Sunwing Travel Group is bringing 1,800 employees back onto its payroll through the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program. The move provides Sunwing’s Canada-based employees with additional financial support for the duration of the wage subsidy’s term.
Stephen Hunter, CEO of Sunwing Travel Group, said: “Sunwing was formed on a vision of not only being a high-quality vacation company, but also providing high-quality jobs for Canadians. Unfortunately, during these unprecedented times we had been forced to reduce our workforce.”
Hunter continued: “Throughout this...
This week, TraveLaw Online responds to travel agents’ questions about the workplace and the responsibilities of both the employer and the employee which have become increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, travel law experts, Doug Crozier and Tim Law of Heifetz, Crozier, Law respond to a question on changes that may be required to an agency in order to ensure that social distancing between employees is maintained in the office.
Q: Most of the staff in our large travel operation use headphones, sitting at work stations that have for years been quite...
Due to the continuing COVID-19 global pandemic, G Adventures has decided to further suspend all tours departing up to and including June 30, saying the move is needed to protect its clients and staff.
All travellers booked and fully paid on a tour departing up to June 30 will receive a 110% travel credit on all booked tour services, including pre- and post-night accommodation and transfers, to be used on any tour departing up to two years from the end of the month of their tour’s suspension.
Travellers who haven’t yet made their final payment will have their lifetime deposit...
Today, it should be all about hope.
To that end, the Sandals Foundation and Island Routes have teamed up to offer a message of hope and healing in a new, online campaign to mark Earth Day 2020.
The ‘#HopeforHealing2020’ Campaign, launched by both companies on their social media platforms, invites people to light a candle as a symbol of healing and share a message of hope for the planet and each other.
Over the last 50 years, the world has come together on April 22 to mobilize support and action for environmental protection.
This year, in light of the unique reality of...
G Adventures has always been about creating community through shared experiences and although travellers can’t get together in person in the present circumstances, they can still connect and dream about where they want to go next using the gift of technology.
With this in mind, G Adventures is introducing all new Virtual Travel Experiences, including the operator’s first live virtual small group tour - to Italy - departing today -- April 21, 2020 -- at 12.00pm EST.
Virtual travellers can sign up at https://gadventures.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wPOVvtEyRUO-Pq_NrlyOrQ
Other...
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...
"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...
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 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 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...