Destinations
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...
St. Kitts & Nevis Makes Some Changes
St. Kitts & Nevis has implemented a period of restriction of movement. The new guidelines were announced by the country’s Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris. The restrictions were put in place on June 12 and continued to June 26 and include: Movement is restricted from 6:00 p.m. of each day until 5:00 a.m. the following day. International borders remain open for travel by commercial air and sea vessels. During this period of restriction of movement, visitors vacationing in place are being asked to verify with their hotels prior to arrival the respective...
Without A Plan, Industry Is At Risk
Canada’s travel and tourism industry continues to put pressure on the federal government to provide the sector with a comprehensive, national plan to reopen the economy, ensure the free movement of Canadians across the border and implement a clear vaccination certification program that allows entry to international travellers. That message was delivered loud and clear in Ottawa yesterday (June 14) by representatives of the Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable that included: Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce; Beth Potter, President & CEO of...
Dominican Republic Keeping Visitors Safe
The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Tourism is ensuring that the country's tourist centres are being kept open under strict protocols to guarantee the safety of visitors. With countries making progress in the vaccination process and world tourism beginning to reactivate, the Dominican Republic says it's maintaining a safety leadership position in Latin America that's recognized by international agencies. Tourism officials are crediting what they're labelling a responsible recovery strategy implemented in September. Measures in the plan have ensured that the country's tourist...