Destinations
Fiji Drops Post-Arrival Testing Requirement
International travellers are now no longer required to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival to Fiji. The change took effect on Sept. 5, 2022. As a result of the change, no test results or proof of test bookings will be required to board flights to Fiji and the Entry Test Fiji portal used to pre-book tests will be discontinued. Furthermore, Fiji has reduced the mandatory isolation period for those who test positive from seven days to five days. Although mandated post-arrival testing has been lifted, testing will be required for anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms, which individuals...
Splettstoesser Joins TTAND As Marketing Director
Antje Splettstoesser has been named Marketing Director for the Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND). Her appointment was effective Sept. 1, 2022. Flemming Friisdahl, TTAND Founder and CEO, said: “We are very excited to have Antje join our team. Having just become 1,000 agents strong, we believe Antje will be a critical part of our leadership team in guiding the company and our agent partners into the post pandemic era. She has a tremendous amount of travel industry experience that we will be able to draw on.” Friisdahl added: “TTAND has always felt that marketing is a very important...
Thériault Joins ACV As Area Sales Manager, Quebec
Nicolas Thériault has been named Area Sales Manager – Quebec for Air Canada Vacations. He will be based in Montreal and report directly to Marco Gagnon, General Manager, Sales - Eastern Canada. Ana Paula De Souza, Director of Sales at Air Canada Vacations, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nicolas to Air Canada Vacations’ sales team. Nicolas brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with over 11 years at Air Canada Vacations in the Groups departments and, most recently, as a Call Centre Supervisor for our Europe, Canada and USA portfolio.” Marco Gagnon, General...
Swoop Adds Non-Stops To Cuba
Swoop has expanded its winter schedule with new routes, more frequencies and new service to Cuba. The seasonal, non-stop service between Toronto (YYZ) and Varadero (VRA) begins on Jan. 11, 2023, and fares start from $189 one-way. Tia McGrath, Leader, Distribution and Sales, said: “We're thrilled to be announcing an expansion in the Caribbean, adding Varadero to our growing list of vacation destinations. Cuba tops the list for Ontarians seeking an affordable beach getaway and we're proud to reaffirm our commitment to the region with more ultra-convenient and ultra-low fares.” As...
Grant Named Regional Manager/Ontario For Vision
Renata Grant has been appointed regional manager/Ontario for Vision Travel. The announcement was made by Julie Skinner, vice president, leisure sales and operations at Vision Travel. Grant will be based at Vision’s Toronto head office and joins the Vision team of seven regional managers across the network. She will be responsible for growing leisure sales and supporting advisors based in the head office as well as in Ottawa and Georgetown, Ont. Grant brings with her a wealth of experience with over 20 years in the industry including owning award-winning cruise-focused...
TIAC Talks ArriveCAN, Labour Shortage And More
It's unlikely that ArriveCAN will get the axe anytime soon. TIAC's Marc Seguin told a Thursday (Sept. 1) TIAC webinar that cautious government officials are currently wary of doing away with ArriveCAN over fears that there will be yet another COVID wave. ArriveCAN has been blamed by many in the travel industry for slowing travel's recovery, with Seguin telling webinar viewers that: “Personally, I wish to see this disappear.” TIAC wants the government to drop the likes of ArriveCAN and current random COVID testing at some airports, arguing they are discouraging people from...
Chile Updates Vaccination Entry Rules
As of Sept. 1, non-resident foreign tourists can enter Chile just by presenting their Vaccination Certificate and Identification Document. On the other hand, unvaccinated people must present a Negative PCR performed at least 48 hours before traveling to Chile. The vaccination certificate will replace the Mobility Pass for nonresident foreign tourists. From Sept. 1, those entering the country must present a vaccination certificate issued from their country as soon as they embark for Chile. Proof of vaccination together with ID will be valid as a mobility pass so that...
Jamaica Earns Top Honours At World Travel Awards
Jamaica continued its ‘remarkable winning streak,’ receiving three awards at the Gala Ceremony of the 29th Annual World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas held at Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica, last week. The island was named the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board 2022 for the 14th year in a row, the Caribbean’s Leading Destination 2022 for the 16th year in a row, and the Caribbean’s Leading Nature Destination 2022. Minister of Tourism for Jamaica, Edmund Bartlett said: “This was a very powerful night for us because even though Jamaica has traditionally led...