Last week’s news includes the re-opening of the US land border, prompting further calls from the industry to shelve PCR tests for vaxxed travellers; Ireland accepts mixed doses; ACTA urgently wants your opinion to help it continue advocating for industry aid; and agents can win cash in a Myrtle Beach trivia contest.
NEWS
Tourism Ireland reports that travellers are now considered fully vaccinated and able to enter the country if they have received two doses of any combination of a vaccine approved for use in Ireland, including – notably for many Canadians – AstraZeneca. Varied time lags apply after the 2nd dose depending on the vaccine.
ACTA is urging travel counsellors to take part in a survey it is conducting to provide data it needs to aid advocacy efforts to secure ongoing financial support for the industry from the federal government. A similar survey was conducted in June, but the new version will reflect developments in the industry since then as well as including new questions for independent travel agents. Responses must be completed by Nov. 16. To participate, click HERE.
On Nov. 8, Canadians were at last able to cross into the US by land as Customs and Border Protection agents began letting fully vaccinated vacationers, visitors, and day-trippers drive into the country for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
A campaign by Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable continued last week in western Canada with the representatives of the travel and related businesses calling for Canada to shelve PCR testing for fully vaccinated arrivals – an unnecessary protocol that continues to produce a travel chill that hampers recovery.
RE-OPENING/RE-START
The next phase of VIA Rail’s gradual service resumption will see the return of the Ocean’s second frequency starting on Dec. 8 between Montreal and Halifax with service on Wednesdays and Sundays. VIA says it will continue to return to full operations across the country, by June 2022.
AIR
For departures starting Nov. 15, Air Transat economy class travellers can now order their meal up to 72 hours prior to departure for flights of three hours or more to the South, the US and Canada.
Service between Toronto Billy Bishop and Mont-Tremblant, Que., is set to resume in time for the holidays. Porter Airlines seasonal service begins Dec. 17 will runs through March 28, 2022. Ski packages are available through Porter Escapes.
Pivot Airlines has announced the launch of scheduled air service between Waterloo Region and Ottawa beginning Feb. 19, 2022, and between Waterloo Region and Montreal beginning March 21, 2022. Pivot Airlines is a value carrier operating the world’s most popular series of regional jets, the Mitsubishi Canadair Regional Jet. Headquartered in Toronto Pearson Airport, Pivot Airlines launched in June of 2020.
Two new seasonal services from Air Canada in 2022 will launch from Jean Lesage International Airport in Quebec City: Vancouver begins May 20 with up to three flights a week, and Calgary flights start on May 21 offering up to four weekly flights. These new routes will be operated by Air Canada Rouge on an Airbus A319 aircraft.
DEALS
Clients can save up to 30% off through G Adventures’ “biggest sale of the year.” The Cyber sale runs through Dec. 3 and applies to more than 400 tours departing before Oct. 31, 2022. Tours departing before March 31 qualify for a 20% discount; those between March 31 and Oct. 31, 30%.
Starting Nov. 16, Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Greatest Deal Ever” sale offers a 70% discount off the second guest fare and seven free offers with a value up to US$4,250. The sale comes as the cruise line opens sales on itineraries through summer 2024, the most itineraries in its history, with new ports of call including La Romana, Dominican Republic; Sendai (Ishinomaki), Japan; and Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
TOURS
With its full re-opening to international travel today, Cuba has been named an “easy entry destination” by Sunwing, which is offering flights to the sunspot from gateways across Canada in addition to zero change fees, free COVID-19 medical coverage (for bookings made by Dec. 6) and “travel requirements made easy.” Sunwing advises that fully vaccinated travellers don’t need to provide a negative test or quarantine upon arrival.
Boutique vessel Aqua Mare, the fifth in Aqua Expeditions luxury fleet, will launch in the Galapagos Islands on May 6, 2022. The first true superyacht to sail the Ecuadorian islands, the seven-suite Aqua Mare will offer a choice of two highly personalized seven-night itineraries exploring the Archipelago’s eastern and western regions, as well as two 14-night voyages for the Galapagos Islands’ ultimate bucket-list adventure.
RESORTS
Saint Lucia’s all-inclusive Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa and the luxury, couples-only Serenity at Coconut Bay have introduced free return-home PCR testing for Canadian guests staying seven nights and longer starting Nov. 21. Shorter stay guests have the option of purchasing the test for US$150 p.p. Guests simply arrange for their test on arrival at the front desk (Coconut Bay) or with their butler (Serenity). The test will be administered onsite by a medical professional and results are provided within 24 hours. (The PCR test does not replace Saint Lucia’s testing requirements necessary for entry). The resorts also include free travel insurance with stays of five nights or longer, for bookings made through Dec. 31 31 for travel through Sept. 2, 2022. Guests staying fewer than five nights have the option to purchase the insurance within 24 hours of arrival on resort for US$39 p.p.
HOTELS
Designed as a cultural hub for the Broadway community, Civilian NYC has opened in in the heart of the Theater District. A dramatic and luxurious setting will feature draping and marquee lighting, a secret garden and second floor lounges via spiral staircase. The 27-story, David Rockwell-designed high-rise will offer 203 guest rooms.
A newly opened luxury hotel in Cardiff, Wales, The Parkgate Hotel, offers 170 bedrooms, a restaurant and bar, tea lounge and rooftop spa. Made in collaboration with the Welsh Rugby Union and just a drop kick from Principality Stadium, it provides packages for Wales rugby matches and offer fans perfect pre- and post-match hospitality.
CRUISE
Two more Celebrity Cruises ships have returned to service, bringing to 10 the number of the line’s 14 vessels to begin sailing again. Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Constellation, departed from Fort Lauderdale and Tampa Bay, respectively, last week. Each ship will spend nearly six months exploring the Eastern and Western Caribbean before their transatlantic voyages to then embark on itineraries that include many of the most alluring cities around Europe, including stops in Italy, Spain, Greece, and Croatia.
Holland America Line’s new Rotterdam also departed on its inaugural Caribbean cruise – a roundtrip five-day sailing to Bimini, Bahamas, and Half Moon Cay, the cruise line’s private Bahamian island. Rotterdam marks the second ship to return to Florida cruising and the Caribbean for Holland America Line since the industrywide pause began 20 months ago. During November, the ship will be joined at Port Everglades by Pinnacle Class sister-ship Nieuw Statendam and Eurodam, which also kick off their Caribbean seasons. Nieuw Amsterdam began Caribbean cruising from Fort Lauderdale Oct. 23.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Christmas and holiday celebrations at Disneyland, California are officially underway, with celebrations due to carry on until Jan. 9. On tap will be beloved traditions such as Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, and magical snow falling on Main Street, USA. At Disney California Adventure Park, guests will experience the Disney Festival of Holidays, “Disney Viva Navidad!” Street Party and the merry motor-themed holiday décor on Route 66 in Cars Land. The Disneyland Resort holiday celebration extends to Downtown Disney District and hotels of the Disneyland Resort with traditional décor and festive entertainment throughout the season.
BY THE NUMBERS
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is supporting Manatee Awareness month in November. The company provides an important role in the preservation of the species having completed nearly 1,300 rescues, rehabilitations and returns of manatees in need. Since 1976, SeaWorld has provided these services, in partnership with other organizations and agencies, becoming the largest manatee rescue operation in the US and operating only five critical care facilities in the country. With a record breaking 1,000 manatee deaths in 2021, populations have diminished to dangerously low levels and they face many threats, most dramatically starvation due to depletion of sea grass, their primary food source, along with cold stress, injuries from boat strikes, entanglements, and other illnesses.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
With the southbound land border to the US now open for non-essential travel, one of America’s most famous drive destinations (yes, you can fly there too!) is welcoming the return of Canadians to its sunny and sandy shores. And to celebrate, Visit Myrtle Beach is running a trivia contest for Canadian travel counsellors in which one grand prize winner will receive a $500 Visa gift card while five others will receive destination swag bags. The contest ends Nov. 30; to enter, click HERE.
EVENTS
Tourism Australia is inviting Canadian travel advisors to attend its inaugural Australia Global Summit on Nov. 16. The three-hour virtual program promises to be packed with inspiring keynote speakers, energizing storytelling chapters, targeted and informative education sessions, and on-demand content. Attendance is free. To register for the event, which will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. EST, click HERE.
Travel advisers who sell the Caribbean will be brought up to date with the latest travel developments in the region when the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) hosts an online educational session on Wednesday (Nov. 24) at 10 a.m. EST. Twenty CTO member countries will share information on the latest protocols, new flights and hotel openings, and other developments. The webinar is part of a programme of activities by the CTO and its member countries in observance of Caribbean Tourism Month 2021, which has as its theme, Caribbean Comeback.
Register HERE.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Goway has named industry veteran Rares Dumitru as National Account Manager for Canada. With expertise in both retail and wholesale, Dumitru is tasked with strengthening the Toronto-based tour operator’s relationship with travel professionals across Canada and managing key accounts. Dumitru has worked in travel for over 20 years with organizations such as Trafalgar, Kensington Tours, Rail Europe, and most recently, LaCure Villas.
Direct/Vision Travel is congratulating two of its agents who were recently named to the prestigious Celebrity Cruises Iconic Advisors Club: Josie Pellegrini from Woodbridge, Ont., and Yvonne Douglas from Kamloops, BC.
The Jamaica Tourist Board reported the recent death of former JTB Canada manager Bernard “Bernie” Rickman. Rickman first joined the JTB as a local sales representative in 1969 and was soon promoted to assistant sales manager and later became the board’s Regional Manager for Canada. In 1991, he was appointed Deputy Director of Tourism, Overseas Administration and Finance and later served as Deputy Director of Tourism, Overseas Administration until he left the board in 1992.
DESTINATIONS
From Dec. 7 to Jan. 3 at Hampton Court Palace in England, an enchanting evening light trail will offer visitors a chance to explore magical lighting projections, illuminations, and lanterns in a unique historical setting. Inspired by the Palace’s famous astronomical clock, the illuminated cobbled courtyards and gardens turn into a glittering, fantastical wonderland of clocks and moons, planets and sundials. The twilight trail is a separately ticketed evening event from regular entry.
An eight-day ski touring route has opened in Slovenia’s Julian Alps region, which encourages confident skiers to explore undeveloped areas, in keeping with the destination’s plan to expand its sustainable tourism offering. Klemen Langus, Director of Tourism Bottinj, one of the tourist boards in the Julian Alps region, says: “Everything is ready. We are just waiting for the snow to come. Ski touring is quite developed in Slovakia and want to influence visitors to follow our sustainable vision while enjoying Triglav National Park on the Juliana SkiTour.”
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