Overnights Reimagined:
• Castles
• Tree Lodges
• Glass Igloos
• Desert Camps
• Monasteries
• Villas
Travel in Style:
• Tuk-Tuks
• Private Trams
• Dog Sleds
• ATVs
• Ferries
• Trams Culinary Experiences:
• Walking Foodie Tours
• Home-Hosted Meals
• Tasting Menus
• Cooking Classes
• Local Restaurants
• Diner’s Choice
BY KATHRYN FOLLIOTT
TORONTO It was déjà vu all over again for the retail travel community this week, as travel advisors fielded countless phone calls and emails from clients asking for air travel cancellations, rebookings, alternate carriers and more.
Airline labour disruption is looming, and not for the first time this summer.
It was just over two months ago that WestJet’s mechanics made good on their strike threats, and travel advisors stepped up to help clients any way they could. WestJet passengers saw their travel plans thrown into disarray over Canada Day long weekend, with 1,000+ flight cancellations.
This time around, it’s Air Canada passengers who are calling and emailing with frantic inquiries. Their panic is palpable – with good reason.
As TIAC and ACTA noted in their calls to the federal government to intervene in the looming labour
action, Air Canada carries up to 120,000 air travellers every day.
Contract negotiations between Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) have been ongoing since June 2023. Talks continue but the parties remain far apart, “nearing [an] impasse over [the] union’s excessive wage demands,” according to Air Canada. Meanwhile the ALPA says Air Canada has to “get serious at the bargaining table and recognize the value [Air Canada] pilots bring to the airline.”
Unless an agreement is reached, when the 21-day cooling-off period ends on Sept. 15, either party may issue a 72-hour strike or lock out notice, which would trigger Air Canada’s three-day wind down plan announced earlier this week.
Knowing that September is one of the busiest months for international travel to long-haul destinations like Europe and beyond, Travelweek connected with travel advisors to find
out how they’re handling this latest labour disruption crisis.
Jennifer McPherson with Turnkey Travel in Brantford, ON, knows first-hand the stress facing Air Canada passengers – because she’s one of them.
McPherson is hosting a group tour to France, scheduled to depart on Air Canada on Sept. 22. Her Air Canada clientele also include a couple who booked an ACV tour to Italy to celebrate the wife’s 30th birthday. “The grandparents have been called in to watch their baby, time has been booked off their respective jobs, so it is very difficult for me to just tell them to “Rebook for a later date” like the ACV site says.”
The list goes on: cruisers in the Med, and corporate clients who need to get in and out of Denver – with Air Canada offering the only direct flight from Toronto. “I have spent a lot of hours in the last couple of weeks researching alternatives, booking refundable back-up flights and planning for the ‘what if’ scenarios,” says McPherson.
Even if an agreement is reached, as she notes, “it may not be until the 11th hour … this has a trickle effect across the whole travel process as clients are holding off booking, as well as the potential wave of insurance claims that could be ahead of us.”
Travel date changes aren’t really an option for Sandy Willett’s clients either, with many booked on cruises and tours and wondering what’s happening with their flights.
Willett, who is Branch Manager for a Direct Travel agency in the WaterlooON area, says she also has a couple booked on Air Canada for their son’s wedding in Greece. “Our only option for these clients is to try and rebook them on another airline. But Air Canada is allowing rebooking on only certain dates. We have been booking them on alternate airlines and fares that we can cancel with full refund in case Air Canada does avoid a strike.”
As Willett notes, there are also plenty of clients already in destination and looking for alternate options to get back home.
“We just keep hoping that things will settle between Air Canada and their pilots. It is everyone’s right to strike but this is obviously going to affect thousands of people’s lives and disrupt so many plans,” says Willett.
“And as usual, travel agents have all the worry and we’re taking time to help with all these changes with no compensation – an unfortunate part of our occupation.”
Travel advisor Sandra McLeod, who runs RedDoorTravel in LaSalle, ON, sums things up: “It has the potential to be a Big Mess.”
McLeod along with many of her clients have flights booked for early October or later. “So we are ‘on hold’ for now,” she tells Travelweek. “Since Air Canada’s goodwill policy is only for flights Sept. 15 - 23, anyone with later flights can’t do anything. Even if they extend the dates, it is virtually impossible to replace flights that were booked a year ago at a reasonable price, if they are even available. This results in not only air being cancelled but entire vacations that many have been planning for over a year.”
McLeod adds that the federal government’s view that there are other ways for people to get to their destination suggests the government “only considers travel within Canada and has failed to consider the amount of international travel that could be affected.”
She says she hopes Air Canada can see its way to an agreement with the pilots. After all, “when Air Canada starts cancelling flights and affecting people’s travel plans, I suspect it is Air Canada that is going to get the brunt of the criticism.”
Got a story idea? Questions or comments? Write to Kathryn Folliott at kfolliott@travelweek.ca
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Gilbert Manza, owner, Executive Travel Services, adds that he’s “on the pilots’ side on this one, they are paid almost half what their counterparts are getting at U.S. airlines for essentially the same job.
No matter what happens, “I am reassuring clients we will be there for them to either rebook on another airline or facilitate the refund/change process for them (another reason to book with an agent) as it’s going to be chaos with people trying to get hold of Air Canada customer service and do it themselves,” says Manza.
Regina, SK-based travel agent Carrie Anne Gillespie says her phones “have been ringing off the hook with worried clients and I can’t blame them.”
All the unknowns have both Gillespie and her clients worried. “At this point they are not offering a refund for clients who want to change to another airline, and it leaves our hands tied,” she tells Travelweek.
For Gillespie and her clients, there’s also the matter of limited options. “In Regina, we are limited to Air Canada and WestJet. So if/when the strike happens everyone is going to be scrambling for space.”
She adds: “I am hopeful the strike will follow suit of the recent WestJet strike. Enough for the voices of the pilots to be heard – without too much disruption.”
“Whatever we can do to make your lives easier, we’re all in”: Interview with TravelBrands CEO Nathalie Tanious
TORONTO A beautiful sunny day and sell-out attendance made for an incredibly successful 9th edition of TravelBrands’ Annual Charity Golf Classic.
Golfers teed off at Eagles Nest Golf Club in Maple, ON under clear blue skies, and enjoyed plentiful food, prizes and awards and more.
For the first time ever the event’s silent auction was open to all travel industry professionals, regardless of attendance. TravelBrands, its partners and every travel professional who took part in the silent auction helped raise $308,224.21 for the SickKids Foundation.
Taking a break from the golf course, Travelweek sat down with TravelBrands CEO Nathalie Tanious to hear all about the upcoming 2024-2025 season, booking trends and more.
Travelweek: What destinations are you most excited about for this upcoming winter season?
Tanious: “Where do we start? Everything from long stays in Spain and Portugal, to our exotic journeys, to cruises. It’s not a destination but it’s a way of travelling that is more and more popular, and it continues to grow for us. We are that ‘one stop shop’ for cruise and everything pre and post. And then, of course, let’s face it, Canadians love Mexico. Canadians love the Dominican Republic. Canadians love
Cuba. So they’re destinations that travellers flock to.”
Travelweek: Are you seeing any surprising booking trends?
Tanious: “You know, it’s a little bit all over the place. You have clients that are doing the whole ‘wait-and-see, maybe I’ll book last minute’ thing. So there is that. But for the more upscale and luxurious bucket list destinations, those tend to be booked in advance. Normally they’re longer stays, more expensive stays, so people do tend to really take the time to book them and book them well.”
Travelweek: The tech at TravelBrands’ call centre got an upgrade recently. How’s that going?
Tanious: “You know what? We moved over to the cloud. We have an incredible partnership with AWS Connect. It’s a very different telephony system, it’s not a legacy telephone system. It’s what’s known as an omnichannel, and we have multiple features that are coming. For example, the identification of the travel agency, the PIN, everything is done prior to the call, prior to them getting a res agent. And we’re going to be rolling out multiple new facets to that system in the weeks and months to come.
“Right now our big focus is everything with AWS and AWS Connect. Our goal is to offer as many self-serve tools as possible to the travel advisor. We want to give them
as many tools as possible so that they don’t have to call. Not that we don’t want to speak to them! But for when vthey need something, or a service, we want them to be able to have it at their fingertips.
“We also know that there are a lot of agents that are not traditional bricksand-mortar agents. There are a lot of at-home agents. There are a lot of agents that work different hours than 9-to-5. So as much as we can extend our call centre hours, we’re not going to be open at 1 a.m., for example. We want to give them as many tools as possible so that they have everything they need in a couple of clicks.”
Travelweek: This year for the first time TravelBrands opened up bidding for its silent auction to all travel professionals, not just those in attendance at the golf tournament. TravelBrands also had its annual SickKids charity day last month. What feedback do you hear from travel agents about TravelBrands’ commitment to charitable outreach?
Tanious: “We are very excited about it. And those are not just words. It’s for an excellent cause, which is the SickKids Foundation, so many families benefit. And the support that SickKids gives to the families, to the children, is absolutely incredible.
Today we have with us James Rice from Rogers Sports & Media, he was actually a SickKid himself. Also today we’ll see Alessio, we’ll hear his story and how the SickKids Foundation has supported him.
“Our goal is to raise at least $300,000. So we need everyone’s support, and to do that we moved the auction online. It gives everyone the opportunity to participate and toraise more money, and that’s great because at the end of the day the goal is to create awareness and raise as much money as we can for the Foundation.”
Travelweek: Finally, as we start to head into the 2024-2025 winter season, do you have any words of inspiration for travel advisors?
Tanious: “Book ahead, book ahead, book ahead. And don’t be afraid to upsell. The client will have a budget, so make your suggestions – and offer more. I’ll give you an example. I went to New York City, and once I got there I said, how about we do this? How about we do that? Well, the travel agent has an opportunity to book all that in advance, and make money, because when people travel, they travel. You also have travellers that will have more of a budget, which is fine. Remember, we need them all. We need all kinds of travellers, as long as they travel with us. ‘Revenge travel’ as we know it is gone. However, there’s enough product out there for everyone.
“I also want to say thank you to the travel advisors for the support, and we’re here for you, and whatever we can do to make your lives easier, we’re all in.”
Earlier this month Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez gave VIA Rail 30 days to make changes following a train delay that left passengers stranded for 10 hours as they ran out of food, water and working toilets. Rodriguez told VIA Rail the deadline is for the rail operator to update its emergency management action plan. Minister Rodriguez is also encouraging VIA Rail to work with Transport Canada to institute an updated communications protocol in the same timeframe. Rodriguez called the incident “unacceptable for Canadians.”
Brightline’s new partnership with AccesRail means travel advisors can now access and book the Florida rail line’s products via the GDS using booking code 9B. Brightline expanded service to Orlando International Airport (MCO) in 2023. The intercity rail service with South Florida downtown stations in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami makes it easy to travel between MCO and these city centres and their attractions. Cruise ports near Brightline stations include Port Miami, Port Everglades and Port of Palm Beach. Cruisers sailing from Port Canaveral can connect to transportation at MCO.
The 43rd edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s annual event, will take place May 18-22, 2025 in Antigua and Barbuda. The selection of Antigua and Barbuda as host destination underscores the nation’s growing status as a key player in Caribbean hospitality and tourism, said the ABTA’s CEO, Colin C. James. “With a 16% increase in stayover arrivals this year, surpassing 2019’s record levels, our twinisland nation has become a focal point for international travel and investment,” he said. The conference is anticipated to draw up to 2,000 attendees.
SAS has joined the SkyTeam global airline alliance. SAS was previously part of the Star Alliance. SAS customers will benefit from connectivity to 1,060+ destinations in SkyTeam’s extensive global network, notably opening new opportunities in regions such as Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Codeshare agreements are already in place with Air France-KLM, and Anko van der Werff, SAS President and CEO, said options for codeshares with more SkyTeam members will follow later. SkyTeam becomes the only airline alliance to serve both the southernmost and northernmost commercial airports in the world.
TORONTO TICO is sharing information for consumers who booked travel services with ACV either directly or through a TICOregistered travel retailer.
TICO’s update comes as a potential Air Canada pilot strike looms.
As TICO notes, as Air Canada flights have yet to be cancelled or impacted, ACV is offering a goodwill policy, which allows consumers with imminent travel to change their plans or receive a future travel voucher.
TICO adds that should a labour disruption begin with flight cancellations, under Ontario law, if a travel retailer or wholesaler acquires rights to travel services for resale to other registrants or consumers (e.g. ACV) and is unable to provide the travel services purchased due to the failure of a supplier(s) to provide the service (e.g., flight to destination), then the consumer must be offered their choice of a refund; comparable alternate travel services acceptable to the customer; or a voucher or similar document that is acceptable to the customer for future redemption towards travel services.
Where a consumer prefers a full refund for a travel package sold, or otherwise provided by ACV,
Ontario’s consumer protections laws require a refund be provided within a reasonable timeframe.
Says TICO CEO Richard Smart:
“Large-scale travel cancellations can be challenging, not just for travellers whose plans and expectations are disrupted, but also for travel advisors who work hard to support their clients through stressful times.”
He adds: “While no one wants to see their travel plans cancelled, consumers can rest assured knowing they have flexibility, including getting their money back, if a component of their package can’t be provided.”
For potential compensation and regulations for air-only cancellations and delays, advisors and passengers should refer to the Canadian Transportation Agency’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations, says TICO.
MONTREAL Air Canada has adjusted some check-in cutoff times in an effort to streamline the travel experience.
The check-in cutoff time is now be 60 minutes across all sectors, with the exception of YTZ and Air Canada’s Landline bus service from YHM and YKF.
“This change ensures a smoother, more efficient boarding process, giving customers peace of mind as they prepare for takeoff,” said the airline.
A key benefit for status members is that upgrades will be processed 15 minutes earlier enabling those passengers to board with their zone.
Air Canada also noted that passengers can check in their bags as early as four hours before their flight’s departure. “This helps reduce congestion at security and customs,” says the airline. “Remember, once the baggage counter closes, Air Canada can’t accept any more bags. For international flights, the baggage drop-off time is 60 minutes, however for domestic flights customers can drop off their bags up to 45 minutes before departure.”
PUNTA.CANA RIU Hotels & Resorts is offering up a first look at the refurbished and newly reopened Riu Palace Bavaro in Punta Cana.
RIU calls the property’s renovation “a watershed refurbishment” in terms of what the chain offers in the destination, and around the world.
Aside from all the new entertainment and culinary options, the refurbishment of the Riu Palace Bavaro “establishes the new style and design that RIU has chosen for all of its refurbishments and newbuild hotels: discreet décor in subtle and elegant tones combined with greater and better use of natural light,” adds RIU.
Moving in on the Riu Naiboa’s former site has given the chain the space to offer what it never has offered before: 32 food and beverage venues, including a food court, exclusive kids’ areas and a select Elite Club zone.
Riu Naiboa, located on an adjoining plot of land, was demolished to make way for the expansion of Riu Palace Bavaro.
Riu Palace Bavaro has a family area with a wide assortment of water and outdoor activities, its own food and beverage spots, another exclusive area for Elite Club guests and an allnew food court for everyone.
Of the hotel’s 994 rooms, 255 are designed for families and groups of friends, with three ample beds. The family zone offers a mini splash park, pirate ship, games park, cinema, multi-sports area and places to get
food such as a patisserie, a taqueria, and a grill-style Pepe’s Food station. The Kids’ Club located in this space is also offering a diversified range of entertainment for the three different ages.
All hotel guests have access to the Splash Water World water park at the RIU complex in Punta Cana, which is rounded off by the hotel’s nine swimming pools. Guests 18+ can take part in the four themed RIU Party evenings held every week at the complex.
The Riu Palace Bavaro’s new tally of 32 places to eat includes a food court concept with everything from a pizzeria to a Wok-Poke station, friedchicken area, a taqueria, another Pepe’s Food, an ice-cream parlour, a sweet station with crepes, waffles and donuts, a bar and more.
Meanwhile Riu Palace Bavaro continues to offer an extensive range of restaurants: the main goto restaurant for breakfasts, lunch and dinner; gourmet food at Krystal; an Asian restaurant; a restaurant offering Italian dishes; another for Mexican specialties; a steakhouse
with different cuts of meat; and the new American-style diner offering allAmerican favourites. There’s also the Elite restaurant for Elite Club guests.
Elite Club accommodation comprises 108 rooms, 60 of them with a private pool. There’s also an Elite Club swimming pool with bar, priority check-in area and a lounge bar. Elite Club benefits at Riu Palace Bavaro include premium spirits dispensers in the room, a minibar with snacks and bottle of wine, potential early check-in and guaranteed late checkout until 1 p.m., a welcome gift and aromatherapy in the room, as well as the possibility of making priority bookings in the hotel’s themed restaurants.
Riu Palace Bavaro’s elegant neutrals and lots of natural light is a décor scheme that carries through the rooms and common areas as well as pre-existing and new restaurants, and all eight bars. These include the Sports Bar (open 24 hours), Joe’s Bar (for the best cocktails), the lobby bar, the theatre bar and three swim-up bars, as well as the two Elite Club bars.
TORONTO The number of Canadian stayover visitors to the Cayman Islands was up 58.7% in July 2024 vs. July 2023.
The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism says that marks the best July on record for Canadian arrivals.
“We are delighted to see such a significant increase in Canadian visitors, reflecting our strategic efforts to make the Cayman Islands more accessible to travellers over the summer,” said Raymond Mathias, Business Development Manager, Canada. “Visitors are craving our glorious beaches and sophisticated islands year-round, and the recordbreaking arrivals in July affirm the Cayman Islands’ continued appeal as a premier sun and cultural destination. We look forward to building on this momentum for the remainder of the year and beyond.”
Mathias notes that both Air Canada and WestJet offered up to four flights per week between Toronto and Grand Cayman this summer. Expanded nonstop service from both carriers made the destination more accessible than ever.
In July 2024, 1,498 visitors from Canada arrived in the Cayman Islands, compared to 944 in July 2023.
Total global YTD arrivals from January to July 2024 reached 289,095, reflecting a 3.3% increase over the same period in 2023. Canadian visitors contributed 18,684 arrivals YTD, a slight 0.1% increase compared to 2023, while U.S. visitors recorded a 3.2% increase YTD with 242,622 arrivals.
TORONTO Sunwing Vacations has released its 2024-2025 Best of the Best List, featuring more than 250 top-rated resorts across 50-plus categories combining travel expert recommendations, star ratings and customer feedback.
Starting now and running every week until late October 2024, Sunwing will release a new set of lists and content categories, including 17 brand-new lists for this year.
This month, in honour of Sunwing Vacations’ month-long partnership known as ‘RIU September’, four special lists will be unveiled throughout September highlighting RIU’s most sought-after sun destination properties.
Samantha Taylor, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer for Sunwing Vacations Group, says travel advisors and their clients can use Sunwing’s Best of the Best List to help make vacation dreams a reality this coming winter.
“The introduction of Sunwing’s annual Best of the Best List three years ago has set the bar high for vacation inspiration, and we’re thrilled to introduce our 2024-2025 list featuring the best vacations to the most sought-after destinations and resorts, designed to make the planning process an insightful but fun journey for travel advisors and our mutual customers while helping clients get the most value for their all inclusive vacations,” said Taylor.
“We encourage advisors to keep checking back weekly for all the information they need to help make their clients’ winter getaways
with Sunwing Vacations their most memorable one yet,” she added.
Meanwhile Sunwing Vacations’ latest promotion - the Recess for the Rest of Us Sale - offers savings of up to $1,200 per pair until Oct. 6, 2024.
The full list can be viewed at www. sunwing.ca/en/best-vacations and will be updated weekly from now until late October.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization has a new Chairman at its helm Following an election at the CTO’s AGM, Ian GoodingEdghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport for Barbados, has been elected as the organization’s new Chairman. In his new role, Gooding-Edghill will lead the CTO’s Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism for the next two years, guiding the organization’s efforts to enhance and promote tourism across the region. In addition to his appointment, CEO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Andrea Franklin, assumes the role of Chair of the Board of Directors of the CTO.
FORT.LAUDERDALE Riviera River Cruises continues to show its support for travel advisors with a new promise to pay commissions on all bookings that are cancelled within 15 days of departure.
Clients who cancel a cruise within 15 days of departure will still lose 100% of their booking cost, but advisors will receive full commission for the Riviera portion of the itinerary.
“With this change, travel advisors will no longer lose their commission when a client cancels in the days before their cruise departs,” said Marilyn Conroy, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing North America.
Riviera River Cruises is also the only European river cruise line that does not accept bookings directly from consumers. Instead, consumers who contact Riviera are referred to book through their own travel advisor or, if they don’t already have one, the booking will be turned over to one of Riviera’s preferred advisors in the area.
Other advisor-focused initiatives include a partnership with Tourcrafters, which is wholly owned by Auto Europe, that assists advisors in making flight and hotel arrangements for clients travelling from North America.
And through September, Riviera is offering a promotion on remaining 2024 and 2025 departures that benefits both advisors and their clients. Advisors receive a US$100 gift card for every cabin booked, while their clients receive
ORONTO — Goway has revitalized its loyalty and training programs to better equip and reward travel advisors.
The overhaul is part of Goway’s brand transformation, first unveiled in June 2024.
The GowayPro Travel Academy is Goway’s proprietary training program that offers expert training for travel advisors on 60 countries (and counting) around the world.
Travel advisors learn essential destination knowledge, insider insights and useful selling tips and become Goway-certified destination experts. The program is especially useful for travel advisors who have never been to some of the destinations they sell. Academy members are eligible for exclusive rewards and quarterly newsletters.
The GowayPro Loyalty Program rewards travel advisors with cash rewards on every booking they make. Travel advisors can now redeem these rewards on a convenient electronics rewards card, which means travel advisors no longer need to worry
about losing cards and losing out on rewards.
Goway has also improved its popular Passport to a Free FAM incentive to make it easier for travel advisors to earn a free trip with Goway. Travel advisors who sell any five of Goway’s six destination regions within a calendar year will earn themselves a free FAM the following year.
“We’re committed to being the best Goway ever,” says Renee Stanton-Defaria, Director of Sales at Goway. “We know that our trade partners are the backbone of our business, which is why we’ve enhanced our offerings and beefed up our external training and support. Offering these improved services alongside the renowned travel expertise of our Destination Specialists and the sales acumen of our Account Management team truly shows that we are the best Goway ever.”
Learn more about Goway’s enhanced loyalty and training programs at GowayPro.com.
MONTREAL Transat and Air Transat have launched a September Sale featuring discounted flights and packages to Europe, the South and Florida.
The sale runs until Sept. 26 and applies to individual bookings of flights and packages for travel by April 30, 2025.
Plus, travel advisors earn 3X BONBON for every eligible booking, which equates to $15 per package and $3 per flight.
Travel deals include Europe flights that start at $639 from Quebec and $589 from Ontario. South flights start at $487 from Quebec, $449 from Ontario and $695 from the Maritimes. One-way flights to Florida start at $172 from Quebec and $209 from the Maritimes.
For clients dreaming of an allinclusive trip to the South, Transat is offering up to $1,500 off packages for two people, of up to $2,500 off packages for families. Europe and Florida packages are also available at reduced prices.
MIAMI Oceania Cruises has announced that it will be including shipboard gratuities for all guests as part of its ‘Your World. Your Way’ brand promise.
Effective Oct. 1, 2024, all guests will receive included shipboard gratuities for stateroom attendants, butlers and dining waitstaff automatically in their cruise fare. Previously, gratuities had been included selectively as travel partner or loyalty club amenities, or for guests from certain regions of the world.
Gratuities are in addition to other ‘Your World Included’ amenities, including: dining at all gourmet specialty restaurants; sodas, juices, specialty coffees and teas; still and sparkling Vero Water; unlimited Starlink WiFi; in-room dining; fruit smoothies, gelato and artisan ice cream; group fitness classes; and laundry services.
The updated inclusions apply to all new reservations on sailings departing on or after Jan. 1, 2025. The line’s current ‘simply MORE’ offering will end on Sept. 30, 2024, meaning that a shore excursion credit and beverage package will no longer be automatically included.
“The change has come following feedback from guests, highlighting that they would prefer that we include amenities valued by all versus amenities valued by some,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “Not surprisingly, our guests place the greatest value on our core inclusions such as free specialty dining and free WiFi. Including gratuities creates the richest possible
array of amenities and benefits for our guests globally.”
Based on a 10-day cruise, guests will receive always-included amenities valued at more than US$1,800 per stateroom when compared to premium cruise lines. This figure is based on average charges made for gratuities, WiFi, non-alcoholic beverage packages, and specialty dining reservations.
Guests can personalize their cruises with extras such as air transportation and transfers, shore excursions, or a beverage package, to be added according to preference.
The Globus family of brands has hired Gina Goranson and Elaine French as business development managers. Goranson will take on responsibility for Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland, and French will oversee SW Ontario. Goranson joins Globus with a background in the travel industry, including five years at Collette. French has experience in customer service. Both will report to Denise Harper, Senior Director of Sales.
Air Transat is celebrating its new exclusive flights to Morocco with discounted fares for autumn, winter and spring travel.
After a quick Porter Airlines flight from Toronto and a layover in Montreal, travellers can fly to Morocco in total comfort aboard Air Transat, the only North American airline flying to Marrakech. Their holidays begin the moment they step aboard Air Transat’s modern aircraft featuring:
• The widest single-aisle cabin in the sky, which means faster boarding and deplaning
• More personal space thanks to wider Economy seats
• A state-of-the-art in-seat entertainment system with la rger individual touch screens and USB ports
• 50% less cabin noise than previous generation aircraft
• A palette of 16.7 million shades of LED lighting that creates the right ambience for relaxation and reducing jet lag
• Green technology, with the Airbus A321LR burning 15% less fuel, reducing NOx emissions by 50% and emitting 5,000 tonnes less CO2 than its predecessor
Once in Morocco, travellers can lose themselves in ancient cities, bargain for treasures in bustling souks and admire the splendour of royal palaces. For a real change of pace, they can opt for a 4x4 expedition into the vast Sahara or stay in a historic luxury riad. No matter their preferences or travel styles, Morocco has something for everyone: the ancient medinas of Marrakesh, Fes and Chefchaouen for history lovers; aromatic tagines and fresh mint tea for foodies; stunning beaches and the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains for scenery-chasers; and worldfamous waves in Essaouira for surfing enthusiasts. For more information go to www.airtransat.com.
• Up to $10,000,000 Emergency Medical Insurance
• Trip Cancellation & Interruption - Get up to 100% of your trip cost refunded in the event of cancellation caused by an unknown or unforeseen event
• Cancel For Any Reason and get 80% of your non-refundable trip cost back*
• Fewer exclusions than our other plans and no medical questionnaire
• Assistance available 24 hours a day, every day of the year
SEATTLE Quark Expeditions has a new Quote and Hold tool for travel advisors.
Travel advisors can now generate quotes in real-time, secure cabin space 24/7, and manage the administrative process independently with the new tool.
“Our commitment to innovation is driven by our desire to empower travel advisors with the tools they need to confidently and efficiently sell polar travel,” said Sebastian Canape, Director of Trade Marketing at Quark Expeditions.
“The newly launched Quote and Hold tool will significantly enhance
the advisor experience, allowing our advisors to deliver exceptional service with greater speed and precision than ever before,” he added.
To get started, agents can log into the company’s Partner Portal and navigate to the Tools and Apps section.
From there, they can create quotes and place holds for their clients using the new tool, eliminating the need for additional administrative support.
Canape says the launch of the Quote and Hold tool is part of Quark Expeditions’ broader suite of initiatives to enhance the travel advisor experience.
Other recent initiatives include Quark’s Partner Portal (driven by AI with Parker the Polar Bear) and the recently introduced Brand Folder.
Canape says the suite of tools provides a comprehensive database that empowers agents with the knowledge and tools they need to sell new itineraries, promotions, and season launches.
Complementing these resources is Quark’s Ultimate Summer in the Arctic Sweepstakes, currently running, which offers 10 lucky travel advisors the chance to win an Arctic FAM trip of a lifetime.
The 10 winners, selected at random, will set sail on a 13-day Ultimate Arctic Voyage from Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland in July 2025.
Advisors can enter by registering at the sign-up page and collecting points July 24 - Sept. 30, 2024, through activities such as making bookings, attending webinars and sharing content.
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TORONTO The dates have been set for Travel Leaders Network’s PEAK Canadian Regional events taking place across Canada this fall.
Exclusively for member advisors, events are scheduled for Oct. 8 in Vancouver, Oct. 10 in Calgary and Oct. 17 in Toronto. Registration is now open.
“For three days in key markets across Canada, these effective events will offer Travel Leaders Network members comprehensive training, strategies to leverage cutting-edge technology and techniques for growing social media to accelerate business success,” said Roger E. Block, President of Travel Leaders Network.
Christine James, Travel Leaders Network’s Vice President, Canada, added: “We’re gearing up to help our Canadian members continue their quest to PEAK (Programmes, Education, Advisors and Knowledge), the continuing theme of last year’s Regional Conferences. We will provide advisors with innovative ways to connect with all of our preferred partners, in addition to attending workshops to learn about our new programs and the latest enhancements on our existing tools.”
This year, two educational sessions will be held to inform members on how to rev up business growth: TLN’s Acquisition Marketing program, and Boosting Client Retention Levels with TLN’s Engagement Marketing program. Other highlights include a fun Partner game show, a Supplier Partner Trade Show, a networking reception and finale dinner.
TORONTO — A new brochure from CIE Tours will be polybagged with Travelweek’s Fall 2024 edition of Travel Professional, coming out Sept. 19.
CIE Tours’ Marilyn Carolan tells Travelweek the brochure is Canada-specific, with pricing in Canadian dollars, and features the company’s four new tours: Dublin Daytripper, Irish Supreme, Best of Spain and Classic Sicily.
Each tour “is very unique and fills a specific purpose in our product line,” says Carolan.
For example, the new Dublin Daytripper expands CIE Tours’ popular Daytripper Collection, a selection of five ‘hub-andspoke’ tours that are perfect for converting cruisers to tour passengers. Says Carolan: “Guests unpack once in a wonderfully located hotel in the heart of each city and have daily
TORONTO The dates have been set for Travel Leaders Network’s PEAK Canadian Regional events taking place across Canada this fall.
excursions to attractions in the neighbouring regions.”
Exclusively for member advisors, events are scheduled for Oct. 8 in Vancouver, Oct. 10 in Calgary and Oct. 17 in Toronto Registration is now open.
Watch for the 130-page brochure on Sept. 19, in the upcoming edition of Travel Professional.
Meanwhile CIE Tours has launched a limited-time flight deal on a wide variety of departures in 2025 from most U.S. and select Canadian gateways.
“For three days in key markets across Canada, these effective events will offer Travel Leaders Network members comprehensive training, strategies to leverage cutting-edge technology and techniques for growing social media to accelerate business success,” said Roger E. Block, President of Travel Leaders Network.
Clients purchasing tours with airfare will receive one free roundtrip flight for their companion on 17 guided vacations to Ireland, Scotland, England and Iceland.
The promotion is valid for new bookings made between Sept. 3 - 30, 2024, for travel Jan. 1 - July 31, 2025.
More information on the full list of tours as well as specified terms and conditions is available at https://www.cietours.com/2for1.
Christine James, Travel Leaders Network’s Vice President, Canada, added: “We’re gearing up to help our Canadian members continue their quest to PEAK (Programmes, Education, Advisors and Knowledge), the continuing theme of last year’s Regional Conferences. We will provide advisors with innovative ways to connect with all of our preferred partners, in addition to
TORONTO Travel professionals got a shot of classic Hollywood glitz and glamour at Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods event in Toronto.
The Florida destination rolled out the red carpet for the industry gettogether, with a fun 1940s Hollywood theme. The night started with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at PLANTA, then moved around the corner to The University Club for the Hello! Canada x Toronto Life Magazine Hollywood North Party, sponsored by Fort Myer.
The cinematic theme was spot-on, coinciding with the kick-off for the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Travelweek got a chance to catch up with Charm Evans, Global Sales Manager for Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods, at the event.
Two years after Hurricane Ian hit Fort Myers, “the return to normal is progressing well,” Evans told Travelweek.
She added: “Our attractions are open, and bout 75% of our accommodation is back. It’s mostly the coastal properties that are still waiting to reopen. Some have reopened on
Captiva Island and Sanibel Island. That includes South Seas on Captiva –it partially reopened in June.”
Evans said Fort Myers is also excited about its strong lift from Canada. “We have great lift into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). This winter Air Canada will be flying from Toronto into RSW three times daily, with up to 18 flights per week. WestJet will have two flights daily. And starting in October Porter will fly from Toronto to RSW, and starting in November, from Ottawa and Montreal to RSW.”
Upcoming events include the everpopular (and upcoming) Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, taking place Sept. 20 – 29.
Canada is the number one international market for Fort Myers, and visitation has stayed consistently strong even with the 2022 hurricane, said Evans. “Canadian visitors never stopped coming and we’re very grateful for that. The numbers have been amazing.”
Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods is represented in Canada by VoX International. Jeanette Faria, Account Manager – Canada, notethat the destination is truly unique and special, with more than 100 coastal and barrier islands. “So lots of sailing and fishing opportunities, and 190 miles of kayaking too,” said Faria.
Fun fact: One of those 100+ islands,
Sanibel Island, is known as ‘The Seashell Capital of the World’. Sanibel’s east-west orientation brings countless seashells in pristine condition to its white-sand beaches. More than a few visitors find themselves doing the ‘Sanibel Stoop’ as they search for shells.
For more destination information see VisitFortMyers.com.
Tammy Olivier is back in the travel industry with a new position on the 5Continents sales team. Olivier has an extensive background in customer service including seven years with Fun Sun Vacations as well as a stint with the RCMP. “I’m thrilled to be back in the industry!” Said Olivier. “I’ve had a passion for travel from the time I went on my first trip with my family to Disneyland and haven’t looked back since. From the mountains of Nepal, seeing the Big 5 in Africa, the high-tech toilets in Japan, the jellyfish in Fiji, I’ve loved every moment of it. Even with flight delays, airline strikes, volcano eruptions … I’ve seen it all … and still can’t wait for my next adventure.” Olivier can be reached at tammy@5Continentsca.com.
STRASBOURG CroisiEurope’s brand new Ganges River cruises are scheduled to begin in February 2025.
The river cruise company says the sailings will offer a unique and immersive experience through one of India’s most culturally rich and historically significant regions.
CroisiEurope’s specially designed river cruise vessel, RV Ganges Voyager, will operate the series of voyages, offering cultural immersion with daily excursions will led by knowledgeable English-speaking local guides. Onboard, passengers will dine on authentic Indian cuisine using fresh, local ingredients, and take in traditional music and
dance performances, as well as opportunities to participate in local crafts and cultural activities.
Key sightseeing highlights are Varanasi, Kolkata and optional excursions including visits to the Sunderbans mangrove forest, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, and rural villages where guests can experience traditional Indian life firsthand.
Says the cruise line: “We are delighted to introduce our guests to the enchanting beauty and profound spirituality of the Ganges River. This new destination represents an exciting addition to our portfolio and a unique opportunity for travellers to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of India while enjoying the high standards of service and comfort that CroisiEurope is known for.”
TORONTO Melia Hotels
International’s newest brand, Zel, is on its way to the Caribbean.
That’s one of many updates courtesy of Sara Ranghi, Marketing & Brand Management Director, Americas, Melia Hotels International. She was in Canada for partner meetings as well as travel advisor events in Quebec City, Montreal / Laval and Toronto.
Zel Punta Cana will open Dec. 12 in the D.R., with a vibe geared to “making your life easy, in a Mediterranean way”, as Ranghi tells Travelweek.
The Zel brand is a joint collaboration by Melia’s President, Gabriel Escarrer, and tennis legend Rafael Nadal. The two men, both from Mallorca, are friends and now business partners too. Appropriately enough the first Zel property opened in Mallorca, plus there’s Zel Costa Brava too, and soon, Zel Madrid.
Hallmarks of the Zel properties range from Active MED by Rafa Nadal program, to yoga and meditation retreats, to wellness areas.
“It’s a lifestyle brand,” says Ranghi. “At check in, instead of being asked for their passport, guests will be asked if they want a drink. There’s a concept store at check-in, so guests can browse while they wait. The mood is easygoing and chill. It’s all about the Mediterranean way of life, ‘from fiesta to siesta’.”
While the Zel resorts are all-ages, there are no kids programs, meaning the clientele will tend to skew to couples and friend groups.
When Zel Punta Cana opens this December, it won’t be the only Zel in the Americas for long. By the end of 2025, Zel Sayulita will make its debut, in the surfing mecca that’s about 90 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. Ranghi describes the Sayulita vibe as hippie chic, making it a perfect fit for the Zel ethos. Not only that, but ME Sayulita is on its way too, giving Melia two brands in this part of Mexico.
And here’s one more resort to watch for: Melia Casa Maya Cancun, fully refurbished and reopening Dec. 1, 2024
In total Melia Hotels International has nine brands and more than 350 properties worldwide.
The stats and scope are an eyeopener for some Canadian travel advisors. “Canadian agents tend to associate Melia with Cuba,” says Ranghi.
That’s not surprising, given the strength of the Melia name in that destination, with 32 properties under brands including Paradisus, Melia, Innside and Sol.
“The resorts in Cuba are incredible,” says Ranghi. “We want Canadian agents to continue to sell those properties, plus we want them to
know about our properties in Mexico and the D.R. too.”
Melia’s flagship Paradisus brand is well represented in these two Canadian favourites, with Mexico properties including the adults-only Paradisus Los Cabos and Paradisus La Perla, and family-friendly Paradisus Cancun and Paradisus Playa del Carmen, and D.R. properties including Paradisus Palma Real, and Paradisus Grand Cana. Paradisus Palma Real emerged from a 50 million euro renovation last year.
Asked about the differentiators for the Paradisus brand - at a time when setting yourself apart from the completion is crucial for all-inclusives, especially as U.S.-based companies ramp up in this area - Ranghi is quick to note Paradisus’ ‘Destination Inclusive’ concept. “At Paradisus Cancun, that could mean a sunset cruise. At Paradisus La Perla, that could mean an excursion to a cenote with optional yoga. We have created these experiences that are included in the price, to allow guests to connect with the local culture. That’s what Destination Inclusive is all about.”
There are also culinary activities, and a full calendar of activations for guests looking for more out of their all-inclusive holiday.
Another amazing stat from Ranghi: sales from the Canadian market for Melia Hotels International have doubled year over year.
“We’re really putting a focus on the Canadian market,” she says. “We want to create that awareness, and that’s something we’ve been working on for the past three years.”
The company is well represented in Canada, with a dedicated sales team. Nathalie Carpentier holds down the fort in eastern Canada and Carlos Peralta looks out for western Canada.
Ranghi has high praise for Melia Hotel International’s great relationships with Canadian tour operators including ACV, Transat and Sunwing Vacations.
Those relationships, together with Melia’s campaign to connect with Canadian travel advisors - and luxury travel advisors in particular - have led to another incredible statistic: the Canadian market is now #2 for Melia in the Mexican Caribbean, and the D.R. “We’re so excited,” says Ranghi about the company’s growth in this market.
She added that travel advisors can join MeliaPRO at MeliaPRO.melia.com, offering real-time efficiencies for the travel trade.
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