Destinations
Qantas Adds YVR Lift
If your clients are thinking of a summer or winter holiday, then Qantas has just provided some additional options, with its announcement that it will offer more non-stop flights from Vancouver to Sydney with an extended seasonal schedule. Stephen Thompson, executive manager international sales for Qantas, said the decision to offer more flights from Vancouver came at the end of a successful first season of flying during the December to January travel period. “Our non-stop Vancouver services proved really popular so we’re pleased to expand them this year, offering customers more...
Check Out New Zealand Your Way
Goway Travel has teamed up with Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand to launch New Zealand Your Way – a campaign that offers a variety of vacation ideas and special offers. All pre-planned New Zealand self drive itineraries booked flying with Air New Zealand are eligible for $50 in free fuel (paid in the form of a gift card). Also, agents' clients flying to New Zealand and stopping in the Cook Islands can get their first two nights accommodation at Palm Grove Resort free of charge or receive a credit towards upgrading or extending their stay. And last, but not least, in...
ASTA Applauds Bill to Repeal Cuba Travel Ban
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) fully supports the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act, bipartisan legislation introduced Jan. 29 that would fully repeal restrictions on travel by American citizens and legal residents to Cuba. “ASTA has long believed that Americans ought to be allowed to travel across the globe without restriction, allowing them to act as ambassadors of freedom and American values abroad,” said Zane Kerby, ASTA president and CEO. “While the Administration’s recent actions on Cuba were a step in the right direction, it is Congress that needs to step up to...
Air France ‘Oh la la Deals’ from YVR
There’s still time to catch the special offer by Air France on its new schedule of flights between Vancouver and Paris, that will start this spring. With the “Oh la la deals” promotion, airfares start at $949 for economy class seats on flights out of Vancouver to many European destinations, as well as Beirut, Tel Aviv and Dubai. This covers numerous cities, including Venice, Lisbon, Madrid, Athens, Istanbul, Florence, Moscow, Barcelona and many more. And these fares include a free stopover in Paris. The promotion runs until Feb. 5, and applies to trips with departures between...
Transat Introduces New Haiti Packages
Transat has introduced new vacation packages to Haiti from Montreal. Available for seven or 14 nights, these more “traditional” packages include roundtrip flight, transfers and accommodation in one of three hotels offered in Port-au-Prince or at one of four resorts on the Côte des Arcadins. Meal plans vary according to the hotel booked. Transat Holidays has enhanced its existing offer to this Caribbean destination renowned for its historic sites, natural beauty, superb beaches and many sports and water activities. Since January 2013, Transat has been actively involved in...
Welcome Back
Ireland's iconic Ashford Castle will begin welcoming guests back through its doors in March following a restoration program that has completely restored the historic building. Having acquired the Castle in June 2013, Red Carnation Hotels, a family owned collection of 16 luxury award-winning hotels, has meticulously worked to preserve Ashford’s history and charm while enhancing its guest facilities and levels of luxury and comfort. Once owned by Lord and Lady Ardilaun of the Guinness family, the castle has welcomed royalty, celebrities and heads of state across its illustrious...
Jammin’ in Jamaica
Most Canadians think of Jamaica as a sun and sand vacation destination; however many travellers may be surprised by the number of festivals and events held on the island throughout the year. “Jamaica has a fantastic year-long calendar of festivals and events,” said Jamaica's director of tourism, Paul Pennicook. “These activities include world-class food, music and sporting events. We offer so much more than just sun, sand and sea and our annual festivals give Canadians the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of home, all while enjoying Jamaica's culture and flavours.” The...
Sala Joins Royal Hawaiian Center
Royal Hawaiian Center has announced the hiring of Aaron J. Sala as its director of Cultural Affairs. Sala will join the Festival Companies’ executive management team and is responsible for direction and oversight of all resources and activities promoting Hawaiian culture at the centre. He will also assist in integrating both Hawaiian management practices and ho‘okipa (hospitality) in order to enhance the guest experience at the centre. Sala joins Royal Hawaiian Center after having held various instructional positions within the University of Hawaii system over the last 12 years,...