Tour Operators
Porter suspends Porter Escapes brand, plans new approach to packages
Porter Airlines is suspending the Porter Escapes brand. As a result, the company said that: “No new packages are being sold through this channel, but all trips currently booked for future travel will be honoured.” In a statement, Porter said that it is “refocusing vacation packages on sun destinations that Canadians traditionally visit in locations such as Mexico and the Caribbean.” It noted that those vacation packages “will become available at a later date in conjunction with Porter flights, although no specific timeline is confirmed.” The company also said that...
Transat launches initiative to highlight hotel portfolio
Transat is launching a new initiative to highlight some of the latest additions to its hotel portfolio. Over the coming weeks, Transat will introduce these new hotels and its in-house specialists will explain what makes them stand out. For this first edition, the tour operator is highlighting one of its flagship destinations, Cuba. The One Gallery Opening year: 2023 Rating: 4.5* The One Gallery Hotel offers a unique art experience in the Caribbean. According to Nadia Grandinetti, product director at Transat, “This Cayo Santa Maria hotel stands out from the crowd with...
TDC’s Training Academy returns from sea with Virgin Voyages
Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) held its first Training Academy since 2019, this time with a focus on cruising. Eighty travel professionals from across the TDC network took part in the event, including from the Transat Travel/Voyages Transat agencies, franchisees and affiliates, and the agent@home program. The week-long event left the port of Miami on April 20 for the Caribbean, with stops in three countries, returning home on April 26. "I'm really proud to say that TDC is a pioneer in Canada in its association with Virgin Voyage," says Sandra Wesson, TDC's director of...
TTC expands travel advisor discount program
Global tour leader TTC Tour Brands is showing its appreciation for travel advisors by expanding the participation tiers of its signature Travel Advisor Discount Program (TADP). A new incentive for travel advisors beginning their careers with TTC Tour Brands will also be introduced. With the newly revised Travel Advisor Discount Program (TADP), advisors can begin earning personal travel discounts up to 25 per cent on gross sales starting at CAD$35,000. In addition, new advisors to TTC Tour Brands will receive a CAD$100 e-gift card on their first booking when they take the TTC Tour Brands...
Goway expands private guided travel with luxury Utah trips
Goway is expanding its private-guided travel offerings with the introduction of luxury itineraries to Utah’s Mighty Five national parks as well as other breathtaking parks in the American West. Utah’s Mighty Five national parks, including Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion, offer some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the American West. Bryan Tutte, reservations manager at Goway, recently returned from a familiarization trip through Utah’s Mighty Five and has come away from the experience stunned by the travel possibilities in the parks. “You...
Railbookers adds Italian tours with La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Railbookers has unveiled a selection of Italian itineraries which feature the debut of the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, launching in 2025. Railbookers travellers have the opportunity to enjoy everything the new train has to offer, combined with carefully-curated hotel accommodations and sightseeing activities for the complete Italian luxury vacation. “We’re excited to bring our expertise and wide product collection to travellers who want to experience the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express beginning next year,” said Gareth Jones, director of product development....
Air Canada Vacations welcomes year-round service to Tulum
Air Canada Vacations launched its new year-round service to Tulum, Mexico on May 3. To mark the occasion, passengers gathered for a special gate party complete with inaugural festivities that included tasty treats followed by ribbon cutting ceremonies held at both Montreal Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport. Erminia Gallina, director of sales at Air Canada Vacations, and Bradley Sutherland, senior manager, business development at Air Canada, took the opportunity to address the gathering at the Toronto airport. Meanwhile, Marco Gagnon, general...
ACV launches 8 guided tours to India
Air Canada Vacations has launched a series of new tours to India, with year-round tours and connecting flights available from more than 60 Canadian airports. “With the launch of our India Tours program, we're opening doors to new possibilities,” said Nino Montagnese, vic-president, Air Canada Vacations. “This is not just about travel; it is about embarking on a journey of discovery. We invite travellers to join us as we immerse ourselves into the heart of India's vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, promising experiences that will leave an indelible mark on our hearts and...