Tour Operators
Collette Says Thanks
Celebrating 25 years in Canada, Collette hosted a festive industry lunch yesterday (Dec. 7) at Quinn's Restaurant in Toronto to thank and toast its partners who have helped it through an admittedly challenging year in the industry. Doug Patterson, president, Collette Canada, said the company continues to the fight the myth of what coach tours are all about – a travel segment that has certainly changed over the years. Gone are the days of herding people on and off buses as they travel from one country or attraction to another. “We're still up against the myth, but the reality is...
Celestyal On Course In Canada
Celestyal Cruises has another major tour operator offering its Cuba itineraries, further welcome news for a company that believes it's making major inroads in Canada and elsewhere, reports Ian Stalker in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. Air Canada Vacations announced in late September that it will offer Celestyal's week-long Cuba sailings that circumvent Cuba, with calls that include ones in Havana, Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba, and the Isle of Youth and also visit Montego Bay, Jamaica as well. ACV clients will actually be boarding and disembarking in Montego...
Goway Fosters Balu the Rhino
Goway Travel has officially fostered Balu, a rescued male rhino at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC). Balu was orphaned and arrived at the HESC at two weeks, weighing a meagre 54 kg. Since then however, Balu has thrived, recently celebrating his first birthday. Kirsty Perring, Africa and Middle East product manager at Goway Travel, recently visited the HESC to witness first-hand the exceptional work being done at the centre, and to meet the new addition to the Goway Family. “Balu has crept into all of our hearts,” said Perring, “I want to know we are doing our...
Win An MSC Cruise With Sunwing
Sunwing and MSC Cruises have teamed up to offer travel agents a chance to experience the magic of a cruise vacation with the launch of an exciting new incentive. Agents could win a cruise vacation package for two if they book their customers on a cruise package with MSC Opera between now and Dec. 24, 2016. There are multiple sailings to take advantage of, including numerous departures between Dec. 24, 2016 and April 1, 2017. In addition, each cruise includes return flights with Sunwing Airlines (with departures from Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Winnipeg and Fredericton)...
No Reservations About New RIU Policy
RIU Hotels & Resorts has eliminated the need for guests to make reservations at its a la carte restaurants at properties in the Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, a policy the company dubs, “No Reservations, No Limitations!” The news was revealed “in Canada first” at the chain's annual Sunwing Group co-sponsored Christmas luncheon for top producers in Toronto yesterday. “This is such a great market for us,” said RIU director of business development & partner marketing Hugo Aguilera of the choice to make the announcement here. Aguilera, and colleague Sergi...
Always A Surprise
A Trafalgar travel director says he and his colleagues are committed to ensuring that those who go on Trafalgar itineraries won't simply be seeing more of the same. “[As] travel directors [we're] always trying to give you something unique,” Dave Neil told a Nov. 29 Toronto audience. Neil, who spends much of his time guiding in Britain, said that part of the world provides surprises, with Trafalgar clients able to visit a vineyard in Wales, a part of the world few people associate with wine. Clients can meet the family running the vineyard and participate in a wine-tasting...
And Now A Word From TICO
A bit of a follow up and clarification from an item in yesterday's Press Today on changes to the Ontario Travel Industry. (Click here to see that story) TICO president & CEO, Richard Smart told PT that the Dec. 3, 2016 deadline referred to in the story applies to the survey recently released by the Ontario government. ( To go to the survey, click here ) This survey targets both consumers and registrants and seeks input related to the comprehensive review underway. And all of the results will be compiled by the government and shared with the public early in the New...
Sunwing Adds Winnipeg-Nassau Lift
Sunwing is introducing direct flights from Winnipeg to Nassua, The Bahamas this winter. The new, weekly service begins on Dec. 17, 2016 and continues until April 1, 2017 To coincide with the new route, Sunwing has also introduced new all inclusive packages at several of the island’s top-rated resorts. Andrew Dawson, president of tour operations, commented: “We are pleased to be adding this brand new service from Winnipeg this winter. Nassau is a varied destination with something to offer travellers all of ages, so the addition of more all inclusive packages to discover this...