Tour Operators
UNWTO Counts The Cost Of Travel Standstill
In newly released data, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reveals that up to May of this year, the cost of COVID-19 on international tourism was already three times that of the 2009 Global Economic Crisis. As the situation continues to evolve, the United Nations specialized agency has provided the first comprehensive insight into the impact of the pandemic, both in tourist numbers and lost revenues, ahead of the upcoming release of up-to-date information on travel restrictions worldwide. In the latest edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, data shows that the...
Thinking Outside The Box
In order to survive over the past few months, travel companies have adapted, made core business adjustments and found creative ways to move forward and drive future business in a responsible manner. This week, Travel Courier chats with Intrepid Travel, Air Canada and Globus family of brands about some of the innovative ways they’re staying top of mind with travellers and agents alike. A new strategy With COVID-19 impacting not only the entire travel industry but the world at large, Intrepid Travel made the decision to change its marketing strategy. “This is not business as...
LePage Stepping Down As CATO’s Executive Director
After 15 years, Pierre LePage will be stepping down as the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Tour Operators at the end of August. Brett Walker, general manager Canada, Collette, and Chair of CATO, praised LePage, commenting: “We are extremely grateful to Pierre for his leadership over the years. His knowledge and experience in the industry has been invaluable to the organization and the various executive teams, stewarding CATO through good times and bad.” Over the years, LePage has helped guide CATO through regulatory and legislative issues, hurricanes, SARS,...
Ireland Welcomes Canadian Trade To Virtual Fairs
Tourism Ireland, along with its sister agencies on the island of Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, is welcoming Canadian tour operators to its first ever virtual travel trade fair that is now underway. Meitheal and Meet the Buyer are annual events which provide a platform for tourism providers from right around the island of Ireland to meet new contacts and to do business with buyers from around the world, including Canada. The virtual workshops began July 21 and continue until July 31 – with pre-arranged, scheduled appointments between the tourism companies...
Discover Where The Wild Things Are With Globus
In 2021, Globus, Cosmos and Monograms are offering travellers 12 Africa vacations that invite them to pack their khakis, greys and greens to get ready for the ride (rides) of their lives. Stéphanie Bishop, managing director for the Globus family of brands, observed: “We won’t try to camouflage our excitement for the Africa experiences we have created for travellers. Whether they choose to to watch the sun rise over the Serengeti plains or sun set along South Africa’s Garden Route; to follow the tracks of the “Big 5” in Kenya or witness the thunderous roar of Victoria...
G Adventures Suspends Departure To September 30
G Adventures said that it has taken the “unfortunate but necessary” decision to further suspend tours departing up to and including Sept. 30, 2020, as well as the Oct. 21, 2020 departure of its G Expedition ship as a result of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. This comes with the exception of 21 departures which are operating in Europe for travel that is possible between certain countries. Travellers can rebook their tour for a future date or book a different tour instead. All travellers booked and fully paid on a tour departing up to September 30, 2020 will receive a 110%...
TIABC Seeking $680 Million Recovery Stimulus Package
The Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia, along with a coalition of dozens of sector associations representing British Columbia’s more than 19,000 tourism and hospitality businesses, have presented the provincial government with a recovery stimulus proposal that would see the government allocate $680 million from its $1.5 billion recovery package as an initial investment to help mitigate the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19 on the B.C. visitor economy and its workforce. TIABC points out in its request that in 2018 (latest statistics available), the tourism and...
ACV Launches ePackages With Free Checked Bags
Air Canada Vacations has launched a new tool designed to provide travel agents with the ability to easily book flight and hotel packages for their customers. With flexible booking options for customers and the lowest available fares, the new user-friendly ePackages shopping tool allows travel agents to search for flight and hotel options across Air Canada’s extensive route network including Canada, the United States, and Europe. The shopping tool also provides travel agents with cabin upgrade and itinerary options. And to celebrate the launch of the ePackages tool, the tour...