canadian travel press july 11, 2016
DESCRIPTION
USTA weighs in on terror; TraveLaw: Who’s agent are you anyway?; Rocky Mountain high for Brewster; Central Europe finds strength in numbers; Canada joins Brand USA MegaFam program, and more in this week's issue.TRANSCRIPT
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CANADA’S MOST TRUSTED TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATION SINCE 1968
Week of July 11, 2016
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CANADA’S MOST TRUSTED TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATION SINCE 1968
Week of July 11, 2016
MIKE DUNBAR
US Travel Association chief executive Roger Dow has made an impassioned plea for open-door policies and connectivity in the wake of multiple terror attacks
See FREEDOM page 22
Choose freedom over fearUSTA boss weighs in on terror
abroad and the Orlando massacre at home.
He told a 6,000-strong audience from 70-plus countries attending IPW in New Orleans recently that America must not close its borders in order to insulate itself from simi-lar atrocities in the future.
Dow noted, “Unfortu-nately, there are scary things going on in the world that sometimes make us think twice about going about our daily lives, in-cluding travel. There’s been
no shortage of horrifying news lately: Our industry, our country, and the entire world have been tested but it’s impossible to insulate ourselves from risk.”
He urged, “We must not retreat out of fear, but instead stay open and connected. America is not a fortress, and it should not be because it would be dangerous and costly to cut ourselves off from the world.”
The Washington DC-based exec explained, “The US Travel Associa-tion’s mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. As such, we
believe that our response to threats in today’s world should be informed by intelligence, innovation and continuing to engage our friends and allies.”
Dow concluded, “We stand our best chance to achieve security and pros-perity when travellers, and indeed all of us, choose freedom over fear.”
PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN
Meanwhile, Dow ever-so-diplomatically stuck a toe into the presidential cam-paign waters as well at IPW.
In response to a media question, he stated, “While there’s been a lot of bi-partisan rancor, travel is nonpartisan and we have a history of successful
Park place: visitors to the United States to discover some great “park-ing” spots.
Pohl is among the outdoorsy sorts seen in America Wild: National Park Adventures, a film showcasing the US national parks system in its centennial year. The film was previewed for the trade at the Ontario Science Centre last week ahead of general release.
“It really does an amazing job,” says the 23-year-old artist and adventurer. “It really shows how different the US parks are... There are moments when you’re soaring over the Tetons or Glacier National Park, and you get this beautiful, majestic feel-ing,” Pohl says of “jaw-dropping” scenes from the movie, narrated by Robert Redford.
Among those pictured at the event are: (l-r) Anne Madison (Chief Market-ing Officer, Brand USA); Mark O’Malley, Tom Garzilli (Chief Market-ing Officer, Brand USA), Rachel Pohl (adventurer, artist and star in the film), Shaun MacGillivray (Pro-ducer), James Namude (Director Global Sponsor-ships, Brand USA). www.AmericaWildFilm.com
— Ian Stalker
Rachel Pohl wants
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1From the recent open-ing of the Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International
Financial Centre to the announcement of the Four Seasons Resort Hvar, Croatia, what’s the latest with Four Seasons?We recently announced Four
Seasons Private Island Maldives at
Voavah, Baa Atoll, the fi rst private
island in the company’s portfolio.
Th e island is a fi ve-acre tropical
paradise located in
the only exclusive-use
UNESCO Biospheres
reserve in the world
and is available exclu-
sively for buy-out. It
is a spectacular addi-
tion to Four Seasons
Maldives collection
and a further extension
of our brand beyond
the conventional limits
of luxury hospitality.
2Tell us about the recent inaugural Insider Events series and how they proved
benefi cial to travel agents?Travel advisors are incredibly
valuable partners to Four Seasons
and work in a highly competitive
industry. Th e new Insider Events
were designed to give our advisors
insight into what makes a guest’s
experience truly memorable. Th e
events allowed Four Seasons to
share insider knowledge, advice
and insight with agents in a forum
that truly encouraged dialogue
and provided advisors with valu-
able takeaways.
3How important is Four Seasons’ partnership with travel agents and how will
this partnership be instrumental in helping the brand reach its goals of creating lifelong memories for guests?Travel advisors are extremely
important to Four Seasons and
were our inspiration in creating
this new series of events. Many
of our guests use agents, and we
believe that by working together,
we can create one-of-a-kind,
memorable experiences for our
guests. Th is new series provided
opportunities for representatives
from 50 Four Seasons proper-
ties to connect with travel advi-
sors, inviting discussion on what
makes the Four Seasons experi-
ence unique.
4What are some of the key points of differentiation for the brand – we hear there’s
a Four Seasons Private Jet?You heard correctly. Four Seasons
Hotels and Resorts recently
announced three brand new Four
Seasons Private Jet itineraries
for 2017, including an incredible
culinary journey in partnership
with Noma and Rene Redzepi. Th is
kind of innovation has been key in
furthering Four Season’s position
as the leading luxury hospitality
company in the world. Our abil-
ity to creatively customize the
guest experience and deliver Four
Seasons legendary personalized
service across the entire portfolio is
a key diff erentiator for Four Seasons
and will continue to set us apart.
5What experi-ences do you offer to
appeal to affl uent millennials?We are seeing more
millennial guests at
Four Seasons around
the world and, in turn,
are catering specifi -
cally to these travellers.
Millennial travellers
want access to exclusive, one-
of-a-kind experiences and our
latest collection of Extraordinary
Experiences is a perfect example
of the kind of insider-access
and memorable experiences
Four Seasons extends to guests.
Recent additions to the collection
include a private dinner amidst
the Pyramids in Cairo through
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at
Nile Plaza, a helicopter tour of
Hawaii’s waterfalls through Four
Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea,
and an exclusive diving expedition
amongst the WWII Shipwrecks of
the Red Sea through Four Seasons
Resort Sharm El Sheikh.
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Have clients expressed any concerns about Brexit with regards to travelling to Britain or Europe this summer?
Jane Burnell-Fraser
Vice-President Sales – The Americas
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
“I have not had any concerns about Brexit. Most of my clien-tele booked Britain and Europe before the referendum.”
Hartley Chetner,Avenue Travel Limited/Carlson Wagonlit TravelToronto
“Yes, all of the events in Eu-rope over the past six months from Paris to Brussels to Brexit have travellers concerned and has affected travel.”
Eleanor Tinney,Advantage Intravel,Orillia, Ont.
“We are actually seeing people excited that the pound has dropped this low – [it] makes the UK more affordable and bookings haven’t suffered as of yet.”
Theoni Mihalopoulos,Crowfoot Travel Solutions,Calgary
“I discussed with my co-work-ers and none of the three of us has yet had any concerns ex-pressed to us regarding Brexit. I have had none either regarding the incident in Turkey. Surpris-ing, since after the bombing last year in Paris, we had quite a few concerned clients.”Denise Banks,Southland Travel,Essex, Ont.
4 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JULY 11, 2016
Vol. 48, No. 40, Published July 11, 2016
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For more than 20 years now, we have had an
internal discussion about the issue of which
party in the transaction for the sale of travel
services the travel counsellor “represents.”
In other words, whose agent is the agent?
As of today, no Canadian court has had
to specifi cally consider this issue, in a travel
industry case. As a result, we have no specifi c
guidance from the courts. Also, none of the
travel laws in Quebec, Ontario and BC shed
any light on this issue.
We are therefore left with trying to deter-
mine, on the basis of the provincial laws of
agency, whether the travel counsellor (and
by extension the associated agency) is repre-
senting the customer or the seller of the travel
services in any scenario.
Basic to the law of agency is the concept
that the agent and the principal have an
understanding that the agent will act on
the principal’s behalf and, as far as others are
concerned, the agent can bind the principal to
an agreement with the other party.
As between the two of them, the agent can
only do so to the extent that has been agreed
with the principal.
However, the extent of the agent’s authority
to act is not always clear to the others who are
a part of any transaction.
Lastly, it is important to appreciate that a
written agreement between the principal and
the agent, stating that an agency relationship
does or does not exist, will not be the defi ning
factor in a judge deciding whether or not such
a relationship does in fact exist.
All of that legal theory is useful and perhaps
interesting if you are dealing with a lawsuit.
But the more important practical issue is
why does it matter whose agent the travel
counsellor is in any given scenario?
Th e answer is simply that as an agent, the
travel counsellor can bind his/her principal to
whatever contract is agreed to. A principal will
therefore want to exercise control over what an
agent can agree to in any given circumstance.
It thus becomes very important to identify
who exactly that principal is.
Th e following four examples involve two
counsellors acting according to diff erent
understandings. Can you tell which party –
customer or travel supplier – the counsellor is
representing as agent in each scenario?
1. A long-time customer calls the leisure
counsellor and
asks her to book
a vacation with
the travel sup-
plier the coun-
sellor thinks
is best for the
customer. Th e
counsellor is compensated by way of commis-
sion paid by the supplier.
2. A leisure counsellor is contacted by a new
customer and told exactly what travel services
the customer wants and is instructed to simply
book the specifi c vacation package. Th e coun-
sellor is compensated by way of commission
paid by the supplier.
3. A corporate counsellor is contacted by the
president of a corporate client and told which
airline, time and hotel to book for her upcom-
ing business trip and bills the agreed-to fee for
the services provided.
4. Th e corporate counsellor is contacted by the
vice president of the corporate client, given the
destination and dates of travel and told to “sort
out” the travel, and bills the agreed-to fee for
the services provided.
Th e answer, of course, is that it depends.
In the case of the corporate counsellor, there
is likely an agreement between the travel agency
and the corporate customer, and the terms of
that contract could have an eff ect on whether
the corporate counsellor is considered to be the
agent of the corporation or the travel suppliers.
Th e fact that the company pays a fee and
expects the travel agency to fi nd the best
(however that is defi ned) service would likely
lead to a fi nding that the counsellor was the
agent of the company in both examples, even
though the way the agent is instructed to book
the travel is
diff erent from
one executive
to another.
In the case
of the leisure
counsellor,
no written
agreement is likely to exist when the customer
initially approaches the counsellor.
Th e long-time customer allowed the counsel-
lor to use her discretion in the booking of the
vacation, relying on the feedback the customer
had given in relation to other trips taken.
Could the customer have made the coun-
sellor her agent, allowing her to choose
from what was on off er from the suppliers
for her client/principal or was the counsellor
simply selling what its various travel supplier
principals had given the travel agency the right
to sell to others?
Heifetz, Crozier, Law is a Toronto law fi rm
that has for years represented all aspects of the
Canadian travel industry. ([email protected])
TraveLawDoug Crozier, Tim Law
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide marked a
historic milestone with the opening of Four Points
Havana – the company’s fi rst hotel in Cuba.
Th e opening comes on the heels of groundbreaking
deals signed by Starwood in Cuba earlier this year,
which established Starwood as the fi rst US-based
hospitality company to enter the market in nearly 60
years. Four Points Havana is owned by Grupo Hotelero
Gaviota and managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Four Points Havana off ers 186 guest rooms, 1,000
sq. ft . of meeting facilities, full-service dining at Don
Quixote, breakfast and lunch service at El Olivo, and
poolside light bites.
Whose agent is she or he anyway?
Starwood makes debut in Havana
JULY 11, 2016 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • 5
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Brewster reveals new Rocky Mountain highIAN STALKER
Banff -based Brewster has decided to add
another Rocky Mountain high-light.
David Barry, president of Viad, Brewster’s
parent, told Rendez-vous Canada delegates
in Montreal recently that Brewster is redoing
the terminal building for the Banff Gondola,
with the $26-million project slated to be
completed mid-summer.
Th e new facility will feature a 40-seat
theatre off ering a multi-sensory presenta-
tion that will feature what Brewster’s Mark
Hendrikse says will include “winds and
smells” found in the region; an expanded
rooft op viewing deck providing 360-degree
views of the surrounding park; conference
space; and new culinary options, with
Hendrikse saying “authentic Canadian food”
will be featured in a setting that will off er
both “grab-and-go” dishes and an “elevated
dining experience” in the Sky Bistro.
Th e long-running gondola – which
Brewster says is the top attraction in Banff –
itself won’t see any changes.
Th e new terminal is expected to open Aug. 1.
Meanwhile, Barry, who noted that
Brewster has now been in business 124 years,
told Rendez-vous delegates that the company
off ers tours throughout Banff and Jasper
National Parks, home to the likes of glaciers.
Jasper National Park’s Columbia Icefi elds
is a hugely popular attraction, routinely fea-
tured on motorcoach tours of the area.
Th ose who tour Banff and Jasper may fi nd
themselves “standing on a piece of ice that is
as deep as the Eiff el Tower is tall,” Barry said.
Hotel group aims to be natural fit on Vancouver IslandIAN STALKER
Vancouver Island’s Oak Bay Marine Group is
inviting people to get up close and personal
with Mother Nature.
Company holdings include Vancouver
Island’s Painter’s Lodge and the April Point
Resort & Spa, found off the BC coast, with
both retreats enabling guests to experience
local nature with which the islands are
commonly associated.
Oak Bay Marine Group’s Tauna Eden, who
works in corporate and incentive travel, says
the “very rustic” Painter’s Lodge has hosted
its fair share of movie stars and its 94 rooms
can provide views of the ocean or gardens.
Th e lodge has a choice of dining outlets, along
with meeting space, and an outdoor pool and
Jacuzzis.
Cabins are also available for guests at the
Campbell River property.
Guests will also fi nd a free water shuttle to
April Point Resort & Spa on Quadra Island,
with Eden saying April Point is a little smaller,
more rustic and a “little more serene.”
April Point Resort & Spa has the Coastal
Mountains as a backdrop, and guests will fi nd
gardens, an Aveda Spa, and a restaurant deck
perched over the ocean at a
property that says “ocean views
aren’t optional.”
Kayaking is among avail-
able activities for guests, who
can also go on Zodiac wildlife
adventure tours.
Ocean Bay Marine Group has
its own boats that can be used
for excursions that seek sight-
ings of killer whales, and pos-
sibly humpback and grey whales
in what the company calls a
“stunningly beautiful setting.”
Land-based tours to the
BC mainland’s Bute Inlet can
provide sightings of grizzly
bears, with those bruins being
common in the August-to-mid-
October period when salmon – a food source
for grizzlies – are plentiful. Viewing plat-
forms are used to safely view the large bears.
Eden’s colleague Laurie McPherson adds
that boat tours can also provide sightings of
the likes of sea lions, eagles, marine birds and
porpoises, with the latter “loving to play in
the wake created by the boats.”
Th e Oak Bay Marine Group retreats
provide “that West Coast experience,”
McPherson continues. “You can sit on your
balcony and relax or you can do as much
adventure as you want.”
More information is available at
www.obmg.com or by calling
1-800-663-7090.
Killer whales thrill visitors near Vancouver Island.
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8 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JULY 11, 2016
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Protect the world
of the trade say the importance of responsible tourism will increase over
the next 3 years
More than 60% 1800delegates attended the
programme at WTM 2015
Almost 9 in 10say responsible
tourism is important to their business
Register nowwtmlondon.com
Please visitwtmlondon.com/discounts* Source: Independent research by Fusion Communications, January 2016 **ABC audited figures, February 2016World Travel Market, WTM, RELX Group and the RE symbol are trademarks of Reed Elsevier Properties SA, used under license.
Discounted Flights & Hotels
Official Media Partner
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Britain & Europe
Central European nationsfind strength in numbersIAN STALKER
Th e director for Czech Tourism’s North
America offi ce believes that there is strength in
numbers when it comes to tourism.
Jiri Duzar’s homeland has joined forces
with Slovakia, Poland and Hungary in a joint
tourism promotion eff ort, with the countries
dubbing themselves the European Quartet, as
they work to convince Canadians that there
is a world of intriguing tourism attractions
beyond such Western European landmarks as
the Eiff el Tower, Th e Tower of London and the
Colosseum.
“It doesn’t make sense to compete against each
other,” Duzar says of quartet members. “With
the common heritage, we have to work together.”
Visitations by Canadians to Central Europe
traditionally lag behind visitations to such
Western Europe tourism powerhouses as
France, Britain and Italy.
Th e quartet recently held travel agent events
in Ontario, urging agents to look into what
they off er visitors.
Quartet members are promoting them-
selves globally, with Duzar reporting that
“in North America this partnership is quite
strong.”
Duzar says Central Europe off ers well over
a 1,000 years of history and quartet members
collectively have around 40 UNESCO World
Heritage Sites, spas and many examples of
Baroque and Renaissance architecture that are
oft en found in “beautiful settings” of forests
and mountains.
Duzar suggests his region provides “great
value for money,” and a Central Europe holi-
day “can be enjoyed for signifi cantly less than
a holiday in Western Europe.”
Th ose promoting tourism to Central Europe
are also citing growing air links between the
region and this country. Air Canada rouge
has just begun service from Toronto to Prague,
Warsaw and Budapest, and Transat’s sum-
mer program includes service from Montreal
and Toronto to Prague, and from Toronto to
Budapest. (Transat recently launched service
to nearby Zagreb, Croatia.)
Duzar says the Czech Republic has seen
double-digit growth from Canada in the last
three years, reaching 86,000 Canadian visitors
in 2015, the most of any quartet member.
However, all four countries are seeing rising
numbers of Canadians, he adds.
Canadian tourists sometimes go on a
“grand tour” of all four countries and usually
combine at least two on the same vacation, he
continues.
Quartet countries oft en have many simi-
larities, but also have pronounced diff erences,
Duzar adds.
(www.discover-ce.eu)
Prague
Belgium carries on with enhanced securityIAN STALKER
Th e North American director
for Belgium’s Flanders region is
hoping heightened security meas-
ures in place in Belgium following
the deadly attacks in Brussels on
March 22 will help reassure those
who are now uneasy about visit-
ing Belgium.
Line Vreven of Visit Flanders
concedes the attacks were a “blow”
to Belgium tourism, with the
country seeing few cancellations
from this continent, but having
had to contend with a drop in
bookings.
But Vreven says all Belgium is
“so much focused on security” in
the wake of the attacks, and her tourist board “really appreciates the
resilience of the North American traveller.”
Tourism authorities are seeing a number of positive developments,
with Air Transat having launched seasonal service from Montreal
to Brussels on April 26. It also
off ers three new weekly con-
necting fl ights between Toronto
and Montreal, allowing travellers
from Toronto to fl y to Brussels via
Montreal.
Meanwhile, Brussels Airlines
began linking Belgium’s capital
with Toronto year-round this year
while Air Canada off ers year-
round Montreal-Brussels service.
Visit Flanders promotes the
Flemish-speaking part of the
country, including Brussels,
which Vreven says isn’t lacking for
Old World charm, noting parts of
the city are oft en used for stand-
ins in movies wanting to recreate the Paris of over 100 years ago.
“You can still walk on cobblestone streets, going from shop
to shop,” Vreven says of Brussels, adding it’s easy to walk from
The Menin Gate is a poignant reminder of the huge number of sol-diers killed in the Ypres area in the First World War.
See BELGIUM page 11
10 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JULY 11, 2016
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museums to restaurants
to cafés in a city that’s
also the headquarters of
the European Union and
NATO.
“Although it still has this
nice European feel to it,
it’s a very cosmopolitan
city,” she continues.
Among destinations in
Visit Flanders’ jurisdic-
tion is Flanders Field, the
First World War battle-
fi eld where John McCrae
was inspired to write his
epic poem, In Flanders
Fields. Th ose visiting it
during summer will see
poppy fi elds, along with
museums, military cem-
eteries and monuments
telling of the fi ghting it
saw and the large num-
ber of accompanying
casualties.
Th e Menin Gate in
Ypres is an imposing trib-
ute to Th e First World
War Commonwealth
soldiers killed in area
fi ghting, with the names
of some 54,000 soldiers
known to have died
there but who couldn’t
be properly identifi ed
and given proper burials
inscribed in it. July 9 of
last year saw the 30,000
playing of Th e Last Post
at the gate, a daily ritual
paying tribute to those
killed.
“Th ere’s military history
throughout the region,”
Vreven reports.
Meanwhile, those who
enjoy beer will be in their
element in the Flanders
Region, with Vreven
reporting that Belgium
has more micro-brew-
eries per capita than any
other country. Some beers
are produced in abbeys.
“Belgium takes beer very
seriously,” Vreven says,
adding breweries oft en
match beers to specifi c
glasses, believing that
enhances the drink.
“Th ere are a lot of beer
festivals. Th ere’s a beer
culture in the region,”
Vreven says, adding
visitors can get “behind-
the-scenes tours” of
breweries.
Popular with those who
enjoy beer are Leuven and
Mechelen, with Leuven
home to InBev, whose
holdings include Labatt’s.
InBev off ers tours of its
facilities.
Chocolatiers are another
part of the Flanders land-
scape, with Vrenen stating
they oft en hold work-
shops tourists can attend,
designing their own choc-
olate while doing so.
“Th ey’re on equal
footing,” she says of the
importance of beer and
chocolate to locals. “You
can have a beer tasting
with chocolate. You can
pair the right beer with
chocolate.”
Vreven also praises what
she says is a fl ourishing
culinary scene in Flanders,
adding Belgium has more
Michelin star-rated restau-
rants than France on a per
capita basis.
Vreven notes Bruges has
UNESCO World Heritage
Site status, and is home
to districts dating back to
the 13th century. Visitors
can use boats to explore
a city sometimes referred
to as the “Venice of the
North.”
Ghent in turn has a
16th century castle in the
middle of the city. “But
if you walk outside and
turn the corner, you
have the biggest graffi ti
wall in Europe,” Vreven
adds. “It’s an art project
where every graffi ti artist
can draw on the wall. It’s
ever-changing.
“Basically, you have a
balance between history
and a modern vibe.”
Vreven labels Antwerp
a “very cosmopolitan city”
that’s home to a historic
district.
Both Antwerp and
Brussels have fl ourishing
fashion scenes.
BelgiumContinued from page 10
For years savvy travel agents have known about the benefits of travelling in the off-season and have been sharing that expertise with their clients. Slowly word is getting out. So now is the time to take advantage of the hidden benefits of
the European off-season.
1. Local Living – As the pace slows in winter everyone has more time to share
stories and sink into the local culture you’ll find when visiting neighbourhood
markets or sitting in a cozy café .
2. Small Crowds – From spending a little more time with the Mona Lisa to
marvelling at the work of Michelangelo, take advantage of this sometimes
underappreciated off-season perk.
3. Winter Cuisine – There is something a little more satisfying when there’s
a tinge of cold in the air. Warm yourself with a bowl of beef bourguignon or
some hot chocolate.
Bonus! Amazing Value. Your travellers can save up to 40% (vs. peak season) on
select dates.
For more information or to book a Collette
Tour contact your local Business Development
Manager or call 800.468.5955.
Travel Industry Council of Ontario Reg. # 3206405; B.C. Reg. # 23337
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
3 Things That Makethe European
Off-season Sellable
*Savings based on high season vs. low season rates. Call for details. Travel Industry Council of Ontario Reg. # 3206405; B.C. Reg. # 23337
For more information or to book a Collette tour contact your local Business Development Manager or call 800.468.5955.
Amazing Value • Local Living • Smaller Crowds • Winter Cuisine • and more!
See Another Side of EuropeSave up
to 40%on Select Dates!*
When it comes to guided travel, we believe there is no such thing as an “off-season.” There are only different times to explore the world, each with their own unique benefi ts.
As you start to plan your year, consider the joys of travelling to Europe over the winter. Experience the world’s most extraordinary destinations as few others have.
• 11JULY 11, 2016 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS
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our clients don’t take their vacations lying down. They want to explore the world to
® offers the perfect vacation for each adventurer.
REDISCOVERING EUROPE
ways to explore.
®
Athens, they soak in the history, culture, and philosophy of the Western world.
®. Start
®.
like no one else can.
THEIR NEW FAVOURITE RESORT
every course.
ingredients they collected on shore.
CENTRE OF THE ACTION
through its Signature Event Sailings. They place your clients
Unlike other vacations, the stunning ships, exciting itineraries,
to whole new worlds.
Y
We feature select menu items prepared with ingredients provided by local suppliers.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Guests discover new worlds on Celebrity vacations
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CLIENTS GET TWO FREE PERKS ALMOST ANYWHERE.Your clients can choose two free perks when they book an ocean view or above stateroom almost anywhere we sail. Perks are XcelerateSM high-speed internet, drinks, tips, and $300 to spend on board. Book a suite and get all four perks.
Plus, each additional guest in a stateroom (beyond the fi rst two) receives a Classic Non-alcoholic Beverage Package and a 40-minute Internet Package.
Reserve it all for just 50% of the standard deposit. Book by July 31.
*Visit CruisingPower.com for full terms and conditions. Book July 1–31, 2016. Applies to 4-night and longer cruises departing October 1, 2016, to April 30, 2017. Excludes transatlantic, transpacific, Galápagos, and South America repositioning sailings. The 50% per person reduced deposit offer applies to select bookings made more than 90 days prior to departure. Each of the first two guests in an ocean view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass® stateroom receives two complimentary amenities; in a suite, four amenities with upgrade to Premium Beverage Package. Other amenities packages are available at an additional charge. Onboard credit is in USD, per stateroom, and is not redeemable for cash and expires on the final night of the cruise. Offer applies to new individual bookings and noncontracted group bookings, is nontransferable, and is not combinable with any other offer. Offers and prices are subject to availability, cancellation, and change without notice at any time. © 2016 Celebrity Cruises. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador.
To learn more, visit CruisingPower.com
SALELIMITED TIME OFFER
BEST OF SUMMER
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Tauck welcomes Joy to fleetTauck family members, offi cials and
special invited guests recently gath-
ered in Straubing, Germany, as the
new Joy was offi cially welcomed into
Tauck’s fl eet of European riverboats.
Th e christening ceremony along
the Danube River marked the launch
of Tauck’s second new ship this year,
following the christening of Grace
in April.
Serving as godmothers for Joy
were three longtime Tauck employ-
ees, Jacque Moran, Mary Murrin
and Kristin Robinson.
According to offi cials, like the
other ships in Tauck’s fl eet, Joy will
carry far fewer passengers, 130 guests, – yet
will have far more service staff – than ships
of the same size operated by other river
cruise lines. Joy will also feature a Tauck
cruise director and three professional Tauck
directors.
Th e 135-metre Joy will feature 22
300-sq.-ft . suites. Each is furnished with
two French balconies with fl oor-to-ceiling
windows, a pull-out couch, walk-in closet,
and spacious marble bathroom. Along with
the suites, Joy has 32 225-sq.-ft . cabins, plus
an additional 13 cabins ranging from 150
to 190 sq. ft . All suites and cabins feature
in-room movies, minibar, luxury toiletries,
and plush bedding with 100% goose down
pillows, 400-thread-count linens and
pillow-top mattresses.
Also featured on Joy is a second
dining venue, Arthur’s (named for
company chairman Arthur Tauck
Jr.) which serves as a more casual
option to the fi ne dining in the ship’s
main Compass Rose dining room. In
addition, the ship features a scenic
Panorama Lounge off ering musical
performances and other entertain-
ment, a fi tness room, massage studio
and hair salon, and an open-air Sun
Deck with a putting green, plunge
pool and generous seating.
Th is year, Joy will sail on Tauck
itineraries along the Danube including “Th e
Blue Danube,” “Musical Magic Along the
Blue Danube,” and “Christmas Markets
Along the Danube.” In 2017, Joy will also
host family groups as it sails on the eight-
day Tauck Bridges itinerary, “Blue Danube:
Family Riverboat Adventure.”
(www.tauck.com)
European Waterways pops cork on new Champagne CruisesIn response to increased demand, European Waterways will be off er-
ing fi ve new “Champagne Cruises” in Champagne, France, aboard the
Panache luxury hotel barge in 2017.
Departure dates are June 11, 18, 25 and July 2 and 9. Panache can
accommodate up to 12 passengers and features a crew of six that
includes an English-speaking guide, gourmet chef and an experi-
enced captain. Th e six-night itineraries are all-inclusive and priced at
US$6,190 per person, based on double occupancy. Charter bookings are
also available.
“Few places on Earth can boast the name recognition of Champagne
in France,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European
Waterways. “Th is renowned region, famous for the sparkling white
wine that bears its name, is also the birthplace of chivalric romance and
has been at the crossroads of Europe since Roman times. You can taste
the history, heritage and culture in every glass.”
Th e European Waterways Champagne cruise takes guests along the
River Marne through the heart of the Champagne region. Excursions
include a visit to La Maison Pannier, a renowned champagne house
founded in 1899, where guests will be treated to an exclusive tour of
its labyrinth-like cellars and a private tasting. Guests will also enjoy a
tour and tasting at another select champagne house, Domaine Ployez-
Jacquemart, near Reims, established in 1930 by Marcel Ployez and his
wife Yvonne Jacquemart.
Th e cruise, in which vineyards come down to the water’s edge, also
includes a tour of the village of Hautvillers, known as the “cradle of
Champagne.” It is here that almost 350 years ago, the monk Dom
Perignon discovered the “méthode champenoise,” a special – and many
consider the best – way of getting the “sparkle” into the wine, and
guests will enjoy a “degustation” of champagnes at a delightful bou-
tique. Th e Baroque Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is also on the itiner-
ary, as is a visit to the city of Reims with its Gothic cathedral where 25
Kings of France were crowned.
“Th e Champagne region of France features the stunning landscapes
that inspired Impressionist artists such as Renoir. Today, it continues
to draw visitors and wine afi cionados from around the world who wish
to sample the famous product that sets the gold standard for sparkling
wines,” said Banks.
(www.gobarging.com)
European Waterways has added fi ve new Champagne Cruises aboard the Panache for 2017.
Tauck recently christened its newest riverboat, Joy, in Germany.
14 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JULY 11, 2016
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For more information, contact Uniworld at
800-733-7820 or visit uniworld.com.
2017 EUROPEAN DOUBLE EARLY-BOOKING SAVINGS
Couples SAVE from C$900 to C$9,200 before July 31, 2016.*
*Savings listed in CAD. Savings from C$1,800 to C$9,200 per couple require full payment at time of reservation before July 31, 2016 OR savings from C$900 to C$4,600 per couple require a C$600 per couple deposit at time of reservation before July 31, 2016. Savings may vary by itinerary and category of accommodations. Offers are combinable with River Heritage Club savings/amenities, Group savings, Take Two Discount and Deposit Protection Credit. Offers are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. Other restrictions may apply. For complete details, general information, and terms and conditions applicable to all Uniworld trips, please visit uniworld.com. TICO Reg. #50018458 | Uniworld River Cruises (Canada) Limited, 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 1S9 Canada
THE WORLD’S MOST ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURY RIVER CRUISE LINE
“Best New River Ship”– S.S. Maria Theresa “Best River Line Shore Excursions” “Best River Cruise Line”Cruise Critic
Luxurious one-of-a-kind ships, unsurpassed service, award-winning cuisine and personalized excursions
come together to give your clients an all-inclusive European river cruise experience beyond the ordinary.
You deserve the best
As the pioneer in luxury river cruising with over four decades
of experience, Uniworld sets the standard for excellence in
hospitality, culinary and nautical practices. Charting a bold new
course in 2017, Uniworld adds a new state-of-the-art ship, S.S. Joie de Vivre, on France’s Seine River; two new all-inclusive itineraries in
France and Germany; and even more all-inclusive value.
Introducing the S.S. Joie de VivreUniworld’s newest boutique Super Ship—S.S. Joie de Vivre—will
debut in spring 2017 on France’s Seine River, serving five expertly-
planned itineraries. As with all of Uniworld’s boutique, uniquely
designed ships, this exquisite new vessel will reflect the character and
history of the region in which it cruises. In particular, the S.S. Joie de Vivre will highlight the French “joy of living” philosophy and will feature
French-inspired handcrafted furniture with rich fabrics, as well as
antiques and wrought-iron accents that blend perfectly with modern-
day conveniences. Public areas include a vinoteque for private dining
and wine-pairing dinners, as well as the Salon Toulouse lounge, which
will feature a collection of fine art curated from private collections and
auction houses, such as Sotheby’s and Christies. Plus, the ship fea-
tures Claude’s bar, complete with a cinema, surrounding pool and hy-
draulic floor that can turn the bar into a dance floor or outdoor cinema
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Uniworld upbeat about its newest vesselat night. Luxurious accommodations include two Royal Suites, eight
Junior Suites and 54 staterooms for a 128-guest maximum capacity.
It’s all included in Europe
Uniworld’s all-inclusive European river cruises continue to receive
positive accolades from travel agents and guests alike. Cruise fares
include all scheduled airport transfers; in-suite butler service; in-room
breakfast; all gratuities onboard and onshore; all meals onboard;
unlimited beverages onboard—including an amazing selection of in-
credible local wines, sparkling wines and champagne, craft beers and
premium spirits, such as Grey Goose, Glenfiddich and Bombay Sap-
phire; hosted personalized excursions; and ship-wide Wi-Fi. In 2017,
Uniworld will add port charges, 24-hour room service and concierge
services to the all-inclusive fare. With every convenience included, all
your clients have to do is relax and enjoy the journey.
New 2017 itineraries
Travellers can choose from two new itineraries along the Rhine, Main and
Seine rivers. In Germany, “Rhine-Main Discovery & Munich” provides a
vast array of choices as to how to experience the vastness of Bavaria. In
France, “Paris & Impressions of the Seine” provides the perfect blend of
scenic daytime sailing with exhilarating onshore excursions.
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Giovanni ’s Table
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT LOYALTOYOUALWAYS.COM
*Features vary by ship. DreamWorks and all related characters and properties TM & ©2016 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C. ©2016 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas. 16051644 • 7/6/2016
Santor in i , Greece
Give your clients first pick of next
year’s summer discoveries in Europe.
This is the perfect time to start
looking ahead and booking their
romp through Italy, France, the Greek
Isles and beyond. Whether they want
tours of the classics or off-the-path
adventures, Royal Caribbean offers
some of the most popular European
itineraries — with port after port of
unforgettable moments.
MEDITERRANEAN MARVELS
There’s a reason it’s called the Old World. The
ancient Acropolis in Greece, the medieval walls
of Croatia, and the Renaissance masterpieces of
Italy have survived for centuries, enriching the
Mediterranean experience for travelers throughout
the ages. From 6 Night Croatia and Greece adventures
onboard Vision of the Seas, to 14 Night Mediterranean
Explorer journeys on Independence of the Seas,
Royal Caribbean has an incredible sailing for
every craving.
A REIMAGINED RIVIERA CRUISE
Then there’s the 7 Night Western Mediterranean
cruise onboard the reimagined Jewel of the Seas,
sailing from Rome (Civitavecchia) with stops in five
destinations. The exciting bow-to-stern renovation
of Jewel adds the suite-sized Two Bedroom Family
Ocean View to the mix. New specialty dining
options include authentic Italian — so apropos! —
at Giovanni’s Table, and Izumi Japanese Cuisine.
And guests can share and stream onboard with
VOOM, the fastest Internet at sea. Or watch
movies poolside on the new outdoor screen. This
revitalization makes Jewel the newest ship to sail
out of Rome, and with acres of glass throughout
and elevators facing the sea, this is a picture-perfect
way to experience this beautiful region.
In Monte Carlo (Cannes), your clients will discover a
seaside area that defines French Riviera glamour,
from Promenade de la Croisette along the shore to
the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. In Ajaccio, Corsica,
monuments and squares celebrate Napoleon
Bonaparte, the island’s most famous son. The
elegant city delights with its mix of Italianate
charm, Gallic style and Corsican culture set against
a stunning backdrop of rugged mountains.
Barcelona is a multisensory indulgence, where
flamenco, tapas, and the Gothic spires of Gaudí’s
Basilica Sagrada Família make the city itself a
masterpiece. South of Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca
is an island filled with fine beaches, sun, shops,
and a sprawling place in history. Before returning to
Rome, enjoy a day in Sardinia (Caligari), an Italian
capital rich in architecture, archaeological finds,
white sands and enduring local traditions.
THE BEACH CHIC GREEK ISLES
Invite your clients to make the most of their
vacation days on our 7 Night Greek Isles cruise
onboard Rhapsody of the Seas . They’ll sail
round-trip from Venice, home of Murano glass, and
where, once upon a time, decorative masks allowed
aristocrats, seducers and commoners to mingle
in ornate anonymity. After Venice, it’s on to Kotor,
Montenegro. Situated on a deep bay surrounded
by mountains, this well-preserved ancient village
dates back to the Byzantine Empire.
Then — Opa! — you’ve reached Greece. Located
on the Ionian Sea, Corfu makes an elegant first
impression. In Athens, they’ll encounter an epic
past, where the hilltop Acropolis has stood for
2,500 years and where the first modern Olympics
games were hosted. The next two destinations
— Mykonos and Argostoli — couldn’t be more
different. Mykonos invites visitors to relax on
sunny beaches and explore the labyrinth of narrow
streets. Argostoli’s unexpected charms include
seaside mountains, a subterranean lake, golden
beaches, and a vibrant local culture.
ONBOARD DISCOVERIES
With world-class entertainment, international
dining, fleetwide high-speed Internet and family-
friendly fun, cruising adds an amazing level of
discoveries and ease to a European vacation.
Legend of the Seas, Vision of the Seas and
Rhapsody of the Seas are made for relaxing and
adventuring. Cruisers can unwind at the Vitality Spa,
take on the rock climbing wall, get some game time
in at the arcade, and take in Broadway-style shows
and the sophisticated entertainment at Centrum,
with engaging daytime activities and dazzling
aerial spectacles at night. Bars and lounges include
R Bar, a Mad Men-esque retreat that presents live
entertainment served up with classic cocktails.
A brand-favorite, Freedom of the Seas sails the
Mediterranean with recent revitalizations, including
new and updated staterooms, Giovanni’s Table and
Sabor Modern Mexican specialty dining, as well
as the popular R Bar. Families love the DreamWorks
Experience and H2O Zone water park. And the
3D theater, poolside movies, ice skating, and Royal
Promenade offer endless entertainment for
clients of all ages.
From the Mediterranean to the Baltics, from Old
World Europe to Scandinavia and Russia, take a
good look at our exciting ships sailing the continent
next summer, and give your clients their pick of
onboard experiences.
R O YA L C A R I B B E A N C H E C K S A L L T H E B O X E S I N E U R O P E
Santor in i , Greece
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All December long, Royal Caribbean® is hosting the biggest holiday celebration at sea. And if they’re sailing over the holidays,
you can make your clients’ spirits merrier and brighter than ever with our new Deck the Holidays Deals. They’ll get 50% off
second guest and half off their deposit . Plus we’ll put a little extra adventure in their stocking with up to $400 onboard credit .
Save big on holiday Caribbean sailings. Visit LoyalToYouAlways.com/Holidays to learn more.
*Visit LoyalToYouAlways.com/Holidays complete Off er terms. Cruise must be booked July 7-August 3, 2016 (“Off er Period”). Off er applies to All sailings on or after August 7, 2016. Off er excludes China departures. Off er includes 50% off cruise fare of second guest booked in the same stateroom as fi rst full fare guest and 50% reduced deposit. Off er also includes 25% cruise fare savings for 3rd and 4th guests booked in the same stateroom as fi rst two qualifying guests. Additionally, off er includes a per person onboard credit (“OBC”) for eligible Bahamas, Bermuda and Caribbean holiday sailings: $100 OBC per person up to 4 guests for holiday sailings 6 nights or longer departing 18-31, 2016, $50 OBC per person up to 4 guests for holiday sailings 5 nights or less departing December 22-31, 2016. All other charges, including, but not limited to, taxes, fees and port expenses, are additional and apply to all guests. BOGO is combinable with 3rd and 4th Guest Savings, Holiday OBC, Crown & Anchor discounts and NextCruise off ers. BOGO and 3rd and 4th Guest Savings are not combinable with restricted rates. Holiday OBC is combinable with restricted rates and NextCruise off ers; not combinable with Crown & Anchor discounts. All off ers are not combinable with any other off er or promotion. Off er applies to new, individual and named group bookings confi rmed at prevailing rates. OBC is in U.S. dollars, is not redeemable for cash, and will expire if not used by the last evening of the cruise. Off er open to residents of U.S. or Canada. Prices and Off er are subject to availability and change without notice, capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time. ©2016 Royal Caribbean. Ships registry: Bahamas. 16050751 • 6/24/2016
Our Private Destination, Labadee
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Liverpool
DESTINATION: Liverpool.
NOTES: The legacy of The Fab Four still permeates Liverpool, and visitors don’t have to go far, or even look for it, to get their fix of The Beatles. Here are a few samples from a recent visit.
ogsledding, Avent Stoures Nordneham
Christmas lingers well into January in
THE IMAGE BANK PHOTOS: Michael Baginski
1. A new statue of Paul, George, Ringo and John was unveiled at Pier Head on the Waterfront last December.
2, 5, 9. The Beatles Story museum
3. Jellybean Beatles
4. The real Penny Lane
6. Beatles tours (www.cavernclub.org)
7. Wax Beatles, touring exhibit
8. Gates to Strawberry Field, former children’s home
18 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JULY 11, 2016
9
5
8
7
1
3 4
2
6
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“Some of you may have noticed that we have had a slight change in [the value of] our currency. But that means it’s a great time to sell Britain. It’s a great time to encourage everybody to come to the UK.”
— Sally Bascombe, CEO of VisitBritain and VisitEngland reacting to the plummeting British pound in the immediate aftermath of the United Kingdom’s
“Brexit” vote to withdraw from the European Union.
Please send your answer to:“Where in the World?” at [email protected]
Gear To Go
A guide to some of the amazing devices that make travel a little bit easier, or more fun
WHOOSH! Screen ShineWHOOSH! cautions that screens of cellphones and other devices
can be 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat when it comes to bacteria,
and 30% of viruses can be transferred from a screen to fi ngers.
This is an antimicrobial microfi ber and non-toxic solution that
cleans bacteria off screens of cellphones and other devices, leaving
a nano-coating that resists fi ngerprints. A natural proprietary
polymer formula repels smudges and fi ngerprints.
Alcohol and ammonia-free, nothing in the bottle will damage
the screen.
Users will fi nd an “ultra-soft” anti-microbacterial cloth that leaves
devices hygenic.
WHOOSH! Is
non-hazardous,
non-toxic and never
tested on animals.
Among places
WHOOSH! Screen
Shine is available
at is Bed Bath &
Beyond’s North
American stores
and through www.
WHOOSH.com.
More informa-
tion can be found at
www.WHOOSH.com.
What would a market, in this town of all places, be without Hurricanes and Hand Grenades, and all manner of other alcoholic libations? Originally called the “Meat Market,” this landmark is the oldest of its kind in the US, dating to 1791 when it was founded by folk who now give it its name. Now a place for all kinds of viddles – especially local seafood and hot sauces – as well as flea market knickknacks, and, um, drinks. Any way you slice it, it’s laissez les bon temps rouler! Where in the world is it?
JULY 11, 2016 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • 19
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a caribbean romancewith Princess Cruises®
What better setting to celebrate love than the sultry islands of the Caribbean?
Meld carefree days and pulse-quickening adventures with sublime sunsets over
the sea, and the result is a mélange of memorable moments that extend from
ship to shore. 2016 has been deemed the year of romance by the Caribbean
Tourism Organization, and now is the time to create magic on a fairytale cruise
with Princess.
Not sure which Caribbean islands are right for your guests? Be inspired by our
helpful guide to romance below.
Blissful Celebrations
Extend the bliss of your client’s wedding into their honeymoon on a romantic
Caribbean escape. A leisurely 10-day voyage to the Eastern Caribbean offers a
perfect balance of relaxing days at sea and active days on shore.
There’s ample time for togetherness on the private shores of Princess Cays,® an
island playground on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera reserved exclusively for
Princess guests. Your clients will revel in the warm West Indies sun on St. Kitts
and Nevis, strolling through orchards of guava trees or sharing a savory stuffed
roti on an outdoor patio. Each day is a new discovery, whether it’s swimming in
the shallows of Antigua with friendly stingrays or touring to St. Lucia’s Soufriere
volcano and its sulfuric bubbling crater. They might even find themselves daring
one another to venture further into Harrison’s Cave, the underground system in
Barbados that rewards intrepid couples with a 50-foot stalactite-ceilinged cavern.
Days on land give way to equally rewarding time at sea, where Princess guests can
seek special treats like a champagne balcony breakfast or a couples’ massage in the
Lotus Spa®.
Milestone Moments
How better to mark a decade, quarter-century or your golden anniversary than with
an opportunity to create new memories together? An eight-day itinerary in the
Southern Caribbean promises something new for even the most seasoned travelers.
Unique from most tropical shores, the ethereal landscapes of Bonaire are set apart
by towering white mountains — the harvest of local salt flats — rising around a
rose-colored lake in the same shade of pink as the native flamingoes on the island’s
beaches. The underwater paradise of Bonaire National Marine Park offers scores of
soft and stony coral sites worth exploring in a joint diving or snorkeling adventure.
The intriguing island of Aruba belongs to the Dutch Caribbean, its influence
still apparent in the candy-colored buildings of Oranjestad, while the interior is a
surprising scene of gnarled divi-divi trees and towering cacti amidst an arid breeze.
A 10-day voyage provides more time to encompass even more remote shores, like
the nature island of Dominica where outdoor adventures outnumber lazy beach
days. Invigorating grottos and geothermal hot springs offer the ultimate relaxation
experience, while waterfalls and rainforest zipline excursions provide a taste for
adventure.
Back onboard, a Princess Chef’s Table dining experience awaits, venturing into
the kitchen galley and unlocking culinary secrets with the chef as they savor his
creations.
©2016 Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.
Romantic Escapades
Keeping the flame alive requires carving out time to reconnect. A five-day sojourn
provides an ideal refresh in the Eastern Caribbean, luring guests into the crystal-
clear waters of Grand Turk. Your clients can snorkel amidst vibrant coral reefs to
spot silvery horse-eyed jacks and neon parrotfish alongside their beloved, or simply
steal away to a stretch of secluded beach and enjoy a sunset made more luminous
by their time together.
In the Western Caribbean Princess guests can cross off activities on their joint
bucket list, such as diving with dolphins on the Honduran island of Roatán, being
transported back to Mayan civilizations by way of Cozumel’s ruins or simply
reconnecting over mai tais in a beach café. Each evening, their Princess ship is a
welcome retreat as guests take to the dance floor or curl up for a movie under a
canopy of stars.
While true love shines wherever you are in the world, sailing to tropical shores
Princess Cruises is a charmed way to celebrate romance.
Call1-855-428-6273 or visit OneSourceCruises.com for Caribbean sales tools.
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† All-Inclusive Beverage Package is applicable to guests 1 & 2 only who are 21 years of age or older and applies to guests booked in a balcony stateroom or above; value is $56.35 USD per guest, per day on all voyages except for voyages departing from and returning to Australia and New Zealand. Value is $59 AUD (Australian dollars) per guest, per day on those voyages; Unlimited Soda & More Package is valid only for guests 3 & 4 only in the same stateroom as guests
Book your clients now with just a $100 deposit!
Call 855.428.6273 Or Visit onesourcecruises.com
ALL destinations sailing Summer 2017 – April 2018 are on sale!
Receive a FREE All-Inclusive Beverage Package‡ when booking a Balcony, Mini-Suite or Suite Stateroom! PLUS, 3rd and 4th guests receive FREE Unlimited Soda & More Packages‡ when booking a Balcony or above.The best all-inclusive beverage package at sea!
Celebrate Princess Academy’s 10th Anniversary! Visit onesourcecruises.com for more details.
Now through August 31,2016.
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Your clients’ unplanned out-of-pocket expenses may be covered if they purchased travel insurance.
As our travel agent partner, you have access to:• A wide range of professional travel insurance products available to meet your agency’s
insurance needs
• Superior Travel Agency Training with web-based Manuversity to make training and insurance easy and fun
• Dedicated National Sales Team located across Canada to support you
• A strong Canadian insurance company brand recognized by your customers
• Great features including commission protection, family rates and a cancel for any reason benefit if your customers decide not to travel. See the policy for full details.
To learn more, please send inquiries to:
Clients depend on you for great advice.Make sure your great advice includes travel insurance.
More Memories. Less Worries.
Certain Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
Underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and First North American Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife. Manulife and the Block Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under licence. TM/® Trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. © 2016 The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. All rights reserved. Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. Visit Manulife.com/accessibility for more information.
07/2016
MIKE DUNBAR
Thirty Canadian travel agents will be sharing their Visit USA MegaFam with a similar number of retailers from Europe, Latin America and Asia when the self-drive, in-depth experiential tour debuts next year.
It’s understood that
opening the program to international participants will allow partner airline Air Canada to demon-strate its global connec-tivity to an extensive and growing list of US destina-tions via its gateways here.
Patrice Bell, director-Canada for Brand USA, said initial plans call
for the Canadian retail contingent to study the Discovery educational tool once it’s introduced here and AC could set sales targets to qualify.
The MegaFam concept was dreamt up in Brand USA’s London offi ce, where the feeling was, “If we’re going to do a fam, we might as well do a big one,” explained spokes-woman Sarah Barnett.
British Airways fl ew 100 agents across the pond, while alliance partner American han-dled domestic fl ights for seven groups; each to a different destination.
“They were all multi-state fi ve-night trips and that fi rst year we touched 21 states,” recalled Barnett, who explained that the groups rejoined at a fi nale destination, where they shared their experiences.
In order to qualify for the May trips, agents must participate in the destina-tion training program and sell as many BA–AA fl ights as possible from January to April, she noted.
The UK offi ce has now organized a total of four MegaFams and similar programs have been kick-started in Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Along with Canada, a MegaFam for Chinese agents is currently under development.
Canada addedto Brand USA
MegaFam program
FreedomContinued from page 3
collaboration with presi-dential administrations from both sides of the political aisle.”
Dow pledged, “We will work with the next president, whoever it may be, to make sure that the United States enacts smart policies that wel-come legitimate travellers to our country and keep us open and connected to an ever-changing world.”
22 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JULY 11, 2016
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APPOINTMENTS
Cover-More GroupMark Linton has been
appointed head of sales
for USA and Canada for
Cover-More Group, a
specialist, integrated travel
insurance and medical
assistance provider. Th e
appoint-
ment fol-
lows Cover-
More’s
recent
announce-
ment that
their exec-
utive Carole Tokody was
relocating to New York as
CEO, US & Canada and
Global Direct to lead their
North America and north-
ern hemisphere expansion.
Linton will report directly
to Tokody and will be
responsible for the sales of
travel insurance and ancil-
lary products and services
in the US and Canadian
markets. Linton’s signifi -
cant experience includes
15 years with RBC
Insurance where he man-
aged a national sales team,
maintaining and acquiring
numerous large national
and regional accounts.
Disney DestinationsIndustry veteran Ed Day
has joined the Canadian
Disney Destinations
sales team as district sales
manager for Ontario. Day
is respon-
sible for
supporting
and devel-
oping travel
agency
sales for
all of Disney’s vacation
destinations – the Walt
Disney World Resort,
Disney Cruise Line, the
Disneyland Resort, Aulani
– a Disney resort in Hawaii
and Adventures by Disney.
Day has a wide range of
experience in various sup-
plier and wholesale roles.
Most recently, he held the
position of sales manager,
Canada, for SeaWorld
Parks & Entertainment.
He can be reached at
1-800-939-8265 or WDW.
Carlson Wagonlit TravelFiona Barclay has joined
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
(CWT) as director of
Supplier Management,
North American Leisure.
Her key focus will be sup-
plier growth and revenue
generation for CWT’s
leisure business within
North America, includ-
ing Canada, the United
States and US Military
& Government. Barclay
brings extensive experience
in global product purchas-
ing and development, sales
negotiations and partner
management to CWT. She
most recently served as
director of Purchasing
for Kensington Tours and
vice-president of Product
& Partnerships for Air
Canada Vacations. Barclay
will be based in CWT’s
Mississauga, Ont. offi ce
and will serve on the
Canada Leadership team.
VoX InternationalVoX International has
appointed Denise Graham
to the position of account
manager for Experience
Kissimmee based in
Toronto. Graham will work
closely with the travel trade
to position Kissimmee
as “the gateway to fun,”
developing eff ective trade
partnerships, creative
marketing campaigns and
impactful trade and con-
sumer initiatives to promote
the destination. Graham
began her career in the
tourism industry as director
of product and marketing
for an FIT operator – Red
Seal Tours managing the
Florida program. She also
held the position of business
development manager at
Transat Tours Canada for
eight years before joining
Air Canada Vacations as
general
manager,
sales,
Ontario and
Western
Canada.
Graham will
focus on business develop-
ment and education of
Kissimmee to the trade, as
well as campaign manage-
ment of all PR and adver-
tising initiatives. She can be
reached at [email protected]
or 416-935-1896, ext 232.
Intrepid GroupTh e Intrepid Group has
hired three new business
development managers
in North America. Chloe
O’Brien, Rino Falvo and
Stephanie Roles will help
grow and service the
travel agent community in
Ontario and the Maritimes,
Western Canada and the
United States. Th e Intrepid
Group, which includes
Geckos Adventures,
Intrepid Travel, and
Peregrine Adventures,
off ers a dedicated adven-
ture product for clients of
all ages and desired level of
comfort. Th e new business
development managers
(BDM) will work closely
with agents across the
country, helping to drive
industry sales and provide
training on the Group’s
range of more than 1,000
tours. Th e new hires come
in response to the record
growth and demand for
adventure travel in North
America. Aft er working
with Flight Centre in
Halifax for two and a half
years as an international
travel consultant, Chloe
O’Brien joins the Intrepid
Group team in Toronto,
servicing all of Eastern
Canada, including parts of
Ontario, New Brunswick,
Nova Scotia, PEI and
Newfoundland. Rino
Falvo, a Canadian travel
industry veteran, has
worked for Flight Centre
as a store manager, travel
consultant and trainer
for Western Canada over
the past eight years. Now
working out of Intrepid’s
Vancouver outpost, Falvo
provides support for
industry partners through-
out Alberta, Saskatchewan,
and British Colombia.
Stephanie Roles, a
Toronto native now living
in Boston, will service
the Eastern United States.
Roles is currently oversee-
ing projects throughout
the entire US market
and is focusing on major
agent accounts and new
acquisitions. Th e BDM
team will be managed by
Mark Nessle, who moves
into a senior business
development manager role
aft er more than fi ve years
with the company. Nick
Shuttleworth will con-
tinue to oversee the entire
industry business as the
vice-president of sales.
IN PASSINGIt was with great sadness
that staff at Africa On
Safari Inc. announced
the death of its president,
Tony Lopes. Lopes came
to Canada from Kenya and
founded the company East
African Travel Consultants
in Toronto in 1972, intro-
ducing the Canadian
public to the wonders of an
Africa safari. He went on
to start the fi rst Canadian
chapter of the ATA and
introduced
many more
African
countries
to the
adventurous
traveller. In
later years, he downsized,
forming Africa On Safari
Inc. to serve a discerning
public with exceptional
custom itineraries. He was
a man of great integrity
and a mentor to many
throughout the travel
industry, not only in North
America, but also in Africa.
Lopes had a myriad of
stories to tell, always with a
great sense of humour. He
will be greatly missed.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection sales manager Mark Dzerowycz shows off his North American sales manager of the year award with Uniworld vice-president, sales – Canada, Michelle Palma. Dzerowycz represents Eastern Canada for Uniworld.
Honoured: Linton
Day
Graham
Lopes
• 23JULY 11, 2016 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS
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