Tour Operators
Sunwing Updates Operational Changes
Due to the extension of the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, Sunwing has taken measures to optimize its operations by investing in additional flying capacity and re-configuring its schedule without this aircraft type until further notice. Schedule changes for departures up to and including Sept. 2 have now been made and are reflected in the carrier's flight times on its web site and across the reservation system. If a customer’s travel plans have been affected, Sunwing will communicate this directly to their travel agent. “We are currently still finalizing any...
Agents’ Choice: Two Decades Of Tracking Trends
For 20 years, Baxter Media has worked diligently to make the Annual Agents’ Choice Readership Survey the most-trusted and authoritative travel industry poll in Canada. And the result, Canadian travel agents have made it their own, voting for their favourite suppliers in growing numbers, year-after-year. Over two decades, we've learned a lot by listening to agents across the country because, no matter how you slice it, Agents' Choice is their survey. It's our way of giving them an opportunity to let suppliers know how well they're doing from one year to the next. So here it...
It’s All About Agents
Baxter Media's 2019 Agents' Choice Awards Gala was all about travel agents and presenting sponsors – Air Canada, Sandals and Trafalgar – each thanked them heartily for their hard work and support. Representing Air Canada and Air Canada rouge was John MacLeod, vice-president of Global Sales & Alliances, who noted that since its launch in 2013 rouge has proved a huge success, now serving 70 destinations. “This would not have been possible without the agent support [we get] from across Canada,” he said. On behalf of Sandals, Gary Sadler, senior vice-president of sales,...
Transat Chooses Softvoyage
Softvoyage and Transat Distribution Canada have signed an agreement to bring forward the most advanced Business to Business portal for their dedicated network of agencies. Softvoyage will create a private label version of SIREV with unique features that meet the needs and requirements of today’s travel agencies environments. Nathalie Boyer, general manager of TDC, explains, “As part of our strategic plan and following a series of discussions held with our members to identify what is needed on the front line in order to be more efficient and provide exceptional customer service,...
Agents’ Choice Celebrates Josef Ebner
Being presented with the W.H. Baxter Lifetime Achievement Award at last night's second annual Agents' Choice Awards Gala is just the latest highlight for a man whose career and life have seen many lofty achievements. Josef Ebner, regional vice-president - Canada and managing director of downtown Toronto's Chelsea Hotel has also received accolades from the likes of Hotel Association of Canada, Canadian Hotel and Marketing Sales Executives, the Greater Toronto Hotel Association, the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, the Austrian Canadian Council, and SKAL. His efforts to create...
Red Label Vacations Appointment
Red Label Vacations Inc. (RLV) has announced that Carolyn Bujtas has been promoted to director of sales and operations for the retail brands' redtag.ca and itravel2000.com. She brings over 14 years of vast experience to the role. “Over the years, Carolyn has developed a wide range of skills and expertise that made her perfect for this position,” says Dianne Jackson, vice-president, RLV. “I am confident that under her leadership, the sales and service in our retail divisions will continue to grow and succeed.” Bujtas' travel career started 14 years ago, working as a sales...
TTC Re-Affirms Commitment to Travel Agents
The Travel Corporation (TTC) has re-affirmed its on-going commitment to travel agent partners with the evolution of it’s “My Travel Portal” (MTP) platform. One year since launch, officials note that MTP has supported agents in delivering an enhanced service for their clients. Everything is taken care of within the cohesive online portal, from guests being able to personalize their trip and access day-by-day itineraries, to hosting an e-documentation hub and supporting agents in ensuring a reasonable duty of care for every client. To build on the successful first year in...
Unforgettable India
Minutes away from the most visited landmark in India is a small unassuming café without prices on the menu, writes assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's Travel Courier cover story. After admiring the Taj Mahal and learning about the love story behind the iconic white mausoleum, which was built by the order of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, travellers can head to Sheroes Hangout in Agra for a cup of Masala milk tea and experience another kind of beauty: the strength and resilience of women like Rupa, Bala, Geeta and Neetu. A short documentary...