Tour Operators
Win with Encore, Regent Seven Seas
Encore Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are offering agents a chance to win an all-inclusive 10-day cruise aboard the Regent Navigator, departing Nov. 15, 2012. Agents who book and deposit any 2012 Regent Seven Seas cruise between June 1, 2012 and July 31, 2012, will be automatically entered into the draw. Each booking earns one ballot entry, with there being no limit to the number of ballots entered per agent. The winner will be announced on Aug. 3, 2012. The free cruise offer is valid for two adults and includes all cruise fees, taxes and up to 50 free shore excursions. Please note it...
Adventure Center picks an expert
Adventure Center has picked Neil Al-Rawass for the newly-created position of program manager, independent adventure experts. In his new role, Al-Rawass will be responsible for the recruitment, training and retention of the company's full- and part-time independent agents who will be selected by demonstrating what he calls "an absolute passion for adventure, experiential & cultural travel." He can be reached at neil@adventurecenter.com; (416) 355-5153; or 1-866-338-8733 x...
Globespan partners with Virgin Atlantic
Globespan has announced that its newest partner on the Vancouver-London, UK route and beyond is Virgin Atlantic. Virgin Atlantic's new service from Vancouver started in late May and Globespan, as one of Western Canada's prominent European focused consolidators, is a key partner for VS. Virgin Atlantic is offers Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class cabin service on its flights and provides a number of options for passengers travelling beyond London Heathrow, including Africa. Globespan offers competitive net fares and an agent rewards program, plus secure access for retail travel agents at...
TICO announces AGM, election details
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sept. 18, 2012 at 4 p.m. at the Toronto Congress Centre located at 650 Dixon Road, Toronto, Ontario. This year, TICO will be holding an election for one position on the TICO Board of Directors. The position is open to a wholesale registrant. Nominations must be received at TICO no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, Aug. 3, 2012. TICO would like to remind those wishing to run for election to allow sufficient time to obtain the required Criminal Record Check, which must be submitted with the...
Indus gears up for Asia webinars
Indus Travels of Richmond BC., together with the tourist boards of four Asian destinations, has scheduled a roster of webinars in June to help travel agents learn more about Asia. The webinars, dubbed Asia Now, will start on June 6 with the first one Korea starting at 2 p.m.; then Malaysia will be featured on June 13 at 3 p.m.; then Hong Kong on June 20 at 2 p.m.; and finally Thailand on June 27 at 3 p.m. A seat at the webinars must be reserved and Indus advises that space is limited. Complete details are available at http://www.industravels.ca...
TICO approves claims
TICO's board of directors approved the payment of $34,430.43 to assist 42 consumers who did not receive the travel services for which they had paid. These payments were due to the closures of 2000 Tours Inc. in London ($901.74); 1344288 Ontario Inc. o/a Apex International Travel in Markham ($19,047.99); 1821284 Ontario Inc. o/a Atlas Air Travel in Toronto ($9,261.12); Dolphin Travel in Toronto ($2,030.00) and Minfare Travel Inc. o/a Minfare Travel in Mississauga ($3,189.58). Three claims were denied by the board -- two of those claims were rejected as they did not contain sufficient...
Dump airport rents, senate report recommends
A newly released Senate committee report makes it abundantly clear that Canada needs a single, cohesive national air travel strategy, including an updated National Airports System, to chart a new course toward increased air travel in Canada. The Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications' report is entitled "The Future of Canadian Air Travel: Toll Booth or Spark Plug?" and it has been two years in the making. And after hearing from a broad cross-section of the industry, committee chair, senator Dennis Dawson said the report is recommending that the federal government "stop...
PATA is back in the Philippines
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will hold its 2012 PATA Travel Mart 2012 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila from Sept. 25 to Sept. 28, 2012. The event will be hosted by the Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines. The national campaign, "It's more fun in the Philippines, will offer delegates the opportunity to tap into new energy levels, business growth and a mood of optimism that will be apparent on the show floor and in B2B transactions at the Mart. The first ever PATA Travel Mart was held in the Philippines in 1978. PATA CEO, Martin J Craigs...