travel courier july 7, 2016

21
rilꜸEL Get into the flow with Avalon OM2 MAKEOVER IIEIII boom bust

Upload: baxter-publishing

Post on 05-Aug-2016

215 views

Category:

Documents


1 download

DESCRIPTION

Despite voting to leave, it seems most Britons are now having second thoughts about leaving the EU. But what will it do to travel? Our lead story discusses; Avalon Waterways maintains that river cruise companies aren’t created equal. Greg Coates explores what makes the division of the Globus family of brands special; Features this week include the Caribbean, and much more.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

rilAVEL

Get into the flow with Avalon

OM2 MAKEOVER

IIEIII boom bust

Page 2: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

HOME OF CANADA'S MOST TRUSTED TRAVEL INDUSTRY NEWS

Canadian Travel Press Travel Courier Press Today

TravelPress.com TravelBestJobs.com PersonnelGuide.ca

TravelBlast Agents' Choice Awards

ClearingCalendar.ca Responsible Travel & Tourism Forum Baxter Student Ambassador Program

Canadian Tourism Resource Guide Travel Webcast

Subscribe today. We're mobile friendly.

Baxter Travel Media delivers the news and information industry professionals rely on.

travelpress.com/[email protected]

CONTENTSREGULAR FEATURES

10 cover storyAvalon Waterways maintains that river

cruise companies aren’t created equal.

Greg Coates explores what makes the

division of the Globus family of brands

special.

DESTINATIONS & FEATURES

13 air

14 caribbean

16 rooms

DEPARTMENTS

17 careers professional servicesbusiness opportunities

New-look Queen Mary 2inspired by original, iconic liner

Cunard’s flagship liner Queen Mary 2 has seen an investment of some $132 million, one of the most

significant refurbishments undertaken by the line. June 23 saw the remastered liner sail into Southampton, England, flanked by the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. The vessel then set sail for New York, continuing its transat-lantic crossings.

The liner has new contemporary interior designs, some of which take inspiration from the original Queen Mary launched at the height of the art deco movement. Cunard’s investment, marking 80 years since the original liner launched, has ensured every detail from the carpets to the curtains recalls that iconic vessel.

The remastering features include the redesign of the Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites and restaurants, as well as Britannia staterooms, the latter to be fully com-plete by the end of the year; the addition of 30 further Britannia Club staterooms, 15 Britannia single staterooms and five Britannia inside staterooms; and the redesign of key public spaces and restaurants. As well, there are 10 additional kennels, complete with Liverpool lamp post and New York fire hydrant to make dogs feel at home. →�www.cunard.com tc

Noteworthy

2 travelcourier.ca | july 7, 2016

0707PG02.indd 2 7/4/2016 2:39:16 PM

Page 3: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

ISN'T JUST FOR DEVICES.RECHARGINGDelta One™ is the ultimate experience in business travel. Our 180-degree

flat-bed seats offer slumber-inducing Westin Heavenly® In-Flight Bedding

and TUMI amenity kits. We complete the experience with regionally

tailored chef-curated meals, Wi-Fi* and premium entertainment from

Delta Studio™ to pamper your travelers with everything they need to

arrive refreshed and ready to go.

DELTA.COM/DELTAONE

*Wi-Fi is available on select flights. Check your flight listing for Wi-Fi availability.

Delta One is available on long-haul international flights, and on transcontinental flights between JFK and LAX, and JFK and SFO.

0707PG03.indd 3 7/4/2016 1:09:56 PM

Page 4: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

michael baginski

Canadian travellers may be one of the few winners in the aftermath of Britain’s surprise decision to leave the European Union (EU).

As ramifications of the so-called Brexit vote continue to unravel, and with them the strength of the British pound, visitors to the United Kingdom will find a destination that is more affordable than it has been in decades.

Post vote, the pound had plummeted to a 31-year low; at press time, it registered CAD $1.74 – close to 15 cents lower than before the vote.

“With the weaker GBP, this should be a great time for Canadians to visit the UK,” Gordon Burwood of Canadian tour operator DHTour told Travel Courier from London, where he said the general sentiment of the referendum was “great shock and surprise at the result from both sides of the issue and from both sides of the English Channel.”

He said he expected that “with the political uncertainties to come, exchange rates will fluctuate over the next year or so making it difficult for operators to set prices. Look for more currency surcharges, or rebates, in 2016/17.”

But he notes, “IATA is already forecasting more inbound travellers to the UK and less outbound as the GBP weakens. [Similar to less Canadians visiting the US because of higher cost and more visitors to Canada…]

“The main impact for Canadian travellers will be financial. If the British pound remains weak against the Canadian dollar, then travel in and around the UK will cost less for travellers.”

He adds that while the euro “seems to be holding steadier than the GBP, [it] but could also fluctuate during Brexit.”

Ian Cowan of Connection Tours says Canadian travellers heading to Britain this summer or next are definitely in for savings. He says he recently saved hundreds of dollars on rail tickets, for example, bought after the vote versus product in the market that had been priced before it. “Anybody that’s travelling now is getting the deal of the century,” he says.

Noting that eventually markets and currencies will “adjust,” he adds, “People have a huge window of opportunity right now. People who are smart are buying pounds; tour operators are buying up space.”

WILL BREXIT BE BOON OR BUST FORCANADIAN TRAVELLERS?

Lower pound may create ‘deal of the century’

FOUNDERW.H. Baxter, 1919-2004

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFEdith Baxter, [email protected]

PRESIDENTDavid McClung, [email protected]

EXECUTIVE V.P. OPERATIONSWendy McClung, [email protected]

Bob Mowat, Executive Editor [email protected]

Michael Baginski, Editor/Publisher [email protected]

Greg D. Coates, Assistant Editor [email protected]

Mike Dunbar, Quebec Editor [email protected]

Ted Davis, Western Editor [email protected]

Ian Stalker, Staff Writer [email protected]

Ann Ruppenstein, Staff Writer [email protected]

Emily McClung, Audience/Prd. Development Mgr. [email protected]

Dee Ristic, Circulation [email protected]

Daniel McDonald, Classifi eds [email protected]

TRAVEL COURIER is published weekly by Baxter Travel Media at 310 Dupont St., Toronto, Ont., Canada M5R 1V9 Tel.: 416-968-7252,

Fax: 416-968-2377. Single price per copy $2.00 (plus applicable taxes). Subscription Rates: Canada - $60 per year(plus applicable

taxes). HST #R120906425): Foreign - $110 US per year. ISSN 1182-9699. Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement

No. 40063078. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department, 310 Dupont Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1V9

e-mail: [email protected]. PRINTED IN CANADA Copyright 2016.

COURIER TRAVEL

®Vol.51 No.26 www.travelcourier.ca

We acknowledge the support ofthe Government of Canada

SALES & MARKETING:Earl Lince, Director of International Marketing [email protected]

Rodney Tugwell, Sales Manager [email protected]

Mitchell McClung, Account Executive [email protected]

REGIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES:Western Canada: Terry Ohman [email protected]

Alberta: Greg Ohman [email protected]

Quebec & Atlantic Canada: Rodney Tugwell [email protected]

USA: Earl Lince [email protected]

Florida – South: Dino Torres [email protected]

Florida – North: Gillian Harper [email protected]

Hawaii: Laurie Doerschlen [email protected]

Central & South America: Lillian Martinez [email protected]

Mexico: Paloma Martinez [email protected]

PRODUCTION:Johnny Koo, Art Director [email protected]

Wayne Labourn, Production Manager [email protected]

Sharron Taylor, Adv. Material Coordinator [email protected]

Dragana Lekovic-Lucic, Senior Design Manager

Wayne McDonald, Michael Mouatt, Production Artists

continued on page 6

Britain’s decision to leave the European Union is expected to lead to economic woes for the UK. But it may be a boon for Canadian travellers.

4 travelcourier.ca | july 7, 2016

0707PG04-7.indd 4 7/4/2016 3:38:59 PM

Page 5: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

LIVE IT TO BELIEVE IT

$535 + $432 Taxes

$785 + $432 Taxes

$625+ $415 Taxes

Holiday Inn Resort Los Cabos

Barceló Grand Faro Los Cabos PLUS

Royal Solaris Los Cabos

Garden Room PromoSep 04 & 11

Superior RoomSep 04 & 11

Deluxe RoomSep 05 &12

ONE WEEK • ALL INCLUSIVE

Toronto & Vancouver departures. All prices are gross per person based on double occupancy for 7 nights on all inclusive vacations (unless otherwise specified) and were available at the time of printing. Seats at the above prices are limited and subject to change without prior notice. Applicable to new bookings only. Not combinable with any other offers. Transportation taxes & related fees shown must be pre-paid. In-flight service varies by flight time and destination. Flights are with Sunwing Airlines or Travel Service. For full terms and conditions, please refer to the Sunwing Vacations 2016/17 brochure. 27 Fasken Drive Toronto Ontario M9W 1K6 Ont Reg #2476582 | #4276176, British Columbia License #39606 | 07072016

Toronto departures Vancouver departures

• Kids 2-12 Stay, Play and Eat FREE when sharing a room with 2 adults (Max. 2 kids)

• Exclusive pricing for teens (13- 17 yrs)

• No single supplement for 1 adult sharing a room with up to 2 kids

• Shaded playground or play area • Smile Kids Club program • Up to 4 beach towels in room upon arrival• 1 litre bottle of water, replaced in your room daily• Kids pool (many with shaded areas)

Smile Resorts™Exclusively with Sunwing

LUXURY

0707PG04-7.indd 5 7/4/2016 3:39:00 PM

Page 6: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

As for long-term implications for Canadians, Cowan believes current

“knee-jerk” reactions will pass and travel will be unaffected.

Canadians have always needed a passport to travel to Europe, so whether documents will be required for travel between Britain and the EU nothing will change, he notes. “And let’s face it,” he adds, “it [Britain’s actual exit] is so far away.”

He points out there is still plenty of lift between Canada and Britain, which is good for consumers.

UK consumer insight firm Canadean predicts a tougher road for British tour-ism through declining European visitors.

“Consumer protections instigated by the EU, such as the European Health Insurance Card, could also be at risk,” says Canadean analyst Gillian Kennedy.

“Indeed, the Association of British Travel Agents pointed out that UK consumers could risk losing financial protection for compensation for flight delays, alongside caps on mobile phone charges. Flight compensation is currently paid for long delays on departures from EU airports.

“Following Brexit, airlines may no longer be bound by this legislation. There is also the issue that Britain may be forced out of the Open Skies EU agreement, which keeps air fares relatively cheap…”

In the days following the June 23 vote, most Canadian tourism operators seemed unfazed.

For example, a statement from Transat said, “Air Transat has been present in the United Kingdom for many years and knows the market very well; its well-balanced clientele consists of as many Canadians visiting the United Kingdom as Britons visiting Canada.

Bookings have not been affected thus far.”

Those with a stake in British tourism were similarly staying calm and carrying on.

London mayor Sadiq Khan, stated, “I believe that Britain is better off within the European Union, but the British people have clearly spoken… [But] I want to send a clear message… there is no need to panic… there is no doubt that London will continue to be the success-ful city it is today.”

Meanwhile, Sally Bascombe, CEO of VisitBritain and VisitEngland posted a special message for the overseas travel trade stating, “We are very much open for business. Nothing has changed! We are still members of the EU… All of the travel arrangements and everything else has stayed the same. It’s a great value time to come. 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.

“We are, we always have been, we always will be, a welcoming country. We want you to come… and nothing of that changes. We will continue to promote Britain…”

Noting that Britain welcomed 36 million visitors last year and is on a record pace through the first quarter of 2016, she added, “What we really want to say is that we want to continue to work with you, and we really want you to be assured of our support, our welcome, our help. We continue to rely on everybody across the trade, across the world, to be a partner with us to sell this amazing country…” tc

NEWS

continued from page 4

14 days aboard the Aranui 5 in a stateroom cabin, all meals, & guided excursions. *Pp, twin. Set departures in 2016. Book by 31 Aug’16. Taxes included. Subject to availability.

Airfare not included. Fly nonstop with Air Tahiti Nui from Los Angeles for $1849CA including taxes.

14 days

Request our Travel Planner

Call Toll Free or visit TICO#1543989. 3284 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON.

Savings of $775 per couple!

The Molson and Labatt’s was flowing freely at the Maple Leaf Pub in London on Canada Day, reports Gordon Burwood of DHTour, who sent this photo to Travel Courier.

MEXICAN VISITORS FACEONE LESS BRICK IN THE WALL

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is welcoming Canada’s decision to lift the Mexican visa require-ment as of Dec. 1. According to officials, the reiteration of this promise shows a concrete step towards visa openness in one of Canada’s most important tourism markets. The announcement is widely welcomed by the tourism industry in Canada after years of declining visits from Mexican travellers. “After the visa was imposed on Mexican citizens in 2009, travellers from the Mexican mar-ket dropped to levels that we have not fully recovered from,” said TIAC presi-dent Charlotte Bell. “By lifting this visa, we expect that visitation will increase by up to an additional 82,000 Mexicans a year – spending up to $122-million more at Canadian businesses.”→�www.tiac.travel

6 travelcourier.ca | july 7, 2016

0707PG04-7.indd 6 7/4/2016 3:39:02 PM

Page 7: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

REGISTRATION OPENFOR WORLD TRAVEL MARKET

World Travel Market London has opened registration to the new-look, three-day WTM London 2016, Nov. 7-9. Opening hours have been extended from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on all three days of the event to increase the business opportunities available. The WTM Inspire Theatre, a new 300-seat amphitheatre, will be added to the exhibition floor in the North Hall of ExCeL – London, and more than 80 conference seminars will take place throughout the three days covering all the key sectors including aviation, hotels, sports tourism, respon-sible tourism, blogging, social media and travel technology. To pre-register, visit:→�www.wtmlondon.com/register.

MORE MARRIOTT PERKSFOR CLIA MEMBERS

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Marriott International have launched a new partnership to provide qualifying CLIA members a variety of benefits, including commissions on qualified hotel bookings across Marriott’s 19 brands. The new partner-ship also provides CLIA Agency and Individual Agent Members access to Marriott’s Fam-Tastic familiarization rates. Agents who are associated with a qualifying CLIA Travel Agency and hold a CLIA EMBARC ID are eligible to access the rates once they successfully complete Marriott’s Hotel Excellence training program and become a Hotel Sales Specialist (HSS), certified by Marriott.→�www.travelagents.marriott.com

TORONTO DISHES UPCULINARY CELEBRATION

Summerlicious, produced by the City of Toronto, returns through July 24 with dishes served at more than 220 of Toronto’s top restaurants. The 14th annual city-wide culinary celebra-tion welcomes 24 new restaurants this year, including Kasa Moto, Rose & Sons, Ufficio and R&D. Three-course prix fixe lunch menus are priced at $18, $23 and $28, and dinner menus are priced at $28, $38 and $48. Reservations are recommended and are to be made directly with the participating dining establishments. Visitors to the event’s website can locate and sort restaurants by price, neighbourhood and cuisine, and share their list through social media. An interactive map, which can be found on the website, allows visitors to find Summerlicious restaurants across the city.→�www.toronto.ca/summerlicious

*Per person, twin share. Book by 14 Jul’16. Valid for travel 1 Jul – 21 Sep’16, subject to availability. TICO#1543989. 3284 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON.

Call Toll Free or visit Request our Travel Planner

Agent Incentive - Earn up to $200 and free fam! Visit www.gowayagent.com

Universal Orlando Resort has selected the winner of its April Travel Courier Cover Contest: Amanda Carter of TPI wins a three-night, four-day stay at UOR, including accommodation at an on-site hotel and admission tickets to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Carter was chosen at random.

AMERICAN CHICAGO SERVICE LATEST TO MEET ITS WATERLOO

American Airlines is suspending its Chicago O’Hare service from Waterloo, Ont., effective Oct. 5. According to officials, despite efforts to combat the currency issues with increased passenger traffic, Region of Waterloo International Airport will join a lengthy list of Canadian airports negatively impacted by the low Canadian dol-lar. Since 2014, airlines based in the US operating in Canada have seen consistent reductions in profit, suspending service on 35 Canadian routes in total, including: Edmonton – New York; Halifax – Washington; Halifax – Chicago; London – Chicago; London – New York; Montreal – Houston; and Ottawa – Chicago. London International Airport is now without regularly scheduled service to the US for the first time in 40 years. American launched twice daily non-stop jet service between Waterloo Region and Chicago in June of 2012.→�www.americanairlines.com

click herefor digital extras

july 7, 2016 | travelcourier.ca 7

0707PG04-7.indd 7 7/4/2016 3:39:04 PM

Page 8: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc., is an affi liate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.

Share Your #NoWorryMoment

The newest Sandals® in Jamaica —Sandals Ochi Beach Resort.

This five-star Luxury Included® resort is trendy when you want

it to be, private when you don’t. It has a hot new beach club, 11

bars—including the Caribbean’s first speakeasy—and 16 totally

on-trend restaurants. It’s exciting and it’s happening. But for those

who prefer a more serene escape, the other side of Sandals Ochi

offers unsurpassed luxury. True romance spans over a hundred acres

of lush tropical gardens at the elite Butler Village, the epitome

of privacy. Best of all, it’s all included. All unlimited. All the

time. Sandals Ochi—t he most happening place is happening now.

T H E M O S T H A P P E N I N G P L A C E

I S H A P P E N I N G N O W .

TRENDY WHEN YOU

WANT IT

0707PG08-9.indd 8 7/4/2016 1:10:43 PM

Page 9: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

PRIVATE WHEN YOU

DON’T

S A N D A L S .C O M • 1 - 8 0 0 - 5 4 5 - 8283

0707PG08-9.indd 9 7/4/2016 1:10:44 PM

Page 10: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

COVER STORY | AVALON WATERWAYS

TAKING THE MYSTERY OUT OF

RIVER CRUISINGTAKING THE MYSTERY OUT OF

RIVER CRUISINGstory by greg coates

Page 11: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

july 7, 2016 | travelcourier.ca 11

Not all lines created equal, says Avalon Waterways

While certainly a booming industry, river cruising is still a mystery to some, and one that Avalon Waterways’ officials would like to clear up with travel agents and potential clients.

No two river cruise companies are the same, and this is one misconception that Avalon Waterways’ cruise director Nancy Paredes hopes agents understand.

During a recent Avalon event in Toronto, Paredes spoke candidly about the industry, as well as her love for river cruis-ing and Avalon, part of the Globus family of brands.

“I love my product. I think river cruising in general is great,” she said.

Paredes has been in the industry since 2002 and with Avalon since 2009.

She said agents and their clients must understand that river cruising is not ocean cruising and noted that some ocean amenities – like balconies – just don’t make sense in the river cruise industry.

“There’s no real justification for it, and we don’t have the weather,” she said. “And the space would have to come from the cabin.”

Pools and movie theatres are two other examples.“We’re not ocean, we’re river cruise,” said Paredes. “Our

guests are visiting Paris [and the likes of], not sitting in movie theatres.”

Because they’re dealing with locks, river cruise vessels can only be so big. Avalon uses only two sized ships, 110-metre and 135-metre. And, in lieu of traditional balconies, offers innov-ative “open-air balconies” in its Panorama Suites. The suites offer 200 sq. ft. of space and feature 11-foot wall-to-wall pan-oramic windows, creating a large open-air balcony. Most beds are also angled so that they face the windows.

“It’s just smart,” said Paredes, adding that Avalon ships are all built from scratch and not refurbished.

She added that the Avalon experience is special, offering bigger cabins and less capacity.

“It’s intimate. We’re not supposed to be invading towns,” said Paredes. “Less is more on river. Passengers not only become friends, they become family.”

Paredes said a key difference between Avalon Waterways and other cruise companies is that it is part of the Globus family of brands, offering a support system like no other.

“We have clout in Europe, we have inventory,” she said. “If we have a situation, we have a back-up plan that a lot of the other river cruise companies don’t have.”

And things can go wrong, “high water, low water, no water, lock break.”

She added that Avalon also makes a point of sailing on rivers it can sail on – and do not have water issues 99% of the time. This would exclude then, for example, the Po, Douro and Elbe rivers, which Paredes said can only be sailed on 50% to 60% of the time.

“We also don’t do Russia,” she added. “They won’t let us build our own ships, so it’s not up to our standards.”

Another misconception is price point. While not all-inclu-sive, Stephanie Bishop, managing director - Canada, Globus family of brands, notes river cruising is quite well priced and very inclusive, something agents need to educate their clients about. Avalon sailings, for example, include special touches like regional wines and beer at every dinner, complimentary WiFi, most shore excursions and VIP entrance into must-see sites.

Trending in the market is Asia, with Paredes saying that true travellers are leaving Europe and doing Asia.

s Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways’ Nancy Paredes (l) and Stéphanie Bishop, managing director - Canada, Globus family of brands

Page 12: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

july 7, 2016 | travelcourier.ca 12

“These are not tourists. They go with every bump and love it,” she said. “I can’t say enough about Asia. Travel is about expectation, and our job is to meet that expectation.”

Special Asian itineraries include the Irrawaddy in Myanmar, the Mekong in Vietnam and the Yangtze in China. In Vietnam, Avalon offers the Siem Reap vessel, with just 18 cabins and designed for specifically sailing on the Mekong River.

Avalon is also known for its themed cruises and is adding an action-packed “Active Discovery on the Danube” sailing to its list of special interest cruises to be launched next year. This gives cruisers the opportunity to bike, hike and canoe along the Danube. They can also explore an ice cave, take an archery lesson, descend into an underground salt mine or ascend up

a mountain during a guided climb. The nine-day excursion, which includes two full days in Vienna, sails from Linz to Budapest or viceversa.

For 2017, Avalon is also bringing back an array of popular themed itineraries – ones that sell out every year, including Wine, Culinary, Beer, Jazz, Music, Art, WWII History and Jewish Heritage.

And, Avalon is all about working with travel agents. They have nine business development managers across Canada and lots of resources, including courses available at www.agentlingo.ca.

“We want to make agents look good in the eyes of their clients,” said Bishop. tc

Page 13: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

BRUSSELS AIRLINES

Brussels Airlines customers flying to Canada now have a choice of three classes – Economy, Business Class and the newly introduced Economy Plus. To celebrate the launch, the airline will be upgrading 20,000 pas-sengers for free in July and August. Economy Plus travellers sit in the first four rows of the Economy Class

cabin (32 seats in total on Airbus 330 aircraft) and enjoy more leg room and 20 degrees for recline instead of eight. Before their meal, they receive a glass of champagne and luxury items like an amenity kit, a hot towel, a linen pillow and a Neuhaus chocolate gift box. The price is €120 per one way, but for the launch, a special discovery rate of €99 is now available.→� www.brusselsairlines.com

The Airline Ticket CentreSM

a company

SUNWING

The introduction of a direct service from Montreal to Cozumel will bring the Mexican island, and one of the world’s best diving locations, closer to Quebecers this winter. Flights will use Boeing 737-800s and depart Fridays between Dec. 16 and March 17. Allegro Cozumel has five restaurants, an on-site spa with whirlpool, tennis courts and a pool complex. Children will find a pirate-themed splash park and a complimentary kids club. The resort’s Ultimate Dive Experience package offers keen divers a num-ber of extras, from daily dives and savings on diving equipment rentals to a dedicated VIP lounge, upgraded accommodation. →� www.sunwing.ca

AIR

july 7, 2016 | travelcourier.ca 13

click herefor digital extras

0707PG13.indd 13 7/4/2016 1:09:12 PM

Page 14: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

TOBACCO DRAWS TOURISTSTO PINAR DEL RIO

Tobacco is translating into tourism in Cuba’s Pinar del Rio province. Pinar del Rio, easily visited on day trips from Havana, is a prime tobacco-growing area, and tourism authorities say its tobacco plantations are luring tourists who appreciate cigars, and are often eager to take a shot at making them under the supervision of people who clearly have long perfected the practice. An increas-ing number of Pinar del Rio plantations are eager to host tourists, who can see harvested tobacco turned into cigars and even roll their own under the watchful eyes of plantation owners. “The best cigars in the world are Cuban and the best cigars in Cuba are from Pinar del Rio,” says Cubatur guide Alba Adelis Mosqueda.

zip-lineMeanwhile, Eloy Govea of the Cuba

Tourism Board’s Toronto office says the growing interest in Pinar del Rio’s tobacco trade is helping transform the region in other ways, with, for instance, the town of Vinales seeing a growing number of restaurants eager to host foreign visitors. Pinar del Rio also has other tourist experi-ences, such as the El Fortin zip-line.→� www.gocuba.ca

NEW RESORT LEAVES ‘EM BREATHLESS IN JAMAICA

AMResorts’ brand breathless Resorts & Spas will open a Montego Bay retreat this winter – the brand’s first venture into a non-Latin destination. breathless Montego Bay is being billed as a resort for “sophisticated singles, couples and friends who want to live big, breathe deep and experience life at its fullest,” and will have what AMResorts says will be “150 ultra-chic and lavish suites with state-of-the-art technology.” The forth-coming resort is also promising that guests will find “exhilarating parties, weekly and monthly themed events, and around-the-clock entertainment designed to entice and arouse your senses.” breathless, which states that it provides “unlimited luxury for the socially sophisticated adult,” already has properties in Punta Cana, Los Cabos and the Riviera Cancun.→�www.BreathlessResorts.com

Pictured with some of the entertainers at a recent Toronto event are Jan LaPointe,

AMResorts’ senior director of sales and marketing, Canada, and business

development manager, Orelbys Vigoa.

PUERTO PLATA WELCOMES SUNSCAPE RESORT

AMResorts has inaugurated the offi-cial opening of Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic. Situated in the northern part of the island, the family friendly hotel has 585 rooms and offers guests beaches and the benefits of the Unlimited-Fun vacation concept – exclusive to the Sunscape Resorts & Spas brand. For a higher standard of service, guests can upgrade to the Sun Club, an exclusive section that offers extra snacks, desserts and beverages in a private

lounge. Everything is included within the Unlimited-Fun vacation concept at Sunscape Puerto Plata, starting with the resort’s Explorer’s Club for Kids (ages three to 12) and Core Zone Teens Club (ages 13 to 17). Signature experiences include a special kid’s check-in with red carpet stairs, welcome treats and resort passports. Guests will enjoy seven bars, nine reservation-free dining options, live music, local entertainment, and more.→� www.sunscaperesorts.com

TURKS AND CAICOS RESORTS UNVEIL FAMILY SUMMER OFFERS

A collection of Turks and Caicos resorts has family summer vacation offers to stretch holiday budgets. Alexandra Resort, Beach House Turks and Caicos, and Blue Haven Resort comprise the Turks and Caicos Collection of beachfront resorts on Providenciales. Each features air-conditioned suites with kitchen facilities (kitchen-ettes at Beach House), on-site dining, a spa, swimming pool, gym and a beach. Rates at each resort include perks such as a daily breakfast credit for adult guests, free WiFi property-wide, and a free dining shuttle service between the properties. Regular rates for suites at each property have been slashed 25% for summer travel. There is no minimum stay required for the Caribbean Vacation Deal offer, and there are no daily guest services fees or parking fees. For added value, two kids 12 and under stay free when sharing a room with their parents from July 1 to Aug. 31. Children 12 and under also eat free from the kid’s menu at lunch and dinner, provided an adult entrée is ordered with each child entrée.→� www.alexandraresort.com

ANGUILLA SET FOR FOUR SEASONS

Four Seasons is taking over the Viceroy Anguilla in October after its annual closure (from August). The new Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Anguilla is located on the island’s northwestern shore and will have 975 metres of pristine beachfront plus 166 rooms, whole-ownership beachfront private residences, 465-sq.-m. villas, and vacation rental units. →�www.fourseasons.com

14 travelcourier.ca | july 7, 2016

DESTINATION | CARIBBEAN click herefor digital extras

0707PG14.indd 14 7/4/2016 2:40:33 PM

Page 15: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

For bookings contact your tour operator or visit

W W W . P A R A D I S U S C U B A . C O M

Discover the true experience of unpretentious luxury. For stays of 7 nights or more we will give you 1000 USD in Resort Credit to use on room upgrades, our Yhi Spa

services, premium drinks and specialist dinners.

Book from 1 May up until 20 October, for stays from 1 May to 21 December 2016.

ENJOY UP TO 1000 USD IN RESORT CREDIT!

PARADISUS VARADEROPARADISUS PRINCESA DEL MAR PARADISUS RÍO DE ORO

0707PG15.indd 15 7/4/2016 1:11:30 PM

Page 16: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

ROOMS click herefor digital extras

FAIRMONT CHICAGO

The Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park is making sure every member of the family, including four-legged ones, enjoys summer in Chicago with three new family and pet-friendly packages. The Bark Near the Park Package caters to every pampered pooches needs, while the Finding Dory – Shedd Aquarium and Family Getaway Packages keep kids of all ages entertained. The Bark Near the Park Package, includes overnight accommodations, two hours of dog sitting, doggie biscuits and toy, plus

all of Fairmont’s doggie amenities, including a bed, bowls and bags. The package also includes the pet cleaning fee. There’s even in-room dining available from a new, dog-friendly à la carte menu that includes items like rotisserie chicken and poached Atlantic salmon. Finally, should Fido need a suggestion on the best

doggie sightseeing spots, Fairmont’s new “dog-cierge” is available to offer recommendations. Bark Near the Park starts from $249 per night, is available year-round, and subject to availability.→�www.fairmont.com/chicago/

HILTON WORLDWIDE

Hilton Worldwide will more than double its presence in Peru over the next three years with the development of seven new properties across four brands – Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton. The new deals underscore the company’s growth in Latin America where Hilton Worldwide has more than 90 hotels. Hilton Garden Inn, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton will each have a presence in Peru by the end of 2019. Properties set to open include Hilton Garden Inn Lima Surco to open in the third quarter of this year; DoubleTree by Hilton Iquitos, set to open in the first quarter of 2017, Hampton by Hilton Tarapoto, set to open in the third quarter of 2017; Hampton by Hilton Trujillo, set to open in the fourth quarter of 2018; Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores, set to open in the second quarter of 2019; and the Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton Lima San Isidro, with the dual-branded hotel set to open in the second quarter of 2019.→�www.hiltonworldwide.com/development

16 travelcourier.ca | july 7, 2016

0707PG16.indd 16 7/4/2016 3:35:21 PM

Page 17: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

To advertise: [email protected]

click herefor digital extras

Avalon Waterways is offering agents “deep discounts” on some of its 2016 European river cruises. Numerous sailings on seven itineraries through Dec. 10 are available with 70% off the land/cruise price on itineraries as varied as Magnificent Europe; the Romantic Rhine; and Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches. Also offered at 60% off are numerous departures on 10 itineraries including The Blue Danube Discovery; Canals, Vineyards & Paris; and Burgundy & Provence itineraries. The discounts are on a space-available basis and apply to agents plus one travelling companion. To request space, agents must complete a Travel Agent Discount Application form available at: www.agentlingo.ca.

AVALON WATERWAYS

AIR CANADA VACATIONS

ACV is offering agents a chance to earn 4x ACV&ME points on vaca-tion packages and groups booked to Aruba; Anguilla; Bahamas; Barbados; Costa Rica; Cuba; Curaçao; Dominican Republic; Grenada; Jamaica; Mexico; Saint Lucia; St. Kitts; St. Martin and Turks & Caicos. Booking 50 passengers can accumu-late enough points to be redeemed for $600 in ACV travel credits or a $500 VISA Cash Card. This offer is valid until July 15 for departures between Nov. 1 and Oct. 31, 2017.→� www.aircanadavacations.com

group bonusMeanwhile, agents booking a

group of eight to 12 passengers on any 2017 Avalon river cruise, includ-ing Europe, Southeast Asia, South America or China, by Sept. 13 will receive a $250 bonus. Receive $500 when the group numbers 13 or more.

flightcentreassociates.com/join-the-family | 1 844 213 2731

CPBC

#27

90 T

ICO

#50

0163

84 O

PC#

7029

71

CHANGE IS GOOD.See what else is on. Give us a call.A brand name your customers recognize and trust.

A supportive environment with a true, family-style, feel.

There’s nothing to lose by having a conversation.

$2000 signing bonus in effect until August 31. Call for full conditions.

CAREERS | PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

INCENTIVES

july 7, 2016 | travelcourier.ca 17

0707PG17.indd 17 7/4/2016 1:07:02 PM

Page 18: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

CAREERS | PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

To advertise: [email protected]

Travel Courier and

Travelbestjobs.comtarget the travel industry.

Our audience includesexperienced professionals:

travel agents,tour operators,

managers, executives,sales and marketing

professionals.

Hire the best candidate for the job.

Contact:[email protected]

or 416.968.7252

Growing Your Team?Advertise wheretravel professionals look first for new opportunities:

We are looking for Travel Counsellors inall locations across Canada!

Responsibilities:• Provides high quality service to consumer

travel clients emphasizing long term working relationships and building a strong customer base

• Sells a full range of preferred supplier products

• Provides accurate, complex travel information (i.e. detailed travel documentation, etc.)

• Maintain a consistently high rate of sales

• Organizes and assists with local business building promotions.

• Assists in the resolution of client complaints

• Invoice and document client

• Other duties as assigned

• Exceptional customer service skills

• Self-motivated with time management skills, able to manage a varied workload

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

• Good problem solving ability, attentive to detail

• Strong sales skills

If you are interested in applying for this position please send your cover letter and resume quoting the position applied for in the subject line to

18 travelcourier.ca | july 7, 2016

0707PG18-19.indd 18 7/4/2016 1:07:40 PM

Page 19: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

CAREERS | PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

To advertise: [email protected]

Print advertising products include:• Two-weekly trade magazines• Several industry related directories• Client special projects

Online advertising products (Internet technologies and e-Media):

• Digital magazine editions• Online display advertising and banner advertisements• E-newsletter and PR distribution• Online directories• Webinars• Event sponsorships

Advertising Sales/Account ExecutiveBaxter Travel Media a B2B publisher for over 65 years is looking for an innovative advertising sales/account executive to sell magazine and digital/online advertising to existing accounts and generate revenue from new clients, primarily within the travel industry.

Requirements:• Knowledge and understanding of both print and

online media• Understanding of current marketing, sales and

social media best practices• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong

relationships• Minimum three years sales and account

management experience • Demonstrated experience at consistently

meeting and exceeding revenue quotas (provide figures)

• Ability to write and deliver effective RFPs

The ideal candidate will be action-oriented with outstanding organizations skills. Professionalism will be essential for this role. Must have a driver’s license. This position is a draw against commission. Past earnings of our sales reps have been in the $60k - 100k+ range. The first year will include a guaranteed draw.

Qualified applicants should send their résumés including their income for each of the past 2 years and how they meet the above requirements, in confidence to: [email protected]. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

HRG North America. A Hogg Robinson Group company.

At HRG we take pride in working harder and going further to support our clients and their travellers. We share a passion that can be felt at every level and which is evident in how we apply our depth of knowledge, resourcefulness and influence to provide real value.

Add your value to one of the most prestigious clients in Canada.

We have openings for highly skilled, bilingual (french/english), professional

travel consultants for our high profile client-facing onsite in Ottawa

Detailed descriptions of the positions as well as application details for those qualified can be found at: www.hrgworldwide.com/en-noam/Jobs/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx

Take your career up a notch

Visit Travelpress.com to sign up for the latest webinars from destination

partners and industry affiliates.

In today’s competitive travel industry, up to date information is

essential to grow your sales.

MORELEARNING, MORE

EARNING!

TravelWebcast

BAXTER

july 7, 2016 | travelcourier.ca 19

0707PG18-19.indd 19 7/4/2016 1:07:41 PM

Page 20: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

interactive

onlinetraining

Join the leading online training portal for travel professionals

The one-stop shop for travel trade training and engagement,

the Online Travel Academy features a broad portfolio of

online agent specialist programs from some of the biggest and

most well-known travel businesses and suppliers including

AM Resorts, Silversea and Trinidad and Tobago.

Information Agents Need!Online courses for the biggest travel brands and favourite travel choice

24/7 access

Become a Travel Expert at your desk and win incentives, fam trips etc.

Become part of Baxter Travel Media’s Online Travel Academy today!

TRAVELPRESS-ONLINETRAVELACADEMY presented by Baxter

Travel Media, publisher of Canada’s most trusted travel information

Advertisers:http://onlinetravelacademy.com/

baxtertravel.media/

On your computer at:onlinetravelacademy.ca

Contact: Richard Basford | [email protected] | tel: 604-761-7030

0707PG20.indd 200707PG20.indd 20 7/4/2016 4:19:33 PM7/4/2016 4:19:33 PM

Page 21: Travel Courier July 7, 2016

Canadian Travel Press Travel Courier Press Today

TravelPress.com TravelBestJobs.com PersonnelGuide.ca

TravelBlast Agents' Choice Awards

ClearingCalendar.ca Responsible Travel & Tourism Forum Baxter Student Ambassador Program

Canadian Tourism Resource Guide Travel Webcast

Subscribe today. We're mobile friendly.

HOME OF CANADA'S MOST TRUSTED TRAVEL INDUSTRY NEWSBaxter Travel Media delivers the news and information industry professionals rely on.

travelpress.com/[email protected]