Travelweek - September 15th, 2022

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Heading into the crucial fall months, corporate travel’s recovery is finally starting to pick up some momentum

By Kathryn Folliott

TORONTO — Now that leisure travel is going gangbusters, all eyes are on corporate travel.

Will corporate travel recover to pre-pandemic levels, or is there no going back from the ease of Zoom and other video conferencing tools?

Even if employees long ago realized there’s no substitute for in-person meetings with long-distance clients, for many companies, the savings that come with slimmed-down travel programs may be too good to pass up, especially with inflation concerns.

That’s not something anyone in the sector wants to hear, least of all airlines, with so much invested in their highly lucrative business travel offering.

Along with cruising, corporate travel (along with the MICE market) was among the travel industry’s hardest hit during the pandemic. A mass exodus to remote work, the skyrocketing popularity of Zoom and - not least of all - closed borders, all combined to bring the sector to a virtual standstill starting in early 2020.

While other countries, like the U.S., reopened borders and eased restrictions for outbound travellers relatively

early in the pandemic, here in Canada restrictions only really began to lift in earnest in spring 2022.

That was long after many Canadian companies, and employees, had grown accustomed to making do with online solutions, when travel plans were next to impossible.

THE RECOVERY’S REAL TEST

In the U.S., the message is clear: business travel is on its way back, even if it still has a ways to go.

The metric bandied around by U.S. airlines and flight data trackers is that U.S. corporate travel is currently about 25 - 30% below 2019 levels.

That’s in line with estimates by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), which predicts business travel will hit US$933 billion in 2022. That’s about 35% below the pre-pandemic mark. The GBTA put the value of the business travel sector in 2019 at more than $1.4 trillion.

Small-to-medium businesses (SMEs) have gotten onboard with the post-pandemic return to travel faster than large corporations, say airlines and industry watchers. No doubt the layers of approval needed from higher-ups at bigger companies, with a renewed focus on the bottom line after

two pandemic years, is a major factor.

Southwest Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Watterson, said that when he saw corporate bookings start to pick up on his airline this past spring, “it was skewed toward smaller businesses and government and education were traveling. Our largest corporates are the ones that are lagging, particularly banking, consulting and technology.”

The real test for the recovery will be this month and next, typically strong months for corporate travel.

The GBTA recently predicted that corporate travel won’t fully return until mid-2026.

PACE IS PICKING UP

We checked in with Patrick Doyle, VP and GM for Canada, American Express Global Business Travel, and front-line Trevello corporate travel specialist Angela Landry, for their take on corporate travel’s recovery out of the Canadian market.

Doyle says the pace of business travel bookings is picking up.

“Business travel recovery has strong momentum, with our overall transactions in June reaching 76% of 2019 levels,” he tells Travelweek.

Here in Canada, AmexGBT is seeing strong recovery as well, he adds. “Pent-up demand is still coming to fruition and the role and perception of business travel within organizations is shifting and holding greater weight than ever before.”

Even better, after all these years of Zoom, employees and management are rediscovering the value of connecting in-person. “There is overall acknowledgement that people need to be on the road to connect and collaborate in-person with their customers and colleagues,” says Doyle.

He shared corporate travel booking trends, with all indications showing that business trips across the North Atlantic to Europe are leading the sector’s recovery from Canada, ahead of transborder and domestically within Canada.

Internationally, corporate travel from Canada to the UK still takes the number one position, just as it did in 2019. Rounding out the top five international country pairs for corporate travel from Canada are France (#3 in 2019), Germany (down a spot from #2), Mexico (steady at #4) and Italy (surging ahead from #9 in 2019).

Doyle also reports a recent surge in business bookings from Canada to Asia, as more countries in Asia reopen their borders and relax travel restrictions.

“I’M HOPEFUL FOR A BUSY 2023”

In mid-2021 Angela Landry, a Trevello (TPI) agent based in Nova Scotia, told Travelweek that when the pandemic first started in early 2020, her annual $2 million+ in corporate sales went to nothing. “I mean nothing. Not even a booking a week for almost a full year.”

Just over a year later, we’re checking in again with Landry, who normally has an 80/20 corporate/leisure split at her agency. Does she see the start of a recovery?

“Business travel has increased, it’s not fully back to capacity but I do see an increase,” says Landry now.

“It seems my corporate travellers are more careful now about choosing what trips to take and when to

take them,” she adds. “I had a client who used to be on one or more than one 6-hour flight each month pre-COVID. Now he travels once every few months. People have gotten used to Zoom and alternate ways of doing business.”

And just like everyone else during the pandemic, road warriors took a hard look at their life priorities - and many decided they didn’t want to spend so much time travelling for work. “I also feel during COVID, people had time with their families and got used to a slower pace of life. A lot of them just don’t want to travel like they did,” says Landry.

The clients that did get back to travel found they weren’t alone. “My corporate clients at first were so happy to be back travelling,” says Landry. “But soon after, there was a lot of complaining. The long lineups at security and in general within the airports is a major concern to all. There’s a lot of frustrated travellers out there. Many flights are being cancelled and large schedule changes last-minute don’t help with an easy travel experience. Let’s not even speak about the lost luggage situation! Lots of chaos, so some of them are preferring to go back to Zoom.”

She says she’s lost some corporate clients. Not just because of travel budget cuts, but because a lot of her clients are older and at retirement age. “I’m seeing people retiring at an earlier age now. People want to enjoy life while they are still

semi-young. I’ve had some clients for over 25 years.”

And in keeping with the life-priorities trend, some of Landry’s clients - and even Landry herself - are exploring new career paths. “Some are starting their own businesses. These are strange but exciting times! I myself have taken on a new career in real estate to offset the COVID loss of revenue.”

Her corporate clients run the gamut from SMEs to larger companies, and she says they’re all travelling again: “They are all back in action.”

Cost-cutting from some of her clients, while understandable, has unfortunately cut into her revenue. “I’m seeing a conscious effort to reduce costs and save time across the board,” says Landry. “I have a few companies that use points only to pay for their employees’ travel. Some even do the hotels and cars on points. This is great for the companies’ bottom line, but from an agency perspective we make zero commission on points tickets and rely on service fees for payment.”

Like most travel agents, Landry is nevertheless optimistic. “I do feel because we were far more cautious with re-opening it will take some time to catch up to the U.S. Things are moving along though. Let’s see what the last quarter will bring and I’m hopeful for a busy 2023!”.

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MY CORPORATE TRAVELLERS ARE MORE CAREFUL NOW ABOUT CHOOSING WHAT TRIPS TO TAKE AND WHEN TO TAKE THEM.

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“It’s about being there for travel agents”: Transat looks ahead to winter at Training Academy events

By Cindy Sosroutomo

MISSISSAUGA — Transat’s recent Training Academy in Toronto drew a crowd of more than 350 enthusiastic travel advisors and dozens of supplier partners, all eager to hear about Transat’s 2023 program.

Additional events were planned for Quebec and Nova Scotia.

Transat’s 2023 offering includes a brand new ‘R&R Collection’ featuring popular South destinations that’s now available for booking.

Nicole Bursey, Commercial Director at Transat, told Travelweek the company is anticipating a busy year for groups, as there’s been “a lot of reunions and family gatherings that have been postponed and now is the time that people want to get together.”

Agents also learned about Air Transat’s new promotions, launched in celebration of its 35th anniversary this year. Until Sept. 27, agents will earn $15 or 3X BONBON per eligible reservation, and have a chance to win a rebate of $175 or 35X BONBON, drawn daily. Plus, a draw for five South packages for two will be held among travel agents at the end of the promotion.

For travellers, the promotion also includes savings of up to 35% on South packages for departures between Sept. 7, 2022 and May 31, 2023.

TRAVEL AGENT RESOURCES & WAIT TIMES

According to Bursey, Transat has spent a lot of time developing new resources for its agent partners “because we need to get people off the phones as much as we can since call centre times are still troubling.”

As previously reported by Travelweek, Transat has been dealing with extremely long call centre hold times, largely due to staffing shortages. The

company has been on a major hiring blitz since November 2021. “Believe us when we say we are aware of the problem and we’re working really hard to fix it. Please be a little bit more patient with us,” said Bursey.

In the meantime, Bursey says Transat is working on doing a better job of educating travel agents on the tools that Transat currently has in place.

CAPACITY & GROWTH

Travellers will have more options when flying with Transat next year as seat capacity will actually exceed 2019 numbers. This, says Bursey, is in line with Transat’s growth trajectory.

“Prior to COVID, we were seeing major growth, which unfortunately got paused due to the pandemic. So it’s good to see us growing again, which is really encouraging for our staff and for agents,” she adds.

Transat is on track for a winter season that promises to match pre-pandemic levels. The summer season, says Bursey, has been “quite good” following a bit of a slow start. With product primarily centring on Europe, the company had a “good July” and a “really good August,” and with the focus now shifting towards south destinations for fall and winter, “our fiscal 2023 sales are really promising,” Bursey adds.

SECRET TO SUCCESS

Now celebrating its 35th anniversary year, Transat has undoubtedly been through a lot over the years, from global recessions to 9/11 to COVID-19. When asked what has been its secret to success, Bursey, who has spent a collective 20 years at the company, was quick to reply: the people.

“Whether it’s upper management and my team, the agents we work with and even our flight attendants, many of whom have been here since day one, our team is fantastic and are so passionate about what we do. There really is a passion and love for this company, which is the biggest thing that keeps Transat going. And for me personally, who started at Transat when I was 25 years old, I take a lot of pride in working for a Canadian company that’s been so successful for so long,” says Bursey.

And as for travel agents, whose loyalty to the company was on full display at the event, Bursey is quick to remind them that Transat started as a travel agency.

“We are a company that, at our heart, is about being there for travel agents. They are our partners,” she says.

For more from Travelweek’s interview with Nicole Bursey see Travelweek.ca

NICOLE BURSEY AND MEMBERS OF THE TRANSAT TEAM

9 need-to-knows from WestJet & WestJet Vacations’ Travel Trade Expo

By Cindy Sosroutomo

MISSISSAUGA — WestJet and WestJet Vacations hammered home one key message at the ir Travel Trade Expo in Toronto – that they love and value travel agents.

Back in person for the first time since 2019, the companies’ multi-city Travel Trade Expos kicked off earlier this week in Toronto with 350+ travel agents. More shows include Calgary and Vancouver.

Though the venue may change from city to city, the gratitude shown towards agents will remain the same, says Chuck Crowder, VP, Sales & Distribution, WestJet Vacations and Contact Centres.

“We never would have been able to get through this summer without travel agents,” he told Travelweek. “I do realize the stress that travel put on them because, obviously, we’re trying to build back our business and it was just change after change after change. But we’re in a place now where we’ve learned so much and we know how to really schedule appropriately.”

Here are nine key takeaways from the WestJet and WestJet Vacations Travel Trade Expo: New Live Chat function: To help alleviate long call centre hold times, WestJet Vacations launched Live Chat on Sept. 12, allowing agents to live chat with a company agent who can assist them with a wide range

of trouble-shooting tasks and functions. Agents should note that Live Chat does not handle any payments and additional collection refunds due to privacy compliancy.

Bonus commission: WestJet Vacations is offering a bonus 2% commission on all bookings made between Sept. 12-30, 2022, for travel Sept. 12, 2022 - Aug. 8, 2023. The offer is valid for all destinations and is eligible for all trade bookings. Bonus commissions will automatically be confirmed on agents’ invoices at the time of booking.

Travel agent air discount: WestJet announced a special Expo Air Offer for travel agents that includes 30% off Basic and Econo fares, to any region, if booked by Sept. 18, 2022, for travel by May 31, 2023. There are no blackout dates.

The return of Amsterdam: WestJet has received airport slots to return to Amsterdam, where it previously offered seasonal service, on a year-round basis. Plus, with partner KLM, WestJet passengers will be able to travel beyond Amsterdam via easy connections.

New pamphlet: Hot off the press is WestJet Vacations’ new mini 24-page pamphlet. The pamphlet doubles as a quick reference guide featuring the tour operator’s winter schedule, flights at a glance, hotel collections including adults-only, and a QR code that takes clients directly to the company’s travel protection plan.

COVID WestJet dollars and commissions extended: Originally set to expire at the end of September 2022, COVID WestJet dollars have been extended until Dec. 31, 2022. In addition, WestJet Vacations is paying commissions on the full value of the rebooked package booked until Dec. 31, 2022 where COVID WestJet dollars are being redeemed.

Swoop flights: As previously reported, WestJet Vacations is now offering Swoop flights as part of vacation packages, available to book exclusively through travel agents. Swoop flights combined with a WestJet Vacations package are commissionable.

Destination lounges & private transfers: In addition to Club MoBay in Montego Bay, WestJet Vacations has added other destination lounges in Antigua, Barbados and Punta Cana, and is currently working on adding more in Mexico. They are all commissionable and available for agents to book. Agents can also book private transfers to the majority of WestJet Vacations’ destinations, or even book a shared direct transfer. Premium in-destination lounges as well as private and shared transfers are all self-bookable via SIREV/REVNET.

Instant savings: Clients can save up to $400 on select seven-night packages to sun destinations in Mexico, the D.R., the Caribbean and Hawaii, if booking between Sept. 12-30, 2022, for travel between Sept. 12, 2022 to April 30, 2023.

For more on this story including Travelweek’s interviews with WestJet’s Chuck Crowder and WestJet Vacations’ Director Dave Cecco, see Travelweek.ca.

WJV'S DAVE CECCO AND WESTJET'S CHUCK CROWDER

CRUISE

Disney Cruise Line’s sixth ship, Disney Treasure, is scheduled to debut in 2024. The news broke at the biennial D23 Expo, hosted this year by Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. The event offered a glimpse at what’s to come at the parks, cruise ships and more. Disney Treasure’s decor will pick up on themes from the Disney movie Aladdin, with a signature statue in the ship’s soaring Grand Hall of Aladdin and Jasmine and the Magic Carpet. Progress continues on DCL’s new island destination at Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas. Plus, repositioning cruises for the Disney Wonder will be the first South Pacific voyages for Disney Cruise Line, giving guests the chance to experience destinations like Fiji and Samoa.

PONANT has relaxed its COVID-19 protocols, and no longer requires passengers to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding any of the ships in its fleet. To board, passengers only need to present a certificate showing proof of at least one of the three scenarios: at least three doses of an mRNA vaccine; or two vaccination doses provided the second has been given within nine months of the date of embarkation; or one vaccination dose or proof of past infection of more than two weeks and within a maximum of four months at the time of boarding.

PROTOCOLS & POLICIES

The Globus family of brands will lift its policy requiring all guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 effective March 1, 2023. Travellers booking a vacation that begins on or after March 1, 2023, will no longer need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel on a Globus or Cosmos tour or Avalon Waterways cruise. Globus family of brands’ Managing Director Stéphanie Bishop says: “The health and safety of our guests remains our top priority and while we highly recommend that travellers are vaccinated against COVID-19, after March 1, 2023, we will no longer require it.” Third-party operators and countries across the globe will continue to have their own rules and regulations and it will be up to travellers to understand and comply with those policies, she added.

DESTINATIONS

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has launched the first phase of a global marketing campaign in their strongest source market – North America. The campaign, ‘Real Deal Kenya’, was developed to reinvigorate Kenya’s tourism industry by highlighting the wildlife, culture, and adventure activities available to the global visitor. In partnership with Kenya Airways, the campaign offers flight booking options as well as partner travel itineraries that suit different interests and budgets from seven operators –Africa Answers, African Travel, Audley Travel, G Adventures, Goway, Intrepid and Kensington Tours. Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife projects international arrivals to recover by up to 75% this year, with marketing initiatives being rolled out in various platforms.

TOUR OPERATORS

ACV’s 2022/2023 winter sun program includes three new nonstop routes: Montreal - Antigua; Quebec City - Varadero; and Edmonton - Cancun. ACV has also brought back key seasonal destinations such as Antigua, Aruba, Curaçao, Great Exuma in The Bahamas, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Belize.

RENDERING OF DISNEY TREASURE

“Passengers have rights and they need to be respected”: Broader APPR rules take effect

OTTAWA — Broader rules under the Airlines Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) now require airlines to provide passengers with either a refund or rebooking, at the passenger’s choice, when there is a flight cancellation, or a lengthy delay, due to a situation outside the airline’s control that prevents it from ensuring that passengers complete their itinerary within a reasonable time.

The rules apply to all flights to, from and within Canada, including connecting flights.

As the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) notes, until now, the APPR only required refunds to be provided for flight disruptions within the control of airlines.

The new regulatory requirements require airlines to provide a passenger affected by a cancellation or a lengthy delay due to a situation outside the airline’s control with a confirmed reservation on the next available flight that is operated by them or a partner airline, leaving within 48 hours of the departure time indicated on the passenger’s original ticket. If the airline cannot provide a confirmed reservation within this 48hour period, it is required to provide, at the passenger’s choice, a refund or rebooking.

The requirements also ask airlines to identify what costs must be refunded

(unused portion of the ticket, which includes any unused add-on services paid for); identify the method to be used for refunds (same as the original payment, e.g., a return on the person’s credit card); and require airlines to provide a refund within 30 days.

As the CTA notes, the pandemic revealed a gap in Canada’s air passenger protection framework: the absence of a requirement for airlines to refund tickets when flights are cancelled, or where there is a lengthy delay, for reasons outside airline control and it is not possible for the airline to ensure that the passenger’s itinerary is completed within a reasonable time.

The new regulations apply to flight disruptions that occur as of September 8, 2022.

The CTA is currently dealing with a backlog of thousands of air passenger complaints. Airlines refusing compensation claims on the grounds of crew constraints, i.e. staff shortages, have become a major issue for airlines, passengers and the CTA over the past several months.

Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra issued a statement, saying: “Passengers have rights and they need to be respected. Our government was the one who put in place the Air Passenger Protection Regulations in 2019 to ensure their rights are safeguarded throughout their travel journey,” he said. “With travel volumes continuing to increase, I am very pleased to see that the Canadian Transportation Agency’s new Regulations Amending the Air Passenger Protection Regulations are now in force.”

Minister Alghabra added: “With so many Canadians travelling again, it’s critical to ensure their rights are respected. Our government is working with air industry partners to help ease

airport congestion to keep travellers moving, and we will continue to protect the interests of passengers when travel doesn’t go according to plan.”

Interview: Air France-KLM Canada’s GM, Jean-Eudes de La Bretèche

TORONTO — The brand new General Manager of Air France-KLM Canada, Jean-Eudes de La Bretèche, says capacity out of Canada is just about 100% of 2019 levels.

An interview with de La Bretèche during last week’s TIFF kick-off, which Air France is once again sponsoring, covered everything from Air France’s rapid recovery in the Canadian market, to new routes, Canada’s summer air travel woes, the outlook for the winter season and more.

De La Bretèche comes to Canada as the latest step in a 13-year career with Air France-KLM. He started in Paris as part of the Revenue Management team before joining the CEO’s office as Project Coordinator. In 2013, he became Chief of Staff to the Executive Vice-President Commercial, moved to the Tokyo office in 2014 as Commercial Director overseeing the Japanese, Korean and New Caledonia markets.

He returned to Paris in 2017 to assume the position of Alliances Director Americas, where he was primarily in charge of coordinating the management of the transatlantic joint ventures with Delta and Virgin Atlantic, and negotiating commercial agreements between Air France-KLM and its partner airlines in the Americas, including WestJet and AeroMexico.

“I am delighted to take the helm of the Air France-KLM Group in Canada at a time that is so particular,” he said. “After more than two years of travel restrictions, we are thrilled to finally be able to welcome so many of our

WITH SO MANY CANADIANS TRAVELLING AGAIN, IT’S CRITICAL TO ENSURE THEIR RIGHTS ARE RESPECTED

passengers aboard our planes again. I have every confidence our teams will provide our Canadian customers the very finest travel experience. Together, we will continue to work alongside our partners Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and also continue to foster our partnership with WestJet.”

De La Bretèche told Travelweek he’s excited about his new role in Canada, and the group’s recovery in this market. “We’re just coming out to two years of the pandemic, of constrained travel. Now we can really see that the demand is back, the passengers are back on the plane. It’s a good momentum.”

Capacity out of Canada is just about 100% of 2019 levels. It’s an amazing accomplishment considering the past two and a half years. “What we operated this summer, compared to 2019, which was the best reference we have, we’re almost 100%. So it’s quite impressive.”

In May 2022 Air France opened a new seasonal route for Canada, with direct flights from Quebec City to Paris. Plus, starting Oct. 23, Air France will bring back its Montreal - Pointeà-Pitre service. The route first opened in late 2021, but the timing was challenging - to say the least - because of Omicron. This go-round for the route will no doubt be more successful.

This summer in Canada Air France serviced Montreal, Toronto, Quebec and Vancouver. For KLM, there are five Canadian gateways: Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. Asked about other Canadian

cities, de La Bretèche said: “We don’t have a short-term project at the moment, nothing to announce for now. But we’re always always curious and eager to find any opportunities. Canada is a big country. Canada is a performing market. So we will be looking at opportunities.”

Asked about the hours-long lineups, deplaning delays and other challenges at Canada’s main airports, particularly Pearson Airport, De La Bretèche said: “Flying is a whole infrastructure. Coming out of two years where the airport organization has been disorganized because of the lack of traffic … to restart the machine is not like pressing a button. What we observed especially at Pearson and at Montreal, at the beginning of summer, we paid the price of this disorganization and we had to upscale the whole organization. Things are now getting back to normal.”

He says he’s expecting a good winter for both Air France and KLM, even with soaring fuel costs, inflation and the economy. Airlines are used to navigating turbulent times, and Air France - at 89 years - and KLM - at 102 years - continue to thrive no matter what.

Speaking specifically about Air France, on the glamorous 2022 TIFF stage, De La Bretèche said: “What we offer is a different customer experience for our passengers. Our promise is also that when you’re onboard when you’re stepping in on an aircraft, you’re already in France.”

Porter partners with Flex Travel Solutions to enhance agency bookings

TORONTO — Porter Airlines has selected Flex Travel Solutions Inc. (FTS) as its tech partner of choice to create a more seamless commission payout and reporting process for travel agencies.

With the new partnership, travel agency bookings for Porter Airlines and its vacation packages division, Porter Escapes, are now available through the FTS platform. FTS is a travel technology company with a suite of B2B products designed to facilitate the post-booking process and reporting between travel suppliers and their agencies.

Agents can expect a number of upgraded processes, including: faster commission payouts; detailed reports, including export functions; simplified management of branches in a self-serve fashion; and centralized promotions.

Travel agencies can register and create a Flex Travel Solutions profile.

“This enhancement to our commission payment and reporting process gives our agency partners consistent and timely payments, with enhanced features to review real-time sales results and commission payments,” said Michael Curmi, Director, Agency Sales & Distribution. “This is a timely upgrade as we get set to expand our route network across North America and begin working with new partners.”

The news comes during a period of growth for Porter, which is extending its service to destinations across North America with up to 100 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. Service is scheduled to begin later in 2022.

AIR FRANCE AIRCRAFT

JTB extends Jamaica 60 Diamond Jubilee agent promo to Sept. 30

TORONTO — The Jamaica Tourist Board has extended its Jamaica 60 Diamond Jubilee travel agent incentive, to Sept. 30, 2022. That means all September bookings will now qualify for entry into a draw for the prize hotel stays. The new draw date is Oct. 7, 2022 with the winner announcement on Oct. 10.

The JTB will also make a special announcement during Irie Hour on Oct. 11, and will feature current partner hotel specials and initiatives in the marketplace.

Says the JTB: “Register all your Jamaica bookings made between July 1 - Sept. 30, 2022 and you could win a three-night stay for two at any of 22 participating hotels and resorts. That’s ‘66 Nights of Surprises’ waiting for you!”

The JTB encourages agents to log all Jamaica bookings made in July, August and September before the Sept. 30, 2022 deadline.

To register bookings go to visitjamaica.com/Canada/Jamaica60.

“Travel advisors are in it to win it”: Q&A with TTAND’s Antje Splettstoesser

TORONTO — The transformation of the retail travel industry has seen the sector go “from one of employees to that of entrepreneurs,” says the brand new Marketing Director at The Travel Agent Next Door, Antje Splettstoesser.

“Travel advisors are passionate and committed to the industry and their profession and are truly in it to win it,” she adds.

Travelweek caught up with Splettstoesser for a quick Q&A just as the announcement came out about her new role with TTAND.

Best known from her years as Director, Canada for the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) and Vice Chair at the European Travel Commission (ETC), Splettstoesser is returning to the travel industry after becoming mother to a baby girl in 2019, and a role at the Heart and Stroke Foundation. She also taught tourism sales and marketing at Humber College.

TTAND Founder and CEO Flemming Friisdahl says: ““We are very excited

People

ACV announces new addition to Quebec sales team

MONTREAL — Air Canada Vacations has appointed Nicolas Thériault as its new Area Sales Manager for Quebec.

Based in Montreal, he will report directly to Marco Gagnon, General Manager, Sales-Eastern Canada, joining ACV’s Quebec sales team that comprises Jean-Luc Tremblay and Helena Silva Inacio. Thériault will represent the Montreal, Laval, Laurentians, Lanaudière, Outaouais and Ottawa regions.

“We are delighted to welcome Nicolas to Air Canada Vacations’ sales team,” said Ana Paula De Souza, Director of Sales at Air Canada Vacations. “Nicolas brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with over 11 years at Air Canada Vacations in the Groups departments and, most recently as a Call Center Supervisor for our Europe, Canada and USA portfolio.”

Gagnon added: “We are very excited about the contributions

to have Antje join our team. Having just become 1,000 agents strong, we believe Antje will be a critical part of our leadership team in guiding the company and our agent partners into the post pandemic era. She has a tremendous amount of travel industry experience that we will be able to draw on.”

Friisdahl adds that TTAND “has always felt that marketing is a very important aspect of selling travel, and this is why we have invested, since we started, in having the largest host agency marketing team and the results are showing. With our sales up 55% from 2019, we are very excited for the future.”

We asked Splettstoesser about her thoughts on TTAND. “Since my departure from the industry, I have been intrigued by the transformation of travel,” she said. “Nowhere has this been more apparent than in the retail sector and the shift to home-based / independent travel professionals. TTAND has been at the forefront of this change with their MORE program, creative marketing solutions and an unwavering commitment to servicing their agent partners. I now look forward to contributing to the company’s future success and supporting over 1,000 agent partners.”

She adds that the number of homebased / independent advisors will just keep climbing. “I absolutely believe that the numbers will grow. The industry has transitioned from one of employees to that of entrepreneurs.

THE INDUSTRY HAS TRANSITIONED FROM ONE OF EMPLOYEES TO ONE OF ENTREPRENEURS

Travel advisors are passionate and committed to the industry and their profession and are truly in it to win it. This makes the model of a host agency not only sustainable but also highly accessible to anyone, whether they are new to the industry or experienced.”

We also asker what she missed most about the travel industry. “Where do I start? EVERYTHING!” she said. “While I left the industry for a personal reason, which just turned three years old this summer, I have never left travel. It is part of my soul and my family was one of the brave ones to continue to travel throughout the pandemic (never had so many rows for myself and a toddler on a Boeing!). The pandemic-induced restrictions have certainly opened my eyes to how much I need to be connected to travel, personally as well as professionally. And getting back to the relationships: the industry always felt like a family to me. What could be better than to return to good friends you’ve made along the way?”

New trips with Intrepid Premium focus on Europe, Americas

TORONTO — Intrepid Travel has expanded its Premium range of tours, with 10 brand new itineraries. The new Intrepid Premium tours include six new trips in Europe and four new trips in North and South America. First launched back in March 2021, the Intrepid Premium range now totals 97 trips in all, across 42 countries and five continents.

The launch marks the first Intrepid Premium itinerary in the U.S. Premium Alaska is one of four tours being launched across the Americas including Premium Costa Rica and Premium Patagonia.

The six new Europe itineraries also mark the first Premium tours in the Baltics, Balkans, and Northern Spain,

and bring the total Intrepid Premium offering in Europe to 25 tours.

Geared to clients looking for higher-end adventures, Intrepid Premium is known for hand-picked accommodations, private transportation, train journeys and an array of signature stays and exclusive experiences.

“Trends show that passengers are willing to pay for premium trips that offer an exceptional experience at an excellent value,” says Matt Berna, Intrepid Travel President, North America. “Like all Intrepid trips, these new itineraries are designed to minimize travellers’ environmental footprint and maximize their positive impact for local communities – this is what makes Intrepid Travel so special.”

Premium Sicily includes two nights in the Sicilian countryside at Feature Stay accommodation, Baglio della Luna Foresteria, a countryside estate built within a medieval watch tower.

Premium Patagonia includes three nights in a beautiful and sustainable Feature Stay hotel offering fantastic amenities and first-class views of the surrounding mountains and fjord. The property is a gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Travellers can also spend a day with penguins on Martillo Island in the Southernmost city in the world.

Premium Alaska has a private transfer to Fairbanks rail depot followed by the scenic journey via Deluxe Dome rail car south to the town of Denali, gateway to Denali National Park.

And exclusive experiences on Premium Costa Rica in Depth include

spending time with a local family and learning how to create traditional dishes in their kitchen, and a visit to Matambu, the only indigenous territory of the Chorotegan people, to learn ancient pottery techniques passed down for generations. On this trip, a two-night Feature Stay is at a sustainable jungle hotel next to the Rio Celeste River.

Fort Myers welcomes Air Canada and WestJet nonstop service

TORONTO — It will be easy for Canadians to get to Fort Myers, Florida this fall and winter, with two of Canada’s biggest airlines offering nonstop service.

Air Canada will operate nonstop daily service seven days a week, with four flights operating per day, from Toronto (YYZ) to Fort Myers (RSW) starting from Oct. 30, 2022 to April 15, 2023.

Montreal seasonal service also resumes with Air Canada with two nonstop flights (Saturday and Sunday) until Nov. 24 before gradually increasing to five flights per week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) until April 15, 2023.

INTREPID PREMIUM TOUR OF COSTA RICA

WestJet will offer nonstop daily service seven days a week, with two flights per day from Toronto to Fort Myers starting from Oct. 24, 2022 to April 29, 2023.

Additionally, WestJet will operate two weekly nonstop seasonal flights from Ottawa (YOW) to Fort Myers starting Oct. 31, 2022 until April 29, 2023.

“We are thrilled once again to offer Canadians daily nonstop service from several Canadian gateways,” said Tamara Pigott, Executive Director of the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau. “Our airline partners – Air Canada and WestJet – have provided multiple options for Canadians to explore the more laidback side of Florida, and we couldn’t be happier with the return of seasonal routes and daily service to Fort Myers.”

Known for its shell-strewn beaches, wildlife refuges and waterways, Fort Myers is a short three-hour flight from Canada and is a popular destination among Canadian snowbirds.

Air Canada Vacations’ popular BOGO offer is back

MONTREAL — Air Canada Vacations has brought back a popular promotion that allows clients to buy one vacation package and get the second at up to 50% off.

Until Oct. 4, 2022, clients can book a seven-night beach vacation and get the second at up to half off for departures between Jan. 2 and April 30, 2023, to select destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, as well as select Flight and Hotel packages to Hawaii.

“With the fall weather quickly approaching, customers are looking forward to planning their next escape to a sunny beach,” said Nino Montagnese, Vice President at Air Canada Vacations.

Top attractions in Croatia’s

capital Zagreb make this city a must-see

Zagreb, capital of Croatia, is a word-of-mouth destination that’s just as big a draw for return travellers as it is for first-time visitors.

For anyone new to Zagreb - or for that matter, repeat guests who want to ‘tick all the boxes’ on this beautiful European hot spot - here’s a list of the city’s top attractions…

1. St. Mark’s Square - The standout here is pristine St. Mark’s Church, which in part dates from the mid-13th century. St. Mark’s Square is also the site of the graceful and stately buildings housing the Croatian government, Parliament and Constitutional Court.

2. Lenuci Horseshoe - A green oasis in the heart of the city, and the pinnacle of urban planning for Zagreb, this 19th-century patchwork of squares and parks is where visitors will find numerous scientific and cultural institutions.

3. Dolac - Busy and bustling Dolac is Zagreb’s biggest and most charming farmers’ market. A long-time favourite for locals, Dolac is also an ideal spot for visitors to check out quality produce from all around Croatia. The colourful displays make for great photo ops.

4. Mirogoj - More than a burial ground, this cemetery is also a serene green-space and an open-air sculpture park.

5. Funicular - It’s easy to get from ‘Gornji grad’ (Upper Town) to ‘Donji grad’ (Lower Town) - or vice versaon Zagreb’s funicular.

Famous as the world's shortest cable railway used for public transport, the funicular has been connecting the Upper and Lower Towns since 1890.

6. Maksimir - Locals might tell you that they consider Maksimir to be the most beautiful of Zagreb’s parks. And many visitors would no doubt agree. Opened in 1794, Maksimir is also the oldest of the city’s parks and features several lakes, pavilions, and the accompanying Zagreb Zoo.

7. The Cathedral - The stunning sacral building, the largest in Croatia, has been rebuilt many times since its inception in the 13th century. Its now-iconic Neo-Gothic look came about in the 19th century.

8. Špica - The pedestrianized stretch between Ban Jelačić Square and Petar Preradović Square (also known as Flower Square) is where Zagreb comes to see and be seen. Špica’s inviting café terraces and the surrounding scene epitomize Zagreb’s coffee- drinking culture.

9. Lotrščak Tower - Every day at noon, the Grič cannon at Lotrščak Tower is fired with thunderous ceremony. Lotrščak Tower is also one of the best-preserved parts of Zagreb’s fortifications.

10. Medvednica - Commune with nature in this peaceful (and beautiful) nature park, at the foot of Mount Medvednica in the northernmost region of Zagreb. There is a new Sljeme Cable Car and visitor centre at Medvedgrad fortress.

For more information about visiting Zagreb see infozagreb.hr.

“By booking early our customers can ensure they can secure the destination, room category, collection and perks, among other things, that suit their needs all while saving big.”

As a reminder, Air Canada Vacations’ CareFree and CareFlex plans provide clients with added peace of mind (and 20% commission for agents).

For $69 (Canada and U.S.) and $99 (Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America & Europe) per person, the CareFlex travel protection plan allows travellers to transfer their package, change their departure date, destination or hotel, and cancel with a full refund up to 21 days prior to departure, or cancel with an in-house credit up to three days prior to departure.

For $69, the CareFree travel protection plan includes free seat selection and a Price Drop Guarantee.

NCL rolls out red carpet for Norwegian Prima’s inaugural

By Vawn Himmelsbach

REYKJAVIK — During a cab ride through the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, my driver stops for a passing motorcade, which is supposedly quite a rarity in this country of 350,000 people. “Someone important must be here,” my cab driver comments.

“It might be Katy Perry,” I respond, matter of fact. As we keep chatting, I explain that I’m in town for the inaugural voyage of NCL’s Norwegian Prima, setting sail from Reykjavik to Amsterdam - and that the famous popstar is the ship’s godmother.

“Katy Perry is actually here? I thought you were just joking,” my cab driver responds. I then proceed to explain why cruise ships have godmothers and how it all works.

Onboard, there was a palpable energy in the air, in part because - after two years of wearing sweatpants at home - people were all dressed up with somewhere to go.

And, during the ceremony to christen the new vessel, a discernable swoon could be heard from women in the audience upon hearing that actor Orlando Bloom was accompanying his wife, Katy Perry, on the maiden voyage.

Along with the celebrity couple were 2,500 travel agents, travel trade media, business partners, investors and NCL execs onboard for the eight-day sailing from Reykjavík to Amsterdam.

“It’s a wonderful and almost surreal feeling for me to see so many familiar faces, and also some new ones. It’s been over two years - two very, very long years - since we’ve been able to bring together the entire Norwegian family,” said Frank Del Rio, NCLH President and CEO, during the inauguration ceremonies.

“I’ll admit to you that I’m both very excited, and a bit emotional, to be up here.”

Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships (in as many years) to be introduced in NCL’s Prima Class. It’s the brand’s first launch of a new class of ship in nearly a decade and its most spacious to date.

Notably, it offers expansive outdoor deck space and a wide selection of room categories, including The Haven, NCL’s ultra-premium ship-withina-ship concept (and yes, that’s where Katy and Orlando were staying).

“We are at the onset of what can be, will be, the restart to a bright future. One where a return to normalcy, and satisfying the public’s pent-up demand for travel, coincides with our steadily growing premium fleet,” said Del Rio.

Then he borrowed a line from the ship’s soon-to-be godmother, before introducing her to the stage: “Because we’re all champions, and we’re gonna hear you roar, roar, roar.”

Perry then officially named and christened the vessel with a ceremonial champagne bottle break across the ship’s hull. As Perry put it, she was there to “sprinkle some fairy godmother dust on Norwegian Prima” before setting sail on the high seas.

She also thrilled guests with an hour-long set of her hits (including the aforementioned ‘Roar’) while wearing an unforgettable hat designed to look like a giant red mushroom with white polka-dots.

Norwegian Prima is the most luxurious offering in the brand’s 18-strong fleet. She’s 20 decks tall and 965 feet long, with 1,600 staterooms that can accommodate up to 3,100 guests in a

I’LL ADMIT TO YOU THAT I’M BOTH VERY EXCITED, AND A BIT EMOTIONAL, TO BE UP HERE

KATY PERRY AND NCL EXECS AT NORWEGIAN PRIMA'S CHRISTENING

USA & CANADA

Breathtaking scenery and bucket-list experiences are waiting to be discovered in our own backyard

No better place to view the Northern Lights than in the Northwest Territories

Imagine wild landscapes with no light pollution. Minimal cloud cover that provides crystal-clear views of the cosmos. And a prime location under the auroral oval, the thin band around the earth where the most intense Northern Lights activity occurs. All this put together, coupled with experienced guides, are what makes the Northwest Territories one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights.

WHAT CAUSES THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

The phenomenon begins with the sun, which emits a plasma that travels out in all directions of the solar system. When this solar wind reaches the earth, it interacts with our magnetic field and concentrates over a narrow band called the auroral oval, which circles more than 100 kilometres above the planet. Here, this army of charged particles excites atoms in the outer atmosphere to produce the otherworldly light show known as the Northern Lights. Oxygen gives off a green glow while nitrogen lights up pink. Every so often, a big solar storm ejects a huge mass of charged particles and these solar winds result in especially vibrant, vivid and mesmerizing Aurora.

WHY DOES THE NWT HAVE THE WORLD’S BEST AURORA?

Location, location, location. It all comes down to the aurora oval, where the Aurora shine most often and

brightest. Since Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories sit directly underneath the auroral oval, the destinations experience the Northern Lights more than 240 times each year, more than anywhere else on earth.

In addition, the near desert-like climate across the Northwest Territories means minimal precipitation and humidity, both of which are vital to being able to see the Northern Lights clearly. And because true wilderness is only five minutes away from even the most densely populated neighbourhoods in Yellowknife, the Aurora never have to fight with any light pollution.

There are nearly limitless places to see the Aurora in the NWT, whether visitors are on an Aurora hunting expedition with a tour operator, standing in front of a remote Aurora lodge, or just driving outside of Yellowknife.

WHEN ARE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BEST VIEWED?

The magical fall Aurora season begins in earnest by mid-August and runs until early October. It’s at this time that the Aurora can be seen in duplicate, shimmering high above and also reflected on a glassy lake below. Come December, when lakes have begun to freeze over, the winter Aurora season starts, running until early April.

For more information about travel to the Northwest Territories go to spectacularnwt.com.

World’s Best Aurora.

Travelling within Canada? Travel insurance is still

a good idea, says

Even if clients are travelling within Canada, it’s still a good idea for them to purchase travel insurance. Many Canadians presume their government health insurance plans cover them completely from coast to coast, but there may be limits to what is covered in the case of an emergency. It’s important to know what those limits are. Here are some key insights from Manulife:

GOVERNMENT HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

Under the Canada Health Act, the national health insurance program is designed to ensure that all residents of Canada have reasonable access to medically necessary hospital and physician services on a prepaid basis. These covered services include:

Hospital services provided to in-patients or outpatients, if the services are medically necessary to maintain health, prevent disease, or diagnose or treat an injury, an illness, or a disability.

Medically required physician services rendered by medical practitioners.

This means that when clients travel to another province or territory, they retain their government health insurance coverage, and their health card will be accepted when they receive medical services. Their province or territory will be billed directly, or they pay up front and apply for reimbursement when they get home.

CANADA-WIDE PROTECTION

Each province and territory has its own rules about health insurance coverage, however. So, when clients travel to another Canadian province or territory, they may have to pay for costs not included in their own provincial or territorial coverage.

Ground ambulance services, in particular, can range in the hundreds of dollars, depending on the province or territory. Meanwhile, air ambulance services could cost them thousands of dollars within the province or territory, or tens of thousands if they need interprovincial travel.

Fortunately, private health insurance plans can cover health services not included in their health plan. The Manulife Global Canada Medical Plan, for example, offers benefits of up to $5 million to cover expenses

Manulife

for: emergency treatment; paramedical services; ambulance transportation; emergency dental treatment; emergency medical evacuation home; additional expenses for meals and hotel; return home of vehicle; hospital allowance; child care; and more.

Also, here’s a useful tip: If a client’s entire trip is within Canada, premiums are half the cost they’d pay if they were travelling outside Canada for the same length of time.

TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE

When booking a client’s trip, review their medical needs and any insurance coverage they may have through their employer group plan or their credit card. Unforeseen emergency medical expenses can take a huge chunk of their travel budget and could derail their trip. Travel insurance can help prevent that from happening. Travel agents can help make sure clients are properly covered when they head out to explore this beautiful country. That way, “True North strong and free” will also mean “free to travel with ease.”

variety of suite categories. The Haven, designed by renowned Italian architect Piero Lissoni, includes a two-bedroom family villa, multiple penthouses and 24-hour butler service.

But what stands out is the variety of intimate venues, along with expansive outdoor spaces - based on consumer feedback that showed cruisers want a more intimate experience along with greater flexibility when it comes to dining and entertainment.

Three of the specialty restaurants, along with complimentary The Local (serving up pub-style food) and the Surfside Café buffet restaurant offer both indoor and covered al fresco seating with built-in heat lamps.

Overall, there are 18 dining venues (some complimentary, some for an extra charge) and 17 bars and lounges. A first for Norwegian is Indulge Food Hall, which offers 11 food concepts, from Italian to Indian to Latin American, in a stylish food hall setting (also with indoor and outdoor seating).

The new ship offers a number of firsts: a three-storey Prima Speedway electric go-kart track; Ocean

Boulevard, a 44,000-square-foot outdoor walkway that wraps around the entire promenade deck on Level 8; the Concourse, which winds past an open-air sculpture garden; and Infinity Beach, with expansive pool decks and twin infinity pools on opposite sides of the ship.

And there’s no shortage of activities onboard, from the adrenaline-pumping slides, The Drop and The Rush, which plunge 10 storeys, and the Galaxy Pavilion VR gaming space, to the serene Mandara Spa with a two-storey waterfall, ice room, salt pool and industry-first charcoal sauna.

Norwegian Prima’s three-storey theatre, which offers Broadway-calibre shows, debuted with Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. With the press of a button, the theatre transforms into a production set and nightclub - where guests can participate in live game show experiences (such as The Price is Right LIVE) and Vegas-style nightclub parties. More intimate venues include the Improv @ Sea Comedy Club and classic rock club Syd Norman’s Pour House.

People Vision Travel announces new Ontario regional manager

TORONTO — Vision Travel has welcomed Renata Grant to the role of regional manager for Ontario.

Based at Vision’s Toronto head office, Grant will join Vision’s team of seven regional managers across the company’s network. She will be responsible for growing leisure sales and supporting travel advisors based in the head office as well as in Ottawa and Georgetown, ON.

Grant brings with her over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, including owning award-winning, cruise-focused franchises and serving as a director/Canada for a large retail travel organization. Her talents in public speaking also led to a role as a cruise ship guest speaker.

Julie Skinner, vice president, leisure sales and operations at Vision Travel, said: “We are delighted to have Renata join the team. “Her talents and enthusiasm know no bounds and we know she’ll be a huge asset to us.”

Skinner added: “We’ve recently seen a lot of movement in the industry and Vision has already welcomed dozens of independent travel advisors in 2022. We are very much looking forward to welcoming many more talented and experienced people to our team in the remainder of 2022 and into 2023, and we know Renata will be a big part of this.”

Grant can be reached at renata.grant@visiontravel.ca.

“She’s a ship that empowers guests with more choices, more flexibility and more experiences than any other cruise ship in the world,” said Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“This new class, our premium class, is designed for those who matter most to us - our guests - with the highest staffing ratio and the most space of any cruise ship in the contemporary cruise industry,” he said.

After reaching Amsterdam on her inaugural cruise, Norwegian Prima set sail on a series of eight-day cruises out of Amsterdam and Copenhagen before repositioning to the U.S. to operate on Caribbean itineraries.

Vision advisor Gallant-Halloran wins Virtuoso award

LAS VEGAS — Independent travel advisor Sheila Gallant-Halloran, owner of Lush Life Travel (an affiliate of Vision), has won a prestigious 2022 Virtuoso Luminaries, Legends, and Leaders Award.

Receiving her award in the Wellness category during Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas last month, Ottawa-based Gallant-Halloran said she was honoured to have that recognition bestowed upon her by her travel

supplier partners.

“In my past life as an actuary, I dealt with return on investment. As a travel advisor, I focus on return on life. Wellness travel is really about healthy living and self-care - so after the past two-plus years of pandemic stresses, isolation, and being cut off from the world, we are all ready to reclaim our power, and put our lives more in balance,” said Gallant-Halloran.

She added: “I look forward to helping more clients live their lush life and continue their wellness journey through travel.”

Virtuoso now counts more than 20,000 luxury, experiential travel advisors and suppliers.

G Expedition is back in service and offering 20% savings

TORONTO — G Expedition, affectionately known as G Adventures’ ‘little red ship’, is back in service, with savings worth up to 20% for passengers booking the upcoming 2022 / 2023 Antarctic season.

The ship was sidelined for two and half years during the global pandemic. David Green, managing director for G Adventures in Canada, says the crew is looking forward to delivering a program of life-changing activities onboard, while exploring one of the world’s most remote and pristine regions.

“While onboard G Expedition in Antarctica travellers participate in the ship’s long-standing citizen science projects and onboard education program to help them make the most of their Antarctic expedition. We also have a ‘photographer-in-residence’ onboard to help travellers tell a visual story about their adventure, and to share their learnings when they come home as they ultimately become custodians of the oceans,” says Green.

The ship’s program is designed to

teach travellers the importance of environmental protection, while at the same time introducing them to the beauty of Antarctica’s landscape and fascinating wildlife, he adds.

“As part of our commitment to environmental protection, our Expedition staff also collect data from points in Antarctica that researchers struggle to acquire information,” says Green.

“Our onboard education program includes lectures on the conservation of birds, marine mammals, marine wildlife and ecosystems - as well as global climate change and its impact on the world - all delivered by our team of scientific experts, or  ‘Scientists in Residence’, who facilitate the talks.

“With bucket list adventures high on travellers’ lists, this a great time to snap up a deal and head to one of the most incredible places on the planet. And for those who can’t travel this year, our 2023 / 2024 dates are now also live to book.”

This season’s expedition trips offer savings worth up to 20% when trips are booked before Sept. 29, 2022, for travel Oct. 22, 2022 - March 13, 2023.

Trips include the 11-day Antarctica Classic, reduced from $11,099 per person to $8,879 per person, departing on March 13, 2023; and the 13-day Antarctica Classic In-Depth, reduced from $12,599 per person to $10,709 per person, departing on Nov. 11, 2022. Both lead-in prices are based on two people sharing a twin cabin.

Virgin Voyages launches new booking platform for travel advisors

MIAMI — Virgin Voyages is making it easier and faster for travel advisors to book clients with the launch of a brand new booking platform called LetsGoBook.

Developed with feedback from travel advisors, who the cruise line refers to as ‘First Mates,’ the streamlined interface offers a simpler, intuitive system that allows advisors to book clients in five easy steps using VirginVoyages.com.

Additionally, advisors can choose to send a dedicated link to their clients via email/text or share on their social media channels, giving them the chance to book themselves.

Every new booking made using a First Mate’s unique LetsGoBook link will be automatically connected to their account on FirstMates.com. Immediately after a booking is made, agents can view and customize their

client’s voyage, which includes adding locally-inspired Shore Things, upgrading cabin categories, adding a Bar Tab (the company’s take on traditional drinks packages), and more.

In keeping with the brand’s ‘Brilliant to do Business With’ promise, every booking still includes Virgin Voyages’ 16% commissions – no NCFs. However, to celebrate the new launch, the company is rewarding First Mates with a limited-time perk: a US$100,000 booking bonus. The first 2,000 new bookings made using the LetsGoBook link will include a $50 cash commission bonus. Additionally, every booking gives agents one entry to win a seven-night trip to Necker Island, Richard Branson’s private, luxury estate in the British Virgin Islands.

“Our First Mates asked for a more streamlined and straightforward booking platform and we’ve delivered,” says John Dioro, Vice President of North American Sales. “Every agent can use the link to make a booking in less than two minutes or choose to share the link with the clients. This new, easy-to-use interface saves First Mates time on the historically tedious booking process so they can dedicate more time helping their Sailors curate an unforgettable vacation aboard our ships.”

To make a booking and be entered in the contest, travel advisors can go to FirstMates.com to receive their LetsGoBook link. For more information email firstmates@virginvoyages. com or call 1-833-VV-SAILS.

Visit Orlando launches ‘Unbelievably Real’ campaign in Canada

ORLANDO — Visit Orlando has launched its new Unbelievably Real campaign in Canada.

The new destination brand highlights what is both fantastical and authentic about The Theme Park Capital of the World, to tell the destination’s holistic story, says Casandra Matej, president & CEO of Visit Orlando.

“With entry restrictions to the U.S. lifted, it is the optimum time to inspire travel to Orlando ahead of the peak booking periods for our destination’s largest international market,” says Matej. “This new campaign captures the essence of our destination – if you can imagine it, you can experience it here – that’s why Orlando is Unbelievably Real.”

The fall launch of Unbelievably Real will highlight the incredible and diverse range of attractions and experiences across the destination, embodying the unique character of Orlando.

The television, digital, social media and search engine marketing campaign will roll out nationally with an emphasis on Ontario, with audiences split 60/40 between families and adults travelling without kids.

Digital mall boards will reach potential travellers during the busy retail season along with billboards and advertising lighting up Yonge-Dundas Square. The campaign will run for the remainder of 2022.

The campaign’s call-to-action drives consumers to VisitOrlando.com for information on theme  parks, things to do and see, dining, safety updates and more.

Travel advisors are encouraged to complete the Orlando Travel Academy to stay up to date on  the latest developments in Orlando, plus receive special benefits such as 50% off certain theme  park tickets and deeply discounted hotel rates. Visit Orlando will also be hosting interactive agent training events in Toronto and Montreal this December.

SEATTLE — Polar adventures specialist Quark Expeditions has a September Sale featuring savings worth up to 35% on polar voyages in its Antarctic 22/23 and Arctic 23 sailing seasons.

Quark Expeditions is waiving the Single Travelers Supplement on many voyages.

Travel advisors can earn an extra

US$1,000 in commissions during the time-limited sale.

“We’re excited to launch this September Sale that enables many different kinds of travellers - from couples to families to solo travelers - the chance to explore the Arctic or Antarctic. We believe that these experiences are not just a vacation, but trips of a lifetime,” said Thomas Lennartz, VP Sales for Quark Expeditions. “This time-limited promotion not only offers savings of up to 35%, but we’ve also reduced the deposit to US$500. In addition, solo travellers will be thrilled to know we’re waiving the single travel supplement on most voyages during this promotion.”

Lennartz said he’s especially pleased that travel advisors will also benefit from Quark Expeditions’ September Sale: “We’ve designed this promotion to enable travel advisors to earn an additional US$1,000 in commissions on select booking during this sale.”

These saving are applicable to numerous polar itineraries, including: South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari; Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent; Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake; Introduction to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers and Wildlife of Svalbard; and Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air.

Winners announced for Expedia TAAP’s ‘Fuel Up to Win’ promo

TORONTO — Expedia TAAP has announced the winners of its ‘Fuel Up to Win’ promotion, which ran from May 1 to June 30, 2022.

Helena S. of New Wave Travel has been named the Grand Prize Winner. Other winners include: Rachel H. of Nexion Canada; Yumi M. of Jubilee Tours & Travel; Melanie M. of Trevello;

and Jackie L. of TravelOnly.

Collectively, all winning agents have won a total of $4,500.

“Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all of the travel agents that participated!” said the company.

Le Boat launches 2023/24 cruise season with EBB

SMITHS FALLS, ON — Le Boat has launched its 2023 and 2024 early booking offer with savings worth up to 10% for all bookings made before Nov. 30, 2022.

The houseboat rental company, with operations in Canada and Europe, is seeing soaring demand, says Le Boat marketing manager Lisa McLean.

“We know that 2023 travel is going to be busier than past years,” says McLean.“Le Boat’s website search traffic, sales inquiries and recent increase in advanced bookings for 2023 indicate that people are no longer putting off their dream vacation. They’re booking vacations that are both longer in duration or back-to-back in multiple cruising regions.”

Le Boat continues to invest in future growth, in order to meet the higher demand for international travel in 2023, she adds. The company is

WE KNOW 2023 WILL BE BUSIER THAN PAST YEARS

expanding its fleet with 11 new Horizon Cruisers, which means more luxury and more availability in Canada, as well as the Canal du Midi, Burgundy, Alsace and Brittany in Europe.

Le Boat is also launching new detailed itineraries for each cruising region, to help clients customize their boating vacations.

For all bookings made before Nov, 30, 2022, Le Boat is offering EBBs with savings up to 10% on private boat rentals in Europe (France, UK, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Belgium & Amsterdam) and Canada (Rideau Canal in Ontario).

Early booking clients can also save an additional 3% if they pay in full at time of booking, and families can save an additional 5% if travelling with children aged 16 or under.

Le Boat has also launched a new fixed fuel price with its new Extras bundles, to help offset the rising cost of fuel.

Boat rental vacations start at $998 for a one-week cruise in Europe. More information on all Le Boat product is at leboat.com.

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Earn More with Delta and Agencia Global

Christine from Delta provides updates from Delta, Air France and KLM, and Jimmy from Agencia Global shows you how to earn more on your booking on one of the market’s most innovative booking platforms