Travelweek - October 20th, 2022

Sunwing shares details about its latest project:

already seeing a surge in demand for travel to Cayo Largo”

strategy to provide Canadians with more vacation packages to popular sun destinations, including Cuba, at affordable price points.

“What’s great about Cayo Largo – and among the reasons we are thrilled to off er this destination to customers – is that it offers 25km of pristine beaches in an intimate and relaxing setting, and it’s located along the southern coast of Cuba, known for warmer temperatures year-round, which you won’t find in other parts of the country. Canadians looking to escape the long, dreary winter season will enjoy the weather in Cayo Largo any month of the year, even in January and February. Plus, with an international food import license, Canadians can enjoy some of the comforts of home when dining at any of the resorts on the island. It is also a sustainable, eco-friendly destination so will appeal to the most eco-conscious of travellers.

Fridays starting Nov. 4, from Ottawa and Québec City on Saturdays starting Dec. 17, and from Halifax on Tuesdays starting Jan. 10.

“We are already seeing a surge in demand for travel to Cayo Largo for the winter, and we hope to add more flights for the winter to reflect evolving customer demand. With the huge demand for winter travel, we encourage agents to book clients’ dream getaways to Cayo Largo now so they don’t miss out on the tropical experience of a lifetime this winter.”

Travelweek: Can you offer a quick overview of each of the resort brands?

With that start date inching ever closer, we went to Sunwing’s Chief Marketing Officer, Samantha Taylor, to find out the latest on the Cayo Largo project, from resort readiness, to reaction from Sunwing’s travel advisor partners, to the potential for takeovers like this to be expanded to other destinations.

Travelweek: What is Sunwing's thinking behind the Cayo Largo project?

Taylor: “Cuba has long been a favourite vacation destination among Canadians and one of our bestsellers year after year, so expanding our presence in Cayo Largo fits within our long-term

“It’s the amalgamation of all these details that make for an unforgettable vacation experience in Cayo Largo and, as the leading tour operator in Canada, we are delighted to offer all inclusive packages to the sunshine coast of Cayo Largo this winter.”

Travelweek: Can you provide a status update on the rebrandings and renovations?

Taylor: “We’re very excited about that! The rebrandings and renovations are well underway, and the teams in destination are hard at work getting the properties ready for the debuts for the fall and winter. Sunwing customers can book their all-inclusive vacations to Cayo Largo for stays at some resorts such as Memories Cayo Largo from November onwards.

“We’re currently offering five weekly direct flights for the fall and winter – from Toronto and Montréal on

Taylor: “There really is something for everyone in Cayo Largo. There are a range of family-friendly resorts, including Memories Cayo Largo, Grand Memories Cayo Largo, Starfish Cayo Largo, Villa Coral, Villa Linda Mar, Villa Marina, Villa Serena and Villa Soledad. Of course, for those looking for a couples escape or getaway with friends, the adults only Sanctuary at Grand Memories Cayo Largo will fit the bill, and adults seeking an au naturel experience will enjoy vacationing at Villa Caprice. Plus, customers seeking a 2SLGBTQ+ vacation experience will enjoy staying at the adults only, inclusive beachfront resort of Villa Natura.”

Travelweek: Are there any advantages for travellers, for example, dine around opportunities, stay at one and play at more, that sort of thing?

Taylor: “Yes, customers will enjoy extra features that are available at certain resorts, from dine around programs to stay at one, play at more options. Guests at the adults only Sanctuary at Grand Memories Cayo Largo will have full access to facilities, amenities and services at neighbouring

“We are

Grand Memories Cayo Largo, including the outdoor pool, fitness centre, restaurants and bars. Guests at both of those properties may also upgrade to Diamond Club for preferred room categories, premium amenities and inclusions throughout their stay.

“Meanwhile, Villa Soledad guests will have access to the restaurants and bars of nearby Villa Lindamar and Villa Caprice. Plus, a number of family-friendly resorts offer special pricing for children when travelling with two or more adults. What’s more, all resorts offer direct service from the hotels into town where they can take in local sights and attractions, including Paraíso Beach and Sirena Beach, the Cayo Largo Activity Centre and a sea turtle rescue centre, or they can rent ATVs to explore on their own.”

Travelweek: What’s been the reaction from agents?

Taylor: “We’ve had very positive feedback from the agent community. They know how popular Cuba is for our mutual customers, and they are excited to be able to offer this idyllic beachfront location to customers, which we are confident will become a must-visit destination Canadians will look forward to returning to time and again.”

Travelweek: Could there be more projects like this for Sunwing in other destinations in the years to come?

Taylor: “Never say never! We are always looking for ways to innovate and continue bringing amazing vacation experiences to our valued customers at competitive prices. We’ll be sure to share more updates as new destinations and upcoming projects come to fruition.”

Got a story idea? Questions or comments? Write to Kathryn Folliott at kfolliott@travelweek.ca

Sunwing’s new ‘More, More, More’ ad centres campaign

TORONTO — Sunwing has launched a brand new creative campaign complete with a catchy commercial, ‘More, More, More’. Sunwing says the high-energy campaign - with its fun and on-trend 1970s vibe ad - taps into what customers really want on their all inclusive getaways: more value and experiences.

The company also says the campaign moves beyond what Sunwing is already well known for – vacations at accessible prices with mass appeal – and shows how Canadians not only save more upfront on a Sunwing vacation but they can also do more, explore more and celebrate more in destination.

The campaign includes radio, out-of-home, social media, digital video and a cinema buy with commercial placements at Cineplex theatres this fall. Sunwing is also promoting a social media contest for consumers.

Samantha Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunwing Travel Group, says: “Over the past year, our team has shown unwavering dedication to reimagining Sunwing’s value proposition and brand persona so we can continue to grow with our customers at every stage. This has culminated with a more fun, vibrant and energetic brand that offers the breadth of travel products, services and experiences that our customers crave.”

Taylor adds: “With so much change over the past two years, it was important for us to listen to our customers and find out what

matters most to them as we prepared for our winter season. We discovered that Canadians are looking to unlock more value, beyond just price, so they can get the most out of their hard-earned vacations and have an unforgettable experience in destination. Our new brand identity highlights just that. From discounts on spas and excursions to exclusive perks, room upgrades and more, we’re excited to show Canadians how they can get more under our wing.”

Travelweek checked in with Taylor to ask if Canadian consumers’ inflation concerns factored into the direction of the campaign.

Says Taylor: “Our research and planning began last April and has never pivoted from what customers told us was important. Although inflation is a growing concern for Canadians now, it has only served to reinforce that our value proposition is very important. Canadians want value, and that includes not only price but opportunities to do more, experience more and celebrate more in destination.”

Travelweek also asked Taylor for a snapshot of Sunwing's booking levels for the winter ahead. “We are incredibly excited about the winter season,” she said. “All indicators are very positive, and we are looking forward to a return to pre-pandemic levels.”

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Recent sailing on Carnival Panorama is proof: Carnival is back, along with all the fun

By David Yeskel

ONBOARD CARNIVAL PANORA-

MA

— The ‘Fun Ship’ ethos is alive and well again aboard Carnival’s vessels.

Most U.S-based cruise lines have now returned their entire fleets to service. But for some the onboard experience has lagged behind due to a variety of reasons - COVID protocols, staffing shortages and port restrictions, among others.

It can be a disappointment for repeat guests anxious to experience a return to everything they loved about pre-pandemic cruising.

But most of those issues are now in the rearview mirror for Carnival, if my recent seven-day sailing on Carnival Panorama from L.A. to Mexico was any indication.

SHIP’S STILL JUST LIKE BRAND NEW

Although we were sailing at slightly over 100% capacity with 4,200 guests and a full complement of crew, I noticed only occasional crowding around the main pool and Lido Marketplace buffet venue. And there was plenty of room to spread out in most other public areas aboard.

When I attended the ship’s inaugural celebration in late 2019 at the Port of Long Beach (just as the earliest cases of COVID-19 in China were being reported), the handsome Vista-class vessel showed no hallmarks of Carnival’s past, gaudy interior design.

Instead, tasteful, subdued decor and pleasing colour schemes graced comfortable public rooms and staterooms. And since she was shut down in spring 2020 shortly after her debut, Panorama hasn’t had time to accrue much wear and tear since her restart just over a year ago.

While my sailing was the last one to mandate COVID testing and full

vaccination for all (the line has since removed the testing requirement for fully-vaccinated guests), ongoing protocols still mandate masking for all crew, staff and officers, who are all fully-vaccinated and tested regularly.

Guests on most of Carnival’s U.S.based sailings now do not need to test pre-cruise if they’re fully-vaccinated. While masking is optional for guests, most on my sailing opted not to wear them.

CUISINE: EVOLVED

As Carnival’s culinary program has evolved over the years, the line’s main dining room fare has consistently improved to reflect more modern tastes, while being attractively presented.

The line’s Seaday Brunch, also served in the dining room, offers an outstanding menu of options including a decadent 12-Hour French Toast topped with roasted peaches.

At lunchtime, although the Lido Marketplace buffet spread is adequate if unexciting, better options for the midday meal abound at other, included-in-the-fare venues: Guy’s Burger Joint (elevated burgers and fries from TV personality Guy Fieri); Blue Iguana (made-to-order tacos and burritos); Mongolian Wok (custom-made Asian rice and noodle

bowls); Pasta Bar (made-or-order pasta dishes); and Guy’s Pig & Anchor (BBQ meats and sides, also from Guy Fieri).

Meanwhile, Panorama’s extra-charge specialty venues proved to be very popular during my cruise. I enjoyed particularly memorable meals at Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse (US$42 per person) and JiJi Asian Kitchen ($18 per person).

In fact, the relative sophistication of the dishes at JiJi Asian Kitchen was a pleasant surprise, and the quality of the dishes was superb, both in terms of preparation and presentation. The complete experience at this venue (only available on the line’s three Vista-class ships and Carnival Sunshine) is a delicious value proposition.

My family and I all remarked that Panorama’s crew were exceptionally happy (a trait not always seen on other ships), which is a credit to Hotel Director Hector Groves and his management team.

And since a happy crew translates to better service for guests, it makes us wonder why policies to promote crew satisfaction aren’t ubiquitous in the industry, thus turning our Panorama experience into what should be the norm - rather than the exception.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE'S SKY ZONE

EVENINGS LIVELY, MUSIC EVERYWHERE

As is par for Carnival, live musical entertainment in the lounges and atrium aboard was outstanding, with talented musicians representing myriad musical genres that pleased all tastes.

But it was Latin Connection, the tight group playing Latin dance tunes and ballads, that consistently drew appreciative crowds nightly to the atmospheric Havana Bar for dancing and romancing.

Not to be overlooked, however, were the four, unique Playlist Production shows - aided by impressive production values and staging - presented in Liquid Lounge, Panorama’s main showroom, by the cast of 14 singers and dancers.

ACTIVITIES ABOUND, ABOVE AND BELOW DECK

Taking advantage of a popular feature only available on Panorama and Mardi Gras (so far), I participated in Carnival Kitchen’s Pasta Master class, where nine pairs of guests - each with their own, fully-equipped kitchen stationare guided through a one-hour preparation of fresh fettuccine with pancetta and cherry tomato sauce by a chef and his three assistants.

All ingredients were portioned out prior to beginning, tools were arrayed conveniently, and the 90-minute session was so much fun that it flew by.

The experience, akin to culinary kitchen classes on luxury and upper

premium ships, is a good value at $35 per person. And in a testament to the recipe, the quality of the professional instruction and the ingredients, we amateurs all enjoyed consuming our creations.

For those uninterested in becoming a Pasta Master, Sushi Making 101 is an alternative popular Carnival Kitchen class.

Working off that pasta wasn’t an issue with Panorama’s top-deck amusements in high gear on the warm-weather Mexican itinerary, with the SkyRide, Ropes Course, WaterWorks (featuring two waterslides and the Power Drencher) all sought-after diversions.

My family and I also enjoyed the pool tables, foosball game, bean bag toss and ping pong at the nearby SportSquare area. At night, the ship’s engaging and seemingly-everywhere Cruise Director Marty led over 1,000 participants in three mega deck

parties - when he wasn’t emceeing the wildly-popular ‘Deal or No Deal’ game show.

And the activity continued indoors, too. At Sky Zone, the only indoor trampoline park at sea, we jousted, dunked a basketball and played dodgeball - all while bouncing up and down and off the walls (literally!).

Guests also packed the Punchliner Comedy Club’s nightly shows (one family-friendly; the other adults-only) and the casino, where Blackjack table minimums were a reasonable $6 per hand.

But it’s the signature Carnival experiences that continually served to keep the line’s loyal cruisers engaged, while delighting the large percentage of first-timers (53% of all guests) on my sailing.

The traditional Captain’s Toast has returned, as has the once-per-cruise Chocolate Extravaganza.

Onboard weddings are back too, and the popular Cucina del Capitano specialty restaurant - recently closed fleet wide due to staffing shortages - is again welcoming diners. Those with little ones will no doubt be happy to see the return of the Seuss at Sea Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast.

Carnival’s ‘Fun Ship’ tagline isn’t just hype; it’s the real thing. And it’s just that mindset that pervades the line’s vessels, as was fully evident in showrooms, lounges, atriums, pools, bars and restaurants on my sailing. Yes, Carnival is back - and whole again.

CARNIVAL

SKYRIDE ONBOARD CARNIVAL PANORAMA

ARRIVALS

Antigua & Barbuda recently celebrated the return of Air Canada Rouge. The dual-island destination was already buoyed by an uptick in Canadian traffic just in time for the winter travel season, and the Rouge flights will boost those numbers even more. The Air Canada flight arrived from Toronto with 106 passengers. The aircraft was given a welcome back water cannon salute. “We are extremely pleased with Air Canada’s decision to both resume and increase service to our shores and look forward to extending our famous Antigua and Barbuda hospitality to our Canadian visitors,” said Colin James, CEO, The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.

TECHNOLOGY

Hurtigruten Expeditions will be the first cruise line to implement SpaceX’s Starlink service across its entire fleet. The installation of SpaceX’s high-speed, low-latency broadband service will be completed this month. Hurtigruten Expeditions first began testing and integrating Starlink terminals onboard the cruise line’s ships in March 2022. Guests, crew and scientists on all three Hurtigruten Expeditions ships that will explore Antarctica starting this fall will be the first to do so on ships able to connect through Starlink’s faster broadband service, which uses a network of low-orbit satellites. Starlink is expected to in-

troduce Antarctic maritime coverage in Q4 2022. Hurtigruten Expeditions is the latest cruise line to team up with SpaceX, following Royal Caribbean which announced its own Starlink plans in August 2022.

DELIVERIES

Atlas Ocean Voyages has taken delivery of its new 200-passenger World Traveller. The yacht-style ship, which is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified, will be officially named on Nov. 20. World Traveller is the second vessel in the Atlas Ocean Voyages fleet and joins sister ship World Navigator. Both ships will be named at a dual naming ceremony at Chile’s Garibaldi Glacier. Atlas will showcase World Traveller to North American travel advisors, dignitaries, and international media before the ship departs on its maiden voyage Nov. 21. After a series of expeditions to Antarctica, World Traveller will reposition via the Canary Islands to Europe for 7- to 10-day voyages that highlight the best of the Med.

PROTOCOLS

Celestyal has announced the immediate removal of its proof of COVID-19 vaccination or recovery policy. Celestyal guests are no longer required to provide proof of valid vaccination or recovery certificates to board their ships. However, guests are still required to test for COVID-19 ahead of their cruise for the remainder of the 2022 season. Pre-embarkation testing is accepted either with a rapid antigen test taken up to 48 hours before boarding, or with a PCR test taken up to 72 hours before boarding. As previously announced, guests on all Celestyal sailings commencing on or after March 2, 2023 will no longer require a pre-embarkation COVID-19 test or proof of valid vaccination or recovery certificates unless required by local regulations.

DESTINATIONS

Taiwan has removed its mandatory quarantine for all travellers. In its place, travellers will instead undergo a seven-day period of self-initiated prevention after arrival. During this period, travellers are instructed to avoid coming into contact with those who are immunocompromised and should stay home if they are feeling symptomatic. Travellers are required to have a negative at-home rapid COVID-19 test result as a precaution.

Air Canada announces new Europe service for summer 2023

MONTREAL — Air Canada is expanding its international network for summer 2023, with the addition of new European services to Brussels, Toulouse and Copenhagen.

The airline is also resuming Asia services to Tokyo-Haneda and Osaka.

New for summer 2023, Air Canada will offer Montreal-Toulouse, Montreal-Copenhagen and Toronto-Brussels.

The carrier will also resume its Vancouver-Osaka route, plus Toronto-Tokyo/Haneda.

Other services will be restored to Europe, South America, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South Pacific

“We continue to pursue our disciplined approach of expanding our global network in response to anticipated demand. We are especially pleased to be adding three new strategic routes to Europe, resuming important services to Japan, and increasing frequencies to key international destinations for summer 2023,” says Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Senior Vice President Network Planning and Revenue Management.

“Toronto-Brussels will complement our current services from Montreal, while further expanding Air Canada’s reach to Europe and beyond through our Star Alliance partner Brussels Airlines, which offers easy connections throughout Europe and Africa. Meanwhile, our Montreal-Toulouse route not only links two global aerospace centres, it is the only year-round service between North America and southwestern France.”

Galardo notes that Air Canada is also increasing its presence in Scandinavia with the addition of summer service from Montreal to Copenhagen, a Star Alliance hub that offers connections throughout Northern Europe.

ACTA submits pre-budget 2023 consultation to finance committee

TORONTO — Canada’s federal budget for 2023 is in the planning stages and ACTA’s pre-budget consultation paper to the House of Commons Finance Committee was submitted for parliamentary review earlier this week.

“We were very pleased that all legacy border measures were removed as of Oct. 1, but ACTA remains vigilant, keeping an eye on all issues that potentially affect travel agencies and independent travel agents,” said Wendy

Paradis, ACTA President. “Meetings with key ministries, policy makers, and politicians continue, and we are always looking to remove red-tape to build a more profitable and streamlined business environment.”

She added: “Thankfully, travel agencies and travel agents are busier than ever with new bookings.  While they focus on rebuilding their travel businesses, they can rest assured that the ACTA team will continue to assertively advocate on their behalf.”

ACTA’s submission to the Finance Committee includes several key priorities.

Those priorities include increased funding for travel and tourism labour support; improving the traveller experience through additional investments in airports, security, passport, and NEXUS services; and allocated funding for hard-hit travel and tourism businesses, including travel agencies and independent travel agents, should border measures return.

ACTA is also pursuing federal emergency loan deferrals and forgiveness for pandemic programs including CEBA and HASCAP; the implementation of a federal policy to protect travel agent commission in all future airline support programs; increased investments in travel and tourism industry research services, including Statistics Canada and Tourism HR Canada; and investments to build a regenerative and inclusive travel and tourism industry.

Paradis says these priorities are reflected in ACTA’s recently released

WE CONTINUE TO PURSUE OUR APPROACH OF EXPANDING OUR GLOBAL NETWORK IN RESPONSE TO ANTICIPATED DEMAND.

COPENHAGEN

Tourism Growth Strategy submission, and in ACTA’s advocacy efforts at both the federal and provincial levels on the protection and growth of Canada’s travel agencies and independent travel agents.

New leadership appointed for ETC’s Canada Chapter

TORONTO — Tourism Ireland’s Sandra Moffatt and Visit Flanders’ Marco Frank are taking on the leadership of the European Travel Commission’s Canada Chapter.

Their commitment to ETC operations for the past years earned them the support of ETC members to lead the promotion of Destination Europe in Canada in the upcoming two years.

Moffatt, who is Market Manager for Canada at Tourism Ireland, has been appointed as the new Chair of ETC’s Canada chapter.

Frank, who is Trade & Partnerships Manager at Visit Flanders, has been appointed Vice Chair.

They take over the Canada chapter Chairmanship from Pascal Prinz, Director Canada at Switzerland Tourism, who coordinated the association’s operations in the market for the past two years.

Moffatt has more than 12 years of experience in travel and tourism strategy in international markets, and has served as Market Manager for Canada with Tourism Ireland for the past two years, leading advertising, media, partnerships, and publicity initiatives to restore visitor growth from Canada to Ireland.

“Travel and tourism is a huge contributor to the global economy and European GDP,” says Moffatt. “After a difficult couple of years in our industry, I am thrilled with this appointment. I look forward to working

together with my colleagues and partners to rebuild the demand from Canada. A renewed focus on sustainability is also increasingly important, and Europe could not be better positioned to address this as we enter this next phase of tourism recovery.”

Meanwhile at Visit Flanders, in his role as Trade & Partnerships Manager, North America, Frank is in charge of marketing, promoting and selling Flanders-Belgium through the travel trade network in North America.

Frank has also been the Vice Chair of ETC’s US Chapter for over four years.

“Travel creates lasting physical and emotional relationships among people, places, and events that will make the world a better place,” says Frank.

Canadian travel to Europe has been recovering steadily as the pandemic fades. In 2019, 6.7 million Canadian travellers visited Europe, accounting for almost one-fifth (17.2%) of all Canadian outbound travel. In 2021, Canadian arrivals were still down 80% from pre-pandemic levels, while the latest data for 2022 shows a 41% decline in arrivals from 2019.

A total of 4.4 million Canadians are expected to arrive in Europe over the year, ranking it as the third largest long-haul source market for European destinations. Total arrivals are foreseen to reach up to 97% of pre-pandemic levels by 2025.

WestJet, Korean Air enhance codeshare partnership

CALGARY — WestJet and Korean Air have expanded their long-standing codeshare agreement with the placement of WestJet’s codeshare on Korean’s flights between both Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International, and Incheon International Airport.

This is WestJet’s first reciprocal codeshare with an Asian partner.  With WestJet’s WS code now active for sale on Korean’s flights to Seoul, passengers can combine WestJet and Korean flights to meet their trans-Pacific travel needs.

“It’s incredibly exciting for WestJet to codeshare on flights across the Pacific to Asia for the first time. We’ve had a strong codeshare with Korean since 2012 and we’re very pleased to be taking this important step with a world-class partner like Korean,” said WestJet’s Chief Commercial Officer, John Weatherill. “We’re looking forward to the new opportunities our now reciprocal codeshare will bring to consumers travelling between Canada and Asia.”

The WestJet codeshare is now available through WestJet’s website and call centre, and through all WestJet’s travel agent partners.

WESTJET 737 MAX

Lower Saxony, Lüneburg Heath © Lüneburger Heide GmbH/Dominik Ketz

WestJet Rewards members can earn and redeem WestJet Dollars on the WestJet codeshare tickets.

“We are delighted to expand our codeshare partnership with our long-standing partner WestJet, and look forward to delivering unparalleled services across the Pacific to our valued customers,” said Tae Joon Kim, Korean Air Senior VP and Head of International Affairs & Alliance. “We remain committed to bridging Canada, Korea and Asia through our hub at Incheon Airport.”

Minister Alghabra joins Travelweek’s

Oct. 20 ‘Future of Travel: Rebound’

TORONTO — Canada’s Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra has been added as a keynote speaker to Travelweek’s ‘Future of Travel: Rebound’ event.

People Holland America expands sales team

The virtual conference takes place today, Oct. 20, from 1 - 3 p.m. ET.

To register go to https://www.travelweekfutureoftravel.com and secure your chance to win 2 air tickets with SATA Azores Airlines.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Minister of Transport, to our lineup of esteemed keynote speakers for our upcoming Future of Travel event,” said Travelweek’s Publisher, Devin Kinasz. “There are so many questions in the travel industry right now about whether or not travel restrictions will return - we certainly hope not - and whether Canada’s biggest airports can handle the influx of winter sun travellers in the coming weeks. We look forward to hearing Minister Alghabra’s insights on all of these issues and more.”

In addition to Minister Alghabra, speakers for the Oct. 20 event include ACTA President Wendy Paradis; Guy Young, Chief Trade Engagement Officer, TTC Tour Brands; Sandra Moffatt, Chair, ETC and Manager, Tourism Ireland; Una O’Leary, General Manager, Canada, Virtuoso; and Paula Vlamings, Chief Impact Officer, Tourism Cares.

‘Future of Travel: Rebound’ will also feature updates from G Adventures, Sunwing, Avalon Waterways, CIE Tours and SATA Azores Airlines.

Plus agents can learn about the latest updates from several destinations including Tourism Australia, Aruba Tourism, Saint Lucia, Italian National Tourist Board, German National Tourist Office, Visit Flanders, Tourism Ireland and Tourist Office of Spain.

There’s a great grand prize too: two airline tickets from Toronto to the Azores with SATA Azores Airlines. Other prizes include gift cards, electronics and homewares. Participants must be in attendance at the time of each giveaway to win.

Register at https://www.travelweekfutureoftravel.com for the Oct. 20 ’Future of Travel: Rebound’ virtual conference.

AmaWaterways offers TC Credits for airfares, land packages

CALABASAS, CA — Travel advisors booking AmaWaterways can now earn Tour Conductor (TC) Credits on airfares and land packages, in addition to the river cruise TC Credit.

Holland America Line has announced several new appointments to its sales team.

Rob Coleman has been promoted to the newly created position of vice president, charter, incentive and series partnerships.

Cathy Larson and Lucy Owen have both been named directors of field sales, with Larson overseeing the western territory of North America and Owen taking on the east.

All three – Coleman, Larson and Owen – will report to Michelle Sutter, vice president of North America Sales.

“Rob, Cathy and Lucy have been tremendous assets to Holland America Line’s sales team for many years, and their expertise in their respective areas makes them well suited to take on these elevated roles,” said Sutter. “With more than 60 years of combined time at Holland America Line, they are well positioned to lead their teams as we continue to build relationships with our trade partners.”

The offer applies to all new group contracts for 10 or more passengers signed with deposits paid between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2022, for travel on select dates on Europe and Mekong River cruises in 2023 and 2024.

Travel advisors can earn unlimited TC Credits based on one TC for every nine full-paying passengers reserved in each of the three trip components –river cruise, airfare and pre- and postcruise land packages.

Earned TC Credits can be applied to the 10th guest or group leader, or the value of the TCs can be taken as a discount shared by all guests in the group or as additional commission.

The net value of the TC Credits earned is based on the average price paid on each component with the value of the airfare TC Credit capped based on class of service. The earned airfare and land package credit(s) will be awarded as applicable after the group is paid in full, no less than 90 days prior to departure.

In addition to the benefit of receiving unlimited TC Credits on the river cruise, air and land packages for every nine full-paying guests, travel advisors also earn commissions on cruise, land, air and insurance when reserving all of their group needs with AmaWaterways.

A large selection of departure dates also offer Enhanced Group Benefits with larger savings and a choice of special onboard amenities.

We wanted to know more about this new TC Credit offer, so we got in touch with AmaWaterways’ Chief Marketing Officer, Janet Bava.

“More and more we are seeing travel advisors and their guests using AmaWaterways air services, as it provides the convenience of very competitive rates and complimentary airport to ship or hotel transfers (if they purchase land package, as well) when they reserve their clients flights through Ama,” Bava told Travelweek.

“We are also seeing an increase in travel advisors extending their clients’ journey by reserving our preand post-cruise land packages that also includes hotel to ship transfer and convenient luggage handling so guests can enjoy their vacation and allow us to handle the logistics of their experience.

“To reward them for using all of our services for their group bookings, now they will able to earn tour conductor credit towards not only the cruise portion but also the air and land packages reserved with AmaWaterways.”

Bava added that based on the results and feedback from this limited-time offer, AmaWaterways will

Transcend the extraordinary at Secrets Impression Isla Mujeres

Luxury knows no bounds at Secrets Impression resorts, where guests enjoy elevated ‘Endless Privileges’ inclusions along with the highest level of personalized services, tailored amenities and unique experiences.

At Secrets Impression Isla Mujeres, located 25 minutes from Cancun, these elevated perks include: exclusive boat arrival; a personalized stay with a dedicated butler; artisanal cuisine prepared by world-renowned master chefs; island tours in a personal golf cart; the latest spa innovations; a thrilling waterslide from the top of tiered infinity pools; overwater cabanas lit by romantic torches; and sustainability practices designed to protect the island and support its people.

“Revel in the tranquility, exclusivity and all-inclusive luxury of our exquisite island sanctuary,” says the hotel brand, part of AMR Collection. “Perched atop a breathtaking coastal cliff, Secrets Impression Isla Mujeres presents a romantic, adults-only, boutique haven where privacy abounds, personal needs are anticipated, and the highest levels of service are customary.”

Guests will sail to the intimate island, which is only five miles long, by resort catamaran. Once there, they can explore Isla Mujeres and its lush tropical foliage, pristine white sand beaches and ancient Mayan ruins in their complimentary golf cart.

After a day of sightseeing, guests can retreat to the privacy of their

opulent suite featuring select amenities and provisions tailored to their preferences. In addition to a dedicated butler, ‘Endless Privileges’ inclusions such as unlimited gourmet dining, premium spirits and curated activities and entertainment take the guest experience to another level.

Other top selling points of Secrets Impression Isla Mujeres include: 125 ultra-luxe suites, all of which come with personalized butler service and ‘Endless Privileges’ inclusions; tiered infinity pools and a giant 30-person hot tub near the ocean; a unique wedding gazebo designed by architect Javier Uma; pedalling tours; an over-the-water al fresco cinema club including hammocks and a lounge sitting area; a spectacular rooftop terrace called UNIK featuring infinity pools, fireplaces and a stylish restaurant and bar; the signature restaurant Spezia that serves Mediterranean cuisine; an artisan coffee bar; water transfer to Puerto Cancun Mall; exclusive access to the Puerto Cancun Golf Club; and a spa that offers the island’s only hammam and floatation treatments.

Plus, with ‘Endless Privileges,’ guests enjoy gourmet à la carte dining with an assortment of organic food and beverages; a bottle of sparkling wine and fresh fruit daily; limitless international and domestic top-shelf spirits; and 24-hour private in-suite dining.

For more information see AMRCollection.com.

RENDERING OF SECRETS IMPRESSION ISLA MUJERES

consider extending the offer, or making it a recurring incentive.

For more information about AmaWaterways’ new TC Credit offer, travel advisors can contact their BDM or AmaWaterways’ Groups Department. All AmaWaterways’ 2023 and 2024 itineraries are now open for reservations.

Colombia’s

Viva Air added to connectair by Air Transat

MONTREAL — Air Transat has added Viva Air to its connectair by Air Transat platform.

Travellers can now combine select Air Transat and Viva Air flights, making it easy for them to fly via Cartagena to Cali, Medellín, Bogotá, Cucuta, Pereira, Neiva, and Pasto.

Says Michèle Barre, Air Transat’s VP, Network, Revenue Management and Pricing: “Our objective with connectair by Air Transat is to offer an ever-wider range of destinations to our customers and thus continue growing our network. The addition of Viva Air brings the total of partners accessible through our platform to ten and allows us to multiply travel options to Colombia, in addition to the direct flights we already offer to Cartagena.”

And Pablo Madriñan, CCO of the Viva group, adds: “Through this virtual interlining service, we are further expanding opportunities to connect our passengers between South America and Canada with a single transaction, therefore providing them more

international travel options. We will continue to maintain our characteristic low prices on the routes operated directly by Viva.”

Air Transat’s connectair was launched in November 2021. To start using the service go to connectair. airtransat.com.

travel in 2023.

“We are pleased to announce that our USA destination clients will partner with Air Canada in addition to offering four fantastic land FAM programs to be won,” says Corey Marshall, Director, Canuckiwi.

Agents will have the opportunity to fly with Air Canada out of one of their major hubs in Canada, should they win their way to the USA.

Travel professionals will receive one point for each roundtrip Air Canada return airfare booked to anywhere in the U.S. from Oct. 15 - Nov. 30, 2022, with an additional point being awarded for a PNR that includes Seattle, Salt Lake City, Portland and/ or Washington, DC.

TORONTO — Air Canada, Utah Office of Tourism, Washington, DC, Visit Seattle and Travel Oregon have teamed up to offer Canadian travel advisors an opportunity to sell their way to experience the USA like never before.

The 2022 Sell Your Way to the USA incentive program is open to travel agents across Canada, and offers the chance to secure a spot on one of four FAM tour opportunities to

Agents will also receive an additional point for any Oregon, Utah, Washington, DC and/or Seattle, Washington land package being booked. Land package bookings outside of airfare(s) also qualify. This includes hotel only, city stays, coach tours, ski vacations & self-drive packages. An extra emphasis on destination room nights will be counted this year.

The top 12 agents at the end of the sales period will win their spot on one of the four exclusive, land and air inclusive FAM programs.

Agents must register to participate by Nov. 15, 2022 by emailing Lara Kamionka (Canuckiwi) at lara@canuckiwi .com with their details.

‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ with new incentive from Air Canada and partners

THE U.S. CAPITOL

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In a place where water artfully carves its way through the lush Jamaican landscape…where it provides a soothing soundtrack that inspires tranquility and romance…magic happens. At the all-new Sandals ® Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, the modern luxury is by design and the vibe comes naturally at a resort that’s risen from the echoes of the past. Whether it’s taking in the ocean view from a private pool in the sky, sipping cocktails delivered by butlers in the luxury of a villa rooftop deck, or dancing beneath the stars with toes in the sand, every moment becomes a part of the experience. So, while they may have to leave Sandals Dunn’s River, it will never, ever leave them.

Sunwing highlights Be Live Advantage with new incentives

TORONTO — Sunwing is helping travel advisors get more for their clients this winter season with Be Live Hotels and its new ‘Be Live Advantage’ concept.

Reserved specifically for Canadian clients travelling with Sunwing, ‘Be Live Advantage’ allows customers to book Be Live Hotels in the D.R. and take advantage of reduced rates and travel perks, plus get the chance to win one of two all-inclusive vacations. Bookings must be made by Oct. 31, 2022.

In addition, travel advisors can earn 3X STAR Agent Reward Points on all new seven-night bookings to Be Live Hotels in Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and La Romana during this time, for travel until April 30, 2023, plus the exclusive chance to win a seven-night hotel stay with Be Live Hotels.

To stay up to date on the latest products in the Dominican Republic, Sunwing has released a digital magazine for Be Live Hotels in which Jeffrey J. Vandenberghe, Director of Contracting, Sales and Marketing of Be Live Hotels, US and Canada discusses the brand’s new Be Live Advantage. Travellers will also find inspirational content for their upcoming winter getaways, information about destination

weddings and family-friendly options. Be Live Hotels in the D.R. include Be Live Collection Punta Cana, Be Live Collection Punta Cana Adults Only, Be Live Collection Canoa, Be Live Collection Canoa Adults Only and Be Live Collection Marien. Each resort comes with such inclusions as: distinctive Be Live Advantage bracelets; preferred room locations; weekly cocktail party,

exclusive to Sunwing guests; Canadian sporting events broadcasted live every weekend at the resorts’ Sport Bar; poutine bar available at least 3x/week; and free 24-hour WiFi resort wide.

Families and friend groups can also benefit from exclusive group rates where the eighth adult travels free on bookings made on or before Oct. 31, 2022. Solo vacationers, meanwhile,

Awe-Inspiring Experiences Curated for You & Your Clients

mahima@saleint.ca

can take advantage of no single supplement fees on select accommodations at participating Be Live Hotels properties, including: Junior Suite Adults Club at Be Live Collection Canoa Adults Club; Deluxe Adult Club at Be Live Collection Marien; and Master Suite at Be Live Collection Punta Cana Adults Only.

Travellers who purchase a vacation package through their agent or directly at Sunwing.ca in October will automatically be entered to win a seven-night, all-inclusive vacation for two at Be Live Collection Punta Cana or Be Live Collection Marien with Sunwing. Non-purchasing customers are also eligible but limited to one entry during the contest period and must complete a contest form found on Sunwing.ca.

Moreover, Sunwing and Be Live Hotels are also celebrating agents who book their clients during this time with their own chance to win a seven-night hotel stay at Be Live Collection Canoa or Be Live Collection Punta Cana Adults Only.

Run Barbados FAM returns for 2022, with trip dates Dec. 7 - 12

TORONTO — Travelweek and the Barbados Tourism Board will host Canadian travel agents who love to run/walk on an exclusive FAM experience to Barbados.

The FAM dates are Dec 7 - 12, 2022. Says trip organizer Annie Cicvaric, Travelweek’s VP Media & Content Strategy: “As responsible travellers, giving back is very important to us. This FAM will be supporting the YellowBird Foundation and a portion of the FAM cost will be allocated to benefit a community project within Barbados. To learn more about Yellowbird please visit yellowbirdfoundation.com.”

Slovenia

is an

experience for all the senses

Home to about two million people, Slovenia is big in stature despite its smaller size.

Forests cover more than 60% of this Central European destination. And below the surface, more than 13,000 caves can be found.

About 200 of these caves are open for visitors to explore, including Postojna Cave, the second largest cave in the country. While at Postojna Cave Park, you can take a walk through the 800-year-old Predjama Castle, home to knights during medieval times.

Slovenia also boasts some of the world’s best wines with 28,000 wineries throughout three wine-growing regions. Each features unique varieties thanks to variations in soil, climate and cellaring methods. Wine making began in Slovenia before Roman rule when Celtic and Illyrian tribes planted vines there. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Slovenia boasts the oldest vine in the world still producing fruit.

After a day of sightseeing and wine-tasting, travellers can recharge with some taste-tempting food with cultural influences from its neighbors Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Over the years, Slovenia has become a melting pot of delicacies, from Austrian wiener schnitzel and Italian pasta to Hungarian goulash.

Slovenia received its first Michelin star in 2020 and the latest edition

of the guide features 58 Slovenian restaurants.

The Otoe Castle Hotel, one of Slovenia’s accommodations, is located on a small island in the middle of the Krka River, and offers a mix of the past with luxurious modern amenities. The castle dates to 1252 and has undergone architectural changes in that time including the creation of a winery in one of the castle towers.

For visitors wanting to get close to nature, the Herbal Glamping Resort in Ljubno features herbal massages, homegrown produce and a natural swimming pool for guests. Luxury is what the Kempinski Palace Portorož Istria in Portorož is all about. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, it has its own private beach as well as standard guest rooms featuring private balconies, several dining options, and both indoor and outdoor pools.

Roundabout Travel Experiences, an incoming tour operator and destination management company specializes in awe-inspiring journeys across Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia to help with trip planning. Their experienced travel team can create personalized itineraries, choosing accommodations, restaurants as well as travel logistics and entertainment.

For more info see https://saleint. ca/roundabout-travel-experiences -in-the-balkans/

The FAM cost, $399 including taxes, covers return air from Toronto gateway (connectors available); five nights accommodation on a share basis (no single supplements available); all meals; local sightseeing excursions; hotel inspections; and participation in the Run Barbados event with option of 5km run/walk or 10km run Run Barbados participation is obligatory for FAM participants, who may choose from a 5K Walk, 5K Run or 10K Run. Beginners/walkers are welcome.

For more race details see runbarbados.org. To register for the FAM see https://forms.gle/7XW wepRz9MTf9y2n8.

Luxury rooms are selling out fast for winter, says AMR Collection

TORONTO — A word of advice for travel advisors from AMR Collection? Book early, book now.

And this even with longer booking windows and a wider selection of resorts, said Carolina Bellina, AMR Collection’s Senior Director of Canadian Sales at the ‘A Taste of Endless Privileges’ event at Park Hyatt Toronto. With the all-important winter season looming, Carolina told Travelweek that bookings have already returned to pre-pandemic levels, and that the most luxurious rooms are selling out first.

“It’s not only the fact that bookings are pacing higher, but also that people are booking higher categories,” she said. “We’re not surprised that luxury was the first to rebound after the pandemic. We were expecting it. That’s why we’ve been working on extending our Secrets brand with Secrets Impression because people want something more upscale and to be pampered after two years of being locked down.”

To meet this increased demand for luxury product, AMR’s Secrets

Impression brand, which Bellina says is the most upscale in its global portfolio, will be welcoming two new additions by year’s end: Secrets Impression Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun, and Secrets Impression Moxche in Playa del Carmen. Also opening in late 2022 is Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia, marking AMR Collection’s entry into the island of Saint Lucia.

This massive growth, said Bellina, was part of the company’s ambitious five-year plan, which, incredibly, was completed within a year.

“Pre-pandemic, we had 50-plus hotels. After the pandemic, we’ll have double the number of hotels that we have. We’re expanding our footprint in places like Mallorca, Tenerife, PortAventura, Greece, Cartagena, Saint Lucia and more,” she added.

Helping to fuel this growth is Hyatt Hotels Corporation, which acquired Apple Leisure Group, AMR Collection’s parent company, in August 2021. The deal, said Bellina, helped AMR Collection go from just 100 hotels in its management portfolio to 1,000 worldwide.

“We give them the all-inclusive presence that they didn’t have previously, and in return they give us access to destinations that we had already planned on opening in, but not as fast,” she added. “So it’s a perfect match for both the all-inclusive and the corporate side of things.”

Karen Nakai, Global Sales Director – Luxury, Lifestyle & Leisure at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, also told Travelweek that the new partnership has been a great marriage.

“It’s given us the ability to expand into regions that we haven’t been in in the past, and also put focus on our leisure guests by bringing in more resorts,” she said. “With AMR having so many brands that are all so different from each other, it really helps us cater to and complement our current Hyatt properties and clients, giving them a reach to vacation now versus just going for meetings and events.”

MESSAGE FOR TRAVEL ADVISORS

With Canada being AMR Collection’s #3 market, Bellina stressed how important it is to work with travel advisors, now more than ever.

“Throughout the pandemic, they were the ones who were answering phones and resolving issues, so we appreciate them and all that they do,” she said. “

Bellina encourages advisors to reach out to AMR Collection’s Canadian sales force and to participate in the brand’s webinars and fam trips. There’s also a monthly newsletter that’s sent out to travel advisors featuring up-to-date information and exclusive perks, and the AMRewards travel agent rewards program that allows advisors to earn points for each room night booked and paid.

And coming up on Dec. 1-4, 2022 in Punta Cana is the annual Amazing Agents Celebration where 100 of AMR Collection’s top-selling travel advisors – 20 from Canada and 80 from the U.S. – will be recognized.

AMR COLLECTION'S CAROLINA BELLINA, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF CANADIAN SALES, AND BRIAN JOSEPH, BDM TORONTO, GTA, EASTERN ONTARIO & NIAGARA REGION

“My main message to travel advisors is to book in advance to ensure availability, and to keep trusting us,” said Bellina. “With our partnership with advisors, the future is bright and together, we’ll have a great 2023.”

Avalon Waterways to host Happy Hour with free drinks

TORONTO — Avalon Waterways will be picking up the tab at Happy Hour next year onboard its Suite Ships across Europe.

Beginning in 2023, the award-winning river cruise line will host a Happy Hour evening on its European cruises featuring complimentary house beer,

wine and spirits, as well as a cocktail of the day.

“It’s just another way Avalon is invested in hosting guests and every moment of their elevated cruising vacation through Europe,” says Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways.

Porter’s Mont-Tremblant flights start mid-December

TORONTO — Porter Airlines is heading back to Mont-Tremblant this winter, with seasonal service.

Flights start Dec. 16, 2022 and run through March 27, 2023, with frequencies ramping up to three weekly

flights in peak season.

Quebec’s Mont-Tremblant offers a variety of winter activities including ice skating, snowshoeing, relaxing spas, and world-class lodging and amenities.

Porter also notes that skiers, snowboarders, and hikers can enjoy over 100 trails, from beginners to experts, in as little as 70 minutes from Toronto.

Connecting flights are also available from various Porter destinations.

FLIGHTS

START DEC. 16, 2022 AND RUN THROUGH MARCH 27, 2023.

“It’s all about you”: TravelBrands buoyant about the winter ahead

MONTREAL— Two of the must-attend events of ‘launch season’ took place recently with TravelBrands.

It was the TravelBrands team’s first major in-person product launch series since the pandemic. But even with the return to face-to-face, TravelBrands was all about the technology too, with a virtual broadcast of the launches - in Montreal and Woodbridge, ON earlier this month - on TravelBrands’ online platform. Plus, the theme of the event highlighted the use of new supplier technologies as a key factor in helping travel advisors stay successful.

TravelBrands had challenges during the pandemic, just like every travel supplier and retailer. Now the company is working hard to regain the trust of travel agents and support them as demand soars, says TravelBrands’ Chief Operating Officer, Nathalie Tanious.

That effort, plus great service, makes a winning combination for the company going forward. “We want to give agents the technologies to work smarter, but also provide the service that goes with it,” says Tanious.

And demand is definitely up. One rep with Palladium Hotel Group said: “Sales

are going well, the problem is starting to be availability, especially on the Costa Mujeres side.” And several hoteliers and cruise lines said they’re already well into selling 2024 and 2025.

“WE HAVE SEEN STRONG GROWTH”

In a ProfessionVoyages interview with Tanious and CEO Frank DeMarinis, questions included: how is the company doing after two years of the pandemic, what’s selling well, and why is developing new tech tools a priority?

“Things are going well for TravelBrands,” says DeMarinis. “The last three years have been difficult and we are no exception. But for the past few months we have seen strong growth, particularly in the car rental segments, up 130% compared to 2019. We’re also seeing growth in air bookings, up 100% compared to 2019. Hotels bookings are up 140% compared to 2019. And for cruises, our numbers also exceed those of 2019!”

Tanious added that FIT is especially strong, and cruises. “At the moment, we have two types of customers,” she says. “First we have customers who book about 45 days before departure to the Caribbean, Florida, Vegas, Disney. These are good sellers, trips they wanted to take and are simple to make now. Then there are the other customers, those who want to prepare their dream trips. They had two and a half years to think about it. They want to go on safari, do combination trips to Europe, do their cruise around the

world. So there are really two types of marketing angles right now.”

DeMarinis confirmed that bookings increased as soon as the announcement went out Sept. 26 about the elimination of Canada’s last remaining travel restrictions on Oct. 1. “As soon as there is a positive announcement from the government, we see a growth in bookings,” he said.

TECH TOOLS KEY FOR AGENTS

DeMarinis and Tanious were also asked how TravelBrands can help travel advisors cope with the high demand. Their answer? Tech tools. “We want to build robust technology to help agents grow their sales. We want them to save time by having information visible more quickly, such as cancellation conditions,” says DeMarinis.

Getting special attention at the launch events this week was TravelBrands’ Access platform: “We have revamped the platform and updates will be available in a few weeks. There will be new search features.”

The company is also launching ‘Gigi’, a new flight search engine. It will be available in a few weeks as well. “Agents are going to love it when they see it,” said DeMarinis. “There are specific algorithms to optimize search for travel agents. It will be easy for agents to sell, for example, upgrades to customers.”

TravelBrands is also innovating on the product side with its Sunquest and Exotic divisions.

AS SOON AS THERE IS A POSITIVE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT, WE SEE GROWTH IN BOOKINGS.

COSTA MUJERES (CANCUN-MEXICO)

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NOW AFFILIATED

“We have great news,” says DeMarinis. “One of them is our partnership with Space Perspectives, which will be launched in 2024. It is a capsule that will take travellers to the surface of the earth. We are really proud of this partnership. We will allow travellers to experience something unique and we have the exclusivity of this partnership. This will be sold as early as November through Exotic.”

DeMarinis encouraged agents to get familiar with TravelBrands’ new tech tools, at their own pace. “I know a lot of agents don’t want to use technology because you’re fearful,” he said last night. “But just do this. You don’t have to embrace it overnight. Take baby steps on technology. Don’t take it in all at once. And if you ever need any help, we are here to assist you. Because if there’s anything that we can do to improve your lives, and improve your relationships with your customers, that’s what we’re here to do. That’s our job. We’re here for you.”

In return agents get access to TravelBrands’ one-stop shop providing choice and options nationally, with 90 different airlines, 19 cruise lines, 10+ car rental companies, rail passes, golf and ski, theme parks and more than one million hotels worldwide.

People

Blue-Roads Touring’s ‘Save Your Seat’ sale on now

TORONTO — Blue-Roads Touring has launched a ‘Save Your Seat’ sale featuring significant savings on a wide range of trips to the UK and Europe in 2023.

A $220 per person discount applies to new bookings made between Oct. 12 and Nov. 23, 2022, on select departures (excluding all trips departing in May and September 2023).

The sale offering of $440 off per couple can also be combined with two

other Blue-Roads Touring loyalty discounts: the Past Passenger discount and the Multi-Trip discount.

“We want to inspire customers to ‘save their seat’ now so they have something to look forward to next year,” said Blue-Roads Touring’s Vicki Theophilou. “We have already seen a lot of demand for 2023, with the UK, Italy and Spain being the most popular destinations. By booking now, customers will get the best deal possible and have a trip of a lifetime to look forward to with a small group of like-minded travellers.”

Theophilou added that over 200 trips have already been guaranteed to operate in 2023.

Auguste joins Scenic as Groups Director, North America

Scenic has welcomed Lisa Auguste as its new Groups Director for North America.

Auguste has worked for several cruise lines throughout her career, including Swan Hellenic, Cunard and Commodore Cruises. At Oceania Cruises, she worked her way up from Manager of Reservations, Groups Department, to VP of International Operations for Oceania and Regent. She also spent 18 months getting Atlas Ocean Voyages up and running in the U.S., handling and overseeing nearly all aspects of the start-up operation.

Says Auguste: “My love is groups and developing long-term relationships with travel partners. I look to build upon Scenic Group brands’ existing strengths by bringing more awareness and simplicity to the group program and make it more user-friendly and profitable for travel advisors. Scenic is an established brand that’s always been recognized for offering an outstanding product.”

To give travellers added peace of mind, Blue-Roads Touring’s flexible booking policies covers changes and cancellation protection as well as the Extended Flexibility Policy.

LAKE COMO, ITALY

WE HAVE ALREADY SEEN A LOT OF DEMAND FOR 2023, ESPECIALLY FOR THE UK, ITALY AND SPAIN