Tour Operators
Absolutely Extraordinary
Two years ago Goway, one of the world’s leading travel companies, put together an itinerary which they now promote as the “Ultimate Journey of a Lifetime.” The tour company created a Cape to Cairo program that includes luxury rail travel, stays in some of the world’s most luxurious accommodations, quintessential African experiences, including safaris and a gorilla trek, and the opportunity to tick at least 14 items off the classic Africa travel bucket list. Goway’s inaugural trip returned in February. The journey cost singles US$54,000 or US$44,500 per twin (plus airfare...
TICO Takes Aim At Fraud
It's widely agreed that travel fraud tarnishes the entire industry. But what isn't commonly known is that most consumer fraud – which agencies can be on the hook for – is perpetrated by travel agents gone bad. And it can be prevented, reports managing editor Michael Baginski in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) says it has seen a dramatic increase in fraud, and not just anonymous late night phone calls awarding “free” trips, etc. – the kind of fraud that makes the nightly news. Instead, the provincial...
ACV Adds New Hotel in Jamaica
Air Canada Vacations has added the all-inclusive Mangos Jamaica resort to its Montego Bay product line, effective immediately. Located in the coastal village of Coopers Pen, Trelawny, the adults’ only property features low rise, traditional wooden accommodations situated in tropical gardens on the northwest coast of the island. Mangos offers three restaurants and four bars including a lobby bar and swim-up pool bar. It also includes a fitness centre, and deluxe and superior rooms with ocean, garden and pool views. Free Wi-Fi is also available in the rooms and throughout the...
It’s All About You
TravelBrands continued its agent appreciation events in Toronto last night (Tuesday) with a gala affair that saw close to 700 travel counsellors on hand for a combination trade show and corporate presentation that served as a coming out party for the new-look tour company. “It's been a tough year for TravelBrands as we all know,” co-owner Frank DeMarinis told suppliers, alluding to company's restructuring under CCAA protection, and added, “We want to thank you for sticking with us.” Dozens of suppliers, from WestJet to Bahia Principe, and some from out of country, like the...
Busabout Puts Europe On Sale
Busabout is offering travellers the chance to explore Europe with a special “Buy One Get One Free” offer on all its Hop-On Hop-Off Passes. The limited-time offer is valid on all new two-person bookings made by April 30, 2016. With over 46 different destinations, no upper age limit, fixed itinerary and with passes ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months, Busabout offers travellers a chance to explore the world on their own terms. Busabout's North America’s director of sales, Damien Bennett observed: “Busabout is unlike any other travel product in the marketplace because it combines...
Green Key Global Recognized By GSTC
With Green Key Global’s Green Key Eco-Rating Program, which is favoured by hotel establishments in North America, just recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Transat is pleased to announce that all of the hotel certification programs it promotes now comply with GSTC criteria, the global benchmark for sustainable tourism. Transat’s customers can now be secure in the knowledge that, whichever eco-friendly hotel they choose, it conforms to the highest social and environmental responsibility standards. “We are very pleased to see the Green Key Global program...
TODAY’S NEWS: It’s All About TravelBrands
More integration of the companies under the TravelBrands umbrella was described and summarized as being able to “kick some a..s”, in the market, said TravelBrands CEO Zeina Gedeon recently. With the total number of companies under the TravelBrands umbrella now at eight, there is a merchant for every type of travel from which agents can choose, said Gedeon. She was speaking in Vancouver at a lively product preview and trade showcase with 47 suppliers in attendance meeting about 300 agents. Some 250 agents came to the event in Calgary the night before. The unification of...
Switzerland Insight’s ‘Destination of the Month’
Insight Vacations is continuing its “Europe Now” campaign by spotlighting Switzerland as its new “Destination of the Month” for April. Occupying the very heart of Europe, with four official languages and a rich cultural diversity, Switzerland is a land of contrasts. It is home to snow-capped summits and romantic lakes, charming cities and towns, adorned with flower-decked houses and green pastures and is one of Insight's top European destinations. In fact, Switzerland has witnessed a consistent increase in Canadian visits over the last decade, a total of 30% according to...