ACTA, CATO want transparency on Comp Fund changes

TORONTO — Two hours after ACTA and CATO issued a joint statement protesting the lack of transparency so far in the TICO funding review, TICO released its own statement in response.

In September 2022 TICO announced it was initiating a review process that includes an end-to-end look at TICO’s current funding framework, as well as a full review of the Compensation Fund.

It’s the most comprehensive review in TICO’s 25-year history, and as TICO CEO Richard Smart told trade media at the September 2022 press conference, “all options are on the table” for the Comp Fund, from a consumer-pay model, to a risk-based model, to eliminating the Fund altogether.

At that time, Smart noted that over the course of its 25-year history TICO has facilitated close to $5 million in restitution, and paid out $14.8 million from the Fund, to assist 24,037 consumers.

As part of a process that started back in 2016 and 2017, TICO made a number of recommendations to Ontario’s then-Liberal government for changes to the Travel Industry Act.

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Many of those recommendations were implemented – but not the consumer-pay model.

In January 2020, just before the pandemic, industry groups including ACTA and CATO voiced their frustration with the Comp Fund stalemate. At that time, both groups said it was clear that despite extensive lobbying efforts, the Ontario government did not intend to revise the funding model.

In January 2023 TICO provided an update on the review process.

ACTA & CATO STATEMENT

On June 8 ACTA and CATO released a joint statement, raising the issue of what they say is a lack of transparency in the TICO funding review.

Here is the statement in full:

“Earlier this year, TICO announced the launch of the largest review of its funding framework and fee structure since inception.

“However, ACTA and CATO have been kept largely in the dark on the financial impact on TICO registrants.

Cruise industry veteran Cheryl Jiffo now onboard with Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions has announced Cheryl Jiffo as its new North America Sales Representative. Jiffo is now supporting Aqua Expeditions’ sales initiatives in Canada and the U.S. alongside Monika Weinsoft, Regional Director of Sales. With more than 15 years of experience in the luxury industry, Jiffo will focus on identifying new opportunities, developing relationships with key accounts, product training and driving sales growth all aimed at strengthening the positioning of Aqua’s fleet of five ships, which operate seven different luxury experiences. She previously held positions at Virgin Voyages, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Expedia Cruises.

“This comprehensive review includes modernization of TICO’s current funding framework to ensure sustainable operations of TICO, as well as a full review of the Compensation Fund and associated contributions.

“‘Travel registrants will once again be called upon to pay the rising and staggering costs of an inadequate and costly system that doesn’t offer very much to consumers. TICO’s core mandate being consumer protection,’ said Jean Hébert, CATO Executive Director.

“CATO and ACTA have joined forces once again to speak out about shared concerns about the provincial regulator and in particular their opposition to maintaining the current registrant fee system to fund the Ontario Consumer Compensation Fund.

“‘While both organizations applaud the review of TICO, a full review of all TICO programs and administrative costs is needed,’ said Wendy Paradis, ACTA President. “We hope the current audit conducted by the office of the Ontario Auditor General – dubbed the ‘Value for Money audit’ – will provide positive results and responses to our concerns. However, we are very concerned that nowhere does it appear to mention moving to a consumer ‘insurance’ contribution model, that we have long been advocating.’

“Hébert said that ACTA and CATO will not stay silent until they are informed of the final decision. ‘We will mobilize to make sure TICO and the Ontario government will consider our recommendations and stop placing this unfair and uncompetitive burden on travel businesses.’

“‘This is the biggest fee review in TICO’s history and yet when we met with TICO’s consultants, we have been provided with very partial information and no fi nancial impact analysis on the industry. We do not appreciate being kept in the dark, we do not appreciate being told that our asks will once again be ignored without any reason or explanation,’ said Hébert.

“‘We are extremely frustrated with the process,’ said Paradis. ‘Since the pandemic, the travel industry is still struggling to recover from the decimating effects of the COVID-19 health and financial crisis. Travel businesses in Ontario are struggling with a post-pandemic debt load that is significant.’

“Both ACTA and CATO have long demanded a new funding model that will provide a fairer playing field and real protection to the consumer. The two associations have been working together and increased their advocacy efforts on this review process and have called for:

• A legislated Consumer ‘insurance’ contribution system similar to the one in Québec for an adequate Compensation Fund and real protection. In Québec, the consumer pays for that protection approximately $3.50 per $1,000 in travel expense.

• Full review of TICO programs and expenses

• Fix the Compensation Fund or eliminate it

• Exempt corporate travel agency clients from Fund

“‘We are very concerned that after many, many years of the industry calling for a fairer funding model of TICO where the consumer is aware of the benefits of paying into an insurance program and receives better protection – once again our demands have been ignored. The burden of enhanced consumer protection will continue to be placed squarely on the industry and at a higher cost than ever,’ said Paradis.”

Tico Statement

TICO issued its own statement, from TICO CEO Richard Smart, in response:

“TICO is actively conducting a comprehensive review of its funding framework, including the Compensation Fund.

“Since the start of the review, we have been committed to this being a transparent process.

“We have said that all funding options were on the table and would be explored and considered for a future funding model.

“As part of the review, a variety of stakeholders have been engaged to provide their input, including the trade associations, registrants, and Ontario consumers.

“Jurisdictional scans were conducted to understand models in other provinces and countries, their successes and also their setbacks.

“The final recommended approach is subject to a review by the Ontario government prior to being shared publicly.

“Once released, all registrants will have an opportunity to provide their feedback through a broad consultation process.

“The goal of the future funding framework is an innovative funding model that meets the needs of consumer protection today and the future.”

Hyatt announces two new allinclusive resorts coming to Cancun in early 2024

TORONTO — Two new all-inclusive resorts are coming to Cancun: Hyatt Vivid Grand Island, an adults-only resort; and right next door, the family-friendly 616-room luxury resort Dreams Grand Island.

Both properties are expected to open in Cancun in early 2024 within the Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt. A Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Grupo Murano for both resorts.

Hyatt Vivid Grand Island will mark the first Hyatt Vivid property in the Inclusive Collection portfolio. It will have 400 guest rooms designed for comfort and featuring expansive views, and will be geared to couples, friends and solo travellers seeking locally-inspired itineraries and social interaction. Experiential-driven dining emphasizes flexibility over formality, and includes a culinary collective with taco trucks, ceviche carts, a food hall, and more. The emphasis on experiences extends to activities too, with specialty fitness classes alongside modern fitness centres.

Meanwhile at the adjacent Dreams Grand Island, families will enjoy the brand’s Unlimited-Luxury inclusions such as pool and beach service, unlimited international and domestic topshelf spirits, 24-hour room and concierge services, daily activities and entertainment, nightly events and more.

All told between the two properties, there will be 19 culinary concepts (Japanese, Mexican, French, Mediterranean, and more), plus access to a 26,000-square-foot spa with 25 treatment rooms, multiple pools, a beach club and more.

Hyatt Hotels Corp. acquired Apple Leisure Group (ALG), parent company of AMR Collection, in 2021. In December 2022 it announced the rebranding of AMR Collection to the Inclusive Collection.

Transat enhances selection of winter 2023-2024 packages

MONTREAL — There’s more to book with Transat’s selection of packages for winter 2023-2024.

The tour operator has announced

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We Are Reaffirming Our Position As A Leader In Canada With This Unrivaled Range Of Packages

an extensive range of options for the season, including one checked baggage and over 370 hotels in the South, approximately 50 of which are new, with departures from eight Canadian cities. Those heading to Europe can choose from 150 hotels in Spain, France, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

“We are reaffirming our position as a leader in Canada with this unrivaled range of packages for the winter season, with a choice of more than 500 hotels on three continents. We take great pride in offering a travel experience that combines our expertise as an airline with our substantial know-how as a tour operator,” said Joseph Adamo, Transat’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer.

Transat is offering five exclusive Sun collections with customized perks, including:

• Luxury Collection: 36 hotels including 7 additions

• Family Collection: 47 hotels including

Richard Todd returns to Unique Vacations Canada

Unique Vacations Canada has welcomed back Richard Todd to the team in the newly created role of Senior Sales Consultant. Effective immediately, Todd will serve as a high-level resource to Maureen Barnes-Smith, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Canada, and C.J. Smith, Director of Sales, on overall sales strategy and execution for the Canadian market. Working remotely from his home base in London, Ontario, Todd will also service and support travel advisors in the Southwestern Ontario region to help grow their Sandals and Beaches business.

Todd originally spent several years as part of the Unique Vacations Canada sales team between 1999 and 2005. He was then promoted and moved to the United States where he held a number of positions, including National Training Manager and Director of Sales & Marketing, West Coast region, before leaving the company in 2017 to pursue other endeavours.

9 additions, with kid-friendly activities

• R&R 18+ Collection: 10 adults-only hotels including 2 additions, with wellness facilities

• Solo Collection: 44 hotels including 8 additions, where travellers pay no single supplement

• Out of Office Collection: 13 hotels to work remotely from the beach

South Promotion

Thanks to Transat’s “Book Early, Get Plenty” promotion, Canadians who start planning their winter vacation right away can take advantage of the following perks:

• Up to $400 off for two people

• Price Drop Guarantee up to $200/ adult and $100/child

• Reduced deposit of $100/person

• Future travel credit of $50/adult and $25/child

• 50% off Option Flex Standard

The promotion applies to new individual bookings of Transat South packages made by June 29, 2023, for travel between Sept. 1, 2023 and April 30, 2024 (exceptions apply).

Duo Packages

Exclusive to Transat, Duo packages offer the chance to discover two facets of a South destination – beach and city exploration – in a single trip. For example, in Cuba, guests can immerse themselves in Havana’s rich history then relax on Varadero’s pristine beaches. Or in Colombia, they can stroll through the colourful streets of Cartagena before escaping to the tranquil island of Barú.

Winter In Europe

Transat now offers an enticing selection of short- and long-term packages in France (Lyon, Marseille, Paris), Portugal (Lisbon, Porto and Faro), Spain (Malaga) and the United Kingdom (London). These packages include flights, a choice of more than 150 hotels, transfers, excursions and much more. Travellers can also opt for à la carte hotels to further personalize their stay.

Option Flex

Transat offers two types of Option Flex for South and Europe packages. With the Option Flex Standard, customers can cancel or change travel dates, destination or hotel, and obtain a travel credit up to 72 hours before departure for a fee of $89. The Flex Extra Option, on the other hand, allows customers to cancel or change travel dates, destination or hotel up to 24 hours before departure, and obtain a refund for a fee of $149. In both cases, it is also possible to transfer the package to a friend or family member up to 30 days before departure. Conditions apply.

Flight Program

Air Transat recently unveiled an ambitious flight schedule for the winter season. It is expanding its offer by pursuing its strategy of annualizing its routes to the French provinces; Lyon and Marseille will now be operated year-round, and Nantes until mid-January. In addition, it’s significantly increasing its frequencies to South destinations.

Air Canada inaugurates two international flights from Montreal

MONTREAL — Air Canada celebrated not one, but two inaugural international flights from Montreal on June 2. Its nonstop, year-round service to Toulouse, France marks the airline’s fourth destinations in France and the only year-round service between North America and southwestern France.

In addition, Air Canada’s seasonal services from Montreal to Copenhagen, Denmark complement its yearround services to the Danish capital from Toronto.

“We are very excited to have launched our long-awaited, year-round new flights between our Montreal global hub to the French-speaking world, and Toulouse!” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada. “Not only are we connecting two significant business cities in the international aerospace industry, we are establishing another convenient link to France and providing travellers from Toulouse connections to a wide variety of destinations via our Montreal hub.”

He added that the airline is also thrilled to inaugurate its second route from Canada to Copenhagen, “offering travellers from both sides of the Atlantic more choices to visit and explore each other’s countries.”

Flights to Toulouse operate on an Airbus A330 aircraft featuring three classes of service, one of which was recently outfitted with special diagnostics sensors in partnership with In-Service Aircraft for a Global Observing System (IAGOS), an international non-profit that utilizes commercial aircraft as a global observation platform of climate change and air quality.

Montreal-Toulouse flights depart year round on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, as of June 1. Toulouse-Montreal flights depart year-round on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays as of June 2.

Montreal-Copenhagen summer flights operate Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as of June 1. Copenhagen-Montreal summer service flies Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Flair tops Canadian airlines with average number of complaints per 100 flights: CTA

TORONTO — The Canadian Transportation Agency says Flair Airlines Ltd. has the highest number of complaints per 100 flights of all the major airlines in Canada, as airlines have had a rocky recovery year with delayed and cancelled flights.

Between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023, Flair saw an average of 15.3 complaints per 100 flights.

Back in March, Flair saw four of its leased planes seized because of overdue payments, causing hundreds of cancelled flights.

Sunwing Airlines Inc. came second at 13.8 complaints per 100 flights, and Swoop Inc. was third at 13.2.

Meanwhile, WestJet had 6.6 complaints per 100 flights, and Air Canada had 4.3.

As demand for air travel soars in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines have at times struggled to keep up with the past year seeing headlines about cancellations, delays and packed, chaotic airports.

Condor’s new nonstop seasonal EdmontonFrankfurt flights take off

EDMONTON — Condor Airlines’ new nonstop Frankfurt route from Edmonton is now operational, with twice-weekly flights on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The new route launched May 26.

First all-in Marriott-branded hotel opening 2024

CANCUN — The former Marriott Cancun Resort will reopen in early 2024 as an all-inclusive renamed Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort.

The resort will become the first Marriott-branded all-inclusive resort in the world.

The former Marriott Cancun Resort closed its doors in March to undergo an extensive renovation for the conversion.

The announcement came the same day that competitor Hyatt Hotels Corporation revealed its own big Cancun news: Hyatt Vivid Grand Island, an adults-only resort, and right next door, the family-friendly 616room luxury resort Dreams Grand Island, will also open in early 2024 in Cancun.

It’s also the latest step in Marriott International’s quest to grow its all-inclusive footprint. In 2019 Marriott International announced it planned to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in all-inclusive resort product.

Marriott and its competitors may be relative newcomers to an all-inclusive market already dominated in Mexico and the Caribbean by Spain-based hotel conglomerates, and other dominant players including Sandals

Resorts. But they’re making up for lost time in a hurry.

“A VERY EXCITING REOPENING”

Marriott International says the former Marriott Cancun Resort has been Marriott International’s legacy property in the Yucatan Peninsula for several decades.

“Travellers will be relieved to discover that they will not be bidding their beloved Marriott Cancun Resort a permanent goodbye, but instead, expecting a very exciting reopening with a more modern product, as the property is being reimagined by Marriott, and utilizing the space to offer a sophisticated twist to the traditional all-inclusive concept,” said Alex Fiz, Area Vice President Caribbean & Managing Director All-Inclusive for Marriott International.

Since 2019 Marriott has grown its All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy portfolio to 31 resorts. The company reports that a “vast number” of its 180 million Marriott Bonvoy members have expressed interest in taking an all-inclusive vacation.

Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort will debut newly redesigned rooms, suites, lobby, meeting spaces, and public areas, including new restaurant concepts, expansive pools, and a lazy river and waterpark.

The resort began renovations in March 2023. Meanwhile the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa sister resort is open and fully operating.

On Tuesdays, flight #DE2469 departs YEG at 5:50 p.m. and arrives in Frankfurt at 11:15 a.m. (+1 day). Return flight #DE2468 departs FRA at 2:05 p.m. and arrives in YEG at 3:50p.m.

On Fridays, flight #DE2469 departs YEG at 2:35 p.m. and arrives in FRA at 8 a.m. (+1 day). Return flight #DE2468 departs Frankfurt (FRA) at 11:05 a.m. and arrives in YEG at 12:45 p.m.

All flights to and from Edmonton are operated on Boeing 767-300 equipment this summer and feature three classes of service (Economy, Premium and Business).

This is Condor’s fi fth gateway in Canada, joining Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax,and Whitehorse.

Condor’s Business Class features lieflat seats, a personal in-seat, premium touch-screen entertainment system, power ports at every seat and premium menus with complimentary non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Special menus are available for children as well as vegetarian, vegan and lactose or gluten-free meals. Business Class passengers also have access to priority check-in and lounge access.

Premium Class features seats with added legroom, leg rests and adjustable headrests, a premium in-flight, in-seat entertainment system with an extended program, USB ports at every seat, premium meals, and complimentary beverages.