Tour Operators
Explore Worldwide partners with By Iris Representation
Explore Worldwide has announced a new partnership with By Iris Representation, a B2B sales agency based in Toronto. The agency serves as trade representation for the global operator in the North American market, playing a pivotal role in scaling up the company’s resources and support for travel advisors within Canada and the United States. Katy Rockett, Regional Director at Explore Worldwide, said: “Our partnership with By Iris Representation marks a crucial step forward in our continued commitment to support our travel advisor community through a more localized...
CATO lends support to Air Canada’s call for arbitration
The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) is lending its support to Air Canada’s call for the federal government to direct arbitration in order to avert potential disruptions for travellers and “avoid another glitch to our tourism industry and to the Canadian economy.” In its statement, CATO said that: “As an organization representing a diverse range of tour operators across Canada, we recognize the critical role that Air Canada plays in facilitating travel – both domestically and internationally. Any disruption in service could have significant repercussions not only...
Globus unveils updated tools for advisors
On the heels of unveiling a new trade marketing campaign – including updated Travel Advisor Portal and GFOB U educational platform – the Globus family of brands (GFOB) is dedicated to the day-to-day sales success of advisors. That fact was underlined this month when the company unveiled its new, improved digital asset management tool for advisors called, “The Source.” “One of the superpowers of travel advisors is their unparalleled powers of matching guests to the vacation of their dreams,” said Camille Olivere, chief sales officer for the Globus family of brands....
Intrepid “Not Hot” list inspires travel to lesser-known spots
Intrepid Travel has released its annual Not Hot List, featuring 10 lesser-known destinations that deserve the spotlight for travel in 2025. Intrepid’s annual Not Hot Listseeks to address overtourism by inspiring travellers to discover different and unique experiences around the world, with communities that can truly benefit from more visitors. The list includes alternative regions in popular countries like Morocco, where the Anti-Atlas Mountains are often missed by visitors, and emerging destinations like Pakistan and Greenland, where neighbouring countries have commanded most of...
Collette donates $5,000 towards Jasper wildfire relief
The Collette Foundation has donated $5,000 CAD to Jasper Community Team Association in the aftermath of this summer’s wildfires. Experts from association will allocate the funding to best aid the community’s recover after the tragic events. “We have a culture of caring at Collette and want to offer support to our partners in Alberta and Jasper, That's our priority right now.” said Brett Walker, general manager at Collette. "Our team in Mississauga, ON regularly spends time helping at Eden Food For Change and our team in Langley, BC are regular volunteers and contributors to...
Maureen Barnes-Smith celebrates 30 years with Unique Vacations Inc.
Maureen Barnes-Smith, vice-president, sales and marketing, Canada is celebrating 30 years with Unique Vacations Canada Inc., affiliate of the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. An essential part of the organization since joining the team in September 1994 as the first office manager in the Canadian office, Barnes-Smith has held a series of progressively responsible roles including human resources, operations, sales and marketing. In 2009, she assumed the leadership role as Director of Sales & Marketing, which she held for over a decade, prior to her...
TICO offers info to consumers with upcoming ACV bookings
With the potential for an imminent Air Canada pilot strike, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), is sharing information for consumers who booked travel services with Air Canada Vacations (a TICO-registered tour operator) either directly or through a TICO-registered travel retailer. At this time, as Air Canada flights have yet to be cancelled or impacted, Air Canada Vacations is offering a goodwill policy, which allows consumers with imminent travel to change their plans or receive a future travel voucher. More information can be found at this link. Should a labour...
Aqua Expeditions is launching a new ship in East Africa in 2025
Aqua Expeditions is set to expand its fleet in 2025, with new sailings in the Seychelles and Zanzibar, Tanzania. Inaugural departures are slated for December 2025, with four different itineraries ranging from five- to 14-nights. “It has always been a dream of mine to venture into East Africa and explore this part of the world on a luxury expedition ship. I am excited to finally be able to showcase the beauty of the Indian Ocean and the famous Aldabra Atoll. Few travellers have heard of or even seen this magical place that is home to over 150,000 giant tortoises. Considered the...