Tour Operators
TravelBrands Unveils Refund Plan, Protects Commissions
TravelBrands is now offering full refunds on vacation packages without relying on external assistance; it also said that it will be protecting agent commission. Frank DeMarinis, president & CEO, TravelBrands, observed that: “Trust is paramount in any industry, especially the travel industry, and we saw an opportunity to do more.” DeMarinis continued: “Our team worked relentlessly behind the scenes to deliver a meaningful action plan that would positively impact the travel agent community and their clients. We will continue to redefine industry norms to renew confidence in...
Intrepid, MEET Partner On Sustainable Initiative
Through a new partnership with MEET Network Association, Intrepid Travel is introducing new sustainable travel experiences in Europe that are designed to benefit local communities. Through the partnership, Intrepid has now included MEET experiences within two of its new tours to lesser-visited regions of Croatia and Crete, with more to come across Europe and the Mediterranean over the next few months. Zina Bencheikh, Intrepid Travel managing director EMEA, said: “We are very excited to work with MEET Network to bring these fantastic experiences to our travellers. These projects...
Globus Names Schonewille BDM In BC
The Globus family of brands has hired Fiona Schonewille for a contract role as Business Development Manager (BDM) in British Columbia to cover a parental leave. The Vancouver-based position is responsible for building and maintaining travel partner relationships and regional sales goals for Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways. Carla Brake, director of business development for the Globus family of brands, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Fiona to our team. She brings with her more than two decades of travel industry experience, including spending the last six years...
The Responsible Thing To Do
Travellers taking international trips with any of the Globus family of brands’ companies will need to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The company – which includes Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways and Monograms – introduced important updates this week to its pre-trip Health & Safety Protocols, including requiring proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to join the company’s upcoming international tours, river cruises and independent vacation packages. Stéphanie Bishop, managing director for the Globus family of brands, said that: “As part of...
Transat Reports Q2, Prepares To Resume Operations
Newly secured financing – after a quarter without revenues – has Transat A.T. Inc. preparing to ‘gradually’ resume its operations at the end of July. In reporting its second quarter results (for the period ending April 30, 2021), Transat’s president and CEO, Annick Guérard said that: “Following a quarter without revenues, progress made on vaccinations allows us to plan for a gradual resumption starting July 30.” Guérard continued: “We hope that a safe travel recovery plan can be deployed as soon as possible and will lead to a lifting of restrictions in the near...
Mission Critical
With their members struggling, the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) and Association des Tours Opérateurs du Québec (ATOQ) are seeking urgent action and financial support; pointing out, as well, that it is mission critical that they receive clear federal guidelines and timelines ahead of international travel resuming. To that end, the two associations are requesting to receive full government support with the extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) at the current level until at least Dec. 31, 2021. And to underline the significant contribution those...
Steal The Deal With Sunwing
There’s lots of pent-up demand out there and not surprisingly, Sunwing is reporting that it is seeing its sales increase for the 2021-2022 winter season. And in response to that demand, Sunwing is offering savings of up to 35% on its vacation packages as part of its Steal of a Deal Sale. Travellers can access the savings by booking select packages booked between now and June 11, 2021 for travel between Nov. 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022. Andrew Dawson, president of tour operations for Sunwing, said: “We’re starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel as our customers start...
Intrepid Launches New Agent Certification Program
Intrepid Travel has launched a new training program in North America to certify advisors as Intrepid Travel Specialists, which comes complete with certification and exclusive access to promotions, incentives and more. In order to become a Specialist, advisors must complete five half-hour trainings that outline various components about Intrepid Travel as a business and brand, beyond the traditional trips it offers. Training topics include subjects such as responsible travel and why Intrepid became a B-Corp. Each participant will receive a custom email signature, certificate and logo...