Troubles in the Red Sea continue to play havoc with the cruise industry. Also last week, the New Year and Leap Year have intersected to create plenty of consumer deals; PEI is polishing up its hockey sticks; a Jamaican resort is celebrating the Bob Marley movie; TravelBrands welcomed a new BDM; and Tauck celebrated a newly re-organized executive team.
NEWS
Canada’s smallest province is looking to boost its tourism profile through a big deal with the National Hockey League. The agreement designates Tourism Prince Edward Island as the “official travel destination partner of the NHL.’”
Concerned about potential escalations to the conflict in the Middle East, Virgin Voyages has announced a major detour for the repositioning cruise of its ship, Resilient Lady, departing Australia on March 27. Leaving from Sydney, the repositioning cruise will sail around the coast of Africa instead.
Similarly, Crystal has officially cancelled its 2024 cruise from Mumbai to Athens on Crystal Symphony from March 27 to April 13, and will also re-route several segments of its 2024 World Cruise on Crystal Serenity to avoid the area. Guests are being notified.
AIR
Porter Airlines is adding three new Embraer E195-E2 crew bases across Canada for over 350 pilots and flight attendants at Ottawa International Airport (YOW), Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The announcement supports the airline’s rapidly expanding North American network. The carrier also announced it will begin daily service between Toronto and Saskatoon starting May 16.
Travelport and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, in Abu Dhabi, have renewed and expanded their content distribution agreement which will include New Distribution Capability (NDC) content and servicing.
Iberia’s NDC content and servicing capabilities have been launched on the Travelport+ platform. Agents using Travelport+ will be able to view and compare NDC fares and ancillaries from Iberia all in one place, making it easier to identify and book the best options for their travellers.
BY THE NUMBERS
The oneworld alliance is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Launched on Feb. 1, 1999, by founding members American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas, the alliance has flown nearly nine billion customers on its member airlines and currently boasts a takeoff or landing somewhere in the world every six seconds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
DEALS
Collette’s European Getaway sale is now live through Feb. 26. Travellers can save up to 15% when they book during the window. Offer code EUROPE 24 must be used at the time of booking.
A special Leap Year Flash Sale by Uniworld Boutique River Cruises continues through Feb. 29. Each week, a batch of 10 cruises will be released at a 2-for-1 discount, with the second and third batch of sailings being released on Feb. 20 and 26, respectively. Guests have until Leap Day to book their sailings, pending availability. Included in the sale are some of Uniworld’s most popular European itineraries for 2024.
Swan Hellenic is offering 50% off the price for travel companions when one or more passengers book a 2024 cultural expedition cruise by Feb. 29. The offer applies to almost all the cruises on its boutique, Scandi-design expedition ships, from Antarctica to the Arctic, Africa, the Mediterranean, Western Europe, and the Americas.
Meanwhile, Oceania Cruises is also offering savings of up to 50% off per stateroom on 112 sailings in 2024 and 2025 for bookings made now through Feb. 29. The New Year Sale features itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Alaska, Canada and New England, and South America, ranging from seven to 32 days in length.
Club Med’s Sun & Ski sale offers 40% off through Feb. 27.
TOURS
With 95 ‘Make Travel Matter’ experiences available this year, Travcorp’s luxury safari outfitter
Africa Travel Inc., says it is ahead of schedule its mission to provide meaningful experiences that ensure guests “leave the continent more vibrant for future generations to enjoy.” Among the highlights this year are two new wildlife conservation experiences in South Africa and Namibia that help protect near extinct and endangered animals including vultures and cheetahs.
Abercrombie & Kent is launching a new Private Jet journey in 2025 that explores Africa on an epic 23-day adventure. The itinerary spans seven countries, including, for the first time on an A&K Private Jet journey, Tunisia. On “Africa: Across A Continent by Private Jet” (Feb 4-26, 2025), guests will discover Tunisia’s magnificent Roman ruins at Carthage and Dougga, as well as explore the winelands of South Africa, the vanishing mountain gorillas of Rwanda and abundant Big Five of Kenya and Botswana; then learn about the ancient traditions of Benin and end with the bustling medina of Marrakech.
HOTELS
Motto by Hilton further expands its growing portfolio, debuting in South America with the opening of Motto by Hilton Cusco. A more than US$5-million investment in the centre of the Imperial City, the 58-room architectural gem pays homage to Cusco’s intricate past and immerses guests in the local culture located steps away from Cusco’s most visited attractions and landmarks. From intricate terraces to cascading water features and culturally inspired communal areas, Motto by Hilton Cusco spotlights Peruvian culture and is an ideal home base for travellers looking to explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Located in central Belfast, Northern Ireland, voco Belfast will be ideally situated for guests looking to visit the city’s historic tourist hotspots. The 120-room property will be owned by Cliste Hospitality and is set to open its door in summer 2024, marking the brand’s debut in Northern Ireland.
RESORTS
In tribute to Jamaican Reggae legend Bob Marley, Blue Diamond Resorts has introduced ‘Jamaica’s Vibe Getaway,’ a six-night immersive experience that seamlessly weaves together luxury, music, and the cultural tapestry of the island. The experience is available in February at Blue Diamond’s Negril resorts, including Royalton Negril and Hideaway at Royalton Negril, as well as in Montego Bay, encompassing Royalton Blue Waters and the newly opened Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters. Bookings are available through Feb. 29 for travel until Dec. 23.
Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection portfolio is growing in Mexico with the addition of Breathless Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, set to open in 2025, the 450-room adults-only resort will feature four swimming pools, a scenic rooftop with picturesque views, and a variety of culinary options comprised of seven à la carte gourmet restaurants, two cafés and two snack areas. The resort will be Hyatt’s 71st in Mexico.
CRUISE
Crystal has announced a series of special interest themed cruises for 2024, including “Golf Enthusiasts” – Lisbon to Dover” July 18-30, featuring renowned golf instructors David Leadbetter and Roberto Borgatti, who will guide guests interested in perfecting their swings; also “Broadway Enthusiasts” – Quebec City to New York City, Oct 10-18, and New York City to Quebec City, Oct 18-26, featuring performances from American actress and singer Rachel York, known for her stage roles in productions such as City of Angels, Les Miserables, and Kiss Me Kate.
An expansion of its river fleet in Southeast Asia by Viking will see a new ship debut in 2025. Designed for the Mekong River, the 80-guest Viking Tonle will join its identical sister ship, the Viking Saigon, which debuted in 2022, and will sail between Kampong Cham, Cambodia and My Tho, Vietnam as part of Viking’s popular 15-day Magnificent Mekong itinerary. To meet strong demand for Mekong River voyages, Viking has added sailing dates in 2025 and has now opened the entire 2026 season for booking.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Universal Orlando Resort has revealed the first official look and details of its new theme park, Universal Epic Universe. Located a few miles from the current Universal footprint, the park is set to open in 2025, promising an “unmatched level of theme park innovation” that includes five immersive worlds featuring attractions, dining, shopping and more, all set in “breathtaking gardens.”
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Travel advisors may earn a $25 e-gift card per passenger booked on itineraries and experiences across the entire TTC Tour Brands portfolio, including Trafalgar, Contiki, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations, Luxury Gold and Insight Vacations, for travel in 2024 for bookings made in February. The “For the Love of Travel,” incentive program also includes a 100 e-gift card for advisors who make their very first booking with TTC. Agents can visit TAP to get started.
Taiwan Tourism School is available for free, and incentives are available to the first 20 Canadian travel trade that complete the course and for the first 20 companies that subsequently sell more Taiwan packages to Canadians. The first course offered, “Taiwan Tourism 101,” is now available and serves as an essential primer for travel agencies keen to expand their horizons and deepen their understanding of Taiwan. Find out more at TaiwanTourismSchool.com.
EVENTS
Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) has announced the theme of its next annual conference, to be held at the Sheraton Toronto Airport and Conference Center on Sept. 21 and 22, right after the event at the St-Hyacinthe Convention Centre on Sept. 14 and 15.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
At a company gathering this evening with more than 500 Tauck employees, board members and Tauck family members present, the Connecticut-based tour company – founded in 1925 – announced the following leadership changes (photo), effective in October: Arthur Tauck Jr., chairman, will become chairman emeritus; Dan Mahar, Tauck CEO since 2008 will become chairman of the board; Jennifer Tombaugh, Tauck president since 2011 will become CEO; and Jeremy Palmer, Tauck COO since 2019 will become president.
TravelBrands has a new Business Development Manager for Northern and Southwest Ontario, as well as Manitoba: Cheryl Green. “Cheryl brings a unique blend of sales expertise and a dedication to customer service,” says Bruce Lidberg, Director of Sales – Western Canada & Ontario, TravelBrands. “Her industry experience and track record makes her the perfect candidate to foster growth and collaboration with our esteemed travel agent partners in the Ontario and Manitoba regions.” She can be reached at cheryl.green@travelbrands.com.
Porter Airlines announced that Rob Palmer has joined the company as its new executive vice president and chief financial officer. Palmer has a robust industry background, most recently with The Calgary Airport Authority as its vice president, commercial, strategy and chief financial officer.
DESTINATIONS
With a record winter tourist season on the horizon and 10 consecutive quarters of growth posted, Jamaica is reporting visitor arrivals of approximately 4.1 million for 2023. This represents a 16% increase over the previous year’s numbers and a 7.5% increase over 2019 pre-pandemic numbers. Of this total, more than half of the island’s visitors are from the US at approximately 3 million. Canada is Jamaica’s second-largest tourist market, currently with 300,000 visitors.
From Feb. 29 to March 3, the renowned St. Maarten Heineken Regatta celebrates its 44th edition. Over 20,000 sailors and spectators from across the world watch four days of world-class racing in an inspiring and energetic atmosphere. A popular viewpoint is from a boat charter and in the evenings, food and entertainment brings the Regatta Village to life.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1908, the first around-the-world automobile race began in New York. Six cars – three French, one American, one Italian and one German – were entered in the race that ended in Paris on July 26. The American car won.
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