Tour Operators
A Staggering Number
It is a staggering number. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says that 1 million jobs are being lost every day in the travel and tourism sector due to the sweeping effect of the coronavirus pandemic. The growing job losses, the WTTC reports, are affecting every level of the industry and are gathering pace, as countries go into lockdown to tackle the virus. The industry association points to the widespread closure of hotels, suspension of the majority of international and domestic airline flights, cessation of cruise lines operations and growing global travel bans are...
Globus Offers ‘First to Reserve’ Plan for Oberammergau
For travellers affected by the postponement of the 42nd Oberammergau Passion Play performances in Germany, the Globus family of brands – comprising Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways and Monograms – has enacted a policy to enable all guests with 2020 Oberammergau bookings the opportunity to be the first to reserve their spots at the current price when performances resume in 2022. The company expects to offer new dates to travellers by May 2020. Those impacted by the Oberammergau Passion Play postponement can also choose to use the company’s Peace of Mind travel plan which...
Insight Looks Ahead To 2021 With Wander Women Journeys
Coinciding with International Women’s Day, Insight Vacations announced the launch of its new Wander Women program dedicated to female travellers, writes managing editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's issue of Travel Courier. The inaugural itinerary, Inspirational India, A Wander Women Journey, is not only for women, but designed by women, run by women and provides economic empowerment to women. “With 57% of our guests being women along with the rise of women’s-only travel, our new journey makes it a perfect fit for those who want to get below the surface and experience India...
Collette Cancels Tours Through April 15
Due to the evolving situation surrounding COVID-19, Collette has announced the cancellation of all tours departing through April 15. “During this rapidly evolving situation, we've sought to keep as many of our tours operating as possible while ensuring the utmost safety and wellbeing of our travellers and employees,” said Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, president, Collette. “At this time Collette has made the difficult decision to cancel all tours departing through April 15, 2020, and have extended cancellation of Italy tours through April 30, 2020. As we continue to monitor the situation, we...
Transat Suspending Flights
Transat A.T. Inc. will be gradually suspending Air Transat flights until April 30. The company said that its decision follows the Canadian government's announcement that the country is closing its borders to foreign nationals, as well as similar decisions by several other countries where Transat operates. Sales for departures until April 30 are suspended immediately to and from destinations in Europe and the United States. Flights will continue for a few more days in order to repatriate Transat customers to their home country. To allow as many repatriations as possible, sales...
Sunwing Shifts Focus To Bringing Canadians Home
As part of the ongoing efforts to protect our employees and customers and keep Canadians safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Sunwing is cancelling all southbound flights from March 17 until April 9, 2020 and focusing on repatriating customers in destination. Stephen Hunter, president and CEO, Sunwing Travel Group, said: “The health and well-being of our customers and our employees is our highest priority and we are working around the clock to keep them safe. It’s important that we do our part to contain the spread of COVID-19, while assuring our customers and their families that...
COVID-19 Update: A Message From Ontario Registrar
Ontario Registrar Has A Message On COVID-19 In a message to Ontario travel industry registrants, TICO CEO and registrar, Richard Smart writes: “These are unprecedented and dire times for travellers and the entire travel industry. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the people who have been affected by this unparalleled event and we appreciate the healthcare workers, local communities and governments around the world who are on the front-lines working to contain the coronavirus/COVID-19.” Smart continues: “For our registrants, we acknowledge the extreme challenges underway for...
G, Intrepid, Topdeck Hit Pause On Tours
Due to the evolving COVID-19 global pandemic, G Adventures has suspended all tours departing between today (March 16) and April 30. Any traveller booked on a tour departing during the time frame will be eligible for a 110% travel credit of all land services, including pre or post nights and transfers, which can be used on any tour departing within the next two years. G Adventures will be proactively notifying all travellers regarding their tour suspension and are advising travellers with flight bookings to contact their insurance and air provider directly for details on refunds or...