HOW IT WORKS
New Air Canada coach service connects Hamilton, K/W to YYZ
Air Canada has launched new – and free – motorcoach service connecting southern Ontario’s Hamilton-Wentworth and Kitchener/Waterloo Regions to Toronto Pearson International Airport, at the same time enabling customers to create a single itinerary when booking travel with Air Canada through YYZ. MORE
CITY OF COLOUR AND LIGHT
Mexico is ‘always a good idea’
"Mexico City is always a good idea," would be my geographical manipulation of a quote attributed to Audrey Hepburn, reflecting on the best-known capital city in the world (Paris). Yet, barely five hours' flying time from Toronto (and marginally longer from YVR), there is another gem of a capital city powerfully reflecting the character and culture of the great country of Mexico. MORE
Global Travel Agent Month has kicked off with a flurry of supplier incentives for May – and, in some cases, beyond – designed to profess recognition and appreciation of the invaluable work done throughout the entire year by travel advisors. While the list is lengthy – everyone loves travel agents after all! – here is a sampling of just some of the perks that are available. MORE
FLOODS FORCE TOURIST EVACUATION IN KENYA
Tourists were evacuated by air from Kenya’s Maasai Mara national reserve Wednesday after more than a dozen hotels, lodges and camps were flooded as heavy rains battered the country. Tourist accommodation facilities were submerged after a river within the Maasai Mara broke its banks. The reserve, in southwestern Kenya, is a popular tourist destination because it features the annual wildebeest migration from the Serengeti in Tanzania. MORE
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
Here’s the plan for DreamWorks Land
Universal Orlando Resort will debut DreamWorks Land on June 14 – a new themed environment inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s characters Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. Located in the Universal Studios Florida theme park, the expansive area will feature a family-friendly coaster, multiple interactive play areas, live entertainment, character meet and greets, and more. MORE
CAYO LARGO IS A NATURE-LOVER’S TROPICAL HAVEN
Cayo Largo, a Cuban island consisting of many all-inclusive resorts, has beautifully maintained its natural splendor of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and protected wildlife. Any vacationer seeking a tropical getaway that blends serenity with nature and plenty of opportunities for exploration will find what they’re looking for on this small but mighty island. MORE
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AIR CANADA SUSPENDS NEW SEAT SELECTION FEE
Air Canada as pressed pause on a new seat selection fee a mere couple of days after it implemented the policy. For years, customers with economy fares have been able to change the seat automatically assigned to them at check-in free of charge. However, travel agents received notice from the company this month that lower-tier passengers who had not purchased a seat in advance would have to pay a fee to change their automatically designated spot, starting April 24. MORE
TRAVEL ADVISORS KEY TO CRUISE BOOKINGS
Almost three quarters (73%) of cruise passengers say that travel advisors had a meaningful influence on their decision to travel, according to Cruise Lines International Association’s recently released 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report, which also notably revealed that 2023 passenger volume reached 31.7 million – surpassing 2019 by seven percent. MORE
TRANSAT FLIGHT DISPATCHERS THREATEN STRIKE
Another round of labour trouble is threatening to disrupt Air Transat, with the company’s 28 airline dispatchers in a position to strike, having voted for a strike mandate to protest what the union says is “disappointing progress” in labour talks. No Air Transat aircraft can depart without the approval of a flight plan by a flight dispatcher, though no strike date has been announced. MORE
RETAIL ROUND-UP
TTAND, Ensemble, F1S, and agent incentives
As travel advisors across the country celebrate Travel Agent Day today (May 01), here’s the latest from The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) and Royal Caribbean, Ensemble, and First in Service (F1S), plus some travel agent day/month specials from suppliers designed to make agents’ lives just a little bit better. MORE
EMBRACE THE SHORTER BOOKING WINDOW
And other top booking tips
With 100 years of experience and a host of diverse brands, from Trafalgar to Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Costsaver, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold, TTC Tour Brands says it knows a little about recognizing and making the most of booking trends. To that end, the company is offering its insight ahead of the busy summer travel window, suggesting a series of strategies that travel advisors can implement to positively impact the season. MORE
EXPEDIA TAAPS INTO NEW FEATURES FOR TRAVEL AGENT DAY
Expedia Group is celebrating Global Travel Advisor Day today (May 1) by hosting a number of events across the world, including Canada, to show appreciation for its Expedia TAAP (Travel Agent Affiliate Program) partners. Overall, Expedia Group will be hosting 16 events across three continents. MORE
MSC CRUISES WELCOMES NEW WESTERN BDM
MSC Cruises Canada has announced the appointment of Facinet Yansane as Business Development Manager for Western and Central Canada, based in Vancouver. Originally from Conakry, Guinea, Yansane joined MSC Cruises Canada in January 2023 as a bilingual cruise consultant. MORE