Destinations
Good News From The Bahamas
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has responded positively to the updated travel advisory issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that reduces its travel recommendation for The Bahamas from a Level 3 to a Level 2 destination. The CDC evaluates lower risk due to decreased COVID-19 case counts as well as lower case trajectory. Vaccine coverage rates and performance also play a role in the CDC’s determination of advisory levels. This recent change is an indication that our diligence is proving successful in minimizing the spread and for...
Transat Offers Update On Changes, Cancellations
In a message to travel advisors, Transat says that “unfortunately travel demand has slowed since the recent government advisory to Canadians to avoid non-essential international travel.” And it continues that: “Since then, we have offered those booked to travel Dec. 16, 2021 to Jan. 12, 2022, the opportunity to change their travel dates or to cancel and receive a travel credit. To make changes, agents must call our Contact Centre, there will be no change fee, but any fare difference will apply. Requests for cancellation must be submitted using our online cancellation...
Forecast 2022
2021 had all the hallmarks of becoming a successful year, but unfortunately for a number of reasons, it didn’t quite achieve its potential, writes Eric Barber, vice president, national sales, Realstar Hospitality, in the latest issue of Canadian Travel Press. At one point, Barber observes: “A week ago, I would have painted a very optimistic picture of 2022 for our industry. A week is a long time in the travel business these days, and unfortunately any optimism I had is now gone.” Barber joins Collette’s Brett Walker; Flight Centre Travel Group’s Chris Lynes;...
TIAC Welcomes Feds Moves
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is welcoming the federal government’s introduction of new regulations that would temporarily expand the Local Lockdown Program to include employers subject to capacity-limiting restrictions of 50% or more and reduce the current-month revenue decline threshold requirement to 25%. TIAC also applauded the temporary expansion of the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit to include workers in regions where provincial or territorial governments have introduced capacity-limiting restrictions of 50% or more. The industry association said that it...
Feds Expand Eligibility For Lockdown Support Programs
Led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, senior cabinet ministers announced that the federal government was temporarily expanding eligibility for key support programs in order to make sure that Canadians are protected and workers and businesses get the help they need to sustain them through new and necessary public health restrictions. In explaining the temporary expansion of eligibility for key support programs, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland explained that the federal government will be using regulatory authority provided in Bill C-2, and introducing new...
CRA Now Accepting THRP Applications
ACTA is advising that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is now accepting applications for the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies. The association’s president, Wendy Paradis said: “We were very pleased to see the government act so quickly to put this in place so that agencies can apply for wage and rent subsidies now.” Agencies and some independent travel agents can apply for the wage and rent subsidies online with the CRA. The THRP gives up to 75% wage and rent subsidies to eligible travel, tourism, and hospitality businesses who suffered...
Let’s Get Ready For An Incredible 2022
During this festive season, the sales team at Unique Vacations Canada – led by Maureen Barnes-Smith, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Canada – share a simple but heartfelt bilingual video message to Canadian travel advisors. “Thank you for all you do……and let’s get ready for an incredible 2022” Check it out...
Cuba Won’t Close Or Change Entry Rules
Cuban authorities say the country won’t close and it doesn’t foresee changes in the entry requirements. The progress in the vaccination of its entire population, the dedication to scientific knowledge and healthcare for all is bearing fruit as Cuba copes with the Covid-19 pandemic. In a recent statement, Lessner Gomez, director of The Cuba Tourist Board in Canada, said that “Vaccinations, the general use of masks, social distancing and testing along with the strict health and safety protocols in place, are essential parts of the Cuba’s success”, adding: “It’s also good...