Dollar Daze

Tour operators that send clients out of the country are keeping a close eye on our ailing dollar, with the specter of surcharges being raised by some as the loonie loses ground against the US dollar, reports Ian Stalker in this week’s digital edition of Travel Courier.

The dollar has been on a steady downward slide in recent months against its American counterpart.

Janine Chapman, VP of marketing for the Sunwing Travel Group, says international economic developments have created pros and cons for her company.

“Thus far, decreases in fuel costs have offset the impact of the declining dollar on vacation prices. However we can’t rule out the policy of a currency surcharge should the Canadian dollar continue to weaken,” she told Travel Courier.

Goway president Bruce Hodge, whose company has a widespread international presence, says the currencies in many of the countries it sends clients have lost strength as well, which is a break for the tour operator and its clients.

“However … we are re-examining where we are at with areas where we pay in US dollars,” he continued. “For these areas, it is possible we will have to implement surcharges.”

Globus says its 2015 prices won’t be affected as its buying for the year was done well before the dollar’s drop and Stephanie Bishop, who oversees Globus’ Canadian operation, says its “a little bit early” to see if the loonie’s struggles are having any effect on Globus’ operation.

For the full story – in this week’s digital edition of Travel Courier – click here.