Destinations
It’s Anchors Aweigh For Cruise CEO
Cruise CEO set sail this week, positioning itself as a cruise-centric host agency that is the only Virtuoso cruise-focused host agency in North America. The new business and brand features a leadership team – with close to 90 years of experience -- that includes Morris Chia, Zeina Gedeon and Caroline Hay. Hay, who has been named Cruise CEO's president, is quick to point out that Cruise CEO, while affiliated with TPI is not its cruise arm, rather Cruise CEO is a standalone business and brand that is “truly a game changer.” She explained that: “Focused selling and...
Help With The Recovery
Those with a stake in this country's tourist trade are keeping their fingers crossed that pleas from the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) for Canadians to vacation in this country when they're again ready to hit the road won't fall on deaf ears, reports Ian Stalker in the latest issue of Canadian Travel Press. TIAC is asking people to make this country their country of choice for their next vacation, saying doing so will help Canadian tourism companies recover after a punishing 14 months of the coronavirus pandemic. The association has made the call repeatedly in the...
TL Network Going Live With Cross-Canada Fall Events
As COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift across Canada, TL Network is going live with its Owners and Managers Mixers beginning in Winnipeg on Aug. 31. During the pandemic, TL Network has hosted virtual mixers, allowing owners and managers to meet with key suppliers, but now it’s relaunching with 14 in-person ‘small, intimate’ mixers of no more than 40 attendees – with all safety protocols in place -- during the second half of 2021. Christine James, Vice President of TL Network Canada, said that: “Each mixer provides an excellent opportunity for suppliers to network with...
Air Canada Set To Take Off For Summer 2021
Air Canada is gearing up for the summer of 2021, with three new domestic Canada routes, service to 50 Canadian airports, the re-establishment of select regional routes, and wide-body aircraft featuring Air Canada Signature Class and Premium Economy Class on select transcontinental routes. The carrier’s peak summer schedule begins at the end of June, with Air Canada noting that it has been developed to advance the country's economic recovery and support Canada's tourism and hospitality businesses during the important summer period. Mark Galardo, senior vice president, network...
Expedia Cruises Sailing With Data, Demographics
During its Expedia Cruises 2021 Virtual Conference, the Expedia Group unveiled new data and demographic insights to help agents and cruise lines better target demand. The virtual event also saw cruise executives from the online travel agency highlighting the need for the industry to understand the evolving roles of agents, to embrace new technology for a more seamless experience for travellers and agents, and to respond to new and evolving pockets of demand. New data and demographical insights presented during the event included: The average length of cruise bookings jumped...
Going Live With Sandals
After the success of its inaugural live virtual town hall on digital marketing last month, Sandals Resorts is going back to basics with an interactive new session on grassroots marketing. With Canadian travel advisors emerge from the pandemic, cost-effective and purpose-driven tactics have never been more crucial. Enter grassroots marketing. What is it exactly? Can a “think big, start small” approach really benefit the bottom line? How does getting “back to basics” take your Sandals and Beaches business to the next level? Led once again by moderators C.J. Smith, Senior...
TravelBrands Unveils Refund Plan, Protects Commissions
TravelBrands is now offering full refunds on vacation packages without relying on external assistance; it also said that it will be protecting agent commission. Frank DeMarinis, president & CEO, TravelBrands, observed that: “Trust is paramount in any industry, especially the travel industry, and we saw an opportunity to do more.” DeMarinis continued: “Our team worked relentlessly behind the scenes to deliver a meaningful action plan that would positively impact the travel agent community and their clients. We will continue to redefine industry norms to renew confidence in...
WestJet Launching Calgary-Amsterdam Flights
WestJet is poised to expand its international network, with plans to launch 787 Dreamliner flights from Calgary to Amsterdam beginning Aug. 5, 2021. John Weatherill, WestJet’s chief commercial officer, said: “We are committed to putting international investments in place, as leaders of the travel and tourism industry, to support a safe restart to international travel and further Canada’s economic recovery.” Weatherill continued: “With flights set to begin later this summer, we look forward to helping connect Canadians to their loved ones in Europe, while continuing to...