RETAIL ROUND-UP: Marlin Travel/ACV, Vienna, Exotik Journeys

Exotic Journeys FAM, Costa Del Sol, Spain

It’s been a busy season for FAM trips. Here’s a short round-up of just a few of the fall excursions, as conducted by Air Canada Vacations, Exotic Journeys, and the Vienna Tourist Board, and their bevy of willing trade partners.

Exotik Journeys

Exotik Journeys recently concluded a FAM trips to Singapore/Malaysia, as well as the Costa del Sol, Spain (banner photo).

With travel agents from Quebec, Ontario, and BC, the former group was guided by company BDM Jessica Smid, and included groups supervisors Lydia Lefort.

The journey began with an Air Canada direct flights from Vancouver to Singapore, where agents had the opportunity to explore the destination and neighbouring Malaysia through an array of curated tours, excursions, and premium accommodations, including stays in 4- and 5-star hotels.

Some of the notable experiences included exploring the mangroves in Langkawi, enjoying a scenic trishaw ride through the streets of Penang, touring the lush tea plantations in the rolling hills of Cameron Highlands, and taking in the breathtaking Batu Caves.

In Spain, FAM participants toured Mijas, Ronda, Torrox, Puerto Banús, Marbella, and Málaga, highlighted by a visit to the historic Ronda bullfighting ring – the oldest in the world – and a fascinating tour of an olive oil production co-op in Torrox. Trip partners included Air France/KLM

Vienna

(L-r) Anne Marie Angers – CAA Travel, Renée Wilson – AMpm Canada-Quebec, Lakshan Samarasinghe – Minor Hotels, Nathalie Guilbert- Voyages Fleur de Lys, Danielle Kaiser – Lufthansa Group, Armando Mendonça – AMpm Canada – President, Antonella Daneluzzi – Victours, Jimmy Stavropoulos – Voyages a la Carte, Barb Abrams – Aufgang Travel, and Elisabeth Wolf – Artissimi, Vienna

The Vienna Tourist Board, with partners Air Canada and Austrian Airlines, plus hotels Park Plaza Vienna and Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna hosted a Canadian trade group in the Austrian capital (photo). Highlights of the FAM included touring the city’s charming Christmas markets, landmarks such as the Habsburg Palace and the Spanish Riding School, Schönbrunn Palace (Bergl Rooms), Naschmarkt, Museum Quartier, St. Stephens Cathedral, Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna (Fine Arts Museum) and the Michelin-starred Edvard Restaurant at the Anantara Palais Hansen.

Marlin Travel

Agents in St. Maarten

The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, in partnership with Air Canada Vacations, recently hosted a FAM trip for nine travel agents from Maritime Travel providing them with a firsthand experience of everything this Caribbean gem has to offer.

The agents – hailing from across Canada – had the opportunity to explore the island’s unique culture, top resorts, and adventures, all while discovering Air Canada’s enhanced seasonal service to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM).

“We were delighted to host Maritime Travel agents from many of Canada’s provinces, as they are important traveler markets for us,” said May-Ling Chun, Director of Tourism at the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. “The trip gave them an authentic taste of St. Maarten – from our renowned resorts and activities to our vibrant food scene. With Air Canada Vacations’ expanded light service, we’re confident that St. Maarten will continue to be a popular choice for Canadian travellers looking for the perfect Caribbean getaway.”

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