War, women, and woes of the travel industry dominated the week past, though the cruise news in Canada was good, and borders around the world continued to ease entry restrictions, for which we provide a dedicated round-up within the round-up.
NEWS
With Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program rent and wage subsidies scheduled to be halved as of March 13, and ended entirely on May 7, ACTA conducted a “Save Travel Campaign,” urging travel agency owners to share their plight via video, which it promised to share with key government decision-makers and influencers. The association is calling for rent and wage subsidies to continue at 100% levels until at least July.
Strict COVID-19 measures will be enforced when cruise ships return to Canada’s ports next month after a nearly two-year hiatus, including the requirement for passengers to be fully tested and vaccinated before returning to Canada. Cruise ship operators will be required to inspect proof of vaccination and monitor and report test results adding that no passenger will be allowed off a cruise ship unless they meet the testing and vaccine requirements.
UKRAINE INVASION
An Air Canada-operated humanitarian special cargo flight on behalf of Airlink and other aid organizations departed Toronto Pearson for Warsaw, Poland on March 9. The flight contained medical and trauma supplies to help hospitals treating Ukrainian civilians injured during the war.
Both Sabre and Amadeus have dropped Aeroflot. The travel technology companies say they have terminated their distribution agreements with the airline – the largest government-majority owned carrier in Russia – over the country’s unprovoked and continuing invasion of Ukraine.
TravelBrands is committing its support to the humanitarian efforts to help those impacted both in Ukraine and in surrounding countries. The travel company is donating $10,000 to the Canadian Red Cross – Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis and additionally, will also donate $5 of every booking made. “Not only is it our responsibility, but it is our duty as an organization to speak up and to take action,” says Frank DeMarinis, CEO of H.I.S-Red Label Vacations, adding, “We challenge our travel industry partners to also contribute in any way possible, as a demonstration of solidarity.”
CCG, the parent organization of CAA South Central Ontario (SCO), CAA Manitoba, CAA Insurance Company, Orion Travel Insurance and Echelon Insurance, are making a $100,000 donation to the Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal to help respond to humanitarian needs in Ukraine.
BORDERS
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is developing guidance that will ease the US nationwide mask mandate for public transit next month, but the existing face covering requirement will be extended through April 18. The requirement, which is enforced by the TSA, had been set to expire on March 18, but was extended by a month to allow the public health agency time to develop new, more targeted policies. The requirement extends to planes, buses, trains, and transit hubs.
Effective March 1, fully vaccinated travellers, who can show proof of vaccination, are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test for entry into Belize’s airport, land borders or seaports. In addition, all curfew mandates have been removed and wearing masks is no longer required in outdoor spaces.
Beginning April 1, Costa Rica will no longer require travellers to complete an online health pass upon arrival. Additionally, unvaccinated travellers will no longer be required to purchase a travel insurance policy. However, it will still be recommended that travellers purchase travel insurance to cover medical and lodging expenses in the event of contracting COVID-19. And beginning April 1, establishments including but not limited to sports, cultural and academic institutions, and nightclubs, will be able to operate at 100% capacity without requiring vaccination QR codes.
New entry protocols have been announced for Dominica. The major amendment indicates that all travellers are required to complete an online health questionnaire online before or upon arrival (the latter preferred) and must upload a negative PCR test (taken within 72 hours prior to arrival) or negative Rapid Antigen Test result (48 hours prior).
AGENCIES
TL Network Canada reports that it added 47 new Canadian member agencies to its network in 2021. At the same time, 14 new supplier partners joined the network, amongst them Altour Air, Explora Journeys, and destinations Abu Dhabi, Greece, Korean, Los Cabos, Santa Monica, and The Palm Beaches.
One of North America’s largest independent travel agencies, First in Service Travel Ltd. F1S) has announced the formal expansion of operations to Canada. The New York City-based company, in business since 1991, says it has been building its presence in the market since 2019, and already boasts 25 members in Canada.
AIR
Porter Airlines and Air Transat have announced a codeshare deal that will see Porter put its code on Air Transat-operated flights to and from Montreal on 11 European destinations, 13 South destinations, five destinations in the US and two domestic destinations (Calgary and Vancouver). Air Transat will put its code on Porter’s flights to and from Toronto (Billy Bishop) and Halifax, connecting to all the above destinations in Montreal.
Air Transat reports it is relaunching most of its routes for summer travel including destinations in Europe and the US. Domestic and Sun flights will also be offered, but Transat says it is particularly focussed on consolidating its position in the transatlantic market. The airline will offer a total of 25 European destinations, including the six it currently serves, starting in April. In total, the carrier will operate more than 250 direct flights weekly on 69 direct routes at the height of the season.
Canadian customers of Copa Airlines can now pay with Uplift, which provides flexible monthly pay options for web or mobile bookings. ‘By now pay later’ plans include three, six and 11 months and there are no additional fees, late charges or pre-payment penalties. Uplift is built into Copa’s website.
TOURS
With many travellers looking to stay closer to home as the pandemic wanes, Vancouver-based ToursByLocals is on a mission to expand its brand in Canada. Launched in 2008, the company is a true Canadian success story, having sold over 400,000 tours to an international clientele of about 1.5 million travellers (90% in the US) across 191 countries worldwide through a network of 4,500 local guides. The company’s business model is designed to connect travellers with locals for a more authentic, but also easy-to-book, tour experience. The average day tour costs $500, but guides set their own prices, ranging from $100 to $1,000 a day, depending on the country, and take home 75 per cent of the fee. Check it out at HERE
G Adventures took the occasion of International Women’s Day to appoint 10 new female Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) in the Middle East and North Africa. The new CEOs are based in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Oman, marking the first time the global operator and community tourism pioneer has female tour leaders in all destinations in the MENA region.
BY THE NUMBERS
The Travel Corporation research reports that 66% of people say they “don’t want to wait for others to see the world,” with 42% stating they want to meet new people when they travel. The solo trend was already on the rise pre-pandemic with a 131% increase in Google searches between 2016 and 2019. With this in mind, TTC brands Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold, Costsaver and Brendan Vacations are enhancing their solo travel amenities with reduced single supplements throughout 2022 and 2023. Solo guests can also choose to share a room with another same-sex traveller on most trips across Trafalgar, Insight and Costsaver.
HOTELS
Citing the importance of respecting and promoting animal welfare regulations and standards, RIU Hotels & Resorts has committed to animal protection by implementing a new corporate policy based on responsible criteria and practices in all of its hotels. The company says it will transition towards a sustainable supply of animal products that guarantees the responsible and ethical treatment of animals and strengthen practices related to the conservation, protection and correct management of local wildlife living in hotel facilities and not incentivising tourism or leisure activities that could damage animal welfare.
Muir, an Autograph Collection Hotel, has been accepted into Virtuoso’s portfolio of luxury travel partners. Inspired by the spirit, culture and character of Nova Scotia, the 109-room hotel is located in the centre of downtown Halifax in the new Queen’s Marque district, offering Muir offers spectacular waterfront views and ocean access.
RESORTS
With new Canadian testing protocols in effect, the AMR Collection notes that
COVID-19 testing for guests in a standard room category at any of its resorts can be arranged for a fee. Guests staying in a Preferred Club, xhale club, or Sun Club room category for three or more nights in all destinations will receive their antigen tests at no charge. Additionally, guests staying at a Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resort for three nights or longer will also receive their antigen test for free.
Sandals is in expansion mode and the Dominican Republic recently invited a top-level Sandals re-con team to visit the country. Led by Executive Chairman Adam Stewart and CEO Gebhard Rainer, members of the Sandals Resorts International (SRI) executive committee toured sites and met with government officials – including being received by Dominican Republic president Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona.
DEALS
Through April 17, Plaza Premium Lounge is offering children under 12 free access to its airport lounges, which boast family-friendly amenities such as fine dining, children’s play areas, and wellness spa offerings. COVID considerations are also in effect. Beyond free access for children during the spring break season, travellers can save 10% on the purchase of a regular PPL Pass or the new Americas Pass using code SPRING10 at check out.
Located on the South Coast of Barbados, O2 Beach Club & Spa’s “Celebrate Your Love” romance package, includes a complimentary room upgrade, interactive rooftop cocktail “Masterclass” for couples, bottle of champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and a special private dining experience overlooking the water, complete with live entertainment. The resort includes three swimming pools, including one of the only rooftop pools on the island; six dining experiences; seven bars; spa, and more. Book by March 15 for travel through April 30.
CRUISE
Royal Caribbean International’s Wonder of the Seas welcomed its first guests on March 4 and sailed last week on its inaugural voyage in the Caribbean from Port Everglades, Fla. The Wonder’s Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises continue through April with visits to Royal Caribbean’s private destinations, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and Labadee, Haiti, as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. The ship will then reposition to the Mediterranean for the summer returning to Florida for year-round Caribbean cruises.
As part of its “Worry-Free Promise,” Holland America Line has extended its Flexible Cancellation Plan book-by date to May 31. Under the plan, guests who make a new booking for itineraries that depart on or before Sept. 30, can cancel for any reason and receive a Future Cruise Credit in the amount of any cancellation fees that normally would be incurred. Cancellations must be made up to 30 days before departure. Children under 5 are also permitted to sail again with HAL.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Through March 19, agents booking TravelBrands Encore Cruises’ “Europe Extravaganza” promotion can earn 5x Loyalty Rewards points on any seven-night Europe sailing in a balcony stateroom or above in 2022 or ‘23. The promotion also provides travellers with exclusive offers, including onboard credits and prepaid gratuities. Agents who add a flight to their booking with Air France, KLM, or Delta will also receive up to 3,000 Loyalty Reward points.
EVENTS
To kick off 45th-anniversary celebrations, Exotic Journeys will host a three-week long virtual showcase, March 14-31. The expo will feature over 35 global suppliers and give both travel agents and their clients a chance to unlock exclusive promotions and savings, plus a chance to win incredible prizes. Travel agents will also earn 250 Loyalty points and an extra 2% commission on new bookings made before April 30 for every session they attend; there is also incentives for clients. For info and registration go to exotikjourneys.com.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
VoX International has announced the addition of FLYGTA Airlines to its client roster and will assist the airline with marketing and travel trade outreach. To spearhead efforts, VoX has also welcomed popular travel executive Erin Oddleifson to the team to manage the account. She can be reached at Erin@voxinternational.com.
Flight Centre Travel Group announced the appointment of Emese Graham as its new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager for the Americas. Based in Toronto, she will be responsible for developing equity initiatives across the region for both its leisure and corporate brands.
DESTINATIONS
To increase awareness of its unique variety of boutique hotels and villas, the Ministry of Tourism and Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has launched “Simple Stays Grenada,” a program consisting of 16 intimate and affordable properties located across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique and detailed on a dedicated micro-site. To incentivize visitors to explore the destination, anyone that books accommodations at any of the Simple Stays properties can take advantage of discounts of up to 50% off on a host of activities, including but not limited to Adventure River Tubing, Cayaks, Eco Dive, Hidden Treasures, and Tri-Island Chocolate. For details, click HERE.
Following an extensive refurbishment, one of Glasgow, Scotland’s prime attractions, The Burrell Collection, will reopen in March 29. New gallery spaces, displays and facilities will feature one of the largest collections from Europe and Asia ever amassed, representing five millennia of art and history. Gallery space will have increased by 35%, allowing important and unique objects that have not been seen for decades, or have never been on permanent display, to go on show. Highlights include one of the most significant collections of Chinese Art in Europe; paintings by Manet, Cézanne, and Degas; and over 200 medieval tapestries and carpets, which are among the finest in the world.
Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com