Tour Operators
Escape to the Next Level of Luxury with ACV
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has unveiled its new Ultimate Escapes Collection – highlighted by dreamy hideaways, seaside settings, gourmet cuisine, state-of-the-art amenities and impeccable service, all with the discerning traveller in mind. The new product line for ACV offers travellers an escape into luxury with one of the 43 handpicked properties in 15 destinations across Mexico, the Caribbean and the US. Accommodations include ocean-facing suites and villas with private round-trip transfers, as well as the option to dine from the menus of award-winning chefs, enjoy vast wine...
Dominica Voluntourism Packages Now Available
Discover Dominica Authority reports that two voluntourism packages are now available for travellers interested in assisting with the recovery and rebuilding efforts following the passage of Hurricane Maria. Packages can now be booked directly with Cobra Tours for restoration of one of Dominica’s premier tourist attraction sites – The Indian River. Cool Breeze Tours also offers packages to clear segment 10 of the Caribbean’s first long distance walking trail – the Waitukubuli National Trail. The Indian River Package is for five nights in either standard or superior...
Looking Back, Moving Forward
In this week's issue of Canadian Travel Press, we're proud to present our annual industry forecast which takes a look at what's gone on in 2017 and what's to come in 2018. Now before you point out that there's not much of a challenge to offering a forecast of the year just passed – although that approach would make everyone look brilliant – we anticipated that astute observation by asking contributors to reveal what they saw as the Big Surprise during the past 12 months. As for the year ahead, well we asked the question that everyone in the industry is constantly asking: What's...
Transat Concludes Jonview Canada Sale
Transat A.T. Inc. has concluded the sale of its Jonview Canada business unit for $44 million to Japanese multinational H.I.S. Co. Ltd., which specializes in travel distribution. The price could be adjusted on the date of final closing of the accounts. On Nov. 10, the Competition Bureau of Canada said the transaction did not warrant its intervention. “The sale of Jonview Canada completes our strategic refocusing around three main pillars – air transportation and travel distribution, which make up our leisure travel operations, as well as hotel operation,” said Transat president...
Celebrate The Royal Engagement With Trafalgar
In celebration of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent engagement, Trafalgar is offering travellers who book a summer 2018 departure on its London Explorer or Delights of London and Paris by Dec. 11 a 10% early payment discount, as well as a complimentary royal afternoon tea for two at The Milestone, a prestigious Grade II, five-star boutique Red Carnation Hotel across from Kensington Palace. An excursion to Windsor Castle and St. George’s Chapel, the romantic spot where the Royal Wedding will take place in May, is included in both trips as well. Travellers can get the full...
It’s All About Agents
Sunwing's vice-president retail sales, tour operations, Deana Murphy and RIU Hotels & Resorts' director of business development and partner marketing, Hugo Aguilera had lots to tell agents attending their 5th annual travel agency appreciation luncheon in Toronto yesterday, not the least of which was to offer them a big 'thank you' for their support in 2017. The annual event was all about RIU and Aguilera is quick to make it clear that there's a lot going on at the company. In fact, this weekend (Dec. 2), Aguilera said that the new 700-room, Hotel Riu Dunamar in Costa Mujeres –...
TravelBrands Releases One-Stop-Shop US Brochure
TravelBrands has released its annual USA brochure designed to showcase multiple US destinations and trip options for any type of traveller. Available in December, this up-to-date brochure highlights all components of a vacation in the US. “For many travellers, it is difficult to know where to begin in planning a vacation. Our brochure is a useful tool for all things travel in the US,” says Frank DeMarinis, president and CEO, TravelBrands. “Whether it is flights, hotels, car rentals, attractions or tours, this annual brochure is the ultimate one-stop-shop for travel...
Exodus Unveils Expert Agent Certification Course
Exodus Travels has launched a new Exodus Expert Program, the adventure tour operator’s first-ever online agent training platform designed for agents to earn knowledge and certifications such as Cycling, Hiking or Exodus Expert. The Exodus Expert Program provides agents with the training tools and resources needed to grow their business and explore the world of Exodus Travels. They will learn about the diverse range of adventure holidays and be recognized for their expertise. “The program allows agents the ability to learn at their own pace with bite-sized training modules and...