Tour Operators
Trade Invited To Celebrate Passover With Israel
The Israel Government Tourist Office (IGTO) is proud to announce that #VisitIsrael in North America will be hosting its first ever "ZoomOver" Passover Seder for the travel trade -- Next Year in Person, Next Year in #Jerusalem on April 7 at 1:30PM or PST/4:30PM EST. The event is open to all faiths and backgrounds, with special VIP guest participants from all around the tourism industry. Please join Eyal Carlin, mastermind Chad Martin, Yael Golan, Jill Daly, Gal Hana and Jerry Adler for this fun, uplifting and inclusive event. The Jews wandered for 40 years in the desert...
An Open Letter To Agents From IATA
In an open letter to travel agents around the world, IATA’s director general and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac explains how the industry association is handling BSP during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, as well as its position on vouchers versus refunds. IATA’s boss writes in his letter: “The global airline industry is going through its gravest crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting government- ordered border closings and mobility restrictions have brought air transport to a standstill. One-third of the global fleet is parked, and we estimate that revenue from passenger ticket...
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...