Hotels & Resorts
Vrbo’s Premier Host Makes Its Debut In Canada
Vrbo has now made its Premier Host program available in Canada. The Expedia Group company refined the Premier status program back in April of this year to better serve rental owners and property managers at an account level across all listings, and to provide enhanced benefits and is now live for Vrbo rental vacations in the Canadian market. Vrbo's Premier Host program recognizes and rewards partners who consistently go above and beyond for guests. The program name is rebranded ‘Premier Host’ from ‘Premier Partner’ to help vacation rental partners unlock new business...
Now Is Not The Time To Turn Off The Tap
A coalition lobbying government on behalf of this country's struggling tourism trade is calling on Ottawa to continue to make the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy available to those in the travel sector. The Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses says tourism has been “devastated” by the coronavirus pandemic and resulting public health restrictions, border closures, travel bans, and the loss of international and domestic traveller. The coalition says it understands safety measures were necessary given the nature of the pandemic but adds that CEWS and...
“My Idea Of Luxury Is Being By The Sea”
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) will commemorate the life of its late founder and chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart in a series of on-property and digital happenings timed to honour him on his birthday (July 6). On property, each resort will be presented with a specially framed photograph of the founder which will be displayed in a prominent position for viewing by guests, team members, and visitors. In addition, each resort will introduce an Ocean Lookout, a favourite spot identified at each hotel that was special to Mr. Stewart for its stunning views of the...
Save The Summer
Major Toronto-area attractions – all members of the Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable – were out in force yesterday (June 29) to call on the federal government to release a comprehensive reopening plan for the industry or risk putting the summer travel season in jeopardy for the second consecutive year. In fact, the group made it pretty clear that without immediate action, many Toronto attractions are in danger of permanent closure. Analysis by Destination Toronto revealed that the City of Toronto lost out on more than $8 billion in economy activity through visitor...
A Little Peace Of Mind From Club Med
Club Med is welcoming Canadians back to its resorts around the world with a little peach of mind. Following a year of uncertainty, it has become pretty clear that flexibility and safety are top of mind with travellers and Club Med’s Flexible Cancellation Policy allows guests to make short notice changes to bookings, while the Emergency Assistance Program provides travellers with medical coverage in case of emergency during their stay. This includes any issues related to COVID-19. Combined with Club Med’s Safe Together Program, which focuses on enhanced hygiene and safety...
Sandals Expanding Royal Bahamian Project
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is expanding the existing multi-million-dollar renovation of Sandals Royal Bahamian, with plans to reopen on Jan. 27, 2022. Along with the already-announced iconic river suites and refurbishment of over 200 rooms and suites, Sandals Royal Bahamian will unveil an innovative new concept, Coconut Grove, an expansive lounge area that extends the beach vibes to the centre of the resort. A re-imagination of its famed private island, Sandals Cay, with updated lounge settings and a new gastronomic experience, will complement the resort’s latest...
Tourism Roundtable Says Canadians Expected More
Canadians expected more. That’s the takeaway from the federal government’s decision to lift some quarantine restrictions for Canadians and permanent residents who are fully vaccinated, starting July 5 according to the Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable (The Roundtable). While acknowledging that the move is an improvement on the current restrictive measures, the Roundtable said that the changes represent a small first step and what Canada urgently needs is a proper plan and a policy on travel that is based on science, is in line with what other countries are doing, and one...
Winners of Oasis Hotels and Resorts Prize Draw Announced
On June 8, Baxter Media and Oasis Hotels & Resorts jointly hosted a webinar for all interested travel professionals. We had agents from all across Canada in attendance. Pam Bassett, Business Development Manager (Canada), covered all COVID-19 initiatives (including their on-site testing, flexible cancellation policy, and health & safety protocols), resort inclusions and key selling points, and unique benefits for groups and weddings. Some great content was shared with the agents, and the webinar concluded with a Q&A session where Pam answered some questions from the...