Tour Operators
TICO Ushers In Governance Changes, Welcomes New Directors
TICO held its AGM on Sept. 26 to share the organization’s milestones from the previous fiscal year. Richard Smart, TICO CEO Richard Smart, said: “The ever-changing landscape of the travel industry over the past three years has meant that both consumers and registrants have needed support more than ever before.” He continued: “In working with both groups, our aim has always been, and continues to be, to find fair solutions so that consumers remain confident purchasing their travel from Ontario’s registered businesses.” The AGM saw TICO’s membership confirm by-law...
Sunwing Asks: What’s Your Client’s Vacation Persona
In a new survey, Sunwing Vacations investigated how Canadians choose to maximize their time on vacation and define their vacation personas, with over one-quarter (27%) of respondents considering themselves ‘max relaxers’ who like to lay low and relax while on vacation. Similarly, another quarter (28%) of survey participants describe themselves as ‘reserved vacationers’ who tend to keep to themselves and/or their travelling companions. On the other hand, over one-fifth (22%) likened themselves to ‘adventure hunters’ who enjoy exploring new, fun activities on their...
Canadians Check Out Utah On Inaugural Specialists Fam
Five travel trade representatives from key Canadian and Australian tour operators -- including WestWorld Tours & Women Xplorers and CAA-Quebec – who earned their certification from the new Utah Specialist Academy have just returned from a week-long fam trip to Southern Utah hosted by the Utah Office of Tourism with a goal of adding new Utah products and itineraries to their 2024 programs. Leanne Haus, General Manager of WestWorld Tours & Women Xplorers – a first-time visitor to Utah – said of the trip: “Utah’s natural beauty and national parks were more impressive...
Sunwing Vacations’ New Campaign Inspires Canadians To ‘Go All In’
Sunwing Vacations is unveiling its new winter campaign and commercial today and in it, the tour operator challenges travellers to think about a getaway to the sun in a different light. The new commercial taps into the distinct personas that emerge when Canadians embark on their getaways -- from the sunscreen denier to the treetop skimmer -- and paints a portrait of how Sunwing exceeds travellers’ expectations through clever juxtapositions and lighthearted storytelling. Directed by Benji Weinstein, Canadians are invited to uncover their own vacation personas in Sunwing’s latest...
Israel Updates From Air Canada, Intrepid, Celestyal
Air Canada has temporarily cancelled flights to Tel Aviv as of Oct. 8. The carrier said that it is monitoring the situation closely and will adjust its plans as required. The airline said that it remains in contact with the Canadian government and it will resume operations to Tel Aviv as soon as the situation stabilizes. For passengers currently have a reservation, the airline has implemented a policy that makes it possible to make voluntary changes to your itinerary the ticket was purchased no later than Oct. 6, 2023 for travel between Oct. 7 and Oct. 22, 2023 and the itinerary...
Passion. Promise. Endless Discovery
One of the things that Nathalie Tanious, President and CEO of HIS-Red Label Vacations Inc., will tell you is that what sets the travel industry apart from other industries is “its capacity to inspire, transform, and leave a lasting impact on individuals and communities.” Tanious observed: “It's not just about the places we go; it's about the journeys we embark on and the stories we create. That's why the travel industry isn't just a profession; it's a passion, a privilege, and a promise of endless discovery.” At one point in the conversation, Tanious observed: “Travel is a...
MSC Cruises Back In ACV’s Cruise Portfolio
Air Canada Vacations is teaming up with MSC Cruises to offer its customers more options than ever. Nino Montagnese, Vice President at Air Canada Vacations, said: “Our partnership with MSC Cruises is yet another important step in broadening our selection of offerings for Canadians looking to set sail. It gives travellers access to a wide variety of itineraries mapped to reveal the sights, sounds and flavours of the world's most intriguing cultures, as they benefit from the trust and convenience of flights aboard Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge.” And Montagnese continued:...
Collette Names Jaclyn Leibl-Cote As CEO
Collette has announced the succession of Jaclyn Leibl-Cote to Chief Executive Officer of the organization. Leibl-Cote becomes only the fourth CEO in the company’s 106-year history. She is the third generation of the Sullivan family to transition into the role, and the first female leader of the company. In this role, she will lead Collette’s Executive and Strategic Leadership Teams, driving both the global company’s strategic direction and its day-to-day operations with a laser focus on fulfilling the company’s mission of enhancing life’s journey by creating...