Tour Operators
Making The Leap
IATA’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) initiative took a “critical” leap forward last October when all three global distribution system (GDS) providers – Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport – confirmed that they will achieve the highest level of certification as aggregators by the end of this year, reports Quebec editor, Mike Dunbar in his multi-part series on IATA in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. According to NDC program director Yanik Hoyles, getting the GDSs on board was crucial, since their commitment signaled that NDC has been embraced by all...
Good News From Jamaica
Clearly, Canadians were making it Jamaica, again in 2017. The Jamaica Tourist Board's (JTB) regional director – Canada, Philip Rose told Press Today that Jamaica welcomed 405,174 Canadian visitors in 2017. And that, Rose said, represents an increase of 8.9% over the previous year. “I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate my team for all their ongoing efforts. I thank our airline, tour operator and hotel partners for their commitment to Jamaica,” observed a clearly pleased Rose, before continuing: “Lastly, I invite all mentioned above to join me in saluting our...
ACV Has It All In Europe
Air Canada Vacations thinks Nice is nice … As is a huge swathe of the rest of Europe. The tour operator held a Thursday Europe product launch in Toronto that featured European destinations stretching from Iceland to Iberia, along the French Riviera to cities like Nice and into Eastern Europe, with Croatia being among new additions to its program. In all, the tour operator has around 122 Europe vacation packages, with agents told that seven-night European vacation packages that include air travel, hotels and transfers are priced comparably to Caribbean winter all-inclusive holidays...
“Water We Waiting For?”
With the release of its new 2018 brochure, Club Med is asking potential customers, “Water we waiting for?” The 160-page brochure showcases what sets a Club Med all-inclusive vacation apart, outlining all on-demand resorts for the Canadian market. More than ever before, the informative guide acts as both a resource tool for travel professionals and a wish list companion for all those looking for the Club Med experience. Club Med has also introduced a new digital component within the brochure: VidPic AR. Thanks to the VidPic AR app available on the App Store and Google Play, travel...
A Letter From Jamaica
Jamaica's minister of tourism, Edmund Bartlett, M.P reached out to the travel trade this week to reassure them that Jamaica is “open for business.” Minister Bartlett writes: “Dear Jamaica Travel Partner. Thank you for your continued support of Destination Jamaica. The new year has started with a lot of excitement. No doubt you have received questions regarding the current state of public emergency for the parish of St. James, implemented by Government.” He explains that: “A State of Public Emergency is a tool to ensure enhanced security for all persons entering and leaving a...
Good For Geske
Patrice Geske has been promoted to the new post of director of marketing with the Globus family of brands in Canada. The announcement was made by Stéphanie Bishop, managing director of the Globus family of brands in Canada, who said: “Patrice has proven to be a huge asset to our company since joining us almost nine years ago as our marketing manager.” Bishop continued: “She has assumed increasing responsibilities in supporting and implementing our corporate goals and strategies and I know will excel in her new role.” Geske works out of the company's Canadian office in...
Croyle To Chair CATO
WestJet Vacations' vice-president, Tim Croyle is the new chairman of the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) for 2018-2019. Croyle over the job from Jeff Element, president of The Travel Corporation, whose term as chair ended last month. Collette's general manager Canada, Brett Walker has been picked as the new vice-chair for the 2018-2019 term. Commenting on his appointment, Croyle said: “I am honoured to be taking on the role of CATO chair, to carry on the great work done by Jeff Element for all our members. CATO works diligently on behalf of all outbound tour...
On The Road In Chiang Mai
A conference theme of “Sustainable Connectivity, Boundless Prosperity” is providing content direction to the 2018 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), which started this week in Chiang Mai, Thailand, reports western Canada editor Ted Davis from the show. It kicked off with a lavish opening ceremony and banquet on the sprawling grounds of the Royal Park Rajapruek, complete with a procession of sedan chairs shouldered by bearers, in a tribute to Thai traditions. It followed the tourism ministers from the 10 member nations of ASEAN, including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Singapore,...