Tour Operators
Adventure Center bringing CATS program to the Prairies
Adventure Center is advising agents in Manitoba and Saskatchewan that it is bringing its Certified Adventure Travel Specialist (CATS) training sessions to them for the first time. The training will take place in Winnipeg at the Caboto Centre on Jan. 23 and in Saskatoon on Jan. 24 at the Western Development Museum. Each session runs from noon to 4 p.m. Topics will include the benefits of selling adventure travel and how to promote it; walking, trekking, group and independent cycling holidays; and how to sell Adventure Center's African safaris. A cost of $40 includes lunch and a contribution to...
Sunwing starts flights to P.V. from northern Alberta
Sunwing Airlines has announced its inaugural schedule of flights from Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray to Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico's Pacific coast. The first flight departed on Dec. 19, and all consecutive flights to P.V. are continuing with Wednesday departures until March 20. "Regular service from Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray to a sun destination has never been available until now and we are proud to present these exclusive vacation offerings and Sunwing Airlines service to Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie residents,"said Andrew Dawson, president of tour operations at Sunwing. All...
Contiki extends early booking promotion
Contiki Holidays has extended its Early Payment Discount for young travellers, giving them the opportunity to save 7.5% off the cost of the trip if booked and paid in full by Feb. 28. Popular trips for 2013 range between Superior Regional tours to Budget Discovery tours, and include European Highlights, Simply Italy, European Discovery, Mediterranean Highlights and European Whirl. "Our 2013 trips have been selling incredibly well so far, with our Europe product being the most popular,"says Brad Ford, president of Contiki Canada....
Sunquest offers agents daily giveaway incentive
Sunquest is offering a special incentive whereby it is giving out 50,000 TC Loyalty Points (equivalent to $500) every day to 21 lucky agents. With its new "Word on the Street"promotion, agents simply need make note of the special word or phrase of the day that will be featured in Sunquest e-blasts and online at SunquestAgent.ca from Jan. 3-31. Then, when agents book their customers on a Sunquest vacation during the promotional period for travel from Jan. 4 to April 30, they will qualify for that day's 50,000 TC Loyalty Points prize. One lucky agent will be called and if they know that day's...
Sunwing introduces new Family suites at Memories
Sunwing has introduced new Family Rooms and Family Junior Suites at five Memories resorts in Cuba, allowing larger families to plan their holidays with more convenience and ease. Features include two double beds plus one twin bed, accommodating two adults and three children. In addition, families can take advantage of family friendly facilities and activities located at each resort, including Kids Clubs, playgrounds, kids pools and daily entertainment for all ages. Sunwing is now offering introductory pricing for Family Rooms and Family Junior Suites at Memories Resorts located in Cayo Santa...
New hours for Transat Holidays’ cruise groups
Transat Holidays has introduced extended hours of operation for cruise groups in an effort to improve the customer experience and respond more rapidly to the needs of travel agents. As of Jan. 7, the cruises call centre will operate as follows: Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m....
Coach Canada invests in new double-decker coaches
Coach Canada rolled out 15 new double-decker coaches this week on their Ontario and Quebec routes. In 2009, Coach Canada introduced the Megabus double-decker coach concept to great success in the Canadian market. According to officials, this $11 million investment for 15 new coaches offers passengers a better ride, and an improved environmental impact. For the passenger, the new double-decker coaches feature: A better view from the upper deck with ceiling skylights running the total length of the coach; Improved lighting on the ceilings and staircases; Two extra tires on the rear of the coach...
ACV offering free tours in Europe
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) reports clients who book air and hotel of seven nights or more to select destinations in Europe by Dec. 26 will receive a free tour, and can choose among several tours, such as a Zurich half-day tour that includes the Lindt Chocolate Factory outlet. Clients can also visit Zurich and experience cool and quirky culture and enjoy a relaxing boat ride (available in the summer) around Lake Zurich or a hot beverage at one of the trendy Zurich West restaurants. Another option is a behind the scenes tour of a Boulangerie French Bakery in Paris to explore how a skilled...