Been there, done that - Travelweek

PM40015622 

July 12, 2012 

Volume 40 Issue 25 

CANADA’S TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATION 

GDS model ‘too clunky’ says IATA but 

agents want a say on any changes 

BRUSSELS — Calling GDSs “too 

clunky”, IATA Director General and 

CEO Tony Tyler said the organization 

is working on a new distribution 

capability (NDC) that will bring 

the industry up-to-date with online 

THISWEEK 

3 SANDALS CONVENTION 

Sandals is inviting travel agents to a 

one-day convention in Toronto Oct. 18 

10 NEW IGTO HEAD 

Oded Grofman is heading back to 

Israel. Ami Alon is his successor 

retailers and revolutionize distribution. 

The foundation standard for the 

NDC will be presented at the World 

Passenger Symposium in October. “The 

GDSs and system providers have an 

important role to play in working with 

12 AUSTRALIA CAMPAIGN 

Tourism Australia launched its new 

marketing campaign in Toronto 

34 SELLING INSURANCE 

Clients should remember to purchase 

insurance for summer vacations 

us to optimize this NDC and to take 

advantage of the opportunities it will 

offer the entire value chain,” Tyler said. 

But Tyler didn’t mention the people 

who sell nearly 60% of airline tickets 

worldwide – travel agents – and some of 

them want a say on any major changes 

in the distribution landscape. 

The World Travel Agents Associations 

Alliance (WTAAA) has sent a letter to 

Aleks Popovich, senior vice president, 

Industry Distribution and Financial 

Services at the IATA, requesting that 

IATA seek regulatory review of its new 

“standards-setting” initiative, called 

New Distribution Capability (NDC), 

and that IATA include the travel agency 

distribution channel, through WTAAA, 

on all related committees and task 

forces. 

“IATA has the unique challenge of 

developing a standard that will not 

be seen by regulators as having the 

potential to skew the competitive 

process,” said WTAAA Chair Peter 

Barlow. “We urge IATA to have its 

newly announced initiative reviewed 

by regulatory agencies to ensure the 

initiative is designed to produce procompetitive 

standards that will benefit 

the entire distribution system, not just 

IATA’s airline members. 

“The travel agency distribution

THE ROYAL Cancun 

The Real ® 

Experience. 

Book Real Resorts with WestJet Vacations. 

Real Resorts offers a unique Mexico vacation experience which allows your clients to resort 

hop in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Book the Gran Resorts or THE ROYALS and they’ll 

experience a combined three and four nights or seven and seven nights package between 

Cancun and Riviera Maya. 

Real’s all-inclusive Gran Resorts are designed for family fun with something for everyone. 

�� ««««+ 

�� ««««+ 

THE ROYALS all-inclusive resorts offer adult-only service with impeccable amenities and 

world-class gourmet dining. 

�� ««««« 

�� ««««« 

Book today by calling our WestJet Vacations 

toll free number 1 877 737 7002. 

Not available for online bookings. Offer limited and subject to availability. Offer subject to change and expiry without notice. New bookings only. 

Other restrictions may apply. Quebec licensee. Mailing address: 6085 Midfield Road, Toronto ON L5P1A2. TICO registration number: 50018683.

system sells nearly 60% of global air 

tickets. Therefore, it’s imperative that 

our voices be heard,” said Barlow. 

“Further, as the global association 

whose members represent more 

than 70% of all agency issued tickets 

worldwide, it’s appropriate that 

WTAAA have a seat at the table.” 

WTAAA has invited Popovich to 

speak with its members at its annual 

general assembly Sept. 10-12, 2012 in 

Washington, D.C. 

WTAAA members include the 

American Society of Travel Agents 

(ASTA) and Association of Canadian 

Travel Agencies (ACTA) as well as the 

Brazilian Association of Travel Agents 

(ABAV), Australian Federation of 

Travel Agents (AFTA), European 

Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ 

Associations (ECTAA), Association of 

South African Travel Agents (ASATA), 

Travel Agency Federation of India 

(TAFI) and Travel Agents’ Association 

of New Zealand (TAANZ). 

Tyler acknowledged the role of 

the GDS in the past. 

“While the computer reservation 

systems of the 1970s put aviation 

decades ahead of other consumerfacing 

industries, the GDS model is 

now holding us back. New models, 

more retail-based, are facilitating 

customer-friendly interactions in 

almost every other consumer online 

activity. But the GDS model is too 

clunky to adapt easily to the emergence 

of trends such as fare unbundling and 

merchandizing,” said Tyler. 

Sandals invites 

Canadian agents to 

one-day convention in 

Toronto this fall 

TORONTO — Sandals Resorts is 

bringing back its one-day national 

travel agent convention in Toronto on 

Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012. 

“THE TRAVEL AGENCY distribution system sells nearly 

60% of global air tickets. Therefore, it’s imperative that 

our voices be heard”. 

Agents are invited to attend the 

full day of activities including a trade 

show, a general information session, 

lunch, in-depth breakout classes 

concluding with dinner and evening 

entertainment. 

Five in-depth educational sessions 

(subject to change) will cover a variety 

of topics including: 

�� 

program and the exclusive Online 

Destination Wedding Designer 

�� 

the ultimate group and incentive 

destinations 

�� 

at all Sandals and Beaches Resorts 

�� 

experiences 

�� 

agents to improve their bottom line. 

There is no charge for agents to 

register and attend the ‘Sandals 

�� 

which will take place at the Toronto 

Congress Centre (North Building), 

located at 650 Dixon Road in Toronto. 

Throughout each year, Sandals 

Resorts consistently rewards and 

educates its most loyal travel agents 

with training sessions, booking 

incentives and on-property site tours 

across their three brands – Sandals 

Resorts, Beaches Resorts and Grand 

Pineapple Beach Resorts – in Jamaica, 

Antigua, Saint Lucia, the Bahamas and 

the Turks & Caicos Islands. 

For more information on the Sandals 

Convention and to register online, 

agents can visit http://uvisandals.ca/ 

��. 

Air Canada reports 

record June load 

factor of 85.6% 

�� 

a record system load factor of 85.6% 

July 12, 2012 Travelweek 3

Your #1 choice to: 

Lisbon, 

Porto & Faro 

in June, versus 84.2% in June 2011, an 

increase of 1.4 percentage points. 

System traffic increased 1.5% on 

a system-wide capacity decrease of 

0.1%. Air Canada reports traffic results 

on a system-wide basis, including 

regional airlines from which Air 

Canada purchases capacity. 

“Traffic grew 1.5% during the 

month, led by the Atlantic and 

transborder markets. This record 

load factor result for the month also 

demonstrates the effectiveness of 

our strategy to manage capacity to 

ensure high efficiency,” said Calin 

Rovinescu, President and Chief 

Executive Officer. 

4 Travelweek July 12, 2012 

Car Rentals 

Exclusive to Accord Tours 

$ 139 

NET - 

from p/ 

week 

WestJet reports 

strong June traffic 

results 

CALGARY — WestJet posted a June 

load factor of 79% with traffic up 6.7% 

year over year while capacity grew 

2.3% over the same period. 

The airline achieved a second 

quarter record load factor of 81.6% 

and flew nearly 4.27 million guests 

in the quarter; an increase of 326,000 

guests year over year. 

“The strong June traffic results and 

the record second quarter load factor 

are evidence that guests are continuing 

to choose WestJet in record numbers. 

Advance bookings for July and August 

remain strong, and I thank WestJetters 

for their commitment to providing 

a remarkable guest experience 

throughout the busy summer travel 

season, especially in light of some very 

challenging summer storm conditions 

in the past several weeks,” said WestJet 

President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. 

Porter load factor hits 

record 62% in June 

TORONTO — Porter Airlines registered 

a 62% load factor in June. Passenger 

numbers, ASMs (Available Seat 

Miles) and RPMs (Revenue Passenger 

Miles) all set new records for the 

month. 

Nearly 212,000 passengers travelled 

in June, 4.2% more than last year. 

Figures for the month show 126.5 

million ASMs and 78.4 million RPMs. 

ASMs grew 8.5% from 116.6 million 

and RPMs increased 4.1% from 75.3 

million last year. 

“Numbers for June, although 

slightly less than in 2011, met our 

expectations, especially considering 

the fact that a strike at one of our 

& 

Ont. Reg# 1649491 

1908-777 Bay St, Toronto, Ontario 

�� 

�� 

�� 

Editor 

Patrick Dineen, Ext. 32, pdineen@travelweek.ca 

Managing Editor 

Kathryn Folliott, Ext. 28, kfolliott@travelweek.ca 

Associate Editor 

Cindy Sosroutomo, Ext. 30, cindys@travelweek.ca 

Contributor 

Chris Kinasz, chris.kinasz@travelweek.ca 

Art Director 

Sarit Mizrahi, smizrahi@travelweek.ca 

Graphic Designer 

Lani Thorpe, Ext. 25, lthorpe@travelweek.ca 

Web Designer 

Antonio Carito, Ext. 34, acarito@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 

Michael McCreesh, Ext. 39, mmccreesh@travelweek.ca 

Accounting 

Marie Mercado, Ext. 21, travelweek@travelweek.ca 

Group Publisher 

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 2012 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. 

282 Richmond Street East, Suite 100 

Toronto, Ontario Canada M5A 1P4 

Tel. (416) 365-1500 Fax (416) 365-1504 

www.travelweek.ca 

www.hippoexpress.com

ONT. REG 

#2476582

Sandals® Loves 

Gloria Taylor 

Loves 

Sandals Grande Antigua 

As a member of the Canadian travel industry for 

over 30 years, I have been selling Sandals Resorts 

since day one! I have booked many of our clients 

to the various Sandals Resorts and I’ve had the 

pleasure of visiting many of them myself. I recently 

returned from Sandals Grande Antigua where I 

had a wonderful experience. 

It was my fi rst trip back to the resort since the 

addition of the stunning Mediterranean Village, 

which is a lovely complement to the original 

Caribbean Grove. The two areas of the resort fl ow 

together so nicely. The grounds were impressive 

and immaculate, and the lush tropical trees and 

fl owers are picture-perfect. 

Antigua is known for its beaches and the stretch of 

white sand beach at Sandals does not disappoint. 

It is great for swimming with warm, shallow waters. 

One of my favourite restaurants at Sandals Grande 

Antigua is Eleanor’s, which features gourmet West 

Indian cuisine with excellent service. The Sushi Bar 

is also an ideal spot for a quick appetizer before 

heading out for dinner. And who can resist the fi sh 

& chips at The Cricketer’s Pub? 

I’ve always believed that Sandals stands behind 

travel agents. This was proven true once again 

during my visit to Sandals Grande Antigua. 

Ezra Knowles and her sales team at the resort are 

phenomenal. They understand exactly what travel 

agents need and they go above and beyond 

to deliver. 

Gloria Taylor 

Marlin Travel 

Medicine Hat, Alberta 

Love Is All You Need 

Call Your Tour Operator or 

�� 

Sandals ® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. 

is the worldwide representative for Sandals Resorts. 


� 

competitors last year brought more 

last minute business to us than would 

normally be the case,” said Robert 

Deluce, president and CEO of Porter 

Airlines. “Our second quarter and 

year-to-date numbers made gains, and 

the outlook for the full year continues 

to be good.” 

Adventure Center 

launches program for 

independent agents 

TORONTO — Adventure Center is 

launching the Independent Adventure 

Expert travel agent program, calling 

it an opportunity for connoisseurs of 

off-the-beaten-track small group holidays 

to operate as a direct sell contractor 

for the Adventure Center’s portfolio 

of adventure tour operators. 

“The Independent Adventure 

Expert will be able to earn high 

commission, with full business 

support from Adventure Center, 

including Adventure Travel Specialist 

certification and access to thousands 

of trips covering all continents,” said 

the company. 

“Consumers have many of the tools 

they need at their fingertips to be their 

own travel agent,” said Dallyce Macas, 

President & CEO of Adventure Center. 

“But there is no doubt that many 

clients want to deal with a professional 

who can add value to the interaction.” 

Headquartered in Toronto, 

Adventure Center is North America’s 

largest small-group and adventure 

travel specialist. Established in 1972, 

Adventure Center has grown to be a 

portal to 20 adventure companies. 

For more information, visit 

Adventurecenter.com. 

Air Canada Vacations’ 

winter program open 

for sale 

MONTREAL — Claiming more destinations 

than any other Canadian tour 

operator in Mexico and the Caribbean, 

including Huatulco, new from 

Toronto on Saturdays, Air Canada 

Vacations’ winter season is now open 

for sale. 

Air Canada Vacations has added a 

flight from Toronto to Great Exuma 

on Saturdays and has made several 

schedule changes, including: 

Montreal to Antigua on Sundays; 

Montreal to Turks & Caicos on 

Sundays; Montreal to Ixtapa/ 

Zihuatanejo on Saturdays; Vancouver 

to Los Cabos on Saturdays. 

Exclusively, Air Canada Vacations 

will be providing the only nonstop 

service from Canada to Saint Kitts and 

Nevis from Toronto on Fridays. 

Clients who book and pay by 

Oct. 31 will save $400 per couple, or 

$200 per adult, on all air, hotel and 

transfer packages to Mexico and the 

Caribbean. This offer is valid for travel 

from Nov. 1, 2012 and completed by 

April 30, 2013. 

With PriceGuard, if the price of 

an air, hotel and transfer package 

at participating hotels drops before 

travel, customers can contact Air 

Canada Vacations and be refunded 

the difference, up to a maximum of 

$400 per person. 

Visit aircanadavacations.com/ 

agents for more information or to 

book. 

ALBATours’ Italy 

flights now on sale 

for winter 2013, 

offering three classes 

of service 

TORONTO — Effective immediately, 

ALBATours’ winter 2012-2013 program 

is on sale and features roundtrip 

flights from Toronto to various points 

in Italy aboard Alitalia. 

Starting from $419 roundtrip per 

person plus tax, the program will 

run between Nov. 1, 2012 and March 

31, 2013, and fly to 17 destinations in 

Italy including Rome, Florence, Milan, 

Venice, Lamezia and Palermo. 

New this year, Alitalia will operate 

an Airbus A330-200 series beginning 

Nov. 1 and offer three classes of 

service: Magnifica Class (Business 

class), new Premium Economy class 

and Economy class. 

The new Premium Economy class 

is available on return trips from 

Toronto to Rome, and offers exclusive

Designers of 

amazing agent incentives 

A lot of serious care and painstaking attention to detail goes into every carefree Sunquest vacation package. From 

choosing a flying partner with an amazing on-time record and customer service, to hand-picking hotels based on 

customer feedback, to destination representatives who are there if your clients need them, Sunquest has over 40 years 

experience in providing Canadians with the best vacation experiences under the sun. There are many reasons why 

Canadian travel agents choose Sunquest for their clients. Here are just a few. 

Reason #17 

Sunquest 

features reduced 

taxes for 

winter 

packages 

Reason #20 

Don’t miss out 

on our 10% EBB 

Commission 

on bookings 

made by 

October 31st 

for all the right reasons... 

Reason #21 

Sunquest offers 

a Price Drop 

Guarantee on 

winter bookings 

madebyJuly31 st 

For all the right reasons and to book your client's next vacation, visit sunquestagent.ca 

29238

privileges such as priority check-in, 

extra baggage allowances, a quieter 

cabin section, 20% more leg room 

than economy class, more inflight 

entertainment and an individual 

telephone with satellite technology. 

The space in Premium Economy 

class and Magnifica class available to 

and from Rome Fiumicino is subject 

to availability. All other destinations 

are ‘on request’ and can be booked 

through the Call Centre. 

For more information or to book, 

visit albatours.com or call 416-483- 

8988 or 1-800-665-2522. 

Transat Discoveries 

offers savings of $600 

on North African tours 

MONTREAL — Transat Discoveries 

is offering $600 in savings per couple 

on all upcoming North African tours. 

This promotion applies to all new 

bookings with departures until Sept. 

15, 2012. 

Clients who book the following 

North African tours can benefit from 

Summer 

Sun Specials! 


these savings: 

�� 

Djerba, Tataouine, Douz, Tozeur, 

�� 

Kantaoui or Sousse, 13 days/22 meals 

�� 

Tataouine, Ksar Ghilane, Tozeur, 10 

days/16 meals 

�� 

cruise on Lake Nasser, Aswan, cruise 

on the Nile, 13 days/31 meals 

�� 

�� 

11 days/21 meals 

�� 

Fez, Erfoud, Zagora, Ouarzazate, 

Marrakech, 12 days/20 meals. 

Sunquest enhances 

winter flight program 

with more frequency 

on key routes, 

better times, flexible 

durations 

TORONTO — Sunquest’s 2012/2013 

flight program, with WestJet as the 

dedicated flying partner, offers 10% 

more flights compared to last season. 

The new flight program allows Sunquest 

to provide more frequent flights 

on key routes, better flight times and 

more flexible duration packages. 

All flights within the program are 

direct with no double drops. The 

enhanced flying schedule is aimed 

at improving the overall travel 

experience. 

New this year, Sunquest is offering 

flights twice daily from Toronto to 

Jamaica, one of its most popular 

destinations, as well as daily flights 

from Toronto to Punta Cana and 

Toronto to Cancun. These commence 

on Oct. 28. There are also flights from 

Toronto to Nassau four days a week, 

doubling last season’s frequency, also 

beginning on Oct. 28. 

Additionally, 75% of Sunquest’s 

flights this winter will occur between 

the hours of 8 a.m. and noon, with no 

southbound departures after 4 p.m., 

�� 

for easier and more convenient travel. 

The increased flying program also 

CAYO LARGO 

�� 3� 

� �� 

CAYO LARGO 

Gran Caribe Cayo Largo 4� 

� �� 

AGENT ACCESS: �� | 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 $273.91 must be added to the published rates. All departures are from Toronto. Refer to our 2011/2012 

�� 

�� 

��$ 

278+ 273.91 

�� 

�� 

��$ 

238+ 273.91 

��

caesars entertainment 

LIGHTS! CAMERA! 

ACTION! 

Dust off your feather headdresses and 

prepare to start the summer Las Vegas 

style - with a chance to win a trip to 

Sin City for you and a friend! 

Simply register every booking you 

make between 30th April and 30th 

August 2012. 

To register and win and to view full 

terms and conditions, please visit 

CaesarsShowstopper.com/Canada. 

The all new agent sales incentive for 2012. 

Must be 21 or older to enjoy the facilities. © 2012, Caesars License Company, LLC. 

The top-selling Canadian agent* will win a trip for 

two people, including air compliments of WestJet 

Vacations, four nights in premium accommodation 

in a Caesars Entertainment Resort, dinner and 

tickets to three shows. 

The second highest-selling Canadian agent* will 

win a trip for two people, including air compliments 

of WestJet Vacations, three nights in premium 

accommodation in a Caesars Entertainment Resort, 

a trip in a visionary Grand Canyon airplane or 

helicopter strip flight compliments of Papillon 

Grand Canyon Helicopters and tickets to two shows. 

The third highest-selling Canadian agent* will win 

a trip for two people, including air compliments 

of WestJet Vacations, three nights in premium 

accommodation in a Caesars Entertainment Resort 

and tickets to two shows. 

On top of this, five winners, drawn at random, will 

each receive two tickets at a Caesars Entertainment 

Las Vegas show. 

Go to CaesarsShowstopper.com/Canada for a chance to WIN! 

For additional information on Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts please visit CaesarsTravelAgents.com. 

*Promotion is open to Canadian agents excluding Quebec.

allows the ability to offer more flexible 

duration packages. Not only are the 

standard seven- and 14-night packages 

available, but three and four nights (to 

Nassau), and nine, 10, 11 and 12-night 

packages to Jamaica, Cancun, Punta 

Cana, Aruba and Costa Rica. 

Sunquest offers flights from the 

following 14 gateways across Canada: 

Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Kelowna, 

Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, Regina, 

Saskatoon, Thunder Bay, Toronto, 

Vancouver, Victoria and Winnipeg. 


For more information, or to view 

the complete flight schedule, visit 

Sunquest.ca or ThomasCookAgent.ca. 

Hilan Oraha o/a 

Dolphin Travel has 

been charged under 

the Ontario Travel 

Industry Act, 2002 

TORONTO — Hilan Oraha o/a Dolphin 

Travel has been charged with one 

Search and Book 

TOURS 

You can now shop and book for Coach Tours (including Land Only) 

from the TOURS tab available in SIREV. 

A TOURS web module is now available in B2C for online travel agencies. 

Contact us to discover all the advantages of using TOURS. 

(905) 825-3392 | info@softvoyage.com | www.softvoyage.com 

count of failing to maintain trust accounts 

contrary to section 27 of Regulation 

26/05 made under the Ontario 

Travel Industry Act, 2002. 

Hilan Oraha o/a Dolphin Travel has 

also been charged with two counts of 

operating as a travel agent without 

registration contrary to section 4(1) 

(a) of the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 

2002. 

Hilan Oraha o/a Dolphin Travel’s 

registration under the Travel Industry 

Act, 2002 was terminated on Feb. 15, 

2012. Oraha continued to operate as 

Dolphin Travel after her registration 

was terminated. Oraha operated in 

Toronto and elsewhere in Ontario. 

The first court appearance is 

scheduled for Sept. 13, 2012 at 9 a.m. 

at the Ontario Court of Justice, 70 

Centre Avenue, Toronto. 

IGTO says goodbye 

to Oded Grofman, 

welcomes new 

Consul for Tourism 

TORONTO — It was a bittersweet 

breakfast that took place at Toronto’s 

Park Hyatt hotel, where the Israel 

Government Tourist Office in Canada 

(IGTO) bid adieu to one Consul for 

Tourism and welcomed another. 

After a five-year post, Oded Grofman 

is saying goodbye to Canadian 

winters for good and heading home 

to Israel. According to Jerry Adler, 

Public Relations & Communications 

Director for IGTO, the breakfast event 

“provided two services: to celebrate 

Oded’s successes over the years as well 

as officially welcome Ami Alon as his 

successor.” 

Alon, who starts in September, 

certainly has big shoes to fill, as he 

himself gladly admitted to. During his 

reign, Grofman travelled throughout 

Canada to attend religious conferences 

and trade shows, launched national 

and local media campaigns, established 

airline partnerships and implemented 

online seminars for travel agents that 

provided specialist certification. His 

efforts have certainly paid off – in the 

first four months of 2012 alone, close 

to 21,000 Canadians visited Israel,

Oded Grofmam (right) welcomes his successor at the Israel Government Tourist Office in 

Canada, Ami Alon. 

representing a 10% increase from the 

same period last year. 

“Back in 2005, we were still debating 

whether there should be an office 

in Canada,” said Grofman. “When I 

arrived in Canada, there were only 

50,000 Canadian tourists in 2007. 

Today, we have over 75,000 and the 

numbers are growing. There is no 

longer any discussion as to whether an 

office is needed here. I wish Ami the 

best of luck, I’m sure you’ll achieve all 

your goals.” 

After joking that his tall stature will 

make it easier to fill Grofman’s shoes, 

Alon introduced himself to tourism 

partners and members of the media, 

and expressed his excitement about 

THE SECRET’S OUT! 

INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW, ALL-ADULT, ALL-SUITES 

SECRETS THE VINE CANCUN 

Let the Secret celebration begin! Secrets The Vine Cancun brings an intoxicating 

new taste of adults-only luxury to its elegant ocean front setting. The Unlimited-Luxury ® 

privileges of private terraces, gourmet restaurants, unlimited premium beverages, 

nightly shows and more make the experience all the more luscious. 

Solve our secret code each week and you could 

WIN A 7-NIGHT STAY IN A LUXURY SUITE FOR TWO + AIR 

AND A PRIVATELY SERVED WINE CELLAR DINNER. 

Plus, earn up to $100 bonus commission for every booking! 

his new role. 

“My office will always be open to 

new ideas and opportunities that will 

contribute to bringing in new tourists 

to Israel,” he said. “My family and I are 

excited to be here and to experience 

Canadian culture and its people.” 

Indus Travels to pay 

$100 agent incentive 

for bookings on two 

Women Only Trips 

VANCOUVER — Indus Travels 

is offering a $100 bonus to agents 

booking clients on two of the most 

popular Women Only Trips. 

Indus Travels will offer $100 directly 

to agents over and above the 15% 

commission on all new bookings for 

these two trips. 

The WOW China itinerary departing 

on Oct. 12 is priced at US$2,350 per 

person with no mandatory single 

supplement and visits Beijing, Xi’an, 

Guilin and Shanghai and highlights 

women’s interests. 

©2 © 01 0 2

The WOW Morocco itinerary 

departing on Nov. 3 is an 11-day tour 

visiting Casablanca, Fes, Ouarzazate 

and Imintanout and is priced at $2,499 

with no mandatory single supplement. 

Space is limited, call 1-866-278 2997 

for details. 

Jamaica Tourist Board 

partners with WestJet 

to offer 10 fall fams 

TORONTO – The Jamaica Tourist 

Board (JTB) and WestJet Airlines are 

inviting Canadian travel agents to 

experience and learn about some of 

the Jamaica’s top tourist destinations 

with 10 options for fam tours this fall. 

All trips are four nights in duration 

and are scheduled as outlined below. 

Each trip will wrap with a farewell 

Jamaican beach party in Montego Bay. 

The departure dates for the five fams 

visiting Montego Bay and Ocho Rios 

are Sept. 6 – 10, Sept. 14 – 18, Sept. 20 

– 24, Sept. 28 – Oct. 2 and Oct. 11 – 15. 

The departure dates for the five 

fams visiting Montego Bay and Negril 

are Sept. 7 – 11, Sept. 13 – 17, Sept. 21 

– 25, Sept. 27 – Oct. 1 and Oct. 12 – 16. 

Cost for all fams is $299 including 

return airfare from Toronto to 

Montego Bay with WestJet, shared 

accommodation in a twin-bedded 

room, all meals, local transportation 

and sightseeing and all taxes and 

fees. Add-on charges for connecting 

flights to Toronto (from $60 - $100 

depending on the city) are the agent’s 

responsibility, along with overnight 

hotel accommodation, if needed in 

Toronto. 

The application deadline is Aug. 

10 and successful applicants will be 

advised by Aug. 14. Space is limited. 

The trips are available to agents only 

and not intended for companions or 

spouses. 

To apply, log on to visitjamaica. 

com/canada and click on ‘Fam Tours’. 

Jamaica is coming off an awardwinning 

year, with the JTB declared 

the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board 

by the World Travel Awards (WTA) in 

2011, plus Jamaica earned the WTA’s 

vote for the World’s Leading Cruise 

Destination, Caribbean’s Leading 

Destination and Caribbean’s Leading 

Cruise Destination for the fifth 

consecutive year. 

The destination also received 

recognition as the World’s Leading 

Honeymoon Destination, and the 

island’s Historic Falmouth Cruise Port 

was recognized as the World’s Leading 

Tourism Development Project. 

For details on upcoming 

special events, attractions and 

accommodations in Jamaica go to 

the JTB’s website at www.visitjamaica. 

com, or call the Jamaica Tourist Board 

at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526- 

2422). 

Tourism Australia 

launches next phase 

of global marketing 

campaign 

TORONTO — You know it’ll be a 

sunny day when Tourism Australia ar- 

SPARKLING. ELEGANT. BOLD. 

THE ALL NEW 

Register and play at 

www.AMRAgents.com now. 

GRAND OPENING 

AUGUST 1, 2012

ives in town. At a recent trade event 

in downtown Toronto, the organization 

and its state tourism partners 

launched the latest phase of ‘There’s 

nothing like Australia’, a global marketing 

campaign designed to highlight 

the ‘best of’ the country. 

First launched in 2010, the multiplatform 

campaign includes a new 

broadcast ad, inflight channels with 

airline partners and print executions, 

but it’s in digital and social media 

platforms that much of the next phase 

has been focused on. For iPad and 

Android users, a recently launched 

interactive and free tablet app reads 

like a coffee table book, while a new 

Trip Planner tool on TripAdvisor, 

the first of its kind by the travel site, 

allows travellers to research and plan 

a comprehensive itinerary. There’s also 

a dedicated YouTube branded channel 

that airs high quality vignettes of 

the destination, as well as a mobile 

version of Tourism Australia’s website. 

Australia.com, recently redesigned 

a few months ago, attracts 500,000 

Canadians per year. 

“We’re still faced with market 

challenges, mainly time and distance 

to Australia,” said Lisa Wooldridge, 

director of marketing for the Americas, 

Tourism Australia. “But we really 

believe this campaign will deliver 

our message directly to consumers. 

We know we can’t win on price, but 

we can win on value. Australia offers 

experiences no one else in the world 

can offer.” 

Wooldridge also noted how the 

organization is focused on increasing 


its share of long-haul travellers. 

Currently, those figures are sitting flat 

but activity has picked up in the last 

few months. 

“Whenever we do receive Canadian 

visitors, we find that they’re dispersing 

more and seeing more of the country. 

That’s why the Canadian market is so 

important to us,” Wooldridge added. 

Looking ahead, Tourism Australia 

has set a goal to double tourism 

revenue by 2020. In doing so, the 

organization has refined its target 

audience, focusing on affluent, longhaul 

travellers with an average age of 

45 and who spent $5,000 on their last 

trip. According to Wooldridge, key 

Canadian markets include Toronto, 

Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and 

Montreal – 37% of total Canadian 

�� 

Tourism Australia and its state tourism partners arrive in Toronto to launch the next phase of 

a global marketing campaign. From left to right: Maureen Haley, Tourism Tasmania; Kristen 

Malaby, marketing communications manager, Americas, Tourism Australia, Lisa Wooldridge, 

director of marketing for the Americas, Tourism Australia; Kylie Robertson, public relations, 

North America, Tourism Northern Territory; Lisa Cohen, communications manager, South Australia 

Tourism Commission; Kylie Smith, marketing coordinator, Tourism Queensland. 

visitors live in Ontario. 

For more information about the 

campaign visit tourism.australia.com/ 

TNLA. For more on travel to Australia, 

visit australia.com. 

415 million tourists 

expected worldwide 

in the May-August 

peak season 

MADRID — International tourist 

arrivals worldwide grew by 5% in 

the first four months of 2012, despite 

remaining economic uncertainties in 

some of the major outbound markets. 

According to the latest UNWTO 

World Tourism Barometer, prospects 

�� 

Call your Tour Operator or 1-800-545-8283 • sandals.com 

Continued on page 26 ... 

® 

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED

Photo: Cindy Sosroutomo 

SPOTLIGHT USA & CANADA 

There’s plenty to see and do beyond 

the beach while visiting Miami 

by Cindy Sosroutomo 

Despite what party revellers may 

think, the city of Miami has much 

more to offer than just the glitz and 

glam of South Beach. In fact, an array 

of attractions and activities — both 

family-friendly and adult appropriate 

— await travellers just beyond the 

shoreline. 

While on a recent press trip hosted 

by the Greater Miami Convention & 

Visitors Bureau, it was made apparent 

just how diverse the city really is. Accommodations 

were provided by The 

Biltmore, a historic hotel in nearby 

Coral Gables that made its grand debut 

in 1926. Its size alone will stun 

guests upon arrival, much less its 275 

well-appointed guestrooms, 18-hole 

golf course and 10 tennis courts. But 

what truly impresses is its world famous 

swimming pool, which at one 

time earned the distinction of the 

largest pool in the world. Another fun 

fact? Johnny Weissmuller, the original 

Tarzan, was once employed here as a 

swimming instructor. 

If staying at The Biltmore, it’s definitely 

worth one’s while to explore 

the impeccably polished city of Coral 

Gables, located southwest of downtown 

Miami. As one of the area’s first 

planned communities, ‘The City Beautiful’ 

is renowned for its Mediterranean 

Revival architecture (spearheaded 

by developer George Merrick in the 

1920s), its strict planning and zoning 

regulations (a law was just passed to 

allow pickup truck owners to park in 

their driveways), and its pedestrianfriendly 

streets (try Miracle Mile for 

shopping and casual dining). And for 

those staying in the heart of Miami, 

the more reserved Coral Gables offers 

a welcome respite from the city’s hustle 

and bustle and all-night partying. 

Further still is Everglades Alligator 

Farm, a definite must-stop for families 

in search of adventure. Located 

near the main entrance of Everglades 

National Park, about an hour from 

downtown Miami, this popular attrac- 

The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida 

tion is South Florida’s oldest alligator 

farm with more than 2,000 gators on 

site. Kids in particular will get a kick 

out of daily alligator shows and feedings, 

not to mention 25-minute airboat 

rides that cut through miles of 

preserved everglades. 

Just around the corner is Schnebly 

Redland’s Winery & Brewery, which 

produces a range of wines made not 

from grapes but rather exotic fruits 

like lychee, guava, mango and passion 

fruit. This tiki-inspired complex, 

which spans 96 acres in southernmost 

Miami-Dade County, offers wine tastings 

seven days a week for US$9.95 

per person, as well as property tours 

(weekends only) for $7 per person. 

Back in the city, Miami’s cultural 

diversity is best exemplified in Little 

Havana. With 52% of Miami’s population 

being Latin-speaking, it’s no wonder 

Cuban immigrant residents have 

carved out a niche for themselves just 

west of downtown. Here, visitors can 

sample a cup of ‘colada’ (strong Cuban



coffee), challenge a local to a game of 

dominos in Domino Park or sign up 

for an hour-long walking tour that 

details the neighbourhood’s colourful 

history. They can even watch a Miami 

Marlins baseball game at the brand 

new Marlins Park stadium, which seats 

37,000 and features a fully retractable 

roof. After the game, the party really 

heats up with people spilling into the 

streets to the rhythm of salsa beats. 

Northwest of downtown Miami 

is the Wynwood district, a veritable 

artist colony that’s home to art galleries 

and colourful murals spanning 

entire city blocks. A perfect spot for 

lunch is Wynwood Kitchen + Bar, 

located directly next to Wynwood 

Walls, ‘Miami’s epicenter for cuttingedge, 

museum quality contemporary 

murals’. First making its debut during 

Art Basel 2009, the open-air park uses 

building walls as canvases to showcase 

the works of renowned artists from 

around the world. And if your clients 

are visiting the second Saturday of the 

month, be sure to suggest the monthly 

Wynwood Art Walks, during which 

artwork at more than 70 local galleries 

is prominently featured. 

The press trip, which lasted only 

three days, may have been short in 

length but certainly did not lack in activity. 

From gators to baseball to museums 

and mojitos, there was plenty 

to see and do beyond the beach. Travellers 

may come for the sun and sand 

but the treasures they’ll find in the 

city’s surrounding neighbourhoods 

are good reasons to keep coming back. 

American Airlines flies direct from 

Toronto and Montreal to Miami. For 

flight info visit www.aa.com. For more 

information on travel to Miami visit 

www.miamiandbeaches.com. And to 

read more about Travelweek’s time in 

Miami go to www.travelweek.ca/blogs. 

More Premium tours, 

more GOLD luxury 

tours with Insight 

Insight Vacations’ new 2013 USA & 

Canada brochure comes complete 

with new inclusions and upgrades, 

as well as the addition of seven new 

premium tours and two new GOLD 

luxury tours. 

In celebration of the new brochure, 

for a limited time, the company is offering 

$400 in savings per couple on 

its 2013 USA & Canada trips. 

The Premium 15-day Great Western 

American Adventure includes a culinary 

journey aboard the Napa Valley 

Wine Train and a tour and tasting at a 

Sonoma winery. There’s also the glitz 

and glamour of L.A., where highlights 

include a tour of the J. Paul Getty Museum 

and a behind-the-scenes look 

at the Oscars on a private tour of the 

Kodak Theater. And no vacation in 

the American west would be complete 

without seeing the Grand Canyon, 

along with a cruise on Lake Powell 

and a guided tour of Monument Valley 

Navajo Tribal Park. There’s also a 

walking tour through San Francisco’s 

famous Chinatown, followed by an 

authentic Chinese banquet. 

New for 2013, Insight’s GOLD luxury 

nine-day Boston, Cape Cod & The 

Islands will have guests continuously 

reminded of the sea in this fish-hook 

shaped corner of New England, from 

‘Ocean State’ Rhode Island, steeped in 

sailing history, to the chic, waterfront 

resort of the Vineyard and summer 

playgrounds of the Cape. 

Hotels include The Langham Boston, 

Hotel Viking, Harbor View Hotel 

& Resort and Sea Crest Beach Hotel. 

Back in the Great White North, Insight’s 

Trans-Canadian Odyssey has 

been upgraded and is now included in 

its GOLD luxury collection. The newly 

revamped itinerary offers stays in 

three beautiful national parks — Yoho, 

Banff and Jasper — plus a three-night 

rail journey from Jasper to Toronto on 

VIA Rail’s The Canadian. 

“In the last two years, we have seen 

a continuous rise in sales for our USA 

and Canada program, and with the introduction 

of our new 2013 brochure, 

offering more experiential experiences, 

we are receiving positive responses 

from both agents and consumers,” 

says Cris David, President of Insight 

Vacations Canada. “With the Canadian 

dollar holding strong, travelling to 

the US and Hawaii has become more

attractive to our clients, so we are encouraging 

to book early.” 

Clients travelling from Nov. 1, 2012 

to Dec. 31, 2013 can save $400 per 

couple ($200 per person) on Insight 

Vacation’s 2013 USA & Canada tours 

when they book by July 31, 2012. The 

promotion is combinable with brochure 

discounts found in the 2013 

USA & Canada brochure except Custom 

Groups discounts. The offer is not 

applicable to tours with cruise inclusions, 

and is not combinable with other 

promotions and limited time offers. 

See www.insightvacations.com/ca. 

Omega Tours can’t 

stop talking about its 

Eastern Canada trip 

Omega Tours is asking agents and 

their clients, “What are you doing this 

summer?” 

For those looking to sell (or travel) 

North America, “we have Canada and 

U.S. covered!” says the company. 

Omega has re-introduced its West 

Canada tour, departing July 21 with a 

few seats still available. Another Canadian 

tour the company says it “just 

can’t talk enough about” is the 11-day 

Eastern Canada tour, with a 1,000 Islands 

cruise, a visit to the walled city of 

Quebec, a stop at Peggy’s Cove, a visit 

to history-rich Pier 21 and much more. 

There’s also a 4-day ‘Highlights of 

Ontario and Quebec’ departing July 

25 and Aug. 16 and four-day minitours 

to Washington (July 20) and 

Boston (Aug. 10). 

2013 USA & CANADA 

Including Hawaii & Alaska 

South of the border, Omega’s sevenday 

U.S.A. Experience motorcoach 

tour departs Aug. 20 from Toronto 

and the surrounding area. 

And three-day bus tours to New 

York City are available every long 

weekend during the year, including 

Black Friday shopping for the best 

deals (Nov. 23) and a New Year’s Eve 

departure on Dec. 30. 

“This is only a taste of the wonderful 

places we visit on our tours. Drop 

by www.omegatours.ca and get inspired!” 

says the company. 

Sunspots knows the 

U.S. — and Canada 

too — offering net 

fares, hotels, villas 

When travelling to the U.S. or within 

Canada, “be sure to check out Sunspots 

Holidays for incredible deals on 

air fare, hotels, packages and tours,” 

says company director Christy Kurian. 

Sunspots offers net fares to all major 

cities in the U.S. with airlines including 

American Airlines, US Airways, Air 

Canada, United Airlines and Delta. 

Agents can receive a $10 incentive 

per passenger for every net fare 

booking. 

“In addition to this, be sure to ask 

about commission within Canada and 

throughout the United States on published 

fares.” 

Through close consolidation with 

these airlines and several others, Sunspots 

can also offer low net rates or 

agent incentives for any group booking 

of 10 passengers or more to any 

destination in Canada or to the United 

States. Group rates are available for 

missionary fares, charities, students, 

weddings, and all other special events. 

With departures available from 

all major Canadian cities including 

Halifax, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary 

SAVE $ 400 PER 

COUPLE 

Off an Insight Vacations 

2013 USA & CANADA TOUR* 

Offer ends July 31, 2012 

The fi nest way to discover North America... 

* Conditions apply, call for details: 1-800-387-8490 

Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia 

www.insightvacations.com 



and Vancouver, Sunspots can custommake 

packages with minimum one 

night stays (restrictions apply) to several 

weeks getaways, says Kurian. 

The islands of Hawaii are closer 

than ever at even better net rates, as 

well as accommodations with incredible 

properties and stunning views, 

he adds. Sunspots’ exclusive option 

to book packages or air only from the 

United States to Canada will give travellers 

an option to fly for less. 

Accommodation options range 

from budget properties to luxury resorts, 

location specific preferences or 

apartment-type accommodations. 

A three-night package from Toronto 

to New York with a stay at the 

DoubleTree Metropolitan Hotel by 

Hilton in Manhattan is going for $895 

per person including all taxes, double 

occupancy. 

A four-night package from Calgary 

to Phoenix with a stay at Fairmont 

Scottsdale Princess leads in at $890 

per person. 

A Sunspots incentive offers agents 

a $10 agent appreciation gift card 

per passenger, however this summer 

agents booking a package for a family 

of four will receive $60 gift card. 

Sunspots is also offering a special 

promotion for the month of July: for 

any booking into NYC (to LGA or 

JFK) with American Airlines, agents 

have a chance to win two free tickets 

anywhere in U.S., Canada, Caribbean 

or Mexico where American flies. 

Sunspots clients can now fly from 


Waterloo and the Kitchener area 

though Chicago to over 90 U.S. cities, 

36 Caribbean islands and over 15 

Latin American destinations. 

See www.sunspotsholidays.com, call 

(416) 484-8144 or 1-800-657-8721 or email 

tourdesk@sunspotsholidays.com. 

Portland, Oregon 

emerges as a major 

culinary destination 

By Cindy Sosroutomo 

When you think of beer, destinations 

like Munich, Brussels and Amsterdam 

immediately come to mind. But what 

about Portland, Oregon? Ale fans 

would be surprised to learn that Portland 

is considered the beer capital of 

the world, home to an impressive 47 

breweries, more than any other city. 

But according to Marcus Hibdon, 

communications and PR manager of 

Travel Portland, this is just one of many 

surprising things about his hometown. 

Hibdon, along with delegates from 

Travel Oregon and Air Canada, made 

a recent visit to Toronto to host ‘Taste 

of Oregon’, an industry event that 

showcased the state’s many offerings, 

in particular farm-to-fork dining. 

Boasting a temperate climate, a vibrant 

farmers’ market scene and a Pinot-centric 

wine region nearby, it’s not 

surprising that Portland has emerged 

as a top ‘foodie’ destination in the U.S. 

Fresh and local are the focus here, a 

philosophy that has lured a number 

of acclaimed chefs and James Beard 

award winners from around the world. 

The Willamette River, Portland, Oregon 

“The farm-to-fork concept has been 

around for years in Portland,” said Hibdon, 

“in fact, you can say the city pioneered 

it. There’s this real focus on locally 

grown ingredients, which reflects 

Portland’s healthy and hip lifestyle.” 

Of course, fine dining goes best 

with a glass of wine, of which there is 

plenty of in Oregon. While more than 

40 varietals are grown in the state, pinot 

noir is its signature grape. Visitors 

can tour the scenic Willamette Valley 

wine country, located 30 minutes 

from downtown Portland, and sign up 

for a winery tour or participate in Willamette 

Valley By the Glass, a series of 

events held throughout the year. 

In terms of what’s new in Portland, 

Hibdon was quick to mention the city’s 

major extension of its existing streetcar 

system, scheduled for completion 

in September. The Portland Streetcar 

Loop Project, a 5.3-kilometre extension 

that will run parallel to the banks 

of the Willamette River, marks the 

first time the system will venture to 

Portland’s east side. It will add an additional 

28 stops and serve as many as 

3.5 million passengers per year. 

This month also marked the 25th 

anniversary of the Safeway Waterfront 

Blues Festival, considered the largest 

of its kind west of the Mississippi 

River. From July 4-8, approximately 

100,000 visitors made their way to 

Tom McCall Waterfront Park for a 

few days of sun, fun and music. All 

proceeds benefitted the Oregon Food 

Bank. This year’s performers included 

the Steve Miller Band, Charlie Musselwhite 

and the Otis Taylor Band. 

Also turning 25 this summer is the 

Oregon Brewers Festival, which kicks 

off at Portland’s Waterfront Park on 

July 26-29. Pouring more than 80 different 

craft beers from around the U.S., 

this annual festival attracts more than 

80,000 revelers and features live music 

throughout the weekend, a souvenir 

booth and exhibits by hop growers, 

homebrewers and national beer writers. 

Finally, in September, all eyes in 

the food world will be on Portland 

as the city welcomes its first top-tier, 

nationally recognized food festival, 

‘Feast Portland: Celebration of Or-

egon’s Bounty’. Events such as classes, 

tastings, industry panels, parties and 

gala events will take place throughout 

the city from Sept. 20-23. Founded by 

Mike Thelin and Carrie Welch, the inaugural 

event will aim to lure some of 

the most influential people in the culinary 

industry to the city, regarded as 

the hub of the artisan food movement 

and the birthplace of James Beard. 

To get your clients to Portland, 

Oregon, Air Canada is offering 

daily nonstop flights from 

Toronto and Calgary, as well as 

four flights daily from Vancouver. 

For more details visit www.travel 

portland.com. 

Mid-week savings 

at Deerhurst Resort 

in Muskoka 

Deerhurst Resort in Ontario’s famed 

Muskoka region has announced summer 

savings perfect for a family getaway. 

Through Aug. 30, guests can enjoy 

25% off mid-week stays (Sunday to 

Thursday) based on availability and a 

two-night minimum stay. 

Kids get access to the resort’s Splash 

Zone inflatable water park on the lake 

and a new rock climbing wall, or they 

can zip along Deerhurst’s new Treetop 

Trekking adventure featuring a 

Tarzan swing and a series of seven zip 

lines in a row, all set within the gorgeous 

forests of Muskoka. 

And Mom and Dad can get in on 

the fun with Deerhurst’s two championship 

golf courses and the on-site 

Shizen Spa. 

Mid-week rates start at $179/night, 

with blackout dates including Aug. 

5. A limited number of rooms are 

available on this offer. See www.deer 

hurstresort.com. 

Five tour operators 

vying for West’s 

Louisiana market 

By Jean Sorensen 

Five tour operators are vying for the 

Louisiana slice of the Western Canadian 

market this summer. 

“It is a real mix” of travellers who 

visit Louisiana from Canada, said 

Joanne Scalamogna, Louisiana Tourism’s 

Canadian representative with 

Access Marketing out of Toronto. 

Many of those travellers have French- 

Canadian heritage and want to trace 

their family lineage. Others come for 

the state’s diverse culture, history and 

festivities, especially Mardi Gras. 

“Mardi Gras doesn’t just happen 

in New Orleans, it is throughout the 

whole state,” said Scalamogna, adding 

that agents could recommend clients 

arrive a week to 10 days early, to enjoy 

the lead-up of events and festivities 

heading into Mardi Gras weekend. 

Tour companies offering Louisiana 

from the west this summer include 

Fun Sun, Total Vacations, Air Canada 

Vacations and Alio. Air Canada is 

flying a summer schedule that leaves 

Vancouver in the morning and connects 

to a Toronto flight that puts passengers 

in Louisiana by early evening. 

Highlights include: 

Fun Sun with three-night stays departing 

out of Vancouver ($779 plus 

$132 taxes) flying US Airways; three 

night stays departing Edmonton ($799 

plus $145 taxes) flying Delta Airlines; 

three night stays departing Calgary 

($739 plus $134 taxes) flying American 

Airlines; three night stays departing 

Regina ($769 plus $128 taxes) 

flying Delta and three nights departing 

Saskatoon ($779 plus $125 taxes) 

flying Delta Accommodation is run 

of house (EP) at the four-star Holiday 

Inn Downtown Superdome in New 

Orleans. Fun Sun is also offering per 

night accommodation at the Holiday 

Inn Downtown Superdome, Bienville 

House, Hampton Inn Suites New Orleans, 

and Hyatt French Quarter. The 

program starts Aug. 6. 

Total Vacations, which offers customized 

packages, is offering room 

rates in New Orleans for as low as $59 

double occupancy. There’s also a $25 

agent cash incentive for bookings of 

five nights or longer for bookings made 

by July 31 for travel until Dec. 31. 

Air Canada Vacations has more 

than 30 hotels to choose from in New 

Orleans, and clients who book an air 

and hotel package in the city will receive 

a complimentary jazz brunch 

buffet at the Court of Two Sisters Restaurant. 

The offer is valid on bookings 

made by June 30 for travel by Oct. 31. 

Royal Scenic is offering a New Orleans 

Special of four days and three 

nights with accommodation at either 

the Wyndham Garden Inn (from $804 

plus taxes), Astor Crowne Plaza (from 

$862 plus taxes) and Hotel Monteleone 

(from $876 plus taxes), with economy 

airfare. Prices include roundtrip 

airfare and accommodation plus a 

French Quarter walking tour. 

Alio Tours’ Heart of Louisiana fly/ 

drive program includes one night accommodation 

in Lake Charles at the 

Springhill Suites, two nights in Lafayette 

at the Hilton Garden Inn Cajundome, 

one night in Natchitoches at 

the Best Western Natchitoches Inn, 

one night in Baton Rouge at the Best 

Western Richmond Suites, and two 

nights in New Orleans at the Dauphine 

Orleans Hotel. The lead-in rate 

of $745 plus taxes, does not include air 

but does include a car rental. 


SPOTLIGHT EGYPT & MIDDLE EAST 


Goway’s eight-day Treasures of Israel 

overtakes perennial favourite Classic 

Egypt as top-selling tour 

by Kathryn Folliott 

Goway’s passenger numbers to Egypt 

may have dipped over the last year but 

the company is encouraged to see renewed 

interest in the destination. 

“We are cautiously optimistic 

that the new democratically elected 

government will herald a new era in 

tourism,” said Moira Smith, General 

Manager for Goway AFRICAExperts. 

“It also helps the destination when 

high profile couples such as Brad Pitt 

and Angelina Jolie visit, as they did in 

June, and absolutely loved it.” 

Where previously Goway’s bestselling 

tour to the Middle East was 

the nine-day Classic Egypt tour, now 

it’s the eight-day Treasures of Israel, 

a small group guaranteed departure 

program launched just a year ago. “It’s 

proven to be what the market wants,” 

says Smith. 

In addition to the classical tourist 

sites such as Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, 


Caesarea and the Sea of Galilee, the 

Treasures of Israel trip offers a number 

of exclusive features. Prices start at 

$1,820 per person and include seven 

nights accommodation, breakfast and 

dinners, all sightseeing, an English 

speaking guide and luxury airconditioned 

vehicle for touring. 

For more information on these and 

other travel ideas call 1-800-245-0920, 

visit www.goway.com or e-mail info@ 

africaexperts.com. 

From Basra to 

Suleymaniye, 

Turkish Airlines is 

always adding new 

destinations 

Turkish Airlines is getting ready for 

five times weekly service this fall, from 

its Toronto gateway. 

The Star Alliance carrier will boost 

its schedule to Istanbul in October, 

Jerusalem, Israel 

when it goes from four flights a week 

ex YYZ, to five. Beyond Istanbul, passengers 

can connect to over 200 destinations, 

including (in Egypt) Alexandria 

and Cairo. 

Among the new Middle East destinations 

for 2012, Turkish Airlines will 

offer Meshed, Basra, Isfahan, Najaf, 

Suleymaniye, Kabul and Mosul, to 

name a few. Says Darlene Paolucci, 

Business Development Manager for 

GSA Stellar Travel, “there are new destinations 

being added constantly.” 

Turkish Airlines’ service out of Toronto 

uses Boeing 777-300ERs with 

three classes of service: Business, 

Comfort Class (voted World’s Best 

Premium Economy Seat by Skytrax in 

2011) and Economy (voted best Economy 

Class by Skytrax in 2011). 

As GSA, Stellar Travel can also assist 

with hotel bookings, says Paolucci. 

And international transit passengers 

with more than a six-hour layover

Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort 

in Istanbul can take advantage of a city 

tour, free of charge, she adds. 

Agents are reminded that Air Canada/Turkish 

Airlines through fares with 

SPA levels from Canada to Turkey are 

now available through the GDS. See 

www.thycanada.com. 

Iberotel Miramar Al 

Aqah Beach Resort 

opens in Fujairah 

The new Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah 

Beach Resort has opened on the east 

coast of the UAE in Fujairah, the 

smallest of the Emirates. 

The five-star luxury resort overlooks 

the sea and has its own pristine 

private beach with the Hajaar Mountains 

as a backdrop. 

The property is a low-rise (never 

rising above three floors) with Arabian/Moroccan 

architecture, and a 

centrepiece free-form swimming pool 

with lots of sun loungers, umbrellas 

and shade available. 

“The luxury Iberotel Miramar Al 

Aqah Beach Resort has well appointed 

rooms and an excellent range of bars 

and restaurants. The standard of food 

is extremely high and the all-inclusive 

plan in the hotel represents outstandingly 

good value for money,” says Senior 

Sales Manager, Aiman Joseph. 

The resort is about 90 minutes from 

Dubai. 

A special summer promotion fea- 

Photo courtesy of Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah 

tures rates from AED 200 (about 

Can$55) per room, per night is 

available weekdays (Saturdays to 

Wednesdays) until Aug. 15, excluding 

public holidays. A buffet 

breakfast costs an extra AED 90. 

Guests who stay a minimum of 

three nights get a 15% discount on 

food and beverage purchases and 

20% off spa treatments. The promotional 

room rate is subject to 

20% taxes and service charges on a 

room-only basis. For details e-mail 

reservations@iberotel.ae. 

Hilton Worldwide 

expands Egypt 

portfolio with two 

new Hilton Hotels & 

Resorts properties 

Hilton Worldwide, Egypt’s largest hospitality 

provider, has signed an agreement 

with Egyptian Touristic Resorts 

LLC, to introduce two new premium 

Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties to 

Cairo and Alexandria. 

The dual signing for the 390-room 

Hilton Giza Pyramids, located in an 

exclusive residential and commercial 

district South of Cairo, and the 195room 

Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch 

Resort, situated 40 kilometres west of 

Alexandria, represent the 19th and 

20th Hilton Worldwide properties to 

open in Egypt. 

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton 

Worldwide, Middle East & Africa 

said: “Hilton Worldwide has proudly 

served Egypt for over 50 years and 

today’s announcement is testament to 

our commitment and confidence in 

the country. The two signings will add 

significant value to our current, extensive 

network of hotels and reaffirm 

our position as the country’s foremost 

hospitality company.” 

Flying to over 200 destinations 

339 Adelaide St East, Toronto, On. M5A 4V1 

416-596-8668 | 1-888-596-6886 



1543989 

8 Days 

$2469 

On the Go Tours’ 

Egyptian Explorer 

has a pace that’s 

right for families 

On the Go Tours, the Egypt and Middle 

East specialist, has launched a new 

range of tours to Egypt, Morocco, Jordan 

and Israel including group tours, 

family holidays, local festivals, private 

journeys, tailor-made itineraries and 

unique experiences. 

The UK-based company (with tollfree 

lines for international calls) offers 

guaranteed departures with a minimum 

two passengers, no mandatory 

single supplements and year-round 

frequent departures. All tours are locally 

guided and airport transfers are 

included, with quality hotels. 

New for 2012, the eight-day Egyp- 


TREASURES OF ISRAEL 

Air from Toronto to Tel Aviv on British Airways, 7 nts accommodation, 

transfers, sightseeing, porterage at hotels, most meals, entrance fees. 

Per person, twin share. Valid for travel Nov’12. Taxes $562. Trip code: 135165 

Request your FREE 

Travel Planner Call Toll Free 877 469 2945 or visit www.goway.com/Israel 

tian Explorer is an ideal family holiday, 

with camel riding, boating on the Nile, 

a visit to a village school, pyramids, 

tombs and King Tutankhamen’s treasure. 

This tour is set at a pace geared 

to families offering a valuable insight 

into the life, culture and mysteries of 

Ancient Egypt, coupled with plenty of 

free time for relaxing by the pool or 

independent exploration. Rates start 

at $1,369 per person. 

New Israel coach tours include the 

eight-day Biblical Lands, visiting Israel’s 

most holy sites, Jerusalem, Bethlehem 

and Nazareth, before heading 

to Galilee. The trip ends with fun and 

sun in the lively city of Tel Aviv. The 

lead-in rate is $1,999. 

Two new specialist trips are available 

in Jordan. One is with guide book 

author Matthew Teller, who wrote the 

Emirates launched its new Seattle-Dubai service at a recent event at The Fairmont Waterfront 

Hotel in Vancouver. Seen here, Azmina Pirani, Sales & Marketing for Bestway, won two tickets 

to Dubai flying Alaska Airlines to Seattle and connecting with Emirates’ SEA-DXB service, 

with an upgrade to business class if available. Pirani celebrated her win with Don McWilliam, 

Manger, Canada for Emirates Airline. 

1543989 

Small Group 

Touring! 

Rough Guide to Jordan and who has 

also lived in the county. The other is 

Photography in Jordan with Doug 

Mckinlay, whose works appears in 

Conde Nast Traveller and National 

Geographic Traveller, among others. 

See www.onthegotours.com. 

G Adventures marks 

Petra’s anniversary 

with 15% off Jordan 

G Adventures is offering 15% off three 

of its popular Jordan tours. The country’s 

crown jewel, the archaeological 

site of Petra, celebrates the 200th anniversary 

of its rediscovery this August. 

“Jordan is a fascinating country and 

Petra should be on everyone’s list of 

places to see,” says Bruce Poon Tip, G 

Adventures founder. “We have seen 

many travellers express interest in visiting 

Jordan this summer because of 

the special occasion.” 

Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig 

Burckhardt ‘discovered’ the ancient 

city in 1812. 

Travellers will receive 15% off the 

following tours (promo code BZ- 

JOR15): the 17-day Egypt & Jordan 

Adventure (DPJA), taking in Petra, 

Luxor and the Great Pyramids of 

Giza (from $1,870); the nine-day 

Cairo to Amman on a Shoestring 

(DPCA), perfect for those short on 

time but wanting to explore Wadi 

Rum and Petra, with desert camping 

and beach huts (from $1,020); 

and the eight-day Highlights of 

Jordan (DWHJ), affordably priced 

at $1,105 with overnights in a Bedouin 

tent and dinners with the locals 

amidst the dramatic desert scenery 

of Wadi Rum. For more information 

see www.gadventures.com/trips/ 

promotions/15-off-jordan.

SPOTLIGHT NICHE TRAVEL 

‘Been there, done that’ honeymooners 

can go exotic with Sparkling Voyages 

by Kathryn Folliott 

Exotic and upscale destinations are increasingly 

popular with honeymooners. 

Young couples today have grown 

up travelling and now want to begin 

married life with a truly special trip. 

Sparkling Voyages specializes in 

luxury custom-made vacation packages, 

making it “an ideal choice for 

agents looking for unique experiences 

for their honeymooners,” says the 

company’s Yuliya Antonov. 

“Whether clients are looking for a 

getaway to St Barths, a romantic Hawaii 

retreat or a stay at over-water 

villas in Maldives or Bora Bora, with 

Sparkling Voyages they are guaranteed 

more choices and more romantic 

inclusions with every itinerary.” 

While primarily offering FIT itineraries 

to sun destinations, with Sparkling 

Voyages agents have a flexibility 

of choice with scheduled carriers, 

private or limo airport transfers and 

a range of accommodation options 

ranging from four- and five-star ho- 

tels and resorts, upscale lodges and 

condo-type accommodations. 

One full week in November in a Luxury 

Garden View Bungalow at the fourstar 

Sofitel Bora Bora, with roundtrip 

flights from Toronto and all transfers 

included, leads in at $3,595 per person, 

including taxes, says Antonov. 

For couples looking for the ultimate 

honeymoon getaway, a week in an 

Over-Water Bungalow at Four Seasons 

Bora Bora is $6,450 per person 

including taxes, with departure Nov. 

9. Joint programs at Moorea and Bora 

Bora are also available with stays at 

popular upscale properties. 

Another alternative with an overwater 

villa (and an all-inclusive plan) 

is the nine-night package at the four 

Bora Bora 

and a half star Reethi Beach Resort, 

from $4,495 per person including 

taxes with roundtrip air from Toronto. 

Closer to home, Antonov suggests 

Antigua, St Barths, Jamaica, Belize or 

Costa Rica. “Fabulous romance packages 

are offered on many islands, and 

can include helicopter transfers, com- 

“WITH SPARKLING VOYAGES clients are guaranteed 

more choices and more romantic inclusions with 

every itinerary.” 

plimentary couple’s massages, and private 

beach dinners.” 

Another honeymoon favourite, 

Hawaii, can be done as an Oahuand-Maui 

combination, with stays at 

upscale oceanfront properties and featuring 

limousine airport transfers and 

any tours couples desire. A 10-night 

honeymoon package with three nights 

at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort 

(Deluxe Ocean View Room) and six

SPOTLIGHT NICHE TRAVEL 

nights at Kapalua Villas (One Bedroom 

Fairway View Suite) with limousine 

airport transfers, is $2,150 per person 

including taxes, based on double occupancy, 

for departure on July 20. 

For more information call 416- 840- 

2588 or 1-866-266-8812 or visit www. 

sparklingvoyages.com. 

Newly renovated 

Gateway Canyons 

Resort caters to the 

‘incredibly curious’ 

Gateway Canyons Resort in Colorado 

has unveiled a US$100 million expansion 

that includes the newly completed 

Kayenta Lodge and freshly renovated 

Kiva Lodge. 

The 58-room property is the brainchild 

of Discovery Channel founder 

John Hendricks, who wanted a resort 

that served as “a gathering place for 

the incredibly curious.” 

To that end, guests are treated to a 

dizzying array of learning opportuni- 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

k��k�� 

k�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

� 

k��k�� 

k�� 

�� 

� 

*Toronto departures via LAN in Q class. Price shown is per person, based on double 

occupancy including the 60-day Early Booking Promotion. 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 2011-2012 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. 


�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

ties, dubbed ‘Curiosity Adventures’, a 

series of daily, hands-on workshops 

and discussions led by resident curiosity 

experts, on subjects ranging from 

stargazing and geology to dinosaurs 

and Native American history. 

Guests can also choose from a collection 

of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, 

with privileged access to more 

than 100 years of automotive history 

at the Gateway Colorado Auto Museum, 

scenic air tours aboard luxury 

aircraft throughout the red rocks of 

Colorado and Utah, and personalized, 

guided excursions through the onsite 

Adventure Center. 

There are also daily showings of 

‘The Founders Series’ at the Discovery 

Theater, an ongoing selection of 

Discovery Channel’s best films handpicked 

by Hendricks, from more 

than 40,000 hours of video in the 

Discovery Library. 

Gateway Canyons Resort is part of 

the Noble House Hotels & Resorts collection 

and offers meeting and conference 

facilities, spa, equestrian centre 

and several restaurants, in addition to 

its 58 luxe rooms. 

New additions and luxurious touches 

include pass-through fireplaces, 

custom-crafted Peruvian furniture 

and oversized patios equippedwith 

hot spring spas. For more information 

see www.gatewaycanyons.com. 

KoreaStay, Hanok 

Stay offer alternatives 

to hotels, says KTO 

With the new ‘KoreaStay’ and ‘Hanok 

Stay’ programs, visitors to Korea 

can see the country from both a new 

and old perspective, with accommodation 

in a Korean family home or 

traditional Korean house. 

Certified by the KTO, the KoreaStay 

program features host families carefully 

selected after undergoing strict assessment 

of such criteria as residential 

environment, guestroom and house 

cleanliness, service and convenience. 

“A home-stay experience allows 

visitors the chance to experience the 

authentic Korean way of life including 

Korean family meals and various tra- 

ditional customs and cultural activities 

like family traditions and Korean 

games,” says the KTO’s Randy Snape. 

Rates start at $30 per night and vary 

depending on host and location. At 

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/korestay, 

information is organized by city 

or region. Reviews are featured as well. 

With the Hanok Stay program, visitors 

are accommodated in traditional 

Korean houses. See hanokstay.or.kr 

for available Hanoks countrywide. 

Something new and 

different for bridal 

couples looking for 

that wow factor, with 

Total Vacations 

Total Vacations has a different twist on 

destination weddings. 

“We offer all the larger resorts 

known for wedding packages — but 

they’re not for everyone. We have 

found that there is definitely a client 

looking for a more exclusive and intimate 

event,” says Total Vacations Vice- 

President Tammy Cecco. 

“We have several locations throughout 

Mexico as well as our other destinations 

that offer private beach settings 

and memorable locations that 

will make the bride and groom feel 

like it’s a celebrity event.” 

Private villas and boutique hotels 

are a great way to accommodate 

groups while ensuring ‘no intrusions’ 

from other vacationing guests outside 

of the wedding group, she adds. 

Total Vacations offers a wide range 

of hotel options and flexible air to all 

of their destinations in Mexico, Caribbean 

and Central America. 

When booking an exclusive dream 

wedding group with Total Vacations, 

as a bonus agents can offer free design 

of wedding invitations that will compliment 

the special occasion. 

“Imagine saying ‘I do’ on a stunning 

stretch of private beach reserved just 

for you. Fireworks, riding away on 

horseback, the possibilities are endless,” 

says Cecco. “This is the stuff fairytales 

are made of.” Total Vacations 

can be reached at 1-800-769-4147.

We’ve uncovered hidden 

treasures of the ancient world 

enjoy your beach getaway on the Riviera Maya 

Birthplace of Mayan civilization, Riviera Maya is home to impressive archeological sites, like 

Tulum and Chichen Itza, endless stretches of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and 

exotic landscapes. It’s no wonder it attracts visitors from all around the world! 

Travellers can go snorkelling and admire the second-largest coral reef in the world, bike 

along the coast or succumb to the archeological beauty of Tulum. In Riviera Maya, your 

clients will find a world of refinement and cultural discoveries. 

For details, see the Transat Holidays Sun Collection 2012-2013 brochure 

or visit transatholidays.com

SAVE 

$600 Earn a total of 8,650 Aeroplan ® 

Miles per member † 

per couple 

... Continued from page 14 

remain positive for the period May- 

August, the Northern Hemisphere’s 

summer peak season, with around 

415 million tourists expected to travel 

abroad. 

Japan, Egypt and Tunisia are all 

showing clear signs of recovery. 

Between January and April 

2012, international tourist arrivals 

(overnight visitors) worldwide totalled 

285 million, 15 million more than in 

the same period of 2011 (+5%). 

Asia and the Pacific and Africa 

(both +8%), show the best results. 

Both regions saw a clear rebound in 

some of the destinations experiencing 

declines in 2011. In Asia and the 

Pacific, Japan’s inbound and outbound 

travel is clearly on the mend, with 

arrivals to the country up by 40% in 

the first five months of 2012. In Africa, 

North Africa (+11%) returned to 

positive growth thanks to the results 

of Tunisia (+48% between January 

and May). The Middle East also shows 

signs of recovery with arrivals up by 

1% between January and April 2012, 

and particularly promising results for 

Egypt (+29% between January and 

May). 

“It is very encouraging to see 

demand returning to countries such 

as Japan, Egypt and Tunisia. These are 

long standing tourism destinations 

ready to fully welcome back the 

Premier accounting & 

management software 

PcVoyages 2000 Inc. 

WEB 

Canada’s leading online 

booking engine 


millions of tourists that each year 

chose to visit them,” said UNWTO 

Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. 

The Americas (+6%) recorded 

growth slightly above the world 

average, with solid results across 

almost all destinations. Europe (+4%) 

consolidated its record growth of 

2011, despite continuing economic 

volatility in the Eurozone. 

Booking GLP 

Worldwide earns 

agent free iPad 

TORONTO — Travel agent Raj Seoni 

of Toronto with Travel Professionals 

The ultimate business 

management solution for 

tour operators 

Essential Inca 

�� 

�� 

Software Solutions 

for Travel Agencies 

Let our line up go to bat for you! 

Online business 

management 

The definitive remote business 

to client (B2C) 

9 days | 7 nights 

Aug. 8 & Sept. 5 was: $ 2699 $ 2399 

Add taxes & other fees: $420 

Add $175 for departures from Vancouver 

Call us toll-free at 1 877 752-7710 aircanadavacations.com/agents 

Book by July 16, 2012. 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, unless otherwise stated, from Toronto - Pearson International Airport in Economy class. Non-refundable. Limited quantity and subject to availability at time of booking. Not applicable to group bookings. Flights operated by 

Air Canada. For applicable terms and conditions, consult the Air Canada Vacations brochures or www.aircanadavacations.com. †Aeroplan Miles vary based on points of departure and destination. For details, visit www.aircanadavacations.com. ■ ® 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. 

6606 

International (TPI) earned an iPad 

for making over five bookings (10 

passengers) on GLP Worldwide air, 

cruise and land packages valued over 

$5,000 during the period between Feb. 

1 and May 31. 

“We would love to give out more 

iPads to agents like Raj Seoni for not 

only did he receive the free iPad for the 

bookings but also earned significant 

commissions as well,” said Patrick 

Tsung, president of GLP Worldwide 

Expedition Travel and Tours. 

GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel 

& Tours, which represents a wide 

range of cruise and land products 

Raj Seoni, Travel Professionals International, Toronto, receives his iPad from Alan Law, Product 

Development Manager, GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel and Tours. 

Montreal: 514 282-4556 or 877 282-4556 

Toronto: 416 289-2880 or 877 886-9243 

info@pcvoyages.com 

MAIL MANAGER 

AUTOMA AUTOMATED TED EM EMAIL AIL SO SOLUTION LUTION LUTIONS 

Communications manager Revolutionary 

marketing technology

Earn a $25.00 gift certificate for every 

5 Ramada ® Worldwide bookings. 

Become a Ramada Worldwide Specialist for free and earn a $25.00 gift certificate to giftcertificates.com* 

for every 5 qualified Ramada hotel bookings you make. Certificates can be redeemed at a wide variety 

of stores and restaurants. 

Visit www.whgtravelagentacademy.com/ramada to learn more. 

The more you book, the more you earn! And we’re making bookings a whole lot easier with special 

consumer promotions. Check out the details at Ramada.ca 

Become a Ramada Worldwide Specialist Today. 

Nearly 900 locations 

ramada.ca 

1-800-2Ramada 

Book Chain Code: RA 

*Eligibility is limited to travel agents who (i) are Ramada Worldwide Specialists, (ii) are affiliated with a U.S. or Canadian travel agency 

operating a current and legitimate ARC/IATA or CLIA, (iii) register for the Ramada Worldwide Rewards Program, and (iv) are a U.S. or 

Canadian resident, age 18 or over as of December 31, 2008 (“Eligible Specialists”). For Official Rules, go to www.RamadaRewards.com. 

Promotion ends December 31, 2012. 

© 2012 Ramada Worldwide Inc. All rights reserved. All hotels are independently owned and operated except for certain international 

Ramada hotels which are managed through a joint venture partner. 

© 2012 Wyndham Rewards, Inc. All rights reserved. 

Ramada ® Worldwide proudly welcomes Wyndham Rewards ® members. 

Encourage your clients to sign up for their free membership today, and we’ll reward 

them with points or miles� for e�ery �uali�ed stay. 

wyndhamrewards.com

in Canada, sells only through travel 

agents. 

GLP Worldwide features all its 

cruise and land packages in Canadian 

dollar pricing. 

GLP Worldwide represents the 

following cruise and land products: 

AMA Waterways, Fred. Olsen 

Cruises, Go Barging, Hurtigruten, 

Imperial Waterways, Luftner Cruises, 

Variety Cruises, Klein Tours, Aqua 

Expeditions and MV Indochine. 

GLP also organizes China, Orient 

and South American packages and 

tours. 

New cruises and land tour packages 

being offered in 2012 are North Pole 

expeditions, African safari cruises 

and additional Asia based tours and 

cruises. 

Brochures in Canadian dollars are 

available to retail travel agencies at 

Hippo Express. Visit hippoexpress. 

ca to order. For large quantities, call 

1-866-760-1987, visit glpworldwide. 

com or e-mail sales@glpworldwide. 

com. 


NCL launches free 

stateroom upgrade 

event now through 

Aug. 12 

MIAMI — Norwegian Cruise Line 

is offering clients free stateroom 

upgrades during ‘The Great Upgrade 

Event’ starting this week. 

Vacationers planning to set sail 

on any three-day or longer cruise 

vacation in 2013 or 2014 will receive 

an up to four category stateroom 

upgrade and reduced deposits on 

sailings to Alaska, the Bahamas & 

Florida, Bermuda, Caribbean, Canada 

& New England, Europe, Hawaii and 

the Mexican Riviera, when they book 

before Aug. 12, 2012. 

In addition, those who take 

advantage of the offer will receive 

e-coupons worth up to $300 in on 

board savings. 

Norwegian offers many new cruise 

2012 Gateways International Europe & Mediterranean Brochure 

1-800-268-0900 

www.gateways-international.com 

Turning Dreams into Reality for 

Over 25 Years 

�� 

�� 

�� 

� 

New for 2012! 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

2012 Latin America Brochure also available 

Globus and Cosmos recently 

partnered with Switzerland 

Tourism to offer an 

incentive to agents booking 

any of their Switzerland 

vacations. Every booking 

earned agents one ballot 

to win a lady’s Tissot watch 

from Swiss jeweler Bucherer. 

The winner was Kathy 

Hannah of Roblin Travel & 

Cruise in Chilliwack, BC, 

seen here receiving her 

prize from Globus family of 

brands’ BDM Tony Wicks. 

Which Gateways International 

Experience is right for 

your customers? 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

DISTRIBUTION AND FULFILLMENT FOR THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY 

T. 416.365.1500 F. 416.365.1504 www.hippoexpress.com

options during the 2013 and 2014 

seasons, including the launch of 

Norwegian Breakaway. 

Departing from New York City 

on seven-day cruises to Bermuda 

beginning May 12, 2013, the ship will 

spend three full days in Bermuda, 

along with three days at sea giving 

guests the opportunity to experience 

all of the innovative public areas, 

entertainment and dining that will 

be found on board the line’s newest 

ship. Following her Bermuda season, 

Norwegian Breakaway will set sail on 

seven-day cruises from New York City 

to the Bahamas & Florida between 

Oct. 13, 2013 and April 27, 2014. 

For more information, visit ncl.com. 

Sunquest pays the 

tax on all group 

bookings 

TORONTO — Effective July 9 and 

running until July 31, Sunquest is 

featuring a ‘We Pay the Tax’ promotion 

on all group sun packages. 

Representing a savings of up to $330 

per couple, the ‘We Pay The Tax’ offer 

is valid on all new group bookings for 

travel between Nov. 1, 2012 and April 

30, 2013. This limited time group offer 

applies to all gateways, destinations 

and durations. 

A minimum of eight passengers 

(adults and/or children) is required 

to qualify as a group booking. To 

take advantage of this promotion, 

the package must be booked with the 

Sunquest Groups Department. 

This offer is not applicable to land 

only and cannot be combined with 

any other offer or promotion. The 

offer can be changed or withdrawn 

with or without notice. 

For more information or to view 

the complete listing of all 2012-2013 

sun packages available, visit www. 

sunquest.ca or the Sunquest page on 

www.ThomasCookAgent.ca. 

NOTES 

UIA call centre change 

Ukraine International Airlines 

has transferred its North American 

customer service facility to the head 

office call centre in Kiev, Ukraine. 

Call centre phone number remains 

the same 1-800-876-0114 and the 

e-mail address remains the same 

uiahelpdesk_NA@flyuia.com. This 

centre will provide 24/7 service in 

English, Ukrainian and Russian. It 

will respond immediately to questions 

asked by agents on ticketing policy 

and procedure. 

Blue Diamond buy 

Blue Diamond Hotels & Resorts, a 

division of Sunwing Travel Group, 

has bought the Grand Paradise 

NETS everywhere 

airliners.ca 

877 727 6387 

WEBWEEK 

Bavaro Beach Resort, Casino and 

Spa. Situated on Bavaro Beach, and 

a half hour drive from Punta Cana 

International Airport, the resort 

features 1,029 guest rooms and suites. 

All guests are accommodated on an 

all-inclusive basis, with a choice of 

six a la carte restaurants, two buffet 

restaurants and 10 bars across the 

resort. With immediate effect, the 

Blue Diamond team will take over the 

management of the resort, which will 

continue to operate as Grand Paradise 

Bavaro Beach Resort through to April 

30, 2013. At that time, the resort will 

be closed for a six-month period to 

allow for changes and improvements 

to bring it in line with Blue Diamond’s 

Memories Resorts specifications. The 

resort will re-open in November 2013 

as the 5-star Memories Punta Cana 

Beach Resort and Spa. 

PEOPLE 

The Scottsdale Convention & 

$10 Bonus Cheque for Every Booking Made On-line! 


Visitors 

Bureau has 

hired Sarah 

Escobedo 

to fill its 

vacant 

tourism 

s a l e s 

manager 

position for 

the United 

States and 

Sarah Escobedo 

Canadian 

markets. In this market, Escobedo 

will work with receptive operators, 

tour operators, travel agents and 

other travel trade professionals. 

“Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge 

and expertise in working with 

high-end clientele from around 

the world including top-producing 

travel agents in Scottsdale’s primary 

feeder markets,” said Deanne 

Boynton Grupp, vice president of 

tourism for the Scottsdale bureau. 

Escobedo comes to the Scottsdale 

CVB with more than nine years of 


experience with Royal Palms Resort 

and Spa where she worked in the 

sales and guest relations departments. 

While at the resort, Escobedo earned 

two Guest Relations Awards from the 

Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association 

for implementing a guest recognition 

and loyalty program as well as the 

resort’s Romantication program. 

The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors 

Bureau is responsible for marketing 

Scottsdale as a premier travel and 

meetings destination to national 

and international target audiences, 

including meeting planners, travel 

agents, tour operators, leisure visitors 

and media. 

Flight Centre’s Corporate Traveller 

has named Grant Spedding as its new 

Area Leader, Western Canada and 

Chadd Andre as its new Area leader, 

Eastern Canada. Based in Vancouver 

and Toronto respectively, Spedding 

and Andre will be responsible for 

facilitating growth in existing as well 

as new markets. A veteran of the travel 

Register for Free to Bermuda’s Travel 

Specialist Program for your chance to WIN! 

industry, Spedding has been with 

Flight Centre for over 16 years, the last 

10 in the Corporate Traveller business 

in Australia. Throughout his tenure 

with the company, he has worked in a 

variety of roles including marketing, 

advertising, product development, 

training, sales and reservations. His 

most recent role was as the Area 

Leader for Corporate Traveller in 

Melbourne. As the previous Western 

Canada Area Leader for Corporate 

Traveller, Andre has made the move 

to Toronto to run Eastern Canada. 

He has spent the past 10 years with 

the Flight Centre group both in its 

Corporate and Retail divisions as Area 

Leader, Retail Area Leader and Travel 

Manager. Previous to Flight Centre 

and Corporate Traveller, he worked 

in both hospitality and in the airline 

business. 

EVENTS 

Travelport is inviting all Travelport 

Learn more about 

“The Jewel of the 

�� 

why Condé Nast Traveller 

has voted Bermuda 

the “Best Island in the 

Caribbean/Atlantic” 

17 times since 1994! 

Complete the program 

for your chance to win a 

fabulous 3 night vacation 

�� 

Register and complete this exciting workshop at 

www.travelweeklearningcentre.ca to be eligible to win. Course must 

be completed by August 4th 2012. Terms and conditions apply.

customers in Western Canada to 

participate in Travelport’s Product 

Showcase taking place in Vancouver 

on July 18 and in Calgary July 19. 

During half-day, interactive sessions, 

join senior product experts who 

will showcase the Travelport’s latest 

product advancements and innovative 

MARKETPLACE 

Explore a rewarding travel 

career with MeritBiz! 

Bilingual Corporate Travel Consultant 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

��www.merit.ca�� 

ON-4499356/4499372 | BC-33127/34799/34798 | QC-7002238 

solutions designed to improve 

productivity and efficiency. This will 

include the most innovative travel 

content aggregation solutions and new 

point-of-sale technologies currently 

available, says Travelport such as 

Travelport Agencia and Travelport 

Rooms and More; Empowered Selling 

Travelweek and Sunquest have named the winner of Travelweek’s Groups 2012 supplement 

contest, sponsored by Sunquest. Rosanna Leeman, a travel specialist for Frederick Travel, 

based out of Waterloo, Ontario, was selected as the winner of a 7-night all-inclusive trip to 

Mexico courtesy of Sunquest. Staying at the Gran Bahia Principe Tulum, Rossana will also 

receive return flights and return transfers at the destination. As part of a larger program to 

get travel agents more engaged with suppliers, Travelweek is hosting more promotions and 

contests than ever before. Be sure to check Travelweek’s Contest Page for the latest travel 

promotions at travelweek.ca/contests. 

LOOKING TO 

PLACE A 

MARKETPLACE AD? 

Contact Mike McCreesh at Ext. 39 

1-800-727-1429 or 416-365-1500 

mmccreesh@travelweek.ca 

Leisure Counsellors 

Full Time and One Year Contract 

Markham Location 

Our successful VIP leisure programs 

are creating new employment 

opportunities for exceptional Leisure 

Counsellors. 

Seeking people who will provide the 

very best quality in customer service 

and who will go above and beyond 

for their customers. Minimum 3 

years experience required and 

working knowledge of Sabre. 

Please forward your resume to: 

hr@carlsonmarkham.com 

or FAX 905-305-6232 

Experience – Travelport Smartpoint 

App and Travelport Ticket Exchange. 

The events will be held at The Terminal 

City Club in Vancouver and The 

Fairmont Palliser Hotel in Calgary 

with a 9-noon morning session or 2-5 

p.m. afternoon session. The dress code 

is business casual. To register for these 

sessions, visit forms.travelport-news. 

com/ats/show.aspx?cr=184&fm=49. 

SPECIALS 

THE FIRST, a brand new 5-star 

boutique hotel located right in 

the centre of Rome, near Piazza 

del Popolo, Via del Corso and Via 

Condotti (Roma’s main shopping 

district) and the Piazza di Spagna, is 

offering a special travel agency rate of 

50% off the Best Available Rate (Rate 

code: DISTVL). For more information, 

e-mail: revenuemanager@ 

thefirsthotel.com or visit thefirsthotel. 

com. 

DESTINATION SPECIALIST 

LATIN AMERICA 

JUNIOR POSITION 

You have: 

� �� 

�� 

� � �� 

�� 

� �� 

� �� 

�� 

� �� 

�� 

� �� 

� �� 

� �� 

�� 

� �� 

We offer: 

� � �� 

� �� 

� �� 

Send your resumes to: 

tours@tourcanvacations.com 


MARKETPLACE 

Merit Loyalty Group 

is growing again! 

We are looking for sales oriented; 

customer focused Travel 

Consultants for our Mississauga 

�� 

Merit is a dynamic national 

organization who can offer you an 

�� 

enjoy providing outstanding client 

service and are looking to join the 

best, we want to hearfrom you! 

Please visit our career page at 

�� 

requirements (bilingualism 

�� 

Please send your resume to 

�� 

We appreciate all applicants however,only 

prospective candidates will be contacted. 

Who said you have to work 

from an office? 

Home Based Consultants 

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. 

Join the market leading 

host agency and turn 

your client base into 

your dream business. 

ON-4499356/4499372 | 

BC-33127/34799/34798 | QC-7002238 

“Talk to us before you sign!” 

Apply Online 

www.applyfirst.ca/job22277 

or call 1 866 891 2189 


> 

Career 

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE 

“Since landing my job at The 

Adventure Travel Company 

less than two years ago, I’ve 

travelled to Colombia and 

Antarctica. These opportunities 

�� 

knowledge, and allow me to 

�� 

I love my job!” 

Ryan Bourassa, Adventure Specialist, Edmonton 

Find out full details, what our Adventure Specialists have to say, and how 

you can join them: TheAdventureTravelCompany.com/careers 

resume@TheAdventureTravelCompany.com 

TheAdventureTravelCompany.com 

A Division of Merit Travel Group 

ON-4499356/4499372 | BC-33127/34799/34798 | QC-7002238 | 111 Peter Street, Suite 200, Toronto 

TRIPCENTRAL.CA 

IS HIRING! 

Are you Sales Driven? 

Do you have Hustle? Are you motivated to do well? 

Do you have Technical Skills with Reservation Systems? 

Do you have an extensive travel resume and understand the value of 

Fam Trips? 

tripcentral.ca has experienced substantial growth over the last few years, and 

continues to do so because of our extensive marketing, and our even better 

travel agents. 

We are a state-of-the-art travel retailer that understands the value of strong 

technology, great sales people, and proper FAMs. 

Our in-house Admin staff includes Quality Control of all travel documents, 

Customer Service Rep, and even an airline Ticketing department. This allows 

you to spend more time doing what you do best … making bookings! 

Please send your resume to kevinquin@tripcentral.ca for an opportunity to work 

amongst the best in the country. 

We are hiring for all regions: 

Sarnia, Hamilton, Kitchener/Waterloo, Guelph, Ottawa, Halifax & Moncton.

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

Member of ACTA 

EXPLORE OUR WEBSITE! 

travelindustrypersonnel.com 

905-542-2989 // TO FIND OUT HOW 

WE CAN HELP YOU 

We’re celebra� ng over 25 years of 

recruitment for the travel industry 

throughout Canada. 

Our service is free to candidates. 

TIP maintains strict con� den� ality 

for both candidates and clients. 

CONTACT US TODAY! 

1-800-717-4917 

careers@travelindustrypersonnel.com 

SENIOR TRAVEL SALES CONSULTANTS 

SENIOR GROUP SALES COORDINATORS 

Salary, commissions, benefits available. 

Leisure Travel experience is mandatory. 

Please send resume’ 

kumar.pahwa@marlintravel.ca 

905 794 7300 (Fax) 

Australia � New Zealand � Idyllic Islands 

Asia � Africa � Worldwide Adventure 

DO YOU HAVE A PASSION TO 

BECOME AN EXPERT IN SELLING 

EXOTIC TRAVEL & CRUISES? 

Hiring at our Vancouver & Ottawa locations: 

EXOTIC TRAVEL SALES CONSULTANT 

Are you: 

� Motivated by achieving and exceeding 

sales targets? 

� Willing to become an expert through 

extensive product training? 

� Able to prioritize and work with 

detailed itineraries? 

� Interested in becoming a member of 

a high performing team? 

IF YOU CHECKED “YES” TO ALL, WE WOULD 

LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! 

We offer unlimited earning 

potential, a fun work environment, 

great benefits and much more! 

hr@pacesettertravel.com 

Please be sure to include your travel 

experience to our specialized destinations! 

BSP/Travel Accounting Clerk 

Location: Georgetown, ON 

We are a large travel agency with offices across Canada whose BSP processing 

centre is in Georgetown, Ontario. We are looking for an individual who: 

� �� 

�� 

� �� 

� �� 

�� 

and, handling agent and client inquiries. 

� �� 

�� 

� �� 

Group Specialist 

Please reply in confidence to: 

�� 

�� hr@vision2000.ca 

WE are the Globus family of brands, offering first-class holidays for 

independent and group travellers as well as small ship cruisers. With 

over 80 years in the industry, we pride ourselves on our stringent product 

standards worldwide. Our lively and busy team is located at our office near 

Bathurst and Eglinton in Toronto. 

THE JOB entails maintaining relationships and growing group business 

with group accounts on all four of our brands, plus custom itineraries. 

Duties include multi-tasking between tour and air costing; managing and 

finalizing group booking details; handling inbound and outbound calls; and 

responding to emails. 

YOU are an experienced team player who excels in customer service and 

computer skills. You are also TICO certified, have strong organizational skills, 

attention to detail and enjoy multi-tasking. Above all you’re passionate 

about the travel industry and proud of what you do. 

If you are interested in this position, please send your resume, 

with salary expectations, to: Recruiting@globusfamily.com. 

Deadline for submission of your resume is Monday, July 23rd, 2012. 

Only candidates who meet the requirements will be contacted. 


With summer vacation well underway, parents across the 

country are looking for ways to beat the heat and spend time 

with family. Whether they’re loading the car for a road trip or 

boarding a plane to a far-off destination, every vacation starts 

off with plenty of promise and excitement. But it’s important 

to remind your clients that in addition to packing their swimsuits 

and flip-flops, they shouldn’t forget to purchase travel 

insurance, something that will protect their travel investment 

and their well-being at the same time. 

Unexpected mishaps and emergencies can happen at a 

moment’s notice. For example, your client could be walking 

on the beach and step on a piece of glass, resulting in an 

injury that may require stitches and antibiotics. With travel 

insurance, coverage would include your client’s physician 

fees, hospital visits and prescription medication, as well as 

any emergency transportation needed to get him or her to 

the nearest hospital. Insurance may even cover the medical 

evacuation or medical repatriation of the client if they became 

seriously injured or critically ill. 

Here’s another example: your clients are to travel home 

from the Bahamas today but have unfortunately awakened to 

find their youngest child with a fever and covered in red spots. 

This unexpected case of the chicken pox prevents them from 

travelling on their scheduled return date. A travel insurance 

policy would help to cover any additional hotel expenses required 

while they’re unable to travel, and if the child was hospitalized, 

there would also be a hospital confinement benefit. 

Travel insurance like TIPS Summer Holidays Plan not only 

provides coverage for emergency medical expenses but also 

benefits like accommodation and meals in case clients must 

delay their trip beyond their scheduled return date due to a 

Here’s your chance to ask the experts! Simply send us your travel insurance inquiries for a chance to win great prizes. The agent 

whose question we select for each month’s column will win a $100 HBC gift card courtesy of Reliable Life Insurance Company. 

your questions to insurance@travelweek.ca. 

medical emergency. It also provides emergency dental benefits 

and coverage for hospital bedside visits. 

So next time your client tells you they don’t need travel insurance, 

consider these every day, realistic examples of what 

could potentially happen while on vacation. The TIPS Summer 

Holidays Plan is a perfect example of emergency medical 

insurance that offers coverage from now up to Sept. 4, 2012. 

This includes coverage for not just one but multiple trips during 

this period. 

How do I go about getting a licence to sell insurance to 

clients in Ontario? Danielle McCartney 

Licencing requirements vary by province. You must comply 

with provincial licencing regulations when selling any type of 

travel insurance to customers residing both in your own province 

and outside of your province. If you are a travel agency 

domiciled in Ontario and registered with TICO then you are 

exempt from licencing. If you are a travel agency domiciled 

outside of Ontario and want to register with TICO and be 

exempt from licencing, you must have a business registered 

and located in Ontario. In accordance with Financial Services 

Commission of Ontario (FSCO), if you are a travel agency domiciled 

outside of Ontario and do not have a business located 

and registered in Ontario then you cannot register with TICO 

and must have your Accident and Sickness Licence and your 

Property and Casualty Licence. Please note this is general information. 

Because your individual circumstances impact your 

attainment of licensure, we recommend you seek proper legal 

advice.

Breezes Bella Costa by SuperClubs 

�� 

Varadero, Cuba 

�� 

�� 

$ 495 �� 

�� 

Breezes Jibacoa by SuperClubs 

�� 

Varadero, Cuba 

�� 

�� 

$ 565 ��

AT NOLITOURS PRICES, 

WE CAN ALL 

GET AWAY WITH THE GANG 

FRIENDLY VALLARTA 

noliPLUS �� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

For details, see the Nolitours Sun 2012-2013 brochure or visit nolitours.com

Been there, done that - Travelweek

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?