September 8, 2011

Transcription

September 8, 2011
September 8, 2011
Volume 39 Issue 34
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
Four airlines face possible class action
for putting fuel surcharges in tax box
By Jean Sorensen
VANCOUVER — Cathay Pacific
has joined the ranks of Air Canada,
Lufthansa, Japan Airlines and British
Airways as airlines taken to court by
North Vancouver class-action law firm
Poyner Baxter LLP, which is alleging the
airlines deceived consumers over taxes
on airline tickets when these funds were
diverted to the airline.
“The thrust of the suit is that the
airlines are indicating on the invoice to
THISWEEK
4
WESTJET BROCHURE
8
AIR TRAFFIC STRONG
WestJet Vacations’ new brochure
features range of hotel partners
July was a good month for the
world’s airlines, outlook weaker
6
30 CRUISING UPDATE
DAMAGE FROM IRENE
Two Sandals properties are clearing
landscape after Hurricane Irene
consumers these are taxes and putting
that figure in the tax box (designation
either YQ or YR on tickets) when this
large amount of money actually goes
back to the airline and is not a tax,” said
lawyer Ken Baxter, who with partner
Jim Poyner, is pursuing action against
the five airlines.
The legal firm now has applications
in place before the courts to have a
Supreme Court of B.C. justice certify
the suits against the five airlines as class
actions.
“There is a substantial amount of
money involved,” said Baxter, explaining
that the range of class action suits is
six years. If successful, an airline like
Cathay Pacific would have to refund not
just the individual bringing forward the
suit but all passengers and travel agent
clients who had booked tickets out of
Vancouver over that period.
The issue also raises the question
of whether airlines should have been
paying commission on this portion of
a fare to travel agents. In Australia, in
2006, Flight Centre filed a claim (in a
class action against Qantas) that it was
short-changed up to $60 million a year
by airlines not including commissions
on such surcharges. In the same year,
law firm Slater & Gordon filed a
statement of claim in the Federal Court
Air Canada Vacations will partner
with MSC Cruises worldwide
PM40015622
Sept8.indd 1
11-09-02 12:08 PM
UP-TO-THE-MINUTE
VEGAS TRAVEL NEWS...
NOW AT YOUR FINGERTIPS.
Caesars Entertainment is excited to introduce a resource specifically
designed to make life easier for travel agents like you!
At CaesarsTravelAgents.com, we allow you to see up-to-the-minute
promotions and events, book reservations for your clients, explore
things to do throughout our nine iconic Las Vegas resorts, study our
selling tips and more!
Visit CaesarsTravelAgents.com today to get the most Las Vegas for
your clients.
Caesars Entertainment, making life easy for the travel agents who do
the same for us.
CaesarsTravelAgents.com
Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2011, Caesars License Company, LLC.
Sept8.indd 2
TV1-54
11-09-02 12:08 PM
200
BU
PER COUPLE
*
R
BOOKING CODE: BOGO
THE SU
ME
Goes BOGO!
OGO!
OF
SAVE
$
M
Popular
D
X
Baxter. “This is really about whether
the B.C. act is valid to the airlines and
are they bound by B.C. law?”
The Supreme Court of B.C has
not yet issued the decision on the
preliminary hearing.
“A fuel surcharge is really a cost of
doing business and you can put that
figure in the fare box and not the tax
box,” he said. He likened the situation
to a lawyer who charges a $100 fee
and then under taxes puts down an
amount that goes to his office rent and
a ‘lawyer retirement’ tax. He said that
consumers should be clear on what
they are receiving for the dollars spent.
Senkal Ozturkler of Richmond,
B.C., is the complainant in the British
TA
The statement of claim filed in court
regarding Cathay Pacific states that
North Vancouver businessman Ahmet
Kodioglu purchased a ticket on July 27
at Flight Centre for a week’s travel in
October and paid $809 for the fare but
another $409.87 in taxes. Of the taxes,
the invoice noted that $275.20 was a
YR TAX.
Kodioglu’s statement of claim
alleges misrepresentation.
“By indicating the $275.20 ‘YR TAX’
item within the tax portion of the cost
of the airplane ticket, the defendant
(Cathay Pacific) knowingly and
willingly represented the ‘YR TAX’
as a tax charge to and collected from
the plaintiff (Kodioglu) on behalf of
!
“A FUEL SURCHARGE is really a cost of doing business
and you can put that figure in the fare box and not the
tax box.”
Airways case launched in May. She
bought a return ticket to Istanbul,
Turkey, via London for $969.93. She
was advised that her fare, after taxes,
was $1,420. Only a small portion of the
additional charges constituted tax or
third-party charges of any description
- $326 went straight to the airline, her
lawyers claim.
Said lawyer Jim Poyner: “There
is a full page of codes within
the International Air Transport
Association’s (IATA) guidebook for
travel agents, citing taxes and charges
for many different items. The sum of
these taxes is coded on the traveller’s
invoice as ‘XT’ – meaning ‘total taxes’
– but included within ‘XT’ are charges
coded YQ (YR by Cathay Pacific),
defined by IATA as ‘airline own use
only’.”
Poyner said that these deceitful
charges have provoked controversies
worldwide. He cited a 2009 case
brought in the Federal Court of
Australia in which a major travel
agency, Leonie’s Travel, sued the
national carrier, Qantas. Leonie’s
Travel maintained that Qantas had
LE
a third party government agency or
body. Contrary to the representation,
the $275.20 ‘YR TAX’ item was not
a third party tax at all. Rather, the
defendant retained and diverted the
monies paid by the plaintiff for the
‘YR TAX’ item to its own use.”
Baxter said Air Canada has
responded to the suits by going before
the B.C. Supreme Court in May and
asking for relief.
“The preliminary motion by
Air Canada argued that the case
should be dismissed as it claims that
this provision of the B.C. Business
Practices and Consumer Protection
Act does not apply to airlines because
they are federally regulated,” said
EN
saying Qantas, Air New Zealand,
Singapore Airlines, British Airways,
Cathay Pacific and Malaysia Airlines
owed 1,450 travel agents $80 million
in unpaid commissions dating back
to May 2004. That claim alleged
that the airlines had breached the
Trade Practices Act by requiring
agents to book fuel surcharges in
the commission-free ‘taxes, fees and
charges’ section of an air ticket.
Baxter said not all airlines pass
off fuel surcharges as taxes. “KLM
doesn’t do this,” he said, adding that
such charges passed off as taxes were
common mainly on international
flights and unseen on U.S. and
domestic travel.
STER SA
For every NEW 4 night or longer booking
made and confirmed between June 30 and
August
A
7, 2011 earn your Cash Commission
Booster plus a Free night for you
Travel Dates:
THE Royal Playa del Carmen
June 30 - October 31, 2011
THE Royal Cancun August 20 - December 23, 2011
Gran Porto Real August 15 - October 31, 2011
Gran Caribe Real August 20 - December 23, 2011
w w w. R e a l R e s o r t s . c o m / R R M e m b e r s
September 8, 2011 Travelweek 3
Sept8.indd 3
11-09-02 12:08 PM
Your #1 choice to:
Car Rentals
Lisbon, Oporto,
Faro, Ponta Delgada
& Terceira
Exclusive to Accord Tours
$
139
NET from p/
week
Ont. Reg# 1649491
&
)H`:[;VYVU[V6U[HYPV
;LS! ‹>(;:! -(?! ‹PUMV'HJJVYK[V\YZJVT
^^^HJJVYK[V\YZJVT
engaged in misleading and deceptive
conduct in contravention of the
Trade Practices Act in requiring travel
agents to include the ‘fuel surcharge’
in the ‘tax/fee/charge’ box on all paper
tickets and in the ‘taxes/charges’ field
on receipts through electronic tickets.
The justice sitting on the case ruled
that since the government had not
approved the fuel increase or ordered
it, Qantas had no right to pass it off as
a tax.
Qantas had engaged in “misleading
and deceptive conduct” as it is likely
that some members of the travelling
public would have laboured under
the erroneous assumption that
all amounts shown were paid to a
government authority or other third
party but not to Qantas, the justice
found.
Cathay Pacific has issued a
statement saying that it is reviewing
the claim and that the airline attempts
to abide by all laws.
Information on claims is available
on Poyner Baxter’s website under
airline surcharge class actions.
WestJet Vacations
launches 2011-2012
brochure with range
of hotel partners
CALGARY — WestJet Vacations is
little more than three years old but is
well on its way to becoming one of the
top vacation companies in Canada,
according to Yehudi Altman, Director,
Product.
The new 2011-2012 brochure has
been landing in travel agencies across
Canada and features more than
250 full-colour pages profiling 45
destinations in 12 countries.
This winter the tour operator has
ramped up its hotel partnerships
including such well-known brand
names as AMResorts, Real Resorts,
Barcelo, Palladium, Bahia Principe,
El Cid, Karisma Hotels, Iberostar,
Sandals, Disney, MGM Hotels Las
Vegas, Caesars Hotels Las Vegas,
Outrigger Hawaii, Aston Hawaii and a
complete lineup in the new ‘Hotels at
a glance’ introductory brochure pages.
Editor
Patrick Dineen, Ext. 32, pdineen@travelweek.ca
Associate Editor
Kathryn Folliott, Ext. 28, kfolliott@travelweek.ca
Staff Writer
Cindy Sosroutomo, Ext. 30, cindys@travelweek.ca
Chris Kinasz, chris.kinasz@travelweek.ca
Art Director
Sarit Mizrahi, smizrahi@travelweek.ca
Graphic Designer
Lani Thorpe, Ext. 25, lthorpe@travelweek.ca
Web Designer
Tatiana Israpilova, Ext. 34, tatiana@travelweek.ca
Account Manager
Sue Winiecki, Ext. 27, swiniecki@travelweek.ca
Account Manager
Annie Cicvaric, Ext. 31, acicvaric@travelweek.ca
Circulation
Denys Cruz, dcruz@travelweek.ca
Special Projects
Candice Abraham, Ext. 38, cabraham@travelweek.ca
Accounting
Marie Mercado, Ext. 21, travelweek@travelweek.ca
Like some other operators, WestJet
Vacations is offering a vacation price
guarantee which allows clients to
lock in the lowest price early. If the
identical vacation package drops in
price, WestJet Vacations will refund
the difference but with real money
not travel vouchers as some others are
doing. The guarantee is valid up to 21
days before travel on packages booked
between Aug. 15 and Sept. 30 for travel
between Oct. 17 and Dec. 15, 2011,
and between Jan. 4 and May 15, 2012.
This winter’s lineup is the biggest
ever with 95 flights a week to Mexico
(50 to Cancun), 86 flights to the
Caribbean and 320 into the U.S.
New next winter is San Juan, Puerto
Rico on Saturdays and Sundays aimed
at Canadians taking a cruise out of
that port.
A new gateway is London, ON with
flights to Las Vegas and Cancun.
Also new next winter is a seven-day,
fully escorted tour visiting the western
Group Publisher
Michael Butler, mbutler@travelweek.ca
Gerald Kinasz, gkinasz@abrahamkinasz.com
Hippo Express
Glen Harwood, Ext. 33, gharwood@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 2011 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 (CPF) for our publishing activities.
282 Richmond Street East, Suite 100
Toronto, Ontario Canada M5A 1P4
Tel. (416) 365-1500 Fax (416) 365-1504
Toll Free Canada & U.S.A. 1-800-727-1429
www.travelweek.ca
www.hippoexpress.com
4 Travelweek September 8, 2011
Sept8.indd 4
11-09-02 12:09 PM
Sept8.indd 5
11-09-02 12:09 PM
Fiji Luxury Heli Combo
9 Days
$2699
Includes $500
in bonus offers!
Roundtrip Air Pacific airfare from Vancouver, transfers, 3 nts Outrigger
on the Lagoon with butler service, 3 nts Castaway Island.
One way helicopter transfer, one hour spa treatment, dolphin safari!
Per person twin share. Travel 1 Sep’11 - 31 Mar’12. Not available 15 Dec 11 - 17 Jan 12. Book by 24 Oct’11. Additional taxes $400.
Request our Travel Planner
1 800 667 6601 · res@islandsescapes.com · www.goway.com/fiji
part of Cuba starting in Havana, Pinar
Del Rio, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara,
with an option to extend the stay
for a second week in Varadero at the
Iberostar Laguna Azul.
Also new are split-stay packages
offering more flexibility with the
option to start the split either in
Varadero (four nights) or Havana
(three nights), featuring Melia,
Iberostar and introducing Mercure
Hotels by Accor.
Las Vegas remains a major
destination with up to 79 flights a
week in the fall and 76 in the winter.
For more information, visit www.
westjetvacations.com.
Thomas Cook rolls
out new Western
product at Big 4
launch in Vancouver
VANCOUVER — Thomas Cook
Canada rolled out new product both
in terms of destinations and hotels at
its Big 4 product launch at the Pan
Pacific Hotel late last month.
More than 100 suppliers participated
in the trade show that drew in agents
and travel industry executives who
also attended a VIP reception with
members of the Thomas Cook group.
New this winter 2011-2012 from
Sunquest are direct flights out of
Calgary and Vancouver to Punta
Cana, Jamaica and Cozumel (only
from Calgary). Cozumel packages
start at $1,289 plus tax per person
with the program launch on Dec. 14
and running until April 4, 2012. Eightand 15-night packages are offered
at Allegro Cozumel, the Occidental
Grand Cozumel and the Park Royal
Cozumel and others.
Sunquest will also kick off a new
Jamaica program out of Thunder Bay
with flights by WestJet starting Nov.
5 through to Apr. 21, 2012 with allinclusive packages starting at $869 per
person.
Sandals outlines
policies for clients
as Irene closes two
properties for next
month or so
NASSAU — Following the passage
of Hurricane Irene through the
Caribbean, Sandals Grande Emerald
Bay is reporting that it came out
unscathed and is open and accepting
guests.
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort
& Offshore Island and Beaches Turks
& Caicos Resort Villages & Spa remain
closed to clear landscaping debris.
Sandals Royal Bahamian will
accept guest arrivals beginning on
Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Beaches
Turks & Caicos will accept guest
arrivals beginning on Thursday,
Oct. 6. Prior to these dates, guests
travelling to Sandals Royal Bahamian
and Beaches Turks & Caicos from
now until the resorts’ re-opening date
will be relocated to another Sandals
Resorts or Beaches Resorts location,
pending availability.
Alternately, guests scheduled to
travel to Sandals Royal Bahamian and
Beaches Turks & Caicos may revise
their bookings without penalty and
will have their current rate honoured
for altered reservations for up to one
year after their original travel dates
(excluding black-out dates). If guests
cannot immediately re-schedule their
travel, they will have the cost of their
original stay credited toward a future
booking to be used within one year of
original travel dates (excluding black-
1543989
out dates).
Sandals said it is encouraging all
guests to work with the airlines directly
to take advantage of policies that may
waive change fees for those who wish
to keep the same trip dates and travel
to another destination. For relocated
guests who would like to rebook other
available resorts in Antigua, Jamaica,
Bahamas or Saint Lucia, they may
do so and Sandals will absorb the air
relocation fee up to $150 per ticket.
Leisure and business
travel post solid
revenue gains in July
LONDON — Global business travel
net revenue grew by +12.2% in July,
while global leisure travel revenue
increased +8.6%, according to data
released from Pegasus Solutions in
The Pegasus View.
The report, which includes extra
analysis of daily bookings through
Aug. 14, shows resiliency in both the
corporate and leisure markets despite
the U.S. credit downgrade by S&P on
Aug. 5.
The corporate travel recovery
continued in July in the face of
uncertainty about the financial
markets regarding the Aug. 2 U.S. debt
default deadline. Bookings grew by
+5.8% over 2010, while global average
daily rates (ADR) gained momentum
over June’s pace, rising by +6.0% over
prior year.
Mike Kistner, chief executive
officer of Pegasus Solutions, said the
fickleness of the financial markets
failed to make a marked impact on the
industry.
“Unlike events that may put the
personal health and safety of travellers
at risk, negative and uncertain financial
news did not compel travellers to
6 Travelweek September 8, 2011
Sept8.indd 6
11-09-02 12:09 PM
BOOK & REGISTER NOW AND GET THE BEST
PRICE ON YOUR WINTER ESCAPE!
• Effective August 24 to September 30, 2011
• New bookings only
• Travel dates: November 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012
• Claims are valid outside 21 days of departure
• National offer, applies to all gateways
• One time Price Guarantee per booking
• Applies to all Sunquest packages and air only (excludes
Sunquest Golden Mediterranean Odessey cruises and
Encore Fort Lauderdale Cruise)
• Not applicable to group bookings – please refer to the
groups brochure for separate groups
price guarantee
• Applies to adults only
• Subject to change or withdrawn without notice
• Applies to the total price per adult (including taxes
and fees)
To be eligible for the Sunquest Super Price Guarantee customers must complete an on-line
registration which can be found at www.sunquest.ca/priceguarantee
Registration must be completed within 7 days from the booking date. To make a claim, your Sunquest file must be identical to
original booking itinerary (same departure day, flight, destination, hotel & room category).
Note: Once the request is reviewed and approved, the customer will receive a credit for the difference in price
in the form of Sunquest Future Travel Vouchers.
EXCLUSIVELY FROM SUNQUEST
27417
Sept8.indd 7
11-09-02 12:09 PM
cancel planned trips, whether they had
already booked or not,” said Kistner.
“Long-term strain could ultimately
lead to a slow-down in the recovery,
but in the short-term, it is events
like earthquakes and hurricanes that
will have the most immediate effect
on bookings, though on a more
regionalized level. It is good news for
the travel industry that travellers failed
to ‘catch’ the nervousness of investors.”
Leisure travel bookings grew by
+3.1% over 2010 globally, which did
represent a slightly slower pace than
June growth. However, leisure ADR
grew by +5.0%, up from June’s +4.7%
and two points higher than the yearto-date pace of +3.0%. The solid ADR
counteracted slower booking growth
to lead to an +8.6% gain in leisure
revenue over 2010.
Looking forward, leisure booking
growth slowed slightly during the
week of Aug. 8, although the pace
seemed to improve toward the
weekend. Through the end of 2011, the
leisure channel is expected to improve
over 2010 in terms of bookings and
ADR. GDS channel activity shows that
corporate travel demand will continue
to drive more bookings with steady
ADR growth.
The Pegasus View reporting on
July 2011 bookings is available online
and by free subscription at www.
pegs.com. Data reported in The
Pegasus View comes from billions
of transactions processed monthly
by Pegasus Solutions, the world’s
single largest global processor of hotel
transactions. It is the only industry
report to reflect data drawn from
both GDS and ADS transactions,
representing the business and leisure
markets respectively for approximately
90,000 hotels worldwide.
Passenger traffic up
5.9% in July but rest
of year looks weaker
GENEVA — Air traffic remained
strong in July with a 5.9% increase in
passenger numbers, said IATA.
“Passenger travel bucked the
gloomy economic outlook with a 5.9%
increase in July. This increase was likely
based on the much more optimistic
economic outlook that marked the
beginning of the year. With business
and consumer confidence now
tanking, sluggishness in international
trade, and high fuel prices, the
expectation is for a weaker end to the
year. We are already seeing this in the
shrinking air freight markets, which
were 0.4% down on the previous
year,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director
General and CEO.
International passenger markets,
which grew by 7.3% compared with
July 2010, remain stronger on average
than domestic markets which showed
weaker growth of 3.5% year over year.
Compared to pre-recession levels of
early 2008, international passenger
traffic has expanded by 12%. Had the
industry continued to grow at the prerecession pace of 8%, international
markets would have been about
14% higher than today’s levels and
Asia & South America 10% off
September 6-30, 2011
Ask for details
1-800-268-1835
contactus@contiki.ca
twitter: @contikican
Book Sep 6-30, 2011 for travel: Asia travel Sep 6, 2011 to Dec 31, 2012, promo code PPCASEBB6;
or South America travel: Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2012, promo code PPCSAEBB6. Offers can be combined
with Book With Mates and 2nd tour discounts, but can not be combined with Pay Early Save More
or Past Traveller discounts.
8 Travelweek September 8, 2011
Sept8.indd 8
11-09-02 12:10 PM
Experience Elite Service and enjoy complimentary:
Bon Voyage glass of champagnet$IPJDFPGIPUNFBMTt8ine
with hot meals t 4PGUESJOLTt4OBDLTt)PUUPXFMTFSWJDFt-FBUIFS
TFBUJOHt*OnJHIUmSTUSVONPWJFTt)FBETFUTt,JETCBDLQBDL
XJUIHBNFTUPZTt$PVSUFPVTGSJFOEMZTFSWJDF
7RURQWR'HSDUWXUHV‡:HHN‡$OO,QFOXVLYH
The Mill Resort
& Suites ËËËPLUS
5R\DO5RRP(3
1RY'HF
695
$
WD[HV
Brickell Bay ËËË
6XSHULRU5RRP(3
1RY'HF
895
$
WD[HV
Riu Palace
Aruba ËËËËËPLUS
+RWHO5RRP
1RY'HF
1395
$
WD[HV
7RURQWRGHSDUWXUHV$OOSULFHVDUHJURVVSHUSHUVRQEDVHGRQGRXEOHRFFXSDQF\IRUQLJKWVDOOLQFOXVLYHXQOHVVRWKHUZLVHVSHFLÀHGDQGZHUHDYDLODEOHDW
WLPHRISULQWLQJ6HDWVDWWKHDERYHSULFHVDUHOLPLWHGDQGVXEMHFWWRFKDQJHZLWKRXWSULRUQRWLFH$SSOLFDEOHWRQHZERRNLQJVRQO\7UDQVSRUWDWLRQWD[HV
UHODWHGIHHVVKRZQPXVWEHSUHSDLG)RUIXOOWHUPVDQGFRQGLWLRQVSOHDVHUHIHUWRRXUFXUUHQWEURFKXUH$OOÁLJKWVDUHZLWK6XQZLQJ$LUOLQHV6XQZLQJ7RXUV
,QF'%$DV6LJQDWXUH9DFDWLRQV)DVNHQ'ULYH7RURQWR210:.2QW7LFR%&5HJ4XH5HJ 09082011
Sept8.indd 9
11-09-02 12:10 PM
8.5$,1(,17(51$7,21$/$,5/,1(6
:::)/<8,$&20
$*(17:(%6,7(:::8,$1$&20
3$&.$*(672856:::3$125$0$72856(8
$*(17&200,66,21
1-800-876-0114
a quarter higher than pre-recession
level. This confirms that the global
financial crisis has cost airlines about
two full years of growth.
Load factors for the total market
(domestic + international) have
improved by half a percentage point
over July 2010 to 83.1%. This is equal
to the highs recorded in Q3 2010.
North American carriers (86.9%) and
European carriers (84.1%) were in the
lead. Latin American carriers saw the
biggest improvement (from 76.5% last
July to 79.6% this year).
Demand for international air travel
in July was 7.3% above the previous
year’s level and considerably stronger
than the 6.0% growth recorded in
June. This boosted the international
load factor to an impressive 83.1%.
The increase goes beyond the seasonal
fluctuation which normally produces
a July spike owing to the Northern
hemisphere vacation season.
Latin American carriers were
the strongest performers with a
10.3% increase over the previous
July, supported by strong regional
economies and liberalized markets.
The gap with a capacity increase of
7.2% boosted load factors to 82.6%.
Middle East carriers posted a 9.7%
increase in demand, outstripping the
8.9% capacity increase. Load factors for
the month stood at 81.4%. European
carriers roughly matched the 9.3%
increase in demand with an 8.9%
increase in capacity. The load factor for
the month stood at 85.1%, second only
to North American carriers. While
the European debt crisis continues
to deliver economic uncertainty, the
continent’s airlines are benefitting
from a strong expansion of inward
demand that is taking advantage of
the weakened currency.
North American carriers saw a
3.9% increase in demand exceeded
by a 4.4% increase in capacity.
Nonetheless, the region’s carriers
#1 Reservation Centre for
AFRICA &
THE MIDDLE EAST
Request your 2011 brochure
· Fully Escorted Tours
· Locally Escorted Safaris
· Customized Itineraries
· Exclusive Game Lodges
· Rail Journeys
· Inclusive Packages
· Active Adventures
· Self Drives
· Stays of Distinction
· Groups
1543989
Call Toll Free 800.245.0920
or visit www.goway.com
produced the highest load factor at
86.8%. The disappointing economic
outlook continues to dampen demand.
Asia-Pacific carriers had a capacity
increase of 5.8% run ahead of demand
growth of 4.9%. Airlines in the region
are still adjusting to two major
challenges: slower growth in China
and continuing post-earthquake/
tsunami weakness in Japan. Load
factors fell slightly to 80.2%
African carriers posted a 6.6%
increase in demand against a 4.9%
increase in capacity. The region’s load
factor stood at 73.1%.
With very little growth since the
end of Q3 2010, domestic demand has
been much more sluggish than that
for international travel. U.S. domestic
markets, which represent 50% of the
world’s market, grew 2.1% compared
to July 2010. China, with the second
biggest domestic market (18% of
the world), slowed abruptly to just a
5.1% increase in July. This accelerated
the trend of slowing domestic traffic
growth that began in the second half
of 2010. After growing at around 20%
in the first half of 2010, China finished
the year with a 14.6% annual increase
that has now slipped to single digits.
The Japanese market is recovering
slowly from the shock of the March
earthquake and tsunami. While June
showed a 20.3% decline on previous
year’s levels, July was 16.7% down.
Brazil and India recorded the
highest growth rates of 17.8% and
20.6% respectively. Both were stronger
than June’s performance.
“July is the peak in the annual cycle
for passenger traffic. This year was no
exception. But even if the industry’s
performance could be classified as
stronger than expected, we do face
headwinds as we look towards the end
of the year. Some of our challenges
10 Travelweek September 8, 2011
Sept8.indd 10
11-09-02 12:10 PM
have a high percentage of governmentmade content. The recent downsizing
of Air Berlin is a clear reminder of the
high cost of the German departure
tax on the economy, jobs and
communities. Governments should
not compromise aviation’s role as an
economic catalyst for the short-term
revenue gain of gratuitous taxation—
particularly when economies remain
weak,” said Tyler.
Make your job
even more
rewarding.
Collette launches
booking incentive
program where
agents determine
what they earn
Between September 7 and November 7, 2011,
you can enjoy up to ten points per rental on
an American Express® branded reward card
every time you book Dollar or Thrifty.
lll
MISSISSAUGA, ON — Collette
Vacations, which offers escorted
vacations to all seven continents, is
launching a ‘Book your own Bonus’
campaign for agents.
This travel agent incentive program
which began Sept. 1 pays individual
travel agents bonus commission in
addition to Collette’s commission on
land, air and pre-sold options. Travel
agents qualify by making their first
new retail booking on any Collette
tour including its small group tour
brand, Explorations; Collette Family
Vacations; and on all Smithsonian
Journeys Travel Adventures affordable
learning vacations.
Each booking made after the
initial qualifying booking earns the
individual travel agent $50 and each
booking builds on the one before
(second booking $50; third $100;
fourth $150; and fifth $200).
For any booking after five, travel
agents earn $200 per booking with no
limit on how much they can earn. The
offer is valid on new retail bookings
only made between Sept. 1 and April
30, 2012 for departures in 2012.
“We had thousands of travel agents
qualify for our ‘5 for $500’ agent
incentive campaign last year and are
pleased to be able to offer Book your
own Bonus - the easiest Collette agent
incentive ever,” says Frank Marini,
Collette Vacations’ vice president
of sales. “Agents start earning their
bonus with just their second Collette
2-3 days rental = 1 point
4-5 days rental = 2 point
6+ days rental = 5 point
Total Rewards
2 points $2
4 points $4
l0 points $10
Earn double points on qualified rentals in the U.S. and
Canada booked between September 7, 2011 and November
7, 2011, with travel by November 21, 2011. Double points are
your key to extra cash, so get ‘em while they’re hot!
Join Daily Dividends today at
www.mydailydividends.com
Double points promotion is not combinable with other offers. Not valid on Choice Hotel bookings. Offer valid in
the U.S. and Canadian booked between 9/7/2011 and 11/7/2011, with travel by 11/21/2011. Unused points will
be forfeited the first day after the expiration date, subject to applicable law. Usage restrictions and guidelines apply.
Card cannot be redeemed for cash and is not transferable. The card is point based with 1 point = $1 in
purchasing power in the currency of your country of residence. Card terms and conditions apply. The card is
issued by American Express Incentive Services, L.L.C. ©2011 Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. Dollar and
Thrifty feature a wide selection of quality vehicles.
September 8, 2011 Travelweek 11
Sept8.indd 11
11-09-02 12:10 PM
booking and there is no incentive cap.”
Collette said that complimentary
roundtrip home to airport sedan
service on air-inclusive bookings has
been a major selling advantage for
travel agents.
Other features include: thousands
of guaranteed departure dates;
Discounting Protection – Collette
does not accept bookings from online,
discount-only agents; and commission
paid on pre-sold options.
To learn more about the Book your
own Bonus travel agent incentive call
1-800-468-5955.
Goway launches
‘Classic’ itineraries for
Latin America
TORONTO — Goway Travel, the
specialist wholesaler for long haul
destinations, has created a range of
‘Classic’ itineraries for Latin America.
“One of Goway’s best selling
concepts has always been the ‘Classic’
itineraries – which are created by
combining our best selling individual
stopover packages. The Classics are
a great starting point, and allow
travellers to upgrade accommodations,
add or take out nights, and add day
touring. The growth of our Latin
America programs has enabled us to
assess the trends and demands of the
most popular destinations in South
America and we have come up with
three Classic itineraries,” said Don
Forster, Product Manager for Goway’s
Latin America.
“The Galapagos and Machu Picchu
are a natural combination, as are the
amazing and cosmopolitan cities or
Buenos Aires and Rio with Iguassu
Falls. Then we have the Andean
Classic taking in Machu Picchu, Lake
Titicaca and the Salar de Uyuni – the
largest salt lake in the world. In short
our three new Classics offer the very
best of South America in customizable
and in-depth classic itineraries.”
Goway’s Classic itineraries allow
travellers to journey independently
and not be part of a total touring
Colours of Indochina
8-day AMAWaterways Cruise 23 days | 21 nights
Nov. 24; Jan. 5 & 19;
Feb. 2 & 16
5649
$
Add taxes & other fees: $525
Add $250 for departures from Toronto or Ottawa
Earn a total of 12,100 Aeroplan® Miles per member†
group. These flexible, pre-planned
itineraries can be joined any day and
modified according to interests and
time.
Goway has introduced three Latin
Classic itineraries with the 19-day
Conquistador & Explorer itinerary
taking in two of South America’s
landmark sites – the Galapagos Islands
and Machu Picchu from $5,250 per
person.
There is also the 14-day Andean
classic which highlights the three
big attractions nestled in the Andes
mountains – Machu Picchu, Lake
Titicaca and the world’s largest Salt
Lake Salar de Uyuni from $3,920 per
person.
Rounding out the offerings is the
8-day South America classic. With
the romantic and cosmopolitan cities
of Rio and Buenos Aires book ending
a visit the largest waterfalls in the
world – Iguassu Falls from $1,875 per
person.
To order a copy of the LATIN
Continued on page 22 ...
INCLUSIONS
0Transpacific flight aboard Air Canada from Vancouver
0Intra-Asia flights
014 nights of accommodation in First Class hotels
07-night cruise on board La Marguerite
in outside cabin (category C)
0Airport and port transfers
0Half-day city tours of Ho Chi Minh City,
Hoi An, Hue and Hanoi
02 full-day tours in Angkor Wat
038 meals
aircanadavacations.com/agents
1 877 274-2228
Prices are in Canadian dollars, per person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise stated, from Vancouver International Airport. International flights operated by Air Canada. Visa required
for Canadian citizens entering Vietnam & Cambodia. New bookings only. Subject to availability at time of booking. For applicable terms and conditions, consult the Air Canada Vacations brochures
or www.aircanadavacations.com. Holder of Quebec permit #702566. Ontario registration #50013537. BC registration #32229. †Aeroplan Miles vary based on points of departure and destination.
For terms and conditions of the Aeroplan program, consult www.aeroplan.com. Offer of Aeroplan Miles applicable to customers only. ®Aeroplan is a registered trademark of Aeroplan Canada
Inc. ®Air Canada Vacations is a registered trademark of Air Canada, used under license by Touram Limited Partnership, 5925 Airport Road, Suite 700, Mississauga, ON.
12 Travelweek September 8, 2011
Sept8.indd 12
11-09-02 12:12 PM
SPOTLIGHT WINTER PRODUCT PREVIEW
Hola Sun featuring new 2011/2012
brochure to showcase Cuba products
by Chris Kinasz
Hola Sun’s new brochure features a
selection of over 60+ hotels in Cuba,
ranging from two- to five-star, from
beach to city resorts.
The new brochure highlights nine
destinations: Cayo Coco/ Cayo Guillermo, Holguín, Cienfuegos/Trinidad,
Santiago de Cuba, Camaguey/Santa
Lucia, Havana, Varadero and Cayo
Santa Maria.
New ítems include the five-star Melia Buenavista by Sol Melia on Cayo
Santa Maria beach, which has spa
facilities, and Village Sirenis Playa
Turquesa in Holguin, where quad pricing is available in rooms with two beds
for families of up to five members.
Hola Sun’s Cuba Cruise travels all
around the island of Cuba for nine
days, and includes air, accommodation, cruise, transfers and more.
The Collection Prestige allows clients to live a variety of unique Cuban experiences. Travel booked for
November and onwards offers a 12%
commission.
Spotlight_WinterProductPreview_September8.indd 13
In total, Hola Sun has 90+ hotels
available in its system for booking.
This Canadian tour operator solely
sells Cuba, offering comprehensive
Cuba product along with specialty
products.
All Hola Sun products and services
are available to all agents at an 8%
commission across the board.
Hola Sun destinations are serviced
by three carriers: Canjet, Air Transat
and Cubana. Gateways span coast to
coast with 14 in total, including Baggotville.
Hola Sun’s main focus is sales out
of YYZ and offers ITC packages, land
only, air only, car rentals, escorted bus
tours, small cruises, sun/city combos
and long and short stays. Its sister
company, Caribe Sol, focuses on sales
from Montreal and Quebec.
There are three added value programs that are exclusive to Hola Sun
passengers. One is Club Hola Sun,
which allows clients to select hotels
with specific allotments and added
values included at no extra charge. The
Havanatur Collection allows clients to
select hotels with a key icon indicating
added values in the room and at the
hotel that are exclusive to Hola Sun
passengers. A third added value program equals free excursions in a number of destinations like a cabaret show,
beach party or nautical excursion.
Hotels exclusive to Hola Sun include
Club Rancho Luna in Cienfuegos,
which is all-inclusive and located directly on the beach that is popular for
long stays of 21 and 28 nights, and
Club Los Delfines, which is located on
the beach in the heart of Varadero.
Hola Sun Holidays offers competitive group rates for all types of target
market groups such as golfers, weddings, corporate, students, singles,
family travel and more. Inquire by email at groups@holasunholidays.ca. A
minimum of eight passengers is available for discounts.
For product information, e-mail
sales@holasunholidays.ca. To book,
call (905) 882-9445 or visit www.hola
caribeagent.ca. To order a Hola Sun
02/09/11 10:43 AM
SPOTLIGHT WINTER PRODUCT PREVIEW
REVIEW
Holidays 2011/2012 brochure, visit
www. e-contac.com.
Almond Resorts
offers an all-inclusive
escape on the islands
of Barbados and
Saint Lucia
Almond Resorts provides escapes for
singles, families or groups in Caribbean settings. Clients can indulge in
authentic Bajan and Creole cuisine,
learn a native dance or relax in the
rejuvenating Caribbean breeze. Everything is included.
Almond Resorts has a 2012 Early
Booking Sale, offering up to 40% off.
Rates start from US$131 per person,
per night. The promotion is for new
bookings that are made before Sept.
30 and is valid for travel between Jan.
6 and Dec. 20, 2012. Air and transfers
not included.
The Almond Resorts portfolio has
four all-inclusive resort properties on
the Caribbean islands of Barbados
The Saint Lucia seaside
and Saint Lucia. The properties feature tropical gardens, beachside pools,
restaurants and a unique Caribbean
experience at each location. Different property highlights include the
hillside manicured paths of Almond
Morgan Bay, the Green Globe certified Almond Casuarina Beach and the
Almond Beach Village residing on a
former sugar plantation. All modern
luxuries and advances are available at
Almond resorts and the adults only
Almond Beach Club & Spa offers rejuvenating spa treatments and relaxation.
Almond Resorts’ ‘For you. About
you.’ concept promises that each guest’s
experience is uniquely suited to their
idea of a perfect getaway. The promise
extends itself to guests of every age.
Open to children as young as newborns to age 16, The Kids Club invites
Introducing
Live A Unique Experience…
A selection of deluxe hotels with elite added values
pertaining to a specific experience in CUBA.
t4QB
t%FMVYF
t)BWBOB$JHBS
t%FMVYF'BNJMZ
t4IPX5JNF
t3PNBOUJD
t$MVCCJOH
t(PMG
t%SFBN:BDIU
t6OEFSXBUFS
t:PHB
Consult for full details
Available for the winter season
at 12% commission
AGENT ACCESS: www.holacaribeagent.ca t Amadeus t Sirev
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. YYZ departures. Space is subject to time of booking. Rates are based on lowest room category offered. Taxes of $273.91 per
QFSTPOBOENVTUCFBEEFEUPQVCMJTIFESBUFT3FGFSUPPVSCSPDIVSFGPSGVMMUFSNTBOEDPOEJUJPOT)PMB4VO)PMJEBZTt8FTU#FBWFS$SFFL3E6OJU3JDINPOE)JMM-#$0OU3FH
14 Travelweek September 8, 2011
Spotlight_WinterProductPreview_September8.indd 14
02/09/11 10:43 AM
youths to delve into the island culture
with activities designed to keep all
ages engaged throughout the day.
Visit www.almondresorts.com or
call 1-800-4-ALMOND.
Sparkling Voyages
showcases luxury
winter vacations
Sparkling Voyages has established
a portfolio of five-star and selected
four-star hotels and resorts that have
distinguished themselves in terms of
service and quality of product.
The Toronto-based tour operator
can put together vacation packages
in the Caribbean, Mexico, French
Polynesia, Costa Rica, Seychelles,
Maldives and Hawaii, all with luxury
inclusions and amenities.
Striving to partner with solely reliable and proven suppliers at each
destination, Sparkling Voyages will
create custom-made vacations with
various inclusions such as upscale
hotels, resorts, villas, private airport
transfers, private tours and excursions and economy, business or first
class flights.
On top of the luxury nature of the
travel products offered by Sparkling
Voyages, the tour operator is committed to providing a very personalized service, where every traveller’s
needs are taken into account and
suitable vacation options are provided accordingly.
Sparkling Voyages recommends
the timeframe from January to April
to travel to the islands of Bora Bora,
Moorea, Tahiti and Tahaa in French
Polynesia.
For more information, visit www.
sparklingvoyages.com or call (416)
840-2588 or 1-866-266-8812.
Sunwing offering
widest range ever of
vacations from Ontario
Sunwing is making it easier than ever
for Ontarians to head south, offering
its popular vacations from a record
nine departure airports across Ontario. The newest addition this year is
North Bay.
Over the past five winters, Sunwing has operated a regional airports strategy across Canada, with
its ‘bring the plane to your door’ philosophy. In addition, the operator has
significantly enhanced its range of
destinations from Ottawa along with
extending the length of some series,
with the first flights from the city
now available from Nov. 11 through
to the end of April.
“As the winter selling season gathers pace, with many resorts offering
unprecedented levels of Early Booking Bonuses, now is the perfect time
to finalize and book your Winter getaway,” said Andrew Dawson, president
of Tour Operations. “The vast majority
of departure dates on all the regional
flights still have availability, so people
booking now can get their first choice
of dates and resorts.”
All flights are onboard Sunwing
Airlines featuring Elite service on all
Cuba with all the
Hospitable cities and fine white-sand beaches. Exotic keys with exotic natural
environment. Unforgettable sensations in deluxe hotels. Elegant Paradisus,
select Meliá, fun-packed Sol and functional Tryp. Varied services, offers for
enjoying different travel experiences and exclusive products. Luxurious Royal
Service, private Garden Villas, spas brimming with energy and exquisite
culinary specialties. Cuba with all its Senses.
LA HABANA & SANTIAGO DE CUBA Meliá Cohiba I Meliá Habana I Tryp Península Varadero I Meliá Santiago de Cuba VARADERO Paradisus Princesa del Mar I Paradisus Varadero I Meliá Las
Américas I Meliá Las Antillas I Meliá Varadero I Sol Palmeras I Sol Sirenas Coral I Tryp Península Varadero CAYOS Meliá Buenavista I Meliá Cayo Santa María I Meliá Las Dunas I Meliá Cayo
Guillermo I Meliá Cayo Coco I Sol Cayo Largo I Sol Pelícano I Sol Cayo Santa María I Sol Cayo Guillermo I Sol Cayo Coco I Tryp Cayo Coco HOLGUÍN Paradisus Río de Oro I Sol Río de Luna y Mares
September 8, 2011 Travelweek 15
Spotlight_WinterProductPreview_September8.indd 15
02/09/11 10:43 AM
SPOTLIGHT WINTER PRODUCT PREVIEW
REVIEW
flights between Ontario and southern
destinations. Upgrades to Elite Plus allow for complimentary seat selection,
priority check-in and boarding at an
Ontario airport and an extra 10kg of
checked luggage allowance. Attractively priced access to the Terminal 1
Plaza Premium Lounge is also available to travellers leaving from Toronto
Pearson airport.
Winter flights departing Ontario are
available from Kitchener–Waterloo to
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic every Wednesday; London to Varadero,
Cuba every Monday; North Bay to
Varadero every Tuesday; Ottawa to 12
destinations including new flights to
Costa Rica, Puerto Plata, Los Cabos,
Puerto Vallarta, Orlando and new daily service to Varadero; Sault Ste. Marie to Varadero, every Wednesday;
Sudbury to Puerto Plata, Dominican
Republic every Thursday; Windsor to
Varadero each Tuesday, and Thunder
Bay to Varadero every Monday.
From Toronto Pearson, clients can
fly to 33 destinations. Highlights in-
clude new flights to Nassau, Bahamas and Aruba, plus daily flights to
Varadero, Cuba. Also, the new ‘dayliner’ service has daily daytime flights to
Punta Cana and Cancun.
For more information, visit www.
sunwing.ca.
Transat Holidays adds
Cuba Cruise to its
product line-up
Transat Holidays has announced the
addition of ‘Cuba Cruise’ to its line of
cruise products.
Featured in a four-page colour brochure that’s now available, the package
includes a roundtrip flight to Varadero,
an all Cuba seven-day cruise aboard the
Cuba Cristal, roundtrip transfers from
Varadero to Havana as well as pre- and/
or post-hotel accommodation.
Clients can choose from 12 hotels in
Varadero and four in Havana.
With sailings starting on Dec. 4,
Cuba Cruise combines the advantages
of a beach resort with the excitement
of a cruise ship. Passengers taking
a Cuba Cruise will enjoy food supplied from Canada and wine, which
is mainly French with some Canadian
selections. Canadian premium brand
and Cuban domestic brand beers are
available at an additional cost. The
cruise also provides Cuban entertainment, a casino, Internet service and
Canadian currency available onboard.
The ports of call in Cuba, from
Sunday to Sunday, are Havana, Cayo
Guillermo, Bahia de Nipe, Santiago de
Cuba, Cayo los Caguamas, Cienfuegos
and Trinidad, Isla de la Juventud and
back to Havana.
This program is available with flights
from Montreal, Toronto, Thunder Bay,
Ottawa, Hamilton, Quebec City, Halifax, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver,
Winnipeg, Regina and Saskatoon.
“With Cuba Cruise, we provide our
clients with an opportunity to experience Cuba’s diversity like never before.
It’s the most comprehensive way to
discover the country’s history, natural
beauty, culture and hospitality,” said
D;M:;IJ?D7J?EDI
97HJ7=;D7
9EPKC;B
Jehedje:[fWhjkh[i
ory
t
c
u
d
o
r
t
n
I
Offer
:?H;9J<B?=>JIJE97HJ7=;D7
Thursdays December 22, 2011 to April 26, 2012
:?H;9J<B?=>JIJE9EPKC;B
Fridays December 23, 2011 to April 20, 2012
8eeaXoEYjeX[h)'
Save $300
F;H
9EKFB;
7BB:;F7HJKH;:7J;I"7BBF79A7=;I
…
PLUS Earn
TM
10X ON NEW DESTINATIONS
*Toronto departures. Flights via CanJet. $300 per couple savings is valid until October 31, 2011 for travel between December 15,
2011 to April 30, 2012. Applicable to all products within the destination with a minimum duration of 7 nights. Offer is not valid on
group or cruise bookings, and is subject to change without notice. Offer is not valid with any existing promotional offer. 10xBonBon
is not valid on cruise packages and group bookings. Other terms and conditions may apply. For full descriptions and terms and
conditions refer to the Nolitours 2011-2012 Sun brochure. Nolitours is a division of Transat Tours Canada Inc., and is registered as a
travel wholesaler in Ontario (Reg #50009488) with offices at 191 The West Mall, Suite 800 Etobicoke, ON M9C 5K8.
16 Travelweek September 8, 2011
Spotlight_WinterProductPreview_September8.indd 16
02/09/11 10:46 AM
Peter Ouellette, managing director,
Cruises at Transat Tours Canada.
For more information visit www.
transatholidays.com.
AmaWaterways
releases 2012 Brochure
AmaWaterways has released its 128page 2012 Brochure, which details the
line’s extensive river cruise vacation
itineraries, new programs, specialty
cruises and new vessels.
“AmaWaterways celebrates its tenth
anniversary in 2012, a year which will
mark a number of important developments and milestones at the company.
We will not only operate 12 customdesigned vessels, but will expand our
itineraries, excursions and amenities,” said Rudi Schreiner, president of
AmaWaterways.
The 2012 Brochure sets forth extensive details about the AmaWaterways
river cruise vacations on the Danube,
Rhine, Main, Mosel and Rhone rivers
in Europe. In 2012, the line will feature
a total of nine custom-built vessels in
The Rhone river, Avignon, France
Europe, all featuring French balconies
or twin balconies, and amenities such
as Internet and guided bicycle tours.
European itineraries commence in
the spring with Tulip Time cruises on
the waterways of the Netherlands and
Belgium. Making its debut in France in
the spring is the MS AmaDagio, marking the first time an AmaWaterways
vessel will operate on the Rhone River.
Additionally, the brochure includes
an overview of the AmaWaterways
2012 specialty cruises, including ‘In
Celebration of Wine’ cruises on the
Danube, Rhine and the Rhone River
in France. Details about the 2012 ‘Jewish Heritage’ cruises are set forth complete with itineraries, dates and prices.
Beginning in 2012, the line will offer its Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia
itineraries under a new ‘AmaVoyages’
product line.
For details, visit www.amawater
ways.com or call 1-800-626-0126.
DISCOVERING US. INCLUDED.
When your clients need the perfect setting
for a romantic breakaway, Almond Resorts
offers a unique, unforgettable all-inclusive
resort experience. A safe, relaxing atmosphere
where they can do it all. Or do nothing at all.
At Almond Resorts, your clients will find that
doing as they choose, is always included.
AlmondResorts.com
800.4.ALMOND
BARBADOS · ST. LUCIA
Rates Starting from
$131* USD
per person/per night
2012 EARLY BOOKING SALE
UP TO 40% OFF
Early Booking promotion is valid for travel Jan. 6, 2012 – Dec. 20, 2012 and must be booked by Nov. 1, 2011. *Above rate is
in US Dollars and is per person, per night based on double occupancy in a standard room at Almond Morgan Bay for travel
Apr. 16, 2012 – Dec. 20, 2012 and is subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation charges and restrictions. Special savings
vary according to hotel and travel dates. Does not include air or transfers. Offer may not be combined with any other offer
or promotion and is subject to availability. All bookings must be noted with the following code in order for this offer to apply:
CANEBB12. Offer applies to new bookings only, is not retroactive and is subject to change without notice. All bookings are
all-inclusive. Wedding, Renewal of Vows and Honeymoon Packages may be booked in conjunction with this rate.
September 8, 2011 Travelweek 17
Spotlight_WinterProductPreview_September8.indd 17
02/09/11 10:44 AM
SPOTLIGHT LAS VEGAS
Sunspots Holidays now featuring creative
Vegas itineraries and agent incentives
by Chris Kinasz
Toronto-based wholesaler Sunspots
Holidays is now offering extra incentives for popular weekend getaways in
Las Vegas from major Canadian cities.
In addition to a variety of package
options and hotel choices that are able
to suit all budgets, Sunspots offers
more travel agent incentives for package bookings made before Dec 21.
For example, when booking a
three-night package for The Venetian
Resort, travellers will benefit from
various choices when it comes to airlines and package value, while travel
agents will receive increased incentives of $15 per passenger.
Having established negotiated airfares with signature air partners including American Airlines, WestJet
and US Airways, Sunspots Holidays is
able to offer flexibility when selecting
travel dates and length of stay. In addition, Sunspots has hundreds of hotel
options including all the popular properties in desired locations on the Strip.
Spotlight_LasVegas_September8.indd 18
Clients can secure the space for
their preferred excursions prior to departure as Sunspots can book various
tours and tickets, including tickets for
all major shows of Cirque du Soleil,
the Grand Canyon Tour, the Hoover
Dam Tour, Madame Tussauds Vegas,
Peepshow in Vegas and much more.
Las Vegas has become so much
more than simply a gambling destination, and Sunspots Holidays can offer
creative itineraries and tailor-made
packages for family-friendly resorts,
weekend attractions and other destination highlights.
For more information, call (416)
484-8144, 1-800-657-8721 or visit
www.sunspotsholidays.com.
Caesars Entertainment
launches Las Vegas
trade website for
travel agents
Caesars Entertainment Corporation
has announced the start of
CaesarsTravelAgents.com, a website
created specifically for travel agents
that provides direct access to
customized offers and promotions
from their origin destination as well
as up-to-date news and access to
sales resources.
“This new website provides support
and resources for travel agents selling
the Caesars Entertainment portfolio
of resorts in Las Vegas,” said Annette
Weishaar, vice president of leisure and
citywide sales for Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas.
The site offers travel agents a central place to find relevant information
including agent commissions, selling tips and the latest news from the
world of Caesars Entertainment. Also
available through the site is information about signature programs. These
signature programs include the Total
Experiences for Travel Agents, PetStay Las Vegas, No Resort Fees, Buffet
of Buffets and All-Stage Pass. Registered agents will also have access to
02/09/11 10:41 AM
an extensive library of tools including
property highlights, GDS Codes and
Caesars Entertainment’s international
contact list.
Agents who register on the site
before the end of the year will be
entered in a contest to win a threenight Las Vegas vacation for two, including premium accommodations
and show tickets.
For more information, visit www.
CaesarsTravelAgents.com or www.
caesars.com.
Caesars Palace and
Nobu Hospitality to
create the world’s
first Nobu Hotel
Caesars Palace and Nobu Hospitality
executed definitive agreements to create the first-ever Nobu Hotel, Restaurant and Lounge to be located in Las
Vegas. This boutique-style hotel is set
to open in the summer of 2012 and
will combine the world’s first Nobu
Hotel with the first Nobu restaurant
and lounge on the Las Vegas Strip.
“Whilst we have a very solid pipeline of hotels on a global scale, we are
resolute in our determination to ensure we create in Las Vegas a unique
five-star destination for style-makers
and trendsetters the world over,” said
Trevor Horwell, chief executive of
Nobu Hospitality.
David Rockwell of the Rockwell
Group will lead the overall interior
design of the 180-room Nobu Hotel.
The hotel, restaurant and lounge will
feature a stylish interior design that
showcases natural materials fused with
Nobu’s signature Japanese elegance.
Under the scheduled development
plan, the Centurion Tower will undergo
a multi-million dollar refurbishment.
The 11,200 square-foot Nobu restaurant and lounge, located in the
heart of the Nobu Hotel, will be a great
destination to be seen, socialize and
enjoy the cuisine of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. The restaurant will offer several teppanyaki tables, sushi bar and
private dining area along with a large
lounge and bar boasting 327 seats.
Bellagio unveils
newly redesigned
guestrooms
Bellagio has unveiled a collection of
newly redesigned rooms that aim to
further enhance the AAA Five Diamond guest experience at the resort. Bellagio began the US$70 million
remodel in June and anticipates all
2,568 Resort Rooms in the main tower
will be complete by mid-December.
The new rooms reflect an updated
feel, pairing modern conveniences
with the warmth of home. Three
unique designs were utilized. The
Resort King Rooms feature either an
indigo and silver combination or a
green tea and plum palette while the
Resort Queen Rooms welcome guests
with an amber and butterscotch motif.
All three designs are offered with the
popular Lakeview option, overlooking
the Fountains of Bellagio.
The new room design creates enhanced functionality with the addition of benches at the end of each bed,
brighter lighting in the bedroom and
bathroom and a full-length mirror in
the foyer. There is also an ergonomically designed desk space and chair as
well as two armchairs. Each of the redesigned rooms features the new Bellagio
at Home mattress, developed by Serta.
In keeping with Bellagio’s commitment to sustainability, the newly
remodelled rooms incorporate environmentally responsible elements including LED lighting in corridors and
guest rooms, organic carpeting and
furniture made from eucalyptus.
For details, visit www.bellagio.com
or call 1-888-987-6667.
Three zebra shark pups
take up residence at
Mandalay Bay’s Shark
Reef Aquarium
Three male Zebra Shark pups are the
newest additions to the Shark Reef
A zebra shark
September 8, 2011 Travelweek 19
Spotlight_LasVegas_September8.indd 19
02/09/11 10:41 AM
SPOTLIGHT LAS VEGAS
Aquarium Touch Pool at Mandalay Bay.
The three pups, who debuted to the
public on June 29, are now on display
in the same touch pool where their
parents made their first appearance
in 2000 when Shark Reef opened. The
pups currently each measure 50 centimetres long and weigh 450 grams and
will remain on exhibit in the Touch
Pool until they are ready for transfer.
“This is a great accomplishment for
our ongoing breeding efforts,” said
Adrienne Rowland, director of Shark
Reef Aquarium. “These shark pups
will become part of a cooperative
breeding program to ensure the species’ survival so future generations are
able to enjoy these magnificent creatures as we do today.”
The shark pups join the rest of the
animals at Shark Reef Aquarium, a
90,560 square-foot, predator-based
aquarium that is the only one of its
kind in North America. Adults and
children alike can enjoy and learn
about more than 2,000 dangerous animals including a rare Komodo Dragon, a Giant Pacific Octopus, sharks,
crocodiles and piranhas.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay
Bay is open daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
throughout the summer. Ticket prices
are US$18 for adults and $12 for children. Children four and under are free.
For more information, call (702)
632-4555 or visit www.mandalaybay.
com.
Flamingo Las Vegas
announces plans
to open the first
Carlos’n Charlie’s in
the Southwest
Flamingo Las Vegas has announced
plans to open the first Southwest location of the high-energy Mexican
eatery Carlos’n Charlie’s. The restaurant and bar will make its debut later
this winter.
Located adjacent to the Race &
Sports Book, Carlos’n Charlie’s will
span more than 8,000 square feet
serving lunch and dinner nightly.
The dining room will boast seating
for 150, and a unique outdoor terrace will overlook the Flamingo pool
and gardens complete with oversized
umbrellas and cooling misters, accommodating an additional 150 people. The large bar will seat up to 40
guests, bringing the venue’s full seating capacity to 340 with additional
space for gathering and dancing.
The food menu will offer a wide
variety of authentic Mexican favourites such as tacos, burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, fajitas, and other
traditional Mexican fare. Guests can
also create their own tableside guacamole with Carlos’n Charlie’s interactive guacamole cart, for the perfect
unique blend. A selection of American favourites such as Chipotle BBQ
ribs, burgers and spicy chicken wings
will also be offered.
Carlos’n Charlie’s opened its first
location in Acapulco, Mexico in 1970,
immediately attracting tourists and locals alike with its food, loud music and
party-like atmosphere. The concept
quickly caught on, and there are currently 11 Carlos’n Charlie’s locations
throughout Mexico. Carlos’n Charlie’s
is now making its way to the West, to
the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.
Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, the Flamingo Las Vegas is
a desert oasis. The centre Strip resort
features more than 3,500 guest rooms,
including the newly renovated and
award-winning Flamingo GO Rooms
and suites.
The historic hotel-casino is home
to a sprawling 15-acre pool and wildlife habitat complete with waterfalls,
mature island vegetation and tropical
wildlife, three distinctive pools and
several outdoor wedding gardens.
Flamingo Las Vegas offers a wide
variety of dining options with eateries such as Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Burger Joint and hosts
an all-star line-up of entertainers.
Brother-sister duo Donny and Marie
Osmond are the resort’s headliners,
while comedians George Wallace,
Vinnie Favorito and Nathan Burton
also entertain audiences.
For more information on the hotel
visit www.flamingolasvegas.com.
20 Travelweek September 8, 2011
Spotlight_LasVegas_September8.indd 20
02/09/11 10:41 AM
Orlando’s 2
Most Exciting
Theme Parks!
Universal’s Islands
of Adventure® and
Universal Studios Florida®
Save $20 off the regular
ticket price when you buy in
advance and save.
*Valid on any multi day tickets.
Canada Exclusive Offer
Save up to 40%^at one of the three on-site
hotels at Universal Orlando® Resort
• For new bookings from now until Dec 31/11
• Travel Dates: Nov 27/11 - Mar 10/12
• Black out dates: Dec 23/11 to Dec 31/11, Jan 13-15/12, and Feb 17-19/12
• Minimum Length of Stay is 3 nights. Can not be combined with any other
offer, subject to availability and is limited to capacity.
Hard Rock Hotel®
Hard Rock Hotel®
GardenView Canada Offer
148
$
Per night plus $18.50 tax
Take a seat and test your luck at Halloween Horror Nights® 21. Get ready for
all-new haunted houses, electrifying scare zones, outrageous live shows and
more. Halloween Horror Nights is the winner of Amusement Today’s “Best
Halloween Event” Golden Ticket award. You think you can beat the odds, but
the house always wins at Halloween Horror Nights® 21, only at Universal
Studios® Florida. Select nights, September 23 - October 31.
WARNING this event may be too intense for young children and it is not recommended for children under the age of 13.
No costumes or masks allowed.
Hotel price is per room per night based on double occupancy and valid for travel Jan 30 - Feb 03/12 and were available on Aug 29/11. Prices and availability are subject to availability and to change without prior notification. Block-out dates, surcharges, and additional
restrictions may apply. Taxes and fees are to be added and prepaid at time of booking for the accommodation only prices and are as per indicated in the above. Not included: transfers or car rental.
Canada Exclusive offer is valid for new bookings only made now through December 31/11 valid for travel November 27/11 though March 10/12. Black out dates and restrictions apply. Minimum length of stay is 3 nights. Can not be combined with any other offer. Valid
for Canadian residents only.
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2011 Universal Studios. © 2011 Universal Orlando. All rights reserved. Hard Rock Hotel ® Hard Rock Cafe International (USA), Inc.
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.
PG27441
Sept8.indd 21
11-09-02 12:12 PM
... Continued from page 12
AMERICA Travel Planner call 1-888469-2955, visit Goway.com or e-mail
info@goway.com.
Contiki offers 10%
savings on Asia and
South America tours
TORONTO — Contiki Holidays is
putting Asia & South America tours
on sale with 10% off bookings made
Sept. 6-30.
These two adventurous destinations
are a solid favourite with young
travellers, said Contiki. “We launched
our tours in South America only a few
short months ago, but they’re already
a hot seller,” says Brad Ford, President
of Contiki Canada. “In fact, we’ve
sold out many of our South America
departures from now until March.
“The demand for Asia remains
incredibly strong; whether it’s our
popular 14-day Asian Adventure or
12-day Vietnam Experience, people
love the way Contiki does this part of
the world,” added Ford.
Both destinations are a slight
departure from Contiki’s more
traditional tours in Europe, Australia
& New Zealand and North America.
“Asia and South America seem to
appeal to a slightly more adventurous
traveller – here we offer smaller group
sizes (avg. 22-25), different types of
transportation, more World Heritage
Sites and more unique experiences for
18-35’s than ever before.”
Some of Contiki’s adventurous
options include: hiking Peru’s Inca
Trail to Machu Picchu, Thai cooking
classes, world-class parties like Rio’s
Carnaval or Thailand’s Full Moon
celebrations, rainforest elephant
rides in Laos, whitewater rafting in
Cusco, tours of Rio’s famous favelas,
a speedboat cruise in Vietnam or
horseback riding with a local gaucho
in Argentina.
Look for Contiki Holidays’ new
Asia brochure being released soon.
The 10% sale applies to Asia tours
departing between Sept. 6 and Dec.
31, 2012 (promo code PPCASEBB6)
and South America tours departing
Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2012 (promo code
PPCSAEBB6). Agents can combine
this promo with Contiki’s Book With
Mates and 2nd Tour Discount, but not
Pay Early Save More or Past Traveller
discounts. Applies to new bookings
only.
To order brochures, visit www.econtac.com or fax (905) 564-1225.
Contact your Regional Sales Manager,
or The Contiki Dream Team at 1-800268-1835 or contactus@contiki.ca for
more information.
Total Vacations
celebrates 15th
anniversary at
product launches
MISSISSAUGA — Total Vacations
is inviting its agency partners to
experience a New Era of Travel with
Total Vacations at its 15th Anniversary
product launches.
Total will be launching in the
A Webinar You Can’t Afford to Miss!
“How to Sell to Clients Under 30”
Thursday October 6th, 2011
Dr. Marc Mancini will share the 10 most significant traits that characterize ‘Gen Me’
buyers and learn dozens of tactics to address their wants and needs. And you can
expect the kind of entertaining yet insightful presentations Marc is known for. He
promises to show you how Harry Potter, sneaker lights and Survivor have shaped the
way this younger generation thinks about travel. This 60 minute Webinar starts at
2 pm EST.
Things You’ll Learn:
• Underscore your value to a generation empowered by technology and convinced of
their travel planning skills
• Adjust to their tendencies to travel with groups of friends--or alone
• Leverage their destination knowledge with clients who already live in a global village
• Address their passion for high quality--but at a price that fits their limited budgets
• Keep their interest and attention in their tweet-driven world.
IT’S TIME TO DISCOVER CITC!
416-484-4450 x227 1-800-589-5776
www.citc.ca;
events@citc.ca
FOR REGISTRATION AND A
FULL WEBINAR LISTING:
www.citc.ca/webinars
22 Travelweek September 8, 2011
Sept8.indd 22
11-09-02 12:12 PM
following cities: Sept. 13 Kitchener/
Waterloo; Sept. 14 London; Sept. 20
Barrie; Sept. 20 Niagara Falls; Sept.
22 Hamilton; Sept. 27 Ottawa; Sept.
28 Montreal; Oct. 3 Calgary; Oct. 4
Edmonton; Oct. 5 Vancouver.
The trade show starts at 5:30 p.m.
with dinner at 6:30 with the exception
of Barrie which is a breakfast seminar
at 7:30 a.m.
The Toronto show on Sept. 19 at the
Sheraton Hotel on Dixon Road will
feature destination seminars starting
at 3 p.m. Upon completion of the
seminars agents will receive a surprise
gift. Trade show will follow for this
show at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6:30.
Agents can RSVP to sales@
totalvacations.ca.
NOTES
Austrian adds flight
Austrian Airlines is adding a fourth
weekly Toronto-Vienna flight to the
winter schedule, effective Oct. 31.
Traditionally, the number of flights
has been reduced every winter to three
due to the seasonality of demand.
In the summer schedule, Austrian
Airlines offers daily nonstop flights
from Toronto to Vienna. The first
Austrian Airlines flight from Toronto
to Vienna took place in 2001. Austrian
offers connections to more than 100
European destinations as well as those
in the Middle East and India.
EVENTS
Anderson Vacations is holding agent
appreciation events in both Calgary
and Edmonton. Anderson will also be
launching a brand new Downunder
brochure, with agents who attend
being some of the first to get their
copies. There will also be giveaways
and new promotions. The events will
run for about 90 minutes and will have
either a PowerPoint presentation or
roundtable discussion with a variety of
suppliers. Light snacks and beverages
will be provided. The Calgary agent
event will be at Buzzards on Monday,
Sept. 12 at 5:30 p.m. located at 140
10th Avenue SW. The Edmonton
event is at the Ramada Kingsway
Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 5:30 p.m. located
at 11834 Kingsway Ave. To reserve
your seat at the agent events, e-mail
fitres2@andersonvacations.ca or call
1-866-814-7378.
Travel Professionals International
(TPI) will be holding its 2011
Regional Summit training and
networking events in major centres
across Canada throughout September
and October. Attracting hundreds
of TPI travel consultants each year,
the TPI Regional Summit brings
associates in-person training from
invited speakers, members of TPI’s
management team and preferred
partners on trends affecting the
industry, new TPI program offerings
and best practices for business success.
The dates and locations of the TPI
2011 Regional Summit are: Sept. 10,
What’s on
Travelweek’s
dƌĂǀĞůǁĞĞŬ͛Ɛ >ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ĞŶƚƌĞ ŝƐ Ă ŽŶĞͲƐƚŽƉͲƐŚŽƉ ǁŚĞƌĞ ƚƌĂǀĞů
ĂŐĞŶƚƐ ĐĂŶ ƐĞĂƌĐŚ͕ ŵĂŶĂŐĞ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞ ƚŚĞ ǀĂƌŝĞƚLJ ŽĨ
ƚƌĂǀĞů ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌLJ ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ĐŽƵƌƐĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĂƌĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ŽŶůŝŶĞ͘ sŝƐŝƚ
www.travelweeklearningcentre.caƚŽƐŝŐŶƵƉĂŶĚďĞŐŝŶ͊
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts Specialist Program
Enjoy being a star
/ZK^dZ,ŽƚĞůƐΘZĞƐŽƌƚƐŚĂƐĐƌĞĂƚĞĚƚŚŝƐĐŽŵƉƌĞŚĞŶƐŝǀĞ
dƌĂǀĞů^ƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐƚŽƵƌƐĞĞdžĐůƵƐŝǀĞůLJĨŽƌLJŽƵ͕ƚŚĞƚƌĂǀĞůƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐƚ͘
dĂŬĞƚŚŝƐŽŶůŝŶĞƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐƉƌŽŐƌĂŵĂŶĚůĞĂƌŶŚŽǁƚŽƉůĂŶLJŽƵƌ
ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ͛ǀĂĐĂƟŽŶƐǁŝƚŚĐŽŶĮĚĞŶĐĞĂŶĚĞĂƐĞ͘ŽŵƉůĞƚĞƚŚŝƐ
ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵďĞĨŽƌĞKĐƚŽďĞƌϭϱ͕ϮϬϭϭĂŶĚLJŽƵ͛ůůďĞĞŶƚĞƌĞĚŝŶƚŽ
ĂĚƌĂǁƚŽǁŝŶĂŶĂůůͲŝŶĐůƵƐŝǀĞ͕ƐĞǀĞŶͲŶŝŐŚƚǀĂĐĂƟŽŶĨŽƌƚǁŽƚŽ
/ZK^dZŽƐƚĂŽƌĂĚŽŝŶWƵĞƌƚŽWůĂƚĂ͕ŽŵŝŶŝĐĂŶZĞƉƵďůŝĐ͘
Aussie Specialist Program
dŚĞƵƐƐŝĞ^ƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐƚŝŶŶŽǀĂƟǀĞŽŶůŝŶĞĐŽƵƌƐĞǁŝůůƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ
LJŽƵǁŝƚŚƚŚĞŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞĂŶĚƐŬŝůůƐŶĞĞĚĞĚƚŽƐĞůůƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂ
ŵŽƌĞĞīĞĐƟǀĞůLJƚŽLJŽƵƌĐƵƐƚŽŵĞƌƐ͘
Universal Specialist Program
ĞĐŽŵĞĂhŶŝǀĞƌƐĂůWĂƌŬƐΘZĞƐŽƌƚƐsĂĐĂƟŽŶ^ƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐƚ͘
CCL University
ĂƌŶŝǀĂůƌƵŝƐĞ>ŝŶĞƐ͛ĞŶŚĂŶĐĞĚŽŶůŝŶĞƚƌĂǀĞůĂŐĞŶƚƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ
ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐĂǀĂƌŝĞƚLJŽĨƉƌŽǀĞŶƐĂůĞƐĂŶĚŵĂƌŬĞƟŶŐ
ƚĞĐŚŶŝƋƵĞƐĂŶĚĐŽŵƉƌĞŚĞŶƐŝǀĞŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶŽŶƚŚĞ͞&ƵŶ
^ŚŝƉ͟ǀĂĐĂƟŽŶĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ͘
September 8, 2011 Travelweek 23
Sept8.indd 23
11-09-02 12:12 PM
Travelodge Hotel Dixon, Toronto;
Sept. 12, Ramada Park Place Hotel,
Dartmouth, NS; Sept. 18, River Rock
Resort and Casino, Vancouver; Sept.
21, Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton
West, Edmonton; Sept. 24, Holiday
Inn Macleod South, Calgary; Oct. 1,
Ramada, Regina; Oct. 4, McPhillips
Station Casino, Winnipeg.
Scenic Tours is planning a series of
information shows aimed at agents
and their clients. They are scheduled
for Winnipeg on Saturday, Sept. 10 at
The Fairmont Winnipeg from 10-11
a.m.; Ottawa on Sunday, Sept. 11 at
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier with
European River Cruises the topic
9:30-10:30 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. and
Worldwide Touring 11:30 a.m.-12:30
p.m.; Kingston on Monday, Sept. 12 at
the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront
from 10-11 a.m.; Belleville on
Monday, Sept. 12 at the Ramada Inn
on the Bay from 7-8 p.m.; Ajax on
Tuesday, Sept. 13 at the Annandale
Golf & Curling Club from 3:30-4:30
p.m. and 7-8 p.m.; Mississauga North
on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at DoubleTree
by Hilton Hotel Toronto Airport from
10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.; Sarnia on
Thursday, Sept. 15 at the Holiday Inn
Hotel and Conference Centre from
10-11 a.m.; Windsor on Thursday,
Sept. 15 at the Hilton Windsor from
3-4 p.m.; Hamilton/Burlington on
Friday, Sept. 16 at the Royal Botanical
Gardens from 4-5 p.m.; Toronto on
Saturday, Sept. 17 at The Fairmont
Royal York for European River Cruises
9:30-10:30 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. and
Worldwide Touring 11:30-12:30 p.m
To RSVP, visit www.scenictours.com/
RSVP/european-river-cruising-20122013-presentation/ or call 1-866-6898611.
PEOPLE
The Canadian Institute of Travel
Counsellors has named Ryan
DiMarco Business Development
Manager. He has been working in
the travel industry for the past eight
years, starting as the Educational Tour
Manager and
then Account
Manager
with School
Vo y a g e u r s
(currently
BrightSpark).
A three-month
adventure
Ryan DiMarco
hiatus
took
DiMarco and his wife to West Africa
where he worked for an NGO in
Ghana, as well as exploring countries
in West and North Africa. Upon his
return he took on the role of Director
of Regional Sales with a start-up tour
operator before joining Goway Travel
and selling the South Pacific in the
wholesale department. Steve Gillick,
president & COO of CITC, said
“his role will combine membership
development, certification promotion,
attracting young people to the industry,
sponsorships and partnerships.”
He can be contacted at ryan@citc.ca
or (416) 484-4450/ 1-800-589-5776
ext. 224.
Cuba Cruise Brochure 2011/2012
Find Your Cuba:
š;nf[h_[dY[j^[Z_l[hi_joe\9kXW½ih_Y^[ib_a[deej^[h
jhWl[b[hX[\eh[oek
šIjWoedj^[X[WY^"mWbaZemdYeXXb[ijed[ijh[[jiehkf
cekdjW_dfWj^i$$$j^[Y^e_Y[_ioekhi
šL_i_jkfjei_nKD;I9EmehbZ^[h_jW][i_j[i
š<h[i^9WdWZ_Wd\eeZWdZX[[h_cfehj[Zm[[abo#m_j^
Wc_ne\9WdWZ_Wd";khef[WdWdZ9kXWdjWij[i\eh
[l[hoed[
š7lW_bWXb[[nYkhi_ediWh[dej^_d]i^ehje\[njhWehZ_dWho
WdZ"Wh[e\\[h[ZZW_bo
šJ^_i_iW9kXWhWh[boi[[d$$$j^_i_iWY^WdY[\ehoekje
º<_dZOekh9kXW»
DemWlW_bWXb[Wj^_ffe[nfh[ii$Yec
www.yourcubacruise.com
DISTRIBUTION AND FULFILLMENT FOR THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY
1.855.364.4999
T. 416.365.1500
F. 416.365.1504
www.hippoexpress.com
24 Travelweek September 8, 2011
Sept8.indd 24
11-09-02 12:31 PM
WEBWEEK
$10 Bonus Cheque for Every Booking Made On-line!
September 8, 2011 Travelweek 25
Sept8.indd 25
11-09-02 12:13 PM
MARKETPLACE
Ellison Travel & Tours,
Exeter & Goderich, ON
Twice Awarded Carlson Wagonlit
Travel Associate Office of the Year
Requires Leisure and Local
Business Travel Counsellor
Idea candidates have a postsecondary education related to
the travel industry with minimum
3-5 years’ experience.
Strong organizational,
communication and customer
service skills are essential
together with a thorough
understanding of Sabre.
Trams accounting
experience is preferred.
If you are a team oriented,
self-driven, positive individual
willing to join our energetic team,
please forward your resume to
vacations@ettravel.com
We thank all applicants for their interest,
however, only those candidates selected
for an interview will be contacted.
We are looking for a
Air Desk Agents and
Ticketing Agents
itravel2000 are seeking for individuals
who are self motivated and hungry
for results to join our dynamic team.
Want to have fun while you work?
Itravel2000 has what you are looking
for….plus more!
s-INIMUMTWOYEARS
Sabre experience
s-USTHAVEEXPERIENCEWITHNET
fare ticketing
s0RODUCTKNOWLEDGEAMUST
s-USTBESALESDRIVENWITHEXCELLENT
customer service skills.
s7ORKINGmEXIBLEHOURS
s4)#/#ERTIlCATION
You will be offered competitive salary
ANDINCENTIVEPLANGROUPBENElTSAND
great opportunity for growth.
Please email your resume to
jalkobi@itravel2000.com.
& Luxury Honeymoons
Our Top Producing Destination
Wedding Company is expanding
once again...
To continue growing WE NEED YOU to
help keep up with the demand.
We want to meet you and will be
interviewing in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto,
and Ottawa in the coming weeks.
WANTED: Destination Wedding
Specialists (HOME-BASED)
YOU: Highly motivated, sales driven,
minimum 3 years’ experience in retail
leisure travel, groups experience, sound
product knowledge and superior service
and organizational skills.
WEDDINGS BY OCEANS: Full support,
on- going training, competitive commission
split, presence in National Wedding Shows
and GUARANTEED GROUP LEADS!
For immediate consideration, please e-mail
your resume and cover letter to:
julie@weddingsbyoceans.com
We thank all candidates for their interest, however
only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
ARE YOU A PEOPLE PERSON?
RESPONSIBILITIES:
l Develop strong relationships with travel agent customers.
l Conduct travel agent & consumer sales presentations & training seminars.
l Provide customer service to travel agents and assist with the resolution of
ÄÄÄOQNAKDLÄÆKDRÄ
l Complete the required number of daily sales calls and produce regular reports
ÄÄÄNMÄÆDKCÄR@KDRÄ@BSHUHSHDRÄ
l Represent Insight Vacations, develop sales leads at trade & consumer travel
shows.
l Initiate and implement local marketing campaigns and promotions.
l Liaise with Insight Vacations’ preferred retail partners at the regional level.
l Monitor competitive environment in sales territory.
REQUIREMENTS:
lÄMinimum 3 years of relevant work experience (travel industry or sales
experience preferred).
l Outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills.
l Ability to work independently and manage a large sales territory with little
direction.
l Superior time management and organizational abilities.
l Must be willing to travel extensively, often spending multiple nights away
from home.
l Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
l Demonstrated ability to manage a budget.
lÄ"NLOTSDQÄ/QNÆBHDMBXÄ6HMCNVRÄ$L@HKÄÄ,2Ä.EÆBDÄ
l Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable car.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
DO YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL?
Style is at the heart of the Insight brand,
WEžAREžLOOKINGžFORžANžINDIVIDUALžWITHžmAIR.
OPEN POSITION:
Part-time
MANITOBA / SASKATCHEWAN
Sales Manager
Interested applicants should email their resume
and cover letter to: employment@travcorp.ca
www.insightvacat ions.c om
26 Travelweek September 8, 2011
Sept8.indd 26
11-09-02 12:13 PM
EXPLORE OUR WEBSITE!
travelindustrypersonnel.com
TO FIND OUT HOW
WE CAN HELP YOU
McCord Travel Management, a corporate agency serving an elite clientele in
downtown Ottawa invites applications for: Senior Corporate Agent.
An outstanding, bright, self-starting, service-oriented agent is required to
provide exceptional service to our roster of elite travel clients.
Responsibilities: Work in a dynamic atmosphere where quality counts and
ability to respond quickly to high profile clients. The client roster is generally
provided by the agency and work is shared among agents in a team approach.
Skills required:
s-INIMUMYEARSEXPERIENCE
s+NOWLEDGEOFFARESFARECONSTRUCTIONTICKETISSUANCEEXCHANGESANDREFUNDS
s(IGHFAMILIARITYOFROUTINGANDDESTINATIONS
s#ONVERSANTINHOTELPROPERTIES
s%XCELLENTKNOWLEDGEOFFREQUENTmYERPROGRAMS
s3TRONGKNOWLEDGEOF'ALILEO!POLLOPREFERRED
s&ULlLLCONCIERGESTYLEREQUESTS
s0ROVENHIGHSALESPERFORMANCEANDEFlCIENTCOMPLETIONACCURATEBOOKINGS
Rewards:
&ULLTIMEPOSITION3ALARYWILLBECOMMENSURATEWITHEXPERIENCE&ULLYFUNDED
BENElTSPACKAGE0ROlTSHARINGPROGRAMFORTHERIGHTCANDIDATE
Apply to: hr@mccordtravel.ca
Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
͞'Ğƫ
ŶŐƚŚĞ
ƌŝŐŚƚƉĞŽƉůĞ
ŽŶďŽĂƌĚ
ƐŝŶĐĞϭϵϴϰ͟
We’re celebraƟng over 25 years of
recruitment for the travel industry
throughout Canada.
Our service is free to candidates.
TIP maintains strict conĮdenƟality
for both candidates and clients.
CONTACT US TODAY!
Member of ACTA
905-542-2989 // 1-800-717-4917
careers@travelindustrypersonnel.com
Work with the best!
Don Mills Franchisee is looking for
1 part time travel consultant &
2 Outside Sales Agents,
preferably with clientele.
Compensation depends on
travel industry experience.
Please send CV to
Michael.giese@marlintravel.ca
We are looking for
Travel Sales Agents
Cruise Agents
Air Desk Agents
Home Sales Agents – Work from home!
Bilingual Call Quality Analysts
Customer Care Agents
itravel2000 are seeking for individuals who are self motivated and hungry for
results to join our dynamic team. Want to have fun while you work?
itravel2000 has what you are looking for...plus more!
WE ARE GROWING!
FULL TIME POSITION AVAILABLE IN ETOBICOKE
CORPORATE AND LEISURE TRAVEL CONSULTANT
Requirements:
4USPOHPSHBOJ[BUJPOBMTLJMMTtLOPXMFEHFPGJOUFSOFU
t4JSFWBOE(BMJMFPNJOJNVNZSTFYQFSJFODF
tDPNQFUJUJWFOFHPUJBUFETBMBSZ
1MFBTFGPSXBSESFTVNFUP
Donna@bestpointstravel.com or fax 416-251-0368
The ideal candidate MUST possess:
s4)#/#ERTIlCATION
s4RAVELEXPERIENCE
s3ALESAND#USTOMERSERVICEEXPERIENCE
s7ORKINGmEXIBLEHOURSnCALLCENTEROPENFROM
AMMIDNIGHTnDAYSAWEEK
!LLQUALIlEDCANDIDATESPLEASESENDYOURRESUMETOhrjobs@itravel2000.
comCOMPREHENSIVETRAININGCLASSESBEGIN!UGUST3EPTEMBERAND
/CTOBERWEWOULDLOVEFORYOUTOJOINUS
LOOKING TO
PLACE A
MARKETPLACE AD?
Contact Mike McCreesh at Ext. 39
1-800-727-1429 or 416-365-1500
mmccreesh@travelweek.ca
September 8, 2011 Travelweek 27
Sept8.indd 27
11-09-02 12:13 PM
MARKETPLACE
,?6;0*;9(=7,(3::065(;,()6<;
+,:;05(;065:
A F R IC A
A S IA S O U T
&
H PA C IF IC
L AT IN
(9,@6<
A M E R IC A
1VPUV\Y.YV^PUN;LHT
>/63,:(3,;9(=,3*65:<3;(5;:
:6<;/7(*0-0*3(;05(4,90*(
;6965;6=(5*6<=,9
9,_WLYPLUJLPUJYLH[PUNJ\Z[VTPaLK[YH]LS[VV\Y
3H[PU(TLYPJH:V\[O7HJPÄJKLZ[PUH[PVUZ
9)LTV[P]H[LKI`[OLVWWVY[\UP[`[VLHYU
HIV]LH]LYHNLJVTTPZZPVU
97YV]LUZLSSPUNZRPSSZ
9,_JLSSLU[JVTT\UPJH[PVUHUKJ\Z[VTLYZLY]PJLZRPSSZ
Please email your resume in confidence, quoting the position title to: OY'NV^H`JVT
We are looking for a
Production Artist
CUSTOMER SERVICE
AIR COORDINATORS
Thomas Cook Canada Inc. is seeking five (5) Customer Service Air
Coordinators (contract; various
start dates) to join our Customer
Service Air Department in Toronto.
These positions will provide customer service to Sunquest passengers who will be flying on Thomas
Cook Canada operated by Jazz.
If you have a positive attitude,
excellent communication skills,
strong customer service skills and
experience in the Airline industry,
this may be the right opportunity
for you.
Interested applicants are invited to
submit their resume to resume@
thomascookgroup.ca.
To view the full description, please
visit www.thomascookgroup.ca
itravel2000 is looking for a production artist to join our energetic creative team.
As production artist, you will be responsible for executing innovative and sales
driven promotions along with working side-by-side with our senior designers to
build out larger projects. This position requires an individual who will adhere to
corporate style, guidelines and enforce style consistency. Must be able to work in a
fast paced, detail oriented and time sensitive environment.
Specialized Skills and Attributes:
s'RADUATEOFAPOSTSECONDARYEDUCATIONINAGRAPHICDESIGNOREQUIVALENTDIPLOMA
s!BILITYTOWORKONBOTH-!#AND0#PLATFORMS
s0ROlCIENCYIN!DOBE0HOTOSHOP)LLUSTRATOR$REAMWEAVERAND)N$ESIGN
s!DOBE&LASH7ORD0RESS#-3PLATFORMS#33ANDJAVASCRIPTWOULDBEABENElT
s!TTENTIONTODETAILWHILEHANDLINGMULTIPLEPROJECTSANDMEETINGCRITICALTIMELINES
s!BILITYTORESPONDQUICKLYTOCHANGINGPRIORITIES
s!BILITYTOWORKWELLCOLLABORATIVELYANDINDEPENDENTLYONPROJECTSFROMSTARTTO
lNISHWITHMINIMALSUPERVISIONINAHIGHVOLUMEFASTPACEDENVIRONMENT
s4RAVELINDUSTRYEXPERIENCEWOULDBEANASSET
How to apply
)FYOUAREINTERESTEDINTHISOPPORTUNITYPLEASESENDYOURRESUMETO
itravel2000.com
2350 Matheson Blvd East
-ISSISSAUGA/.,7'
hrjobs@itravel2000.com
28 Travelweek September 8, 2011
Sept8.indd 28
11-09-02 12:13 PM
SENIOR DIRECTOR,
LEISURE TRAVEL OPERATIONS
Your own travel business!
Home Based Consultants
s"ASEDIN4ORONTOWITHRESPONSIBILITYFOROUR,EISURE4RAVEL/PERATIONS
ANDTHEPROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENTOFOUR,EISURE4RAVEL!DVISORS
If you are an experienced Travel Agent and
want to grow your own travel business
from home, join Flight Centre and partner
with a highly trusted, global leader.
s,IAISEWITH,EISURE"USINESS$EVELOPMENT4EAMFORTHESUCCESSFUL
IMPLEMENTATIONOFLOCALANDNATIONALMARKETINGINITIATIVES
s0ROlCIENCYWITH-3/FlCE#"AND3OCIAL-EDIAREQUIRED
s+NOWLEDGEOF6IRTUOSO3PECIALISTSINTHE!RTOF4RAVELANASSET
s-OTIVATEDSELFSTARTERWITHEXCELLENTORALANDWRITTENCOMMUNICATIONSKILLS
0LEASESENDYOURRESUMETOTHE
ATTENTIONOFOUR(2#OORDINATORVIA
%MAILhr@vision2000.caOR&AX416.225.7334.
Join the market leading
host agency and turn
your client base into
your dream business.
“Talk to us before you sign!”
Apply Online
www.applyfirst.ca/job22277
or call 1 866 891 2189
YOU HAVE: Great communication skills, passion
for travel and the Trafalgar brand and a strong work
ethic as a sales superstar.
WE WANT: A Sales Manager who can think outside
the box, inspire retail partners, drive sales and
deliver Trafalgar’s quality, reliability and excellence.
One ambitious Sales Manager needed to grow
Trafalgar Tours’ business in the coming selling season:
Sales Manager for Manitoba/Saskatchewan
& NW Ontario
we love our
brand.
you will love
selling it!
Can YOU deliver quality, reliability and excellence
in these markets?
Join Trafalgar Tours’ dynamic sales team NOW!
We offer:
Competitive salaries
Unbeatable bonus structures
Excellent benefits package
Top notch inside sales and marketing support
The opportunity to travel the world and the
amazing places Trafalgar is passionate about
www.TrafalgarTours.ca
Interested applicants should email their resume
and cover letter to: employment@travcorp.ca
Closing date is: September 16, 2011
September 8, 2011 Travelweek 29
Sept8.indd 29
11-09-02 12:13 PM
CRUISING
UPDATE
Air Canada Vacations partners
with MSC Cruises on itineraries
worldwide
VViking River Cruises adds two
more builds for 2012; six new
Viking Longships to debut
MONTREAL — Air Canada Vacations’ brand new
partnership with MSC Cruises adds more options for
clients and offers a collection of itineraries and packages
that take advantage of Air Canada’s international network
of flights.
MSC Cruises will enhance Air Canada Vacations’
worldwide product in North America, Europe and
the Caribbean with 12 of its ships including the new
MSC Divina, debuting in 2012. Itineraries will include
destinations in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean,
Northern Europe, Arabia and transatlantic with a selection
of three- to 19-night cruises.
MSC Yacht Club is available on three of the ships
including MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida and MSC Divina.
This ‘ship within a ship’ offers clients a private reception,
concierge service, personal butler, private pool and bar
with all-inclusive amenities including complimentary
wines and spirits.
“Expanding our network with MSC Cruises allows Air
Canada Vacations to offer our customers the opportunity
to visit regions rich in history, culture and diversity,”
said Nathalie Tanious, Vice President of Cruise and
International at Air Canada Vacations. “We are excited to
provide Canadians a variety of life-enriching experiences
that surpass their expectations.”
According to Ian Patterson, MSC Cruises’ managing
director in Canada, creating a partnership with Air Canada
Vacations will be even more rewarding for consumers since
it’s the only cruise line offering Aeroplan Miles. “Air Canada
Vacations offer an extensive flight schedule providing
more Canadians the opportunity to enjoy an MSC Cruise
especially in the Caribbean and Europe where the MSC
Yacht Club, our new ship-within-a-ship, is available,” said
Patterson.
For more information or to book, go to www.
aircanadavacations.com/agents.
LOS ANGELES — Viking River Cruises has ordered two
more ships in the Viking Longships class for delivery in
2012, bringing the total of new vessels to six.
This announcement marks an unprecedented number of
ships launching in a single season, an accomplishment that
eclipses Viking’s own record of four ships christened into
the fleet in 2001.
These two new ships are part of company’s $250 million
fleet development program, comprised of several complete
refurbishments plus the introduction of 10 new Viking
Longships by 2014. The two new ships – Viking Embla and
Viking Aegir – will make their debut in July and August
2012, respectively, joining sister ships – Viking Freya, Viking
Idun, Viking Njord and Viking Odin – to be christened in
March 2012.
By shifting the corridor one metre and reorienting the
staterooms, this patent-pending design of an asymmetrical
corridor configuration creates additional space and a
variety of stateroom choices. The result is the largest real
suites in Europe featuring separate sleeping and living
rooms in each of its Explorer Suites and Veranda Suites as
well as more full-size rooms and full-size verandas than
other European river cruise vessels. Plus, three-quarters of
staterooms will feature a veranda, French balcony or both.
Each of the Viking Longships will be 443 feet long,
feature 95 staterooms per ship.
Viking River Cruises’ commission policy pays agents
commission on everything they sell, with payment 29 days
prior to departure; commissions average more than $1,200
per booking. Viking also offers many commissionable
upgrades, including a Travel Protection Plan, land
extensions and various air programs.
All itinerary details, dates and pricing as well as travel
agent benefits are available on the company’s travel
agent portal at www.vikingrivercruises.com/agents. . For
additional details, contact Viking River Cruises toll-free at
1-877-66VIKING (1-877-668-4546).
30 Travelweek September 8, 2011
Sept8.indd 30
11-09-02 12:14 PM
Sept8.indd 31
11-09-02 12:14 PM
Say si to the city on the sea.
WestJet now offers service to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The exotic locale of San Juan, Puerto Rico has been added to our growing list of destinations. With white
sandy beaches, rain forests and beautiful mountain ranges, San Juan is as diverse as it is breathtaking.
Your clients can explore Old San Juan, a beautiful and historic city with plenty of old world charm. They will
marvel at the Spanish architecture as they walk through its narrow cobblestone streets. From snacking on
the island’s delicious plantains to checking out the beaches in Condado and Isla Verde, this is a paradise
ready to be discovered.
Setting sail? San Juan is also the Caribbean’s cruise ship hub, with more than 200 sail boats and seven
cruise lines passing through. Port of San Juan is only eight miles from the San Juan International Airport,
giving easy access to the beautiful waters of the Caribbean.
Starting November 5, 2011, WestJet can take your clients twice weekly from Toronto to experience the
wonder of San Juan.*
WestJet provides an exceptional guest experience, with no overbooking, ample legroom and overhead bin
space. We’re constantly working on new, client pleasing packages backed by our extensive schedule. Plus,
we offer guests flexibility on departure and stay dates so they can enjoy a package that suits their schedule.
Book today at westjet.com/agent.
*Schedule subject to change. See westjet.com/agent for full schedule details. Mailing address: 6085 Midfield Road, Toronto, ON L5P 1A2. TICO registration number: 50018683.
Sept8.indd 32
11-09-02 12:14 PM