Tour Operators
Globus unveils updated tools for advisors
On the heels of unveiling a new trade marketing campaign – including updated Travel Advisor Portal and GFOB U educational platform – the Globus family of brands (GFOB) is dedicated to the day-to-day sales success of advisors. That fact was underlined this month when the company unveiled its new, improved digital asset management tool for advisors called, “The Source.” “One of the superpowers of travel advisors is their unparalleled powers of matching guests to the vacation of their dreams,” said Camille Olivere, chief sales officer for the Globus family of brands....
Intrepid “Not Hot” list inspires travel to lesser-known spots
Intrepid Travel has released its annual Not Hot List, featuring 10 lesser-known destinations that deserve the spotlight for travel in 2025. Intrepid’s annual Not Hot Listseeks to address overtourism by inspiring travellers to discover different and unique experiences around the world, with communities that can truly benefit from more visitors. The list includes alternative regions in popular countries like Morocco, where the Anti-Atlas Mountains are often missed by visitors, and emerging destinations like Pakistan and Greenland, where neighbouring countries have commanded most of...
Collette donates $5,000 towards Jasper wildfire relief
The Collette Foundation has donated $5,000 CAD to Jasper Community Team Association in the aftermath of this summer’s wildfires. Experts from association will allocate the funding to best aid the community’s recover after the tragic events. “We have a culture of caring at Collette and want to offer support to our partners in Alberta and Jasper, That's our priority right now.” said Brett Walker, general manager at Collette. "Our team in Mississauga, ON regularly spends time helping at Eden Food For Change and our team in Langley, BC are regular volunteers and contributors to...
Maureen Barnes-Smith celebrates 30 years with Unique Vacations Inc.
Maureen Barnes-Smith, vice-president, sales and marketing, Canada is celebrating 30 years with Unique Vacations Canada Inc., affiliate of the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. An essential part of the organization since joining the team in September 1994 as the first office manager in the Canadian office, Barnes-Smith has held a series of progressively responsible roles including human resources, operations, sales and marketing. In 2009, she assumed the leadership role as Director of Sales & Marketing, which she held for over a decade, prior to her...
TICO offers info to consumers with upcoming ACV bookings
With the potential for an imminent Air Canada pilot strike, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), is sharing information for consumers who booked travel services with Air Canada Vacations (a TICO-registered tour operator) either directly or through a TICO-registered travel retailer. At this time, as Air Canada flights have yet to be cancelled or impacted, Air Canada Vacations is offering a goodwill policy, which allows consumers with imminent travel to change their plans or receive a future travel voucher. More information can be found at this link. Should a labour...
Aqua Expeditions is launching a new ship in East Africa in 2025
Aqua Expeditions is set to expand its fleet in 2025, with new sailings in the Seychelles and Zanzibar, Tanzania. Inaugural departures are slated for December 2025, with four different itineraries ranging from five- to 14-nights. “It has always been a dream of mine to venture into East Africa and explore this part of the world on a luxury expedition ship. I am excited to finally be able to showcase the beauty of the Indian Ocean and the famous Aldabra Atoll. Few travellers have heard of or even seen this magical place that is home to over 150,000 giant tortoises. Considered the...
Contiki adds 10 new trips across Europe and Peru
Contiki is launching its most extensive Europe trip collection in more than 60 years, along with two new budget Peru trips. Travellers can choose from 10 new itineraries, including Contiki’s first-ever trip to Albania and destinations across Athens, Rome, France, England, Switzerland, Morocco, and Egypt. “We’ve been leading travel experiences in Europe for over 60 years, and it’s a region that holds a special place in Contiki’s history and heart,” says Adam Armstrong, CEO of Contiki. “This new collection of trips is about evolving with our travellers' desires. We want to...
ACV’s fall product launch kicks off in Vancouver
A cross-Canada fall product launch tour by Air Canada Vacations got off to a rousing start in Vancouver last week, with 400 enthusiastic travel advisors from the YVR region attending the first stop of the mission. The ACV tour then continues to Edmonton on Sept. 12 before paying visits to Halifax and Montreal, and then winding up in Toronto on Sept. 26 for the final show (more details below). In attendance in Vancouver was Ted Davis, western Canada editor for Baxter Media. The event ballroom at the Delta Hotels Burnaby Conference Centre welcomed the travel advisors with a busy trade show,...