Tour Operators
Baby, It’s Warm Outside
Predictions that Old Man Winter's icy grip may not be that icy this winter doesn't seem to be alarming tourist boards that invite people to flee bone-chilling weather, reports Ian Stalker in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. Numerous meteorological reports are suggesting that an El Nino effect means this winter will be a mild one, which might suggest that sun vacations may not seem as attractive over the next few months as they did during last year's long and frigid winter. AccuWeather Global Weather Center said in late October that this winter “could end up as one of...
Avoiding The Crush
According to a new survey by Emirates, 64% of Canadian travellers would travel on Christmas to escape the holiday crowds at the airport. Emirates' survey also found that those questioned showed a clear desire to maximize value for money with close to a third (30%) of Canadian travellers indicating that food and drink not only mattered, but made a difference to their flying experience; and a vast majority (69%) agreed that comfortable seats would most enhance their experience on a long-haul flight. As Emirates' country manager for Canada, Don McWilliam sees it, “Canadians are...
G Adventures’ National Geographic Journeys Launched
With the official launch of National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures on Dec. 15, travel agents can now sign up clients on a new lineup of 70 trips connecting travellers to local cultures and destinations supported and researched by National Geographic’s explorers and storytellers. Examples include a game drive in South Africa with a scientist from the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Carnivore Conservation Program, a dual-narrative walking tour in Israel led by both Israeli and Palestinian guides who were trained by a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, and spending time at the...
#TrafalgarCares With Holidays Helpers
Donning their #TrafalgarCares hats, the Trafalgar Canada team volunteered at Holiday Helpers, a non-profit registered charity providing Christmas packages to low-income families. On Dec. 14, the Trafalgar team wrapped presents in Santa’s warehouse in preparation for the packages to be delivered to families this week. As part of #TrafalgarCares, Trafalgar is committed to providing real support to communities from supporting local businesses to working alongside not-for-profit organizations. Through Holiday Helpers, Trafalgar and The Travel Corporation sponsored a family and...
Insight CEO Inspires Travellers to #Come2Europe
Amidst recent news stories on Europe, John Boulding, CEO of Insight Vacations, recently released a message on the company’s redesigned blog aimed at travellers who may be uncertain about visiting Europe to #Come2Europe. Having completed a whirlwind global tour promoting the travel specialists’ new 2016-17 Europe & Britain Premium and 2016-17 Luxury Gold by Insight Vacations programs, the travel leader provided personal insights into putting things about Europe and travelling abroad into perspective. “I felt the need to convey an inspiring message to our guests and...
Craig Landry Named President of Air Canada Leisure Group
Air Canada has appointed Craig Landry, currently vice-president, marketing at Air Canada, president of the Air Canada Leisure Group. In his new position, Landry will be responsible for the integrated leisure group, which consists of Air Canada Vacations and the leisure airline Air Canada rouge. “I am very pleased to announce Craig Landry's appointment as the new president of the Air Canada Leisure Group. As vice-president of marketing at Air Canada, Craig successfully managed and revitalized all facets of our brand, including new product development, as we embarked on our...
TravelBrands’ ‘SeaU’ Largest Ever
The TravelBrands team recently returned from a one-week seminar at sea aboard the Norwegian Getaway, along with travel partners from across Canada and 12 of its preferred cruise line suppliers. With more than 150 participants, this year's “SeaU” was the largest in Encore history. “We had such a fantastic week. Our cruise line partners had the opportunity to showcase their product lines and more importantly, to spend quality time with our travel agent partners,” commented Nathalie Tanious, vice-president of cruises. “This is the ultimate networking opportunity for our...
G Adventures Launches Holiday Campaign
G Adventures has announced the return of its “12 Days of G” promotion for the fourth year. The company is offering 12 deals of savings of 15% on selected trips around the world, for travel by Sept. 30, 2016, and will unveil them daily on the G Adventures web site and Facebook page beginning Dec. 13. Denise Harper, director of sales, Canada, says the campaign is a favourite for G Adventures agents as gives them the opportunity to pass on savings to their customers and spread the festive cheer. “We love putting on the Santa hat for 12 Days of G each year. There is a great...