Tour Operators
TTC eliminates all branded merch for a greener future
TTC Tour Brands is eliminating all branded merchandise in a further step towards achieving net zero goals. TTC Tour Brands will instead repurpose global funds to projects that fight climate change on behalf of their guests, trade partners and internal team members. With a four-step Climate Action plan already in place that includes near-term, long-term and net zero carbon emissions targets validated by the Science-based Targets Initiative (SBTi), TTC Tour Brands continues to put its mission to “make travel matter” at the forefront. After assessing the unnecessary carbon emissions...
Expedia Group expands European partnerships
Expedia Group has expanded its travel partnerships across Europe, encompassing B2B technology, advertising partnerships and supply distribution deals. As a result, the company is connecting European partners to the company's extensive global traveller base and giving them access to Expedia Group's innovative technology and industry expertise. The deals further cement Expedia Group's presence in the continent and commitment to propel partners to easily capture the attention of high-value travellers from around the world. Forming powerful relationships Expedia Group powers companies...
G Adventures reveals top 10 places to go in 2024
With more people looking to travel to "traditional" destinations in a new way —think giving back, or exploring local cultures and making deeper connections— G Adventures has listed the most popular spots for 2024. G Adventures’ founder, Bruce Poon Tip, says travellers have changed over the past three years and are now looking for deeper, more meaningful experiences. He notes that while they may be travelling less frequently, they're staying longer in a single destination. "While they are there they want to connect with local people and their cultures, and to experience community...
Intrepid releases its ‘Not Hot List’ for 2024
Leave it to Intrepid Travel to follow a different path as the adventure travel company releases its ‘Not Hot List’ for 2024, showcasing some hidden gems that deserve a little time in the spotlight. With overtourism a growing concern for many destinations, Intrepid is encouraging travellers to venture beyond the typical ‘tourist traps,’ with its list of places to avoid in 2024 and alternative destinations for travellers to visit instead. Matt Berna, President of the Americas at Intrepid Travel, observes that: “Some of the best places to visit are the ones that no one has...
Evans Evans releases 10 Christmas journeys
Evans Evans is celebrating the most festive time of the year by offering 10 unforgettable journeys to Britain’s most iconic locations. Guests can create special memories on these selected Christmas Eve and Boxing Day tours. An engaging guide helps guests to discover the wonders of London and beyond, revealing captivating sights and stories of Britain. They can enjoy both half-day and full-day guided tours and experience local culture first-hand. They can also explore the U.K.’s best sites, including Warwick Castle, the Roman Baths Stratford-upon-Avon, Cambridge and Oxford...
Time to fix the problem once and for all: CATO says
The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) says that the Ontario government needs to respond quickly to the findings of the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario’s (OAGO) value-for-money audit of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) based on the OAGO’s “level of concerns about consumer protection.” In a statement, CATO says that while “we need to be realistic about the next steps,” it also makes it crystal clear that it will continue to advocate for “a more effective traveller protection system. if it is confirmed there is still a need for it.” But...
Industry reacts to OAGO TICO audit
ACTA is welcoming the release of the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario’s value-for-money audit of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) The association points out that the 51-page report is not only comprehensive, but “clearly reflects the fact that the Travel Industry Act and current oversight of the industry do not properly reflect the environment of today’s travel industry.” Noting in its statement that it has been “advocating for a thorough review and rewrite of the Travel Industry Act,” ACTA makes it clear that “consumers and industry deserve much...
Value-for-money audit takes Ministry, TICO to task
In its overall conclusions to its just released and long awaited Value-for-Money Audit of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario (OAGO) writes: “Our audit concluded that TICO did not have processes to consistently administer the Travel Industry Act, 2002 effectively in order to register and regulate travel agents and wholesalers, and to protect consumers when purchasing travel services through a travel agent or wholesaler.” As an example, the OAGO pointed to the fact that TICO “could not demonstrate that it effectively...