Destinations
ACTA Launches Save Travel Campaign
The Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program rent and wage subsidies are scheduled to decline by half on March 13, 2022 and end entirely May 7, 2022. And ACTA president, Wendy Paradis makes it clear that: “The fifth wave of Omicron has devastated Canada’s travel and tourism small businesses, nearly eliminating the winter holiday season.” Paradis points out that: “While recovery is on the horizon, border restrictions remain and travel agencies and independent travel agents cannot recover until the summer season.” And ACTA’s president added: “It is imperative that the...
Take A Wander With Insight On IWD 2022
To celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8), Insight Vacations is launching a new 10-day itinerary, Inspiring Iceland, A Women’s-Only Tour as part of its Wander Women series of journeys created for women, by women. The trip will take place in July 2023 offering immersive experiences curated to the interests of female clients through unique Insight Experiences and encountering MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. Guests will discover Iceland’s incredible natural beauty and traditions. They will journey across the land of fire and ice from the vibrant capital of Reykjavik to...
Air Transat, Porter Conclude Code-Share Deal
Air Transat and Porter Airlines have concluded a code-sharing agreement to be implemented for the 2022 summer season. The first phase of the agreement will focus on connecting Porter’s bases at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) and Halifax-Stanfield (YHZ) to Air Transat’s hub at Montreal-Trudeau (YUL), providing customers of both carriers with a greater selection of connecting flights in Canada, the U.S. and internationally. Transat president and CEO, Annick Guérard said: “We are very excited to team up with Porter in an important partnership that will contribute to the...
Holland America Sets A Course For Canada
Holland America Line says it can now complete its preparations for a full season of Alaska explorations and Canada/New England sailings following the publication of procedures for the safe resumption of cruises to Canadian ports. The cruise line will now sail itineraries as scheduled that include Canadian homeports and ports of call from late spring through fall. Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, explained that: “The completion of this guidance by Transport Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, Public Health Agency of Canada, and port officials will allow us to...
VoX International Adds FLYGTA To Client Roster
VoX International has added FLYGTA Airlines to its client roster and it will be assisting the airline with marketing and travel trade outreach. To spearhead that, VoX is also welcoming Erin Oddleifson to its team to manage this account. Susan Webb, President of VoX International, said that: “FLYGTA is growing in leaps and bounds and we are delighted to be a part of that, supporting the company with its growth plans and raising its profile among the travel trade and MICE sectors here in Canada.” Webb continued: “In turn, we are happy to welcome Erin to the VoX family to manage...
ACTA Welcomes Cruise Rule Changes
ACTA is welcoming the federal government’s announcement yesterday (March 7, 2022) of significant measures to re-open cruise travel. The industry association notes that the new measures will see the current travel advisory -- “avoid all cruise travel outside Canada” – being lifted and travellers instead being advised to exercise a high degree of caution. As a result, travellers are no longer advised against cruise travel and insurance becomes more accessible. Wendy Paradis, president of ACTA, said: “ACTA is pleased at the significant progress to re-opening Canada’s...
Seamless Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is updating its international arrival protocols, creating a “Seamless Saint Lucia” experience for travellers. The following changes for international arrivals, in-transit passengers and returning nationals took effect on March 5, 2022: Fully vaccinated travellers and in-transit passengers aged 5 and over must have a negative rapid Covid-19 antigen test or a Rapid COVID-19 PCR test taken one day prior to entering Saint Lucia. Travellers may also provide a negative RT- PCR COVID-19 test taken up to five days prior to arrival. All unvaccinated travellers must...
The Return Of Destination Weddings
As travel restrictions ease and couples are eager to travel again, 2022 is set to be a pretty massive year for destination weddings. According to a survey of vendors and consumers by the Wedding Report, roughly 2.5 million couples will tie the knot this year. “AMR Collection has experienced a steady recovery within the wedding segment with future brides planning well in advance to secure their ideal date and venue,” Carolina Bellina, Senior Director of Canadian Sales and Consortia Relations, AMR Collection, tells Travel Courier. “Since the pandemic, many couples have shifted to...