Travelweek - March 2nd, 2023

Celebrating Together

Life is punctuated by moments we get to come together and celebrate, so we’ve added easier ways to book, link, and get perks just for sailing together.

A SPLASH FOR YOUR BASH

Our curated party planning package is available to purchase now for voyages after 2 April, for $250 per cabin. It includes:

• A bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne per cabin

• Bottomless brunch event

• Dinner party with curated beverages and desserts

CANADA JETLINES LAUNCHES

LAS VEGAS FLIGHTS

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BOOKING WINDOWS HAVE STABILIZED

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CELESTYAL ACQUIRES

NEW SHIP

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DESERT BOUND

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Booking windows have “definitely stabilized,” say tour operators and travel agents

By Cindy Sosroutomo

TORONTO — It’s been a wild ride for travel these past three years, with the pandemic wreaking havoc on just about every aspect of the industry. With border closures, ever-changing health and safety protocols, varying country requirements and the emergence of new strains of COVID-19, unprecedented fluctuations have been seen not only in bookings and demand, but also in booking windows.

When travel first started to resume in 2021 following its near-global shutdown in March 2020, booking windows shrank down to just a few weeks, with travel-starved Canadians desperate to get away. But since then, windows have drastically fluctuated due to the erratic nature of the pandemic and the ups and downs of air travel, with consumer confidence going along for the ride.

Fast forward to the start of 2023, on the heels of the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring that the end of the pandemic is in sight, suppliers and travel agents are finding that booking windows have somewhat stabilized, a tell-tale sign that travel – and life – is well on its way to returning to normal.

“We saw a dip in our average booking window from seven weeks in 2019, to five weeks in 2021,” said Io Meinhard, Sales & Marketing Executive at

HAGGiS Adventures (Radical Travel Group), part of The Travel Corporation. “The closure of international borders due to the pandemic had a big impact on bookings from Canadian travellers, who are part of our key target markets. Instead, we welcomed more travellers from the UK and Europe, which might be the reason for the shorter booking window during 2021-2022.”

Today, in 2023, Meinhard says booking windows have stabilized and are “very much on track to being back at 2019 levels.” He credits the “huge increase” in Canadian passengers

for helping to bring back these longer booking windows, something he says benefit travellers in the long run.

“Longer booking windows allow for more control over the customer journey, meaning that there is more room to build anticipation and trust with our passengers. It also means that there is more flexibility to tackle unexpected booking amendments or external interruptions affecting our itinerary, our accommodation suppliers or the visitor attractions we use,” adds Meinhard.

African Travel, Inc., also part of The Travel Corporation, is seeing similar trends in booking windows, says Sherwin Banda, President. With travellers still hesitant to travel in 2021 and 2022, Sherwin tells Travelweek that pent-up demand for bucket-list destinations and wide open spaces like those in Africa is now driving current bookings.

“Booking windows have definitely stabilized to the point where so many

BOOKING WINDOWS HAVE STABILIZED AND ARE “VERY MUCH ON TRACK TO BEING BACK AT 2019 LEVELS.”

AFRICAN TRAVEL, INC.

travellers who have waiting have now created a situation where we can’t meet the needs for clients wanting to travel now,” says Banda. “If you speak to any travel professional – certainly we can see the trends here at African Travel – our demand has increased significantly.”

With African Travel’s tailor-made safaris, ideal for those looking to travel sooner rather than later, Banda says two- to five-month booking windows are what the company is currently seeing. With small-group departures, on the other hand, travellers are booking a little farther out as they’re often vacationing with family or friends. With luxury travellers, Banda says they’re booking far in advance “because they have the time and the disposable income to travel, and they’re making their decisions a year in advance because they’ve already got the following years planned.” And as for groups and special occasion clients, booking windows are a even longer still since they need the appropriate time to plan.

WHAT AGENTS ARE SAYING

Travelweek checked in with a few travel agents to see what they’ve been seeing with booking windows in 2023 compared to 2021 and 2022.

Cindy Gaudet, COO of Fareconnect. com based in Winnipeg, says that clients are booking longer out, with many already committing to winter 2023/24 trips.

“Clients are getting smarter with the booking windows and are planning farther ahead,” she says. “Small fluctuations in pricing are definitely to be

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expected, so travellers shouldn’t look for pre-pandemic pricing.”

Gary Rams, a Calgary-based soft adventure specialist with Crowfoot Travel Solutions, is also seeing longer booking windows, with clients booking big trips and exotic getaways much further out in advance compared to 2021 and 2022.

“Clients are now learning that they need much longer booking windows to get the best value,” he says. “The price of airline tickets and the number of flights are major factors, both of which are my biggest challenge. It has been a long time since I’ve seen such high prices and fewer flights.”

Rams believes booking windows are still a season or two away from truly stabilizing as old habits are hard

to break: “Some people will still be looking at shorter windows, however, I’m seeing many more people thinking at least six to 12 months out.”

Tony Santelli of FunRexAlcyon in Laval, Quebec, tells Travelweek that booking windows are still a bit of a mixed bag, although he’s seeing trends start to stabilize.

“I had a couple that left for Cuba and they ordered the trip just last week, but I also have a couple wanting to do a destination wedding in Cancun in March 2024 with about 50 guests,” he says. “My European customers are booking now for June although I have booked some this past December for travel in August. So as you can see, it varies quite a bit but on the whole, times are returning to normal.”

HAGGIS ADVENTURES

CLIENTS ARE NOW LEARNING THAT THEY NEED MUCH LONGER BOOKING WINDOWS TO GET THE BEST VALUE.

BOO K IT LIST EV EN T

* Cruise must be booked 03/02/2023 – 05/02/2023 (the “Offer Period”) and applies to 3-night and longer sailings departing 03/04/2023 - 04/30/2025, excluding Galapagos (the “Offer Cruise”). Promo code not required. BOGO 50% Off 2nd Guest Offer are for Refundable fares only. Applies to new, individual bookings during the Offer Period and provides 50% off cruise fare on the 2nd guest in the same stateroom as the first full fare guest sailing at standard rates on an Offer Cruise. BOGO 50% Off 2nd Guest Offer is combinable with Savings Offer, All Included or No Perk Rate, and will be automatically applied at checkout. All other charges, including but not limited to, cruise taxes, fees and port expenses are additional and apply to all guests. BOGO offer is not applicable to Group X rates. BOGO 75% Off 2nd Guest Offer are for Non-Refundable fares only. Applies to new, individual bookings during the Offer Period and provides 75% off cruise fare on the 2nd guest only in the same stateroom as the first full fare guest sailing at standard rates on an Offer Cruise. BOGO 75% Off 2nd Guest Offer is combinable with Savings Offer, All Included or No Perk Rate, and will be automatically applied at checkout. All other charges, including but not limited to, cruise taxes, fees and port expenses are additional and apply to all guests. BOGO offer is not applicable to Group X rates. Savings Offer: - Cruise Savings are per person and vary by sailing length: 3 to 5 Nights $140 CAD savings pp ($560 CAD per quad occupancy stateroom); 6 to 9 Nights $280 savings pp ($1120 CAD per quad occupancy stateroom); 10 Nights and longer $560 CAD savings pp ($2,240 CAD per quad occupancy stateroom). Savings Offer is combinable with BOGO 50% Off 2nd Guest Offer for Refundable Fares or BOGO 75% Off 2nd Guest Offer for Non-Refundable Fares, No Perk Rate or All Included and Cruisetours No Perk Rate: Cruise fare amounts are per person and vary by sailing length. No Perk Rate is combinable with BOGO 50% 2nd Guest Offer for Refundable fares or BOGO 75% Off 2nd Guest Offer for Non-Refundable fares, OBC Offer, and Savings Offer. No Perk Rate is applicable to all guests in the same stateroom in inside, ocean view, veranda, and Concierge staterooms and will be automatically applied at checkout. No Perk Rate is not combinable with All Included and excludes Aqua and Retreat staterooms. No Perk Rate is available for refundable and non-refundable bookings. All guests in the same stateroom must choose the same rate. All other charges, including but not limited to, cruise taxes, fees and port expenses are additional and apply to all guests. No Perk rate offer is not applicable to Group X rates. All Included applies to inside, ocean view, veranda, or Concierge Class staterooms who book with the All Included Rate (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests in an Eligible Booking who choose the “All Included” pricing package will receive a Classic Drink Package, Gratuities (“Tips”) Included, and an unlimited Basic Wi-Fi package. All guests in an AquaClass® stateroom will receive a Classic Drink Package, Tips Included and an unlimited Basic Wi-Fi Package. All guests in The Retreat will receive a Premium Drink Package, Tips Included, OBC and a Premium Wi-Fi package. OBC amount varies by length of sailing. All guests in the same stateroom must choose the same rate. Offer is not combinable with Interline, Net, Travel Partner, Exciting Deals, and Employee Rates. Refer to celebritycruises.com and the Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. Changes to booking may result in removal of offer. Offers and prices are subject to availability, cancellation, and change without prior notice at any time. ©2023 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador.

Agents tell us what they think about Crystal’s relaunch - and some questions get answered

By Kathryn Folliott

TORONTO — Luxury cruise clients hold a special place in their hearts for Crystal Cruises.

And so do travel advisors.

Travel agents tell us they’re thrilled that the luxury cruise line is on its way back, with sailings scheduled to start July 31, 2023 on Crystal Serenity, and Sept. 1, 2023 on Crystal Symphony.

It’s a triumphant return for Crystal and its two ocean-going ships, bought by Abercrombie & Kent’s parent company A&K Travel Group in June 2022 after the cruise line filed for bankruptcy in early 2022 under its former owners.

With less than six months to go before the first departure under the reimagined name and vision, ‘Crystal –Exceptional at Sea’, travel agents are wondering what will stay the same under the new ownership - and what will change?

Travelweek reached out to two travel advisors to get their take on Crystal’s return. And we put some of their questions to a Crystal spokesperson, and got some answers.

“ABSOLUTELY THRILED”

Ian Biddlecombe says he’s “absolutely thrilled about the return of Crystal Cruises.”

Biddlecombe has booked “huge amounts” with Crystal over the years. “There is something unique that Crystal has that simply can’t be beat, that is really the short and sweet of it,” says the Delta, B.C.-based CEO of Travel 55.

Many of his clients have tried other luxury lines. “But they come back and say ‘Ian, it’s just not as good as Crystal, when can we cruise with them again?’”

He adds that when he reached out

to clients late last year about placing open deposits, he couldn’t keep up with the emails and phone calls.

REBUILDING TRUST WITH AGENTS, CLIENTS NEEDS TO BE A TOP PRIORITY

Sandra McLeod says she likes what she’s seen of the reimagined Crystal ships, and she’s looking forward to seeing more.

McLeod, who runs RedDoorTravel in LaSalle, ON, sells a lot of upscale trips, and in years past that’s included Crystal.

Like Biddlecombe, McLeod is cheering the suite renovations, and the reduction in capacity onboard the ships. “The renovated rooms, regardless of size, look beautiful and comfortable,” she says. “And the reduction in capacity is exciting. For the size of ship, capacity will be lower than most of its competitors and larger ships. This means more space per passenger.”

She adds that while Crystal always had larger rooms at the lower end, “it appears they have increased the size of their suites, which is good. As the other cruise lines started to build new ships, the larger suites became

CRYSTAL SERENITY AND CRYSTAL SYMPHONY

DOUBLE GUEST ROOM WITH VERANDA FLOOR PLAN, ONBOARD CRYSTAL SYMPHONY

Photo credit: Neil Roberts

very large – Regent’s largest suite on its new ships is 4,443 sq. ft.”

McLeod also likes Crystal’s addition of more single occupancy options. “They have also added Single rooms, which is very exciting and becoming more popular. I am not surprised as Crystal always had many single guests onboard, more than many other cruise lines.”

As for clients asking about Crystal, McLeod says she hasn’t had any, at least not yet. Under its new owners, Crystal Cruises will need to rebuild trust with many passengers past and future. It will need to rebuild trust with travel advisors, too.

“I did have one client that lost money when [Crystal] went bankrupt. It was partly his fault – no insurance, and he didn’t follow up with the credit card company. Many agents lost significant commissions (including me), so not sure how many will be rushing to sell them again,” says McLeod.

However, there are lots of very loyal Crystal past guests who will be excited to see them back, she adds. “The saving grace is that they are now owned by a very reputable company that has been around for over 60 years and is known for Premiere luxury travel. I expect the A&K team will be a significant

influence in the shore excursions and land tours. They may organize some cruises to coincide with some of the land vacations – my view. I am very excited to see what is to come.”

Q&A ON CRYSTAL SOCIETY BENEFITS, DANCE HOSTS & MORE

Travel advisors have questions about everything from the hiring back of Crystal’s legendary crew, to Dance Hosts, to whether or not previously accumulated Crystal Society levels will be honoured under the cruise line’s new ownership.

Crystal Cruises spokesperson Robyn Fink answered these questions and more.

What would you say to travel agents who are excited about working with Crystal again, but their clients are wary of booking Crystal because they don’t realize the cruise line is under completely new ownership?

“Crystal offers exceptional voyages aboard our two ocean ships – Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. Earlier this year we were acquired by

A&K Travel Group, who owns luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent. Building on that expertise, we will offer the world’s most personalized cruises, with authentic experiences to memorable destinations. We will sail to all corners of the globe including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, Alaska, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand, and South America. In addition to fabulous ships, accommodations and destinations, Crystal offers a first-class, all-inclusive experience aboard and gratuities are always included.”

Has the size of the suites increased?

“As part of our ship refurbishment, we are creating larger suites which will also result in a lower guest capacity and higher guest to space as well as crew to guest ratios.”

Crystal’s service was legendary and a big differentiator for the cruise line. Has Crystal been able to hire back a sizeable percentage of Crystal crew?

“We have been able to retain a large amount of our operations teams, shoreside and crew onboard. We are committed to creating a product that’s even better than before and our service culture is a big part of that.”

Will the Dance Hosts be coming back?

“Yes, we are planning to have the dance hosts back again.”

Will Crystal honour the Crystal Society levels previously accumulated?

“Crystal Society benefits will be honored in regard to future milestones and benefits accrued under the new Crystal voyage launch. Any formerly banked and earned credits are unfortunately not traceable and we are unable to provide any information or savings associated with them. However, should you earn a milestone within the next cruise you book, we will provide said benefit. Furthermore, A&K Travel Group is looking to create a new loyalty program offering exceptional benefits to our global guests, stay tuned!”

WE ARE CREATING LARGER SUITES WHICH WILL ALSO RESULT IN A LOWER GUEST CAPACITY AND HIGHER GUEST TO SPACE.”

DOUBLE GUEST ROOM WITH VERANDA ONBOARD CRYSTAL SERENITY

HOTELS

New details have been released about the Riu Plaza Chicago, which will make its grand debut in 2024. With construction well underway, the 28-floor building will open its doors with a four-star rating, 390 rooms and a sky bar. But perhaps the most notable feature will be the terrace’s stunning glass balcony, which will hang 88 metres above the ground. Located at 150 East Ontario Street in the Streeterville neighbourhood, Riu Plaza Chicago will be situated near the Magnificent Mile and the famous Navy Pier, with the Chicago River to the south and Lake Michigan to the east. Upon completion, the hotel will join RIU’s existing portfolio in the United States, where it already has Riu Plaza properties in Miami, San Francisco and New York.

Kempinski Hotel Cancun, officially the first Kempinski Hotel in North America, finalized its transition period at the beginning of the year. Located in Cancun’s hotel zone, the property offers 315 rooms and 48 suites. Amenities include a fitness centre with sauna and steam rooms, a tennis centre, private cabanas and lounges on a 1,200-foot stretch of beach, a beauty salon and a kids’ club. Extensive indoor and outdoor event spaces provide turnkey solutions for any occasion. The hotel also offers six onsite restaurants, from the Mediterranean fine-dining restaurant Fantino to the romantic Casitas located on the beach.

AIRLINES

Turkish Airlines continues to assist with recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake in Türkiye. Coordinating with organizations such as AFAD (Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency) and Turkish Red Crescent, the airline ensured all search and rescue teams and aid materials were delivered to impacted communities, and continues to evacuate those affected with free evacuation flights. The airline carried 238,112 search and rescue personnel on 1,324 aid flights, while evacuating 230,980 citizens from the earthquake area on 1,302 evacuation flights. It has also delivered 15,648 tons of aid material free of charge to areas impacted by the earthquake including food, medicine, clothing, generators, hygiene kits, tents. Some 6,198 tons of the cargo were carried with flights conducted from 77 countries, while the remaining 9,450 tons were from Türkiye.

DESTINATIONS

The ETC’s ‘European Tourism: Trends & Prospects’ report for Q4 2022, and the latest Long-Haul Travel Barometer (LHTB) 1/2023, show that travel recovery continued in late 2022. Long-haul markets to Europe are lagging behind short- and medium-haul, but 2023 prospects are encouraging. While the share of Canadians planning to visit Europe between January and April was up from 15% in 2022 to 29% in 2023, the majority (62%) of Canadian respondents say they’ll refrain from overseas trips at the beginning of 2023. Canada’s arrivals to Europe are expected to be 28% below 2019 levels in 2023. The top European destinations for Canadians are France, Italy, the UK, and Germany.

Vienna recorded 5,597,000 arrivals in 2022, up 170% over 2019, and 13,205,000 overnight stays, up +164% in 2021 and three quarters (75%) of 2019. Net overnight revenues for accommodation establishments are available for January to November 2022: 758,874,000 euros (+172% over 2021) yield 84% of their comparable value in 2019. Close to eight in 10 (79%) of overnight stays in 2022 were international.

Air Canada, United Airlines partner for more transborder flights, new routes this summer

MONTREAL — Air Canada will be ramping up its summer 2023 flight program thanks to an enhanced transborder joint business agreement with United Airlines.

Through the agreement, the two airlines will be able to offer industry-leading capacity and new routes between Canada and the U.S. for summer 2023, including a new United-operated flight between Washington-Dulles and Calgary, and a new Air Canada-operated flight between Washington-Dulles and Vancouver.

The airlines have collaborated on optimizing their schedules (subject to applicable government and regulatory conditions), and added more flights to provide customers greater connectivity and more flexible flight times, with over 80 transborder codeshare routes and more than 260 daily flights.

Air Canada and United first announced a joint business agreement in July 2022 for the Canada-U.S. transborder market. The two airlines are also founding members of Star Alliance and a transatlantic joint business agreement with the Lufthansa Group.

Air Canada and United will offer business class seats on every flight between their respective hubs.

NEW NONSTOP FLIGHTS TO WASHINGTON

New nonstop service between Vancouver and Washington-Dulles will begin June 1 and will be operated with an Air Canada Boeing 737 Max 8. United will also introduce a new nonstop flight between Calgary and Washington-Dulles on June 2 on an Airbus 319.

Air Canada and United will codeshare on these flights, allowing Aeroplan and MileagePlus members to accumulate and redeem miles. Eligible customers and loyalty plan members will also be able to enjoy benefits like priority check-in, lounge access, priority boarding and more, where available.

TRANSBORDER SCHEDULE

The two carriers will operate more than 260 daily transborder departures in summer 2023, about a 20 percent increase in schedule capacity compared to summer 2022. The schedule will include up to 120 daily departures between the airlines’ hub markets, an increase from 101 in summer 2021. Flights will be timed to offer optimized connections at both Air Canada and United’s hubs and line stations.

SHUTTLE-STYLE SCHEDULE

The coordinated schedule will enable both carriers to offer shuttle-style hourly service throughout the day between key Air Canada and United hubs. The airlines will offer 29 daily flights with complementary timings between Toronto and New York/Newark and Chicago, and 11 daily flights between Vancouver and San Francisco.

WESTERN CANADA NETWORK TO THE U.S.

The airlines’ summer schedule also provides increased transborder service between the U.S. and Western Canada. There will be nine daily flights between Vancouver and New York/ Newark, Houston and Chicago, and

seven flights daily between Los Angeles and Vancouver. A second daily flight will be added between Calgary and both Chicago and Houston, and a second daily flight will also be added from Edmonton to Denver.

Confusion, clarifications for Sunwing’s class action suit in Quebec

TORONTO — Sunwing is looking to clarify conditions surrounding the booking process for members of a Quebec class action suit, but ACTA says it still has questions.

As reported last month, as per an update from ACTA, earlier this month a Quebec judge issued a ruling accepting the settlement offered by Sunwing to resolve a Quebec consumer class-action lawsuit where it was alleged that Sunwing breached consumer protection law by advertising that Sunwing travellers would receive a complimentary glass of champagne when travelling, when what was allegedly served was sparkling wine that does not hold the protected champagne designation.

The lawsuit was before the courts for several years.

ACTA originally stated that the approved settlement gives all consumers residing in Quebec who purchased travel with Sunwing over the 3+ year timeline access to a 7% discount code.

THE AIRLINES HAVE COLLABORATED ON OPTIMIZING THEIR SCHEDULES AND ADDED MORE FLIGHTS TO PROVIDE CUSTOMERS GREATER CONNECTIVITY.

ACTA said the agreed-upon settlement would negatively impact travel agencies and independent travel agents because it required direct bookings with Sunwing with a discount code, bypassing travel agents.

However a spokesperson for Sunwing reached out to Travelweek with this clarification: “To clarify, the discount is not available to all consumers, it is specific to class members only. A website will be set up for class members, who will be required to register on the website and Sunwing will then verify if the registrant is a class member. Once verified, Sunwing will email the class member a user account and password to access the website.”

Sunwing reiterated: “The discount is not open to all consumers but class members only, and there is a verification process in place … Just want to make sure that distinction is clear for readers.”

We reached out to ACTA for their take. “The question ACTA still has is – many of the original bookings were bookings that came from Sunwing travel agent partners,” ACTA President, Wendy Paradis told Travelweek. “Will Sunwing do the right thing and allow their travel agent partners to book their clients using the class action booking code and be compensated for the work they do on those bookings?”

Celestyal acquires ship, earmarks US$21 million for

refurbishment

ATHENS — Celestyal has announced the acquisition of a new vessel.

Originally built as the Ryndam for Holland America Line and more recently operating for P&O Australia, the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey will undergo an extensive US$21 million refurbishment and technical maintenance overhaul before entering service for the Greek Islands and Eastern Med specialist.

“While the global events of the past few years have placed our growth plans on pause, the positive industry outlook along with strong bookings for the coming season, provides Celestyal with the opportunity to recommence the process of renewing our fleet with new vessels,” said Celestial CEO, Chris Theophilides.

“In addition to her expansive open decks, numerous bar and dining options as well as spacious public areas and staterooms, the Celestyal Journey provides our guests with a significant increase in premium and balcony staterooms, which continue to be in high demand on all of our voyages,” said Theophilides. “We look forward to welcoming her to the

Celestyal fleet.’’

Details regarding the onboard experience and itineraries are coming soon, he added.

Agents lost up to $30,000 in recalled commissions due to winter cancellations:

ACITA survey

TORONTO — A new survey by ACITA (Association of Canadian Independent Travel Advisors) has underscored the continued need for commission protections following winter cancellations by both airlines and tour operators.

According to the survey, 20% of respondents said they had up to $30,000 in commissions recalled, while 4% had between $31,000 and $70,000 recalled.

Fifty-two percent of agents who were impacted by cancellations are from Saskatchewan.

Fifty-seven percent of the cancellations took place between Dec. 29, 2022 and early January 2023, with 37% of cancellations taking place between Dec. 16-29, 2022 during what

THE DISCOUNT IS NOT AVAILABLE TO ALL CONSUMERS, IT IS SPECIFIC TO CLASS MEMBERS ONLY.”

CELESTYAL JOURNEY

Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra referred to as a “weather-related ordeal” during a recent virtual meeting with ACITA members.

Fifty-two percent of agents spent the equivalent of 1-2 days working on files after the initial booking was made, which included processing refunds for impacted clients.

Widespread disruptions in operations over the holiday break by several airlines caused travel chaos for thousands of Canadians, leading to a federal government investigation into how the airlines handled the situation.

Sunwing’s cancellations and operational challenges stemmed not just from the winter weather over the holiday break, but also its decision to cancel winter sun flights out of Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg and several gateways in Atlantic Canada and northern Ontario. It later announced that it would be cancelling its winter program out of Saskatchewan for the remainder of the season.

People

Sunwing also issued a statement to travel advisors to confirm that it will not protect commissions for the winter cancellations.

According to ACITA’s survey results, nearly 85% of respondents said their affected bookings were with Sunwing Vacations or Sunwing airline, with over half of those based in Saskatchewan.

One of the biggest complaints noted in the survey was the lack of communication from airlines and tour operators. Over one-third of respondents said they received no communication from suppliers at all.

Travel advisors also shared that their primary source of information came directly from their clients, a press release or via social media, rather than from airlines and tour operators themselves.

While many airlines and tour operators directed travellers to their respective apps for guidance, ACITA says that many travellers found that information on the apps was

Flair appoints Maciej Wilk as new COO

Flair Airlines has appointed Maciej Wilk as its new Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Wilk will lead the team that manages Flair’s core operational functions including Flight Operations, Airport Operations and Maintenance. Wilk previously spent 10 years at LOT Polish Airlines in Warsaw where he served as Chief Operating Officer since 2017. Prior to LOT, he spent six years with the accounting and consulting firm PwC.

inaccurate, not up to date, or differed from airport information and flight tracking apps.

Singapore Airlines suspending YVR-SIN flights

SINAPORE — Singapore Airlines is suspending its flights between Vancouver and Singapore.

The carrier says the route, initially launched as a seasonal service, will be suspended effective October 2023.

It says the suspension of the YVRSIN flights is a necessary move as the company “adjusts its capacity in response to demand.”

While the future of the YVR-SIN route is up in the air, SIA Group is reporting strong third quarter earnings, including the company’s highest-ever quarterly operating profit, nine-month operating and net profits.

The company posted an operating profit of US$755 million for the third quarter, up $77 million (+11.4%) from the previous quarter.

SIA Group also reported record passenger load factors on robust demand across the network, and strong momentum in forward passenger sales for the fourth quarter.

Passenger capacity reached 80% of pre-Covid-191 levels in December 2022, higher than the average of 51% for the Asia-Pacific region. SIA and its regional low-cost carrier Scoot carried 7.4 million passengers in the third quarter, up 17% from the second quarter. The Group carried 18.8 million passengers during the nine months ended Dec. 31, 2022, up ninefold from a year before. Meanwhile passenger load factors improved 0.8 percentage points to 87.4%, the highest for any quarter, on the back of record load factors for both SIA (87.3%) and Scoot (87.8%).

ACITA CO-FOUNDERS BRENDA SLATER (LEFT) AND NANCY WILSON

Earn air seats with ACV’s ‘Book Your Own Group’ promotion

MONTREAL — Air Canada Vacations has launched a new promotion that allows travel agents to earn seats on group bookings.

For a limited time, agents can earn one air seat for every 30 passengers booked made via the new ‘Book Your Own Group’ program.

Plus, until March 31, 2023, the promotion offers every passenger booked the CareFree travel protection plan for free.

“We continue to work to find ways to support our travel agent partners looking to book group packages,” said Nino Montagnese, Vice President at Air Canada Vacations. “Our goal with this promotion is to create added value for agents and travellers alike while offering the ease of use of our self-serve platform.”

THE PROMOTION

For every 30 passengers booked via ‘Book Your Own Group,’ travel agents will earn one free air seat, to a maximum of four air seats per agent. Air Canada Vacations will track all qualifying files for travel between May 1 and Dec. 18. 2023 to Mexico, the Caribbean, California, Florida, Hawaii or Las Vegas. Full details can be found here.

In addition, the CareFree plan, which will be included for free for all clients booked with the Book Your Own Group program, will benefit from standard seat selection and Price Drop Guarantee.

THE PROGRAM

The Book Your Own Group program features a bonus 2% commission applicable when combining multiple individual bookings made online or via any GDS systems to Mexico, the Caribbean, California, Florida, Hawaii or Las Vegas to make a group of 10 or more.

Condor’s new ‘Prime Seat’ now open for booking

FRANKFURT — The best seats on Condor Airlines’ new Airbus A330neo longhaul aircraft are now open for booking.

The promotion is valid on bookings of 10 adults or more for travel on the same departure date, and to the same hotel. All bookings for passengers travelling together as a ‘Book Your Own Group’ must be made within 48 hours to qualify. All bookings need to be emailed to byog2vacv@ vacv.com in order to receive the bonus commission.

Plus, travel agents can take advantage of adding CareFlex to their files. For $69 (Canada and the U.S.) and $99 (Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America and 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.

Located in the front row of Business Class, the four ‘Prime Seats’ offer more space, a bigger bed, an extra-large screen, plus a ‘visitor’ seating option equipped with its own seat belt with a table in the center. Cozy pajamas are also provided along with slippers, a premium inflight kit featuring Rituals skincare products and toiletries, a snack basket and a free Internet package for unlimited texting.

A Prime Seat can now be booked with a Business Class ticket for an additional EUR199.99 per route.

Condor flies from Toronto year round to its hub in Frankfurt. As of May, the airline will offer nonstop seasonal service to Vancouver, Halifax and, brand new for 2023, Edmonton, with connectivity to over 100 destinations in Europe and beyond.

THE A330NEO

The new Condor A330neo offers several amenities for guests in all booking classes. Among the highlights in Business Class are fully lie-flat sleeper seats, which can be continuously converted into a 6.5-foot-long flat bed. Each guest has direct access to the

CONDOR'S PRIME SEAT

WE CONTINUE TO WORK TO FIND WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR AGENT PARTNERS.”

Photo credit: Condor

aisle as well as generous storage areas and a cocktail table.

Guests can also watch over 250 movies and 160 series free of charge, in the highest 4K picture quality on personal screens. The new Bluetooth function allows the usage of personal wireless headphones, plus high-speed broadband internet is available as well as USB A/Z ports or sockets at every seat.

On long-haul flights, internationally-inspired ‘Taste the World’ menus with multiple courses are offered. Depending on the booking class, Condor guests are served a Standard, Premium or Gourmet Menu. Special menus, such as lactose- or gluten-free, can also be ordered up to 24 hours before departure.

Additional service enhancements for all booking classes are being planned and will be introduced soon. For more information go to www.condor.com.

AmaWaterways extends Tour Conductor credit promotion

CALABASAS — AmaWaterways is extending its popular Tour Conductor (TC) credit promotion, giving travel advisors the chance to earn more on group bookings.

With the limited-time offer, travel advisors booking groups of 10 or more guests can earn unlimited TCs on river cruise, airfare and pre- and post-cruise land packages. The offer applies to all new group contracts signed with deposits paid between Oct. 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023, for travel on select 2023 and 2024 Europe and Mekong River cruise dates.

With this extension, travel advisors have until March 31, 2023 to sign a group contract for select Europe and Mekong sailings, allowing them to earn one TC credit for every nine full-paying guests booked in each of the three trip components – river

Scenic Eclipse II set for April 13 debut, with savings on offer through March 31

VANCOUVER — The wait for Scenic’s newest ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, is just about over.

The brand new vessel has entered its final phase with sea trials and final fittings, all in preparation for a debut sailing on April 13, 2023.

Following the inaugural cruise, sailing on the 11-day Incredible Iberian Discovery, from Lisbon to Barcelona, Scenic Eclipse II will enjoy a summer season exploring the Mediterranean, Iceland and Scotland.

Just as sister yacht, Scenic Eclipse I, set new standards for both expedition sailing and warm water exploration when it launched in 2019, Scenic Eclipse II builds on those standards and continues to raise the bar for ultra-luxury cruising.

Scenic Eclipse II’s reimagined Sky Deck boasts 270-degree views and a new Sky Bar with indoor and outdoor seating. A large, oval-shaped Vitality Pool on the Sky Deck comes in at 29 ft. by 11.5 ft.

Both ultra-luxury yachts host the expansive 5,920 sq. ft. Senses Spa with some added features on Scenic Eclipse II, including an expanded steam room to accommodate aromatherapy, an integrated ice fountain and experience showers. A new KLAFS custom

salt therapy lounge with heated beds and aromatherapy scents is designed to benefit mind, body and soul. Both yachts feature the only dedicated Yoga and Pilates studio on ships of their size.

Food on board the Scenic Eclipse fleet is a true highlight with 10 dining experiences set to impress the most discerning palate.

HIGH DEMAND

With demand for its inaugural season soaring, clients booking a 2023 and early 2024 cruise onboard Scenic Eclipse II by March 31, 2023 can enjoy savings of up to Cdn$9,000 per couple on 125+ departures.

Additional savings, including free Economy/2-for-1 Business Class or air credits in lieu, are offered to guests paying in full 12 months before departure or within 72 hours when within 12 months.

Highlights of the 2023/24 program season include the launch of a dedicated Japan season with new itineraries, and a new 14-day Highlights of Greenland & Iceland voyage.

For more information check out scenic.ca or email info@scenic.ca. Brochures can be downloaded directly from the website.

ONBOARD SCENIC ECLIPSE II

cruise, airfare and pre- and postcruise land packages. TCs can then be applied to the tenth guest or group leader. The value of the TCs can be taken as a discount and shared across the group, or it can be earned as an additional travel advisor commission.

The average price paid on each of the three trip components – with the value of the airfare TC credit capped based on class of service – determines the net value of the TCs earned. TC credits earned from airfare and land packages will be awarded after the group is paid in full, no less than 90 days prior to departure.

Travel advisors can benefi t from booking all types of groups – family reunions, special interest speculative groups or affinity groups – earning a generous commission when reserving all components (river cruise, land and air). An abundance of selected departure dates also offer ‘Enhanced Group Benefits’ with larger savings, and a choice of special onboard amenities for group members or a guaranteed FAM rate for travel advisors to accompany their group.

All AmaWaterways’ 2024 itineraries are now open for group and FIT reservations, including the newest ship, AmaLilia starting March 4, 2024 on the Nile; the early Feb. 11, 2024 season start of AmaMagna on the Danube and AmaLucia on the Rhine and the extended December festive sailing dates of AmaDouro in Portugal.

People

Tahiti Tourisme North America signs deal with Reps4Rent for Canadian representation

TORONTO — Tahiti Tourisme North America has partnered with Reps4Rent for a dedicated Canadian Trade & Marketing Associate in Canada.

Said Dianne Jackson, Reps4Rent founder: “Tahiti Tourisme North America was in need of a qualified sales professional that could service the Canadian travel agency community in both languages. They reached out to us hoping we could find the right match to refl ect the destination’s unique culture while exhibiting a strong understanding of what advisors need for support.”

Effective immediately, Gail Lea Scullion will be the primary contact for The Islands of Tahiti. With over 20 years of sales experience, Scullion most recently served as an IND Travel Consultant herself, supported by the Quebec government with an entrepreneurial grant for her newly formed ‘FAM de Femmes’ social platform, which focused on training and educational tours.

“I am very excited to represent such a unique and desirable destination,”

Transat welcomes new Chief People, Sustainability and Communications Officer

Transat A.T. has named Julie Lamontagne as Chief People, Sustainability and Communications Officer of Transat. Lamontagne will be responsible for developing and deploying initiatives in corporate culture, labour relations and talent attraction, retention and mobilization. She will also oversee corporate responsibility programs as well as internal and external communications. She has 20+ years of experience as a human resource professional, including 12 years in executive roles on management committees. Lamontagne starts her new role on March 13.

said Scullion. “My background in sales and as a travel advisor will assist me in supporting our clients.”

Kristin Carlson, Managing Director, Tahiti Tourisme North America, added: “We value the Canadian market and felt it was important to have someone that understands Canadian travel advisors throughout all provinces.”

Scullion will be tasked with building relationships with the travel trade and supporting the Tahiti Specialist Program, conducting Tahiti Tuesday training webinars, organizing fams and supporting Tahiti Tourisme’s promotion and communications initiatives.

Scullion can be reached at gscullion@tahititourisme.com.

I AM VERY EXCITED TO REPRESENT SUCH A UNIQUE AND DESIRABLE DESTINATION.

Travelweek is celebrating a major milestone in 2023, and we’re inviting travel advisors and the travel industry to join in the fun.

It’s our 50th anniversary, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

To celebrate this landmark year, we’re putting together a special issue of Travelweek commemorating half a century of keeping Canadian travel agents informed with the latest industry news.

The special anniversary issue of Travelweek comes out April 13.

Canada Jetlines’ new TorontoLas Vegas flights take off

TORONTO — Canada Jetlines’ first flights to the United States are officially up and running, with the Feb. 16 launch of Toronto-Las Vegas service.

Previously announced in November 2022, the new Las Vegas flights are part of the airline’s planned expansion into the U.S. after receiving FAA approval for U.S. flight operations this past December.

“Canada Jetlines is very proud to have operated our first scheduled flight between Canada and the United States,” said Duncan Bureau, Canada Jetlines’ Chief Commercial Officer. “Canada Jetlines has built strong relationships with the travel agency community and tourism boards in both Canada and Nevada. We are looking forward to offering our world-class product to those that are travelling between Ontario and Nevada.”

Bureau added that the airline is looking to add more markets and partners across North America, Mexico and the Caribbean. It has previously announced service to Cancun, Mexico, which is scheduled to begin in March 2023. Previously announced service to Melbourne, Florida, which was originally scheduled to launch on Jan. 19, has been postponed, according to industry reports.

Last month, Canada Jetlines also announced that travel agents in Canada can now view and book its flights via the Sabre GDS.

Register to be among the first to know about Carnival Firenze

MIAMI — Cruisers can now register to be the ‘first to know’ about Carnival Firenze, Carnival cruise Line’s newest addition to its fleet coming in spring 2024.

Sailing from Long Beach, California, the ship will offer a variety of cruises year round, with sailings set for popular destinations in Baja, California and the Mexican Riviera. Detailed itineraries and onboard offerings will be announced shortly.

To register for updates click here.

“We embark more guests from California than any other cruise line, and soon Carnival Firenze will provide a great new option for them,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “When the ship joins our fleet, she’s going to bring our valued guests a new experience that complements our signature fun with the ship’s spectacular Italian atmosphere.”

The ship will feature the cruise line’s new Carnival Fun Italian

Style experience, which debuts with the June 2023 arrival of Carnival Venezia in New York. The experience incorporates Carnival’s signature high-energy environment, friendly team members and many familiar venues, plus several new concepts that range from Italian-themed restaurants and bars to entertainment.

Air Canada launches digital ID at YVR and beyond

MONTREAL — Air Canada has been granted approval to use facial recognition technology, becoming the first airline in Canada to test digital identification.

In a pilot project currently underway, Air Canada’s digital identification is now available for customers departing from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) when boarding select flights to Winnipeg, and for eligible customers entering the Air Canada Café at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

There are also plans to expand digital identification options to select Canadian airports and Maple Leaf Lounges as part of the pilot project phase.

Participation in digital identification is voluntary. Digital identification is not related to any government-sponsored program like NEXUS, Global Entry or US CBP Mobile Passport Control (MPC). According to Landry, customers who choose to use digital identification will benefit from a simplified and seamless process at the gate and when entering Maple Leaf Lounges.

Customers eligible to utilize the Air Canada Café in Toronto and customers on select flights from Vancouver to Winnipeg will receive an invitation to use the digital identification option, and instructions on how to create their secure digital faceprint prior to arriving at the airport.

Customers who do not wish to

CANADA JETLINES

utilize digital identification may simply board as they currently do now by presenting their boarding pass and government-issued photo ID for manual ID check and processing. Likewise, customers may elect to continue scanning their boarding cards manually as they do now to enter the Air Canada Café at Toronto Pearson.

Digital identification is a single enrollment feature on the Air Canada app. Biometric data is encrypted and stored only on the customer’s mobile phone. Customers must provide additional consent for the data to be used on the day of travel and will only be retained for up to 36 hours.

ACTA names 2023 Independent Travel Agent Advisory Group

TORONTO — ACTA has appointed its 2023 Independent Travel Agent Advisory Group.

The group is made up of independent travel agents from across Canada, from different host agencies and with strong regional representation, says ACTA President Wendy Paradis. Advisory group members will offer counsel to ACTA on advocacy issues specific to independent travel agents.

People

Gary Howard joins Reps4Rent network

ACTA’s mandate includes advocacy on behalf of its diverse membership. Says Paradis: “We are thankful to all those who applied and we look forward to working with this excellent and representative group of independent travel agents this year.”

She adds that in addition to the Independent Travel Agent Advisory Group, ACTA also engages the National Board of Directors, Regional Advisory Councils, the Travel Agency Leaders Advisory Group, the CCTA, CTC/ CTM professionals, and other member groups as part of ACTA’s industry consultation on advocacy issues.

“These groups enable ACTA to develop advocacy priorities that engage the interests of all segments of membership to ensure government and supplier advocacy is comprehensive,” says Paradis.

ACTA received an “overwhelming expression of interest” following its call-out for membership applications. The group held its first meeting of the year this week.

Here’s the list of 2023 ACTA Independent Travel Agent Advisory Group members, including Judith Coates, who co-founded the Association of Canadian Independent Travel Advisors (ACITA) in the early months of the pandemic and later stepped down to focus on her agency.

With no representation currently from Manitoba, ACTA is welcoming additional expressions of interest from independent travel agents in that province. Interested Manitoba agents are asked to contact Avery Campbell, Director of Advocacy and Industry Relations, at acampbell@ acta.ca.

• Alicia Haldane, CTC, Nexion Canada (Ontario)

• Amanda Beaver, TravelOnly (Ontario)

• Camille Hillis, Independent by Flight Centre (B.C.)

• Coleen Rogg, The Travel Agent Next Door (Saskatchewan)

• Debbie Ford, CTC, Trevello (Nova Scotia)

• Johanne Berthiaume, Passion Voyage (Quebec)

Reps4Rent has appointed travel industry veteran Gary Howard as a new Independent Marketing and Communications Professional. Howard brings with him over 30 years of experience in the travel, insurance, media relations and consumer loyalty industries, previously serving as Sr. Vice President, Marketing & Communications at CAA Atlantic. According to Dianne Jackson, founder of Reps4Rent, Howard is able to design and implement business-driven marketing and communications strategy and tactical execution in a collaborative enterprise-wide approach with proven results.

• Judith Coates, The Travel Agent Next Door (Ontario)

• Linda Skehor, Travel Best Bets (B.C.)

• Onanta Forbes, Travel Time (Alberta)

• Pierrette Pilon, Expedia Cruises (Quebec)

• Sheila Gallant-Halloran, Vision Travel (Ontario)

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THIS EXCELLENT AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP OF INDEPENDENT TRAVEL AGENTS THIS YEAR.”

Apply now for TTC’s educational trip to Switzerland

CYPRESS, CA TTC Tour Brands is inviting top travel advisors from around the world to apply for a spot on an upcoming educational trip to Switzerland.

As part of an ongoing partnership with Tourism Switzerland, the custom trip is designed to showcase offerings from the company’s various brands, including Trafalgar, Costsaver, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold. It will focus on each brand’s ‘MAKE TRAVEL MATTER’ Experiences to help travel advisors introduce sustainable travel options, known as ‘Swisstainable experiences,’ to their clients.

To apply for the trip, click here.

The seven-day trip departs July 22, 2023 and travels throughout Switzerland with stops in Lucerne, St. Moritz, Zermatt and Geneva. Travel advisors will have the chance to experience programming from all four TTC Tour Brands, ranging from a Trafalgar ‘Be My Guest’ dinner in Kussnacht, to a Costsaver Choice Optional Experience by way of a funicular railway and Cabrio cable car to summit Mount Stanserhorn. Participants will also enjoy an Insight Vacations VIP dining experience at Drehrestaurant Rondorama, a Luxury Gold-inspired hike through the Swiss Alps, a rail journey on the world-famous Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, and more.

Advisors will also take part in MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experiences across the brands. These include a visit to the Swiss Transportation Museum for an interactive sustainability tour courtesy of Luxury Gold, an Insight Vacations-led visit to the Alpinum Culinarium where advisors will enjoy a seasonal juice tasting plus dinner at a sustainable restaurant, plus a lesson on Switzerland’s wine ecosystem with a tasting and lunch in Lake Geneva with Luxury Gold.

During the final night in Geneva,

advisors will have the chance to attend a gala dinner with musicians, entertainment and giveaways. TTC Tour Brands’ CEO Gavin Tollman and representatives from Tourism Switzerland will also be in attendance.

Accommodations will reflect those that would be experienced on each brand’s itineraries, including Astoria Hotel in Lucerne (Insight Vacations), the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski in St. Moritz (Luxury Gold), and the Mirabeau Hotel (Trafalgar).

Earn $50 for every tour booking with Globus’ Valentine’s Day offer

TORONTO — Globus is showing travel agents some love with a new month-long booking incentive launching today on Valentine’s Day.

Called ‘For the Love,’ the incentive includes $50 for every Globus tour booking made between Feb. 14 and March 17, 2023.

Plus, travel agents will be entered to win a new Choice Touring vacation for two. The eight-day ‘Veni, Vidi, Vici: Umbria & Tuscany By Design’ tour travels roundtrip from Ostia and highlights the kitchens and countryside of Umbria and Tuscany.

Globus is also using this special Valentine’s Day promotion to highlight its ‘Discovery by the Dozen,’ an extensive

list of 12 ways to tour. These include: Classic Tours; Choice Touring by Globus; Undiscovered Tours; Independence by Globus; Small-Group Discoveries; Value-Minded Tours; Private Tours; Cruise & Tour vacations; FaithBased Tours; Rail Vacations; Special Event Tours; and Off-Season Escapes.

For more information about the incentive go to www.globusjourneys.ca/ febincentive-agents.

Fiji Airways launches new unbundled economy class fares

LOS ANGELES — Fiji Airways has announced a new unbundled economy class fare concept that will provide passengers with more flexibility and choice.

Called ‘Fly Your Way,’ the new concept will go into effect on March 2, 2023 for Canada and the United States, and March 3, 2023 for the rest of the world.

Branded fares will off er customers the option to customize how they travel based on their needs with four categories offering a range of options. The four fare categories are Lite, Value, Comfort, and Plus.

All four categories include meals, beverages, inflight entertainment and a carry-on bag, with increasing value add-ons from Lite to Plus such as checked baggage, ticket change and cancellation flexibility, seat selection

ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND

Photo credit: TTC Tour Brands

THE BENCHMARK

IN

ULTRA LUXURY CRUISING

If you love to travel for discovery, Scenic Eclipse takes ultra-luxury ocean cruising to a whole new level. Soar above the horizon by helicopter* and let your expert Discovery Leader introduce you to a world of unique and diverse marine environments, by submarine*, Zodiac or kayak. Enjoy up to 10 dining experiences from international, Asian, and fine French cuisine, and become immersed in a wealth of truly all-inclusive features. Scenic Eclipse is designed to deliver the ultimate voyage of a lifetime.

Antarctica The Arctic Europe & The Mediterranean Japan

The Americas & Caribbean Indonesia, Australia & The Pacific

For more information or to make a booking, please call 1 866 232 8306 or visit sceniceclipse.com To order a copy of our complimentary brochure visit scenic.ca/brochures

Dive deep below Soar above and beyond

and boarding priority.

“Fly Your Way represents the best value for money for all guests, whether travelling light for a weekend getaway, or bringing the whole family for an annual holiday,” says Andre Viljoen, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Airways. “Our customers have various needs when they travel, whether for business or leisure, and with this new concept we give them the ability to choose the product that best suits them.”

For more information about the branded fares go to https://www. fijiairways.com/fly-your-way.

Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay relaunches agent fam rates

MONTEGO BAY — The all-inclusive Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay has relaunched its Travel Advisor Fam Rate program featuring special nightly rates for advisors in Canada and the United States.

The program allows accredited travel professionals to book an all-inclusive stay at the resort for US$140 per room. Rates are valid on a space available basis for resort stays enjoyed from May 1-Dec. 22,

People

Susan Bowman retiring from the industry

2023 (blackout dates and additional restrictions apply).

Located just 10 minutes from Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport, the 512-room Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay offers an all-inclusive concept that includes unlimited meals, snacks and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), non-motorized watersports, resort amenities (tennis, mini golf, fitness centre and more), taxes and gratuities.

The $140 per-night travel advisor fam rate applies to single and double occupancy accommodations. A US$4 per-night room tax is additional. An extra adult can be accommodated at a cost of $50 per night when sharing a room with qualifying travel advisors.

For reservations, call 1-888-2886006 or email reservations@hiresort jamaica.com.

Now open: Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville

TORONTO — Canopy by Hilton has officially arrived in Canada with the grand opening of Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville.

The 184-room boutique hotel opened its doors on Feb. 16 with a sleek indoor pool, a modern fitness centre that incorporates local street art, a transfer lounge and 3,500 square feet of meeting space. Designed by Studio Munge, the property also boasts two on-site dining options: Día, which offers Roman-style pizza and a signature wine program as part of Canopy’s bespoke evening tastings, and Virtu Café & Provisions, opening in a few months with purposefully-sourced and locally-inspired dishes.

Susan Bowman, VP, Marketing and Industry Relations at Transat Distribution Canada, has announced her retirement.

Her last day at TDC will be April 7. Bowman has been a mainstay in the travel industry for some four decades. In 1985 she joined American Express Canada and served as Director, National Accounts Establishment Services. After eight years with AMEX she moved to INTRA, as Chief Operating Officer. From there a decade with Thomas Cook included five years as Senior VP, Business and Industry Relations with Thomas Cook Travel, and another five years as Senior VP, Marketing with Thomas Cook Canada. She landed at TDC in 2011, after time with Loyalty One.

Jenna Hackett, global brand leader, Canopy by Hilton, said: “Joining a global portfolio of more than 35 sophisticated boutique hotels, Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville is an incredible property to mark the brand’s Canadian debut. With its local vibe, bespoke culinary offerings and elevated design, Canopy Toronto Yorkville offers an inspired stay that embodies the experience of the Canopy by Hilton brand.”

LOBBY, CANOPY BY HILTON TORONTO YORKVILLE

www.travelweeklearningcentre.com

Colombia Specialist Program

Available in English in French

Newly launched on Travelweek’s Learning Centre is the Colombia Specialist Program, available in English and French. The course offers an opportunity for travel agents to learn about Colombia, the “most welcoming destination on earth.” A diverse South American country, Colombia features many regions to suit a wide range of travellers, including mountain ranges, vast plains, lush rainforests, and world-famous beaches.

Tokyo Tourism eLearning program

Broken down in to six themes, The Tokyo Tourism eLearning Program has been created to provide tips, insights, essential information to travel agents regarding travel to Tokyo. Each theme will walk you through the best way to travel and will sum up with a 5 question quiz to test your knowledge!

The Palm Beaches eLearning Program

Welcome to The Palm Beaches, America’s First Resort Destination®! This course will provide the essential information needed to inspire your clients and better understand the 39 cities and municipalities of this South Florida hotspot that are easy to reach and hard to resist.