Tour Operators
Jamaica Goes Virtual With Canadian Product Showcase
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is gearing up for its inaugural Virtual Product Showcase for Canadian travel advisors. Set for July 20 from 1 pm to 3 pm ET, the event will provide advisors with the opportunity to get timely destination updates, connect with travel suppliers and enjoy some island fun Hosted on the Zoom platform, Jamaica’s Virtual Product Showcase will feature destination presentations from the BDM team and suppliers, and breakout rooms where agents can connect with resort representatives, tour operators, attractions, airlines and ground services. Air Canada...
Sunwing Adds Regina, Saskatoon Winter Flights
Sunwing will be offering weekly flights this winter from Regina International Airport and Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport. The flights will begin operating in December and will operate until mid-April 2022. Andrew Dawson, president of tour operations for Sunwing, said: “We look forward to resuming service from Saskatchewan this winter. With convenient flights from two regional airports across the province, residents can visit the most popular tropical destinations with ease under our wing.” From Regina, the schedule is as follows: Between Regina and...
Set Sail With Sunwing
Beginning in November 2021, Sunwing will be offering cruise packages aboard the adults-only Marella Explorer 2. The operator will also be offering savings of up to $300 per couple on applicable packages. The Marella Explorer 2 is the newest ship in Marella Cruises’ fleet and the latest addition to the tour operator’s cruise lineup. If travellers book by July 1, 2021 – for select sailings between Nov. 23, 2021 and Jan. 25, 2022 – they can save up to $300 per couple or $150 per person. Cruise packages include round-trip flights between Toronto and Montego Bay, pier...
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...