Tour Operators
PATHWAYS TO GROWTH
Noting the critical contribution tourism makes to European economies -- demonstrated by sustained growth even during the continent's continuing downturn -- the European Travel Commission (ETC) brought its Transatlantic Conference back to North America recently; holding the event in New York and indicating that it planned to make the conference an annual event. With tentative plans to hold the next conference in New York during the first quarter of 2014 under discussion. Representatives from the ETC's 33 national tourism organization members, industry partners who market Europe as a top...
ACV HAS SANDALS SAVINGS
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) is offering travellers up to a $555 air credit when booking a minimum six-night stay in any room category at Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas. The adults-only Sandals Emerald Bay is an oceanfront resort with three distinct village areas and a Greg Norman designed golf course. Couples can also take advantage of a Complimentary Honeymoon Special or the resort's "Beautiful Beginnings"wedding package....
WE’RE ALL GOING TO THE ZOO
San Francisco Travel Association along with 13 partners hosted a group of 125 tour operators and travel specialists at the Calgary Zoo recently. The group took part in a "speed dating-style" workshop where each partner provided a five-minute update on their product or region. The event was followed by a draw for an iPad and other prizes plus the Grand Prize of a trip to San Francisco with flights courtesy of WestJet. Tom Kiely, executive vice-president of tourism at the San Francisco Travel Association, said that the group was "thrilled to be in Calgary to update so many great travel...
RING THOSE BELLS
If you're clients think they can't afford a honeymoon, you might want to tell them to think again. Goway is offering a free honeymoon registry that allows wedding guests to assist in paying for the honeymoon in lieu of traditional gifts. The online honeymoon registry allows couples to register either for trip contributions or for features such as romantic dinners at a local restaurant, spa treatments and other luxuries. After making the booking, the couple can sign up and register their honeymoon plans; they also receive a free wedding web site and host of other benefits. Meghan Boyd, product...
ROYAL SCENIC HOSTS TAIWAN WEBINAR
Royal Scenic is promoting Taiwan as a land of contrasts, a place where centuries of Chinese and Indigenous culture blends seamlessly with some of Asia's most modern and technologically advanced cities. On May 21 at 1 p.m. EDT, Royal Scenic, in partnership with Taiwan Tourism Bureau, will be hosting a webinar that will cover all of the major highlights "of this unique and beautiful destination. Join us as we take you on a journey to discover all that Taiwan has to offer; from scenic mountain regions and hot spring resorts to busy night markets and a thriving local food culture. This webinar...
INSIGHT INTO EUROPE
Insight Vacations has launched its 2013/14 Winter Europe program, including the Eastern Mediterranean and Christmas Markets brochure. Featuring 35 autumn, winter and spring escorted tours, the collection allows agents to sell a range of trips. With upgraded hotels in a range of cities -- such as Venice, Munich, Lisbon, Rome and Budapest -- the winter program also offers new itinerary additions, including wine tastings and cookery demonstrations, plus a new itinerary - the nine-day Alpine Christmas Market itinerary, which travels through the winter landscapes of Germany, Austria, France and...
GOWAY ADOPTS PENGUINS IN THE FALKLANDS
Goway Travel has launched an "Adopt a Penguin"program for the Falkland Islands. "The Falklands are the next Galapagos Islands, with an abundance of wildlife, predominantly penguins. While they are present in large numbers, their habitat and natural surroundings are under increasing pressure,"said Don Forster, product and marketing manager for Goway's specialist Latin America division. "Our Adopt a Penguin program in the Falkland Islands is one step towards helping ensure the survival of not only pristine vistas, but also the wildlife that calls this area home."Goway will adopt a penguin for a...
CHILDREN STAY FREE WITH ACV
Until May 31, travellers can get $300 off per couple ($150 per adult) with Air Canada Vacations (ACV) on most popular destinations across Mexico and the Caribbean. Destinations include: Antigua, Aruba, Cuba (excluding Havana), Dominican Republic, Great Exuma (Bahamas), Liberia (Costa Rica), Mexico (excluding Mexico City), Montego Bay (Jamaica), Saint Lucia and Turks & Caicos. The offer is for new bookings only on Air, Hotel & Transfer packages, valid for travel from July 1 and completed by Sept. 30. Also, families travelling together this summer can benefit from kids stay, fly and eat for...