Tour Operators
ACTA expresses disappointment with TICO fee structure
Describing it as a “significant setback,” as well as a “significant fee increase,” ACTA is voicing its disappointment following the Travel Industry Council of Ontario’s (TICO) announcement of its new fee structure. ACTA president, Wendy Paradis said: “This decision to increase fees while maintaining a registrant-paid model for the Compensation Fund is a significant setback for travel agencies and advisors. These changes impose an undue financial burden on our industry, particularly during a period of recovery and rebuilding.” Paradis continued: “We have consistently...
For the love of travel, earn more with TTC Tour Brands
TTC Tour Brands has unveiled details of ‘For the Love of Travel,’ a new incentive program that rewards travel advisors throughout the calendar’s most romantic month, February. During this month, travel advisors may earn a CAD$25 e-gift card per passenger booked on itineraries and experiences across the entire TTC Tour Brands portfolio, including Trafalgar, Contiki, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations, Luxury Gold and Insight Vacations, for travel in 2024. Travel advisors new to TTC Tour Brands earn a CAD$100 e-gift card for their first booking. Guy Young, Chief Engagement...
G Adventures keeping agents ‘In the Loop’
G Adventures is keeping agents ‘In the Loop’ with a new online training series that it will be hosting via Zoom on the first Wednesday of every month. Not only can retailers learn a lot, they can also win big when they attend the sessions. Agents can sign up for this Wednesday’s session – Feb. 7 at 1 pm EST – by joining the G Adventures ‘Agents of Change’ Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GAdventuresCdnAgentsOfChange/. The 30-minute ‘In the Loop’ webinars are designed to be interactive, and to bring G Adventures’ agents together as the...
ACV launches 2024 Travel Agent toolkit for Europe
Air Canada Vacations has launched its 2024 Europe Travel Agent Toolkit along a number of opportunities to boost earnings and enjoy savings for personal vacation travel to Europe. The updated toolkit features a number of additions and enhancements aimed at empowering travel professionals with comprehensive resources to support travel agents as they navigate Air Canada Vacations’ extensive Europe portfolio. In 2024, ACV is promoting Europe as a year-round program with robust winter tours and ski packages, in addition to existing summer options. Key features of the new toolkit...
TICO releases details of fee changes
Over the past year, the Travel Industry Council Ontario (TICO) conducted a funding framework and fee review to develop a fair and modern funding model that reflects cost recovery, delivers value to stakeholders, and continues to keep consumer protection at the forefront. In early October 2023, TICO shared five proposals with industry and conducted a five-week consultation process. We appreciate everyone who took the time to provide their input. While registrants’ feedback on the five proposals was generally positive, we did also hear from registrants who had concerns about...
Voyzant celebrates Chinese New Year with its partners
Voyzant feted many of its industry partners at a Chinese New Year celebration Thursday night, a tribute that came shortly after the end of a year that saw company air sale earnings top the $1 billion mark, a figure the company says underscores the strong bonds between it and its partners. Voyzant held its Chinese New Year Gala in Markham, Ont. an event that drew travel agents and some 30 airline representatives. "I know you guys have choices but you made the choice to stay loyal to Voyzant. We are grateful for that," Voyzant CEO Chippy Jegathesan told the...
BST operating private charter from London, Ont. to Nashville
BST Vacations (Blowes & Stewart Travel Group Ltd.) is celebrating their combined 125th year in family business with a special private charter from London International Airport to Nashville, set to take flight this September. The charter will be personally hosted by Rob & Heather Blowes, adding an extra layer of warmth and hospitality to the experience. Having successfully operated private Boeing 737 flights from the Peterborough Airport for the past decade, BST is expanding their horizons with their unique 'airport in a box' concept. This innovative approach allows them to...
Jetlines Vacations taking Canadians to new vacation experiences
Canada Jetlines has launched Jetlines Vacations – allowing Canadians to book their vacation packages directly with the carrier’s tour operation. And company officials are convinced that by offering Canadian travellers a different kind of vacation experience, Jetlines Vacations is on a flight path to success. Charles McKee, chief commercial officer (CCO) for Canada Jetlines, explained that since November 2023, Canada Jetlines has given Canadian travel agents the ability to book its products through Softvoyage’s Sirev and other platforms. In fact, McKee made it clear that...