Tour Operators
Some Final Thoughts
In the final part of a three part series, tripcentral.ca’s Richard Vanderlubbe writes about agents and the need to pay them properly for the services they provide to both their customers and their suppliers. Vanderlubbe is nothing if not practical and one of the points that he makes this week is that agents not only need to be paid properly for the services they render to their clients and to their suppliers, they also need to have the right tools to be able to render those services effectively and efficiently. As an example, he points out the limited ability agents have to modify...
TravelBrands Makes It Simple
While planning and booking group travel can be considered difficult, a new process from TravelBrands is making it a lot easier. As of now, agents can block air seats through TravelBrands’ Access platform as opposed to via email and phone. Frank DeMarinis, president & CEO, TravelBrands, explained that: “This year, we are looking at all the ways we can simplify processes and allow agents to work more efficiently. This means agents will no longer need to email the names and payment details back and forth or over the phone.” DeMarinis continued: “Whether clients are...
TICO Extends Fee Deferral
As the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 crisis continues to place severe financial strain on all registrants, TICO has extended its original 90-day fee deferral on all fees effective immediately. (See Chart) In a bulletin to all registrants, TICO also reminds 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. As for the deferral, TICO advises that there is no action required by registrants to...
Conference Board Looks At Summer Travel Intentions
In its Travel Outlook for the summer of 2020, the Conference Board of Canada reports that summer travel intentions have fallen to the lowest level ever amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic The Conference Board notes that as expected, the proportion of surveyed Canadians planning to take a leisure trip this summer has plummeted to its lowest level ever recorded -- a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated physical distancing requirements and travel restrictions currently in place. Overall, just 45% of Canadians are planning to take a leisure trip in the coming...
Thinking About The Next Adventure
While the pandemic has been devastating in so many ways, Leigh Barnes, Chief Customer Officer at Intrepid Travel said it has also provided the tourism industry with the opportunity to reflect on things that could be done better – for travellers, suppliers, local communities, and the planet. “Travellers will also be reflecting on how they live and travel post COVID-19. We fundamentally believe that travel can only rebound stronger if it rebuilds more responsibly. Tour operators, together with local governments and destination management offices, need to work together. Now is the...
Peace Of Mind Is TTC’s Top Priority
The Travel Corporation (TTC) released details of its newly enhanced COVID-19 protocols and hygiene standards for all of its guided vacations once domestic and international travel resumes. TTC’s executive and operations team members have spearheaded a complete review of the sanitation and hygiene measures around guests’ experiences and interactions while on their guided holidays, from the moment they meet their Travel Directors and Trip Managers, to travelling on state-of-the-art coaches, the hotels they will stay in and the immersive excursions they will experience on each...
A Fundamental Need To Connect
Alison Hickey, president of Kensington Tours, said health and safety will obviously be the biggest factor for people travelling post COVID-19. “If consumers are constantly worried about things like distancing and touch when they travel, it will be impossible for them to get any enjoyment or value out of the experience,” she told Travel Courier. “We as an industry need to work together to give people a sense of real confidence about every touchpoint along the journey – getting through the airport, on the plane, at your hotel, seeing and moving around your destination. And...
G Adventures Extends Suspension To July 31
G Adventures is extending the suspension of all of its tours departing up to and including July 31, 2020; and it is also suspending all G Expedition departures up to and including Aug. 31, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In making the announcement, the company said that health and safety of its travellers and staff is its main priority and the further suspension of departures is an essential measure to protect its travellers and its people at this time. All travellers booked and fully paid on a tour departing up to July 31, 2020 will receive a 110% travel credit on all...