Tour Operators
Transat’s Guide to Telecommuting In A Crisis
To help agents get through the next few out-of-the-ordinary weeks or months, Transat has put together a guide to telecommuting in time of a crisis – “created with you, for you.” Respect your routine We’re aware that the words “habits” and “routine” mean something very different at this time. Nevertheless, we encourage you to adopt a rhythm of life similar to your usual routine: wake up at the same time, go out for a walk as if going to or returning from work, talk to your colleagues about your favourite show, keep in touch with your clients. Maintain a work-life...
COVID-19 Update: Intrepid, Exodus and More
Intrepid Suspends Tours Until May 31 With the safety and wellbeing of travellers and staff in mind, Intrepid Travel is suspending all tours until at least May 31. The tour operator had previously announced tour suspensions until April 30. "Given the unprecedented impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) we have updated our booking conditions. Travellers who have booked a tour departing before May 31 will receive a credit of 110% of monies paid (excluding polar, flights and insurance) to use towards an alternative tour with a departure date before April 30, 2022 (excluding polar,...
Hold on… Agents’ Choice Will Be Back Shortly
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to dominate the hearts and minds of our industry, Baxter Media has decided to hit the pause button on its Agents’ Choice 2020 program. “While most of the travel agent community had voted prior to COVID-19 taking over, there are some who didn't get the chance to have their say,” said Wendy McClung, Executive VP, Operations at Baxter Media. “The Agents’ Choice program - survey, issue, and gala - is a celebration of our Canadian travel industry, and we want to hit pause until a time when the industry is back on track and we can all celebrate...
Sandals Rallies Behind Agents
Sandals has rallied behind travel agents since 1981. Today is no different. In a newly released video, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, chairman of Sandals Resorts International, shares a message about how travel agents have always been the backbone of not only the company, but the...
COVID-19 Update: Globus, ACV and More
Globus Suspends Operations Through June 30 Globus has voluntarily suspended operations through June 30. “As we contact all affected travellers, we are unveiling an enhanced Peace of Mind travel plan, giving them the right options and adequate time to reset travel plans and rebook vacations.” Through the Peace of Mind plan, Globus is allowing all currently booked travellers between March 14 and June 30 to move travel dates easily and without incurring cancellation fees, land or airline penalties. “You are free to move your booking to any Globus family of brands (Globus,...
Easing The Burden
Ontario’s travel registrar is advising that on March 30, 2020 the Ontario government announced that the Regulation under the Travel Industry Act, 2002, were amended to reduce the burden on Ontario’s registered travel agencies and tour operators and to enhance consumer protection for certain travellers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. The changes announced by the Ontario government include: Eliminating review engagement reports for small registrants with annual sales less than $2 million and requiring a verification statement instead. Eliminating audit reports for large...
ACTA Applauds Ontario Act Amendments
ACTA is applauding the Ontario government’s move to bring in “much needed” amendments to the Travel Industry Act, heeding “the years of lobbying and recommendations of ACTA and the industry by reducing the burden on registrants.” ACTA president, Wendy Paradis commented: “ACTA has long awaited proposed amendments to the Ontario Travel Industry Act and we are very pleased to see many of the recommendations we advocated for.” Paradis continued: “These changes will bring much needed relief to our travel agency members, including the removal of Audited Financial...
A Devastating Decision
Red Label Vacations Inc., the parent company of TravelBrands, redtag.ca, itravel200 and The Travel Experts, has announced that it is temporarily laying off multiple employees. The limited time layoff is to take place effective immediately. Frank Demarinis, CEO of RLV, said: “COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact globally and especially on the travel industry. Though we know that we will come out of this pandemic stronger and more resilient, the current market conditions, unfortunately, forced us to make this devastating decision.” Demarinis continued: “I am hopeful that these...