Tour Operators
SUNQUEST MAKING ITS MARK
Sunquest's new package concept is off to a strong start, with the operator reporting that bookings to-date are already trending 30% higher versus the same time last year. Craig Kijek, senior executive vice-president of Thomas Cook North America, observed: "The brand is doing really well and we are very pleased with the response since launching this new concept a couple of months ago." Kijek noted that: "We've received a lot of interest and support from the travel agent community, for which we are very grateful. More and more travel agents are seeing the benefits of our duration flexibility,...
GETTING CENTRALIZED
Transat Holidays and Nolitours are advising agents that they are now using a centralized inventory system for all ABC flight bookings with departures and/or returns as of Nov. 1, 2013. The operators indicate that for new bookings of ABC flights, centralization of their ABC inventory will not change the way flights are booked or billing procedures with agencies. For ABC flight bookings already in the operators' system, Transat and Nolitours will reload those bookings into the Transat or Nolitours system. All existing information will be kept, including deposits, file numbers, seat...
A WILDERNESS OPENING
The Canadian Adventure Company is now working on construction of its fly-in backcountry lodge, which will open for stays on Jan. 1, 2014 in BC's western Rocky Mountains. The Mallard Mountain Lodge will be set in the Mallard Valley, at an elevation of 1,921 metres, with a view of surrounding peaks. Starting winter 2013-2014, the Canadian Adventure Company will offer three-, four-, and seven-night adventures, winter and summer, to the fly-in lodge. It will provide a base for adventures appealing to strong hikers in summer, and intermediate skiers/boarders in winter, plus llama trekking. Prices...
TRANSAT, AMAWATERWAYS PARTNER
Transat Holidays has announced that it is partnering with AmaWaterways Cruises, which offers river cruises on the clients the waterways of Europe or the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. The river cruise company, founded in 2002, has become a leader in the field, offering innovative itineraries, unique ship designs and inclusive pricing. One upfront price covers the stateroom, meals, on-board entertainment and professionally guided...
RUTTAN JOINS CLUB MED
Club Med is making a push into Ontario, with the addition of Robert Ruttan as its business development manager for Central and West Canada. Jacinda Lowry, Club Med Canada's sales director, said that the addition of Ruttan "highlights our intention to develop the Ontario market more than we ever have." Ruttan has over 16 years experience with companies like The Adventure Travel Company, G Adventures and The Adventure Center, as well as with Tourism Australia and Tourism Simcoe County. "Our goals can only be achieved with the support of the travel professionals, who are our privileged partners....
BREAKFAST WITH TOURCAN
Tourcan Vacations will host a breakfast presentation in Sarnia, Ont., on July 16 titled, "The Wonders of South Africa." It will provide an overview of what the first time traveller should experience. There will also be a short presentation on the Tourcan product. The presentation will take place at the Holiday Inn Conference Centre starting at 8 am with breakfast. For additional information and to register, contact Monica at monica@tourcanvacations.com or 800-263-2995, ext. 2671....
TRANSAT MAKES IT STANDARD
Transat Holidays has standardized its pricing policy for infants travelling on all flights between Canada and Europe. The price for infants ages 24 months or less, travelling on their parent's lap on all European flights, will be 10% of the applicable adult fare. This new pricing policy is applicable to bookings made as of July 8, 2013, for travel on and after Nov. 1, 2013. The change is applicable on flight-only bookings. There will be no charge for infants booked on a Transat Holidays Europe...
ROUGE LANDS IN SCOTLAND
You might call it a "rouge letter day" for Edinburgh as Air Canada rouge inaugurated its new flights between Canada and Scotland this week. And VisitScotland chairman, Mike Cantlay said that the launch of direct flights between Toronto and Edinburgh added an important piece to the "network jigsaw." Air Canada rouge will operate three flights a week between Edinburgh and Toronto. Canadian visitors already generate 83 million pounds a year for the Scottish economy and VisitScotland says the new route will provide a further boost to this important market. The national tourism organisation...