Destinations
WestJet Puts Spotlight on Mexico’s Yucatan
WestJet Vacations can accommodate those seeking a Yucatan Peninsula vacation that's doesn't involve hugely popular Cancun and the Riviera Maya. The tour operator's Dave Cecco told a Toronto gathering last week that WestJet will begin non-stop service from Toronto to the interior Yucatan city of Merida Dec. 15 and WestJet Vacations in turn has a program that will send people to Merida and the nearby Gulf of Mexico for those who want a saltwater-fronting resort. “We think we've found the gem in Mexico,” he said. Cecco declared the area is “full of culture” and visitors can...
Sabre Automates Cuba Travel Certification Process
As open US travel to Cuba gets closer and closer, Sabre Corporation reports the development of a capability that helps US travel agents to comply with recently liberalized US regulations for trips booked to, from or within Cuba. Available to travel buyers and tour operators, the Cuba Traveler Certification capability enhances the user experience in agents’ service desktops. Sabre is utilizing the standard Cuba travel certification form for passengers developed by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Built on Sabre’s agency workspace, and powered by API technology, the...
Banff Gondola To Get $26 Million Upgrade
Brewster Travel Canada is investing $26 million to enhance its flagship attraction, the Banff Gondola, which will the see the compete redevelopment of its upper terminal building. Brewster has partnered with PCL Construction and sister-company Global Experience Specialists to design and build the new facility. Although the footprint will remain unchanged, officials say the existing structure will be retrofitted into a modern building with modern amenities including welcoming, elevated public spaces, new food and beverage outlets and improved washroom facilities. “Generations of...
California Celebrates Wine Month
With September being the height of harvest season, it's Wine Month in California and the state is celebrating with more than 50 events and immersion experiences – from wine festivals and winemaking classes to winemaker dinners, VIP tastings and tours. For a complete listing by region of all activities, go to http://www.discovercaliforniawines.com/californiawinemonth. Highlights include: The Madera Vintners Association's California Wine Month Celebration on Sept. 18 will offer wine tasting from local wineries, food by a variety of local restaurants and live music. In the...
VISIT FLORIDA Partners With Pitbull
VISIT FLORIDA and global music superstar Pitbull have teamed to launch a partnership designed to help Florida integrate its travel brand into the international music scene. Highlights of the partnership include: With more than 100 million social followers, Pitbull will use and feature VISIT FLORIDA’s #LoveFL hashtag on all his video screens at concerts around the world, as well as on his live New Year’s Eve special from Miami on Fox. VISIT FLORIDA will be doing a week-long takeover on Elvis Duran and the Morning Show/iHeart Radio featuring daily prize packages to Miami and...
Air Canada Making The Shift
Air Canada is planning to shift its business emphasis away from North America and more towards international destinations, particularly points in the Pacific, according to Ben Smith, president of passenger airlines. He told an aviation forecast summit in Las Vegas this week that the company’s network composition will comprise 62% international flying and 38% North America by 2018. That compares with 54% international and 46% North America in 2011, when the Pacific represented only 17% of all flying. With destinations such as Singapore and Bangkok set to be added, the...
Sandals Foundation Coming to Aid of Dominica
The Sandals Foundation has launched a month-long fundraising program to aid the recovery effort in Dominica after the Caribbean nation was recently devastated by Tropical Storm Erika. The campaign will include fundraising efforts involving guests staying at Sandals and Beaches Resorts, as well as online donations through the Sandals Foundation web page. Additionally, the company will be reaching out to their trade partners, travel agents and suppliers. “Thankfully, the nine islands in which we operate our resorts were unscathed by Tropical Storm Erika, but tragically the same was...
Transat Has ‘Cuba Mania’
As part of its “Cuba Mania” promotion, Transat is offering travellers the chance to secure their vacation to Cuba and take advantage of free seat selection with a deposit of just $50 per person. The offer is valid for bookings made by Sept. 30 for travel between Dec. 18 and April 30, 2016. Transat offers seven destinations in Cuba – Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Cayo Santa Maria, Holguin, Havana, Santa Lucia (Camaguey) and Varadero where it offers a variety of packages, cruises and tours. The Transat promotion is also combinable with its early booking promotions allowing...