Tour Operators
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...
Calling All Agents! Vote in Agents’ Choice
With just a few days left, now is the time to vote in Agents' Choice. From airline to tour operator to cruise line to car rental company, and everything in between, vote for all your 2020 favourites in 40+ categories before it’s too late. Proudly sponsored by Collette, Manulife, Trafalgar, Uniworld, and WestJet, agents who vote will be entered in a draw to win one of five fantastic prizes. Results will be announced in the special Agents’ Choice double-issue of Canadian Travel Press / Travel Courier. Baxter Media's annual Agents' Choice Readership Survey is Canada's original,...
G Adventures Announces Further Tour Suspensions
Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, G Adventures is further suspend all tours departing up to and including May 31, with the exception of the May 29 ‘Norwegian Arctic Encompassed’ trip. The tour operator noted the health and safety of travellers and staff remain the top priority and the decision is a necessary measure to protect travellers and staff at this time. G Adventures had previously suspended all tours until April 30. Any traveller booked and fully paid on a tour departing between March 16 and May 31 will receive a 110% travel credit on all booked tour services,...
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...