Travel Professional - Spring Edition 2023

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Sete Cidades Trail, Azores with Goway Travel

EUROPE & ROMANCE

Goway has new Europe tours for 2023

Goway Travel has plenty to look forward to in 2023, with several new offerings in Europe. Tapping into Iceland’s growing popularity, the new five-day ‘Iceland Scenic South’ tour showcases the country’s southern regions, which are dotted with black sand beaches and glaciers. Also new is the six-day ‘Hiking the Azores,’ which takes travellers to Sao Miguel with an expert guide. Goway also highlights Europe’s lesser-known areas with the new privately-guided, eight-day ‘Tus-cany and Umbria’ tour, and the five-day ‘Flavors of the North’ itinerary, which visits Dublin, Derry and Belfast. And in Greece, travellers can check out the islands of Naxos and Ios with the privately-guided 10-day ‘Athens, Paros, Naxos and Ios’ tour.

Azamara to return to Venice this spring

Azamara will be making its grand return to Venice beginning on April 3, 2023 as part of Azamara Journey’s 12-night ‘The Best of the Med Voyage.’ In all, the cruise line will offer 32 voyages to the Lagoon City for the 2023 Europe season, sailing aboard its four-ship fleet to the ports of Chioggia and Fusina. Upcoming sailings to Venice include

the seven-night ‘Italy Intensive Voyage’ featuring late nights in Ravenna, Kotor and Amalfi, plus an overnight in Rome, and the sevennight ‘Amalfi & Dalmatian Coasts Voyage’ with four late stays in Sorrento, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Sibenik and an overnight in Venice. Shore excursions range from an evening gondola ride to a motorboat cruise to neighbouring isles Murano and Burano.

azamara.com

Venice, Italy

European Waterways seeing record bookings for private charters

European Waterways is reporting record sales of its luxury hotel barge cruises as post-pandemic concerns continue to drive major trends. With some travellers still preferring to create a ‘travel bubble’ composed of families and small groups, the company says its private charter bookings have increased more than 45%. In 2022, bookings increased by 16% over the company’s previous record, and 2023 bookings are already on another record pace, says managing director Derek Banks.

Highly curated experiences include boarding La Bella Vita on Italy’s River Po for a private lunch with a Countess at her villa, and cruising the Champagne region on Panache for a private tour and wine tasting at the boutique Grand Cru winery. Throughout all this, guests enjoy private chauffeured transportation in air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minibuses to and from excursions, daily onboard meals prepared by a master chef, including wine pairings from local vintages, as well as access to spa pools and bicycles.

europeanwaterways.com

A busy summer season in Europe for Air Transat

Air Transat is gearing up for a busy summer season, with 275 flights a week to more than 40 destinations at the height of the season. This, says the airline, will allow it to strengthen its position in Europe, increase the number of connections to the South and the U.S. as well as enhance its domestic service. During the busiest months, Air Transat will offer 88 direct flights weekly to 19 European destinations from Montreal, 73 direct flights a week to 15 cities in Europe from Toronto, and three weekly direct flights to Paris and one to London from Quebec City.

airtransat.com

G Adventures has new Classic and Active trips

For 2023, G Adventures is focusing on uncovering hidden gems with new Classic trips that offer more authentic experiences, as well as new Active trips that bring travellers closer to nature. New itineraries in Europe include the six-day Active ‘Hiking Southern Iceland,’ which begins and ends in Reykjavik, features hiking the Múlagljúfur Canyon, and is priced from $3,199 per person. There’s also the eight-day Classic ‘Highlights of the Greek Islands’ from Athens to Santorini, priced from $2,499 per person and includes a visit to lesser-known Tinos island. And for those looking to explore the beauty of Italy, the seven-day ‘Tuscany to Cinque Terre – Wines, Villages and Unforgettable Walks’ starts and ends in Florence and includes visits to Cinque Terre’s colourful villages, Pisa and its famous tower, and the Tuscan countryside for strolls through vineyards and medieval towns, all priced from $2,199 per person. gadventures.com

- Múlagljúfur Canyon, Iceland

European Waterways’ Panache

Credit European Waterways

Volunteer in the Isle of Skye with Highland Explorer Tours

Highland Explorer Tours, part of The Travel Corporation, is inviting guests to join its six-day ‘Isle of Sky Volunteer Adventure,’ an inspiring local community project on Scotland’s Sleat Peninsula in March 2023 and October 2024. Highland Explorer has partnered with the Sleat Community Trust to help transform the community-owned forest of Tormore and make it more accessible to residents.

Each morning, guests will help with tree planting, accessible path building and repair. In their downtime, they’ll visit the Torabhaig distillery, the second-ever licenced Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery on the Isle of Skye, learn Scottish Gaelic phrases at the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, and embark on excursions to Elinean Donan Castle, which was featured in the ‘Highlander’ show. highlandexplorertours.com

Collette’s new Mediterranean Coast itinerary now open for booking

Now open for sale is Collette’s brand new ‘Mediterranean Coast Journey: Spain, France & Italy,’ a 14-day, small group Explorations tour that takes in breathtaking coastal views. Priced from US$4,999 per person, travellers can secure their spot on this tour as early as May 27, 2023. Destinations include Barcelona, Marseille, Nice and Genoa, with highlights such as lunch and wine tasting at a nearly 1,000-year-old abbey-turned winery in Marseille, and a hands-on perfumemaking workshop in Nice. gocollette.com

Intrepid launches ‘Great Walks of Europe’ collection

With demand for walking trips on the rise, Intrepid Travel has created the ‘Great Walks of Europe’ collection, which includes six iconic treks on some of Europe’s most sought-after routes, led by highly qualified and vaccinated local leaders. The collection includes the seven-day ‘Walk the Camino de Santiago’ in Spain, which takes guests along the final 100 kilometres of the route, the six-day ‘Walk the Wicklow Way’ featuring Ireland’s oldest long-distance trail from Dublin, and the eight-day ‘Hike the Lycia Way,’ which journeys along Turkey’s famous Turquoise Coast and the rocky tracks of the Lycian Way, a trail used in ancient Greek and Roman times. Also available to book is the six-day ‘Classic Walks of Scotland,’ the eight-day ‘Hike the Rota Vicentina’ in Portugal, the eightday ‘Hiking in the Dolomites’ in Italy, the eight-day ‘Mont Blanc Highlights’ in France, the eightday ‘Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc’ in France, Italy and Switzerland, and more.

intrepidtravel.com

Volunteering on the Isle of Skye with Highland Explorer Tours Credit April Bright

Choose from wide array of romantic properties with WestJet Vacations

There’s plenty of romance in store this year, courtesy of WestJet Vacations, which is offering a wide range of romantic hotels and resorts. In St. Lucia, top choices include Anse Chastanet, Serenity at Coconut Bay, BodyHoliday, Stolen Time by Rendezvous, Zoëtry Marigot Bay and three Sandals Resorts, while those heading to Antigua can opt for a low-profile stay at Cocobay Resort, Galley Bay Resort & Spa or Hammock Cove Resort & Spa.

For a dream getaway in Barbados, the O2 Beach Club & Spa, The Club Barbados and two Sandals resorts offer a range of accommodations and special indulgences, while in The Bahamas, Breezes Resort and Spa and Warwick Paradise Island are perfect for guests on a budget but still looking for an adults-only stay. And for those who prefer a getaway that isn’t all-inclusive, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and The Cove at Atlantis in The Bahamas offer a wide choice of dining locations.

westjettravelagents.com/caribbean

Now open: Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya

Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya officially opened its doors in December 2022 in the secluded region of Riviera Maya, Mexico. Located just six miles from Playa del Carmen and providing easy access to Cancun International Airport, the adults-only, all-inclusive oasis boasts 291 sophisticated suites featuring spa-like bathrooms with rainfall showers, turndown services, Wi-Fi and 24-hour in-suite dining. Each guestroom also includes a furnished balcony or patio and marble bathrooms. Elsewhere on the property, guests can enjoy adult-oriented amenities including an oceanview pool with adjacent hot tub, nine restaurants, bars and lounges, as well as daily and nightly activities like aerobics, water sports and cooking lessons. Other amenities include the Zen Spa, a full-service beauty salon and over 6,000 square feet of modern facilities and elegant outdoor spaces and gardens. hyattzilararivieramaya.com

Air Canada Vacations has plenty of romantic options & savings

Air Canada Vacations is saying ‘yes’ to romance with an early booking bonus that allows clients to save on their next romantic getaway or honeymoon. Available until December 2023, the offer includes $100 savings per person (or $400 per family of 4) when booking at least four months in advance. Plus, with ACV’s Adults Collection, couples can enjoy privacy and luxury at a wide range of top resorts. And for couples looking to say ‘I do,' ACV has handpicked 10 destination wedding resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America that will make them swoon. vacations.aircanada.com

Sandals Montego Bay Resort, Jamaica

Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya

Credit WestJet Vacations

The best beaches in the Dominican Republic

Romance abounds in the Dominican Republic, home to 200 magnificent beaches and 1,600 kilometres of coastline. In Punta Cana alone, there are nine beaches including popular Playa Bávaro Beach, while in Puerto Plata sun-seekers can choose from 16 beaches including Cabarete, the windsurfing capital. Samaná’s Peninsula boasts 16 beaches like Playa Las Terrenas, a fisherman's hotspot, and Playa Bonita, a crescent-shaped beach lined with chic hotels and restaurants. And in Las Galeras, visitors will find Las Galeras beach, considered one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.

comevisitmy-dr.ca

Iberostar reimagines weddings and honeymoons in Mexico, DR and Jamaica

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has reimagined its destination weddings and honeymoon program for Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica to align with its sustainability goals. The program includes ‘Ever Green Weddings’ for eco-conscious couples, ‘Weddings Unpackaged’ comprising 12 inspirations featured in its Lookbook, and ‘Wedding Week,’ a week full of bonding and adventure.

Couples can also book the Proposal Collection, which includes engagements on the beach, in a suite or at the spa, as well as the Honeymoon Collection, five interest-based options that appeal to foodies, thrill-seekers and everything in between. ‘Starmoon,’ the premiere package, incorporates a little bit of everything for those who want it all.

iberostaragents.com/weddings

Grand Velas Resorts debuts new Honeymoon Journey in Mexico

Grand Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit and Los Cabos is celebrating love with a new Honeymoon Journey. At Grand Velas Los Cabos, the honeymoon begins with a floating tray in the plunge pool of the couple’s suite followed by a ride on a private yacht, a couples massage and dinner on the beach. At Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, the package includes a rooftop dinner, a couples massage, exclusive special credits and a lifestyle photo session. And at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, highlights include an 80-minute Mayan Bacal couples massage, a six-hour yacht experience, a ride on a SEABOB-Jet, a beverage tasting and a fireworks show.

The Grand Velas Honeymoon

Journey starts at US$22,465 for two people, inclusive of a three-night stay in a Grand Class suite in Los Cabos, a three-night stay in an Ambassador Grand Class suite in Riviera Nayarit, and a three-night stay in a Zen suite in Riviera Maya.

grandvelas.com

Inspiration, Pure Luxe, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts Credit Iberostar Hotels & Resorts

FLYING FAR BEYOND ORDINARY

Welcome to Air Canada Signature Service.

When premium travel is a priority, treat your customers to an elevated end-to-end experience. They’ll enjoy:

• Personalized assistance from industry-leading concierges at Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver airports

• Air Canada Chauffeur Service powered by Porsche, for select customers at Toronto and Vancouver airports

• Dishes from award-winning chef, David Hawksworth in our Toronto and Vancouver Air Canada Signature Suites

• Ultimate comfort in our Executive or classic lie-flat pods

Learn more at aircanada.com/SignatureService

ONWARD AND UPWARD

Air Canada has new routes, expanded services and major growth plans for 2023

What’s your forecast for 2023?

As we saw last summer, people are excited about travelling again. This summer, we’re expanding our services in response to anticipated demand with new routes, resuming services and increased frequencies on popular routes. We’re continuing to work with governments and other partners in preparation for this year’s operations, and we’re looking forward to even more travel in 2023!

What new routes are you most looking forward to this year?

In December, we announced that we’ll be offering new routes to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport from Toronto and Montreal. The new routes cement our leadership as the largest international carrier serving the New York market, with more than 3,500 seats on 39 daily flights from six Canadian cities into

all three of New York City’s major airports. We’re also launching new European routes with service to Brussels, Copenhagen and Toulouse.

What flexible options are you offering passengers?

We offer a wide range of fare brands so that travellers can choose based on their level of flexibility. Our Basic fares are great for customers looking for cost-effective options with minimal flexibility, whereas our Latitude fares offer more flexibility with refunds and changes available. Our Goodwill policies offer even more protection with flexible rebooking options in cases of events that may impact our customers’ travel plans.

What areas in operations are you focused on in terms of growth?

We’re focused on growing all aspects of

LISA M. PIERCE Vice President, Canada & USA Sales at Air Canada aircanada.com

our business post-pandemic. One area we’ve made recent strides in is our sustainability efforts. We’re committed to net-zero GHG emissions from all our global operations by 2050, and to help support that goal, we created an investment fund to support new technologies, including investment in the Canadian climate solutions company Carbon Engineering. We also recently introduced CHOOOSE as our new carbon offset program provider.

What’s the most important lesson you learned from the pandemic?

The value of human connection. Before COVID, I think we all took for granted the ability to have casual conversations in person and meet face-to-face with our colleagues and partners. After the pandemic, we all appreciate that more than we did before, and it’s something we’ll never take for granted again.

New York City

Brand new: The 1,232 square-foot , beachfront Coral Penthouse Suite at flagship Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort.

BAREFOOT LUXURY

with Outrigger Resorts & Hotels

Founded on a Hawaii beach in 1947, Outrigger celebrated 75 years of barefoot luxury hospitality in September 2022.

OUTRIGGER HAS 2 OF 7 TRUE BEACHFRONT RESORTS ON FAMED WAIKIKI BEACH.

In 2023, Kani Ka Pila Grille at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort celebrates 15 YEARS of being Waikiki’s home for live Hawaiian music.

Outrigger owns and/manages 33 resorts, hotels and vacation condos across Hawaii, Fiji, Maldives, Mauritius and Thailand.

GOT ROOM? OUTRIGGER HAS 5,000 ROOMS IN HAWAII, INCLUDING RESORTS, HOTELS AND VACATION CONDOS.

As part of its OZONE conservation initiative launched in 2014, Outrigger has preserved, protected and planted more than 100 football fields of coral.

For more information go to agent.outrigger.com

Living the high life in luxe Los Cabos

BY

NE THING THAT visitors might notice when they first arrive in Los Cabos is the lack of billboards. There aren’t any — and that’s by design. So is the lack of sprawling all-inclusive resorts or towering hotels.

Set in a desert at the southern tip of Mexico’s 1,220-kilometre-long Baja Peninsula — the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Sea of Cortés to the east — there’s little rain, no humidity and no mosquitos. Wake up, peek out the window, and it’s another sunny, cloudless day, making it easy to plan outdoor activities year-round.

But Los Cabos is not Cancun. It was designed from the ground up to be a very different kind of destination.

That means smaller hotels, fewer all-inclusives and a more sustainable approach to tourism that involves getting off-property. There are strict regulations on building height (no higher than six floors), as well as hotel capacity and square footage. A maximum of three cruise ships are allowed to visit per day and passengers must tender to shore.

This isn’t new; this strategy has been in place for about 30 years, based on a public-private model where stakeholders operate as a collective working group.

“The private sector and the authorities understand that in order to provide value to the destination, they need to work together to regulate it — and they are

more focused on the medium and long run rather than the immediate benefit of what is happening in destination,” says Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board.

What sets Los Cabos apart

What makes Los Cabos different from traditional sun destinations is the diversity of experiences on offer, according to Esponda. “It’s not about staying on the resort and heading to the buffet line,” he says. Rather, it’s for those who want to get off the resort.

Compared to many other sun destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean, there are relatively few all-inclusive resorts here, and those that are — including the new(ish) Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos — have been designed to blend into their desert surroundings.

Many hotels here follow a European plan where meals and drinks aren’t included. It’s considered a safe destination, so guests are encouraged to go off-property and explore the area — from ATVing in the desert, to making tamales in a cooking class, to shopping in one of the quaint (and authentic) Mexican villages.

Los Cabos is also known for its culinary scene, whether visitors want gourmet tacos on a private yacht or a

This hotspot is establishing itself as an “it” destination for luxury travel — and not just because it’s frequented by Hollywood celebrities

VAWN HIMMELSBACH

There are relatively few all-inclusive resorts here, and those that are have been designed to blend into their desert surroundings.

gastronomic adventure at a AAA Five Diamond restaurant.

One such unique dining experience is Animalon by the Sea, a floating restaurant on a custom-built 49-foot yacht. During a three-hour sunset journey, diners enjoy a five-course seasonal menu from acclaimed chef Javier Plascencia, while sailing through the Sea of Cortés with views of the Arch and Lover’s Beach (and possible sightings of whales and dolphins).

This means travel advisors can help their clients build a complete itinerary, with everything from restaurant reservations to a range of commissionable outdoor activities.

That includes scuba diving, which also has capacity controls calculated by biologists to protect the environment (so if clients want to dive, they’ll want to ensure they’re booked well in advance).

Cabo Pulmo, a reef once devastated by overfishing, is now a protected marine reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to grassroots efforts. And it’s teeming with marine life, including a permanent population of bull sharks.

THE HOTEL EXPERIENCE

What also sets Los Cabos apart from other sun destinations is the sheer number of hotels that follow the European plan. Out of the destination’s 18,000 rooms, only about 7,000 are within all-inclusives, according to Esponda.

Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos is one of those all-inclusives, which opened in 2019 (and then closed temporarily during the pandemic), with just 639 rooms. This is the brand’s first new build, and — unlike its other properties — has a more subdued aesthetic that blends into its desert surroundings.

Guests here have access to two worldclass golf courses, which are otherwise private, designed by Davis Love III and Tiger Woods. The Dunes Course, which rambles through 50-foot dunes along the windswept Pacific Coast, is worldrenowned.

Currently only available to guests of the Hard Rock Hotel, the resort’s Awaken Your Senses multisensory dinner experience, developed in partnership with B-Lab Gastronomic, uses augmented

reality, odour synchronization and surround-sound to bring a seven-course dinner to life. Each course is inspired by a different region of the world, paired with a specialty cocktail.

Next door, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos blends Mexican chic with the brand’s signature minimalistic Japanese design, using materials such as polished granite, local Cabo stone and contrasting wood. This 200-room luxury hotel, which follows the European plan, has, of course, a Nobu restaurant, as well as the first Mexican outpost of farm-totable bistro Malibu Farm.

Rooms feature custom furniture, teak soaking tubs and Shoji-inspired closet doors, and the property is dotted with infinity pools, private swim-up cabanas, floating daybeds and secluded swimming areas. There’s also a 13,691 squarefoot spa with 13 treatment rooms and a tranquil outdoor hydrotherapy garden, making this an ideal escape for clients seeking a spa or wellness-themed vacation.

Several noteworthy properties are scheduled to open this year and next, focused on the upscale market.

Marriott is bringing its St. Regis brand to the region with the St. Regis Los Cabos at Quivira, featuring 120 rooms (and 60 residences) on a 33-acre site. Hyatt is also bringing its high-end brand to Los Cabos with the region’s first Park Hyatt resort, featuring 165 rooms, 35 private residences and a master golf course next to Cabo del Sol beach.

And in 2024 the ultra-premium Aman hospitality group is set to open its first resort in the Mexican Pacific with Amanvari, on the Eastern Cape of the Baja Peninsula.

A second Four Seasons resort is under construction at Cabo del Sol, located along the tourism corridor, with just 96 rooms. Velas Resorts, a Mexican-owned company, is also building a boutique resort, Casa Velas Los Cabos, with around 80 suites. This will be the brand’s third property in

What also sets Los Cabos apart from other sun destinations is the sheer number of hotels that follow the European plan.

All pics credit Visit Los Cabos

Los Cabos, with a focus on gastronomy and five-diamond service.

In total, all this will add about 600 rooms to the destination, with an expected total of around 18,600 rooms by the end of 2023, according to Esponda.

GETTING OFF THE RESORT

Los Cabos is technically made up of two destinations. Cabo San Lucas sits at the south of the peninsula with a marina, restaurants and nightlife, while San José del Cabo is about 32 kilometres north — a colonial town filled with art galleries, coffee shops and farm-to-table restaurants. In between is the tourism corridor.

“If you come, you need to get out of the hotel where you’re staying,” says Esponda. “If you want to just stay locked in the hotel, you’re going to be missing the nature, the culture.”

Most hotels and resorts in Los Cabos don’t have swimmable beaches because of a strong undercurrent. The main

swimming beach in Cabo San Lucas is Medano Beach with plenty of restaurants and lounger rentals, while Chileno Beach in the tourism corridor is more low-key.

As a safe destination, it’s ideal for exploring either on foot or by car (or even by camel).

It’s worth heading into the ‘Baja Outback,’ the cactusdotted desert backed by the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range. With Cabo Aventures in Rancho Tierra Sagrada, for example, guests can explore the desert on an ATV, mountain bike or electric bike, or ride a camel along the beach next to the crashing waves of the Pacific.

Cabo Adventures also offers sailing, snorkelling, whale shark snorkelling, scuba diving and whale watching (in season), as well as yacht and sailboat charters.

For culinary adventures, visitors can learn how to make authentic Mexican fare such as chicken tamales with hibiscus cream, guacamole and chile de árbol salsa at Floras Farm, a 25-acre organic working farm tucked in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna. There’s also a spa, art classes and a fragrance studio, alongside Flora’s Field Kitchen and The Farm Bar. And the Culinary Cottages and Hillside Haylofts offer luxury stays for the culinary-inclined.

To become a Los Cabos specialist, go to loscabosspecialist. com where travel agents can download resources and interact with suppliers. For more information on travel to Los Cabos, go to visitloscabos.travel.

Flora Farms

SCENIC ECLIPSE

with Jo-Lee Shantz, Director of Marketing, Oceans-Canada, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

A PERSONAL BUTLER guides guests through a pillow menu in their luxuriouslyappointed suite.

“Scenic values our travel partners and we have a team of BDMs that can help them grow their business with marketing activities and co-op opportunities.”

“When it comes to booking, the earlier, the better since the best offers are the first to be offered.”

The ‘World’s First Discovery Yacht’ sets the benchmark in 6-star, ultra-luxury cruising with an innovative design, state-of-the-art technology and unrivalled all-inclusive discovery.

“THE MAJORITY OF SCENIC ECLIPSE GUESTS are empty nesters, often retired or semiretired, comfortable with technology, well-educated and going on longer, more unique journeys.”

It can navigate the roughest seas thanks to a Polar Class 6 rating, strengthened hull and customized stabilizers.

There are up to 10 dining experiences ranging from fine dining to casual.

For more information go to scenic.ca

“We’re sailing amazing new itineraries in 2023 in Japan, Latin America, East Antarctica & Ross Sea, and Scotland among others.”

AN ONBOARD SUBMARINE, two helicopters, a fleet of Zodiacs and the world-class Discovery Team ensure that the yacht offers a truly all-inclusive experience.

THE ONBOARD SENSES SPA features Scandinavian-inspired indoor/outdoor facilities, Pilates and yoga studio and a Vitality pool.

THE BENCHMARK IN ULTRA-LUXURY CRUISING

A Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht voyage is more than a 6-star cruise, it’s a truly all-inclusive voyage in a class of its own. Enrich your World in 2023 and beyond with:

Relax in your indulgent and spacious verandah suites with butler service.

Enjoy a culinary journey at up to 10 dining experiences and 9 bars and lounges.

Rejuvenate at the 5,920ft² Senses Spa and dedicated yoga and Pilates studio.

Gain deep insights from your up to 20 member expert Discovery Team.

Soar above by helicopter, go beyond by Zodiac and dive below by submarine.

Antarctica in Depth

13 Day Voyage

Perfect for those celebrating a milestone or wanting to explore Antarctica for the first time. Nov & Dec 2023 & Jan 2024 departures available

Japan Cruises

9 to 12 Day Voyages

Where flamboyant futuristic cities and perfectly preserved age-old cultures coexist harmoniously. June & July 2023 departures available

photo credit ©BVergely

WELCOME TO MONACO

The Principality is known for much more than just luxury

YOU’VE GOTTA TRY…‘STOCAFI’, dried cod stewed in tomato sauce, at Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse at l’Hotel de Paris.

DID YOU KNOW?

Air Canada, Air Transat and Air France all fly to Monaco from Canada.

For the most LUXURIOUS STAYS book a room at Hotel de Paris, Hotel Hermitage or Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel

The Principality can be walked on foot in less than an hour, thanks to modern public connections that include 78 LIFTS, 35 ESCALATORS and 8 TREADMILLS

THE RACING SEASON kicks into high gear in May with Formula 1 and the Monaco E-Prix.

Although the official language is French, Monaco has its own language called Monégasque.

TOP 3 ATTRACTIONS

3. OCEANOGRAPHIC MUSEUM

BEST PLACE TO VIEW THE SUNSET: PORT HERCULE, known for its rich yachting heritage.

SAVE THE DATE! On MONACO NATIONAL DAY (Nov. 19), locals celebrate with FIREWORKS, a SPECIAL MASS and by wearing WHITE AND RED

For more information go to visitmonaco.com

IT’S FOR EVERYONE! Although Monaco has the highest density of millionaires in Europe, YOU CAN FIND TICKETS TO MANY ATTRACTIONS FOR AROUND €20.

2. Prince’s Palace

1. PLACE DU CASINO

“Connect with clients who have enjoyed wildlife and nature-based travel experiences – be it a gorilla trek in Uganda or a safari in Kenya – and describe how polar expeditions will be even more unforgettable!”

“Introduce your well-travelled clients to new Arctic destinations, like Greenland, the planet’s largest island and one of the best locations on earth to view the Northern Lights.”

“Share our expertly-produced short videos and guest testimonials about the breadth of guest experiences, which are accessible to everyone regardless of age or fitness level. Activities range from cruising Arctic fjords in a Zodiac and walking among penguin colonies, to mountain biking, helicopter flightseeing and kayaking.”

“Dispel any popular misconceptions about the Polar Regions always being cold. The average temperatures can be anywhere between -5 to +5 degrees Celsius, and can even get up to 10 degrees Celsius in the heart of the summer.”

“Rave about the benefits of small polar vessels. Quark Expeditions’ fleet accommodates a maximum of 199 guests and is able to take visitors to remote places in the Arctic and Antarctic that larger ships can’t.”

“Invite clients to envision what it would be like to travel by ship and helicopter to remote Snow Hill Island to witness the rarely-seen rookery of 8,000 Emperor Penguins and their baby chicks deep in the Weddell Sea of Antarctica.”

“With our 15-minute, east-to-access training modules, you’ll be able to quickly answer your clients’ questions about where to go in the Polar Regions, and when.”

“Tell them about our newest ship, the technologically-advanced Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiac boats.”

For more information go to quarkexpeditions.com

“How do I convince clients to finally book their bucket-list trip to the Polar Regions?”

WE ASKED CARA MATTHEW, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF SALES, QUARK EXPEDITIONS:

QUARK EXPEDITIONS: THE LEADER IN POLAR ADVENTURES

Quark Expeditions’ Arctic voyages offer an incredible range of immersive polar adventures that no one else offers, and innovative off-ship experiences to match the tastes of every type of traveler.

Explore with the most experienced team in the industry.

Visit remote parts of Greenland, Spitsbergen and the Canadian High Arctic where few humans have ever set foot.

Learn about Inuit food and culture in Nunavut and Greenland from local experts. Choose from the largest portfolio of off-ship excursions in the Arctic, from heli-flightseeing to kayaking.

Let us take you on an Arctic expedition that no one else can.

Quark Expeditions’ Arctic Voyages. AVAILABLE TO BOOK NOW! Save up to 35%* on your dream voyage.

For more information and to book CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL ADVISOR

CELEBRITY CRUISES WILL BE MAKING WAVES IN 2023

8. THE RETREAT

1. MORE OF EVERYTHING

Celebrity Ascent, the fourth ship in the Edge Series, will take the 2023-24 Caribbean season to new heights, with more space, more luxury and more connectivity.

2. FLIGHTS BY CELEBRITY

Specialists are on hand 24/7 to ensure the best rates and flexibility to personalize flight plans. Plus, with Pay Later, guests can wait to pay for flights when their final cruise payment is due – no booking fees required.

3. HOTELS BY CELEBRITY

Guests can choose from a curated list of 4- and 5-star hotels at exclusive rates, in the world’s most beautiful cities and ports Celebrity visits.

4. THE MED LIFE

Celebrity Infinity will sail year-round in the Mediterranean with sailings from September 2023 through March 2024. This also marks the first time the ship will sail the Med in winter.

6. ONE PRICE, ALL INCLUDED

Celebrity has pre-packaged its most popular amenities – drinks, Wi-Fi and tips – so that guests can get the best value with their cruise.

8. TRAVEL ADVISOR TRAINING

Through the Celebrity Learning program, advisors learn practical advice and selling tips from Celebrity’s award-winning training team.

4. THE WONDERVERSE

In an industry first, the brand new Wonderverse allows guests to explore a Celebrity ship before they set sail, plus book itineraries and chat with ship designers and industry leaders.

For more information go to celebritycruises.com

The Retreat onboard Celebrity Cruises is a vacation experience that includes every stunning suite, private restaurant, exclusive lounge and sundeck, rivalling any high-end resort.

9. STARLINK INTERNET

Three out of 15 Celebrity ships are currently equipped with SpaceX’s Internet service. The high-speed connectivity will be rolled out on its remaining ships by Q1 2023.

10. ICONIC ADVISOR CLUB

This new, by-invitation-only tier within the Celebrity Rewards program gives members 12 months of access to members-only benefits and rewards, including point promotions and discounts.

Celebrity Ascent

Starlink

Kavala, Greece

TO ENTER: SCAN THE QR CODE & FILL OUT THE INCENTIVE SUBMISSION FORM. ALL ELIGIBLE BOOKINGS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 5, 2023.

*The Travel Partners within each of the (4) four sales regions outlined below with the greatest number of new 2023 European Bookings, made and deposited between February 1 - 28, 2023 (each an “Eligible Booking”) shall earn a bonus commission of $10,000 CAD (the “Bonus Commission”). There are a total of four (4) $10,000 CAD bonus commission payouts to be earned in the corresponding sales regions; (2) two $10,000 CAD bonus commission payouts for the two (2) Travel Partners residing and operating within the sales region of Ontario with the greatest number of 2023 European bookings, (1) One $10,000 CAD bonus commission payout for Travel Partner residing and operating within the sales region of Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island & Newfoundland & Labrador with the greatest number of 2023 European bookings and (1) One $10,000 CAD bonus commission payout for Travel Partner residing and operating within the sales region of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba with the greatest number of 2023 European bookings. The passengers named on the Eligible Booking must sail on the 2023 European Cruise for such Eligible Booking to be counted toward the Travel Partner’s Eligible Booking total. No category or itinerary exclusions apply. For the purposes of this Incentive Program a “2023 European Booking” shall mean any new booking on a Celebrity Cruise, departing from a port within the European Union and/or United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and advertised by Celebrity Cruises Inc. (“CCI”) as a European cruise, which sails on or before December 31, 2023. If multiple Travel Partners submit an equal number of the greatest number of Eligible Bookings, the Travel Partner whose Eligible Bookings with the highest sum total cruise fare, as evidenced in CCI’s records, shall be solely entitled to the Bonus Commission payout. Submission Form Required: Travel Partners must complete and submit the Incentive Submission Form here: https://forms.gle/zC9Yzc3erc6RuSSJA by March 5, 2023, with all required information for Eligible Bookings to be counted toward the Travel Partner’s Eligible Booking total. Late Incentive Submission Forms shall not be accepted and otherwise Eligible Bookings shall not be counted toward the Travel Partner’s Eligible Booking total. Eligible Travel Partners: Only individual, active and accredited Canada-based

Come experience Costa Mujeres with Palladium Hotel Group

To experience the true spirit of Mexico, Palladium Hotel Group is inviting guests to check into Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa and the adults-only TRS Coral Hotel, also located in Costa Mujeres, known as the esteemed spot in the Mexican Caribbean.

The all-inclusive Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres is ideal for families, couples, groups of friends and business professionals, and is located just a short drive from Cancun. With the ‘Infinite Indulgence’ plan, guests are treated to international à la carte cuisine, a careful selection of national and international drinks, free Wi-Fi and exclusive services that make any stay a worry-free one.

Built with eco-friendly materials, the resort is home to a village zone complete with several à la carte res-

taurants, and offers a variety of water sports like snorkelling and kayaking and, at an additional fee, professional tennis instruction at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre and treatments at the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness centre. The entertainment zone provided by the Family Selection service will keep young guests entertained, while those seeking a tranquil evening can enjoy cocktails at the Eclipse Sky Bar and traditional Mexican cuisine at La Adelita restaurant.

At the adults-only TRS Coral Hotel, located 30 minutes from Cancun, each of the hotel’s suites features a spacious private balcony or furnished terrace, hydro-massage bathtubs and breathtaking views of Costa Mujeres. Other top highlights include a private Ibiza-style beach club, seven à la carte restaurants, one show cooking restaurant, 18 bars, and a personal butler courtesy of Infinite Indulgence.

For guests who like to stay active, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre is home to eight illuminated clay tennis courts,

one soccer field, one paddle tennis court and a bar-cafeteria to watch a variety of sports. Those who prefer a more relaxing stay can enjoy treatments at Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness, featuring a thermal zone, hot and cold whirlpools, an ice cabin, moist saunas and a sensation shower.

And when the sun goes down, the award-winning Chic Cabaret & Restaurant dinner and show concept (additional fees apply) offers a sixcourse menu accompanied by acrobatics, dance and a music show. The audience becomes part of the show, travelling through various musical genres, from Moulin Rouge in Paris, to 1950s rock ‘n’ roll, to present day pop.

For more information go to palladiumhotelgroup.com

All pics credit Palladium Hotel Group

COSTA MUJERES IT’S EVERYTHING YOU LOVE

Nestled in the Caribbean’s best kept secret, we invite you to discover a five-star oasis of tranquility at Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico. Virgin beaches, personalized service, gourmet oceanfront dining, stylish accommodations, Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness and excellent entertainment await.

Enjoy your stay with Infi nite Indulgence®, it’s all included.

For more information, please contact your preferred travel partner, visit PALLADIUMHOTELGROUP.COM or call 1.866.685.8524

Travel agents earn cash rewards by joining our partnership program at PALLADIUMCONNECT.COM

COSTA MUJERES - CANCUN, MEXICO