sell experiences on Europe’s rivers in our signature Emerald Cruises style.”
Emerald Luna will be officially welcomed to the fleet when it is christened in Amsterdam on July 21. Emerald Luna will be joining sister Star-Ships Emerald Sun, Emerald Sky, Emerald Star, Emerald Dawn and Emerald Destiny, sailing the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube rivers.
Emerald Cruises’ river fleet also includes the 132-guest Emerald Liberté sailing the Rhône and Saône Rivers in France, the 112-guest Emerald Radiance sailing the Douro River in Portugal, and the 84-guest Emerald Harmony sailing the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia.
The Emerald Azzurra, the line’s first ocean-going vessel, debuted in March 2022 and offers itineraries in the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Red Seas. Emerald Sakara, the brand’s second superyacht, will launch in 2023 in the Seychelles.
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Date: April 28th @ 2 PM EST
Keep your client’s safety and security top of mind while providing them access to Oregon’s most coveted locations and even secret spots that may not be accessible to the public. Tour operators, outfitters and guides also provide guests with a meaningful connection to Oregon no matter their ability or interest level. Join us to learn more about these enhanced experiences with Greg Eckhart, Director of Global Sales at Travel Oregon.
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Discover the best of Costa Rica, where it’s easy to discover life’s essentials. This course provides key details on what makes Costa Rica attractive to travellers and offers a wealth of knowledge about this country’s extensive tourism assets, resulting in endless possibilities for vacation packages for clients.
Take the Imagine your Korea Specialist course today and learn about one of the world’ s most dynamic destinations — beautiful, high-tech, friendly and cultured. This course will teach you about getting to Korea, general information, transport, accommodation, activities, events and more.
Date: May 3rd @ 2PM EST
Discover the diverse regions of North Carolina. From the spectacular Atlantic Coast to the majestic Smoky Mountains. Join us to learn more with Kosta Tsimiklis, National Travel Trade Account Manager (Canada) for Visit North Carolina
