Resorts
Preferred Launches WHERE NEXT? Buyouts Campaign
Responding to the growing demand for private and secluded getaways, Preferred Hotels & Resorts has launched WHERE NEXT? Buyouts – the second phase of its global WHERE NEXT? campaign. Whether travellers want to escape to a beach in Bermuda or a Lake Como resort, they can now select buyout options inclusive of entire floors, wings, or even full property takeovers at more than 135 independent luxury properties around the world, all well-suited for a variety of occasions ranging from long-awaited family reunions to get-togethers with friends, celebrations, and business...
Meet The Happy Couple
Having earned a reputation as “Jeweler to the Stars,” it’s safe to say Neil Lane has been part of a lot of weddings. Known around the world as the engagement ring designer who comes equipped with dazzling creations ahead of the dramatic final rose ceremonies on The Bachelor, Lane has also created pieces for the likes of Ellen DeGeneres, Emily Blunt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Lopez. “I’ve been to a gazillion weddings,” Lane tells Travel Courier. “You get involved with the clients, the couples and it gets very personal. That’s how I got into the...
Always Put Your Best Foot Forward
Running a travel-centric sales office in the middle of a global pandemic is not an easy feat. Over the past year and counting, Maureen Barnes-Smith says Unique Vacations Inc. shifted strategies to keep Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts at the forefront. “For us it was just a matter of pivoting to where our customers were — they were at home — so we were meeting them at their home. We were doing events that captured them where they were,” says Barnes-Smith, who earned a promotion to Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Canada for Unique Vacations Inc., during this time....
Vrbo’s Premier Host Makes Its Debut In Canada
Vrbo has now made its Premier Host program available in Canada. The Expedia Group company refined the Premier status program back in April of this year to better serve rental owners and property managers at an account level across all listings, and to provide enhanced benefits and is now live for Vrbo rental vacations in the Canadian market. Vrbo's Premier Host program recognizes and rewards partners who consistently go above and beyond for guests. The program name is rebranded ‘Premier Host’ from ‘Premier Partner’ to help vacation rental partners unlock new business...
Now Is Not The Time To Turn Off The Tap
A coalition lobbying government on behalf of this country's struggling tourism trade is calling on Ottawa to continue to make the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy available to those in the travel sector. The Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses says tourism has been “devastated” by the coronavirus pandemic and resulting public health restrictions, border closures, travel bans, and the loss of international and domestic traveller. The coalition says it understands safety measures were necessary given the nature of the pandemic but adds that CEWS and...
“My Idea Of Luxury Is Being By The Sea”
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) will commemorate the life of its late founder and chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart in a series of on-property and digital happenings timed to honour him on his birthday (July 6). On property, each resort will be presented with a specially framed photograph of the founder which will be displayed in a prominent position for viewing by guests, team members, and visitors. In addition, each resort will introduce an Ocean Lookout, a favourite spot identified at each hotel that was special to Mr. Stewart for its stunning views of the...
Save The Summer
Major Toronto-area attractions – all members of the Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable – were out in force yesterday (June 29) to call on the federal government to release a comprehensive reopening plan for the industry or risk putting the summer travel season in jeopardy for the second consecutive year. In fact, the group made it pretty clear that without immediate action, many Toronto attractions are in danger of permanent closure. Analysis by Destination Toronto revealed that the City of Toronto lost out on more than $8 billion in economy activity through visitor...
A Little Peace Of Mind From Club Med
Club Med is welcoming Canadians back to its resorts around the world with a little peach of mind. Following a year of uncertainty, it has become pretty clear that flexibility and safety are top of mind with travellers and Club Med’s Flexible Cancellation Policy allows guests to make short notice changes to bookings, while the Emergency Assistance Program provides travellers with medical coverage in case of emergency during their stay. This includes any issues related to COVID-19. Combined with Club Med’s Safe Together Program, which focuses on enhanced hygiene and safety...