Spain Specialist Program now live on Travelweek’s Learning Centre

TORONTO — The Spain Specialist Program is now live on Travelweek’s Learning Centre.

The comprehensive online training program aims to educate the trade on all things Spain, to help travel advisors promote and sell this incredibly popular destination.

Designed by Turespaña, the course is geared to travel professionals who want to broaden their knowledge about Spain and obtain the Spain Specialist Certificate. Agents who complete the course will be allowed to use of the ‘Spain Specialist’ logo for online communication and promotional materials, and will also be considered for future FAM trips and invitations to activities organized by the Tourist Office of Spain.

Agents completing a basic or advanced course before July 1, 2023 will be entered into a draw for a $500 Visa card.

Visit Seattle lands in Toronto with news of airlift and new offerings

TORONTO — Visit Seattle touched down in Toronto recently to celebrate Air Canada’s seasonal service from Toronto and Montreal.

Hosted in partnership with Air Canada, the event welcomed approximately 40 travel advisors to the W Toronto for a training presentation that showcased Seattle’s iconic sites and attractions, neighbourhoods, pre- and post-cruise ideas, new hotels and upcoming festivals.

Advisors also welcomed the news that starting May 1, Air Canada will be increasing its nonstop service from Toronto to Seattle to twice daily, until the end of September.

On May 15, the carrier will also be resuming nonstop service from

Montreal to Seattle, starting with 6x/ weekly then increasing to daily in the summer. Service in winter will decrease to 4x/weekly.

Both routes will be served by B737 Max8 until June, after which it will be operated by Airbus A220-300.

The event also included a prize draw for a trip to Seattle, including airfare with Air Canada. Marjorie Calvin of Aspire Travel took home the grand prize.

For more information about travel to Seattle go to www.visitseattle.org.

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Goway hires new VP Marketing as it eyes global expansion

Goway Travel has named Mitchell Fawcett as the company’s new VP Marketing. Fawcett will lead Goway’s marketing and brand transformation - the first since Goway’s founding in 1970 - as the travel company eyes global expansion.

Key to the brand transformation will be the launch of Goway’s new website, powered by a cutting-edge reservation system. The new site is set to launch later this year.

Fawcett will also grow the marketing team at Goway and offer a new editorial vision for the company’s wide-reaching media properties. In his new role, Fawcett will also serve as Editor-in-Chief for Globetrotting, Goway’s print magazine.

Says Bruce Hodge, Goway’s founder and President: “Mitchell is an experienced and thoughtful marketer and we’re thrilled to begin a total brand transformation with him. He is a proven leader with a vision to expand on our half century of success. He also has the track record to help us grow as a company, while reinforcing our position as the first choice for Globetrotters to realize a lifetime of travel.”

With Fawcett leading the marketing transformation at Goway, current Marketing VP Adam Hodge will transition to a new high-level role.

Iberostar Cuba Hotels & Resorts launching new campaign: ‘Welcome’

HAVANA

— Iberostar Cuba

Hotels & Resorts will debut its brand new campaign at FITCUBA, taking place May 1 - 5 in Havana.

Iberostar says the campaign’s simple yet heartfelt and effective message - ‘Welcome’ - seeks to convey not only the essence of the charisma of Cuba and its people, but also to encourage travellers to enjoy the island’s unique offering. Cuba is home to cities with 500+ years of history, and, of course, beautiful beaches.

“Although it is an everyday word, colloquial, gentle, and full of good vibes in all languages, in its simplicity is impregnated the essence of good service and kindness that visitors receive in each of the 18 Iberostar Cuba hotels throughout the island,” says the company.

Born in Mallorca, Iberostar has now had a presence in Cuba for 30 years, and the ‘Welcome’ campaign celebrates that milestone as well. Iberostar is also drawing attention to its Agenda 2030 initiative, which has not only managed to eliminate single-use plastics in all rooms, but also works closely with coastal health projects.

This year’s FITCUBA is the 41st edition of Cuba’s international tourism fair.