If there's one thing that you'll take away from a conversation with Denise Heffron and Nicole Bursey it's that the company they work for is all about retail travel agents, reports executive editor, Bob Mowat in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press.
Heffron, vice-president, national sales and commercial and Bursey, commercial director for Transat sat down with CTP recently to talk about how the company has retained that agent-centric focus, while evolving into the business it is today.
And things have certainly changed considering that while tour companies still hold...
A tripling of demand for trips to Sri Lanka in the past year has prompted G Adventures to launch a new program of small-group sailing tours along the southern coast.
The seven-day “Sri Lanka Sailing” trip, which travels from, and returns to, Mirissa, begins on Feb. 2, 2018, making it the perfect winter escape. The trip can also be combined with a land-based itinerary in Sri Lanka – known as “the pearl of the Indian Ocean” – to create a 14-day land and sea getaway.
“We’re thrilled to be the first adventure company to explore Sri Lanka by sea. They say great things...
The Globus family of brands in Canada is advising agents that the company’s tours to the Oberammergau Passion Plays for 2020 are now ready for booking.
“In all we have 14 tours which include a performance of the famed passion play. Some tours feature wonderful sightseeing in Germany or in combination with Austria and Switzerland, while others are more of a faith-based nature, such as our Shrines of Alpine Europe and Oberammergau itinerary,” says Kim Clarke, director of sales for the Globus family of brands in Canada.
The company even plans an Avalon Waterways Romantic Rhine...
Through Oct. 27, Sunwing is offering agents the opportunity to earn 2X STAR Agent Reward Points for all new bookings to Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
The largest ever 2X STAR points promotion lets agents earn valuable points (that convert to cash) each time they make a new booking for travel between Oct. 1 and April 30, 2018. All resorts and room categories are included.
Following a turbulent couple of weeks of extreme weather events in these regions, the timing and scale of the promotion is intended to help give these three important destinations a welcome boost in...
It is a concept that has worked for Flight Centre in other markets around the world, but according to the company's top executives, its newly opened Toronto Travel Centre takes that concept well beyond anything that it has done anywhere else.
So get ready for the future.
In fact, Flight Centre's Travel Centre is the first of its kind in Canada, bringing multiple brands and multiple teams together in a space that's equipped with planning and event space designed to create excitement and an experience for both the customers who are welcomed there and the people who work there.
About...
The Acapulco Destination Marketing Office, along with the Mexico Tourism Board and Sunwing, hosted about 80 travel agents last night (Sept. 27) at a laid-back cocktail reception – followed by presentations – at the Jazz Bistro in Toronto.
After an hour of networking and mingling with complimentary hors d'oeuvres, guests got to see presentations providing first-hand updates on Mexico offerings, as well as short presentations from Sunwing and various hotel partners.
Baxter Travel Media was at the event with a booth and its infamous green screen, taking photos of agents and Sunwing...
For couples looking to get married somewhere memorable, Goway is suggesting The Islands of Tahiti – which it describes as “the epitome of romance and a wonderful spot for destination weddings, big or small.”
Aside from the stunning tropical backdrop – pristine turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and five-star escapes – a wedding here is considered legal for travellers. In 2013, a law was passed that allowed non-French nationals, including same-sex couples, to have a legally binding wedding.
According to Mike Bertoia, Goway Islands product manager, “creating that perfect...
While some might equate airline food with hospital food, Air Transat is taking it up a notch and bringing fine dining back to 35,000 feet with the latest edition of its Chef's Menu, crafted by celebrated Quebec chef Daniel Vézina (pictured above).
The chef’s flight of fancy includes six new exclusive dishes, as well as two breakfast choices. Available as of Dec. 1, these meals are served complimentary to all Club Class passengers and are available (for a cost) in Economy Class. Tip: Agents with clients flying in Transat economy class are advised to pre-order these meals in advance,...
Goway Travel has reintroduced its exclusive three-stop vacation to New Zealand, Australia and Tahiti.
The South Pacific Sampler is a 13-day vacation package with airfare included, starting at $4,579 and departing from Los Angeles.
Travellers will get to cruise in Auckland’s harbour, take a walking tour through Sydney’s most historic neighbourhood and discover Tahiti’s lush interior in a 4x4. There’s also plenty of free time for travellers to explore at their own pace.
With 10 exclusive departures between November and May 2018, this vacation escape includes round-trip...
Collette is advising that there has been an “immediate change” to its leadership team here in Canada.
The tour company says that “following a mutually amicable decision between Collette and Doug Patterson, we’re announcing that he will be stepping away from his role as President, effective immediately.”
The statement also says that going forward, Ron Lonsdale, vice-president of Collette Canada, will provide leadership and guidance to the...