VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) has reached some key milestones in its sustainability journey with the unveiling of its sustainability plan and its participation in the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, the United Nations Global Compact.
VIA Rail's promise is that in the 21st century, Canadians need a transportation network that seamlessly, efficiently, and sustainably connects their communities, that is why VIA Rail has been transforming passenger rail service through its modernization program and its sustainability and accessibility plans.
The Corporation reviewed...
Following comments from travel agencies and independent travel agents expressing their disappointment about the end of federal financial subsidies, ACTA has released a FAQ on Budget 2022.
Wendy Paradis, ACTA President, said that: “ACTA is also disappointed-- but not surprised-- as there were many signals coming from the government close to the federal budget release that COVID related subsidies were ending.”
Paradis continued: “ACTA understands some travel agencies and independent travel agents are disappointed and understandably upset that financial subsidies were not...
Registration is now open for a series of online Masterclass sessions on Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts.
Created exclusively for Canadian travel advisors, the fast-paced, motivational sessions will help to “Reignite, Refocus and Reboot” their Sandals and Beaches business, as well as their own personal goals as professional travel advisors.
Led by Lorna Richards, National Training Manager, Unique Vacations Canada, she’ll be joined by the respective Sandals Business Development Manager across the country for each Masterclass.
Together, they’ll discuss a range of...
Today is Earth Day and it seemed only appropriate to highlight some of the stories from companies in this industry who are taking steps to protect the world we live in.
And it’s no surprise that the adventure travel industry has proven a singularly perfect platform through which to bridge the intersection between personal choice, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility.
So, here’s three stories – that have been shared by the innovators themselves, the far-flung communities through which they travel, or by the heartfelt guests who’ve joined their journeys...
Remember to think of Virginia when you think of Earth Day.
State tourism officials proudly note that their jurisdiction was the birthplace of the now global event, which can be traced to the Virginia resort of Airlie.
"Earth Day as you know it today all started with an announcement at Airlie," says Brigitte Belanger-Warner of the Virginia Tourism Corporation."
She continued: "The year was 1969 and Senator Gaylord Nelson shared his idea for what is now the world’s largest environmental movement with a group of medical and law students participating in a conference here. ...
Goway is reporting that it has marked significant growth in its Maldives travel product line during this period.
The operator has seen 75% growth in its passenger numbers on vacations to the Maldives compared to 2019, the last full year prior to the pandemic. This growth demonstrates Goway’s expertise in and continued commitment to providing idyllic retreats in sunny and warm destinations such as the Maldives.
The Maldives has been an ideal destination to visit since it reopened its borders to international travellers in July 2020.
Each resort is located on its own private...
Paul Melhus makes it clear that ToursByLocals has been working with travel agents from the start and recognizes them as an integral part of its business. In fact, says ToursByLocals founder and CEO, agents bring top quality clients in search of truly unique travel products.
Melhus explains that ToursByLocals was created by travellers for travellers, saying that: “The idea was born on the Great Wall of China in 2006. My partner Dave and I met two local women who offered to help us explore the history of the wall. After a great tour followed by confusion around payment, we wanted to be...
Air Canada is donating 100 million Aeroplan points to support the Canadian government's initiative to bring Ukrainians to Canada.
The points will contribute towards facilitating transportation and can be used on flights operated by Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners including Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, SWISS, United Airlines and other carriers. The Shapiro Foundation is also contributing to this effort and Miles4Migrants, a non-profit charity will manage and facilitate the flight bookings.
Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada, said...
Spring has started with good news and to celebrate this the Tourist Office of Spain is organizing seminars for travel agents in Mississauga, Markham, Ont. and Montreal.
Requirements have eased for Canadian travellers, and direct flights to Spain are restarting. With that in mind, the team of the Tourist Office of Spain wants to meet in-person with travel agents and reconnect.
While having some food, Director Barbara Couto and trade manager Alegria Narvaez will talk about the latest news from Spain, travel requirements and more.
At the end one lucky agent will win a basket of...
The Czech Republic’s Ministry of Health eased all COVID-19 travel restrictions for both foreign tourists and Czech citizens as of April 9, 2022.
Now, travellers will no longer need to fill in an arrival form or submit proof of vaccination or a previous infection when returning from abroad.
However, it is still recommended for travellers to verify the conditions of transport (including proof of infectivity, i.e. test, vaccination, illness) directly with the agreed public transport carrier (plane, bus, train).
Michaela Claudino, director of Czech Tourism USA & Canada,...