Tour Operators
Bannikin Launches World Adventure Travel Collective
Toronto-based consulting firm Bannikin Travel and Tourism has launched the World Adventure Travel Collective (WATC). The collective represents a selection of owner-operated, locally-based tour operators (as well as one non-profit) from around the world, each with a certified track record of outstanding B2B service and a long history of servicing an industry leading adventure travel company which recently exited the international travel space. Members of the WATC offer tours and experiences ranging from kayaking and hiking to culinary and cultural immersion, in destinations...
JNTO, Air Canada Webinar Prize Winners Announced
Last Thursday, Air Canada and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) jointly hosted a webinar for all interested travel professionals. We had travel agents and consultants from all across Canada in attendance. Acting as MC for the webinar was Mark Hashimoto, Specialty Sales Manager for Asia with Air Canada, and we also saw presentations from Maria Liu on behalf of Air Canada and Priscilla Portsmouth on behalf of JNTO. The webinar also featured some very inspiring content presented by Chef Masaki Hashimoto in the form of a riveting video presentation on Japanese culinary...
Tourism Roundtable Says Canadians Expected More
Canadians expected more. That’s the takeaway from the federal government’s decision to lift some quarantine restrictions for Canadians and permanent residents who are fully vaccinated, starting July 5 according to the Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable (The Roundtable). While acknowledging that the move is an improvement on the current restrictive measures, the Roundtable said that the changes represent a small first step and what Canada urgently needs is a proper plan and a policy on travel that is based on science, is in line with what other countries are doing, and one...
Around The World In 23 Days
After the first departure of its Cultural Treasures: Around the World by Private Jet journey sold out rapidly, luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent added a second date for the once-in-a-lifetime trip. “This is a journey that circumnavigates the globe in 23 days. It connects our guests to the people and cultures in eight incredible destinations from Taipei to Nepal, Bhutan, Agra for the Taj Mahal, Uzbekistan, Abu Dhabi, Petra in Jordan, and then finally Palermo, Sicily before ending in Boston,” Stefanie Schmudde, VP Product Development & Operations at Abercrombie &...
Destination Canada Making It Easier To Explore Canada
Domestic travel by Canadians will be key to the recovery and revitalization of the industry here. And to that end, Destination Canada has launched two new portals designed to drive conversion for its partners. On the Canadian Packages Portal, tour operators have built out itineraries for domestic travellers to explore and experience the best of Canada, however many Canadians might not be aware of these packages and unique experiences that exist in our own backyard. In order to connect tour operators with Canadian travellers, Destination Canada has created a new tour...
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...