get in on the secret - Travelweek

Transcription

February 24, 2011
PM40015622
Volume 39 Issue 08
C A N A D A’ S
B E S T
R E A D
T R AV E L
T R A D E
P U B L I C AT I O N
GET IN ON
THE SECRET
NOL 11 0098 CoverWrap Panama V2 indd 1
Feb24.indd 1
2/15/11
2/15
2
/15//11
11 9:22:13
9:22:1
9:
9
:2
22:13
2:13 AM
AM
2/18/11 12:29:14 PM
Z
h
^
Y
V
g
V
e
[
d
Ha^XZ
#
Y
Z
Y
j
a
X
c
^
OUTINGS IN PARADISE
% &#$'% $ %&$%$&$
$% &%$%%!&$#%#$ #%$)%%
& #%+$$ !! #%&%*% %&$
# #$%$%
)! #%&%&##%
% &%#* # $&'%( $!#% $ %$** &#%$ &%%$%&"&
)&#$ $%* !% #(%* %#'% $
)#%
#%$$% % &#$&
# &# #'$% % &#$ Feb24.indd 2
2/18/11 12:17:28 PM
February 24, 2011
Volume 39 Issue 08
C A N A D A’ S
B E S T
R E A D
T R AV E L
T R A D E
P U B L I C AT I O N
More and more Canadians driving to
U.S. for cheaper air tickets
OTTAWA — As if Canadians needed
yet another reason to cross the border
to find cheaper airfares, the U.S. plans
to charge a $5.50 inspection fee for Canadians to enter the U.S. by air or sea
but not by car.
THISWEEK
3
RIU WITH SUNWING
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says
there are better ways for Americans to
raise money than to charge Canadians
to get into their country. But he doesn’t
seem to realize that it is his government’s
policies that are pushing Canadians
14 BOWLED OVER BY PERU
Sunwing Travel Group will sell all
33 RIU properties next winter
The bowls (above) are in a market in
Peru, a destination for Gap, ACV
4
36 GRAND BAHAMA
AA DROPS SURCHARGE
American Airlines has dropped plans
to surcharge Travelport bookings
Feb24.indd 1
WestJet Vacations is featuring
Grand Bahama Island
across the border to U.S. airports, costing our tourism businesses millions.
“We want to ensure that trade and
travel is easier, not more difficult, and
we don’t need additional taxes on that
kind of economic activity,” said Harper.
How about looking at Crown Rent,
high security charges and taxes here instead of criticizing the U.S?
More and more Canadians are travelling by car to the United States to purchase less expensive airline tickets says
data released from the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) 2011 Canadian
Travel Intentions survey.
Twenty-one per cent of leisure travellers said they travelled by car to a U.S.
airport in 2010 to take a trip using less
expensive airline tickets purchased for
U.S. or foreign travel, and an additional
11% said although they had not done
so in the past, they might travel to the
U.S. for cheaper travel in 2011. This is
up from 18% from 2010.
“This has the potential for almost one
third of Canadian travellers spending
money on foreign airline tickets and taking flights outside of Canada. The dollar
at par and high costs for Canadian airports and travel mean that Canadian air
carriers are at a distinct disadvantage
and cannot offer the prices to match
those in the United States,” said Tony
Pollard, president of the Hotel Association of Canada. “This growing trend
has serious consequences for the Canadian travel industry and needs to be
addressed by the reduction of airport
fees, travel security costs and airline
surcharges.”
2/18/11 12:30:37 PM
SLEEP IN
AT YOUR
OWN RISK.
W
We ris e a n d sh in e e v e r y da y
on Am e rica’s b es t b ea ch es.
VisitStPeteClearwater.com
Feb24.indd 2
$
$
2/18/11 12:30:45 PM
Eighty-three percent of leisure travellers said they will be travelling in
2011. This is up from 78% in 2010.
Seventy-six percent of business
travellers said they will be travelling
in 2011, a figure consistent with 2010.
However, in Ontario business travel
will be up 5% year over year.
Seventy-three percent of leisure and
86% of business travellers use the Internet to gather information before
they book travel.
business (49%) travellers than 2010
said testimonials/comments by previous travellers influence them.
Videos have the same amount of influence on travel choices as the 2010
survey (43% business; 47% leisure).
The influence of travel blogs is up almost 10% over 2010 survey results
with 25% business and 21% leisure
travellers acknowledging that blogs
influence them. Social media has more
influence on business travellers (17%,
NINETEEN PERCENT BOOK HOTELS AND 11%
BOOK AIR, train, or bus tickets on their smart phones.
Four percent said that they use their Blackberries
and mobile phones to tweet.
“The top five things travellers are
looking for on the Internet are special
travel offerings, photos, maps, accommodation ratings and amenities,” said
Pollard. “The number of travellers
reading testimonials from other travellers, consulting blogs and writing
about hotels on Twitter and Facebook
is also increasing.”
Almost twice as many business over
leisure travellers are actively tweeting
and posting on Facebook (22% business; 12% leisure).
Of all the things business travellers
are looking at on the Internet, star and
diamond ratings, testimonials from
other travellers, videos, travel blogs
and social media influence topped the
list. Almost 60% of business travellers
and 54% of leisure travellers said that
star and diamond ratings on Internet
booking services have the most influence on their travel choices. This is up
7% from 2010. The same number of
leisure travellers (46%) and 11% more
almost double 2010 results) than on
leisure travellers (13%, up 4% over last
year’s results).
For the first time, the HAC Travel
Intentions Survey included questions
on mobile phone/Blackberry use. The
majority (39%) said they use their
smart phone to check the weather.
Paranoid about missing connections
or worried about flights being delayed,
27% of travellers check departure and
arrival times. Thirty-two percent of
travellers said they use GPS and/or get
directions on their mobile phones or
Blackberries.
Facebook is becoming more and
more popular with 20% of travellers
indicating they use it to check their
messages and update their status on
Facebook. Nineteen percent book
hotels and 11% book air, train, or bus
tickets on their smart phones. Four
percent said that they use their Blackberries and mobile phones to tweet.
“The travel industry in Canada has
to continue to adapt to new technology. With travellers tweeting about
their hotel experience while in the
lobby means that customer service,
cleanliness and the overall look of the
accommodation is vitally important”,
said Pollard.
Riu Hotels & Resorts
partners exclusively
with Sunwing Travel
Group in Canada
TORONTO — RIU Hotels and Resorts and Sunwing Travel Group have
formed a new exclusive partnership
for the Canadian marketplace.
Thomas Cook had offered RIU resorts exclusively for the past number
of years until this winter when the
business was split following the Sunwing-Signature merger.
Building on the success of an initial
arrangement to sell and promote 16 of
RIU’s properties this winter, Sunwing
Travel Group will be the exclusive Canadian partner for all 33 of RIU’s Caribbean, Mexico and Central American properties.
February 24, 2011 Travelweek 3
Feb24.indd 3
2/18/11 12:30:52 PM
botswana egypt kenya mozambique zambia
morocco madagascar garden route south africa
tanzania mauritius namibia zimbabwe kruger
national park serengeti ethiopia victoria falls
we came out of Africa to take you back
1-800-565-6670 / 604-990-1511
www.wildafricasafari.com / [email protected]
To launch the new partnership, a
special stand-alone Signature Vacations
brochure has been produced showcasing all 33 of the RIU Hotels and Resorts.
The brochure contains Winter 2011/12
pricing and confirmed flying programs
from coast to coast on board Sunwing
Airlines. English and French versions
of these brochures will be distributed to
travel agencies in the next few weeks.
Thirty-one of the 33 RIU resorts are
offered on an all-inclusive basis. The resorts are situated across Mexico (Los Cabos, Riviera Nayarit, Mazatlan, Cancun
and the Mayan Riviera), Jamaica (Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios), the
Dominican Republic (Punta Cana and
Puerto Plata), Costa Rica, Cuba, Aruba,
and the Bahamas. All will be served
with direct flights on board Sunwing
Airlines. Also offered will be properties
in Panama and Florida on a breakfast
included and room only basis.
Highlights of the brochure include
the new RIU Varadero, which opened
in the Cuban resort in November
2010, and the RIU Palace Bavaro,
which is situated on Bavaro Beach
in Punta Cana, currently under construction and expected to welcome its
first guests this fall.
“We are very excited to now be fully
aligned with Sunwing Travel Group in
Canada,” said Annette Schmid, RIU’s
Senior VP of Corporate Contracting.
“Canada continues to be one of our
main source markets and we thank Canadian travel agents for their ongoing
support. I would also like to thank the
team at Thomas Cook North America
with whom we have been working with
for most of the past decade.”
Andrew Dawson, Sunwing Travel
Group’s president of Tour Operations
added “RIU has a great reputation and
great following from Canadian vacationers, and we look forward to serving
them in the future. Furthermore, for
next winter, we will be expanding our
route network, offering Sunwing Airlines flights on over a dozen new routes,
allowing us to offer great value, quality
vacations to RIU from 30 Canadian cities. RIU Hotels will also be available for
booking on a hotel only basis.”
American drops plan
to surcharge agents
booking through
Travelport GDSs
TORONTO — Agency groups are
pleased with American Airlines’ decision to withdraw plans to surcharge
Travelport GDS international users
Editor
Patrick Dineen, Ext. 32, [email protected]
Associate Editor
Kathryn Folliott, Ext. 28, [email protected]
Staff Writer
Cindy Sosroutomo, Ext. 30, [email protected]
Chris Kinasz, [email protected]
Art Director
Sarit Mizrahi, [email protected]
Graphic Designer/Production Manager
Jenny Watson, Ext. 26, [email protected]
Graphic Designer
Marija Radivojevic , Ext. 25, [email protected]
Web Designer
Tatiana Israpilova, Ext. 34, [email protected]
Account Manager
Sue Winiecki, Ext. 27, [email protected]
Account Manager
Annie Cicvaric, Ext. 31, [email protected]
Circulation
Denys Cruz, [email protected]
Special Projects
Candice Abraham, Ext. 38, [email protected]
Accounting
Marie Mercado, Ext. 21, [email protected]
Group Publisher
Michael Butler, [email protected]
Gerald Kinasz, [email protected]
Hippo Express
Glen Harwood, Ext. 33, [email protected]
Printed by Web Offset Pickering, ON L1W 3J9
Subscription Rates (per year):
Canada: $85 Canadian + $4.25 GST per year
United States & International: $100 US per year
Contents copyrighted 2011 by Concepts Travel
Media Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part by any
means without expressed written permission
of the publisher is prohibited.
We acknowlegde the ﬁnancial support of the
Government of Canada through the Canada
Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
282 Richmond Street East, Suite 100
Toronto, Ontario Canada M5A 1P4
Tel. (416) 365-1500 Fax (416) 365-1504
Toll Free Canada & U.S.A. 1-800-727-1429
www.travelweek.ca
www.hippoexpress.com
4 Travelweek February 24, 2011
Feb24.indd 4
2/18/11 12:36:13 PM
Feb24.indd 5
2/18/11 12:31:08 PM
(Galileo and Worldspan), including those in Canada, with a Booking
Source Premium fee.
As a result, no bookings of American Airlines/American Eagle flight
segments made using the Travelport
GDSs will attract the Booking Source
Premium, and no Agency Debit Memos (ADMs) for the Booking Source
Premium will be issued. The surcharge
was intended to help AA recover the
increased costs levied on AA by Travelport for bookings.
“We are very pleased that AA was attentive to our concerns and that agents
are removed from the middle of a distribution policy dispute which would have
had serious financial consequences for
our Travelport-enabled members. We
will continue dialogue with AA as we
endeavor to assure that travel agents will
benefit from all distribution and booking options available in marketplace,
including AA’s Direct Connect product
which ARTA Canada and ARTA fully
support,” said ARTA Canada president
Bruce Bishins, CTC.
ACTA was also pleased with the
move after earlier warning that American’s actions threatened to “drag the
industry back to the old days when
airlines controlled their own offerings
away from any competitive landscape”.
“American Airlines has seen the
extent of displeasure led in part by
ACTA,” said David McCaig, president
and COO of ACTA. “We believe the
combined power of travel agencies and
their possible shift away from booking
clients on American Airlines because
of the fees has sunk in at the highest
levels of the airline. This is great news
for our agency members and others
around the world.”
In a letter to agents, American Airlines said: “If Travelport continues to
misuse its market position to impose
punitive rates, American may be forced
to reinstitute the Booking Source Premium and/or remove some or all of its
content from Travelport GDSs.”
McCaig said that “to revisit this
surcharge would be a major mistake.
It’s time for the sides to resolve their
problems without involving travel
agents and other suppliers.”
TUI Travel PLC
Adventure brands
sign strategic venture
with Intrepid
LONDON — TUI Travel PLC has
signed an agreement to enter into a
strategic venture with Intrepid Travel,
one of the world’s leading small group
adventure tour operators. The proposal
is to create a global leader in adventure
travel, which will combine Intrepid
Travel and TUI Travel PLC’s international portfolio of adventure brands.
The transaction is based on an injection of businesses into the venture by
both parties and has no cash component. The venture will be 60% owned
by TUI Travel PLC and 40% owned by
Intrepid Travel’s private shareholders,
and will be consolidated by TUI Travel PLC. The transaction is expected to
drive cost synergies, primarily arising
from increased economies of scale, of
at least £10 million per annum within
the first three years. Completion is expected by May 2011.
Non-stop to happier clients.
Book non-stop to Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Jamaica is one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations. Your clients will love this non-stop getaway
to Montego Bay from major cities across Canada. They’ll also appreciate no-overbooking, more leg room
and overhead bin space and as always, our friendly, world-class guest experience.
We ﬂy non-stop to Montego Bay, Jamaica from these great WestJet cities:
Departure city
Frequency
Toronto
Daily
Ottawa
Three times a week
Montreal
Twice weekly
Winnipeg
Twice weekly
Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton,
Regina, Halifax & Saskatoon
Weekly
Connections from other great WestJet cities also available.
Book now at westjet.com/agentweblink or on GDS
and you’ll enjoy a 7% commission.
Feb24.indd 6
2/18/11 12:31:19 PM
,,
-
-
!"!"
!# $
%&'( %)) *+
!"!"
!# $
%&'( %)) **
!"!"
!# $
%&'( %)) *+
*+
./ %0%1' #/2%
34'0 335 6 #35 -*
./ %0%1' #/2%
:#" /.4' 1'%78.'9 6 #35 #35 %&'( .710/)')
#35 %&'( .710/)')
-
./ %0%1' #/2%
/.4' 1'%78.'9 6 *
./ %0%1' #/2%
:/7.3# /.4' %#4.%0 8'%78.'9 6 %&'( .710/)')
%&'( .710/)')
3 4
5
6
#.1'( ;3# <34'0 370= %#' !'# #335 !'# 7.><4 2%(') 37 )3/20' 311/!%71= %7) 8%0.) ;3# 4#%8'0 ;#35 !# 6+$" =7%5.1 !#.1.7> .( !'# !'#(37 2%(') 37 )3/20' 311/!%71= %7) .( 8%0.) ;3# 4#%8'0 !#.0 6+$"#.1'( %7) %8%.0%2.0.4= %#' (/2?'14 43
1<%7>' 9.4<3/4 !#.3# 734.;.1%4.37 %7) 9'#' %8%.0%20' 37 '2#/%#= -$" 0%1@ 3/4 )%4'( %7) #'(4#.14.37( %!!0=" /#1<%#>'( 5%= %!!0=" 34'0 4%&'( %#' .710/)') .7 4<' )=7%5.1 !#.1.7> %7) %113553)%4.37 370= !#.1.7>" 34 .710/)')A 4#%7(;'#( 3#
1%# #'74%0"
! "# $
% $& & '( )*+ ,%*& ' -. #//01"/1 %'1#2#"
Feb24.indd 7
2/18/11 12:31:31 PM
Intrepid Travel, based in Melbourne,
Australia, handles over 100,000 customers per annum, drawn from all the
key adventure source markets in the
world. For the financial year ended June
30, 2010 Intrepid Travel had revenues of
£69.4 million and PBT of £5.3 million.
TUI Travel PLC’s Adventure businesses are part of the Specialist &
Activity Sector. They are a portfolio
of adventure travel businesses based
in the UK, Australia, North America
and the Netherlands and have over
240,000 customers per annum. For
the financial year ended Sept. 30, 2010
they had revenues of £185.3 million
and PBT of £6.8 million.
The combined businesses will operate a multi-channel and multibrand strategy and will provide new
opportunities for growth including
new products, distribution channels,
source markets and destinations.
Commenting on the announcement Peter Long, chief executive, TUI
Travel PLC stated: “Specialist travel is
an important part of our business and
one of our key drivers of growth due
to strong margins and development
opportunities. This deal with Intrepid
Travel will significantly enhance our
position in the fast growing adventure
travel sector.”
The board of the venture will be
chaired by John Wimbleton, managing
director of TUI Travel PLC’s Specialist
& Activity Sector. Darrell Wade, CEO
and co-founder of Intrepid Travel, will
become CEO of the venture.
Carnival sees record
booking week,
receiving more than
165,000 reservations
MIAMI — Carnival Cruise Lines set
a one-week reservations record booking 165,308 guests between Feb. 7-13,
eclipsing the previous one-week reservations record set nearly four years ago.
Bookings were at unprecedented
levels across the line’s fleet, which operates three- to 16-day voyages from a
wide range of North American homeports as well as European cruises.
Carnival president and CEO Gerry
Cahill noted that while the economy
is improving, consumers are still
seeking value – one of several factors spurring the record reservations
activity. He cited strong travel agent
support and targeted marketing and
sales initiatives such as the company’s
national ‘Didja Ever’ TV and social
media campaign and a ‘72-Hour Sale’
offering complimentary upgrades.
“Clearly, consumers are taking advantage of the incredible value that a
Carnival cruise provides, not only in
terms of our fun on-board experience
but also our many convenient closeto-home departure points and wide
variety of short itineraries,” Cahill
said. “This activity reaffirms that even
in today’s economic climate, consumers still want to have fun and view
their vacations as an important part
of their lives,” he added.
The line currently has two new
130,000-ton ships on order – Carnival
Magic, set to debut in Europe May 1,
2011, and Carnival Breeze, scheduled
to enter service in spring 2012.
For additional information on
LO
,_WLYPLUJL[OL3\_\Y`0UJS\KLK KPMMLYLUJL

[OL*HYPIILHU»ZTVZ[\UPX\LZ\P[LZ
Feb24.indd 8
2/18/11 12:31:40 PM
the Carnival vacation experience,
call 1-800-327-9501 (individual) or
1-800-327-5782 (groups) or visit the
line’s travel agent Internet portal,
GoCCL.com.
Adventure Canada
takes majority stake
in a new partnership
with Cruise North
Expeditions
MISSISSAUGA, ON — Cruise North
Expeditions, a subsidiary of the Inuit-owned Makivik Corporation, has
formed a new partnership with Adventure Canada that will continue to
offer polar cruises with the cultural
content and Inuit staffing that has
become a trademark of CNE.
In 2011, Cruise North Expeditions
departures will be merged with Adventure Canada’s Clipper Adventurer
schedule, including dedicated CNE
programming. The Clipper Adventurer, a sister ship of Lyubov Orlova, has
benefited from extensive renovation.
THE ULTIMATE
LOVE
NEST
Cruise North passengers will receive
enhanced comfort through the new
joint venture, say the companies.
Beginning in 2012, Adventure Canada and Cruise North Expeditions
will each continue their traditional
offerings of dedicated sailings with
Inuit staff, itineraries and programs
designed to bring benefit and opportunity to the people of the Arctic.
Cruise North Expeditions was
founded in 2005 by the Makivik Corporation of Quebec, a highly successful investment corporation born of
the first modern-day Aboriginal land
claim settlement agreement in Canada (the JBNQA of 1975). Makivik also
owns First Air and Air Inuit.
For more information on CNE, visit
www.cruisenorthexpeditions.com or
call 1-866-263-3220.
Adventure Canada is based in Mississauga, ON and has been providing
educational voyages to the Arctic, and
the world, since 1988.
For more information on Adventure
Canada, visit www.adventurecanada.
com or call 1-800-363-7566.
Porter increases
service in core cities
– Montreal-Halifax,
Ottawa-Moncton,
Toronto-Ottawa
TORONTO — Porter Airlines is bolstering its schedule on three existing
routes with increased frequency between Montreal and Halifax, Moncton
and Ottawa, and Toronto and Ottawa.
All additional service begins April 13.
The Montreal-Halifax route will operate year-round with up to two daily
nonstop roundtrip flights, increased
from four weekly flights. This service
also makes possible one daily roundtrip flight between St. John’s and Montreal, connecting in Halifax.
Daily service from Moncton to Ottawa, continuing to Porter’s downtown
base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport offers increased travel options.
Porter is offering one daily roundtrip
flight, plus two roundtrips on Sunday,
up from four weekly flights. The summer schedule on this route, beginning
6US`:HUKHSZOHZZ\P[LZ
ZVWYP]H[LHUKYVTHU[PJ^LQ\Z[
OHK[VJHSS[OLT¸3V]L5LZ[Z¹
:HUKHSZPUJS\KLZ[OLTVZ[\UPX\LHUKJYLH[P]LS`
KLZPNULKZ\P[LZPU[OLPZSHUKZ-YVT[OLL_V[PJS\_\Y`
VMHILHJOMYVU[9VUKV]HS Z\P[LPU[OLYV\UKVYH
4PSSPVUHPYL»ZIS\MM[VWZ\P[L^P[O VJLHU]PL^ZHUKH
WYP]H[LWVVS^P[OH[OYLLZ[VY`Z\UKLJR[VH:^PT\W
Z\P[L[OH[SL[Z`V\MSVH[\W[V`V\YWYP]H[LWH[PV:HUKHSZ
VMMLYZMHYTVYLHJJVTTVKH[PVUJOVPJLZ[OHUHU`VUL
)\[P[»Z[OLKL[HPSZ[OH[THRL[OLIPNNLZ[KPMMLYLUJL
PUJS\KPUNV\Y:PNUH[\YL:SLLW,_WLYPLUJLJVTWSL[L^P[O
OHUKJHY]LKTHOVNHU`RPUNZPaLILKZKYLHT`WPSSV^
TLU\ZHUKWS\ZO,N`W[PHUJV[[VUSPULUZ(KKPUYVVT
IHYZM\SS`Z[VJRLK^P[OWYLTP\TIYHUKSPX\VYZSH]PZO
IH[OYVVTZ^P[OOPZOLY]HUP[PLZHUKÔPYSWVVSIH[OZ
WSHZTH;=ZHUKOV\YYVVTZLY]PJLHUK`V\»SSZLLOV^
:HUKHSZW\[ZTVYLS\_\Y`PUJS\ZPVUZ[VILK[OHUHU`VUL
6
®
the
LUXU RY I NCLU D E D ®
vacation
*HSS`V\Y;V\Y6WLYH[VYVYVY
ZHUKHSZJVT
1(4(0*((5;0.<(:(05;3<*0()(/(4(:
<UPX\L=HJH[PVUZ0UJPZ[OL^VYSK^PKLYLWYLZLU[H[P]LMVY:HUKHSZ9LZVY[Z
Feb24.indd 9
2/18/11 12:31:46 PM
June 27, includes a seasonal increase
with up to two daily roundtrip flights.
Service between Ottawa and Toronto is also increasing to as many as
21 daily roundtrip flights, up from a
previous peak of 19. This is the highest number of daily flights on the route
for Porter since it began in 2006.
“These service improvements fulfill one of our promises to support
our four core destinations: Montreal,
Ottawa, Halifax and Toronto,” said
Robert Deluce, president and CEO
of Porter Airlines. “It is important to
build our presence in these markets
with routes that operate every day
and year-round to provide passengers
with consistent choice.”
ACV sees strong
early bookings for
Europe this year
By Jean Sorensen
VANCOUVER — Travel to Europe is
expected to skyrocket this year, said
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) president and CEO Zeina Gedeon. The
reason is a combination of pent-up
demand from a disastrous 2010 European travel season and a soaring Canadian dollar.
“We are expecting about a 100% increase in travel,” said Gedeon, who was
in Vancouver with Nino Montagnese,
vice-president of sales and marketing,
and Nathalie Tanious, international
vice-president, launching the new
ACV 2011 Europe & Mediterranean
‘Europe Your Way’ brochure and the
ACV 2011 and 2012 Cruise brochure.
While the triple digit rise in traffic is anticipated by many agents attending the ACV European product
launch this month in Vancouver, it is
really rooted in what was a difficult
2010 travel year to Europe. It started
in spring when an Icelandic volcano
eruption cancelled flights to the UK,
Ireland, France, Belgium, Scandinavia,
parts of Russia, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
That was followed by a looming
summer airport staff strike at five of
Britain’s airports and then in autumn
a terrorism alert went out from many
countries regarding possible attacks in
Europe. Winter 2010 Christmas storms
found many travellers sleeping in
makeshift beds at airports throughout
Europe as again flights were cancelled.
The early warning signs that many
Canadians are eager to get back to
Europe has come from ACV’s early
books. Not only are reservations
strong, but they are two months ahead
of what ACV normally sees in March.
While last year was “really bad” acknowledges Gedeon, “we are seeing a
huge pick-up early in the year.”
That strong demand for Europe is
also the reason behind a caution being
issued by ACV’s sales vice-president
Montagnese. “We are suggesting that
people book early to make sure they
get what they want,” he said.
ACV gets creative
with Europe packages
aimed at shoppers,
car buffs
VANCOUVER — Air Canada Vacations has launched 2011 Europe with
Put a Great
Spin On
Your Vacation!
KIDS STAY AND PLAY FREE
When your clients purchase a non-discounted
4-night, 4-day Magic Your Way vacation package at a select
Disney Value Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort for
stays most nights Feb. 17 - April 16, April 28 - June 14, 2011
or Aug. 14 - Oct. 1, 2011, kids ages 3-9 stay and play FREE!*
This Walt Disney World Resort Package includes:
$FFRPPRGDWLRQVULJKWLQWKH middle of the magic.
'D\Magic Your Way Base Ticket.
US
$563 PER
ADULT
US
$452 PER
ADULT
BASED ON ADULT DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
at a select Disney Value Resort
in a standard room for stays most nights
Feb. 21- 26 and Mar. 11 – Apr. 16, 2011.
BASED ON ADULT DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
at a select Disney Value Resort
in a standard room for stays most nights
Aug. 14 - Sept. 29, 2011.
Book through February 13, 2011.
Book through March 27, 2011.
*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. Child must stay in room with adult.
Maximum of four Guests per room. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. ©Disney
Contact us today: www.disneytravelagents.ca
You can also call your participating wholesaler for their Canadian pricing.
Feb24.indd 10
2/18/11 12:31:52 PM
)$# !"*
"0 1
2,$
3
"546 !4$$#,$"5
686866!'!$)$"5$#74)
%89866
$$
*
;663
$!"0"#"!<<:$+
'!
,
!
!
12
,+
2!
"3/44
56455
756455
08
!"!#$$%&$'!"# "$&!#$ &( #)"#$(# * ++(!,"$* % -./
!
"#$%&&'
-),+),# !
"#
$%
"
!&' &#
$ %
#
(
)
*+ ,+ +-
++$##$='$"$($
!
./0
)
!
!
'-
!
"#
!"
#
#$$$$ $$%$&$'
#!
# ! () # ! * +,
, )
#++
# #$$-$&$ * . / #
0
! / # !
2
3 )
45&6-7)45&&&8
! ! 1
Feb24.indd 11
2/18/11 12:31:57 PM
Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa,
Jamaica was the picture-perfect venue for the
Ninth Annual Sandals Travel Agency
Recognition (S.T.A.R) Awards.
The Awards were sponsored by Travelweek
and recognized the commitment, innovation
and achievement of travel agencies throughout North America.
Sandals Hall of Fame Award
Greg Dixon, President, Flight Centre with Adam Stewart, CEO, Sandals Resorts
International, Gary C. Sadler, Sr. Vice President Sales, Unique Vacations and
Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Chairman, Sandals Resorts
WORLDWIDE
AWA R D W I N N E R S
Chairman’s Award
Flight Centre Oshawa
Worldwide Contribution to the
Sandals Foundation
Carlson Wagonlit Travel Canada
Flight Centre
Honoured for Worldwide Contribution to the Sandals
Foundation and Top Retail Travel Agency Chain –
Flight Centre Canada with Omar Josephs,
National Accounts Manager, Unique Vacations (far left)
Chairman’s Award, Top Sandals Travel Agency and Top
Retail Travel Agency Branch – Flight Centre Oshawa
Feb24.indd 12
2/18/11 1:59:16 PM
Canadian “Best of the Best” winners
with Sandals Resorts Chairman, Gordon “Butch” Stewart
(centre) and Maureen Barnes-Smith, Director of Sales &
Marketing, Unique Vacations (fifth from right)
N AT I O N A L
AWA R D W I N N E R S
Top Beaches Travel Agency
Advantage Lakeview Travel
Top Sandals Travel Agency
Flight Centre Oshawa
Honoured for Worldwide Contribution
to the Sandals Foundation
Merrill Highet, Director Membership Programs
Carlson Wagonlit Travel Canada with Sandals
CEO and Chairman and Kevin Froemming,
President, Unique Vacations (right)
Top Pineapple Travel Agency
MyTravel Belair
Top Destination Wedding Travel Agency
Tripcentral.ca
Top Producing Call Centre Agency
LMG Travel
Top Retail Travel Agency Branch
Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Timmins
Flight Centre, Oshawa
Maritime Travel, Moncton
Outstanding Sales Achievement Retail
Travel Agency Chain
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Top Retail Agency Chain
Flight Centre
Top Beaches Travel Agency
Steve & Janice Bico, Advantage Lakeview Travel
Top Island Routes Booking Travel Agency
Luxury Retreats International
For sales support, please call your local
Business Development Manager or Inside Sales at
®
the Luxury Included vacation
Feb24.indd 13
1-800-545-8283
2/18/11 1:59:31 PM
:88CD
:fd\kfn_\i\<lifg\Xe
jfg_`jk`ZXk`feXe[iXn`jcXe[
gXjj`fe_Xm\]Xcc\eècfm\%
N_\i\Yfi\[fd`jX]fiY`[[\e
\dfk`fe%8dX^`ZXcgcXZ\#
ZXcc\[Jk%DXXik\e%
JZXXed\
nnn%MXZXk`feJkDXXik\e%Zfd
]XZ\Yffb%Zfd&mXZXk`fejkdXXik\e
new creative packages that can appeal
to a wide range of consumers. Commission rates are running at 10% and up on
packages, 16% on average on cruises,
and 10% and up on land packages.
“Our commission rates are competitive,” said ACV president and CEO
Zeina Gedeon.
Product prices are also holding at
consumer friendly rates. For example,
in the new ACV 2011 brochure on
Europe, there’s the opportunity to do
four nights in Paris (including air, hotel, free transfer and day river cruise)
for approximately $899 out of Toronto
and $999 out of Western Canada said
Nathalie Tanious, ACV’s international
vice-president. That kind of pricing
is leading to ACV seeing more shortstays as people jump over to Europe for
a long weekend.
One of the new creative packages
ACV is offering this year is a 14-day
‘shop until you drop’ tour through
Europe’s fashion capitals. Called the
‘Fashion Capitals Rail Journey’ (page
17 of the new brochure), clients arrive
in London for three nights, then take
the Eurostar from St. Pancras station
to Paris’ Gare du Nord where clients
stay again three nights exploring the
city and haute couture stores. From
Paris, it’s on to Milan and its fashionable shops by train. Again, it’s a threenight stay before going onto Rome, the
final destination. Tours are not included nor are transfers between rail stations and hotels. Breakfast is provided
starting at Day 2. Clients fly back to
Toronto. Lead in price is $2,149 plus
$348 in applicable fees.
Another creative product, says Tanious, is one that will appeal to car buffs.
It’s called the ‘Luxury Cars in Southern Germany’. In this package, the
client receives nine days of touring
around in luxury German vehicles –
it’s a switch-over program, where after
a few days of driving one vehicle, it’s
traded for another. The four luxury
vehicles are BMW 5 Series, Mercedes
C Class, Porsche Panamera and the
Audi A4.
There is a growing interest in foodrelated travel and the France section
of the new brochure offers a day trip
sampling the street fare of bake shops,
pastry outlets and chocolate shops
in Paris. There’s also a day trip in the
Champagne region and a four-day
wine sampler of ‘The Tastes of Bordeaux’ out of Paris.
ACV is using a blogger named Sofia who is travelling Europe doing
the various programs to promote the
packages. Her site is located at blog.
aircanadavacations.com under Sofia’s
Travels. A recent entry was on the
Bordeaux wine area.
ACV is offering three booking incentives. Couples save $150 by booking air and hotel and car by April 15
and $75 after April 16. The same dates
apply to $100 on either air and car, air
and cruise, or air, hotel and rail and
$50 after April 16. ACV is also offering
a $150 ACV certificate (per person)
with all all-inclusive escorted tours
booked by Sept. 30.
Also, clients can receive a complimentary transfer and access to Maple
Leaf Lounges with hotel and air packages greater than four nights to London, Paris or Rome when booked by
June 30.
Gap Adventures &
Air Canada Vacations
team up to offer
adventure packages
in Peru and around
the world
By Cindy Sosroutomo
LIMA — Great things can happen
when two leading tour operators join
forces – just ask Gap Adventures and
Air Canada Vacations.
The two companies have teamed
up to offer over 60 unique adventure
packages in South and Central America, as well as in Asia and the Middle
East. Peru, in particular, is selling extremely well, a testament to the country’s stunning natural beauty and
wealth of adventure options.
“Peru is one of the first countries
Gap Adventures started offering tours
to 20 years ago, and we have more itineraries in that particular region than
anywhere else,” said Aaron Sapra, national sales manager, Canada, Gap AdContinued on page 23 ...
Feb24.indd 14
2/18/11 12:32:03 PM
SPOTLIGHT LUXURY TRAVEL
Arts & Leisure Tours/Travel With Flair
acts as Connoisseur for discerning
Europe-bound clients
by Cindy Sosroutomo
Ask Arts & Leisure Tours/Travel
With Flair and they’ll tell you that the
only way to travel is to do it on your
own terms.
The luxury to do what you want
while you travel is the idea behind
the company’s Connoisseur selection,
which aims to customize itineraries
for a few hours to explore the Amalfi
Coast, a full day docked at the island
of Capri or even a few days to sail from
one Greek Isle to the next. Arts & Leisure Tours’ private yachts come fully
equipped with attentive crews and
opulent cabins, providing more than
comfortable digs while sailing past
cliffside homes and ancient ruins.
“TRAVEL IS ALL ABOUT MAKING A DREAM COME
TRUE, be it adventure, relaxation or prestige, and we
help to achieve it.”
for discerning clients. From grand hotels and hidden country gems to Mediterranean yachts and luxury tented
camps, the company offers a vast array
of upscale travel options designed to
impress.
Travellers can opt for private yacht
charters in Italy and Greece, whether
LuxuryTravel.indd 15
While on shore in Italy, travellers
have their choice of an array of luxury
accommodations. In Rome, a good
night’s rest is ensured at the 17th-century Hotel D’Inghilterra, the Grand
Hotel De La Minerve located steps
away from the Pantheon, and the fivestar Regina Baglioni situated on the
famed Via Veneto.
Florence also inspires with accommodations like the Villa Olmi Resort,
located 15 minutes from the city centre. This old country estate includes
a farmhouse and farmers’ quarters
that have been carefully restored and
transformed into upscale guestrooms,
suites and apartments.
Also in Florence is the five-star Residenza del Moro, an antique aristocratic building covered with splendid
frescoes and furnished with antiques,
silk fabrics and contemporary works
by renowned artists.
In Tuscany, the five-star Castello del
Nero welcomes guests with extra special touches. This fully restored 12thcentury castle has been converted into
a modern day luxury hotel featuring guestrooms equipped with wood
beam ceilings, traditional ‘cotto’ floors
and marble bathrooms.
If that’s not enough, suggest the
2/18/11 11:48:13 AM
Receive the royal treatment with Insight Gold.
Smaller Groups
More Legroom
Selected Hotels
Desirable Locations
Leisurely Paced Itineraries
A New Perspective on Classical Journeys.
More Included Sightseeing
Delicious Dining
More Personalised Service
w w w . i n si g h t va ca t i o n s. co m
Call for details: 1-800-387-8490
five-star Le Casa del Borgo in Tuscany, which has become a fan favourite
among Arts & Leisure Tours’ clients.
This property features luxury rental
villas and hotel rooms, a well-stocked
wine bar, outdoor heated Jacuzzis and
the services of a multilingual staff.
Guestrooms and villas are furnished
with flat screen televisions and gourmet kitchen equipment, while daily
maid service and continental breakfast are also included.
One cannot visit Italy and not appreciate the country’s incredible array
of fine art. For clients who love the
finer things in life, suggest the Art Cities program that includes three nights
in Rome, three nights in Florence and
two nights in Venice. This itinerary includes daily breakfast, train transportation to each city, half-day city tour
and arrival transfer to the hotel.
Beyond Italy, Arts & Leisure Tours/
Travel With Flair offers memorable
travel options in France, Tunisia,
Greece, Spain and the newly added
Turkey. Tours include the seven-night
Paris & The Loire Valley, the eightnight Dolce Vita escorted small group
tour, the eight-day Land of Discovery
escorted tour that visits Sidi Bou Said,
Kairouan and Gafsa in Tunisia, the
seven-night Charm of Andalusia, the
three-night Wine Route of Rioja and
Navarra, and the eight-night Highlights of Turkey, which takes in the
sights of Istanbul, Canakkale, Kusa-
dasi, Pamukkale and Antalya.
“We offer a wide choice of travel options to meet and to exceed travellers’
needs and expectations,” said Vittorio LoTauro, vice president of sales &
marketing. “Travel is all about making
a dream come true, be it adventure,
relaxation or prestige, and we help to
achieve it.”
For more information visit www.
artsandleisuretours.com.
Travellers receive the
royal treatment with
Insight’s Gold Tours
With rolling green landscapes and
opulent castles, Britain has long been
synonymous with romance. Now, with
a royal wedding on the horizon, there’s
even more reason to get swept away.
Insight Vacations’ new 15-day Britain and Ireland Gold Tour allows travellers to discover the country in a way
suited for royalty. Priced from $5,499
per person, twin share, land only, the
program is available from April 30Oct. 1, 2011.
Highlights include a picturesque
journey to Shakespeare’s birthplace
at Stratford-upon-Avon, a visit to the
Roman Baths, a guided tour of cosmopolitan Dublin and a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
With Insight’s new Gold Tours, travellers can explore at a more leisurely
pace than on other deluxe tours. There
15544399899
AUSTRALIA on Sale
Discover Downunder $1499
Aussie Icons $1769
11 Days: Return air to Melbourne & Sydney
ex. Vancouver, 4 nts Melbourne, 4 nts
Sydney. Trip code: 59673
15 Days: Return air to Melbourne, Sydney & Cairns ex.
Vancouver, 4 nts Melbourne, 4 nts Sydney, 4 nts Cairns
with daily breakfast in Cairns. Trip code: 59668
are a total of seven tailored Gold Tours
in a variety of European destinations,
with extra perks that include luxury
hotels, fine dining, leisurely touring
and premium sightseeing.
Plus, travellers enjoy full Insight
benefits, like smaller group sizes, luxury coaches with more legroom and the
services of an Insight tour director.
Book before Feb. 28 and your clients
can save up to $1,000 on air.
For details visit www.insight
vacations.com.au.
Airline of the Year
goes to Emirates
Emirates, the Dubai-based carrier, received top honours by leading industry title Air Transport World earlier
this month at a gala dinner in Washington, D.C.
Winning ‘Airline of the Year’ reflects how much the airline has grown
since launching services in 1985. It
has experienced rapid and consistent
growth, above 20% a year on average,
and carried 27.5 million passengers in
the 2009-2010 financial year, almost
4.7 million more than the previous 12
months.
Some of Emirates’ pioneering innovations include becoming the first
airline to introduce individual seat
back videos and enabling passengers
to make authorized onboard mobile
phone calls. Emirates’ flagship A380s
Sydney Opera House
Call 1 877 217 5063 or visit australia.com/escape
Prices per person, twin share. Travel 1 May - 8 Jun ’11, book by 28 Feb ’11. Additional tax up to $430 pp. Ex. Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal add $165. Seasonal surcharges may apply.
16
16 Travelweek
Travelweek February
February 24,
24, 2011
2011
2/18/11 11:48:53 AM
&*'##%&
*"'$& (!&'**"'+"%&""$%&"*"'$$%&%%$(&'&
%#"!" # !&$*# %!$&"&"%#
'&)!*"'!
&!&$%&!
'%!%%%%"!"$"'!"$(%&&$%&%%
")$#)&+%&'$$*%"($ "$& $&%" $&%%*'""% * $&%#%"($!
17
emirates.com/ca
Over 400 international awards and over 100 destinations worldwide. Discover frequent Áyer beneÀts at skywards.com
2/18/11 11:50:05 AM
Luxury Holidays For The Connoisseur Traveller
Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Turkey, Tunisia &
Beyond
Deluxe 5* accommodations * Private guided tours and excursions * Private Mediterranean Yacht Excursions *
Destination Weddings and Honeymoons in the Mediterranean * Cooking Classes with Private Chefs
and much more...indulge yourself to fulfill your dream travel experience.
FOR UNIQUE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES...Providing inside knowledge, expertise, reliability & meticulous planning
0',/,'/0/+fi(/''*/.+(('sè]f7XikjXe[c\`jli\kflij%Zfdsnnn%XikjXe[c\`jli\kflij%Zfd
are also the only commercial aircraft
to feature onboard shower spas for
first class passengers.
“The last few years have been among
the most demanding in our industry’s
history but despite the challenges we
have kept our focus on delivering the
very highest standards of product,
passenger comfort and operational
efficiency,” said Tim Clark, president
of Emirates. “This recognition is testament to our commitment to innovation and service excellence as we continue to grow our global network and
offer customers more opportunities to
discover the world from Dubai.”
Emirates currently flies to 110 cities
in 66 countries across Europe, North
America, South America, the Middle
East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent
and Asia-Pacific. For more information visit www.emirates.com.
A limited time special is available
to travel agents: earn an additional 1%
commission on their Goway persona
card for all 2011 departures booked by
March 31, 2011 (valid on new bookings only).
goway.com.
Goway goes decadent
with two new Asia
programs
Now Resorts & Spas
Goway has gone all out for its 2011 makes a splash with
Asia Travel Planner, which features
two new decadent programs that are two luxury hotels
sure to impress even the most discern- in Mexico
ing traveller.
New this year is a five-star luxury
small ship cruise experience with
Orion Cruises. Passengers onboard
will find 50 spacious oceanview suites
with marble bathrooms and quality
furnishings, a Jacuzzi spa and a boutique salon. Each sailing includes onboard presentations by experts in the
region. Cruise options include visits to
Borneo, Vietnam and Thailand.
As a special bonus, clients who
book now through March 31 for travel
during 2011 will receive a AUD$250
per person onboard stateroom credit
to use however they wish. This offer is
valid for new bookings only.
Also new is a ride on the Trans Siberian Railway travelling between
Beijing and Moscow or reverse. The
Tsar’s Gold locomotive offers an upscale option to see this fabled route in
comfort without having to ‘rough’ it as
was expected in the past. Passengers
will travel through the Gobi Desert
and see the breathtaking countryside
home to Mongolian nomads, as well
as Lake Baikal, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk,
Yekaterinbury and Kazan. Along the
ride, guests will enjoy caviar and vodka tasting while listening to daily lectures on local culture.
Only introduced last year, Now Resorts & Spas is creating plenty of buzz
with two properties on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun and
Now Jade Riviera Cancun combine all
the exclusive benefits of ‘UnlimitedLuxury’ with ultra-lush surroundings
and top notch service. Guests can indulge in a collection of amenities, including unlimited gourmet food and
premium beverages, pool and beach
wait service and 24-hour room and
concierge service.
At each property, guests will find
airy suites with daily refreshed minibar, plush robes and slippers, Jacuzzi
for two and private furnished balconies or terraces. An endless array
of outdoor activities await under the
sun, including kayaking, windsurfing,
swimming in oversized pools, deep
sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling,
golf, themed parties and movies on
the beach.
Guests at Now Resorts can sign up
for the Preferred Club, an exclusive
selection of suites that provide enhanced amenities and services. These
suites offer private concierge-assisted
check-in and check-out, private furnished balconies (some with outdoor
2/18/11 11:50:24 AM
Jacuzzis), in-suite Internet, exclusive
Preferred Club lounge with daily continental breakfast, afternoon hot and
cold hors d’oeuvres and fine liquors,
special concierge service, daily newspaper, pillow menu and upgraded
minibar service.
Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun is
located a short 15-minute drive from
Cancun International Airport and features numerous pools and a sparkling
beach. Now Jade Riviera Cancun is located 12 miles from the airport and an
easy 10-minute stroll from the quaint
fishing town of Puerto Morelos.
nowresorts.com.
Cruisers set sail with
a ‘Passport to Luxury’
onboard Silversea
Silversea Cruises has launched a new
‘Passport to Luxury’ promotion, which
gives Canadians access to Onboard
Spending Credits of up to US$1,000
per suite.
Available on new bookings made by
June 30, 2011, the promotion is valid
on most voyages setting sail this year.
“We’re giving travellers essentially
a passport to luxury that lets them
enjoy a completely personalized, allinclusive vacation experience,” said
Steve Tucker, Silversea’s vice president of field sales for North America.
“Maybe you’re interested in taking a
French cooking class or surprising
your spouse with a gift from the onboard boutique. Why not got for it?
The choice is yours.”
Onboard Spending Credit options
include: spa treatments; specialty restaurants; premium spirits and rare
vintages from the Connoisseur’s List;
Silver Shore excursions (none are excluded); boutique purchases; Internet packages; laundry service; personal fitness training, and direct-dial
phone calls.
Voyages that offer the promotion include a transoceanic voyage onboard
the Silver Shadow, departing Sept.
8-23 from Seward to Tokyo, a Far East
Voyage onboard the Silver Shadow on
Nov. 9-18, and a South America Voyage onboard the Silver Whisper on
Nov. 26-Dec. 4.
A roundtrip economy air package (included in the cruise fare) with
transfers is available from 22 gateway
cities in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, there are specially priced air
add-on programs available from another 40 cities.
The Onboard Spending Credit is a
capacity-controlled program offered
per suite, not per voyage, and only
once to guests sailing on consecutive
voyages. Maximum value of credit is
either $1,000 or $500 per suite, depending on voyage. Single occupancy
suites will receive 50% of the credit.
For a complete list of sailings offering the Onboard Spending Credit,
visit www.silversea.com/specialoffers.
Luxury redefined at
Grand Solmar Land’s
End Resort & Spa
The brand new Grand Solmar Land’s
End Resort & Spa, located at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula, has
brought a new level of luxury to the
shores of Los Cabos, Mexico.
Opening earlier this month, Grand
Solmar Land’s End marks the fifth
property owned and operated in Cabo
San Lucas by Solmar Hotels & Resorts. Set along the exclusive white
sand beaches of Playa Solmar, the hotel offers discerning guests a pictureperfect retreat.
“Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort &
Spa will offer guests a once in a lifetime experience while setting a new
standard of luxury in Cabo,” said Ricardo Orozco, managing director of
Solmar Hotels & Resorts. “No other
resort in the destination can lay claim
to a setting that is literally at the tip of
Land’s End.”
Guests can rest easy in one of 119
suites that boast unobstructed views
of the Pacific Ocean. A selection of
world-class amenities await, including
a full service spa, concierge, heated
pools and Jacuzzis, certified romance
coordinator, 24-hour in-villa dining
and daily turndown service.
There’s still a few days left to take
advantage of the hotel’s Grand Opening Special, which includes a discount
of up to 50% per stay (minimum
four nights) for travel from Feb. 26
to April 30, 2011. Also included is a
resort credit of up to $400 to be used
for food and beverage purchases on
property. Reservations must be made
by Feb. 28.
For more information call 1-800344-3349 or visit www.solmar.com.
' )-.'* ((
.)%.
. $.#"". &(.)%.'* (. $..-)." !.$+ '%$#$)
*".'* ((. $.'.*'!-.()'$. )''$$.
"!...().' ...
'%*&(.%..)%..$.&' +).')'(
,,,+' )-'* ((%#
$.
2/18/11 11:51:04 AM
SPOTLIGHT SUN DESTINATIONS
Beachfront Guestroom, Tamarind
Beach Hotel & Yacht Club
Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club’s
free companion fare offer makes flying
to Canouan a great spring deal
by Chris Kinasz
Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club
has announced a new spring season
travel value to Canouan Island and
the resort.
The getaway package provides ‘2 for
1’ pricing on connecting flights from
St. Lucia or Barbados. Arriving guests
flying into Canouan through either St.
Lucia (UVF) or Barbados on SVG Air
receive one complimentary roundtrip flight on the same route for one
accompanying guest when staying
seven nights or longer at Tamarind
Beach Hotel.
The offer is valid for winter/spring
travel and represents a value of
US$425. The free flight offer is valid for
one accompanying adult only, and an
additional charge of US$425 will apply
for any second person or child. In the
event a guest cancels their booking on
this offer, a cancellation fee of US$425
per person will apply.
SunDestinations.indd 20
This latest winter/spring season special package takes advantage of current flights by SVG Air that now connect Canouan Island both to St. Lucia’s
Hewanorra International Airport and
to Barbados’s Grantley Adams International Airport. The package also
allows travellers to make onward international connections with carriers
such as American Airlines, Delta, US
Airways and Jet Blue.
“Since we now have this low-cost
air regional connection from SVG
Air direct to Barbados or St. Lucia,
this early 2011 special savings offer on
the companion airfare is one timely
way we can make travel for two to
Tamarind Beach Hotel even more attractive to guests relying on flights
to these two islands to travel onward
to Canouan,” says Cinzia Occioni,
general manager of Tamarind Beach
Hotel & Yacht Club.
The booking period for this offer
runs until April 30 and is valid for
travel completed between now and
April 30. The offer is non-combinable
with any other current promotion.
Located on Canouan Island in the
heart of the Grenadines, Tamarind
Beach Hotel & Yacht Club is a luxurious beachfront escape consisting of
40 guest rooms, including eight suites,
nestled within tropical gardens right
on the water’s edge.
The hotel’s recently renovated guest
quarters feature Brazilian walnut panelling and balconies. In-room amenities include Frette linens, telephone,
television, mini-bar/refrigerator, personal in-room safe, overhead fans and
air-conditioning, along with free wi-fi
access in rooms and around the hotel.
The hotel offers two first-class dining options – the thatched-roof Palapa
Restaurant, and Pirates Cove, plus
a nearby beach bar serving tropical
drinks and snacks.
2/18/11 9:39:34 AM
A full range of water and land activities are available for the sports-minded guest and include complimentary
snorkel gear, kayak and hydro-bikes
onsite. Golf packages can also be
arranged through the hotel.
Day trip boat excursions to some
of the neighbouring islands provide another outdoor adventure for
Tamarind Beach guests.
For additional information, visit
www.tamarindbeachhotel.com.
Long list of activities
will keep guests busy
at SuperClubs’
Jamaica resorts
There are plenty of activities available at SuperClubs resorts in Jamaica
that will keep guests entertained all
vacation long.
All SuperClubs resorts in Jamaica
offer free green fees at the popular
PGA-quality Golf Course that has
been the home of the Heineken World
Cup Western Hemisphere Qualifying
Tournament and the Jamaica Open.
The SuperClubs course is a par 72,
18-hole championship golf course.
Scuba dives are free for certified divers specifically at Breezes Resort, Spa
and Golf Club, Runaway Bay, Breezes
Rio Bueno, Breezes Grand Negril and
Hedonism 2 resorts in Jamaica. Resort
and PADI certification is available at
an additional charge at all SuperClubs
resorts in Jamaica.
An assortment of non-motorized
water sports with instruction and
equipment is included and the diverse
list of options includes windsurfing,
kayaks, waterskiing, Hobie Cat rides
and snorkelling.
Active guests can get their daily
workout in fully equipped gyms
or play tennis on lit or un-lit tennis courts. Instructors are available
for lessons.
Visit www.breezes.com, www.hedonismresorts.com or www.superclubs.
com for details.
Canlink adds Cocos
Hotel in Antigua
Canlink Travel Representatives has
added another resort to its list of
properties with the inclusion of Cocos
Hotel in Antigua.
Cocos, set in a spectacular location
on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean
Sea, is a small, romantic and unique
collection of traditional Caribbean
cottages with panoramic views and
a private secluded beach with white
sand. This all-inclusive property
provides exceptional personal service in a secluded Caribbean setting,
says Canlink.
The property features 26 individual
cottages designed in Caribbean style
with spacious rooms, dark wood
floors and white linens. Each room
has a personal hammock and the
bathrooms are large and come complete with an open-air shower. Each
cottage includes a fridge, wall safe,
fan, hairdryer and coffee/tea making
facilities. Four-poster king-size beds
Ever get the feeling everyone’s having more fun than you are? They are!
It’s time to play catch up. Breezes Resorts and Spas, the playful side of paradise.
Where vitually everything you can eat, drink and do is included in one simple up
front price, and tipping is simply not permitted. That’s the Super-Inclusive difference.
To learn more about the Breezes Resorts, contact your preferred travel supplier or
visit breezes.com
2011
2/18/11 9:40:10 AM
SPOTLIGHT SUN DESTINATIONS
are featured in each cottage along
with a large private balcony perfect for
watching Antigua’s sunsets.
Cocos’ sea view restaurant allows
guests to dine on freshly prepared
dishes offering a mix of international
cuisine with a strong local Caribbean
influence. The property’s European
trained chef prepares freshly caught
fish, steaks and classic salads along
with spicy local dishes and a myriad of
international offerings, says Canlink.
There is also a large and varied
wine selection and “always warm and
friendly service with a smile”. Guests
will also enjoy sampling unique custom made cocktails from the bar located next to the restaurant or while
relaxing in the sun at the beach bar.
Clients looking to be pampered
can head to Serenity Cottage, offering
tropical pampering with treatments
designed to relax the body and soul
while stimulating the body’s natural
healing process. Available treatments
include a range of massages, sea salt
body polish, re-hydrating wraps, facials manicures and pedicures.
Cocos also specializes in destination weddings and honeymoons, with
a wedding team available to assist with
every detail to ensure so that special
day is stress-free and remembered for
a lifetime. For more information visit
www.cocoshotel.com.
Sunspots featuring
new hotel offers to
sun destinations
Sunspots Holidays is offering new
special negotiated rates for hotels in
destinations including Curacao and
Costa Rica.
On top of offering special commissionable programs for flights from
Canada to Curacao, Sunspots Holidays can now also book Baoase Luxury Resort at special negotiated rates.
Named to the 2010 Hot List by Conde
Nast Traveler, Baoase Luxury Resort is
located on a 300 metre beachfront on
the south side of Curacao. With prices
starting from $425 per night based on
double occupancy, this upscale resort
offers sweeping views of the Carib-
bean Sea with its colourful coral reefs.
The resort is surrounded by meandering free form pools, waterfalls, palm
trees and Caribbean flora and fauna
that create a great setting where clients
can wind down and soak up the sun.
Guests can stay in the residential
style two, three or four bedroom villas and suites at Baoase. The villas and
suites have a unique ambiance with
Asian style, coupled with modern
amenities and professional service.
While already offering a wide range
of hotels and resorts in Costa Rica,
Sunspots Holidays now offers a special
negotiated group rate to JW Marriott
Guanacaste Resort. This beachfront
resort is seen as one of the best hotels in Santa Cruz, and features four
restaurants, a full-service spa and an
outdoor pool.
Ideal for special occasions and
family getaways, Sunspots now
offers a special rate for the JW
Marriott Guanacaste Resort of $440
per person including taxes when booking 10 rooms or more. This offer includes two nights accommodation in a
Deluxe Garden View Room, full buffet
breakfast and sunset cruise.
Sunspots also has programs with
the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas
offering a wide range of opportunities
and choices for vacationers who want
something more than just regular one
and two week vacations. These packages are designed per need and clients
can choose their airline and hotel. For
more information, call (416) 484-8144
or visit www.sunspotsholidays.com.
Photo Courtesy of
Sunspot Holidays
2/18/11 11:39:23 AM
#$ "
# #! # # www.JoinVacation.com
!! ' ! $ " "! # #
! $! $ #! ' $ &
"" % % """! &
# # ! $$
1.800.848.8756
" ### Feb24.indd 23
2/18/11 12:32:10 PM
... Continued from page 14
ventures. “Every day the Peru tourism
board issues 500 permits to the Inca
Trail, and of these Gap Adventures
holds a 30% majority share.”
And now with the added benefit
of partnering with Air Canada Vacations, which offers direct flights from
Toronto to Lima three times per week
onboard Air Canada, the company is
expected to reach even more Canadian travellers.
“The exclusive collection of tours
offers a perfect combination of the
worry-free, premium vacations that
Air Canada Vacations passengers have
come to expect with Gap Adventures’
world-renowned focus on exploring
real cultures at exciting destinations
off the beaten path,” Sapra added.
“Canada’s premier airline coupled
with the world’s premier adventure
travel operator can only mean great
things for Canadians coast to coast.”
Ranya Bakhit, manager of corporate communications at Air Canada
Vacations, also told Travelweek, “we
are delighted that the partnership between Air Canada Vacations and Gap
Adventures is going strong. We started
off with 30 adventure travel packages
and now we offer over 60 unique experiences to our clients, and there will
be more to come.”
The small town of Aguas Calientes serves as home base for visitors to Machu Picchu.
The collection of tours includes the
21-day Absolute Peru, which visits
Lima, Pisco, Nazca, Arequipa, Colca
Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cuzco, Machu
Picchu and the Amazon Jungle. Also
available are the 10-day Inca Discovery
Plus, the 11-day Voyage Galapagos and
the 14-day Essence of Peru, which includes boat tours through the Amazon
jungle, a city tour of Cuzco, guided tours
of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
and a relaxing stop at Lake Titicaca.
All trips include roundtrip flights
onboard Air Canada, pre- or posttour hotel stays, airport transfers and
what Sapra refers to as “a life-changing
experience.”
This sentiment was also shared
by Bakhit, who believes that despite
Peru’s reputation for being an adventure destination, all kinds of travellers
would enjoy it.
“Peru is a fantastic destination for
travellers of all ages and athletic abilities,” she said. “If you are interested in
seeing the sites while staying relaxed,
you can with guided coach tours that
are available. For the more adventurous traveller the four-day hike on the
Inca trail or a trek through the Peruvian Amazon may be of interest. Peru is
an amazing place where you can experience both rich culture and adventure
at any given moment.”
Air Canada Vacations offers convenient connectors from 65 Canadian
cities as well as free advance seat selection, individual seat-back video
terminals, Executive Class service
options and the opportunity to earn
Aeroplan points on the entire cost of
the Air Canada Vacations package.
For a complete list of tours offered
by Gap Adventures and Air Canada
Vacations visit http://gap.aircanada
vacations.com.
Airline-owned ARC in
U.S. launches Helix,
competes with
consortia
LAS VEGAS — Airline-owned ARC,
the U.S. version of BSP, is launching a
program that competes with consortia
called Helix to provide home-based
and retail travel agencies “competitive
supplier offerings, multiple business
services, and the professional education
and training needed to operate more ef24 Travelweek February 24, 2011
Feb24.indd 24
2/18/11 12:32:17 PM
CONTEST WINNERS
GRAND
PRIZE
R
WINNE
SEVEN NIGHTS INCLUDING AIR COURTESY
OF AIR CANADA VACATIONS
Lois Barbour, TPI Travel Time, St. John’s,
Newfoundland has won a three-year lease on
a Sandals co-branded Honda Element.
Lois Barbour,TPI Travel Time with Adam Stewart, CEO,
Sandals Resorts International and Gordon “Butch” Stewart,
Chairman, Sandals Resorts
Kim Stinka – Vision 2000 Travel Group, Calgary, AB
Sue Chisholm – Maritime Travel, Surrey, BC
Lori McMillan – Marlin Travel, Regina, SK
Joan Kolpin – Uniglobe Instant Travel, London, ON
Elaine White – Travel Resources, Markham, ON
Anna Spina – Uniglobe Premier Travel, Ottawa, ON
Jonathan Clark – Sears Vacation Store,Timmins, ON
Debbie Weir – Marlin Travel Sherway Gardens,Toronto, ON
Carole Chartrand – Voyages Jean-Pierre, Brossard, QC
Charity Coates – Uniglobe River Valley Travel, Saint John, NB
FOUR NIGHTS LAND ONLY
Terri-Jo Lennox – Travel Time, Calgary, AB
Dianne Anderson – Mills Travel American Express, Red Deer, AB
Sheila MacPhail – Maritime Travel,Vancouver, BC
Henry Wang – Brave New World Travel,Vancouver, BC
Jean Hammerlindl – The Art of Travel, Regina, SK
Bev Lazar – Marlin Travel, Saskatoon, SK
Danielle Lomax Brown – Latitudes Plus Smart Travel, Brooklin, ON
Brenda Morris – MyTravel Main Street Travel, Markham, ON
Suzie Wallace – Expedia Cruiseship Centers, Oakville, ON
Yvonne Kemper Beaudoin – Marlin Travel, Ottawa, ON
Nicole Bedard – Advantage Elgin Travel, St.Thomas, ON
Merryl Chin – Distinguished Travel,Toronto, ON
Irini Wassef – Canadian Top Travel, Laval, QC
Kathy Sutherland – Maritime Travel, Halifax, NS
Jeannine Smith – Legrow’s Travel, St. John’s, NL
For sales support, contact your local Business Development
Manager or Inside Sales – Unique Vacations
416-223-0028 or 1-800-545-8283
Feb24.indd 25
2/18/11 12:32:23 PM
ficiently and become more profitable”.
The Association of Retail Travel
Agents (ARTA) immediately raised
concerns as have other groups.
“We are doing our due diligence
to determine precisely what is being
offered in the Helix program and to
what degree ARC’s involvement is really a proper extension of ARC’s role
as claimed”, said ARTA chairwoman
Nancy Linares, CTC.
The Helix program does appear
to be one that conflicts with ARC’s
long-held mandate of reporting and
accreditation, she added. “ARTA has
always been uneasy about ARC’s foray
into commission-related programs
such as those included in ARC’s MarketPlace program. ARTA felt that suppliers should not be influenced by an
airline-owned association to offer or
otherwise determine commissionable
travel services when such negotiations
are best left to agencies, consortia and
other agent-managed groups.”
“We have some real antitrust con-
Enter our Where on Earth? contest for a chance to win a
TURKEY EXPRESS
COACH TOUR FOR 2
courtesy of Transat Holidays
Clue
1
It’s the only city in the world that is in both Europe
and Asia.
To submit your answer, visit www.travelweek.ca
Brought to you by
Clues will be given each week for four weeks in the Feb 24 and March 3, 10 and 17 issues of Travelweek. Each valid entry
must include the name of the city and country. The grand prize winner of a Turkey Express Coach Tour for two will be
randomly selected in April. Winners must be full-time travel agents and prizes are not transferable or redeemable for
cash. Limit one entry per day. With each guess entrants will receive one Air Mile, up to a maximum of four Air Miles for
four entries.
cerns here. It’s one thing for ARC to accredit, regulate and provide settlement
services to travel agencies in an arena
where such controls are imposed on all
travel agencies; it’s quite another matter when the very same regulator also
runs a commercial operation in which
it replicates and competes with the
entities with which some agencies are
affiliated and are members. ARC also
has extensive data about travel agencies
including airline sales, service charge
amounts processed, non-air sales via
MarketPlace, and a treasure trove of
business information which will allow
ARC to unfairly compete against established agency groups in the acquisition
of members,” said ARTA managing director Bruce Bishins, CTC.
ARTA has asked its general counsel,
Alexander Anolik, to file a complaint
and objection with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to review ARC’s
Helix plans.
ARTA will request that the DOJ investigate an attempted percipient monopoly with the relevant market where
no one else controls the distribution
system of the Area Settlement Plan,
and, which combined with favouritism preferences that by their nature
exclude others, interfere with agents’
relationships with long-standing preferred suppliers and other consortia.
ARTA will also ask the DOJ to determine if ARC has improperly changed
the nature of its business with respect
to the caveats imposed by the DOJ in
its original 1984 review and conditional approval of ARC’s incorporation.
ARC said that Helix includes three
primary elements: Preferred Suppliers,
Education & Training, and Business
Services. ARC has negotiated partner
agreements with some of the industry’s
premier suppliers, including Carnival
Cruise Lines, Globus Family of Brands,
Avalon Waterways, Insight Vacations,
Travel Impressions, Marriott International, Funjet Vacations and Southwest
Airlines Vacations, among others.
“As a result of the preferred supplier
agreements, Helix agencies will have
access to enhanced and, in some cases,
exclusive commissions,” said ARC.
“Carnival Cruise Lines is delighted
to be one of the select preferred sup-
Feb24.indd 26
2/18/11 12:32:30 PM
pliers for Helix,” said Joni Rein, vice
president of worldwide sales, Carnival Cruise Lines. “We look forward
to building a strong partnership with
Helix member travel agencies and are
committed to help grow and develop
new business in support of this distribution channel.”
ARC said hundreds of online business courses, webinars and exclusive
destination and regional symposiums
will be available for Helix members. Helix Education and Training will be led
by Joanie Ogg, CTC, MCC, principal
owner of Joanie Ogg Marketing Group.
ARC will waive the first annual
membership fee of $179 for Helix until 2012 to provide agents with the opportunity to experience it.
2011 editions of
The Travel Guides To
Canada released to
trade, consumers
TORONTO — The 10th edition of the
annual Travel Guides To Canada is
now available, according to Joe Turkel,
president and Group Publisher of Globelite Travel Marketing Inc.
The British, U.S. and Canadian
Travel Industry Guides To Canada are
distributed to tourism professionals
in Britain, the U.S. and Canada and at
major travel shows including Rendezvous Canada and World Travel Market in London.
The new Travel Guide To Canada
is on sale for $6.95 and is available in
retail locations including Chapters,
Indigo, Coles, SmithBooks, Loblaws,
Sobeys, HDS (hotel and mall locations), London Drugs, Walmart and
Value Drug Mart. It is also being distributed in all Air Canada Maple Leaf
Lounges.
The Travel Guides to Canada are
detailed resource directories providing an invaluable source of information on Canada for travellers and
travel industry professionals. The new
2011 edition, edited by well-known
travel writers Anita Draycott and Kate
Pocock, provides 200 pages of detailed
content on Canada’s provinces and
territories and highlights destinations
and tourism specialties of interest to
the traveller. They are supported digitally with social media and an interactive e-magazine.
For more information on the Travel Guides to Canada, or to request a
copy, call (416) 497- 5353, 1-888-7004464 or e-mail: vsaunders@canada
travelguides.ca.
NOTES
Rail Europe incentive
Rail Europe is collaborating with Eurostar to provide travel agents with an
exclusive booking incentive from Feb.
15 to March 8. For the first 1,000 eligible invoiced bookings during this time
period, every travel agent who books a
roundtrip ticket on Eurostar Standard
Premier Class (displayed as ‘Comfortಬ
Class on agent.raileurope.com) will receive a US$10 Amazon.com gift card.
Bookings must be made through Rail
$*5$QSFTFOUT/PMBO#VSSJT
²'"$&#00,4USBUFHJFT'PS4VDDFTT³8FCJOBS
5VFTEBZ.BSDITU
There is no reason to miss out a chance to learn more about Facebook one of the most used social media tools
8IBUZPVµMMHFUPVUPGUIJT
■
8IZ²TPDJBMOFUXPSLJOH³JT/05BUFDIOPMPHZUIJOH
■
4JNQMFTUSBUFHJFTGPSNBLJOHUIFNPTUPGB'BDFCPPLQFSTPOBMQSP¾MF
■
8IZZPVNBZPSNBZOPU
XBOUNPSFUIBOPOFQSP¾MF
■
*NQPSUBOUBOETJNQMFQSJWBDZJTTVFT
■
5IFDSJUJDBMFMFNFOUTPGB'BDFCPPLCVTJOFTTQBHF","'BO1BHF
■
BOENVDINPSF
“We’ll show you how other travel agents are turning Facebook profiles into revenue generators!”
After you become familiar with all the great things that Facebook can do for your
business, join us on Tuesday, March 22nd as Nolan Burris shares his secrets on
Twitter business success strategies. For details, please visit the link below.
FULL DETAILS,
TIMES & REGISTRATION:
XXXDJUDDBXFCJOBST
IT’S TIME TO DISCOVER CITC!
XXXDJUDDB
FWFOUT!DJUDDB
Feb24.indd 27
2/18/11 12:32:37 PM
Europe will offer consumers discounted prices on Eurostar. Agents may assist
their clients interested in purchasing
Eurostar’s Standard Premier tickets by
booking through the Rail Europe agent
site. Clients can receive 20% off a Eurostar Standard Premier ticket from Paris
or Brussels to London. Special savings
are also available on additional routes.
This promotion is valid for travel March
1 through Aug. 25, 2011.
Air Canada Vacations’ recent Antigua fam included 17 travel professionals from across Quebec.
The trip included visits to all of ACV’s hotels and resorts on the island, including Blue Waters,
Carlisle Bay, Cocos Hotel, Galley Bay Resort & Spa, Grand Pineapple Beach Resort, Hawskbill
Beach by Rex Resorts, Hermitage Bay, Jolly Beach Resort & Spa, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, St. James's Club & Villas, The Cove Suites at Blue Waters and The Verandah Resort
& Spa. Seen here at Hawskbill Beach Resort are (front to back, left to right): Louise Martel
(Hawskbill Resort Manager), Khane Fong, Jean-Charles Joanette, Nancy Dufour, Manon Gravel,
Natacha Hetu, Patrice Lapointe, Marie-Christine Jodoin, Julie Golding (ACV area sales manager), Danielle Belec Drapeau, Martha Rivera Leon, Jean-Francois Duquette, France Ouellette,
Lucie Ladouceur, Jade Pellerin, Stephanie Raymond (ACV area sales manager), Marielle Mercier, Virginie Mongeon and Mireille Guillemette. This winter ACV heads to Antigua from Toronto
on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays and from Montreal on Saturdays.
Europe’s agent site, agent.raileurope.
com, and gift cards will be sent to agents
within six to eight weeks of booking
date. “We’re anticipating strong demand for Europe this spring and summer season, particularly to some of the
most popular destinations including
London, Paris and Brussels,” said Rail
Europe Inc. president and CEO Frédéric Langlois. “We are encouraging
our customers to book early to take
advantage of the savings which are only
offered for a limited time.” In addition,
from Feb. 15 through March 31, Rail
CITC TICO exam prep
CITC will continue seminars and
webinars geared toward preparing
candidates to write the TICO Travel
Counsellor exam. Steve Gillick CTM,
CITC’s president, noted that “with
students graduating from travel programs, new industry hires, people
returning to the industry after a few
years and travel counsellors outside
of Ontario finding a need to write the
TICO exam, a regular stream of candidates keeps registering. In response
to many requests for assistance in
preparing for the exam, CITC is offering some programs for 2011”. Gillick
Louis Cruises...Fulfilling Travel Dreams Across the Mediterranean
Welcome to a Sea of Memories...
Louis Cruises invites travelers to experience
the Mediterranean and beyond with 16
exciting programs on the fleet’s Louis
Cristal, Louis Majesty, Coral, Orient Queen,
and Calypso featured in the line’s new
2011 full-color, 60-page brochure. Updated
itineraries include enhanced opportunities to
enjoy the line’s 3-4 night Greek Islands and
Turkey cruises onboard Louis Majesty.
Now available at hippoexpress.com
www.louiscruises.com
DISTRIBUTION AND FULFILLMENT FOR THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY
T. 416.365.1500
F. 416.365.1504
www.hippoexpress.com
Feb24.indd 28
2/18/11 12:32:45 PM
mentioned that aside from CITC’s free
download on TICO Exam Strategies,
in addition, CITC is working with
YourWorkshops to offer the CITC
TICO Exam Strategies, Free Workshop. Visit www.YourWorkshops.ca.
CITC is running three-hour webinars
and four-hour seminars for those who
prefer to review the TICO exam material through the guidance of an experienced instructor. The first webinar
will take place on Saturday March 19
from 9 a.m. to noon. The first seminar will take place in the downtown
Toronto area on Saturday May 7 from
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Details about the
preparation courses may be found
at www.citc.ca/ticotraining or by
contacting CITC at (416) 484-4450;
1-800-589-5776 or [email protected].
Kumuka’s new KATIE
Kumuka’s new training system, called
K.A.T.I.E (Kumuka Agent Training
Interactive Experience), provides
agents with a new online environment
designed to help them learn about
Kumuka’s extensive range of Small
Group Tours worldwide, says the
company. Agents can access ondemand presentations and weekly
webinars as well as download sales
flyers for themselves and for clients.
In addition to this, agents can watch
videos of Kumuka tours taken by
Kumuka travellers. See www.kumuka.
com/katie.
Onboard NCL credit
NOW ON
TRAVELWEEK.CA
TRAVELWEEK NEWS
The Travelweek Group is pleased to announce our entry into
the social media world. We have opened both Twitter and
Facebook accounts under the username, TravelweekGroup.
Come and join us in these communities. Play a role in shaping
the future of Travelweek online and be a part of the discussion.
We’re listening!
FACEBOOKCOMTRAVELWEEKCAsTWITTERCOMTRAVELWEEKGROUP
DIGITAL BROCHURES
Blue Book
VIDEOS
Caribbean
Cruise
Europe
Effective
immediately,
Encore
CruiseEscapes and Fun Sun Vacations
have introduced an exclusive new promotion with NCL where your clients
will receive a US$50 onboard credit per
stateroom. Available only with NCL
(applicable to any destination on any
NCL ship), this promotion is valid on
all new individual bookings made between Feb. 15 and March 12 for travel
up until March 31, 2011, and is applicable on a minimum seven-night sailing
in an oceanview stateroom or higher.
It is not applicable to group bookings.
To take advantage of it, use promo code
ADTPRO NCLW with your next booking. This offer is combinable with any
other NCL and Encore CruiseEscapes
promotion currently in the marketplace. For more information or to
book, visit www.encorecruiseescapes
agent.ca or www.funsunagent.com or
call 1-800-661-6361 to reach Encore
CruiseEscapes or 1-800-938-6786 to
reach Fun Sun Vacations. This promotion is applicable to bookings made on
Encore CruiseEscapes’ B2B.
Myrtle Beach online
View the latest selection of informative travel videos
at Travelweek.ca.
Have YOU done it? - Contiki
AM Resorts Press Conference (part 2) - Travelweek
TRAVEL BLOGS
Memories of the International Sahara Festival, re-ignited!
Steve Gillick fondly remembers his time in Tunisia
Saling with Mickey on the Mexican Riviera
Kathryn Folliott heads south to Puerto Vallarta onboard the family-friendly
Disney Wonder
The Myrtle Beach Area in South
Carolina is launching its second Canadian online educational workshop for
all Canadian licensed and provincially
registered and accredited full and part
time travel agents which will run until
March 31. Participating agents will be
entered into a prize draw for a trip for
two to the Myrtle Beach Area, including two airline tickets sponsored by
Porter Airlines departing from the
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and
six days/five nights at the Hampton
Feb24.indd 30
2/18/11 12:33:06 PM
travelweeklearningcentre.ca
LEARN
GROW
& WIN
Learn and grow your business with Travelweek’s Learning Centre
for a chance to win either 2 tickets to China or a free iPad!
The Learning Centre is a one-stop-shop for Canadian travel agents to search, manage
and complete online travel industry training.
WIN BIG!
For each specialist program listed below that you complete through Travelweek’s Learning Centre by April 30,
2011, you’ll be entered in a draw to win either two tickets to Shanghai departing from Vancouver onboard
China Eastern Airlines, or one of four iPads.
s !USSIE3PECIALIST0ROGRAM
s 5NIVERSAL3PECIALIST0ROGRAM
s 4HE3HAMROCK#LUB
s ##,5NIVERSITY#ARNIVAL#RUISE,INES
AND THAT’S NOT ALL!
4HEREAREMOREGREATPRIZESTOBEWON4HElRSTAGENTSWHO#2%!4%!.!##/5.4ON4RAVLEWEEKS
Learning Centre will receive a $5 Tim Horton’s Gift Card!
SIGN UP NOW!
Start growing your business today and you can win big! Visit www.travelweeklearningcentre.ca for prize info
and more details.
Feb24.indd 31
2/18/11 12:33:16 PM
Inn & Suites Oceanfront Resort. The
workshop content is one hour long
that can be resumed easily from where
a participant leaves off, allowing agents
to complete the course at their own
pace when they have time. Content
covers destination information, attractions, accommodation options, restaurants, how to get there from Canada
and other key information required to
book a trip to the Myrtle Beach area.
Successful agents will also receive two
CITC credits. Travel agents can contact the local Canadian Account Manager Kimberly Hartley, with any questions via e-mail at kimberly.hartley@
visitmyrtlebeach.com. Travel agents
are invited to sign up and register for
the MBA workshop at http://myrtlebeach.yourworkshops.ca/.
Lady Gaga live
Starting Feb. 14, with any Sunquest
booking you make, you will automatically receive a ballot for a chance
to win a ticket to see Lady Gaga’s
Monster Ball concert on March 3 at
the Air Canada Centre in Toronto
from the comfort of Sunquest’s fullycatered private box (transportation to
and from the concert venue are not
included). Book any Sunquest vacation package or air-only between Feb.
14 and 27, with any departure and at
any price, and you will be entered for
a chance to win. The more you book,
the more chances you have to win. The
names of the five winning agents will
be drawn on Feb. 28. For more information, visit www.sunquestagent.ca.
SPECIALS
Sugar Ridge in Antigua just celebrated its one-year anniversary this winter and is welcoming travel agents to
experience the resort first hand with
discounted rates for 2011. Travel agent
rates are valid for travel now through
Oct. 22 and start at US$55 per person,
per night based on double occupancy
and subject to availability. Rates are
as follows: $85 per person, per night
based on double occupancy including
breakfast valid for travel now through
April 9 and $55 per person, per night
based on double occupancy including breakfast valid for travel April 10
through Oct. 22. All-inclusive rates are
$195 per person, per night based on
double occupancy valid for travel now
through April 9 and $95 per person,
per night based on double occupancy
valid for travel April 10 through Oct.
22. Agents can stay for seven nights
and pay for four nights: stay at Sugar
Ridge for one week and the first three
nights are complimentary including
breakfast. All rates are subject to 10%
service charge and 10.5% government
tax. A minimum three-night stay is
required for all fam rate bookings.
Airport transfers and flights are not
included. For more information and
to make a reservation, e-mail: reserva
[email protected] or visit
www.sugarridgeantigua.com.
MARKETPLACE
& #& "! (((((!(&($!(%!("!
($(& (%(" ! '(%!! ((
!($(#(("(((& (%((!
!#($!((($($(((!"
! ($!((%(($(!(&
(((!(( !(( (((
!!( "!#(& (!(#( (!!(!(
&(!(#!(!(#( (! (
#((!!#( &("!(!(!"! (
$( ((" !&((!#(!#(((!
(
(&"($"((!(((!((! ($(!
(((%(&"( "(!
!!""!$&
%
&&
Maritime Travel has been operating since 1949, with
93 locations nationwide www.maritimetravel.ca
Feb24.indd 32
2/18/11 12:33:34 PM
MARKETPLACE
EXPLORE OUR WEBSITE!
travelindustrypersonnel.com
TO FIND OUT HOW
WE CAN HELP YOU
“Geƫng the
right people
on board
since 1984”
We’re celebraƟng over 25 years of
recruitment for the travel industry
throughout Canada.
Our service is free to candidates.
TIP maintains strict conĮdenƟality
for both candidates and clients.
CONTACT US TODAY!
Member of ACTA
905-542-2989 // 1-800-717-4917
[email protected]
Looking to place a Marketplace ad?
Contact CANDICE ABRAHAM at Ex. 38
1-800-727-1429
or 416-365-1500
[email protected]
Feb24.indd 33
2/18/11 12:33:56 PM
MARKETPLACE
Join our Corporate Service Centres
at HRG North America
Å@EKHD;OÅ8;=?DIÅ>;H;ÅÅ
@E?DÅÅÅ8;9EC;Å7ÅB;7:;HÅJEE
H;ÅÅBEEA?D=Å<EHÅ7DÅÅ
;DL?HEDC;DJÅJ>7J
ÆÅÅ<<;HIÅ7ÅBK9H7J?L;Å9ECF;DI7J?EDÅFB7DÅ
M?J>Å8;D;VJIÅ7D:ÅF;HAIÅOEK«L;Å7BM7OIÅ
:H;7C;:ÅE<
ÆÅÅEDJ?DKEKIBOÅ?DL;IJIÅ?DÅ;CFBEO;;ÅÅ
:;L;BEFC;DJ
ÆÅÅ;IJÅ?DÅ9B7IIÅH;M7H:ÅÅH;9E=D?J?EDÅ
FHE=H7C
ÆÅÅIÅF7II?ED7J;Å78EKJÅJ;7CMEHAÅÅ
9KIJEC;HÅI;HL?9;ÅÅ;<V9?;D9O
E?DÅ7Å;7:;HÅ7D:Å;NF;H?;D9;ÅÅ
J>;Å:?<<;H;D9;
;Å7H;ÅFH;I;DJBOÅBEEA?D=Å<EH
;?IKH;ÅH7L;BÅEDIKBJ7DJIÅÅ
JÅH7Å;;:B;IÅBL:Å7D:ÅD?L;HI?JOÅL;
;Å>7L;Å?JÅÅOEKÅ97DÅJEE
B;7I;Å<EHM7H:ÅOEKHÅH;IKC;Å?DÅ9EDV:;D9;Å
JEÅ?D<E¡=EB?=;HIJH7L;B9EC
We have opportunities for experienced
Corporate Online Fulfillment Counsellors
in our Halifax Office
Why work for HRG? Consider the following:
t
Supportive colleagues
t
Competitive salary
t
Flexible working hours
t
Work at home arrangements will be considered
t
Extensive benefits package including Health, Dental, Group RRSP’s
t
Fitness Membership Program
t
3 weeks vacation to start
t
Personal & Sick Days
t
Paid FAM Trips
t
Near major public transportation routes in city centres
At HRG, we understand that our business is only as strong as our people. Come be a part of our
fun and friendly team. In. Interested in learning more? A detailed description of the position
can be found at: www.hrgworldwide.com
Qualified applicants should send their resume to: [email protected]
A Hogg Robinson Group company.
© Hogg Robinson Group 2011. HRG is a registered trade mark of the Hogg Robinson Group. All rights reserved.
"JS$BOBEB7BDBUJPOTJTMPPLJOHUP¾MMUIFGPMMPXJOHQPTJUJPO
DIRECTOR, PAYLOAD
5IJTQPTJUJPOQSPWJEFTMFBEFSTIJQUPUIF1BZMPBEUFBNBOEJTSFTQPOTJCMFGPSQMBOOJOHBOE
NFFUJOHUIF4VOSFWFOVFBOENBSHJOUBSHFUT
✧.JOJNVNPGZFBSTFYQFSJFODFJO1BZMPBEBOEPS3FWFOVFNBOBHFNFOUBUNBKPS
5PVS0QFSBUPS6OJWFSTJUZEFHSFFBOBTTFU
✧"CJMJUZUPBOBMZ[FSFQPSUTBOESFMBUFEJOEVTUSZSFQPSUTUPCFUUFSVOEFSTUBOEDVTUPNFST
DPNQFUJUPSTBOEUIFNBSLFUQMBDF
✧ 4USPOHOFHPUJBUJPOTLJMMTXJUICVTJOFTTTBWWZBOEFOUSFQSFOFVSJBMTQJSJU
✧"ESJWFUPTVDDFFEBOEBDIJFWFSFTVMUTCBTFEPOUBDUJDBMMZJNQMFNFOUJOHXFMMUIPVHIUPVU
CVTJOFTTQMBOT
✧#SPBENBOBHFNFOUFYQFSJFODFJOQSPHSFTTJWFQPTJUJPOT
✧5FBNQMBZFSBUUJUVEFXJUIUIFQFPQMFTLJMMTUPHVJEFNFOUPSBOENPUJWBUFDBORVJDLMZ
HSBTQVOEFSTUBOEBOEDPNNVOJDBUFSFRVJSFNFOUTBOEFYQFDUBUJPOT
This position will be located in either Montreal or Toronto
Please send your resume by fax: 514-876-3699
or E-mail: [email protected] by March 4, 2011
0OMZUIPTFUIBUIBWFCFFODIPTFOXJMMCFDPOUBDUFEGPSJOUFSWJFXT
Feb24.indd 34
2/18/11 12:34:15 PM
! "#$ % & %
" $ ' ( $
$ ( ) $ * " February 24, 2011 Travelweek 35
Feb24.indd 35
2/18/11 12:34:21 PM
Feature This
Grand Bahama Island’s Our Lucaya Resort offers
‘island-inclusive’ getaways with WestJet Vacations
Canadians have long been going to Cuba and the Dominican
feet of meeting space and the glittering Treasure Bay Casino.
Republic for quick and easy all-inclusive vacations. But not to
Alternatively, the family-friendly Reef Village offers 478 tropical
be overlooked is Grand Bahama Island, which makes a bold
guestrooms and suites, a wading pool and sand playground for
statement with its stunning resorts and an ‘island-inclusive’
kids, poolside games, crafts and Camp Lucaya, an on-site facility
program that’s making plenty of waves.
that provides supervised activities for children ages 3-12.
Located just 86 kilometres east of the Florida coast, the
Both properties are currently participating in the Club Grand
island has become renowned for its snorkelling, scuba diving,
Bahama program, which is available for an additional $80 when
bonefishing, sport fishing, kayaking and parasailing. Shoppers
booking a WestJet Vacations package at either hotel. The package
are also welcome at The International Bazaar, a multinational-
includes three meals daily with an assortment of restaurants and
themed shopping complex in the island’s resort centre of
eateries to choose from, unlimited alcohol at lunch and dinner,
Freeport, while nature enthusiasts can pass the time hiking along
discounts on cave tours, dolphin encounters, sea safari snorkelling
the Heritage Trail or exploring Lucayan National Park.
and treatments at Senses Spa as well as free green fees with $25
Aside from island activities and natural attractions, one of
per person shared cart fee at the Ruby Golf Course.
Grand Bahama Island’s biggest gems is the Our Lucaya Beach
This offer is valid on air and hotel bookings made by April 30,
& Golf Resort, part of WestJet Vacations’ property lineup.
2011 at Our Lucaya Resort Reef Village and The Radisson at Our
Offering over 1,200 guestrooms, the resort is comprised of two
Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort. Advance booking is required.
properties: The Radisson at Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort and
Our Lucaya Reef Village.
WestJet offers scheduled service throughout its 71-city
North American and Caribbean network, including two non-
The 740-room Radisson caters to a more adult crowd and
stop flights every week to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
features two-storey villas, oversized pools, championship golf
from Toronto (Thursdays and Sundays). Seasonal service ends
courses, the luxurious Senses Spa, fitness centre, 90,000 square
April 28, 2011.
Don’t let your clients miss the boat on this island-inclusive package! Visit www.westjetvacations.com for more information.
Feb24.indd 36
2/18/11 12:34:29 PM
!$)33/./525#!8!%3/24
Forget all inclusive. Book island-inclusive.
Plus, save $300 instantly on your hotel.
Grand Bahama Island offers the world’s first ‘island-inclusive’ vacation. The Club Grand Bahama
package add-on offers your clients a flexible experience that includes three meals a day at an
assortment of restaurants, unlimited alcohol at lunch and dinner and discounted prices on island
attractions and services. The Club Grand Bahama package can be added for only $80 per person,
per day* when you book one of the Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resorts. Plus, save $300 instantly
on the hotel when you book by February 28, 2011.9
B
B
;8;+)?) --.$133)/-++++
),19965;8;+)?) -968:8)5,)0)4)++++
With the Club Grand Bahama package enjoy:
B )13?*8-)2.)9:):'68*)993)5,)<)%133?86),3-).968:0-1<-5)88133
B )13?3;5+0)5,,155-8=1:0;53141:-,)3+6063):'68*)98673;*"0-6<-68!)*68
B 3;98-+-1<-,19+6;5:965:0-.6336=15/)::8)+:1659)5,9-8<1+-9;
B
68*-90)8:-8!-8<1+-9141:-,"6;89"6=56;5:8?68)<-:6;8.686..-8
B#&!6370155+6;5:-8,;3:99)<-21,99)<-
B):1)5-"6;89:,
!-)9).)8195682-3315/.686..-8
B;8;+)?)-)+063. -968:6..):!-59-9!7)
B"0- ;*?63.6;89-8--/8--5.--9and transfers to the golf course
For more information and to book, visit
agent.westjetvacations.com or call us
at 1 877 737 7002.
&&%26!,)$&/2 %34%4!#!4)/.3"//+).'3-!$%"802),
0-4/4(%525#!8!%%&),,!'%!$)33/.525#!8!%3/242!.$!(!-!!.$%,)#!.!8!45#!8!/4%,$6!.#%"//+).'2%15)2%$/.2%&5.$!",%%7"//+).'3/.,8/4!00,)#!",%/.
'2/50"//+).'3&&%2./4#/-").!",%7)4(/4(%202/-/4)/.35%,352#(!2'%34),,!00,)%34/)2),%3:2%$%-04)/."//+).'3%342)#4)/.3!00,89&&%26!,)$&/2"//+).'3-!$%"8%"25!28
0-).)-5-&/52.)'(434!82%15)2%$4(%22%342)#4)/.3-!8!00,8
;/2-/2%).&/2-!4)/./.$)3#/5.4%$!442!#4)/.3!.$3%26)#%30,%!3%2%&%24/!442!#4)/.!.$3%26)#%3$%!,%23!.$2%4!),%23!.$!4/28'/,&#!24052#(!3%2%15)2%$&/2!&%%/&0%20%23/."!3%$/.47/0%/0,%4/!#!24%%7%34*%46!#!4)/.3#/-&/2&5,,/&&%2$%4!),3
Feb24.indd 37
2/18/11 12:34:44 PM
Make this the year your clients say,
“Take Me to Barbados!” with this special
vacation package that includes:
night on a 5-night stay
or two nights on a 7-night stay
Daily Breakfast
Barbados Value Book with $150 in savings,
including free day on car rental
Plus, children up to 16 years
stay and eat FREE BOOKING WINDOW: Now through March 25, 2011
TRAVEL WINDOW: April 25 – December 15, 2011
To learn more and to book this offer, go to VisitBarbados.org/TakeMe.
*Not combinable with any other offers. Full terms and conditions apply. Offer only valid for new bookings at participating hotels made between December 26, 2010 – March 25, 2011, for travel April 25 – December
15, 2011. 5-night minimum stay required at all-inclusive hotels; 7-night minimum stay required at EP hotels. **Complimentary breakfast at participating EP hotels only. +One book per room booked. ++Only at
participating hotels. Up to two children per family.
Feb24.indd 38
2/18/11 12:34:56 PM