Tour Operators
Reflecting On What Really Matters
Although there is no date yet for when Canadian travellers can visit Austria again, the destination is currently experiencing the re-start of travel and tourism as its borders with neighbouring countries are re-opening across hotels, restaurants and attractions. “Our social, civic, as well as cultural life is returning fully,” Michael Gigl, Director for the Austrian Tourist Office in North America tells Travel Courier. “Travel truly has the power to build bridges between people, between cultures. We have suddenly, and painfully, learned that the opportunity to travel, especially...
TravelBrands Expands Uplift Partnership
TravelBrands has expanded its partnership with Uplift, allowing travel agents and their clients to use Uplift to pay over time for cruise vacations, vacation packages, Exotik Journeys product, Sunquest packages and more. Frank DeMarinis, CEO, TravelBrands, explained: “We partnered with Uplift to help our agents give their clients the vacation of their dreams. Now, travellers can book future travel of almost any kind through TravelBrands without worrying about paying for it all at once. This innovative technology truly makes travel accessible to everyone and helps connect people to...
Transat Resuming Operations July 23
Transat A.T. Inc. will be resuming its flights and tour operator activities as of July 23, 2020. The company says that it will offer a new flight schedule to 22 destinations in Europe, the South, the United States and Canada until the end of the summer season on Oct. 31, 2020. It also indicated that it will offer South and Europe packages during this period and will gradually reopen travel agencies in its network starting June 15, 2020. As well, Transat has unveiled its Traveller Care program, rolling out new health measures to ensure the safety of its customers and...
Far From Ordinary, Close To Home
Globus and Cosmos are unveiling a new series of nine “Undiscovered North America” tours, ranging from 8 to 14 days in 2021. Stéphanie Bishop, managing director for the Globus family of brands, observes of the new initiative that: “These unique and unparalleled itineraries help travellers discover North America’s tucked-away towns, secluded seafronts and lesser-known nooks for an unforgettable vacation.” And Bishop adds: “With our series of ‘Undiscovered’ tours, we are invested in taking travellers to the places and parks other tour operators do not visit.” New...
Sabre Makes Strategic Moves
Sabre Corporation says that it’s taking critical steps to successfully position the company for long-term growth. This includes the strategic realignment of its airline and agency-focused businesses, as well as other measures to support the new organizational structure. Sean Menke, Sabre’s president and chief executive officer said: “Today, we announced a critical step toward completing our transformation into a new Sabre. We began this transformational journey over two years ago with the unveiling of our SabreNext strategy and the creation of our Travel Solutions organization....
Hyper-local Is Where Recovery Starts
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home when this country's devastated tourist trade works to rebuild. A Wednesday Destination Canada webinar said those in Canada's tourist trade should first look close to home when working to recover from the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on their business. "Hyper-local is where recovery starts," Destination Canada's Chantz Strong told the event. Strong warned that fully rebuilding tourism will be a lengthy process, possibly taking several years for some sectors. "There's so much uncertainty about what's going to happen...
Take A Hike With Great Canadian Trails
Active holiday specialists Great Canadian Trails has introduced a no deposit booking offer to give travellers the peace of mind to book their next hiking and cycling trip for 2020 or 2021. Great Canadian Trails manager Nathalie Gauthier said the offer is designed to remove any financial risk to travellers who are ready to start planning their next trip, and be the first in line when it’s possible to explore once again. Gauthier explained: “We expect a renewed interest in active outdoor experiences, particularly remote and wilderness trips. Canada is the perfect destination for...
Travelling Well With Collette
As it plans to resume tour operations and welcome back guests to experience the world, Collette has evaluated the tour experience from start to finish. It has implemented measures as recommended by the CDC, WHO, and appropriate government agencies to promote cleanliness, physical distancing and reduced contact. Resuming Operations Collette plans to resume tour operations to select destinations beginning July 1, 2020. Based on a variety of factors, the decision to operate specific departures will be made 45 days prior to departure of travel. As it resumes travel, Collette...