Tour Operators
Change Abounds At Cuba Cruise
Since last year’s successful second season of operations, Cuba Cruise has seen a vast change in political climate, reports western editor, Ted Davis in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. That is, Cuba is now increasingly on the radar of American travellers, and Cuba Cruise is proving to be a popular way to reach and experience the once-reclusive island nation. A thawing in the diplomatic relationship between Cuba and the United States is starting to open the door to American tourism to Cuba, although those visits are still restricted. As such, early bookings on the...
Goway Celebrates ‘Down Under Months’
It's that time of the year again as Goway staffers don kangaroo suits, etc., to promote Down Under Months (October and November). This year, Asia has been added to the list with promotional deals in effect for the likes of Tahiti, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Malaysia, Bali and Thailand, as well as Australia and New Zealand. Goway BDMs are calling in travel agencies across the country promoting the destinations and Goway's deals there, as well as issuing rewards to agents. For example, if the tour operator rep finds Goway's three brochures – Downunder, Asia and Idyllic Islands –...
WestJet Vacations Accepting Deposits From Agents
WestJet Vacations is now accepting deposits from travel agents for vacation packages. A $250 deposit per guest is required at the time of booking with final payment due 45 days prior to departure. Deposits and final payment will be accepted by agents only via Revnet, SIREV and the Travel Support Team (TST). Agents are responsible for submitting final payment 45 days prior to departure. Unpaid balances will be settled through TIESS. Commission earned will be processed once full payment has been received. Commission settlement frequency will increase to bi-weekly settlements...
Contiki Puts The Spotlight on Europe, Germany
It was a social media night – #ContikiGermany – as travel media and bloggers got together with Contiki and the German National Tourist Office during a trade event at Otto's Berlin Doner in Toronto, highlighted by German cuisine and beer and the scoop on Contiki's 2016 European program. The program, designed for travellers 18-35, is now available for booking and features 102 unique itineraries in 105 cities. Eight new tours were introduced, including journeys in Iceland and the Balkans. In keeping with the theme of the night, Germany is a featured destination in 63 of Contiki's...
Sunwing Introduces New Sensimar Concept
Sunwing Vacations has launched a new Sensimar concept at Sensimar Seaside Suites, a Gourmet Inclusive Resort by Karisma offered exclusively by the tour operator. Located close to the area’s renowned ancient Mayan ruins, the newly expanded Sensimar Seaside Suites offers a blend of understated luxury with a focus on health and wellness in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Designed with couples in mind, guests can take advantage of a selection of signature experiences as part of their stay from unwinding with a hydrotherapy treatment at the Náay Spa, to learning new dance moves at a salsa...
Working For A Better Planet
As Brett Tollman sees it, we all have a role to play in preserving the environment for our children. The CEO of The Travel Corporation was in Toronto last week to talk about the TreadRight Foundation and some of the things that it has been doing since it was launched in 2008. All of the company's brands are involved in its efforts in some shape or form – here in Canada that involves the likes of Trafalgar, Insight, Contiki, Uniworld, Lion World Travel, etc. – both taking a role in the TreadRight Foundation's key initiatives in the areas of heritage and wildlife programs or getting...
TICO Approves Claims
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) reports that its board of directors has approved the payment of $5,685.62 to assist 7 consumers who did not receive the travel services for which they had paid. The payment was due to the closure of Amigo Travel in Toronto ($2,306.62) and Mexicana Airlines in Mexico ($3,379.00). As well, the board ratified a decision by the Statutory Director for payments from the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund totalling $17,140.83 to assist 21 consumers as a result of the failure of Executive Worldwide Travel in Ottawa. The payments were...
Trafalgar Goes Dynamic With Reviews
Referencing La Belle Epoque and the movie Midnight in Paris, Wolf Paunic, president of Trafalgar Canada, kicked off an industry event in Toronto yesterday (Oct. 1) for the 2016 Europe and Britain launch with specially prepared shots of Absinthe for all those in attendance. New additions to the brochure include Celtic Filmscapes, which features locations made popular in Game of Thrones, and Highland Trail inspired by Outlander, which as the name indicates is inspired by the TV series. A key focus of the evening was on Trafalgar's decision to include unedited real-time reviews on...