Tour Operators
Royal Irish Accepted Into Virtuoso
Royal Irish Tours (RIT) has been accepted into Virtuoso’s exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners as the first supplier designated solely for the Canadian market. According to Conor Duffy, vice-president of RIT, inclusion in Virtuoso will open up new sales and marketing opportunities to the network’s 2,200 Canadian luxury travel advisors and their highly desirable clientele. Virtuoso agencies in Canada sell more than CA$2.8 billion annually, making the network a growing and significant force in luxury travel in the country. Said Duffy: “Virtuoso’s acceptance process is...
25th Annual Golf Tournament A Hole In One
One team has come out on top after two days on the course for the 25th annual Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament held at The Sandals Golf & Country Club in Ocho Rios, Jamaica from Nov. 28-Dec. 1. Taking home the grand prize are the Bobless Birdies, made up of Stavros Kotsireas, director of trade partner relations & Preferred Rewards Canada at Flight Centre Travel Group; Spencer Sorensen, manager specialty sales (business development) at WestJet; Ryan Saroli, CEO, Agencia Global and Scott Roseblade, VP air, Goway Travel. “We're amazed, it's an incredible feeling,”...
Riu Vallarta Re-Opens
Sunwing reports that popular family resort, Riu Vallarta, has re-opened following extensive renovations, highlighted by three new dining venues and a refurbished pool area. Situated on the shores of Playa de Flamingos in Riviera Nayarit, Riu Vallarta now benefits from a stylish new lobby with décor and architectural elements inspired by the Art Deco era. In addition, all 678 guestrooms were fully refurbished with a modern tropical vibe. The revamped pool area now features five pools, including a swim-up bar and a kid's pool with mini water slides. Guests can now choose from six...
25th Annual Golf Tournament Kicks Off in Jamaica
Let the games begin! Close to 100 travel agents, tour operators, airline reps and travel agency personnel are on location at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort for the 25th annual Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament presented by Sandals Resorts and Baxter Media. The festivities kicked off last night (Nov. 28) with a dinner and cocktail reception hosted by Gary Sadler, Sr. VP of sales for Unique Vacations, Inc., affiliate of the worldwide representative of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. “I remember 25 years ago when we had our first golf tournament and we started something that we...
The Right Side Of The Law
In an age where information and pictures are being disseminated online with the simple push of a smartphone button and travellers can share their feedback and complaints about a vacation instantaneously from virtually anywhere in the world, those in the travel industry have to be careful not to oversell their product in order to avoid legal ramifications. “Words really do matter and be careful not to over promise when you are trying to describe your property or your product in as glowing terms as possible without going over the line, creating a problem if you do,” said Pierre...
Calvert Joins Sunwing As BDM For Central Canada
Sunwing has appointed Heather Calvert as business development manager for Central Canada. Located in Regina, Saskatchewan, Calvert brings a wealth of travel knowledge to the role, with more than 20 years of experience holding managerial positions in retail travel sales in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Graeme Franklin, director of sales for Western Canada, said of the appointment: “We are delighted to be welcoming Heather to the team. Her extensive retail travel experience will be a valuable asset as we continue to forge new relationships with the agency community while representing...
Exploring Panama And Colombia
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic have unveiled a new 8-day expedition that will navigate the South American coast, from Cartagena to Panama City, exploring the region’s trove of natural and cultural treasures. Panama & Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast will see passengers sailing aboard one of Lindblad Expedition’s newest ships, the 100-guest National Geographic Quest, guests will have one-of-a-kind opportunities to experience and explore the South American Coast. Highlights include hiking into dense rainforests that harbor extraordinary biodiversity, gliding...
Hurry Up To Save With Globus
Globus is reminding travel agents that time is running out on one of its most generous deals of the season. Agents can save their clients a full 10% off every Globus 2020 holiday -- with the exception of Globus Escapes, their brand of off-season Europe tours). All they have to do is ensure clients book by Dec. 2 this year. Globus is celebrating with its widest ever range of vacation options next year, comprising Europe (94 itineraries), North and Central America (55), the South Pacific (12), Asia (six) and Africa (four). There’s a wide array of new options including Southern...