Tour Operators
PATA Canada Is Back
After 8 months of behind the scenes work to validate the concept, gather consensus, PATA Canada is about to go live with an incredible 27 Founding Members. The association says it's ready to have fun and bring the power of PATA to the retail trade in Canada. PATA Canada will be the resource for Asia Pacific for the Canadian travel trade. It will be membership based with retail agencies enjoying complimentary membership and suppliers paying annual membership dues of $250. The PATA Canada Board for 2015-2016 is: President – Rocky Lo, Air Canada Treasurer – Judi Pym, Centara...
Contiki Turns Up The Heat
Contiki has unveiled its South Pacific trip collection for 2015-2016, categorized under five travel styles throughout Australia and New Zealand. South Pacific adventures harken back to Contiki’s heart-warming beginnings down under, founded by New Zealander John Anderson in 1962. Anderson first ran trips through Europe and finally returned to the South Pacific where he married his wife, former Contiki passenger, Alison, before pioneering Contiki’s Australia and New Zealand trip offerings. Brad Ford, president of Contiki Canada, observed: “Australia is a #1 bucket list...
Escape To Asia
Goway Travel has launched a series of island honeymoon packages in in Asia. Newlyweds can stay on some of the most popular islands in countries that include Thailand and Bali. The operator points out that Asia is affordable and offers unique experiences including elephant rides in the rainforest, sunset camel safaris in the desert, and excursions to exotic temples and forts. Many of the island honeymoon escapes also offer special bonuses, including free nights, room upgrades, massages and bottles of wine. One option is the Vijitt Resort in Phuket, Thailand. With 2 free nights, free...
Adventure Canada Unveils 2016 Expeditions
Adventure Canada – which specializes in small-ship and land-based expeditions to the Canadian Arctic, east coast regions and Greenland – has released its 2016 line-up of expedition cruises. Travellers can will be able to enjoy the adventure company’s signature voyages from 2015, along with the return of expeditions to Sable Island, from June 11 to June 16, 2016, Arctic Safari, August 4 to August 15, 2016, and Greenland & Wild Labrador, June 29 to July 11, 2016. Adventure Canada's CEO, Cedar Swan said: “We whole-heartedly welcome guest, travel agent, and partner feedback –...
A Little Extra From Intrepid
The Intrepid Group has launched an exclusive offer for Canadian agents. During the month of March all agents who book a tour with Geckos Adventures, Intrepid Travel or Peregrine Adventures will receive an extra 2% commission. Ron Fenska, newly appointed vice-president of sales, said: “We wanted to offer something extra to our industry partners after a long winter season. We are always looking for creative ways to engage the agent community and offer rewards whenever possible.” As an added incentive the Intrepid Group is also giving away a spot on their British Virgin Island...
Transat Rolls Out Three Year Plan
Transat A.T. Inc. posted revenues of $788.6 million for the quarter ended Jan. 31, 2015, compared with $847.2 million in 2014 -- a decrease of $58.6 million, or 6.9%. The company recorded an adjusted operating loss of $35.8 million, compared with $23.9 million in 2014; and a net loss attributable to shareholders of $64.3 million ($1.66 per share on a diluted basis), compared with $25.6 million ($0.67 per share on a diluted basis) in 2014. Before non-operating items, Transat reported an adjusted net loss of $32.4 million in 2015 ($0.84 per share), compared with $23.3 million ($0.60 per...
Exotik Looks For Loyalty In The West
Exotik Tours is offering a special agent incentive of 2X Loyalty Points on European packages when booked in conjunction with Air France or KLM flights departing out of Edmonton or Vancouver. Valid on all new package bookings made by April 10 for travel until December 31, this offer follows last week’s announcement of new direct service from Vancouver to Paris with Air France and from Edmonton to Amsterdam with KLM. This new service can be combined with tours or long-stays with Exotik Tours. Some sample packages include: Long-stay in Tunisia (Mar. 28-Apr. 24) with two daily meals...
Join The Club
G Adventures has unveiled its fall lineup of Canadian agent FAMs in 2015. Retailers will have the chance to explore Vietnam, Colombia and Machu Picchu with G Adventures this year on trips ranging from 9 to 11 days and departing in October. All FAMs are priced from $299 to $499 land only and are available to Canadian travel agents only. Agents who participate on a FAM, book eight clients on a G Adventures tour within a year of their trip, and host a travel talk, will receive a full rebate on their FAM. Aizaz Sheikh, G Adventures marketing manager, Canada, said: “A big part of...