Tour Operators
Contiki Takes A Bite Out Of Canada, USA
Contiki has launched its new USA & Canada 2018-20 program, featuring a range of 25 adventures across the continent including a focus on its “Munch” foodie experiences; added departures for its Canadian escapes which includes an additional Calgary Stampede trip due to popular demand and a brand new getaway to Orlando. The new program comes off the back of Contiki's recent studies that revealed a trend towards travel to areas of natural beauty, with half of young respondents highlighting nature and the outdoors as two major factors in their travel plans. And to help young...
They’re The Tops
Transat Distribution agency owners were recognized recently for outstanding sales achievement with a luxury trip to Croatia hosted by a team of Transat executives. Each year, Transat Distribution hosts an Award of Excellence trip for top-producing TDC agency owners in recognition of their exceptional sales achievement. The group was made up of 34 agency owners and their guests, along with their hosts: Joseph Adamo, president, TDC; Nathalie Boyer, general manager, TDC; Louise Fecteau, commercial director, Transat; Nicole Bursey, commercial director, Transat; Rita Polegri, national...
TICO Names New Board Members At AGM
Following its annual general meeting on June 26, TICO's board of directors has named Brett Walker as its new vice-chair. Walker is the general manager for Collette Vacations, Canada. The Vice Chair appointment is for one year until TICOs next AGM to be held in 2019. During the AGM, Robert Townshend, founder of Total Advantage Travel and Tours, was acclaimed as an elected director. Townshend will serve a three-year term, replacing retiring board member Tisha Saunders. Nicole Bursey was named by the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) to be part of the TICO Board,...
Learn, Earn And Win With Sunwing
Sunwing is encouraging agents to Learn, Earn, and WIN as part of its partner of the month promotion with four of Cuba's most popular resort chains: Royalton Luxury Resorts, Memories Resort & Spa, Grand Memories Resorts, Sanctuary at Grand Memories Resorts and Starfish Resorts. From now until July 31, agents can earn double the STAR Agent Reward Points that convert to cash on new bookings (including groups) to these top-rated resorts. To help them make those all important bookings, agents can also take advantage of a series of webinars and training opportunities to learn more...
Iberostar looks to the future
Fresh off a €500 million facelift across its European properties with renovations and new openings, and amidst a further €700 million in upgrades and future investment in the Americas, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts’ ambitious global expansion plan is well underway. As their product continues to evolve to mainly four and five-star properties, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, which has a presence in 70 destinations in 17 countries across 37,100 rooms, is educating the trade on the changes and what the new value proposition is for clients. “Specifically Canada is for us a very...
Brazil Posts Solid Gains From Canada
A big improvement in the processing of visas for visiting Brazil has resulted in a jump in visitor visa applications to the country, said a tour operator executive in Vancouver recently. A new electronic visa program has vastly reduced visa processing times, to an estimated approval period of 72 hours. Since January 18th the new electronic visa fee is USD $40 plus a service fee of USD $4.24 -- in Canadian dollars that would be approximately CAD $59. (Complete details are available by clicking here). Visitor visa applications have jumped by about 47%, said Don Forster, the Latin...
TravelBrands Teams Up With Softvoyage
TravelBrands will offer thousands of hotels located in hundreds of cities worldwide through SIREV, a solution managed by Softvoyage. SIREV is a shopping solution offered to Canadian travel professionals. Developed and managed by Softvoyage, SIREV provides an easy-to-use web-based solution to the travel industry. Through this partnership, TravelBrands is increasing its hotel offerings to tens of thousands of hotels and properties across the globe. This updated distribution supports TravelBrands goal of giving agents and consumers access to the world. Travel agents can access...
Insight Showcases USA, Canada In 2019
Insight Vacations' enhanced 2019 USA & Canada Premium Escorted Journeys collection features 15 journeys crafted to encourage clients to explore North America’s most majestic landscapes, scenic destinations, and culturally diverse places. Offering over 35 Insight Experiences – from joining a lobster fisherman aboard his boat in Shediac Bay to Sonoma wine tasting while visiting the Madrone Family vineyards to meeting the Alaskan champion dog team of high-speed huskies – guests will be staying at accommodations inside several national parks, including the Grand Canyon Lodges and...