Tour Operators
ACV Makes Vouchers Transferable
In a major move, Air Canada Vacations says it will allow travellers holding future travel vouchers the possibility of transferring those credits to another person. ACV said that in response to the COVID-19 crisis, it has made a number of changes that include: The extension of the validity of the future travel credit. The possibility to transfer the credit to another person. The ability to keep the residual value of the credit resulting from a fare difference. Nino Montagnese, managing director at Air Canada Vacations, explained that: “Our travel partners have always...
A Message From Sunwing’s Stephen Hunter
"In uncertain times, one thing is certain - our commitment to Canadians,” writes Sunwing Travel Group's CEO, Stephen Hunter to begin his message to the Canadian travel trade. Says Hunter: “We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has created stress and uncertainty for all Canadians and we want to keep you informed about what we’re doing at this time to support our customers, employees and all other Canadians.” And he continues: “First and foremost, on behalf of Sunwing, I hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe. There’s no question that COVID-19 has hit the...
Are COVID-19 Supplier Defaults Covered By Provincial Compensation Funds?
Today, we’re pleased to launch TraveLaw Online with travel law experts, Doug Crozier and Tim Law of Heifetz, Crozier, Law. Readers of Canadian Travel Press will certainly recognize the work of Crozier and Law, who have been regular contributes to Canada’s most trusted travel trade publication for many years. At a time when the Canadian travel industry probably has more questions than answers, we’re giving readers an opportunity to ask their legal questions and get some answers. So, if you have a question, you can contact Crozier or Law at [email protected] or connect with Bob...
Sunwing Taking Care Of Canadians
Sunwing is donating over 46,000 meals to 17 communities across Canada as part of a new national partnership with Second Harvest, the largest food rescue organization in Canada. Stephen Hunter, CEO of Sunwing Travel Group, commented: “We know Canadians are worried about their health and safety, but they shouldn’t have to worry about putting food on the table. Working with an incredible organization like Second Harvest gives us the opportunity to continue to help Canadians even as our operations are temporarily suspended.” Hunter continued: “As a Canadian family-run business,...
Transat Extends Suspension To May 31
Transat is advising travel agents that due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, it must extend the suspension of flights until May 31. In a statement, the company said: “This difficult decision comes as the travel restrictions in place in Canada and at the destinations to which we fly continue, with the aim of reducing the spread of the virus.” And it continues: “Therefore, all your clients who had a trip planned for May will receive a credit for the value of the amount that was paid on file, which can be used within 24 months of their original return date. You don’t...
ACV Will Dispute Chargebacks
Air Canada Vacations says it will dispute chargebacks. The tour company indicated that “due to the unprecedented effect of COVID-19 on the industry, [it] will work to support travel partners by disputing chargebacks on their behalf.” ACV also said that it continues to collaborate with financial institutions and government bodies to reduce the mutual risks associated with chargebacks. Nino Montagnese, ACV’s managing director, observed that: “The tumultuous impact of the crisis requires a coordinated response from all the players in the industry.” Montagnese continued:...
Free Webinar – Preparing For The Recovery
Wondering what you can do now to prepare for the COVID-19 recovery later? Baxter Media is here to help. Sign up for tomorrow’s free webinar with branding and marketing guru, Jennifer Neal, CEO of creative agency truth + dare. On Tuesday, April 7 at 1PM, Neal will share strategies for the travel industry on how to come out the other side of COVID-19 as a better, stronger, and faster brand. She’ll discuss how to engage and grow your audience, tips for content creation, advice on topics to stay away from, and share uplifting stories from companies who are doing it well. There will...
A Message From Transat
Dear travel professional, “In our commitment to keep you informed of the latest developments, we would like to update you on the situation that is severely affecting our industry. Over the last few weeks, we operated hundreds of repatriation flights, including six special flights in partnership with the Government of Canada. Air Transat has, thus, enabled tens of thousands of travellers to return to their countries of origin, reuniting many families. This was a colossal repatriation operation, of which we’re extremely proud. And it wouldn’t have been possible without the...