Tour Operators
Works Like A Charm
Anthony Lau, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), was all smiles during a recent stop in Toronto, which shouldn't be surprising as there's lots of good news coming out of the destination these days. Topping the list is the fact that Hong Kong and Taiwan's joint tourism promotional efforts – launched in 2016 – have produced some rather remarkable results. The program attracted the participation of five airlines – Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Eva Air, China Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines – and 19 tour operators offering 22 different packages. Not...
Travelling Man: John Boulding
John Boulding, the director of Insight Vacations, actually got his start with The Travel Corporation long before taking on a leadership role, reports assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. “I've been back with the company since 1997, so 20 years heading up Insight, but I come from an earlier time to that. I started with Contiki in 1979 as a tour director – that's how I started in the business,” he told Canadian Travel Press. “Then I went into operations management with Contiki and moved to Insight in 1985, and then left in...
Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana to Open Late This Year
Sunwing reports that Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana resort will open later this year. Exclusive to the tour operator, this adults-only property is located adjacent to the Royalton Punta Cana and will welcome guests with 168 rooms and suites, premium service, gourmet dining options, including a private chef’s table, and more. Plus, guests can enjoy even more with access to the facilities and services of the Royalton Punta Cana resort that includes entry to a large waterpark at Memories Splash Punta Cana, relaxing treatments at The Royal Spa, gourmet dining and more. “This is...
ACV Offers 5% Commission on Air to Europe
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) is offering agents 5% commission on all flights to Europe. The commissionable air complements ACV’s recently launched Europe Your Way brochure which spans across more than 25 European destinations. Flights can be bundled with packages, cruises, tours, car rentals and hotels. ACV also offers open jaw options that allow travellers to land in one European city and return from another. Plus, with the ACV&ME loyalty program, travel agents who book hotels, cruises and groups will receive 600 points per room for packages of seven-plus nights; 400 points...
Goway Offers Agents $50 Booking Bonus
Through June 30, Goway is offering Canadian agents a $50 bonus on Goway Rewards for new bookings to Hong Kong and Thailand (minimum seven nights). To entice travellers to visit both countries on one Asian trip, Goway is also offering an exclusive savings of $400 per couple off three special nine-day packages, including airfare on Cathay Pacific. Experiences include swinging through the Thai jungle on a zipline, tasting local specialties in Hong Kong and Bangkok with an expert foodie, communing with elephants at a sanctuary in Thailand, sea canoeing in Phuket, and of course, riding...
New Rules Coming For Machu Picchu
Goway is reminding agents that there are some new regulations coming into effect for visits to Machu Picchu, Peru -- one of the most famous and popular sites in South America. In 2007, the site was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and with that designation came growth of visitors to nearly 1.4 million tourists in 2014. This increased traffic has had an impact both on the famed site and on the visitor experience. Effective July 1, there will be new admission rules for visiting the citadel. Ticket sales will be divided into a morning ticket (6 a.m. to 12 noon) and...
Contiki Adds Bolivia, Chile to Latin America Program
Contiki has launched its new Latin America 2018/19 program highlighted by the addition of two new destinations – Bolivia and Chile, and the addition of six new trips and departure dates through to 2019. With small groups, local guides and private included transport, Contiki continues to increase their footprint in a region frequented by young Canadians. The three new trips that journey into Bolivia are “Bella Bolivia,” “Bolivian Magic” and the “Andean Crossing.” To help spur wanderlust into reality, clients who book and pay in full by Aug. 1 will be able to save 10% as...
ACV Launches CareFree Plan
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has launched CareFree, a new value proposition – commissionable at 5% – specific to destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. With it, clients will receive free seat selection, year-round Price Drop Guarantee, StormGuard and a $50 waiver on administrative change fees – amounting to $339 in savings. As an introductory offer, the plan will cost clients $49 per person until June 30 (the regular price will be $79). CareFree includes StormGuard and the Price Drop Guarantee, both of which can also be purchased separately. The year-round Price Drop...