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Week of July 29, 2013
45
travel
Ye a r s o f
C A N A D A’ S M O S T
TRUSTED
T R AV E L T R A D E P U B L I C AT I O N S I N C E 1 9 6 8
CITC quells fears, embraces new era
IAN STALKER
The last person to head
the CITC says that the
institute’s long-running
CTC and CTM programs
remain alive and well following the completion of
the CITC-ACTA merger
this month that led to
the CITC surrendering
its charter and relocating
to ACTA’s Toronto-area
office.
Christine Chilton says
any fears in the travel
agency community that
the programs will now
fall by the wayside are
unfounded, adding she
expects to be “even more”
Wales woos
Canadian agents
MIKE DUNBAR
Croesi i Gymru. That’s the Welcome to Wales invite
being extended to Canada’s travel agents by the Celtic
country’s tourism promoters.
But they say not enough retailers have taken advantage of a fledgling education program, designed to
boost agency earnings by providing customer referrals
to those completing the study course.
“We have 10 right now, but we could stand to have a
involved with education issues than
she was prior to the merger.
“I strongly believe the CTM and
CTC designations will become more
desired,” Chilton said of
the “important” travel
industry credentials.
Chilton – who now
carries the title of
director of education
for ACTA – said a “key
mandate” for her and
her colleagues on an
ACTA committee is
promoting recognition of the certification
Chilton
credentials inside and
outside the travel industry.
“There is so much positive potential
for travel certification that has not
been utilized, simply due to the lack of
resources,” she said. “As part of ACTA,
we [those involved in education issues]
now have a strong regional presence
across Canada with our extremely involved regional managers and counsels. Our
goal is to make the CTC
and CTM credentials
visible, desirable and a
key reason for choosing
one’s travel agent in the
future...
“Prior to the merger,
we were operating with
minimal staff and effectively maintaining the
operation, but with little
time to develop new programs or to put
new training initiatives into place. Now
that all of the key areas for education
See CITC page 7
See WALES page 6
RBC staff (above) celebrated the 30th anniversary of its iconic travel industry golf tournament
July 22 at Copper Creek just north of Toronto. Proceeds from the event go to CITC to
help support the organization responsible for travel agent education in Canada. This year
a cheque for $7,000 was presented.
You don’t look a day over 29!
0729PAGE03_05-7.indd 3
25/07/2013 2:55:08 PM
BACK TO THE FUTURE
In July of 2006 – CTP, July 24, 2006, Vol. 38, No. 43 – With its acquisition of British-based
The Airline Seat Company, Transat ponders its plans for ASC’s Canadian Affairs brand.
The Transat group has snagged a directsell foothold in Western Canada with its
$43-million acquisition of British tour
operator The Airline Seat Company, which
operates under the Canadian Affair banner.
Transat chief Jean-Marc Eustache pointed
out last week that the Canadian Affair
buyout was intended to
give his company a strong
presence in the direct-sell
market in Britain.
And chief financial
officer Francois Laurin
confirmed later that the
deal included Canadian Affair’s Vancouver operations,
which was set up recently
to better balance loads by
direct-selling eastbound
originating seats across
Canada. He estimated that
the Vancouver office would
move about 10,000 seats this year.
While Transat will continue to use the
Canadian Affair brand in Britain, Laurin
said it’s too early to tell what will happen to
the name in Canada. “We already sell direct
Who
are
YOU
?
through Transat’s web site and we plan to
integrate it into our operations, but a decision on the brand (in Canada) will be made
later,” he explained.
Eustache said Transat initially had failed
to strike a direct deal with Globespan, its
long-time sales partner in
Britain, so the 16-year relationship will end this fall.
He stated, “The market is
changing in Britain and it
was very important for us to
sell direct in the UK even
though we sell 90% of our
business through travel
agents in Canada and have
no problem with that.”
He added, “We tried
to find a solution with
Globespan, but couldn’t
come to an agreement,
so we talked to the competition.”
Canadian Affair sells about 200,000
Canada-bound seats a year on Thomas
Cook Airlines and MyTravel, and will
continue to do so under Transat ownership,
said Eustache.
The third annual MyTravel Gala Awards Night in
September 2006, attracted a star-studded who’s who of
the Canadian and international travel industry. There
was also this trio (just kidding): l-r, Clive Farmer, Todd
Kirlik and Pat Lista.
Remembering: 2006
● JANUARY: The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC)
settles into its new offices in Vancouver as opposition to
its move from Ottawa begins to fade. Allister Paterson
leaves his post as president and CEO of Air Canada
Vacations after four years, replaced by Ben Smith, who
continues as VP network planning for Air Canada. Virgin’s
Richard Branson launches Virgin Galactic, with plans to
offer space travel to consumers.
● FEBRUARY: First Choice Holidays Plc acquires Trek
Holidays. Expedia Corporate Travel is launched in Canada.
● MARCH: Transat acquires Thomas Cook Canada, increasing the size of its retail distribution network to 430 outlets.
● APRIL: Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise
Lines reject Goldman Sachs’ report that recommends that
cruise lines cut travel agency commissions.
● MAY: Canada and the UK sign an “Open Skies” deal that
is hailed as good news by the industry.
ACTA blasts Air Canada for its decision to remove its
Tango fares from the GDS and its agency web site. Jean
Collette is ACTA’s new chairman.
● JUNE: WestJet’s Clive Beddoe unveils details of plans to
launch WestJet Vacations. Malaysia Airlines announcing
that it is closing its Toronto and Vancouver offices. On
June 21, Air Canada announces that its Tango fares will
be going back on its agency web site.
● JULY: MyTravel Canada acquires Encore Cruises from
First Choice Canada. ACTA is ticked with IATA and its plan
to take the ID card in-house. Transat acquires Canadian
Affair. Sunwing Travel Group touches down in Quebec
with plans to put close to 50,000 seats into that market
for the upcoming winter season.
● AUGUST: Harmony Airways signs a codeshare deal
with Hawaiian Airlines that will see it extend its flights
to Hawaii on to Sydney, Australia. With the launch of
its scheduled flights to Nassau, the Bahamas, WestJet
prepares to add more service to Caribbean sunspots.
● SEPTEMBER: UK-based Travelzest Plc – headed by
Chris Mottershead – signs a deal to buy itravel2000 for
something in the neighbourhood of $51.1 million. CanJet
Airlines takes the trade by surprise, announcing that it is
discontinuing its scheduled services.
● OCTOBER: WestJet Vacations is up and running and
paying travel agents a 9% commission. Porter Airlines
starts service from Toronto City Centre Airport. New
rules introduced in Ontario require all travel sellers in the
province to be certified by July 1, 2008.
● NOVEMBER: US-based marketing agency, YPB&R asks
the question: “Do travel agents matter?” And the answer
they got back was “Yes” – at least according to travellers
with annual household incomes over US$200,000. US
Airways Group offers to merge with Delta Air Lines Inc.
once the two carriers emerge from bankruptcy protection.
● DECEMBER: Conquest Vacations founder and chairman,
Robbie Goldberg reacquires the minority stake that he’d
sold to US-based Mark Travel Corp., making Conquest a
wholly-owned Canadian company once again.
4 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JULY 29, 2013
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Agents still steamed after WD apology
MICHAEL BAGINSKI
An article that appeared
on the web site of popular lifestyle magazine
Woman’s Day has raised
the ire of travel agents on
both sides of the border.
Originally entitled “10
Things Travel Agents
Won’t Tell You,” the article, amongst other things,
claimed that agents are
influenced by the commission and perks they make
on a sale, may not be able
to book all airlines, and
won’t necessarily get the
best price for clients.
The American Society
of Travel Agents (ASTA)
first jumped on the issue,
taking columnist Anne
Roderique-Jones to task for
what the association called
“an error-ridden story”
and even went so far as to
offer up a rewritten version
of the article entitled “8
Reasons Why Booking
with a Travel Professional
Creates Value,” which
it says “would have better served Woman’s Day
readership.”
For its part, ACTA
jumped on the bandwagon
with a release stating that
it was “disappointed” and
“has taken the matter seriously,” and also vowing
to contact the magazine
to “build a positive relationship and position
the Travel Agents [sic] as
an expert and the travel
profession as a desirable
career option.”
Responding to ASTA
and other complaints,
Woman’s Day removed
one of the 10 points in the
online article and wrote:
“Thank you to all the
hard-working travel agents
who provided feedback
on this story. The goal of
this article was to inform
consumers on how they
can get the best prices
on travel. Helping readers find value is Woman’s
Day’s main objective, and
we recognize that travel
agents provide valuable
services that help women’s
vacation dreams come
true. We’re sorry if that
didn’t come through in
this article. We’re happy to
say we will be highlighting these services in the
October issue of Woman’s
Day magazine and in a
story in December on
WomansDay.com. We’ve
thoroughly reviewed this
article and have removed
point 9 [about airline
commission] based on
information you provided.
We thank you again for
sharing your expertise
and doing the great work
that you do. We’re looking
forward to working with
some of you closely on our
December online feature
story.”
Nevertheless, the new “9
points” article still began:
“A travel agent can be a
great resource. But some
See STEAMED page 7
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JULY 29, 2013 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • 5
0729PAGE03_05-7.indd 5
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Wales
Continued from page 3
lot more Canadian agents
on board,” said Visit Wales
manager – North America
Lauren Summers, who
added, “Agents generally
haven’t taken advantage of
the opportunity, but those
who have are getting referrals from us.”
The specialist education
program is part of a bold
plan to partner closely
with the North American
travel trade, explained
Summers, who pointed out
that it’s a key element of a
brand-new Welsh government strategy for tourism
that looks to grow earnings by 10% by the end of
the decade.
Called Partnership
for Growth, the strategy
named Canada and the
US as top-priority targets, alongside short-haul
source markets in the UK
and Europe.
An official
statement
explained,
“To achieve
its targeted
Summers
growth,
Visit Wales intends to
work closely with travel
agents and tour operators,
while growing its diverse
tourism offerings.”
And Edwina Hart, the
minister responsible for
tourism, added, “We want
to work in partnership
to deliver more business
through travel trade intermediaries, which will help
us to grow the contribution
made by tourism earnings
to the Welsh economy.”
Summers revealed that
Visit Wales is already
working closely with a
trio of Ontario operators – Connections Tours,
DH Tour and Kensington
Tours – to go after agency
business.
“We are partnering
with tour operators which
reward travel agents and
which invest in the agency
channel,” She explained.
Visit Wales also wants to
develop opportunities for
agents to gain first-hand
knowledge of the destination. “We’re liaising with
one of the operator partners to develop something
and, hopefully, we’ll be
able to offer a familiarization trip within the next
year,” said the New York
based exec.
Asked why Canada –
which sent 26,000 visitors
to Wales last year – was
placed on the priority
list, Summers responded,
“Alone, it may not be
the biggest market but,
together with the States, it
forms the largest overseas
visitor source for Wales.”
She added, “The value
that Canadians bring is
their deeper knowledge of
Britain generally, plus the
fact that, while the volume
may not be huge, the
spend quality is among the
highest.”
Agents interested in
joining the Visit Wales
specialist program are
invited to e-mail
[email protected].
“Via the program each
specialist receives a free
listing on our website and
updates on all our activities,” said Summers.
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6 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JULY 29, 2013
0729PAGE03_05-7.indd 6
25/07/2013 2:55:34 PM
CITC
Continued from page 3
development have been
assigned within ACTA, the
opportunities to grow this
area are endless.”
Chilton said she and
colleagues on an ACTA
“educational wing” will
not only run the CTC and
CTM programs, but also
manage certification processes and membership. As
well, they will run industry educational programs
through webinars, conferences and fam trips, and
work with colleges that
have travel and tourism
programs, promoting the
travel industry as a “viable
career choice.
“The integration of
CITC into ACTA is a
positive move for the
Canadian travel industry that will benefit all of
our members by giving
them additional value to
their memberships and
many new and valuable
educational tools that can
be used to enhance their
knowledge and credentials
in this fast-paced industry,” she said.
The educational division of ACTA will also
run the administration for
the British Columbia and
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Saskatchewan insurance
exams.
“We believe it is critical that CITC, as it has
been known over the
years, continues to have a
voice in the industry and
there will be one Certified
Travel Counsellor and one
Certified Travel Manager
elected to sit on the ACTA
board moving forward,”
Chilton said.
Meanwhile, the CITC
received a pat on the
back from Travel Industry Council of Ontario
president Michael Pepper,
whose council was told in
mid-July that the CITC
will turn over the administration of TICO’s Education Standards Program to
TICO.
The CITC was “extremely helpful” in getting
TICO’s program up and
running and played an important role in its success,
he said.
Steamed
Continued from page 5
may pressure you into
booking less-than-stellar vacations or get you
to spend more than
necessary to up their
take-home pay. We got
the inside scoop on
travel agents’ secrets
and found ways to help
you save on vacations,
book more easily and
enrich your trip experience...”
ASTA CEO Zane
Kerby called the rewritten article “a move
in the right direction,” but added the
modification “still falls
short” as “eight of the
‘9 Things’ still on the
list are inaccurate and
misleading.”
The article can be
found at www.womans
day.com/life/travel-tips/
should-i-use-a-travelagent .
JULY 29, 2013 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • 7
0729PAGE03_05-7.indd 7
25/07/2013 2:55:38 PM
TRAVEL PRESS
Canadian
1
Several cruise companies
had dropped Mazatlan because of security concerns,
but have decided to return. How
would you describe the security
there now? In the 40 years Mazat-
Mazatlan is a great option for visitors on any budget – from luxury
resorts, and boutique hotels to
affordable rentals. Overall, Mazatlan offers exceptional value for
the money.
lan has been receiving cruise pasWe hear that there are a
sengers, not a single person has
number of resorts slated
been involved in a negative incito open in Mazatlan...
dent. We take safety and security
very seriously. By partnering with Beyond the current 12,000 beds
the cruise lines and
hotels, we ensure
that Mazatlan has
been and will continue to be a safe and
secure destination.
Frank Cordova
As of this November,
Secretary of State of
Canadian travellers
Tourism, Mazatlan
have the option of
visiting Mazatlan on
a number of popular
cruise lines, including
Azamara, Holland
in Mazatlan, we expect to accomAmerica and Norwegian, with
modate space for more than 24,000
more to come.
new visitors in the next five years
Mazatlan is overshadowed with the addition of many new
by some of the destinations hotels. Mazatlan is my hometown,
on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, and I’m thrilled that more people
such as Los Cabos. What in your
from around the world will be able
view distinguishes? Mazatlan is
to enjoy and appreciate the beauty
the hidden gem of Mexico. We
of the “Pearl of the Pacific.”
offer travellers the best parts of
Most Canadians who vacathe country: relaxing, beautiful
tion in Mexico choose the
beaches, rich culture and history,
country’s Caribbean coast.
exciting nightlife, and great food
How is Mazatlan doing in the
– but without the crowds of some
Canadian market? Mazatlan just
of the country’s more popular
had its best spring tourism season
tourist destinations. In addition,
3
2
4
to date and the influx of summer
travellers looks strong as well, Since
2011, we’ve seen a record increase
in Canadian travellers and residents. Direct flights from Calgary
and Vancouver make Mazatlan a
convenient, quick getaway – allowing Canadians to get to the beach
in less than five hours. The government has made infrastructure investments, including a new highway from Mazatlan
to Durango that will
provide a safe and
direct route for motor
tourists to take day
trips outside of Mazatlan – including Concordia, one of the
“Pueblos Magicos”
designated by the
Mexican Government
for its cultural and
historical significance.
5
Why should Canadians consider visiting Mazatlan in
summer when the weather’s
nice back home? While weather in
Mazatlan is pleasant year-round,
many don’t realize there’s more
to do in Mazatlan than get a tan.
Foodies may be interested to learn
that Mazatlan is a fantastic city
to eat, drink and be merry. And
for travellers looking to burn off
calories, Mazatlan has an array of
activities, from zip lining through
rain forest, yoga, water sports like
scuba diving, and more.
“I believe the majority
of agents give a recommendation based on what
is in the best interest of
their client. Happy clients
make for return clients.
There might be the odd
agent who tries to influence their client for their
own benefit, but I believe
they are the minority.”
Rosanna Leeman,
Frederick Travel,
Waterloo, Ont.
Diane Dafoe,
Dafoe Travel Group Inc.,
Dartmouth, N.S.
“I have two simple answers
– no and no – I’ve been
in the business over 30
years and have always
put my clients’ wishes/
dreams ahead of money
and perks.”
Karen Oliver,
Uniglobe Adventure
House Travel,
Oakville, Ont.
Vol. 45, No. 40, Published July 29, 2013
Edith Baxter, Editor-in-Chief
[email protected]
Robert Mowat, Executive Editor
[email protected]
Michael Baginski, Managing Editor
[email protected]
Mike Dunbar, Assistant Editor
[email protected]
Greg Coates, Assistant Editor
[email protected]
Ian Stalker, Senior Writer
[email protected]
Ted Davis, Western Editor
[email protected]
Heifetz, Crozier, Law
Legal Affairs
[email protected]
Unterberg, Labelle & Associates
Legal Affairs
Western Canada Editorial Office
Unit 904, 207 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, BC V6B 1H7
Tel: (604) 685-2588 Fax: (604) 734-9743
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Tel/Fax: (514) 695-8126
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[email protected]
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[email protected]
Sharron Taylor, Adv. Material Coordinator
[email protected]
Dee Ristic, Circulation
Subscription Inquiries: [email protected]
Publication Office
310 Dupont St., Toronto, Ont., M5R 1V9
Tel: (416) 968-7252 Fax: (416) 968-2377
www.travelpress.com www.travelpress.travel
[email protected] (Editorial)[email protected] (Advertising)
Michael Baginski, Publisher
[email protected]
Earl Lince,
Director of International Marketing
Canadian Account Executive – Travel Weekly UK
[email protected]
Rodney Tugwell, Sales Manager
[email protected]
Mitchell McClung,
Account Executive
[email protected]
Jacqulyn Bester,
Classifieds
[email protected]
Advertising Offices
Western Canada Terry Ohman
Tel: (604) 657-2100 [email protected]
Alberta Greg Ohman
Tel: (403) 804-3497 [email protected]
Southern Florida Dino Torres
Tel: (305) 775-8734 Fax: (305) 477-6607
[email protected]
Northern Florida Gillian Harper
Tel: (954) 933-2786
[email protected]
Hawaii Laurie Doerschlen, Media Links
Tel: 808-737-4621 Fax: 808-737-2695
[email protected]
Spain Luis Andrade
Luis Andrade Publicidad Internacional
Tel: 34-91-4416266 Fax: 34-91-4416549
[email protected]
Brazil Claudio Dasilva
Tel: 1-954-647-6464
[email protected]
United Kingdom Maureen Wingham, MW Media
Tel: +44(0)1449-771200
[email protected]
What do you think of Woman’s Day magazine saying in an article that
travel agents try to influence the decisions of clients based on the
commission and perks they can get on the deal?
“I feel that Woman’s Day
Magazine has done a complete injustice to the travel
industry and the professionals who work tirelessly
at making certain their
customers are cared for
beyond their expectations.
It was a callous, biased,
uneducated article. Clients
who know the true value
of their travel agent will not
be affected...”
®
Mexico Paloma Martinez, Towmar Inc.
Tel: 52 55 2122-3900 Fax: 52 55 5395-4985
[email protected]
“As an agent I feel one
very important factor is
listening to the client. I
have never influenced
a customer based on
commission structure. We
present them with various
options, and let them make
the ultimate decision. If
we give great options and
let the customer make the
ultimate choice they will
trust us for life.”
Rona Devreese,
Uniglobe Adventure
House Travel,
Oakville, Ont.
Central & South America Lillian Martinez
Travel Representations & Marketing
Tel: 305-476-1130
[email protected]
Subscriptions: $80 - 1 year (Canada), $140 - 2 year
(Canada), plus applicable taxes.
$120 US funds - 1 year (Foreign). Airmail rates on request.
Price per single copy $3.00 (plus applicable taxes).
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Canadian addresses to: Circulation Dept., 310 Dupont St.,
Toronto, Ont., M5R 1V9 email: [email protected] ISSN 1994-3133.
Published 47 times per year
Copyright 2013 PRINTED IN CANADA
W.H. Baxter
- 1919 – 2004
Founder
David McClung, President
[email protected]
Wendy McClung, Exec. Vice-President,
Operations
[email protected]
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government
of Canada through the
Canada Periodical Fund of
the Department of Canadian
Heritage.
8 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JULY 29, 2013
CTP masthead master.indd 1
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7/25/2013 11:41:24 AM
Crystal corrals distinguished speakers
The two-term former
president of Switzerland,
NASA’s lead flight controller for Apollo missions and
a general who was once the
highest ranking intelligence officer in the United
States Armed Forces will
bring their considerable clout aboard Crystal
Cruises this year.
The guest speakers are
part of a distinguished
lineup of internationally
influential, pre-eminent
leaders set to present complimentary lectures and
interactive Q&A sessions
on several of the line’s voyages, including:
• General Michael Hayden
– The retired director of
both the CIA and NSA,
and four-star US Air Force
General, brings a wealth
of knowledge and intelligence from his nearly
four decades of military
duty and national service
Crystal Cruises’ passengers will be entertained by an impressive group of guest speakers on upcoming voyages, including the highest-ranking intelligence officer in the United States Armed Forces.
(Sept. 19, Venice to Monte
Carlo, President’s Cruise
with Crystal president
Gregg Michel);
• Kaspar Villiger – Formerly the president of
Switzerland, as well as the
chairman of UBS Bank,
Villiger is one of the world’s
leading authorities on
business, government and
finance, whose influence
and leadership has affected
global economies (Sept. 2,
London to Barcelona);
• Sy Liebergot – The
lead controller at NASA’s
Mission Control served
during the legendary
Apollo program (Nov. 23,
Miami to Rio de Janeiro);
• Norm Mineta – The exUS Secretary of Transportation and congressman is also the recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Medal for his
civil rights efforts (Sept. 11,
Barcelona to Venice);
• Nando Parrado – The
ultimate survivor, Uruguayan rugby player-turnedmotivational speaker was
aboard the ill-fated flight
over the Andes that later
became the subject of the
film Alive (July 6, Istanbul
to Rome).
The speakers join an
already-extensive roster
of leading experts set to enlighten guests sailing Crys-
tal Symphony and Crystal
Serenity in 2013, including
a UK-based celebrity florist,
award-winning photographers, show business veterans and a bevy of historians and professors. Crystal
often brings expert minds
together on their “Ocean
Views”-themed cruises,
with speakers debating current issues with each other
in a live panel that includes
audience participation.
“Our guests are worldly,
well-educated travellers
who seek not only new
adventures, while on vacation, but also new information and perspectives
on topics that affect the
world we explore,” says Bret
Bullock, vice-president of
entertainment. “With such
fascinating experiences
and knowledge to share,
these presenters are certain
to spark some stimulating
discussions on board.”
Viking River sailing into
France’s Bordeaux region
‘Exotic’ Princess
covers continents
Viking River Cruises has introduced
a new itinerary in France’s Bordeaux
region for 2014 that will celebrate
the senses.
The eight-day cruise – Châteaux,
Rivers & Wine – allows guests to enjoy
the beauty and history of Bordeaux and
the Aquitaine region, while exploring
some of the world’s finest names in wine.
Guests will sail on Viking Forseti, marking the first time an award-winning Viking Longship will be deployed in France.
Châteaux, Rivers & Wine takes guests
on a unique exploration of the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers,
through the region that has for centuries
produced France’s most remarkable
wines, including Margaux, Pomerol, St.
Emilion and Sauternes. The eight-day
cruise journey begins in Bordeaux and
Now on sale, Princess
Cruises’ 2014/15 Exotics
program offers a world
of options for globetrotting travellers.
The line’s global itineraries will take passengers
to the colourful ports of
Asia & Africa, Australia
& New Zealand, Tahiti
& the South Pacific, and
South America – plus
even a special connoisseur itinerary in the
Caribbean.
The lineup also includes Princess’ firstever World Cruise sailing
roundtrip from North
America and additional
makes its first stop in Pauillac, where
guests can sip the full-bodied blends
of the renowned Médoc and Margaux
wine regions and travel along the famed
Route des Châteaux for an insight into
authentic château life.
Next, guests have the opportunity
to explore the Citadel in Blaye and the
charming town of St. Emilion – both
UNESCO World Heritage sites – before
continuing on to picturesque Cadillac,
where they can taste the sweet Premier
Cru wines from the Sauternes region.
The unhurried voyage concludes
with an in-depth tour of the beautiful
churches, grand Louis XV architecture
and charming cafés of Bordeaux.
For more details on Châteaux, Rivers
& Wine itineraries, visit www.viking
rivercruises.com.
capacity in Tahiti & the
South Pacific. In Australia, Princess will continue
to offer the biggest choice
of ships, homeports and
itineraries with four ships
deployed in the region.
The West Africa itinerary will add a new port
to Princess’ roster of
more than 300 around
the world, with a maiden
call to São Tomé.
The fall 2014 to spring
2015 program spans
six continents and
calls to more than 145
destinations. Eight ships
will cover the globe with
114 departures .
10 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JULY 29, 2013
0729PAGE10.indd 10
7/25/2013 11:49:23 AM
0729PAGE11.indd 11
7/25/2013 11:43:54 AM
A
n extra dose of magic
is coming aboard the
Disney Magic, when the
Disney Cruise Line vessel
relaunches later this year with new
spaces, reimagined areas and special
additions for the whole family.
From a new grand atrium lobby
and a children’s area of “super hero”
proportions to a three-storey water
thrill slide and a spa to stimulate the
An “all-new” Disney Magic will be
“Senses,” there are plenty of new and
unveiled later this year.
magical surprises in store for cruise
guests. The ship features fun new
experiences with Marvel characters –
the first time Super Hero icons from
the Marvel Universe have been introduced on a Disney Cruise Line ship.
“We have always been committed to reinvesting in our fleet and
continuously making shipboard
enhancements that elevate the guest
experience,” said Karl L. Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “What
we’re doing with the Disney Magic
is yet another step forward in our
commitment to delivering the absolute best family vacations at sea.”
“Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do,” says Joe Lanzisero,
senior creative vice-president for Walt Disney Imagineering. “Walt Disney was a master storyteller and knew how to engage people’s emotions
into stories. Our job is to take what we learned from Walt and apply it
to the experiences on board our ships.”
The following are some highlights of new “magic” in store for guests
aboard the Disney Magic after the “reimagineering” transformation of
the ship that takes place during dry dock Sept. 7 – Oct. 10 in Cadiz, Spain.
• A Grand First Impression: When guests board the Disney Magic,
they enter the grand atrium lobby that is redesigned to be “elegant art
deco, inspired by elements of the sea,” according to Lanzisero.
“Filmmaking is the history of our company and in fi lm the ‘establishing shot’ sets the scene,” he says. “This is the same with the atrium, as
we begin telling our story.”
The spacious three-deck lobby features hand-tufted, custom-made
carpet that dazzles in a palette of vibrant coral, blue and aquamarine
seashell-inspired designs. The art deco atrium chandelier is inspired
by rays of the sun and the glisten of the surface of the ocean. Opulent
furnishings, a grand piano and giant portholes recall the days of early
20th-century ocean liners.
The lobby’s centrepiece is a cold-cast bronze statue of “Helmsman
Mickey,” ever-smiling and keeping watch as guests stroll past.
• Disney, Disney-Pixar & Marvel Characters Join the Fun: Disney’s
Oceaneer Club, open to three- to 12-year-old children, is a completely
reimagined area that transports children to the magical realms of brave
super heroes, adventuresome toys, fanciful fairies and Mickey Mouse’s
club for creativity and fun.
With Marvel now a part of the Walt Disney Company family, this will
mark the first time the Super Hero icons of Marvel have been introduced
on a Disney Cruise Line ship. Marvel and Walt Disney Imagineers have
created a new space for children to enter into the Marvel Universe.
Marvel’s The Avengers will make their presence known in an epic
way aboard the Disney Magic, with Marvel’s Avengers Academy calling
Disney’s Oceaneer Club its new seaward home. Young crime-fighters
will be transported to a high-tech command post used by The Avengers
for special missions and operations training.
Adjacent to Marvel’s Avengers Academy is Andy’s Room, where stars of
the Disney-Pixar “Toy Story” trilogy
come to life in a multi-level space. Next
door is Pixie Hollow, the enchanted
land of Tinker Bell and her fairy
friends. In Disney’s Oceaneer Club,
guests will find the Mickey Mouse
Club, another new children’s area.
Disney’s Oceaneer Lab takes threeto-12-year-old children on a journey
of discovery, exploration and adventures. At this new pirate-themed area,
children are encouraged to create,
play and explore. An animator’s
studio, a pirate workshop and lab lets
kids get hands-on to create experiments and art projects.
For the youngest cruisers – ages
three months to three years – is the
new It’s a Small World Nursery. Inspired by the style of Disney Legend
Mary Blair, this whimsical world is a
place of age-specific fun and discovery, with trained counsellors.
The upper ship decks of the Disney Magic have been redesigned for
plenty of “splashtacular fun,” with
waterful adventures that include a three-storey water slide for thrillseekers and a Huey, Dewey and Louie-themed toddler splash zone for
smaller ducklings.
Water thrills are found on the AquaDunk, a three-storey body slide
that begins with a surprise launch. Riders step inside a translucent
tube and await the near-vertical launch that takes place when the floor
beneath them opens like a trap door.
• Disney Dining With an Extra Dash of Pixie Dust: New restaurants and
new technology are on the menu for the restaurants aboard Disney Magic.
Animator’s Palate, one of the most popular restaurants on the Disney
ships, is updated with all-new, animation-adorned walls and larger
high-definition flat-screens to provide the best views of the animation
magic that takes place all around.
A heaping helping of entertainment is served up during the new
“Drawn to Magic” experience at Animator’s Palate. Throughout this
deliciously fresh take on Disney Cruise Line’s much beloved classic
dinner celebration, the restaurant’s black and white “blank canvas”
explodes into full colour as favourite Disney and Disney-Pixar characters, such as Rapunzel from “Tangled” and Remy from “Ratatouille,”
come to life right before guests’ eyes.
The vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro creates an energetic atmosphere in Carioca’s, a new restaurant named after Donald Duck’s parrot pal in “The
Three Caballeros,” Jose Carioca. Festooned with lighted lanterns, the
restaurant is designed to be “fun by day, elegant by night,” says Lanzisero.
Cabanas, which replaces the current Topsider Buffet, is also expanding.
• The Fun’s Just Begun When Nighttime Comes: After a day of frolicking on the decks and out and about the ship, Disney Magic offers big
city-style fun in After Hours, the nighttime adult entertainment district. An all-new lineup of clubs includes venues for dancing, comedy,
music and variety shows. After Hours replaces Beat Street, currently on
the Disney Magic.
For guests seeking a more low-key nighttime experience, there is Keys
piano bar and lounge.
• Open Up, and Say “Spa”: For the ultimate in relaxation and pampering, the enhanced Senses Spa & Salon offers many indulgences. Redesigned with a sleek and contemporary style, this haven of personal
harmony provides an unmatched oceanview environment.
(www.disneycruise.com)
Prepare to be
dazzled by
Magic makeover
12 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JULY 29, 2013
0729PAGE12.indd 12
7/25/2013 12:22:52 PM
A N E W S TA R
I S B OR N
BE RGE N H A RBO R, NORW AY
Announcing the 2015 maiden season of the all-new, all-veranda
Viking Star—Now open for booking
A new kind of journey begins in 2015
A RT IS T ’S RE N D E RIN G, VIKI NG STAR
Viking is introducing a new era of ocean cruising with custom-crafted
itineraries for more time in port, so your clients can explore our exciting
Baltic and Mediterranean destinations in depth. Treat your clients to the
journey of a lifetime aboard Viking Star, a ship designed to maximize the
destination experience in understated elegance and comfort.
The all-new, all-veranda Viking Star
Built to accommodate only 928 guests and scaled for easy embarkation/
debarkation; small enough for direct access to cosmopolitan cities as well
as o΍-the-beaten-path Ȋcollector ports.ȋ
A RT IS T ’S RE N D E RIN G, IN F INI TY P OOL
Viking Inclusive Cruising
Private verandas and king-sized beds in every stateroom, free shore
excursions at every port of call, all onboard meals, complimentary room
service, wi-ȴ and more. Ζncluded options have a value of over 2,00 per
couple for an average cruise.
Introductory 2-for-1 cruise fares
Plus save up to $2,000 per couple on air
A RT IS T ’S RENDERI NG,
W O RLD C A F É F O R A L F RE S CO DI NI NG
O΍er expires -uly 31, 2013ȃpay in full by 'ecember 31, 2013. 1ow you can
give your clients real value at a price competitive with larger ocean ships.
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Reap the rewards of booking with Viking and earn commission on every
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Invite your clients to join us on our 2015 maiden season
in Scandinavia and the Baltic, and the Mediterranean
D UBRO VN IK, CROATI A
For more details, visit VikingCruises.com/Oceans
or call 1-888-307-6959
D E LUX E V ERANDA
0729PAGE13.indd 13
7/25/2013 11:45:13 AM
Oahu
Aloha Festivals values voyaging
This year’s Aloha Festivals pays
tribute to traditional Hawaiian
ocean voyaging with its theme,
“Moana Nui •kea – Celebrate
Ocean Voyaging.”
Now in its 67th year as one
of Hawaii’s most highly regarded
and oldest cultural celebrations,
the 2013 Aloha Festivals takes
place from Sept. 12 to 28 at
various locations on Oahu,
sharing the history and traditions of Hawaii and the unique
spirit of aloha with both kama
•ina (local residents) and malihini (visitors).
“The 2013 Aloha Festivals
honours the important Hawaiian value of Moana Nui •kea by
celebrating the brave and inspiring canoe builders, voyagers
and navigators who have strived
tirelessly to help keep our native culture vibrant,” said Helene
“Sam” Shenkus, co-chair of the
Aloha Festivals board of directors.
“Each event this year will capture
Moana Nui •kea by perpetuating
our Island culture and educating
everyone who participates in our
signature events.”
The “Moana Nui •kea” theme
also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Polynesian Voyaging
Society, which was founded in
1973 and has since inspired generations of voyagers who have boldly
retraced the paths of Hawaii’s
Pacific island ancestors, fostering the revival of the wa’a kaulua
(double-hulled sailing canoe) and
traditional “wayfinding” – noninstrument navigation by the sun,
stars and reading of wave patterns
and other natural signs.
The celebration kicks off
with the investiture of the 2013
Aloha Festivals Royal Court on
Sept. 12, followed by an opening ceremony featuring traditional chant and hula; a keiki
ho’olaule’a (children’s block
party) with activities, demonstrations and entertainment by
keiki musical groups and hula
h•lau (hula troupes); and an
evening ho’olaule’a (block party)
with live entertainment on
multiple stages, food booths
and crafts.
The celebration culminates
with a floral parade along
Kal•kaua Avenue on Sept. 28.
All events are free and open to
the public.
For further information visit
www.alohafestivals.com.
Visitor safety brochure released
The Hawaii Tourism Authority
(HTA) and the Visitor Aloha
Society of Hawaii (VASH)
have recently launched a Safety
eBrochure.
This tool provides visitors,
residents and industry partners
with safety tips from state and
county agencies to ensure safe
and enjoyable travel experiences
throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
The eBrochure provides another outlet to communicate
recommended safety measures,
to keep visitors aware and informed in taking proper precautions, while in Hawaii. Available
in English, the Safety Brochure
will be translated into Chinese,
Japanese and Korean later this
year. It is currently available for
download on the HTA’s Travel
Smart Hawaii web site.
The HTA, VASH and other
businesses and organizations
have been able to assist over
2,000 visitors annually who have
encountered hardship, while
vacationing in Hawaii. The
HTA’s Travel Smart Hawaii
web site also serves as an online resource to access practical information on travel
throughout the Hawaiian
Islands. It also includes prearrival travel tips, a guide to
customs and visas, and other
basic information about the
destination and environment.
(www.travelsmarthawaii.com)
More speakers confirmed
for tourism conference
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has confirmed
additional speakers and sessions for the up-coming annual
Hawaii Tourism Conference on Aug. 22-23 at the Hawaii
Convention Center.
The speaker list now includes Facebook global marketing
solutions manager David Parfect. He will share the latest
social media trends, their influence on travel and how to
utilize Facebook to grow destination awareness and travel.
Also newly announced is marketing research experts
Jeffrey Eslinger, the account ser-vices director at D.K.
Shifflet & Associates Ltd.; and Matthew McDougall,
CEO/founder of Digital Jungle Ltd. They will provide
insight on how North American and Asian travellers view
Hawaii and other destinations to illustrate Hawaii’s competitive position.
A new Meetings, Conventions and Incentives (MCI)
panel will include local group sellers and respected industry
partners who will discuss what is currently being done to
grow this market and how to build the “business brand”
for Hawaii.
(www.hawaiitourismauthority.org)
14 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JULY 29, 2013
0729PAGE14.indd 14
7/25/2013 2:55:47 PM
Advertisement
Building Your O‘ahu Bookings: Creative Ideas for Travel Professionals
O‘ahu: Showcase the Culture, History,
and Natural Beauty of Hawai‘i
O‘ahu’s rich variety of activities and attractions showcase the island’s natural beauty and
cultural riches. Most activities are outside
enabling travellers to enjoy the idyllic weather
and breathtaking surroundings as they gain a
deeper understanding of Hawaiian heritage
and history and efforts to protect and preserve
the natural and cultural treasures.
At the Museums
Two outstanding attractions portray
Hawaiian history. Hawai‘i’s Plantation
Village (hawaiiplantationvillage.org) in
historic Waipahu is an outdoor museum
that tells the story of life on the islands’
sugar plantations from about 1850-1950
and provides a window on how Hawai‘i
developed into a diverse multicultural
destination. Authentic buildings and
artifacts depict how Hawaiians and
immigrants from China, Portugal, Japan,
Puerto Rico, Korea, Okinawa, Polynesia,
and the Philippines lived and worked on
the plantations.
Bishop Museum (bishopmuseum.org) is an extraordinary repository of the
natural and cultural history of Hawai‘i and the Pacific. On Sept 21,
the newly renovated Pacific Hall (formerly Polynesian Hall) will reopen
and explore the origins and cultures of Pacific Islanders and the migrations
over the “blue continent” or Pacific Ocean over a 6,000-year period.
The exhibit’s story extends beyond Polynesia to reveal the historical
connections among the people of the Pacific Islands in the areas of culture,
daily life, and language.
On The Trails
Hiking reveals the natural glory of O‘ahu. Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
on the Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline in southeast O‘ahu offers outstanding
vistas of the Windward Coast, off shore islets, and Moloka‘i and Läna‘i on
clear days. If timed correctly, hikers can view sunset and moonrise during
one hike and even take along a picnic dinner. Sierra Club
(hi.sierraclub.org/oahu/outingsched.htm) offers hikes, photography hikes,
and service projects such as cleaning and maintaining trails and beaches.
On Sept 22, the Sierra Club’s Photography Hike will explore the beauty of
Mänoa Valley and include views of Nu‘uanu Valley.
In The Gardens
O‘ahu’s botanical gardens are dazzling displays of tropical flora and fauna.
Foster Botanical Garden (www1.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg/fbg.htm), an
oasis in the midst of downtown Honolulu, features an impressive collection
of tropical plants, some dating back to the 1850s. Ho’omaluhia Botanical
Garden (www1.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg/hmbg.htm), a lush 400-acre
paradise on the Windward Coast, has plantings from major tropical regions
around the world with special emphasis on conserving plants native to
Hawai‘i. And Lyon Arboretum (hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum), located in a
tropical rainforest in the Mänoa Valley, is focused on the unique flora of
Hawai‘i and the tropics.
Ocean Adventures
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a spectacular natural resource teeming
with colorful marine life. Visitors tour the Marine Education Center to learn
about preservation efforts and enjoy snorkeling in this beautiful bay.
Travellers to O‘ahu can join locals Jan 25, Feb 22, and March 20, 2014 in
the annual Sanctuary Ocean Count (sanctuaryoceancount.org), a community project that monitors humpback whales in Hawai‘i.
Highlights: A Sampling of
Educational Tours and Lectures
• Historic Hale‘iwa Walking Tour (gonorthshore.org)
This outing explores the famed North Shore town.
• Bishop Museum (bishopmuseum.org/visitors/dailyschedule.html)
Daily programs are dedicated to the Hawaiian ahupua‘a, oral traditions,
and hula and song.
• Lyon Arboretum (hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum)
Visitors can hike the grounds, enjoy guided tours, and take art, cooking,
gardening, and plant education classes.
• Foster Botanical Garden (www1.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg/fbg.htm)
The Medicinal Plants Tour Sept 21 will focus on plants and trees that
once provided natural remedies.
• Hanauma Bay Education Program
(hbep.seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/community-events-calendar)
The Sept 12 lecture explores rising sea levels.
WEB UPDATES
Scan for more
O‘ahu Experiences
http://m.gohawaii.com/oahu/
experiences
For more information, visit: http://agents.visit-oahu.com
0729PAGE15.indd 15
www.twitter.com/oahuvb
www.facebook.com/OahuHawaii
7/25/2013 11:46:41 AM
New era for Aeroplan
‘Historical’ enhancements introduced
GREG COATES
Aeroplan is set to give
members a New Year’s
gift with the launch of
Distinc-tion on Jan. 1,
2014, a new tiered recognition program that
rewards top accumulating
members based on total
The following people identified the June 17 “Where
in the World” as Panama
City: Elizabeth Kelly,
Farlie Travel; Timothy
Edgecombe, Rosewood
Hotel Georgia; Mary
Grimaldi, Thomas Cook;
Giesela Leahy, Marlin
Travel; Susan Hopkins,
Advantage InTravel; Aleksandra Spalvins, Flight
Centre; Rosanna Leeman,
Frederick Travel; Justin
Wagar, Corporate Traveller; Tres Lobo, Connaissance Travel and Tours;
Aeroplan Miles earned
across all coalition partners, with preferential
mileage levels for redemption, bonus mile offers and
exclusive privileges.
Aeroplan is also introducing New Market
Fare Flight Rewards to
replace ClassicPlus Flight
Rewards, offering what it
calls significantly improved value, with all
members having access to
mileage levels reduced by
up to 20%, and Distinction members enjoying
reductions of up to 50%.
Gayle Thomas, Kentours;
Giovanna D’Agnone,
Travelpoint Enterprises;
Katherine Hirtzel; Carlson
Wagonlit; Patricia Stokes,
CAA; Barb Hricina, Carlson Wagonlit Travel; Jackie
Vernhout/Expedia Cruiseshipcenters; Martin Jeffery,
MKTG inc.; Joe Lupiani,
New Wave Travel; Carolyn
Bell, Goway Travel; Salma
Yusufali, Century Travel
Services; Céline Moskovitz, Maison de Voyages;
Lexia Anklovitch, Expedia
Cruise Ship Centers; Dave
Wright, Sunwing Vacations; Jackey Lashmar,
Alberta Motor Association; and Marilyn Lentz,
Bytown Travel.
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Also new is the cancellation of the seven-year
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with Aeroplan Miles no
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each year.
“The enhancements
are the most significant
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the Aeroplan program’s
history,” says Vince Timpano, president, Canada,
Aimia. “2014 will mark a
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we take the program to a
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Distinction benefits begin as of Jan. 1 and include:
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The Distinction qualification period begins
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their benefits will take
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“Air Canada welcomes
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16 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JULY 29, 2013
0729PAGE16.indd 16
7/25/2013 2:56:44 PM
The vital
role of the
independents
Lynda Sinclair
Lynda Sinclair is a well-known professional
who has worked in the Canadian travel industry for some 30 years. Always in retail, she has
worked with corporations such as Ensemble
and New Wave Travel, and for nine years has
been with the Vision 2000 Travel Group, currently as Director of Leisure Business Development. In this role, she supervises, mentors
and coaches 170 independent travel advisors
who either work from home or within a Vision
travel agency. A seasoned retail travel specialist,
Sinclair is pleased to say she “eats, breathes and
sleeps travel 24 hours a day!” And this week, she
adds her voice to CTP’s 45th anniversary Voices
of Travel feature.
I
t seems that as long as there have been
travel agents, there have been outside
sales reps ... at-home agents ... independent travel advisors. Whatever you call
them, they’ve had a really interesting influence
on retail travel here in Canada.
Back in the day, it was all about travel agencies looking to increase their sales by having
people outside the industry refer business to
them. Vision 2000, which can trace its routes
back to Toronto’s Rogers Travel in 1953, had
policemen, teachers, fellow shop-owners and
retirees all loving to dabble in our “glamourous” profession. Some top producers such as
insurance brokers and real estate agents were,
like us, used to commission revenue – “You
scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.” And let
us not forget the wives of dentists and lawyers
who did it for a little fun and for something to
chat about at the golf club or a bridge party.
Their involvement was all over the map.
Usually, it was just a referral, but many outside
agents loved to get involved with research and
promoting special departures. Remember this
was long before the Internet, so they really had
to have a passion for the business, waiting patiently for the hotelier in Hawaii or the South
American rail company to snail-mail brochures. Some even got involved in the booking
f Tr a v e l
o
s
e
Vo i c
process, with mixed results. Luckily, in those
days, generous commissions and “waivers and
favours” policies meant that the airlines and
other suppliers were more forgiving about the
odd amateur boo-boo.
Remuneration was also a mixed bag. Some
were on a fi xed commission, some did it for
travel benefits, and some were happy with a
combination of the two.
Fast-forward to a decade or so ago when
we briefly were confronted by the card-mill
agencies: the general public could pay a flat
fee to become a “travel consultant,” receive
business cards – and even IATA cards, according to the promise – and enjoy fabulous travel
benefits. Luckily that was a short chapter in
the industry’s history.
Today, it’s a combination of former travel
agency staffers who see the earning potential
of working for commission, plus men and
women who prefer to work from their home or
are in a community not large enough to support a bricks-and-mortar travel agency. Some
work full-time, some are part-time. Some are
so successful they have to hire staff to process
the business. Some of the active aging population sees the age of 65 as the opportunity to
test out a second career.
At Vision 2000, we are even welcoming entire agencies and their staff into our independent travel advisor program.
The outside agent role is more professional
nowadays as the industry is better regulated
and stricter. But there are still folks who are
happy to just refer the business in exchange for
a little “purse-and-shoes” money. Yes, it’s still
all over the map. And still a vital part of the
Canadian retail travel scene.
Vegas tops long-weekend list
With the civic holiday at hand, Expedia.ca
has unveiled its list of top destinations for
travel for those celebrating the upcoming
long weekend. In order of popularity, they
include: Las Vegas, Vancouver, Toronto,
Orlando, New York, Seattle, Los Angeles,
San Francisco, London, and Calgary.
According to a recent travel survey by
Expedia.ca:
• Summer remains the No. 1 vacation season
for employed Canadians, with 46% saying if
they could only take one vacation this year,
they’d do it in the summer months;
• 54% of Canadians said they will “always” or
at least “sometimes” try to strategically book
around long weekends, so they can enjoy
more time off without using allotted vacation
days from their employers;
• 64% said that long weekends offer a good
opportunity to take a short holiday;
• 66% said they take advantage of at least one
long weekend over the summer to go on holiday.
JULY 29, 2013 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • 17
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“Given the opportunity, we plan to make lemonade out
of this lemon...”
— John Pittman, ASTA Vice President of Industry & Consumer
Affairs, on the association’s efforts to set the record
straight with Woman’s Day magazine over an article it
posted online criticizing travel agents.
Please send your answer to:
“Where in the World?” at [email protected]
Considered one of the most successful parks in the world, this 60-acre space, in the heart of a
world-renowned city, is known for its fountains, sculpture – including a replica of the Statue of Liberty – ponds, flower beds, tennis courts, pony rides, marionette theatre, playgrounds, food kiosks,
and open-air cafés. Ironically, the palace (shown) was built as the result of a famed royal assassination, but the grounds have been open to the public since the 17th century. Where in the world is it?
Gear To Go
A guide to some of the amazing devices that make
travel a little bit easier, or more fun
FixnZip
Packing for airport and late as usual? Nothing is more
irritating than a broken suitcase zipper. Or any other zipper for that matter. Enter FixnZip. The new product was
designed for “effortless repairs” on tooth and coil, metal
and plastic zippers without so much as touching a needle
and thread.
Easy to use and eco-friendly, FixnZip is reusable and
can be taken off one item and used for another. It has
a patented spring plate design consisting of two slider
plates, a thumbscrew and spring. The slider parts are
made of zinc die cast and the spring and thumbscrew of
stainless steel.
FixnZip
works on:
• Apparel
such as: backpacks, jackets,
purses and
handbags;
• Outdoor
items such as:
boat covers, green house windows, outdoor
sports products, sail covers, sleeping bags, and tents;
• Lifestyle items such as: golf carts, ski gear, wet suits
and suitcases.
The FixnZip comes in three sizes: small, medium and
large. Its design enables each to fit a range of sizes, as well as
universally apply to teeth or coil zippers, metal or plastic.
Available in three sizes.
FixnZip is available for purchase at www.fixnzip.com and
price points range from $9.99 to $12.99.
Q: With space tourism
at hand, would you go to
the stars?
A: I’ll stick to Space Mountain
for now for the sake of the kids,
but one day...
•
Q: Is there a fictional planet
you’d like to visit (i.e. Avatar’s Pandora; Star Trek’s
pleasure planet Risa; future
earth, a la Planet of the
Apes...?) Raxacoricofallapatorius, from Dr. Who, just
for the name alone.
A: As Eric Idle memorably sang
in Monty Python’s “Galaxy
Song”: “Pray that there’s intelligent life somewhere up in
space, ‘cause there’s bugger all
down here on Earth.”
•
Q: Who is your favourite
fictional alien (Mork, E.T.,
Spock, Kang/Kodos...)?
A: Anyone
who knows
me knows
it’s (The
Simpsons’)
Kang and
Kodos. On
the prospect
of seeing
Homer
naked:
“Stop!
We have
reached the
limits of
what rectal
probing can
teach us!”
•
Mike
Q: ScariBaginski
est. Alien.
CTP
Ever?
A: My kids
would for vote for the Weeping
Angels on Dr. Who, but it has
to be the queen alien in “Alien.”
•
Q: Star Wars or Dancing
with the Stars?
A: Seriously, who would
even write such a question!?
Star Wars.
•
Q: In the words of Ralph
Kramden, one person
other than Alice you’d
banish “to the moon!”
A: So many... extremists of any
nationality, class or religion.
•
Q: Where in Earth’s history/
future would you have
alien time traveller Dr. Who
take you?
A: At the moment, Europe, just
before the Great War changed
the world; especially to Galicia
(Poland) to see first-hand why
grandfather came here.
•
Q: Rocket Man, Moondance,
2001: A Space Odyssey... name
a favourite celestial tune.
A: “Moon in the Bed” by Paul
Kelly – he’s the Australian
version of Blue Rodeo; an
icon Down Under.
18 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JULY 29, 2013
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APPOINTMENTS
the BC market. This is a
first for Anderson as the
company has restructured
its sales force to provide a
more dedicated coverage
for Canadian travel agents.
For training or sales
support, agents can contact Mallin at tmallin@
andersonvacations.ca.
Flight Centre
Vision 2000
Flight Centre has named
Brent Novak as its new
vice-president and Nick
Queale as vice-president
corporate – which includes
the Corporate Traveller,
FCm Travel Solutions
and Stage & Screen Travel
Services brands. Novak,
who will be based in
Vancouver, is responsible
for the profitable growth
and development of all
leisure brands within
Canada for Flight Centre
Limited. He brings with
him over 14 years experience – 10 with global parent company Flight Centre
Limited, and has spent the
last year in Canada most
recently as vice-president
of corporate.
Pat Rochon has joined the
Vision 2000 Travel Group,
appointed to the newly
formed position of senior
manager, Active Travel
Division. Most recently
the national sales manager
for Adventure Centre,
Rochon brings with him
17 years of experience in
the active/adventure travel
sector, during which he
has notched up visits to
136 countries and all seven
continents. He has also
been an instructor in ecotourism and sustainable
travel at the community
college level. In his new
role, he will be acting in an
advisory and training role
for Vision’s travel advisors, as well as its team of
250 independent advisors.
Rochon will undertake
office visits, special events
and webinars and is also
available to mentor the
Vision 2000 leisure travel
team. He can be reached
at 613-292-8202 or pat.
[email protected].
Anderson Vacations
Anderson Vacations
has expanded its presence in Western Canada
with the appointment
of Tamara Mallin as its
exclusive business development manager in British
Columbia. Mallin’s own
Niche Rep Company is
a Sales Solution leader
responsible for developing
and managing sales
networks,
strengthening
existing
Mallin
relationships, and establishing
new channels in order to
drive revenue and profitability for Anderson
Vacations. Mallin brings
with her a wealth of experience with over 20 years
in the travel business and
in-depth knowledge of
Travel Oregon
Travel Oregon has
announced the appointment of Corey Marshall
as account director –
Canada, contracting with
his representation firm
Canuckiwi Ltd. Marshall
is an experienced travel
industry professional with
sales and marketing expertise throughout Canada.
He has held senior director positions as a tour
operator and destination
marketing specialist in
North America, Australia
and New Zealand. He also
owns Anderson Vacations
Couples Resorts’ Dunstan James and Suzanne Fleming took
time for a quick picture during the recent “Stampede Stomp”
in Calgary. The event is held annually and hosted by suppliers for travel agents in the
Calgary area. This year, approximately 200 agents were in attendance at Ranchman’s.
The organizer of the event this year was Leslie Schaff from Globus and Cosmos.
Stampede Stomp:
based out of Calgary.
Marshall will be presenting creative travel solutions for Canadian travel
trade, tour operators and
travel trade media on how
Oregon can fit into their
programs and publications. He can be reached at
[email protected].
other air carriers. The
Airline Strategy Award follows Hogan being named
CAPA Aviation Executive
of the Year 2012 in which
he was recognized for his
“influence on the aviation industry, outstanding
strategic thinking, and
innovative direction for
growth.”
HONOURED
Etihad’s Hogan
James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad
Airways, has been recognized for his “outstanding
strategic thinking and
leadership” in winning
the Executive Leadership
category at the prestigious
annual Airline Strategy
Awards, held in London.
The Award was chosen by a panel of expert
judges from the aviation
industry after a thorough
examination of Etihad’s
performance in the last 12
months. In-depth analysis was conducted on the
airline’s increased profitability, industry leading
growth and unique new
partnership strategy with
WINNERS
Sunquest
Sunquest has announced
the first 10 winners in
its new “Show You The
Money” promotion.
They are: Jean Arseneau,
TripCentral.ca; Jennifer
Rawn, Fettes Travel
Plus; Carolyn Pawson,
Markham Cruise &
Travel Centre; Sherrie
Beaugrand, Marlin
Travel Markham; Gillian
Gervais, Marlin Travel
Toronto (BCE Place);
Arlene Gibbons, Sears
Travel Kenmount; Debra
Williamson, Sears Travel
Sudbury; Shannon
Garbe, itravel2000.com;
Lili-Anne Bergerson,
AeroportVoyage.com;
and Marion Boulton,
SellOffVacations.com.
A special mention goes
to Marion Boulton from
SellOffVacations.com in
London, Ont. who booked
her clients on a 45-night
Sunquest package at the
Hacienda Hotel & Spa in
Puerto Vallarta.
Sunquest/FunSun
Sunquest and FunSun
Vacations have more
winners in the “Fantastic
Fridays” agent incentive
that kicked off earlier
in May. Winners are:
Mark Vink from VIP
Travel, BC, who won
movies and popcorn for
a year; Linda Szewczyk
from TravelPlus Whitecourt, AB, who won a
$400 travel voucher;
Carlos Lourenco from
411TravelBuys.ca, ON,
who won a $250 gift certificate for The Keg; Yves
Tubadi from LoyaltyOne
Travel Services Inc., ON,
who won a $150 gift certificate for Canyon Creek;
and Annik Beaulieu from
Voyages Vasco Boisbriand,
QC, who won a $100 gift
certificate for Way Spa.
JULY 29, 2013 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • 19
0729PAGE19.indd 19
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Signature.ca
T h e D a y s Yo u R e m e m b e r
PARADISUS PRINCESA DEL MAR
ADULTS ONLY +18
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ADULTS ONLY +18
Operating for more than 50 years, Melia Hotels International is
the largest hotel chain in the world offering more than 350 hotels in
30 countries.
Dedicated to providing customer satisfaction and quality
vacations within its 25 hotels in eight of the most attractive Cuban
destinations. Creating an exclusive world of luxury, Melia Hotels
in Cuba offer elegance, as well as high-end amenities with its Royal
Service selection.
Melia Hotels in Cuba propose a wide range of properties, from 4 to
5-star resorts, exceptional service, varied programs for adults and
children along with excellent value. With an undeterred commitment
to provide the best in care and service, SignatureVacations.com
partners with Melia Hotels International
Cuba to offer its customers a memorable vacation experience.
PARADISUS VARADERO
Kfifekf[\gXikli\j›Fe\N\\b›8cc`eZclj`m\
Varadero, Cuba +++++
GXiX[`jljGi`eZ\jX;\cDXi
Junior Suite Royal Service
Oct 03, 05 & 10
$
875
$290 taxes
Holguin, Cuba
+++++
GXiX[`jljI`f;\FifI\jfikJgX
Master Junior Suite Royal Service
Oct 01, 08 & 15
$
1095
+ $290 taxes
Varadero, Cuba
GXiX[`jljMXiX[\if+++++
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Oct 04, 11 & 18
1385
$
+ $290 taxes
Toronto departures. All prices are per person based on double occupancy for 7 nights on all inclusive vacations (unless otherwise specified) and were available at time of printing. Seats at the above prices are limited
and capacity controlled. Applicable local taxes payable in destination upon return are extra (Cuba 25CUC). Transportation taxes & related fees shown must be pre-paid. For full terms and conditions, please refer to
our current brochure. All flights are with Sunwing Airlines or Travel Services. Sunwing Vacations Inc. D/B/A as Signature Vacations, 27 Fasken Drive, Toronto, ON. Ont (Tico) # 2476582 | 07292013
0729PAGE20.indd 20
7/25/2013 11:42:28 AM