Despite falling dollar, overnight plane trips to U.S. hit all
Transcription
Despite falling dollar, overnight plane trips to U.S. hit all
April 24, 2014 Volume 42 Issue 16 C A N A D A ’ S T R A V E L T R A D E P U B L I C A T I O N Despite falling dollar, overnight plane trips to U.S. hit all-time high OTTAWA — The Canadian dollar has been falling for the past year or so but that hasn’t stopped business and leisure travellers crossing the border in droves. Overnight travel to the United States in February was up 1.1% from January, fuelled by a 4.2% increase in overnight plane travel in the month, the type most likely to be sold by travel agents. Canadian residents took 699,000 overnight plane trips to the United States in February, the highest monthly total since record keeping began in 1972, according to Statistics Canada. James Mueller, Etihad Airways SVP Sales, addresses the audience of more than 150 guests at the Etihad VIP reception in Toronto last week. THISWEEK 6 AVALON IN ASIA 26 G ADVENTURES FAMS Avalon Waterways is adding two new ships to sail on Asian rivers G Adventures is offering agents trips to India, Bali, Italy, Turkey and Peru 10 30 PENTICTON FLIGHTS WestJet is adding Penticton to its route network with flights from Calgary PM40015622 FEATURE THIS Uniworld launched its newest ship – S.S. Catherine – in Lyon last month At the same time, Canadian residents took 2.0% fewer same-day car trips and 0.7% fewer overnight car trips in February compared with the previous month. At the same time, travel from Canada to overseas countries was unchanged at 816,000 trips. U.S. residents took 1.6 million trips to Canada in February, up 0.8% from January. This included 575,000 same-day car trips to Canada, a 1.7% increase from January. U.S. residents also took 973,000 overnight trips in February, up 0.4%. This increase was largely due to a 1.8% rise in overnight plane trips, as overnight car travel was down 0.3%. Travel from overseas countries to Canada declined 1.9% from January. Of the top 12 overseas markets, eight recorded decreases in travel to Canada in February. The largest percentage decline was in travel from Japan (-10.6%). The United Kingdom, Canada’s most important overseas market, recorded a 6.0% decrease. The largest percentage increase was in travel from Hong Kong (+11.7%). China registered the second largest increase in February (+6.9%). Chinese residents took 38,000 trips to Canada, Motoring along the Atlantic coast, Achill Island, Co. Mayo Exclusive Offer for Travel Week Canada Readers on the land portion of your 2014 Independent Package to Ireland of 6 nights or longer!* EXPERIENCE INDULGE IRELAND GO-AS-YOU-PLEASE IRELAND CHAUFFEUR-DRIVE Self-drive homestay B&B vacation, featuring town, farm, country and historic homes Customized itinerary for a small group of family and friends with hotels & driver for 2 to 10 persons 6 days/6 nights or longer NOW from $347 per person 9 days/8 nights NOW from $1234 per person * Terms & Conditions: Book from April 1 – June 30, 2014 and save $50 per person ($100 per couple) on the land portion of your 2014 Independent Package to Ireland, including self-drive, chauffeur-driven, and prebooked, of 6 nights or longer – use code 063014TWC50. Offer valid for new bookings only. Not valid for group travel and cannot be combined with other CIE Tours’ promotions or discounts. Offers and prices subject to change and availability. Other restrictions apply. Prices are in US dollars and subject to exchange rate at time of booking. CIE Tour’s Ireland Independent Vacations offer a wide range of flexible options to suit your interests, including go-as-you-please and prebooked B&Bs, A La Carte Hotels throughout the country, and independent prebooked packages. Contact your travel agent, call 800.243.8687 or visit www.cietours.com topnews recording the highest monthly figure since record keeping began in 1990. Sunquest launches exclusive promotion with Sandals, Beaches & Grand Pineapple Resorts offering $500 in benefits TORONTO — Sunquest has launched a special promotion with Sandals, Beaches and Grand Pineapple Resorts that rewards agents and customers alike with a total value of up to $500 per booking. customers can pay just a $300 deposit per passenger instead of full payment at time of booking; and O 10x bonus Loyalty Points – a value of more than $50 – on every booking. The relaxed payment policy, which is in effect for the 30 days of the promotion period, applies to Sandals, Beaches and Grand Pineapple bookings only. Full payment is due 45 days before departure. In addition to this exclusive 30-day promotion, Sunquest is also introducing the all-new Sandals La Source Grenada Resort & Spa, and the Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Resort & Spa in Great Exuma, Bahamas, to its product port- A SUNQUEST AIR CREDIT of up to $400 per couple plus up to $555 in a Sandals air credit that are automatically reflected in pricing. Flights will operate daily through the summer season, on B757 aircraft with 12 business class (lie-flat) seats and 165 economy class seats. Aer Lingus will reassess frequencies starting this fall, with the possibility of up four weekly flights during the winter. No matter how frequently the flights operate, Aer Lingus is committed to year-round service, says Director of Sales, North America, Jeff Wright. “It’s TORONTO DEPARTURES . ONE WEEK . ALL INCLUSIVE LOS CABOS, MEXICO BARCELÓ GRAND FARO LOS CABOS ++++PLUS Valid on all new Sandals, Beaches and Grand Pineapple package bookings made between April 14 and May 14, for travel any time, out of any gateway, and to any Sandals, Beaches or Grand Pineapple resort, this new promotion offers: O A Sunquest air credit of up to $400 per couple plus up to $555 in a Sandals air credit that are automatically reflected in pricing; O A US$100 coupon per couple with Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, the official excursion provider for Sandals, Beaches and Grand Pineapple resorts, for customers to use during their vacation; O A relaxed payment policy whereby folio. Both resorts are now available to book through Sunquest. For more information, visit Sunquest Agent.ca. JUN 05 & 12 SUPERIOR ROOM $ 895 +$392 Taxes FOR FULL SELECTION OF HOTELS, VISIT WWW.SUNWING.CA Aer Lingus’ inaugural Toronto flight kicks off a summer of daily nonstop service TORONTO — Tourism Ireland’s plan to promote Ireland as a year-round destination got a shot in the arm last week with the launch of Aer Lingus’ new nonstop year-round service from Toronto to Dublin. 7252172'(3$5785(6Ř21(:((.Ř$//,1&/86,9( Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba 0HOL£ /DV 'XQDV ++++PLUS +RWHO5RRPŘ-XQ 545 $ + $315 taxes For full selection of hotels, visit SignatureVacations.com Discover South Africa & Victoria Falls 12 Days Small Group Tour to South Africa & Vic Falls from $3895*/person Includes International air from Toronto Agent SPECIAL Book before May 31, 2014 & get 15% commission *Taxes not included. Indus Travels Inc. #233-11951 Hammersmith Way, 6GNr(CZ Toll free: 1 866 978 2997 Richmond BC V7A 5H9 Email: mail@indus.travel www.indus.travel April 24, 2014 TRAVELWEEK 3 topnews ,7'2(61·7*(7%(77(57+$17+,6 2+:$,7,7-867',' $200US off* your stay and less than 3 hours away. Learn more at GoToBermuda.ca *Restrictions apply looking like a good summer and we’re going to continue beyond summer,” he said. “Aer Lingus sees the Toronto flights as a very viable business model.” This is fourth transatlantic route launch in recent months and forms part of Aer Lingus’ significant transatlantic growth plan in 2014. Wright added that while Ireland is intrinsic to Aer Lingus – the airline is the country’s national carrier, after all – there are also plenty of opportunities for Canadian travellers to use the Dublin flights as a jumping-off point for further travels into Europe. Aer Lingus is also partnering with Air Canada for connecting flights from other Canadian cities. Adding Aer Lingus’ flights to the mix of new seasonal and year-round service available this year from Air Canada rouge, Transat and WestJet, Tourism Ireland will be promoting Ireland’s yearround charms, said Alison Metcalfe, Head of North America for Tourism Ireland. “The market has continued to grow and the demand is there,” she said, adding that it’s difficult to grow a destination without direct access. “We need to re-frame the destination for Canadian travellers. People often think of Ireland as a seasonal destination because we’ve only ever had seasonal service. But you can be there in February and it can be 10 degrees and sunny.” Tourism Ireland hopes to see 20% growth from the Canadian market by 2016, she added, and will be refocusing efforts on Western Canada while continuing the promote the destination to its primary market, Ontario. Aer Lingus’ product includes loyalty Editor Patrick Dineen, Ext. 132, pdineen@travelweek.ca Managing Editor Kathryn Folliott, Ext. 128, kfolliott@travelweek.ca Associate Editor Cindy Sosroutomo, Ext. 130, cindys@travelweek.ca French Journalist for Profession Voyages Ariane Cloutier, 450-531-6193, ariane@professionvoyages.com Graphic Designer Jonathan Carmichael, Ext. 126, jcarmichael@travelweek.ca Web Application Developer Antonio Carito, Ext. 134, acarito@travelweek.ca Web Graphic Designer & Online Strategist Michael Smith, Ext. 125, michaels@travelweek.ca Business Development Manager Sue Winiecki, Ext. 127, swiniecki@travelweek.ca Business Development Manager Annie Cicvaric, Ext. 131, acicvaric@travelweek.ca Director, Product Development Toni DeFino, Ext. 136, tdefino@travelweek.ca Circulation Denys Cruz, dcruz@travelweek.ca Accounting Marie Mercado, Ext. 121, travelweek@travelweek.ca ENVOY Glen Harwood, Ext. 133, gharwood@envoynetworks.ca Group Publisher Gerald Kinasz, gkinasz@travelweek.ca Printed by Web Offset Pickering, ON L1W 3J9 Subscription Rates (per year): Canada: $85 Canadian + $4.25 GST per year United States & International: $100 US per year Contents copyrighted 2014 by Concepts Travel Media Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Celebrating the new Aer Lingus service between Toronto and Dublin are (from left) Jayne Shackleford, manager of Tourism Ireland Canada; Jeff Wright, Director of Sales, North America for Aer Lingus; and Alison Metcalfe, Head of North America for Tourism Ireland. 4 TRAVELWEEK April 24, 2014 122 Parliament Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5A 2Y8 Tel: 416.365.1500, Fax: 416.365.1504 Toll-free: 1.855.392.8820 www.travelweek.ca | www.envoynetworks.ca ALL FLIGHTS OFFER AWARD WINNING SUNWING AIRLINES' CHAMPAGNE SERVICE All guests experience Elite Service at no extra cost: 20Kg '3&&DIFDLFECBHHBHFt#PO7PZBHFHMBTTPGDIBNQBHOF $IPJDFPG)PU'SFTI#JTUSPNFBMTXJUIXJOFt4PGUESJOLT )PUUPXFMTFSWJDFt-FBUIFSTFBUJOHt'JSTUSVONPWJFT )FBETFUTt,JETCBDLQBDLTXJUIHBNFTUPZT UPGRADE to Elite Plus Service bookable online for only $40 each way!: "MMGFBUVSFTPG&MJUFTFSWJDF 1-64 &YUSB MFHSPPN TFBUT t "EWBODF TFBU TFMFDUJPO LH FYUSB DIFDLFE CBHHBHF t 1SJPSJUZ DIFDLJO BOE CPBSEJOHt1SJPSJUZCBHHBHFIBOEMJOH A PERFECT BEACH IS JUST THE BEGINNING TORONTO DEPARTURES . ONE WEEK . ALL INCLUSIVE VARADERO CAYO SANTA MARIA MERCURE PLAYA DE ORO ++++ MEMORIES PARAISO AZUL BEACH RESORT ++++PLUS FAMILY COLLECTION FAMILY COLLECTION .":+6/ SUPERIOR ROOM $ 365 .":+6/ + $315 Taxes +6/*0346*5&5&33"$& $ 475 HOLGUIN RIU PLAYA TURQUESA ++++PLUS .":+6/ + $315 Taxes HOTEL ROOM $ 475 + $315 Taxes Toronto departures. All prices are gross per person based on double occupancy for 7 nights on all inclusive vacations (unless otherwise specified) and were available at the time of printing. Seats at the above prices are limited and subject to change without prior notice. Applicable to new bookings only. Not combinable with any other offers. Transportation taxes & related fees shown must be pre-paid. Applicable local taxes payable in destination are extra (Cuba 25CUC). In-flight services vary by flight time and destination. Flights are with Sunwing Airlines or Travel Service. For full terms and conditions, please refer to the Sunwing Vacations 2014/15 brochure. 27 Fasken Drive, Toronto, ON M9W1K6. Ont. Reg #2476582 | 04242014 topnews programs like Gold Circle, and Preferred Seating (an extra $40) and Preferred Meal (an extra $20) for economy class passengers. “The meals are unbelievable, they’re restaurant-quality. We get raves about them,” said Wright. The airline also works with travel agents and offers everything from webinars to in-agency visits. “In order to be a travel agent, you have to have a wide breadth of knowledge. It’s really challenging,” he said. “Sometimes it’s not necessarily about knowing the answer but knowing where to get the answer. Agents can always give us a call.” Sandals Learning Centre grand prizewinner – Barbara Morrison of TravelOnly TORONTO — Sandals Resorts has announced the winners of a series of online learning programs released on Travelweek’s Learning Centre. The grand prizewinner, Barbara Morrison of TravelOnly, Uxbridge, ON, has won a four-night stay at a Sandals Resort. The six online learning programs educate travel agents on everything they need to know about selling Sandals product, the different resorts, weddings, groups and more. The series of Sandals programs were broken down into six modules each focusing on a different aspect of the Sandals brand. The programs included Sandals Resorts, WeddingMoons, Groups, Island Routes, Selling Sandals and the Sandals Difference. Alongside the grand prize, agents who completed any of the six modules with a score of 80 and above were entered into a draw to win a Sandals gift basket valued at $250. The winners of the gift baskets include Nicole Baer of Whirlaway Travel (winner of Sandals Groups), Courtenay G OUT! TIME’S RUNNIN E NOW! REGISTER ONLIN 1 877 390 9050 gadventures.com/gnormous 6 TRAVELWEEK April 24, 2014 McKinnon of AMA Travel (winner of Sandals Island Routes), Lisa Tetzlaff of Valente Travel (winner of Selling Sandals), and Poonam Kore of itravel2000 (winner of The Sandals Difference). To discover these and other specialist programs, visit Travelweek’s Learning Centre or visit travelweeklearningcentre.ca/workshops/preview/34. Avalon Waterways highlights new offerings in Asia & Europe at Toronto reception TORONTO — The river cruising segment is showing no signs of slowing down, especially with Avalon Waterways leading the surge. At a recent media reception in Toronto, Stéphanie Bishop, Managing Director of the Globus family of brands Canada, and Patrick Clark, Managing Director of Avalon ro Ho P un te ric dt l a es rip cc in flig om clu ht m de & od : tra at ns ion fe , rs . A Truly Unique Destination Bon Bini! Exquisite beaches, stunning architecture, intriguing music, tantalizing cuisine, and activities and adventures for every age and interest, all await you on this beautiful little island. For divers, Curaçao offers spectacular locations with some of the most colourful and awe-inspiring scenes imaginable. From Toronto - Nov 2/14 From Toronto - Oct 26/14 From Toronto - Nov 30/14 Divers and snorkelers never seem to be able to Hilton Curaçao 4★ Sunscape Curaçao Resort Spa & Casino 4★ Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino 5★ stop talking about the beauty of Curaçao's underwater world. Its capital Willemstad, a charming Dutch colonialstyle town and UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, has a gorgeous harbour, lovely Christoffel park, historical monuments, and a slew of museums, for those who crave a little culture. Island View Room Breakfast Daily 7 nights 819 $ Taxes & surcharge add $404. Flight on Westjet Deal of the Day Room Unlimited Fun® • All Inclusive 7 nights 1139 $ Taxes & surcharge add $324. Flight on Westjet Resort King Room All Inclusive 7 nights 1799 $ Taxes & surcharge add $324. Flight on Westjet For more information, visit Sunquestagent.ca Sunquest is a wholly-owned division of TravelBrands Inc. 5450 Explorer Dr. Suite 300 Mississauga ON, L4W 5N1 Ont. Reg: 50012702. B.C. Reg: 3597. Que. Reg: 702734. Visit sunquestagent.ca for full terms & conditions. [ AT32663 ] Terms and conditions apply, which include full payment at time of booking. Prices shown are per person in Canadian dollars, based on double occupancy and were valid at the time this communication was disseminated. Valid on new bookings only. Flights operate on WestJet. All descriptions and depictions of hotels and hotel properties were accurate at the time this communication was disseminated. Prices and availability are subject to change without prior notice are were available on April 17, 2014. topnews Waterways, stressed the importance of the Canadian market and why the company is expecting big things in the near future on Europe’s and Asia’s top rivers. “It has been fascinating to watch the evolution of river cruising in the past 10 years,” said Clark, who told Travelweek that the majority of Canadian bookings originate in Ontario with a surprising increase coming out of Saskatchewan in recent months. “We’ve seen tremendous growth and interest in this particular travel style. In fact, we’re on track for a record year with 20% growth. For 2015, we’re ahead year over year from 2014.” After introducing a new class of ‘Suite Ships’ in 2011, which Clark said gives Avalon a leg up on its competitors, the cruise line is now focusing its efforts in Asia where it will debut two new ships: The Avalon Siem Reap (purpose-built in 2014) and the Avalon Myanmar (coming 2015). The Avalon Siem Reap will cruise through Vietnam Stéphanie Bishop, Managing Director of the Globus family of brands Canada, and Patrick Clark, Managing Director of Avalon Waterways, share the latest river cruise news at a recent media reception in Toronto. and Cambodia as the only ship on the river that sails directly to/from Ho Chi Minh City, saving guests a seven-hour journey by coach. The Avalon Myanmar will sail the scenic Upper Irrawaddy in Myanmar, Avalon’s newest destination, which isn’t easily accessible by other cruise lines due to their larger size. Each ship will accommodate a maximum of 36 guests and 24 crew and feature 245 square-foot suites with 14-foot FREE Excursions Add some fun to your holiday! Cayo Coco — FREE Beach Party Camaguey — FREE Rancho King Excursion Holguin — FREE Nautical Excursion Varadero — FREE Cabaret Show Havana — FREE Tropicana show Santiago de Cuba — FREE nautical excursion Please inquire for more details. AGENT ACCESS: WWWHOLACARIBEAGENTCAs!MADEUSs3IREV| CALL CENTER/RESERVATIONS: 905.882.9445 or 1.800.668.8178 Prices are in CAD, per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change without notice. Space is subject to availability at time of booking. Rates based on lowest room category offered. All departures are from Toronto on Cubana Airlines, Air Transat or Canjet and taxes of $180 must be added to the published rates. All EBB’s mention will reflect in the published rate. Refer to our BROCHUREFORFULLTERMSANDCONDITIONS(OLA3UN(OLIDAYSs7EST"EAVER#REEK2D5NIT2ICHMOND(ILL,"#/NT2EG 8 TRAVELWEEK April 24, 2014 ALL FLIGHTS OFFER SUNWING AIRLINES' CHAMPAGNE SERVICE A BOOKABLE ONLINE! For only $40 each way, uSJraGe your ŶLJhW e[SerLence! For all JuesWs aW no e[Wra cosW Ř.J)5((FKHFNHGEDJJDJH Ř%RQ9R\DJHJODVVRIFKDPSDJQH (OLWH (OLWH Ř+RW)UHVK%LVWURPHDOVZLWKZLQH 3OXV Ř([WUDOHJURRPVHDWV Ř$GYDQFHVHDWVHOHFWLRQ ServiceŘ6RIWGULQNVŘ+RWWRZHOVHUYLFH Ř/HDWKHUVHDWLQJŘ)LUVWUXQPRYLHV Ř+HDGVHWVŘ.LGVEDFNSDFNVZ JDPHVWR\V Service ŘNJH[WUDFKHFNHGEDJJDJH Ř3ULRULW\FKHFNLQDQGERDUGLQJ Ř3ULRULW\EDJJDJHKDQGOLQJ Nassau per couple 250 Instant $ Savings Book by May 20, 2014 TORONTO DEPARTURES 4 NIGHTS Flight + Hotel AWlanWLs ParaGLse IslanG +++++ Beach Tower Terrace Room Aug 10,17 & 24 435 $ + $385 taxes All Inclusive MelL£ Nassau Beach ResorW ++++ Classic Room Jul 13 Air & Hotel 795 $ + $385 taxes ++++Plus BrLWLsh &olonLal HLlWon Nassau Queen Cityview Room May 25, Jun 01 & 08 515 $ + $385 taxes Toronto departures. “Up to $250 instant savings per couple” is a limited time offer applicable to new bookings only made by May 20, 2014 for travel Apr 21, 2014 to Dec 23, 2014. Min. stay of 4 nights UHTXLUHGDQGPXVWEHERRNHGDVŶLJKWLQFOXGHGSDFNDJH%ODFNRXWGDWHVDSSO\IURP1RYWR1RY/LPLWRQH,QVWDQW6DYLQJVSHUERRNHGURRPXSWRWZRURRPVDOORZHGSHUERRNLQJ 0LQLPXPRIGRXEOHRFFXSDQF\LQWKHURRP1RWYDOLGIRUJURXSERRNLQJVRUIRUERRNLQJVDW:\QGKDP1DVVDX5,8DQG%UHH]HVSURSHUWLHV3ULFHVUHŶHFWVDYLQJVDQGDUHSHUSHUVRQEDVHGRQGRXEOH RFFXSDQF\IRUQLJKWYDFDWLRQSDFNDJHV6HDWVDWWKHDERYHSULFHVDUHOLPLWHGFDSDFLW\FRQWUROOHGDQGZHUHDYDLODEOHDWWKHWLPHRISULQWLQJ7UDQVSRUWDWLRQWD[HVUHODWHGIHHVVKRZQPXVWEH SUHSDLG)RUIXOOWHUPVDQGFRQGLWLRQVSOHDVHUHIHUWRRXUFXUUHQWEURFKXUH$OOŶLJKWVDUHZLWK6XQZLQJ$LUOLQHVRU7UDYHO6HUYLFH6XQZLQJ9DFDWLRQV,QF'%$6LJQDWXUH9DFDWLRQV)DVNHQ 'ULYH7RURQWR212QW7LFR _ topnews Early Bird! Summer Seat Sale Toronto to Kingston Jamaica 7UDYHO3HULRG-XO\$XJ :HKDYHIDUHVRULJLQDWLQJ IURPRWKHU&DQDGLDQFLWHV SkyRoute Travel 106-1200 Markham Road Toronto, M1H 3C3 1 877 GO TO SKY (1877 468 6759) 416.439.4000 www.NetFaresHub.com www.sirev.com REG: 4652780 Some restrictions apply 10 TRAVELWEEK April 24, 2014 windows and retractable screens. Also onboard will be a spa, gym and airconditioned lounges. Passengers will receive American breakfast, lunches and dinners with complimentary wine and beer with dinner, complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks and local beer/ spirits throughout the day, bottled water and headsets on all shore excursions and a host of pre/post optional tour extensions. Clark also noted how Avalon is known for its Special Interest Cruises, which range from Culinary and Jewish Heritage to Wine, Golf and Music. New for 2015 is an opera-themed cruise featuring four Canadian opera singers to entertain passengers onboard. Avalon’s Europe cruises range from five to 24 days with an average number of 130 passengers. This year, the cruise line offers 26 itineraries in Europe, with 27 scheduled for 2015. To entice travellers to book their 2015 cruise early, Avalon Waterways is offering three ways for them to save. They can take advantage of 10% off selected itineraries/departures (a value of up to $503 per person), prepaid gratuities (a value of up to $292 per person), or save $250 off their transatlantic flight and lock in their airfare. All offers apply if booked by June 24, 2014. For more information visit avalon waterways.ca. WestJet adds Penticton to route network with flights from Calgary, to launch EdmontonKamloops next year CALGARY — WestJet is adding Penticton, B.C., to its route network with nonstop service from Calgary effective Oct. 26, 2014, on board WestJet Encore’s Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft. WestJet will also launch daily, nonstop WestJet Encore service between Edmonton and Kamloops, starting Feb. 15, 2015. Azores Specialist winner announced – Colleen McNab is headed to the islands TORONTO — The Azores Promotion Board is delighted to announce the winner of The Azores Specialist Program. Colleen McNab of Collette Vacations, based in Halifax, will enjoy a trip for two to Ponta Delgada in The Azores for her completion of the workshop on Travelweek’s Learning Centre. “I am extremely excited as I have been in the travel industry for 30 years and have not had the opportunity to experience the Azores,” said McNab. “It was a pleasant surprise to receive the ‘you have won’ e-mail – I first thought they were kidding!” The Azores Specialist Program was designed to promote The Azores as a leading European destination with world-class culture, with lots of naturebased adventure tourism. The Azores Islands are easily accessible to Canadian travellers located in the North Atlantic Ocean halfway between Newfoundland and Lisbon. Flights to The Azores from Pearson take five hours. “I really did enjoy the course. I found it very informative and the modules were easy to follow, and the question and answer section was very straightforward. I learned a lot about the country and what our guests will experience during our two Collette tours to the Azores.” The prize includes roundtrip, nonstop air transportation from Toronto to Ponta Delgada courtesy of SATA International Airlines and seven nights accommodation in a hotel in Ponta Delgada in a double room with breakfast for two. YOU SAY FLAMINGO, I SAY FLAMENCO INTRODUCING THE NEW MELIÁ NASSAU BEACH With 56 years of experience pleasing guests throughout the world, Meliá Hotels & Resorts’ success is driven by our Spanish passion for service. Draped along a 1,000-foot stretch of Cable Beach and surrounded by calm, turquoise waters, guests can enjoy spectacular views, comfortable accommodations, luxury amenities and globally LQVSLUHGFXLVLQHZLWK%DKDPLDQÁDLU2XUSOD\JURXQGDZDLWVVQRUNHOVZLPVRDNXSWKHVXQ RUVLPSO\UHOD[*ROIVDLOVSRUWÀVKRUVKRSQHDUE\<RXUFOLHQW·VQH[WH[FLWLQJEHDFKYDFDWLRQ begins at the new Meliá Nassau Beach Resort. For information & reservations, contact your Preferred Tour Operator. melia.com Follow us on IDFHERRNFRP0HOLD+RWHOV topnews The Azores Specialist Program is available until Oct. 15. Visit travelweeklearningcentre.ca/workshops/view/ 37/introduction to discover what The Azores can offer clients. Amadeus, Seneca College in Toronto partner on new training program to prepare the travel professionals of tomorrow MIAMI — Technology provider Amadeus has joined forces with Seneca College in Toronto, one of the largest colleges in Canada, to launch the first program from Amadeus Training Services in North America designed to help train students and foster future professionals by educating them on industry-leading travel reservations technology provided by Amadeus. The Hong Kong Tourism Board brings you the Hong Kong Specialist program, an online training course designed to provide indepth understanding of Asia’s World City that will equip you with the latest knowledge to sell one of the most popular Asian destinations for Canadians. 12 TRAVELWEEK April 24, 2014 “Our goal at Seneca College is to prepare students for their chosen careers, above and beyond what any other program might offer. We also have a strong emphasis on industry partnerships so we are excited to welcome Amadeus to our educational roster as a worldwide leader in travel technology. This partnership will open up our students to an even bigger world of opportunities in the travel industry,” said Angela Zigras, Chair School of International Business & School of Tourism, Seneca College. The Amadeus Training Services team worked with Seneca’s Tourism and Travel Services (TIS) program faculty to create a highly customized curriculum. The program offers students courses at two levels of expertise. The first level, called Certified Professional, serves as an introduction to Amadeus reservations technology and trains students on booking fares, passenger name records (PNRs), and issuing tickets for airlines. The second level, called Certified Ex- pert, trains students in advanced PNRs, profiles, working in Amadeus’ Queue System and training in hotel and rental car and booking solutions. Launched this January at Seneca, the Amadeus Training Services program is offered to students over a 14-week period per semester and takes place over a full semester’s time. After passing the final exam, students can elect to have their contact information included in Seneca’s database, which is accessible by Amadeus agency customers, who are making hiring decisions. “We’re very excited about this program launch as it will help enhance the influence and quality of travel agents in the industry. The partnership with Seneca College truly emphasizes our goal to shape the future of travel and prepare the agents of tomorrow. We will continue to partner with other universities and colleges in North America to offer similar programs. Additionally, we plan to further develop our e-learning Enrol and complete the program before July 31st, 2014 to have a chance to win a trip to Hong Kong, including a roundtrip Premium Economy Class ticket courtesy of Cathay Pacific Airways, accommodation, airport transfers, tours and more.* Cathay Pacific offers 10 flights weekly non-stop from Toronto to Hong Kong, 14 flights weekly non-stop from Vancouver to Hong Kong, and daily non-stop service Vancouver to New York (JFK). From Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific flies to over 70 destinations in Asia and more than 20 cities across China. Register at Travelweek’s Learning Centre at www.travelweeklearningcentre.ca * terms and conditions apply topnews courses in order to have a robust online offering,” said Oria Alcantara, Regional Director of Training Services Americas, Amadeus. For more information on the Seneca College program and its School of Tourism, visit senecacollege.ca/fulltime/TIS.html. PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic Non-stop flights from Toronto, Hotel & Transfers Majestic Elegance Punta Cana AAAA !LL)NCLUSIVEs!DULTSONLYSECTION %LEGANCE#LUBJUNIORSUITEWITH*ACUZZI *UNEsWK FREE GOLF PACKAGE1 12-night Nelson Mandela tour launched by Indus Travels RICHMOND, BC — Indus Travels is launching a new 12-night Nelson Mandela, A Life Celebrated tour, which commemorates the great South African leader’s life. Travellers will visit landmark sites such as his birthplace, his final resting place and Robben Island, where he was imprisoned for 18 years, as well as must-see attractions, including Cape Town, a game safari and the spectacular Garden Route. WHAT’S NEW AT THE LEARNING CENTRE? www.travelweeklearningcentre.ca Add taxes & other fees: $428 aircanadavacations.com/agents Prices are subject to change without notice and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Prices are in Canadian dollars, are valid at time of printing, apply to new bookings only and for departure dates as indicated. Prices are per person based on double occupancy, from Toronto - Pearson International Airport in Economy class and include surcharges. Non-refundable. Not applicable to group bookings. Flights operated by Air Canada or Air Canada rouge. For applicable terms and conditions, consult the Air Canada Vacations brochures or www.aircanadavacations.com/agents. Q 1Valid for two rounds of golf per adult when staying at the Elegance Club. Valid for travel completed by Dec. 23, 2014. Minimum 5-night stay required. Q ®Aeroplan is a registered trademark of Aimia Canada Inc. ®Air Canada Vacations is a registered trademark of Air Canada, used under license by Touram Limited Partnership, 1440 St. Catherine W., Suite 600, Montreal, QC. 8829 This small group tour runs July 14-26, 2014, over Mandela’s birthday, and is led by a local South African guide with deep knowledge of the country’s history and Madiba’s contribution in the battle against apartheid. A special discount of $400 per person is offered for all bookings made by May 31, 2014. The rate of $2,500 per person, which includes the early booking rebate, covers 12 nights in upscale GFOB UNIVERSITY GLOBUS FAMILY OF BRANDS At the GFOB University, travel agents can familiarize themselves with the Globus family of brands, increase product knowledge and improve their bottom line. WIN AN APPLE iPAD MINI VIA RAIL CANADA SPECIALIST PROGRAM The VIA Rail Canada Specialist Program leaves agents with a comprehensive knowledge of VIA Rail’s services and networks. WIN A TRIP FOR 2 TORONTO-VANCOUVER 14 TRAVELWEEK April 24, 2014 1299 $ accommodation, an in-depth sightseeing program with a private guide, many meals and all land and airport transfers. Starting in Johannesburg, travellers will discover the Mandela House in Soweto Township and key sites of the liberation struggle across town. Travelling south to Durban, stops include the site where Mandela was captured in 1962 Continued on page 22 ... CLUB MED FAMILY FUN SPECIALIST PROGRAM Throughout the following modules, you will learn about Club Med and its familyoriented destinations, programs and activities. WIN A TRIP TO CLUB MED HONG KONG SPECIALIST An online training course that will better equip travel agents with the knowledge needed to sell one of Asia’s most popular destinations. WIN A TRIP TO HONG KONG Asia Pacific Royal Scenic’s ‘Reflections of Japan’ taps country’s rising popularity The number of foreign visitors to Japan is growing significantly, says Royal Scenic, making the country an increasingly popular tourist destination. Royal Scenic recently released its eight-night ‘Reflections of Japan’ tour including return international airfare, hotel accommodation, roundtrip airport transfers and tours. In addition to the traditional highlights like Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Kyoto, the tour takes in traditional Kamakura (to see the famous Great Buddha), the ancient city of Nara and historic Hiroshima. Prices start at $3,165 per person, double occupancy, for travel between now and Dec. 31. Royal Scenic has also launched its ‘Bon Voyage’ tour brochure for 201415, with a long list of air-inclusive and land-only packages to destinations throughout Asia, the Indian Sub-continent as well as the Middle East and the South Pacific. New destinations for this year include Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Fiji. Two new sections are also added — Royal Romance and Royal Soft Adventure — perfect for clients looking to add a little adventure to their vacation. Travel agents can view the brochure free of charge and order copies online at royalscenic.com. Although it’s best known for Asia product, Royal Scenic in fact has a wide range of destinations, all around the world. The company’s new 11-night pilgrimage tour to the Holy Land includes roundtrip airfare, porterage at airport and hotels, luxury air-conditioned coach, five-star hotel accommodation with full board meal and tours. Prices start $3,179 per person from Toronto, with departures on Oct. 10 or Oct. 28. Royal Scenic recommends that tour reservations be made at least 60 days prior to the scheduled departure date. royalscenic.com In the air or on the water: Goway has two new ways to experience Asia Clients can enjoy a new perspective on Asia with two unique experiences from Goway Travel. Whether air ballooning over Rajasthan, or cruising along the Mekong to majestic Angkor, there’s more than one way to see the world’s most diverse continent, says the tour operator. One of India’s most compelling regions, Rajasthan is a desert state known for its intricately decorated forts and temples. Many people’s first taste of the area will be Jaipur, known as the Pink City thanks to its red and pink sandstone architecture. Both the capital and symbolic heart of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a much loved corner of India’s classic Golden Triangle route. Even without time to see more of Rajasthan, visitors can get a taste of it Asia Pacific %(672)&+,1$13 days Air from Vancouver to Beijing/Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific, transfers, 12 nights 4-star accommodation, flights within China/Hong Kong, sightseeing. Call Toll Free or visit ZZZJRZD\FRP *Per person, twin. Travel 15 Aug - 10 Oct and 1- 30 Nov’14. Book by 1 Aug’14. Taxes Included. Trip code: 218189. TICO# 1543989 BC# 833. from up above on a hot air balloon safari. Goway’s eight-day Private Golden Triangle is one of its most popular India tours, particularly for first-timers. Right now, clients who book it will receive a free hot air balloon safari, putting the perfect cap on an unforgettable journey. This exclusive offer is limited to the first five travellers who book. Every passenger on the Private Golden Triangle will enjoy seven nights accommodation, game drives in Ranthambore (home to tigers, leopards, hyenas and more) and private sightseeing. Naturally, the trip includes the Taj Mahal, which some might call Asia’s most INDIA: WONDERS OF RAJASTHA JAIPUR • BIKANER • JAISALMER • DHECHU • JOJAWAR • UDAIPUR • KISHANGARH • AGRA • KHAJURAHO • VARANASI • DELHI N16 DAYS N39 MEALS N3+AND 4+HOTELS NDEPARTURES OCTOBER 24 AND NOVEMBER 14 FROM * $3799 BOOK BY APRIL 30, 2014 AND RECEIVE $400 OFF per couple! AIR FRANCE FLIGHTS INCLUDED +TAXES AND FEES OF $745 Toronto departures via Air France and KLM in Class Q . Price shown is per person, based on double occupancy including the $260 rebate (Book before April 30 promotion of $200 and Cash payment promotion of $60). Price does not include taxes and fees, and is subject to availability at the time of making new individual bookings. Price includes: roundtrip international airfare, domestic flights, transfers, accommodation, sightseeing and select meals as noted in the tour itinerary. For complete description and terms and conditions, refer to the Transat Discoveries 2013-2014 brochure or visit transatdiscoveries.com. Transat Discoveries is a division of Transat Tours Canada Inc., and is registered as a travel wholesaler ON #50009486) with offices located at 191 The West Mall, Suite 800, Etobicoke, ON, M9C 5K8. 16 TRAVELWEEK April 24, 2014 impressive sight. But another splendid icon lays serious claim to the title. The ruins of Angkor Wat attract around two million visitors a year, and with good reason. This was once the centre of an empire that spanned Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Laos and much of modern Thailand. It’s impossible to walk through the stone gates of Angkor Thom, or approach fabled Angkor Wat, without feeling the weight of that legacy. Typical itineraries might take travellers overland from Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok. Goway however is offering a special glimpse of life along the Mekong River. Over seven nights aboard the Mekong Pandaw passengers will enjoy a private ensuite cabin with all meals, drinks and shore excursions included. They’ll explore the Mekong and Tonle Sap, the great lake at Cambodia’s centre. The cruise includes lesser known stops such as Kampong Cham and Cai Be, allowing passengers to enjoy many sights not typically seen by visitors to Cambodia. A day in Phnom Penh is also included, with the option of a somber, but deeply moving, visit to the Killing Fields or the former ‘S21’ detention centre. This immersive 14-day journey can be taken in either direction between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap (gateway to the Angkor temples). It includes two nights in both cities, allowing passengers to experience both the grandeur of ancient Indochina, and the energy of one of its bustling modern hubs. Prices start at US$3,799 (ex Los Angeles) or Cdn$4,159 (ex Vancouver) including roundtrip airfare with Korean Air. goway.com Tai Pan Tours’ new Asia brochure includes 50 tours in 13 countries Tai Pan Tours has launched its new Asia brochures for 2014-2015 featuring more than 50 tours covering over 13 Asian countries. This year the company is introducing food and cooking tours. New options in the Foodie Series include ‘Taste of Hong Kong’, ‘Taste of Beijing’, ‘Best of Thailand’, ‘Taste of Malays’ and ‘Singapore City Stopover. Local guides bring clients to the most popular street stalls and hidden alleyways in the city and show them how to eat ‘like the locals’. In the Cooking Series, tours including ‘Best of China & Guilin’, ‘Classic Vietnam’, ‘Best of Thailand’ and ‘Taste of Malays’ offer the opportunity to learn distinct ingredients and cooking technique to make delicious dishes in different Asian regions. All cooking classes are hands-on and taught by experienced instructors. taipantours.com ‘India, Wonders of Rajastahn’ a top seller for Transat Discoveries The new ‘India, Wonders of Rajasthan’ tour with Transat Discoveries is proving to be one of the company’s most popular for 2014. Clients enjoy a comprehensive view of northern India on this 16-day program, visiting four UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Taj Mahal. A night at a Thar Desert encampment and an evening aarti ceremony on the Ganges River while in Varanasi are just a couple examples of the many inclusions that help travellers experience the local culture. Spring has sprung with Transat Discoveries, so couples can save $400 on this escorted tour package including flights with Air France if booked during the month of April. For clients looking at other Asian destinations like Vietnam and Thailand, this offer can be extended to any Transat Discoveries escorted tour departure including air during the 2014 season. Whether clients are looking to extend their stay after touring northern India or for an alternative beach destination, Transat Discoveries also offers Seaside Discoveries to the former Portuguese colony of Goa. The four-star Royal Orchid Beach Resort acts as a base to explore Old Goa’s cathedrals and temples, as well as offering extensive facilities to enjoy the idyllic setting. In early April Transat Discoveries hosted a fam trip to India for a small group of travel consultants to experience India first-hand. Agents who are interested in more training or hosting a consumer night on India are invited to contact their local Transat Discoveries Business Development Rep to help grow their business to this increasingly popular destination. transatdiscoveries.com Experience all the must-see sights with ATOURZ’s ‘Classic Thailand’ itinerary When clients invest their time and money to fly to the other side of the world, they want to see all the major sights and soak up as much of the local culture as possible. ATOURZ’s eight-day ‘Classic Thailand’ tour allows them to do just that, with a comprehensive itinerary that highlights everything from the country’s famous winding rivers to glorious temples and museums. “Visiting Thailand requires a much more detailed itinerary than, say, a simple weekend getaway down south,” said Elena Prountzopoulos, Head of Tour Operations at ATOURZ. “We wanted to make sure our clients savour every waking moment during their stay, which is why we’ve come up with our ‘Classic Thailand’ tour. It has everything a firsttime visitor would want: culture, nature and adventure.” After getting picked up from their hotel in Bangkok, travellers will depart for Kanchanaburi and visit the famous Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak. A historic ride on the Death Railway Train will be followed by lunch in a local restaurant and a leisurely boat trip on the majestic River Kwai. From there, the itinerary heads to Ayutthaya, where guests will visit renowned ruins like Wat Mongkol Bophit, Wat Sri Sanpetch and Wat Chaiwattaram. April 24, 2014 TRAVELWEEK 17 Asia Pacific After a short stop in Sukhothai, the first capital of Thailand, the journey heads north to Chiang Rai via the lake town of Phayao. En route, there’s a chance to visit a pineapple plantation. One of the biggest highlights of the trip will surely be an encounter with the Akha and Yaho Hilltribe people in Doi Mae Salong, who will open up their homes and provide a glimpse into local village life. The halfway point of the itinerary is spent in the Golden Triangle, the area where the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet. While in Chiang Saen, guests will explore the beautiful Wat Chedi Luang before proceeding to the city of Mae Sai, the most northern point of Thailand situated on the border of Myanmar. Other highlights include a visit to a local opium museum and a boat trip on the Mekong River with a brief stop in Laos. The trip winds down in Chiang Mai where travellers will visit the 13thcentury Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple as well as an elephant camp. Plenty of free time will also be given to allow for last minute shopping and leisure exploration. ‘Classic Thailand’ is priced from $1,889 per person, double occupancy, with departures through Oct. 31. Price includes seven nights’ accommodation, seven breakfasts, seven lunches, transportation in air conditioned vehicles, English-speaking guide and all entrance fees. res@atourz.ca Trafalgar’s new Secrets of Thailand includes Thai massage at Wat Pho New to Trafalgar’s At Leisure collection this year, the 11-day Secrets of Thailand takes travellers on a culture-packed trip through the country’s bustling cities and peaceful countryside. Starting and ending in metropolitan Bangkok, guests also spend nights in Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Although it’s an At Leisure trip that allows guests plenty of time for individual exploration, Secrets of Thailand also features many “incredible inclusions” for guests to immerse themselves in the Thai culture, says Trafalgar. On a day trip to Ban Mae Kampong, Trafalgar travellers sit down to an exclusive Be My Guest lunch at a homestay to learn about the community’s culture while enjoying traditional Thai fare from sustainably sourced produce from the region. In between sightseeing at some of the country’s most significant tem- ples, guests are also treated to Local Specialties like a Thai massage on the grounds of Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, and Unique Insights such as the train ride over the bridge that crosses the River Kwai. Another option, the 15-day Highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia, takes clients on a leisurely trip that covers all of the major sights. Beginning in Hanoi and ending in Siem Reap, travellers also rest their heads in Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh, as well as take day trips to Angkor Wat and the Mekong Delta. One of the biggest Insider highlights of the trip is Trafalgar’s Authentic Accommodation, where guests will find themselves spending the night on a traditional Vietnamese junk boat in Halong Bay, with an included Tai Chi lesson onboard. In addition to the scenic cruise, travellers immerse themselves in the cultures of these two countries as they stroll the vast grounds of the Angkor Wat complex and explore the Cu Chi Tunnels of the former Viet Cong in Ho Chi Minh. Other highlights include an herbal foot massage in Tra Que village and a special Be My Guest lunch of fresh food at a local family’s herb farm in Hoi An. trafalgar.com Call 1-877-727-6387 Email nets@airliners.ca Book Online airliners.ca Nets in Economy Commissions in Business 18 TRAVELWEEK April 24, 2014 Car Rental, Motorcoach & Rail Nascar Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motorspeedway From sports getaways to city tours, Great Canadian Holidays has it all by Cindy Sosroutomo There’s certainly no shortage of motorcoach getaways with Great Canadian Holidays. Spanning Canada and the U.S. and ranging in length from one day to three weeks, the company’s diverse portfolio includes sightseeing tours, casino getaways, coach & cruise combos, shopping trips, mystery tours, big city getaways and much more. Some of its best-selling motorcoach holidays are its sports tours, which allow die-hard fans to take in a baseball game at a historic ballpark, experience the thrill of a live NASCAR race or cheer on their favourite NHL team on home ice. All details are taken care of; travellers won’t be bogged down with the stress of making reservations at hotels, navigating busy streets or struggling to purchase tickets for a sporting event. Sports getaways also often include added-value attractions and sightseeing. Blue Jays fans in particular won’t have to miss out on any of the action when following the team on the road. They can watch the Jays take on the Red Sox in Boston, the Yankees in New York, the Pirates in Pittsburgh or the Phillies in Philadelphia. For fans of car racing, Great Canadian Holidays’ NASCAR getaways feature nationwide and Sprint Cup races in Charlotte, Michigan and Richmond. The company is also excited to announce that it will be offering the Daytona 500 in February 2015. If sports aren’t in the cards, the company also offers a wide range of city tours. For example, travellers can see Graceland in Memphis and enjoy a guided city tour of New Orleans while en route to a weeklong cruise to the Bahamas (Nov. 25–Dec. 8). Also available is a tour of Georgia’s antebellum homes and sightseeing in St. Augustine before travelling to Tampa for a Caribbean cruise (Jan. 28–Feb. 10, 2015). For those interested in staying close to home, there are Eastern Canada and Maritimes tours (June 23–July 6, Aug. 6–29) as well as Eastern Canada and Newfoundland (June 27–July 14, Aug. 15–Sept. 1). Groups will take in the highlights of the area, meet local Canadians in their hometowns and join them for meals and conversation. “We believe that travelling by motorcoach is the most enjoyable way to go because each day is its own destination,” said Michelle Tupman, Director of Tour Operations. “The process of getting to your final destination isn’t a hassle — it’s fun and interesting! When you stay on the ground, you see more and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.” To request a free catalogue or to make a booking call 1-800-461-8687. greatcanadianholidays.com Car Rental, Motorcoach & Rail Auto Europe to cover the cost of International Driver’s Permit Auto Europe is adding even more value to car rentals by offering to cover the cost of an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Applicable with any two-week rental in Europe, this offer is valid for bookings now through April 30 for travel before Dec. 31, 2014. Reimbursement of the client’s IDP is not to exceed $25 plus applicable tax, per rental. Additional restrictions may apply and offer is subject to change without notice. The IDP is valid in over 150 countries and contains a travellers’ name, photo and driver information translated into 10 languages. Auto Europe services 8,000 car rental locations in over 130 countries worldwide. autoeurope.ca VIA Rail debuts new enhancements to Business class Business class passengers on VIA Rail’s Corridor routes are in for a real treat now that service upgrades have been introduced. These include refurbished lounges, a more spacious environment onboard, a greener and more comfortable trip, new meals and more personalized service. These improvements have been rolling out over the past few months and are expected to be implemented on all 26 new Business class cars by October 2014. Highlights of the new Business class experience include: O Priority welcome. VIA Rail has created priority ticketing and checkin lines for Business class and top-tier members of its loyalty program, ‘Via Préfèrence’. O Relaxing lounges. As part of rail station upgrades, all seven Quebec CityWindsor corridor Business lounges (in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, London, Dorval, Quebec City and Kingston) have been completely refurbished. The new lounges provide a private, comfortable retreat with beverages, magazines and newspapers. Workstations and free Wi-Fi are also provided. In Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa, Business class lounges have a full business centre with PC and Apple computers and a colour laser printer. O VIP treatment onboard. From the moment they step foot on the train, Business class passengers will receive personalized service that includes hot towels, soft drinks and snacks and full bar service that starts at 11 a.m. VIA Préfèrence’ Premier members (top level members) will receive additional recognition such as priority meal orders. O Delicious meals. Starting with breakfast, travellers will enjoy a full meal complemented by a large mug of fresh coffee. During both lunch and dinner, passengers can choose from a selection of gourmet cold or warm meals and savour a glass of wine. All beverages are included in Business class. O Plugged in. Business travellers can stay connected onboard VIA Rail with complimentary Wi-Fi access on all trains in the Quebec City-Windsor corridor. In addition, every seat has its own electrical outlet. O More personal space. In Business class, the new seat design opens the sight lines to the windows, making the cars brighter and more spacious. The renovated cars offer passengers more space and additional legroom, thanks to the new two-by-one seat configuration, which has one less seat per row. New individual side trays ensure a comfortable distance between passengers, ensuring greater privacy. As Canada’s national rail passenger service, VIA Rail operates intercity, regional and transcontinental trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre network. viarail.ca/transformingvia 4RAVELWITH/NTARIOmSLEADING MOTORCOACHTOUROPERATORØ [[[+VIEX'EREHMER,SPMHE]WGSQ ,@MHSNT#Q*HSBGDMDQ.--"+3(".æ 6LJKWVHHLQJ6SRUWV&RDFK&UXLVH6KRSSLQJ&DVLQRVDQGPRUH 20 TRAVELWEEK April 24, 2014 Spring into 20% SAVINGS* Book by May 15/14 Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica Jamaica Dynamic prices include hotel accommodation in a Club Diamond Junior Suite - (AI) at the 5 Star Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica, along with roundtrip airfare to Jamaica with WestJet. 7-NIGHT STAY DEPARTING FROM TORONTO 7-NIGHT STAY DEPARTING FROM MONCTON 7-NIGHT STAY DEPARTING FROM WINNIPEG 1029 $1199 $1239 $ CDN pp. May 27/14 Taxes add $163 CDN pp. May 27/14 Taxes add $166 CDN pp. May 27/14 Taxes add $170 PRICES FEATURED BELOW ARE PER NIGHT, ACCOMMODATION ONLY JAMAICA Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica Junior Suite All-Inclusive 179 $ Taxes included JAMAICA Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica Junior Suite Oceanview All-Inclusive 189 $ Taxes included JAMAICA Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica Club Diamond Junior Suite All-Inclusive 204 $ Taxes included Prices for hotel only are per room per night based on double occupancy and valid for travel from May 27-June 3/14. Dynamic pricing is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for travel May 27-June 3/14. Prices and availability are subject to change without prior notification and were available on April 14/14. Black-out dates and restrictions apply. Savings are reflected in the advertised rates. Surcharges may apply. Hotel taxes are included in the dynamic pricing and accommodation only prices. Not included: transfers or car rental. *Spring Into Savings Save 20% Promo is valid on new bookings now-May 15/14 for travel May 12- June 30/14. CLUB DIAMOND ADDED FEATURES: All the All-Inclusive inclusions with a special bracelet. Rooms closer to the beach, clients will enjoy a private check-in/out, welcome drink upon arrival, welcome letter from the General Manager in the room on arrival, VIP amenities, bath robes and slippers in the room for use during stay, coffee maker & tea in the room restocked daily, beach towels in the room upon arrival, use of a private lounge for Club Diamond guests with free internet access (limit of 15 minutes per room per day), daily local news via Bahia Principe newsletter, one additional à la carte dinner per week for Club Diamond Guests (4 in total), use of an exclusive Club Diamond restaurant for breakfast and lunch, 20% discount on Spa services, complimentary in-room safe. Holiday House is a wholly-owned division of Thomas Cook Canada Inc. 75 Eglinton Ave. E., Toronto, ON M4P 3A4, Ont. Reg: 50012702. Visit www.holidayhouseagent.ca for full terms & conditions. BB32675 topnews Continued from page 14 ... and the rural village of Qunu, where the former South African president grew up and found his final resting place. Continuing along the coast, travellers will take part in an included game safari in lesser-visited Amakhala Private Game Reserve and enjoy coastal views along the famed 150-mile long Garden Route. A boat tour on the Knysna Lagoon, a visit to an ostrich farm and the amazing Cango Caves, and a chance to see migrating whales are all featured along the way. The trip ends in Cape Town, where the group will first pay a visit to Robben Island, the site of the prison Mandela was held in for 18 out of the 27 years, and City Hall, where the late leader held his first speech after his release. Also not to be missed are the panoramic views from the top of Table Mountain, and a day WHY YOU MIGHT CONSIDER BECOMING A HOME-BASED AGENT By JILL WYKES THIS SERIES WILL EXPLORE EVERY ASPECT OF ESTABLISHING YOURSELF AS A HOME BASED TRAVEL AGENT. Most agents are not aware of the many reasons that becoming a home-based agent is so beneficial. One of the more compelling reasons are the tax breaks you will get. If you are an employee you will have relatively few opportunities to reduce the taxes deducted on every pay cheque. Not so when you are home-based. That’s because when you are home-based, you are running your own business, and there are many tax breaks associated with operating your own home business. Everything from expensing a portion of your household costs (condo fees, mortgage payments, utilities, etc.) to writing off all business expenses. It is worth getting good accounting advice to make sure you take full advantage of this. But the benefits don’t stop there. How many times have you heard people talk about “work/life balance”? Well, that is within reach when you run your own business from home. You decide how many hours you work, and what those hours are. You can work from anywhere. Just take your smartphone with you when you go to the gym, or grocery shopping, or to pick up your kids from school. Stagger your hours … work when you want to! With today’s technology, with VOIP telephone capability (Internet phone), you can literally be anywhere on the planet and look after your clients. You can manage your life as you choose. Another benefit that home-based agents talk about is being able to sell the product 22 TRAVELWEEK April 24, 2014 they want, meaning that if you want to specialize in a certain destination like the Caribbean, or Europe, or Asia, or a type of product like cruise or coach tours … then you can do that. You are your own boss. You can choose what you want to promote on your own website and other marketing tools. You will have way more control over what you want to specialize in. You can choose what you want to promote on your own website and other marketing tools. Using a good Customer Relationship Management tool (CRM), you can reach out to your clients regularly, and remember their birthdays, anniversaries and other important milestones. Setting yourself up to work from home is easier than you think. It does not have to be complicated. Make sure your host agency provides help in all of these areas, and has the systems, training and programs you will need to be fully supported in running your own business. Best of all, you can watch the traffic jams every morning and evening on your home TV and smile! BROUGHT TO YOU BY: excursion to the nearby wine country, including the charming university town Stellenbosch. Airfare is not included but can be booked directly through Indus Travels at competitive rates. ‘Air France, France is in the air’ is carrier’s new marketing slogan MONTREAL — Air France has unveiled a new advertising campaign called ‘Air France, France is in the air’ in the printed press, with coverage in 12 countries (France, Germany, Brazil, Canada, China, Spain, U.S., Italy, Japan, Russia, Senegal and Switzerland) as well as on the Internet, social media and on the radio. Created by the agency BETC, the new campaign consists of six visuals illustrating the services offered by Air France: the comfort of the A380, the new La Première cabin, the new Business cabin, gastronomy, the network and SkyPriority (priority channels at more than 1,000 airports). It is supplemented by 12 visuals depicting iconic destinations served by Air France (Paris, New York, Brazil, China, Japan, Africa, Italy, etc.). Lufthansa introduces early seat reservation for an extra charge with selected Economy fares TORONTO — Early seat reservations for Lufthansa passengers booked in selected booking classes (designated W, S, T, L, K) will incur a 25 euro per seat charge on long-haul flights in the future. The optional service will be introduced as of April 28, 2014. This change brings the additional advance seat reservation service fees in line with those incurred on domestic and European routes, which have been offered at a topnews price of 10 euro since November 2013. As in the past, all guests may choose their preferred seat at no extra charge when checking in, up to 23 hours before departure. Advanced seat reservation in these lower priced booking classes becomes an optional service at the time of booking. For the remaining Economy booking classes, advanced seat reservation remains free of charge. This service also remains free of charge in the upcoming Premium Economy Class, Business and First Class. For HON Circle members and Senators, advanced seat reservation is free of charge in all booking classes. Seats can also be reserved during or after the booking process with travel agents, online via LH.com, or at Lufthansa ticketing locations. Canadian visitors jump 7% to Riviera Nayarit, B.C., Alberta, Quebec lead the way RIVIERA NAYARIT, Mexico — This resort area on Mexico’s Pacific Coast saw another increase in domestic and international visitors in 2013. Last year, Riviera Nayarit welcomed a total of 2,389,408 visitors spending over $1.6 billion. This included a 7% increase in Canadian travellers and a 2% increase in U.S. travellers. In 2012, 2,369,683 travellers visited Riviera Nayarit and spent a total of $1.1 billion. According to TravelStyles LLC, the popularity of Riviera Nayarit as a destination for Canadians and Americans is attributed to its affordability and value. Riviera Nayarit offers a yearround tropical climate and 192 miles of swimmable beaches coupled with distinctive local history and rich indigenous culture, a wide range of outdoor activities and luxury resorts with professional and welcoming service. In addition, the destination is easily accessible from most major airport hubs in the U.S. and Canada. Travel to Riviera Nayarit among Canadians is highest from British Columbia, comprising 35% of the Canadian market. This is followed by Alberta (28%), Quebec (15%), Ontario (11%) and Manitoba (8%). “We expect tourism to increase even more in 2014 since Huffington Post, Frommer’s and Oyster have all voted Riviera Nayarit as one of the top destinations to visit in 2014,” says Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Travel and tourism represents one of the most important sectors of our economy, increasing jobs, revenue and facilities throughout the state of Nayarit.” Growth is also supported by the airlines that are adding new routes into Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) from Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg. % 2&5*2#&052/504..1/(545*2#&052/5-34,1/( % !+$50,-3,1/(5#210012/5*235'34*4334 0&''.1430 % /1&45'32*1,50-31/(5'.-/ 5)55) 101,5)4)3-4.(4/,4,223#-..5 $ + +!" 5%5)2..*3445$+!+"$"+!" $$ %##""# April 24, 2014 TRAVELWEEK 23 topnews Building on this momentum, 2014 is already proving to be a solid year for tourism. In the month of January, 140,018 people visited the destination, which is an increase of about 6% compared to 2013. For more information, visit riviera nayarit.com. Vacation.com celebrates success of top 25 members on cruise aboard Viking Cruises’ Idun TORONTO — Vacation.com hosted 25 of its top members and their guests on a 7-night cruise aboard Viking Cruises’ Idun, as a way to celebrate and reward the success of its top producing members. The celebratory cruise embarked from Passau, Germany, on March 23 and took guests through four countries along the Danube River: Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia. As part of this high-end experience, guests participated in exclusive gatherings such as a wine tour at the oldest winery in the Kamptal region of Austria and an evening in Vienna at the Palais Auersperg. Sailing on the Danube are (from left): John Lovell, President, Travel Leaders Leisure Group and Vacation.com; Christine James, VP Canada, Vacation.com; Nancy Woodworth, President, Robert Q Travel, London, ON; Dennis Laliberte, CEO Newwest Travel, Edmonton. “Vacation.com hosted our elite member event outside of the United States for the first time, and it was an absolute pleasure to reward our hard working members which included two Canadians by touring some of Europe’s most charismatic countries,” said Vacation.com Vice President Canada, Christine James. “With the assistance of Viking Cruises, along with the wonderful product and intimate setting they are known for, we were able to create a first class, unique experience for our members that I’m confident they will treasure.” CLUB MED FAMILY FUN SPPEECIALIST PROGRAM Club Med All-Inclusive resorts are perfect for families! The Club Med for Families Specialist Program teaches agents all about Club Med properties worldwide and the many family-oriented destinations, programs and activities. Agents that complete the program will be entered to WIN a 7-night all-inclusive trip for 2 to Club Med. Register at travelweeklearningcentre.ca and complete this exciting program to be eligible to win. *Terms and conditions apply. 24 TRAVELWEEK April 24, 2014 While docked in Durnstein, Austria, guests were able to partake in an exclusive, three-hour wine tasting and private vineyard tour of Schloss Gobelsburg, courtesy of Viking Cruises. Schloss Gobelsburg is the oldest winery in the Kamptal region of Lower Austria with a documented viticulture history dating back to the 12th century. Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are the winery’s most important varieties. The exclusive experiences, reserved just for Vacation.com members, continued in Vienna, Austria, at a gala dinner in the Palais Auersperg (a baroque palace). In addition to having direct access to top executives from Vacation.com headquarters, members were able to partake in a supplier panel discussion. The supplier panel discussion featured representatives from Viking Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Globus family of brands, The Mark Travel Corporation, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Royal Caribbean International. “It was truly an honour to be considered among the elite Vacation.com members to attend this special event. The Vacation. com leadership team went out of their way to make all the attendees feely very special,” said Vacation.com member Dennis Laliberte of Newwest Travel, AB. Agency owners wishing to learn more about becoming a Vacation.com member to take advantage Vacation.com’s tools, programs and technology, can go to joinvacation.com. topnews Canada’s northern airlines – First Air and Canadian North – enter merger discussions KUUJJUAQ, QC — Makivik Corporation and NorTerra Inc., respectively the shareholders of First Air and Canadian North, have agreed to hold discussions leading to the merger of their operations consistent with a merger of equals, subject to the successful conclusion of negotiations and regulatory review. The potential merger is intended to create a single airline entity that builds on the strengths and identities of the two companies. A merger would improve the sustainability of these critical Inuit birthright enterprises and would also create better air services and new economic development opportunities across the north. Flight operations and services will remain independent and unaffected during the negotiation and regulatory review phases. Makivik Corporation and NorTerra Inc. will inform the public as discussions progress. The public is invited to visit newnorthernairline.com for updates throughout these discussions. “Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need clarifications,” said Allan Coo, Country Manager, North America. Canadian sales offices can be reached, in Vancouver, at 604-276-6015 & 6016, e-mail: vancouversales@pal.com.ph and, in Toronto, 905-405-8774, e-mail: torontosales@pal.com.ph. travel agents and trade partners. Etihad Guest Gold Elite members and representatives from the airline’s codeshare and equity alliance were also present. Canada is an important market for Etihad Airways, which has carried over 750,000 passengers on the airline’s Toronto route since the service commenced in October 2005, equal to more than 25% of the city’s 2.8 million residents. The popularity of the service has been bolstered by a strong and fast-growing trade relationship between Canada and the UAE. Transactions between the two countries totalled US$1.6 billion last year, almost 95% of which was generated by Canadian exports to the UAE. The UAE is Canada’s largest merchandise export market in the Middle East and North Africa. Etihad Airways itself has invested heavily in the Canadian economy, having bought 11 flight training simulators valued at more than US$310 million from Montreal-based manufacturer CAE since 2007. The airline’s single largest order was in July last year, when it signed a contract for seven CAE simulators, with a list price value of US$200 million. The simulators are used to train the Airbus and Boeing pilots of Etihad Etihad Airways thanks key strategic partners in Canada at reception in Toronto TORONTO — Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, hosted a VIP reception in Toronto last week to celebrate the valued contribution of key partners in enhancing air connections between Canada, the UAE and other markets around the world. The event was attended by James Mueller, Senior Vice President Sales of Etihad Airways, who was joined by more than 150 high-level guests, including government officials, ambassadors, Island Delight ATHENS MYKONOS SANTORINI CRETE Philippine Airlines to move to 0% commission May 1 SAVE $ 200 per couple aircanadavacations.com/agents 8930 VANCOUVER — Philippine Airlines will move to zero commission for travel agents in Canada and the U.S. effective May 1, 2014. BOOK BY APRIL 30, 2014 12 days | 10 nights From Toronto or Ottawa Ac^S`W]`QObSU]`gAS^ " " Was: $ 2895 $ 2795 Add taxes & other fees: $130 Add $50 for departures from Halifax and $250 from Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton Prices reflect applicable reductions, are subject to change without notice and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Prices are in Canadian dollars, apply to new bookings only and for departure dates as indicated. Prices are per person based on double occupancy, in Economy class. Non-refundable. Subject to availability at time of booking. International flights operated by Air Canada. Holder of Quebec permit #702566. TICO registration #50013537. BC registration #32229. Q ®Air Canada Vacations is a registered trademark of Air Canada, used under license by Touram Limited Partnership, 1440 St. Catherine W., Suite 600, Montreal, QC. April 24, 2014 TRAVELWEEK 25 topnews Airways, as well as partner and customer airlines. Almost 150 Canadians are also employed by Etihad Airways, half of whom are pilots and cabin crew. In Toronto, the airline has 12 employees, led by the country manager James Harrison. Addressing last week’s event at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, Mueller said: “Canada is a very important market for us, and to Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. There are approximately 150 Canadian companies in the UAE and more than 40,000 Canadian national residents in the UAE, so demand for travel between our nations is strong. “As our operations continue to grow in Canada, so does our economic contribution. Etihad Airways’ total expenditure in Canada was US$12.2 million last year, excluding fuel and wages.” Featured this week: GATEWAYS INTERNATIONAL Order your travel brochure today! 1 800 268 0900 WWW.GATEWAYS INTERNATIONAL.COM 26 TRAVELWEEK April 24, 2014 Click & Print NEW 36-page brochure featuring new itineraries and destinations Fully customized packages Pre- and –Post Cruise itineraries Italian Culinary Tour Extensions Small-group tours of up to 25 people in Italy New itineraries featuring Normandy, Berlin, Egypt and Dubai ATTENTION TRAVEL AGENTS: ORDER THIS BROCHURE HERE www.envoynetworks.ca Etihad Airways’ Toronto route was initially operated via Brussels, but has been served directly from Abu Dhabi since June 2007 due to high levels of demand for services between the two cities. A growing number of business and leisure travellers are also selecting Abu Dhabi as a connection point between Canada and destinations in the wider Middle East region, as well as the neighbouring growth markets of India, Africa and the resource-rich states of Central Asia. Abu Dhabi’s strategic position as a connection point has been strengthened by the convenience of Etihad Airways’ onward services to a growing list of destinations. In addition, the airline has a codeshare agreement with equity partner Jet Airways on daily flights between Toronto and Brussels, and beyond to Mumbai and Delhi, while Air Canada also provides a codeshare on seven connecting routes through Toronto. Etihad Airways’ partnership with Air Canada was launched in 2013, after the two airlines signed to enhance travel services. From May 1, 2014, the agreement will be enhanced to provide Etihad Airways’ premium passengers with access to Air Canada’s Business Class lounge at Toronto Pearson International Airport. “We now operate three flights a week between Toronto and Abu Dhabi using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with 40 Pearl Business and 340 Coral Economy seats. Our average load factor, at 83%, reflects the heavy demand from both leisure and business travellers, part of which has been fuelled by our codeshare and equity alliance partners,” Mueller said. “Etihad Airways is pleased to be offering more connections to and from Toronto, catering to the growing number of passengers who are using Abu Dhabi as a convenient hub between Canada and destinations across the Middle East and surrounding regions. We have already launched flights to Jaipur in India this year, and will commence services to Yerevan in Armenia from July 2. Both of these destinations will connect with our Toronto service, offering even more options to guests in both directions.” topnews Israel sets tourism records in first quarter TORONTO — Some 6,330 tourists from Canada arrived in Israel in March 2014, a 12% increase compared to the same period last year and a new all-time high for tourism to Israel. A total of 284,000 tourists from around the world arrived in Israel in March 2014, a 13% increase compared to the same period last year and a new all-time high for tourism to Israel. And 705,288 tourists arrived in Israel between January and March 2014, a 17% increase compared to the same period last year. “We are thrilled to see a continual increase in Canadian tourism to Israel following last year’s record-breaking figures,” said Ami Allon, Consul for Tourism, Israel Government Tourist Office - Canada. A record 3.54 million tourists from around the world arrived in Israel in 2013. rather than destination has made it easier for agents to match their clients with the right experience based on their interests and budget,” adds James. “But we know it’s far easier for agents to sell a product if they have first-hand knowledge.” All itineraries are exactly what agents’ clients would experience – they are not shortened or altered versions. The 2014 lineup includes: Classic Bali, eight days, departing Sept. 27, 2014; Local Living Italy: Sorrento, seven days, departing Sept. 28, 2014; North India Highlights, eight days, departing Sept. 28, 2014; Machu Picchu Explorer, eight days, departing Oct. 13, 2014; Taste of Turkey, nine days, departing Oct. 18, 2014. Interested agents can contact their local Global Purpose Specialist for more information: Sean Russo (seanr@gadven tures.com) – Ontario; Sahara Abu-Ulbeh (saharaa@gadventures.com) – Prairies; Featured this week: COLLETTE VACATIONS G Adventures schedules 2014 Canadian agent FAMs to India, Bali, Italy, Turkey and Peru TORONTO — Leading small-group adventure travel tour operator G Adventures has unveiled its lineup of 2014 Canadian agent FAMs. Agents have the opportunity to explore India, Bali, Italy, Turkey and Peru with the travel company this year. The trips range from seven to nine days and depart in September and October. All FAMs are priced at $499 per person, land only and are available to Canadian travel agents only. Agents who participate on a FAM and book eight clients on a G Adventures trip within a year of their trip will receive a full rebate on their FAM. “A big part of understanding the G Adventures experience, brand and culture is experiencing it first-hand,” says Robyn James, Marketing Manager, Canada. “The bold move to segment our trips into brochures based on ‘travel style’ †Not valid on group travel. Service is offered on all air-inclusive departures when within 100 km radius from most major Canadian gateways. Other restrictions may apply; call for details. $300 savings based off an average 12-day parking fee at major airport. Order your travel brochure today! 1 800 468 5955 WWW.COLLETTEVACATIONS.CA Sedan Service Included! On all air-inclusive tours, receive roundtrip home to airport sedan service A $300 value!† Thousands of Guaranteed Departure Dates Commission on Land, Air and Pre-Sold Options Discounting Protection - we don’t accept bookings from online, discount-only agents A Full Cash Refund travel waiver for cancellation right up to the day prior to departure ATTENTION TRAVEL AGENTS: ORDER THIS BROCHURE HERE www.envoynetworks.ca Click & Print April 24, 2014 TRAVELWEEK 27 topnews/extras Justin Wegiel (justinw@gadventures.com) – Toronto; Erin Buttler (erinb@gad ventures.com) - British Columbia; Ashley Jean (ashleyj@gadventures.com) - Quebec and the Maritimes. Applications can be submitted until May 31, 2014 at: http://go.gadventures. com/2014CADFAMS. Qualified agents will be notified prior to the travel date. events Major tour operator Collette is hosting a webinar for agents to learn more about Explorations, its innovative small group travel product line, on Tuesday, April 29 at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. “The Collette Explorations line has experienced 33% growth, year over year,” said Brett Walker, general manager of Collette – Canada. “This webinar will inform agents on why this product line continues to grow and aligns with Canadians’ travel interests. From touring in the company of a small group to enjoying accommodations that capture the spirit of the destination to savoring spectacular local cuisine to having time to independently explore, this product line delivers the personal adventures travellers dream about.” To register for the 9 a.m. online presentation, visit https://www2. gotomeeting.com/register/620461170. For the 3 p.m. webinar, visit https://www2. gotomeeting.com/register/648112018. people Young Travel Professionals recently announced the launch of its Toronto Chapter earlier this month and has named its board. “It’s hard to break out of social and professional circles in any city, in any business,” says Adam Hodge, Digital Content Editor at Goway Travel. Hodge joins five other travel and tourism professionals to pioneer the organization’s second Canadian outpost in Toronto. They include Melissa Medeiros, Chapter Liaison & PR Manager for YTP and Account Manager at Bannikin Travel and Tourism Ltd.; Iris Serbanescu, Marketing & Events Manager and Special Projects Coordinator at Away by TTI Travel; Michael McCreesh, Mentor Program Liaison and Project Coordinator at Ontario By Bike; Adam Hodge, Assistant Marketing Manager and Digital Content Editor at Goway Travel; Zach Vanasse, Membership Manager and Journalist at Logimonde Media; Kendra Cassels, Social Media Manager and Strategic Communications Manager at BCD Travel. For YTP-TO membership inquiries, visit youngtravelprofessionals.com/join-ytp-to. marketplace It’s the human touch that makes the difference. UPCOMING SPOTLIGHTS May 8 s"RITAIN%UROPE s(AWAII s!USTRALIA.:3OUTH!FRICA May 15 s-IDDLE%AST s(OTELS2ESORTS s)NSURANCE May 29 s!LL)NCLUSIVES s4REND7ATCH s!IRLINES#ONSOLIDATORS June 5 Openings across Canada for Junior, Intermediate and Senior Travel Counselors. s4RAVELFORTHE s-EXICO s,'"44RAVEL Detailed descriptions of the positions can be found at: www.hrgworldwide.com /en-noam/Pages/default.aspx Qualified applicants should visit our talent network to apply: www.jobs.net/jobs/hrg-north-america/en-us/ HRG North America. A Hogg Robinson Group company. 28 TRAVELWEEK April 24, 2014 #ONTACTYOURSALESREPRESENTATIVE marketplace Seeing Travel Your Way Vision Travel offers solid partnerships along with consistent support in marketing, accounting and technology at the same time allowing you the flexibility to service your clients your way. Why partner with a Top Employer? Let our agents tell you! Our move to a consumer brand with FCA allowed us to continue the way we did our business and also offer the wonderful array of travel products that Flight Centre offers to our clients. We have a reliable, supportive administrative team and that support is something we very much value and appreciate. – Charlie and Susan Pitchford Take your career to the next level with industry leading commissions, training and support. To learn more about this unique business opportunity please visit: flightcentreassociates.com or call 1 866 474 3140 THE TRAVEL DESK - MARKHAM IATA/TICO 2370470 Looking for an experienced full/part-time Travel Consultant ș5 "))"+1+,4)"!$",# -,)),ȡ )&)", ș5 "))"+1 ,**+!,#+$)&0% ș&+&*2*ǗȒǘ6"/0"5-"/&"+ " Submit your resume to Fax 905 477 8880 or Email to tdesk@callthetraveldesk.com Stephen P. Goulding | National Manager - Commercial Accounts, Agency Sales WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations and WestJet Encore As a luxury travel company, we depend upon the expertise and knowledge of the travel professionals with whom we work in order for them to represent us in accordance with the high standards of service that we ourselves strive for. The team of agents at Vision Travel are among the most experienced professionals in the travel industry and we value them as our representatives. “ “ “ “ Vision brings to the table the highest level of expertise, knowledge and can-do attitude that customers have come to appreciate! WestJet has taken pride in the way we service our guests and it is easy to align yourself with someone who holds the same values. Thanks for being a good partner Vision! Norma Spadola, CTIE | Sales Director, Northeast USA & Eastern Canada Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC 1-866-308-0183 www.vision2000.ca/discover We are Vision Travel … a company committed to a more personalized and responsive approach to travel planning. Join a growing team! Travel Consultant Position – Alberta Carlson Wagonlit Travel has a full-time position available – IMMEDIATELY! s#ANDIDATESMUSTBE EXPERIENCEDANDFAMILIARWITH 'ALILEO2ESERVATION3YSTEMOR HAVEA4RAVEL3CHOOL$IPLOMA s7AGESCOMMENSURATE BASEDONEXPERIENCE s%XCELLENTINCENTIVEAND BENElTSPACKAGE We are looking for energetic, persuasive, resultsoriented individuals to join our organization. Position opening for Corporate & Leisure Consultants Requirements: s-INYEARSINDUSTRYEXPERIENCE s!BILITYTOMULTITASK s3TRONG3ABRECOMPUTERSKILLS s%XCELLENTCOMMUNICATIONSKILLS ORALWRITTEN s%XCEPTIONALCUSTOMERSERVICESKILLS s%XPERIENCEINBOTH$OMESTIC )NTERNATIONAL4RAVEL Our compensation package includes medical & dental benefits, vacation and sick leave. 3END2ESUMETO ZSHEIKH EXECUTIVETRVLCOM ,OCATION$OWNTOWN/TTAWA Come Grow with Us! www.executive-trvl.com !PPLYWITHRESUMETO Carlson Wagonlit Travel 16, 5404- 44 Street Lloydminster, AB, T9V 0A9 !44.Gerry Duhaime &AX780-875-5752 %MAILgerry@cwtbordercity.ca April 24, 2014 TRAVELWEEK 29 featurethis Photos courtesy of Uniworld Uniworld marks the launch of newest ship, S.S. Catherine, with red carpet christening It was a proud day indeed for Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, which recently christened its newest gem, Super Ship S.S. Catherine, in Lyon, France with over 150 guests in attendance. Guy Young, President of Uniworld, welcomed travel agency owners and executives, local dignitaries, journalists from around the world as well as three generations of the Tollman family, who has owned and operated the company for the past 10 years. I AM CONFIDENT THAT the S.S. Catherine will continue setting the standard of excellence in luxury river cruising. Making her home on the Rhône and Saône rivers in Burgundy and Provence, the S.S. Catherine has been styled and fashioned to reflect France’s most breathtaking regions. The ceremony opened with Brett Tollman, Global CEO and President of The Travel Corporation, who said, “This is a wonderful day to christen the most gorgeous and glorious ship on the rivers.” Beatrice Tollman, President and Founder of the award-winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Uniworld’s sister company, shared the heartfelt history of how she and her husband, Stanley Tollman, have spent the past 60 years in the hospitality industry owning and operating five-star luxury boutique hotels. “Life keeps me very busy, very creative, and is very exciting. I get emotional as we put so much love and passion into our hotels and Uniworld ships. It means so much to us to please our guests and make them feel extra special, and these principles have stayed the same for more than 60 years,” she said. Uniworld launched the new ship on March 27 with help from her Godmother, famous French actress Catherine Deneuve. The glitzy ceremony also included a live band, the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle across the bow and a three-day sailing launch for all industry guests in attendance. Like its sister ships – the S.S. Antoinette and River Beatrice – the S.S. Catherine has many unique features. It boasts 80 staterooms, five suites and one Royal Presidential Suite. Decorations include original commissioned artwork, a unique Murano chandelier in the lobby alongside a glass elevator and even a cascading waterfall. Onboard amenities and facilities include the signature Bar du Leopard that comes complete with cinema facilities, a spacious Van Gogh Lounge, the elegant Cézanne Restaurant, bistro, coffee and tea bar, swimming pool, Serenity River Spa, fireplace and fitness centre. And like all Uniworld ships, the S.S. Catherine serves high quality cuisine made from the finest ingredients. Daily visits to the local farmers’ markets ensure that guests are treated to gourmet dishes for every meal. “I am confident that the S.S. Catherine will continue setting the standard of excellence in luxury river cruising,” said Young. “She will allow us to offer more capacity to support our popular ‘Burgundy and Provence’ and ‘Grand France’ itineraries.” For more information visit uniworld.com. I NTRO DUCI NG S.S. CATHERINE UNIWORLD’S NEWEST MASTERPIECE Uniworld proudly welcomes the magnificent new Super Ship, S.S. Catherine, Luxurious Onboard Amenities Include: Y Original works of art, antiques, and stylish signature touches Y 2-story lobby with exquisite, sea-green handcrafted Murano glass chandelier Y Stunning glass elevator featuring a cascading waterfall Y Signature Bar du Leopard Y Heated indoor swimming pool with colorful, jungle-themed mosaic splashback to its collection of boutique vessels. This art-filled, ultra-luxe masterpiece was named in honor of acclaimed French actress Catherine Deneuve, who recently christened the vessel at an elegant celebration in Lyon, France. Travellers can experience this opulent, one-of-a-kind ship on Uniworld’s all-inclusive 8-day “Burgundy & Provence” and 15-day “Grand France” itineraries. In a word, magnifique! SAVE your clients from C$300 to C$600 per couple on S.S. Catherine’s inaugural season itineraries in France on select departure dates.* Offer expires April 30, 2014. Y Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites with handcrafted Savoir® of England beds Y Marble bathrooms and spa-quality bath amenities For more information, contact your local Sales Manager at 800-868-7905 or visit us online at uniworldcruises.ca. *Savings listed in Canadian dollars. Actual savings vary by program. Special Savings is not combinable with any other promotional offers, and requires a C$400 per couple deposit at time of booking. Subject to availability. Capacity controlled. Other restrictions may apply. Uniworld reserves the right to withdraw or change offers at any time. For complete details on all promotions, general information, and terms and conditions applicable to all Uniworld trips, please visit uniworldcruises.ca. TICO Reg. #50018458 | Uniworld River Cruises (Canada) Limited | 33 Kern Road | Toronto, Ontario | M3B 1S9 Canada Have it all with Unlimited-Luxury:® Reservation-free gourmet dining options No wristbands required 24-hour room service Unlimited top-shelf spirits Surfing Body boarding Hobie cats Kayaks Sailing Scuba diving Deep sea fishing Snorkeling FINALLY CATCHING MY BREAK Sport fishing Windsurfing All this & more!* *Additional costs may apply I AM May Madness is coming! To learn more and renew your Master Agent status, visit AMRAgents.com. ENJOY UNLIMITED-LUXURY ® IN MEXICO: PUERTO VALLARTAs2)6)%2!#!.#5.sDOMINICAN REPUBLIC: PUNTA CANA © 2014 now.