01 APR 2019: In case you missed it, and even if you didn’t, here’s a quick look at some of last week’s need-to-know travel news:
AIR
Icelandic low-cost carrier Wow Air is an ex airline. The carrier, which had served Toronto and Montreal with flights as low as $129 to Rejkjavik and $199 onwards to London (amongst other destinations in Europe), had struggled financially for months and finally pulled the plug on March 27 stranding thousands of passengers – in some cases, leaving people at the gate. A message on the airline’s website stated bluntly: “All Wow Air flights have been cancelled.”
New service from Porter Airlines will whisk Toronto residents to cottage country in only 20 minutes this summer. Flights will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Mondays from July 27 to Sept. 3 between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Muskoka Airport (located between Gravenhurst and Bracebridge).
United Airlines has become the first US airline to offer non-binary gender options throughout all booking channels in addition to providing the option to select the title “Mx” during booking and in a MileagePlus customer profile. Customers now have the ability to identify themselves as M(male), F(female), U(undisclosed) or X(unspecified), corresponding with what is indicated on their passports or identification.
DEALS
To accommodate a trend towards shorter vacations, Avalon Waterways will offer time-starved travellers – or those wanting to dip their toes in river cruise waters for the first time – a choice of four-, five- and six-day cruises in 2020 on its A Taste of the Rhine, Heart of Germany and A Taste of the Danube itineraries. Prices start at $1,499 (excluding airfare).
Goway is tempting travellers to discover Melbourne, Australia, with savings when they visit the city and surrounding region, which includes coastlines with pristine white sand beaches, rainforests, great wineries and stunning natural landscapes. Discounts are availed on three tours: Melbourne, Great Ocean Road and Great Barrier Reef (save $437), Melbourne, Sydney and Great Barrier Reef Explorer ($585) and Melbourne, Great Ocean Road and Tasmania Explorer ($604).
AmaWaterways reminds that guests choosing to sail on some of its most popular European river cruises, including select dates on board AmaMagna, will get free roundtrip airfare to Europe when booking by March 31. Use code FLYFREE at time of booking.
TOURS
Jane Goodall and friend. Image by Michael Neugebauer
April 3 is Dr. Jane Goodall’s birthday – she’s turning 85 – and to celebrate, G Adventures will donate $85 all week for every one of its Jane Goodall Collection tours booked. Eligible itineraries include Experience Borneo, Highlights of Madagascar, Galapagos Island Hopping, Kenya Safari Experience, and Amazon Riverboat Adventure. Donations will support the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, which works to protect chimpanzees in the wild. Goodall (photo) is a personal hero of G founder Bruce Poon Tip.
Air Transat is touting the charms of Southern Italy, a destination it calls “something new” for Canadians more accustomed to Rome, Florence and Venice. Accessible via direct flights from Toronto to Lamezia, Calebria boasts a “cornucopia of activities and lush landscapes” and is also the gateway to Sicily, two hours south, or the regions of Basilicata and Apulia to the north. The Charms of Calabria multi-city package lasts nine days and seven nights and travellers can add their choice of six à la carte visits, including the Aeolian Islands and Taormina, in Sicily.
Adventurous visitors to Oregon can sleep under the stars in their very own teepee at Heartline Ranch, located down the road from Crater Lake National Park. The furnished First American teepees come complete with mattresses, bedding and even an indoor fire pit. After the unique glamping experience, a guided horseback ride explores the extensive private property, which connects to the famed Pacific Crest Trail.
HOTELS
A unique new hotel in Tokyo’s Hamamatsucho district is now taking reservations for an Aug. 1 opening. Tavinoshiori is the first entry for the new Tavinos brand and will feature 188 small, minimally furnished rooms and “eye-popping” Manga (animation) covering the hotel. The waterfront property for millennials will also have an AI concierge and touchscreen information for guests in multiple languages. The use of such technologies and small spaces minimizes staff, says the hotel, thereby keeping room rates low (approximately US$90/night CA$120/night). A second Tavinos will open in Asakusa, Tokyo, in May, 2020, right before the Tokyo Olympics.
The Stratosphere, Casino, Hotel & Tower in Las Vegas has begun its transition to The STRAT Hotel, Casino and SkyPod, a rebrand that includes a full remodelling of the property.
Open
The Residence Inn Calgary Downtown/Beltline District is the Marriott brand’s 800th property worldwide and its largest. Standing 33 storeys high with 390 spacious suites and unique design elements paying homage to Calgary’s western history, the hotel is close to downtown and attractions like the Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary Tower, and Studio Bell.
RESORTS
Sandals Resorts has unveiled the latest addition to its Over-the-Water Collection: a three-tier glass bottom pool designed to showcase panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea from any angle. Resembling a wedding cake, the pool structure will feature a top-floor whirlpool, accessible via glass elevator; leisure pool with a swim-up bar on the second tier; and an infinity edge pool directly over the ocean on the bottom level. The resort chain didn’t say where or when the pool will be deployed.
San Juan’s Caribe Hilton is taking reservations for stays beginning May 15, unveiling a more than $100 million-dollar restoration following the effects of Hurricane Maria in 2017. The hotel, in its 70th year and said to be the birthplace of the pina colada, is located on a private 28-hectare peninsula with a secluded beach near the Old San Juan historic district.
Luxurious German spa resort Schloss Elmau has been awarded a second Michelin star for its sumptuous Luce d’Oro restaurant, overseen by chef Christoph Rainer. Located in the heart of the Bavarian Alps about an hour from Munich and celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2019, the resort has 162 rooms and suites, five restaurants and a concert hall. There are also six separate lavish spas, heated outdoor pools, year-round programs for children and teens, and opportunities for hiking, tennis and skiing.
CRUISE
Carnival Freedom has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation, adding a variety of new experiences, including an expansive new WaterWorks aqua park, enhanced dining options, more shops, miniature golf course and more. Part of the line’s $2-billion ship enhancement program, the updated spaces were added during a recent three-week dry dock that took place in the Bahamas. Meanwhile, ground has been broken in Port Canaveral, Fla., on the construction of Terminal 3, which will be home to the Carnival Mardi Gras in 2020.
Star Clippers will be adding ports in Cambodia to its 2020 Southeast Asia itineraries. The new tall ship itineraries include 10- and 11-night sailings that visit Cambodia for the first time, and will vary port of calls on the Thai, Malay and Indonesian archipelagos.
THEME PARKS
If you want to know how to get to Sesame Street, just go to SeaWorld Orlando, which has opened a 4.2-hectare real-life version of the iconic TV neighbourhood (photo), complete with replicas of Abby Cadabby’s Garden, Big Bird’s Nest, Mr. Hooper’s Store and the famous 123 Stoop, as well as themed rides, activities like story-time with Big Bird, a parade, and appearances by favourite characters like Elmo.
Disney is advising guests to butt out starting May 1 as it eliminates smoking areas at its theme and water parks in California and Florida, as well as at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Downtown Disney in California. Smoking areas will be available outside the parks and those entertainment areas. In a separate directive, Disney is limiting stroller sizes to 79 X 132 cm.
The opening date for Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites, has been announced: June 27. The value category hotel at Universal Orlando Resort features standard rooms and two-bedroom suites and features exclusive park benefits for guests including early park admission.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
For a limited time, Air Canada Vacations is offering agents a 5% bonus commission when booking clients on any Europe package. Bookings are valid between until April 8 for travel through Dec. 21.
Aussie specialists who have completed the NT module will receive a US$100 gift card for any new Goway booking that includes four nights in the Northern Territory. The incentive is valid for bookings made prior to June 1 and is limited to one incentive per booking.
EVENTS
Online registration is now open for Sandals Resorts’ Certified Sandals Specialist workshops taking place May-September in over 40 cities from St. John’s to Surrey, B.C. The fast-paced sessions are designed to give agents key product updates, selling strategies, tips, and information about Sandals and Beaches resorts. The workshops also fulfill the educational requirement towards becoming a Certified Sandals Specialist, as well as the maintenance requirement for agents already holding CSS status. Click HERE for dates and cities and to register. Space is limited.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
The European Travel Commission (ETC) has announced the appointment of Pascal Prinz, Director of Switzerland Tourism, as the new Vice-Chair of ETC’s Canada chapter. Joining ETC Canada chapter chair Dana Welch (Ireland), Prinz takes over from Antje Splettstoesser, former director of the German National Tourist Board in Canada.
Scenic Group Canada has named Juna Ueda as GM – Canada Sales, and Amanda McGregor as Brand Manager for Ocean Products. Both will work out of the company’s Vancouver office reporting directly to VP of Sales and Marketing Lisa McCaskill. Ueda comes from Rocky Mountaineer while McGregor previously worked at the Expedia Group.
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival (formerly known as Caribana) has selected Toronto-based TOTAL PR as it’s official public relations and marketing agency in Canada. This year, the 52nd annual event takes place July 7-Aug. 11, reaching its peak on parade day, Aug. 3.
ACTA
ACTA’s annual ACTA/Air Canada Awards recognizing the excellence and dedication of its members are open for nomination. Through April 22, the association is encouraging businesses or individuals to nominate themselves or others in six categories that recognize leisure and corporate agents, leadership, professionalism and more. The winners will be selected by a panel of jurors and the awards will be presented at Travel MarketPlace in Toronto on June 12. Full details and nomination form can be found HERE.
DESTINATIONS
The Vessel (foreground) – soon to get a new name – has become an instant landmark in New York. Image courtesy of Francis Dzikowski
New York’s newest neighbourhood officially opened to the public on March 15. Hudson Yards is the largest private real estate development in US history and has transformed a largely vacant, underdeveloped 42-block area on the west side of Manhattan with business, retail, residential, cultural institutions and public spaces. Highlights include more than 100 retail outlets and restaurants, a two-hectare public square and gardens, and the new artistic landmark The Vessel, which is comprised of 154 intricately-interconnecting flights of stairs offering a (free) 1.6-km vertical climbing experience with stellar views. In the pipeline for 2020 is the Edge, the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere.
Dublin’s historic No.11 Liffey Ferry has returned to the Irish capital’s waters after a 35-year absence. The ferry taxis passengers between three points – the 3Arena, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, and MV Cill Airne at North Wall Quay. Service operates between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday to Friday.
A new searchable, bilingual database has been launched to help identify businesses and attractions in Louisiana that are accessible to people who speak French. Developed by the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL), The Oui! Initiative aims to help visitors and French-speaking residents alike, with the former a significant market for tourism, according to the state’s lieutenant governor, Billy Nungesser. Check it out HERE.
Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com.