Tour Operators
Sunquest Launches SPFPlus Program
Sunquest, a division of TravelBrands, has unveiled its new Sunquest Protection Factor (SPFPlus) program that is an add-on feature designed to help travel agents’ clients protect their vacation plans. To start, the introductory price of the program will be $19.99 per passenger. TravelBrands will donate $10 from every purchase to Food Banks Canada. Frank DeMarinis, CEO, TravelBrands, explained: “We have been trying to find ways to protect our customers while also giving back to our communities across Canada. Our SPFPlus initiative was the perfect solution for both.” DeMarinis...
A Magic Mix
From bringing the first group of travellers to HMS Erebus — a shipwreck discovered west of O'Reilly Island in Nunavut from the Franklin Expedition of 1845, which remained clouted in mystery for 170 years — to working alongside the likes of Robert Bateman, Doris McCarthy and Margaret Atwood, Cedar Swan has many stories to tell from memorable Arctic expeditions. “Our visit to the Erebus last summer was absolutely phenomenal. We worked with Parks Canada to facilitate the first visit by civilians. It was such an honour and incredible experience,” the CEO of Adventure Canada tells...
Ontario Registrar Extends TICO Fee Deferral
With the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 crisis continuing to place severe financial strain on all registrants, TICO is extending its original 90-day fee deferral on all fees for an additional month. The extension is effective immediately. TICO also reminds registrants that Renewal applications and Compensation Fund assessments (Form 1) must continue to be submitted to TICO on-time, consistent with required reporting timelines to support continued registration under the Travel Industry Act, 2002. There is no action required by registrants to qualify for the above deferral. If you...
Canada Makes EU Safe List
While the Canadian travel industry was initially cheered by the news that the European Council had agreed to start lifting travel restrictions for residents of 15 countries – including Canada – it only lasted for a short time. The news from the EC was overshadowed by word that Canada has extended its ban on all foreign travellers who aren’t Canadian citizens or permanent residents or Americans travelling for essential reasons for another month at least. That measure was originally put in place in mid-March and was due to expire. Reports also indicate that Ottawa is expected...
Where Can Travel Take You
MMGY has brought together Expedia Group Media Solutions, Sojern and ADARA to create a unifying campaign that maintains a consumer presence for the travel industry, shares a message of positivity and reminds American travellers of the real power of travel. The digital campaign, entitled Where Can Travel Take You, will run in June and July this summer and is meant to inspire people to travel again. The latest findings from the Travel Intentions Pulse Survey, conducted by MMGY Travel Intelligence, reveal that just 39% of U.S. travellers intend to take a domestic leisure trip in the...
Uncertainty In Uncharted Waters
How do destination marketing organizations and tourist boards promote their respective countries when travel comes to a standstill? They adjust and find new ways to drive engagement. In the aftermath of travel restrictions, Sigríður Dögg Guðmundsdóttir, Head of Visit Iceland, says they shifted strategies to focus on giving would-be travellers something to dream about with the My Iceland Dream List campaign on social media. “The First lady of Iceland, Eliza Reid and Ragga Ragnars (the actress who played Gunnhild in Vikings) and more people shared their favourite locations in...
ACV Enhances Its Canada Promise
Air Canada Vacations has unveiled its updated Canada Promise offering travellers exclusive perks with any Canada Flight and Hotel package and Tours. Plus, until July 12, 2020, customers can take advantage of an exclusive savings of $100 off per booking with CANADA2020 promo code. Air Canada Vacations’ Canada Collection offers a range of domestic adventures from coast to coast letting Canadians explore the best places in Canada. Nino Montagnese, managing director at Air Canada Vacations, said: “When we think about our next vacation, we often think about adventures in faraway places....
Rebuilding Confidence
Between May 11 and May 25, more than 900 tour operators and travel agency owners from the top tourism source markets participated in a global survey by Travel Consul, an international travel marketing alliance. The goal of this survey was to get a better understanding of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the industry, current needs and a view to what the future might entail. Highlights of the survey include: How destinations can support distribution partners in recovery When asked how destination organizations (DMOs) can best help travel advisors and tour operators...