Tour Operators
Operators Scramble To Get Cayo Largo Passengers Home
A damaged runway has forced the temporary closure of Cayo Largo airport in Cuba and has several Canadian tour operators scrambling to get passengers home. Both Transat and Sunwing have clients on the island and are finding alternative ways to get them home. “Due to the damaged runway at Cayo Largo airport, we had to work with the Cuban authorities to put in place a plan to bring our clients home,” Transat's Marie-Christine Pouliot told PressToday. “[On Feb. 19] 160 passengers were transferred to the city of Batabanó on board a ferry that can accommodate up to 300 passengers....
Sunwing MSC’s Partner of the Year
Sunwing has been named MSC Cruises’ “Tour Operator Partner of the Year” for 2019. It is the third time that Sunwing has received the award. Ian Patterson, country manager, Canada for MSC Cruises, commented, “Since Sunwing started their cruise program in 2009, the tour operator has been a valued partner of MSC Cruises. Their convenient cruise package options from a host of gateways across Canada make it easier than ever for vacationers to set sail on board MSC Cruises. We look forward to continuing and growing our relationship with Sunwing in the years to...
Where To Travel In 2020 With Collette
If there’s one thing Collette has learned during its 102-year tenure as a travel provider, it’s that bigger isn’t necessarily better, writes Assistant Editor Ann Ruppenstein in this week's Travel Courier. That’s why a key focus for the Pawtucket, Rhode Island headquartered company is its small group Explorations product, where trip sizes range from 14-24 travellers, opening the door to more intimate opportunities in a destination. Collette president Jaclyn Leibl-Cote says being able to cater to experiential experiences gives travel agents the potential to grow their client...
TravelBrands Launches Price Match Policy for Cruises
TravelBrands is making cruise bookings a little less worry-free with its new price match policy. Now, TravelBrands will price match any Canadian tour operator. “Our goal is to provide the best travel options possible for both agents and their clients,” says Nathalie Tanious, COO, TravelBrands. “By offering this new automatic price match policy, it is just another way to get the best deals possible for a cruise getaway. The steps to claim the price match are so simple and our team will automatically adjust the booking.” To take advantage of this new policy, agents can...
Tour East Group Launches New Division, TE-active
Tour East Group has announced the creation of a new division, TE-active, as part of the company’s expansion into the Process Management Business. TE-active will operate out of a new contact centre in Montreal’s fashionable Alexis Nihon Plaza and its staff of 70 will offer full bilingual travel fulfillment services to many well-known loyalty brands, including Aimia Loyalty Solutions, a leading full-service global loyalty provider. In partnering with Aimia, Tour East will deliver high-touch customer service to members of Aimia’s client loyalty programs. “The creation of...
Collette Introduces Ireland Savings
Collette has launched an Ireland sale – offering travellers a chance to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early with savings on air-inclusive tours of Ireland. From Feb. 20 to March 2, agents and their clients can take advantage of air-inclusive tours that package Collette’s comprehensive itineraries with round-trip airfare at special low rates. Guests can fly from 13 eligible gateways and choose from nine itineraries, including small group explorations and tours visiting Northern Ireland. “Here at Collette, our goal has always been to share our love of travel by providing guests...
Globus, Cosmos Look Ahead to Europe 2021
Escorted tour companies Globus and Cosmos have unveiled their 2021 Europe vacations, providing travel agents and their clients early access to next year’s vacations. Even better? There’s no deposit required, and clients will enjoy locked-in 2020 pricing – plus, with Globus, a 5% discount. This offer applies to dozens of tours in the brands’ vast array of itineraries. For more information about Globus’ and Cosmos’ 2021 European vacations and this early booking offer, agents can visit...
Tourcan Joins Virtuoso’s Exclusive Portfolio
Tourcan Vacations has been accepted into Virtuoso’s exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners, comprised of more than 2,000 preferred suppliers in 100 countries. According to Vivek Khanna (pictured, right), president of Tourcan Vacations, inclusion as a Virtuoso preferred partner for Canada will open up new sales and marketing opportunities to the region’s luxury travel advisors and their highly desirable clientele. Virtuoso agencies worldwide sell more than US$30 billion annually, making the network a significant player in luxury travel. “Virtuoso’s acceptance process...