Destinations
Become A Master With MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises has launched a comprehensive e-learning platform for Canadian travel agents called MSC Masters, a digital program to provide information about the cruise line’s products, ships and sailing itineraries. As well, the program aims to broaden MSC’s distribution channel by raising interest from travel agencies who are not yet familiar with MSC Cruises. Agents who enrol in the program will progressively earn rewards to eventually become an MSC Cruises Master. As an additional incentive for agents MSC Cruises, where permissible, will draw 10 $200 or 20 $100 gift cards for...
WestJet Encore, CUPE Reach Tentative Deal
WestJet Encore has reached a tentative agreement with CUPE Local 4070 – which represents the WestJet Encore Inflight (Cabin Crew) group. Both parties now await the ratification vote to be put forward to membership. In February 2021, WestJet and CUPE reached an agreement on behalf of the WestJet Inflight team that operates the airline's jet fleet. Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO, said that: “For the second time this year, I am pleased to share that we've tentatively come to terms on an agreement with CUPE Local 4070. We have negotiated the first collective agreement, on...
Positivity, Excitement And Confidence
In a recent survey of its customers, Flight Centre Travel Group is reporting a distinct shift in positive sentiment compared to the results of a similar survey conducted in November 2020. The most recent survey was conducted in June of 2021 and saw close to 2,000 people respond. Key findings of the June 2021 survey reveal that excitement towards travel is up significantly, confidence in travelling safely is directly correlated to the successful rollout of vaccines, and the vast majority of customers are definitely planning to travel in 2022. Some of the more surprising trends that...
Antigua And Barbuda Steps Up Marketing Efforts
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is stepping up its marketing efforts with the rollout of the next phase of Antigua and Barbuda’s 'Your Space In The Sun' campaign. From July through to September, consumers in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom will see Antigua and Barbuda advertising in-stadia, on radio – traditional, digital and streaming, in print – with advertising in major publications, through online programmatic and retargeting adverts and via strategic influencer social media campaigns. Building on the concept of the ‘Your Space In the Sun’...
ITAC Receives $2 Million In Destination Canada Funding
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has announced that as part of a long-term partnership, it has received a new investment from Destination Canada of $2 million in funding and $950,000 of in-kind support, in an effort to stabilize the Indigenous tourism sector. The funding ensures ITAC can move forward with their new sales and marketing campaign, entitled The Original Original, promoting Indigenous tourism operators from coast to coast to coast and helping to rebuild the Indigenous tourism industry, which was disproportionately devastated by the pandemic. Keith...
A Step Closer To Reopening
Easing of Canada’s border restrictions was a key topic during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's call with Canada’s provincial and territorial premiers as they discussed their shared response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. In a readout from the meeting, the Prime Minister indicated that, “if our current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue, Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travellers from all countries by early September.” He noted that discussions with the United States on reopening plans were ongoing and indicated...
Register Now And Discover The West Midlands
Visit Britain is inviting the Canadian travel trade to a virtual event to mark the One Year To Go until the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The focus of the session will be on the West Midlands, the heart of England. Participation is free for the event that takes place on July 28 at 4 pm EST/1 pm PST. During the virtual event, participants will be provided with updated information on the West Midlands region, its top attractions and key highlights, plus there will be a fun quiz. Located in central England, about 1.5 hours by train from London, the West Midlands is the...
UPDATED: Cruising Back In Canadian Waters On Nov. 1, 2021
Canada’s Transport Minister, Omar Alghabra has announced that the federal government is accelerating the timing of the return of cruising to Canadian waters, announcing in Victoria, B.C. that as of Nov. 1, 2021, the prohibition of cruise ships in Canadian waters would no longer be in effect if operators are able to fully comply with public health requirements. He noted in his remarks that the government is keenly aware that the maritime and tourism sectors have been hit hard by the global COVID-19 pandemic; observing that as we reopen safely, we are already preparing for the upcoming...