Resorts
COVID-19 Update: Transat, Hola Sun and More
Transat to Operate Special El Salvador, Guatemala Flights Air Transat has announced the deployment of two special flights over the next few days to return Canadians stranded in El Salvador and Guatemala back home. These flights, operated in collaboration with the Government of Canada, are in addition to those already planned by the airline. “To date, our repatriation flights have brought approximately 46,000 customers back home, and this number will continue to rise in the coming days,” says Jean-Marc Eustache, president and chief executive officer of Transat....
COVID-19 Update: ACV, Transat and More
ACV, Transat Ease Final Payment Deadlines Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has announced that until further notice it is offering a new flexible final payment deadline of 25 days prior to departure, down from the current 45-day deadline. Final payment will now be extended to 25 days prior to departure (previously 45 days) for all individual vacation packages to all destinations excluding cruises. Normal cancellation terms and conditions still apply including EBB terms and conditions. The new temporary measure excludes group bookings. “We are hearing that providing...
A Staggering Number
It is a staggering number. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says that 1 million jobs are being lost every day in the travel and tourism sector due to the sweeping effect of the coronavirus pandemic. The growing job losses, the WTTC reports, are affecting every level of the industry and are gathering pace, as countries go into lockdown to tackle the virus. The industry association points to the widespread closure of hotels, suspension of the majority of international and domestic airline flights, cessation of cruise lines operations and growing global travel bans are...
Hilton Expands Presence in Mexico
Hilton recently announced the opening of its new Hilton Garden Inn in Mexico – Hilton Garden Inn Monterrey Obispado. The 176-room hotel is located within Torre TOP, a new mixed-use project with LEED Gold Certification for sustainable buildings. Upon completion, Torre TOP will be recognized as Mexico’s tallest skyscraper. “As Hilton continues to expand its presence across the market, we are confident that our new Hilton Garden Inn property will elevate Monterrey’s travel and business tourism with our intuitive service and quality accommodations,” said Fernando Padilla,...
Sandals, Beaches Closing Resorts Until May 15
All Sandals and Beaches Resorts will be closing from March 30 to May 15; and, as a result, the company said it will be unable to accept new arrivals as of today (March 23). In a letter to customers, advising them of the decision, Sandals' founder and chairman, the honourable Gordon 'Butch' Stewart writes: "Never could we have imagined the impact the current global health crisis would have on the world. In these unprecedented times, and now more than ever, the safety and health of our valued guests is of paramount importance." Stewart explained that: "Recent global travel warnings,...
COVID-19 Update: Aeroplan, AMResorts and More
Aeroplan Responds Aeroplan has released details and adjustments it’s making to the Aeroplan Program in light of the COVID-19 situation. Cancel any Flight Reward free of charge, until March 31 To cancel any Flight Reward, the fastest way is at aeroplan.com. Until March 31, members can cancel free of charge and receive all of their Aeroplan Miles back in their account, plus a full refund of any associated taxes, fees and surcharges on the unused value of travel. Temporary pause to expiration of Aeroplan Miles, until May 14 Aeroplan has paused the expiration of any...
COVID-19 UPDATE: Flair, Sunswept, Brussels Airlines
Sunswept Resorts is advising that its BodyHoliday and Rendezvous Resorts will temporarily close effective March 20 until May 31; planning to re-open on June 1. Rebecca Platt, director of sales & marketing, advises that: “With this in mind, and in order to make the process as seamless as possible for our mutually valuable guests, we will offer a 12 month credit to rebook their stay with us or alternatively if this is not possible, issue a full refund without penalty.” Platt continues: “We also understand these are uncertain times so will also be allowing future guests with...
Atlantis, The Palm Ready For 2020
Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai is reporting a record-breaking 2019 with an upsurge in bookings and an average occupancy of 90%. The resort recently completed a three-year, $100-million renovation project. Last year, Dubai welcomed 16.73 million visitors with half of those visitors checking into the resort. The increase in visits is a result of a strong footfall from top source markets, as well as from diversified markets. Bookings from the UAE were up by 39%, while Norway went up by 24%. There was an increase of 16% from China, and a 14% increase from Russia. Bookings from Saudi Arabia...