Tour Operators
Gedeon Is Back And Ready To Go
Zeina Gedeon is talking patties – Jamaican patties – the kind that were once served at and became synonymous with Sunquest product launches back in the day. They will be served again, she implies, shaking a finger at a reporter. Challenge accepted! Gedeon, the brand new CEO of TravelBrands, has plenty of challenges ahead, the least of which is likely to be what to serve at a Sunquest trade show. Taking over a company currently in CCAA creditor protection tops the list, but it's an opportunity the gregarious – and formidable – former Air Canada VP (she left the airline in 2014)...
Good News From TravelBrands?
TravelBrands – which counts 12 wholesale and five retail brands under its corporate umbrella – may soon emerge from creditor protection. Zeina Gedeon, the company's new CEO, told PressToday's Mike Baginski, “I will assure you, it's not going to be very long whatsoever... And hopefully in the next week we will have very good news... It is very positive.” She admits, “because TravelBrands is not communicating very much, it makes it sound worse than it is.” Mississauga, Ont.-based TravelBrands, best known for tour divisions like Sunquest, Holiday House, Intair and...
Anderson Unveils New Site
Anderson Vacations has launched a new web site – http://www.andersonvacations.ca – giving agents and travel planners the ability to search for information by both destination and by the way their guest would like to travel. From motorhome and independent touring to guaranteed departures and custom tours, with one click agents can choose the method of travel that is best for their clients. In addition, under the Travel Agent tab there is information specific to travel agents, including fam information, Anderson's Agent Loyalty program, marketing ideas and upcoming webinars and...
Discover Trafalgar’s Insider Experience
Trafalgar is featuring six diverse countries on its South America guided vacations that feature 11 itineraries and four optional extensions – including Easter Island and the Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon. The operator's Peru and Ecuador itineraries feature the Be My Guest dining experiences, Cultural Insights and Authentic Accommodations. Wolf Paunic, president of Trafalgar Canada, noted that: “A visit to Peru or Ecuador will fascinate clients with their natural beauty, amazing wildlife and wonderful cuisine. With Trafalgar, not only will clients experience all of these...
Escape Winter With Goway
Since the 1990s, Goway has been sending North American Snowbirds to Australia and 20 years later, the program is continues to be as popular as ever. Now, in addition to its original program in New Zealand and on Australia's Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, Goway has expanded the concept to include the beautiful Cook Islands. Available for 1, 2 or 3 month stays, a Goway Snowbird vacation includes arrival transfers, welcome grocery pack (Sunshine Coast & New Zealand), toll free assistance to Goway's local office and accommodation for 28, 56 or 84 nights in a one bedroom self-catering...
Discover Transat’s Guided Tours
Transat has announced that its escorted tour program – for small or medium-sized groups – will now be sold under one brand. Annick Guerard, general manager, Transat Tours Canada, explained: “Over the years, we have developed an exceptional guided tour offer with the best partners all over the world and experienced guides. This type of vacation is gaining in popularity, as more and more travellers are placing discovery at the top of their list of travel objectives.” The program is detailed in the new 2016 Guided Tours brochure, under the Transat brand, and is also available...
TravelBrands Raises $150,000 for SickKids
The Toronto travel industry turned out in force yesterday (Sept. 10) for the TravelBrand 2nd Annual Charity Golf Classic in support of SickKids. Held at Eagles Nest Golf Club in Maple, Ont., the event raised $150,000 for the hospital with company owners Frank, Joe and Enzo De Marinis presenting a cheque to hospital representatives at the conclusion of the gala (photo), which featured golf, dinner and a silent auction. The fundraising event eclipsed last year's inaugural event, which raised...
Let The Sun Shine
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) sure knows how to throw a party. Music, prizes, Cirque-like entertainment, dinner and more prizes, not to mention the introduction of its biggest Sun Collection to date, were all part of last night's (Sept. 10) festivities at Pearson's Hangar 8 in Toronto. ACV's launch of its 2015/2016 Sun Collection included a large trade show featuring more than 20 trade partners, as well as an opportunity for agents to view and walk through an Air Canada rouge A319. Michael Friisdahl, president and CEO, Air Canada Leisure Group, and Eamonn Ferrin, president and COO,...