Destinations
WestJet Ups Frequency on Select Routes
WestJet has announced an increase in frequency on three existing international routes and a move from seasonal to year-round service between Calgary and Yellowknife. Service between Calgary and Loreto, Mexico increases from weekly to twice-weekly service. Flights between Toronto and Puerto Vallarta increase from weekly to three times weekly and service between Toronto and Puerto Plata doubles from twice-weekly service to four scheduled flights per...
Saint Lucia Honours Top Agents
The Saint Lucia Tourist Board has wined and dined the 2014 winners of the island’s Piton Awards, which recognize the top booking Canadian travel agents and agencies for their work on behalf of the destination. The winners were hosted on the island June 11-14, including being welcomed at a dinner attended by the island's tourism minister and deputy prime minister. “We are very pleased with the dedication and hard work of all the travel agents involved,” said Tracey Warner Arnold, deputy director of tourism for the Saint Lucia Tourist Board. “The Piton Awards are a way for us...
Cunard to Celebrate 175th in Halifax
Cunard's Queen Mary 2 will embark on the capstone of Cunard’s 175th worldwide anniversary celebrations with a commemorative transatlantic crossing departing from Liverpool, England, paying tribute to the original voyage made by the company’s first flagship, Britannia, on July 4, 1840. This journey inaugurated the first scheduled mail and passenger service across the Atlantic and Cunard will be celebrating this historic milestone in three cities which hold a special place in the company’s storied past – Halifax, Boston and New York. Queen Mary 2, Cunard’s reigning flagship,...
New Sunseeking Programs From the West
Transat Holidays has introduced enhancements to its flight offerings for Western Canada by adding new routes to its 2015-2016 winter season for southern sun destinations. Departures are now in the systems and available for sale. Western Canada vacationers will be able to choose from a dozen destinations, including Cayo Santa Maria (Cuba) from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg; Cozumel (Mexico) from Calgary and Edmonton; and Varadero (Cuba) from...
Spotlight on India
The 2015 India Road Show rolled into Toronto last Thursday (June 11) as part of a four-city North American tour stopping in Montreal, Chicago and Houston. Presented by India Tourism and PATA India, 17 suppliers, industry partners and provincial government reps from Telangana and Tamilnadu were on hand to meet with travel trade and share information on the latest tourism products, packages and tours, as well as new developments and hotels in India. “We're targeting the travel agents and the tour operators the most because they'll be the ones who will be promoting India,” Anil...
Time Running Out to Win Universal Trip
While visiting Universal Orlando Resort (UOR) is an “epic” experience at any time, this year is just a little more special as the attraction-destination marks its 25th anniversary. To celebrate, UOR is offering one lucky travel agent an trip for two to experience its “jaw-dropping theme parks, spectacular on-site hotels, and one-of-a-kind entertainment.” Full details on how to enter can be found at promo.baxter.net/contest/universal.asp...
Britain Hosts Air Canada Race
The Air Canada Race is back in a big way as its sixth edition will take place in Britain – the first time it will be held outside of North America. The race is a national travel agent competition hosted by Air Canada that was inspired by the television show, The Amazing Race. The initiative was last held in 2010. From June 12-17, agents will race along a trail of discovery through London and Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks. The competitive sightseeing experience culminates with an adrenalin-packed quiz based on clues they’ve solved throughout the event. Working in teams of...
M Club Lounge Opens in Calgary
Travellers looking to recharge their batteries while staying at the Calgary Marriott Downtown will now have access to the first ever M Club Lounge to open in Canada. An exclusive space located in the heart of the hotel, the M Club Lounge offers space to work, connect and relax for Marriott Rewards Gold and Platinum Elite members as well as guests who choose to add M Club Lounge access to their reservation. Open 24/7, the M Club offers connectivity and advanced technology to meet guests’ business needs. This includes expanded high speed WiFi using the “highest tier of Internet...