Canada’s Travel Trade News
November 2, 2023
MORE SHIPS COMING FOR CRYSTAL, SAYS AKTG Page 3 DISCOVER AMERICA-DAY CANADA HIGHLIGHTS Page 12 ACV'S EUROPE EBB Page 20
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Four more ships - two ocean-going and two expedition - joining the Crystal fleet within the next five years, says AKTG By Kathryn Folliott
TORONTO — Just when the industry thought Crystal Cruises was gone forever, along came Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group to save the day. When AKTG announced its purchase not just of two former Crystal Cruises vessels, but the company too, back in summer 2022, the acquisition was a bright spot for both the beloved luxury cruise line, and an industry finally emerging from the pandemic. Crystal had enjoyed a steady rise through the ranks of upscale cruising since the late 1980s. Travel advisors loved the agent-friendly cruise line, and so did travellers. Starting in 2015, however, rapid expansion under then-new owners Genting Hong Kong - including a foray into river cruising - proved too much, too soon when coupled with the unexpected halt in cruise travel due to the pandemic. First came Genting’s bankruptcy filings in January 2021, and just over a year later, the two ocean-going ships, plus an expedition ship, were seized. Was that the end of Crystal? Not by a long shot. The story took another twist when Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity were snapped up at auction. The identity of the ‘mystery buyer’ was soon revealed to be AKTG, and there were plenty of cheers. Travel agents already familiar with Abercrombie & Kent’s high-end tours in just about every corner of the world, not to mention its private jet journeys and bespoke travel options, knew the 60-year old travel company would do right by the Crystal brand. Both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony returned to sailing this summer, relaunched under a reimagined name and vision, ‘Crystal
ABERCROMBIE & KENT TRAVEL GROUP HEADS UP ABERCROMBIE & KENT AS WELL AS CRYSTAL CRUISES. SEEN HERE, PASSENGERS DEPLANE FROM AN A&K PRIVATE JET ON EASTER ISLAND, CHILE. TRAVEL ADVISORS ALREADY FAMILIAR WITH ABERCROMBIE & KENT ’S HIGH-END TOURS KNEW THAT AKTG WOULD DO RIGHT BY CRYSTAL CRUISES WHEN IT BOUGHT THE CRUISE LINE IN 2022.
– Exceptional at Sea’, courtesy of AKTG. Travelweek connected with Marett Taylor, Chief Sales Officer at A&K Travel Group, to find out more about Crystal’s return, plus what’s trending for Abercrombie & Kent, and why travel advisors are so important for AKTG. “The Crystal team, consisting of some of the most experienced professionals in the industry, achieved an incredible feat - completing a US$150 million refurbishment of two ships and relaunching a cruise line in just over a year,” Taylor told Travelweek. The process included designing and executing worldwide sailing itineraries and simultaneously launching a new website and reservation system, she added. Taylor said she can personally attest to Crystal’s onboard experience under its new ownership. And that’s saying something, considering she’s already travelled extensively with Abercrombie & Kent. “I've never encountered a more hospitable and genuine team than the Crystal team onboard. Despite
having travelled with A&K for most of my adult life and experienced some of the world's top hotels and impeccable service, the Crystal team surpassed every service, comfort, cuisine, and personal greeting expectation I had. They seemed to know the cappuccino I wanted each morning before I was fully awake and remembered my name and drink of choice when I entered any of the evening venues. The best surprise of all was that my suite's butler had my room organized seemingly before I had even contemplated opening my bags,” said Taylor. The best news, shared by Taylor in the interview? AKTG is planning on adding four more ships to the Crystal fleet - “two ocean going and two expedition” - within the next five years. Taylor and the AKTG team want to help travel advisors to close the sale on Crystal bookings, and that includes adding resources to its sales team. In recent weeks AKTG added several new hires to its trade sales teams, including Glen Rothe as VP, Trade Sales, Crystal, based out of Crystal’s November 2, 2023 | TRAVELWEEK | 3
TOP NEWS Aventura, FL office. Rothe will be responsible for managing trade relationships and sales for Crystal, and he’ll be recruiting four new sales directors for North America and multiple inside account executive roles to enhance Crystal’s support for U.S. and Canada trade partners. Also of interest for the Canadian trade, Jacqueline Leyva has also joined Crystal’s Aventura, FL office as VP, Trade Reservations, Air, & Turnaround Operations. Taylor says AKTG recognizes the invaluable role that travel advisors play in shaping the future of luxury travel. “While we have enjoyed a longstanding relationship with travel advisors over the decades, we are investing in additional sales directors and other training resources to support them as they grow their businesses with us,” she said. When asked about travel advisors’ strengths in selling luxury travel, Taylor had no problem coming up with point after point. “Travel advisors are the epitome of excellence in their field, offering an unparalleled combination of expertise, personalization, insider access, and efficiency,” she said. “They bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience, delivering invaluable guidance, particularly in the intricate realm of luxury travel. Their knack for tailoring experiences to match individual traveller preferences ensures that every journey is an exclusive reflection of the client's desires.” She added that Canada is one of the most important markets for Crystal: “Canadian travellers are discerning
Got a story idea? Questions or comments? Write to Kathryn Folliott at kfolliott@travelweek.ca TRAVELWEEK
and highly knowledgeable about the wide array of cruise options in the industry.” While all the focus recently has been on Crystal’s return, we also wanted to get the lowdown from Taylor on new and noteworthy landbased trips from Abercrombie & Kent. She shared that A&K has opened its own destination management offices in two destinations in Latin America one very familiar to Canadians (Costa Rica) and another a rising star (Colombia). Both are exciting destinations to contemplate for Canadians in 2024, said Taylor: “Not far from home and no jet lag!” For clients looking for bucket list, longer haul options, Taylor noted that Africa and southeast Asia are A&K destinations that are trending with many guests. “We have new camps in Namibia for Africa enthusiasts. For honeymoons and anniversaries, Botswana is seeing a surge of interest from those wanting an exotic option for their special milestone,” she said. Taylor added that demand for A&K’s Wings Over the World series - small group journeys using private chartered air connecting destinations within regions in under two weeks - is also soaring. Three of the company’s most popular Wings Over the World itineraries are Wings Over the Mediterranean, Wings Over Greece and Turkey and Wings Over Spain and Morocco. “These types of high-end journeys offer guests the convenience of seeing multiple countries in a short time by eliminating the inefficiencies of commercial air schedules or long road transfers within a region,” said Taylor. For more on how Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group has brought Crystal Cruises back to market, turn to page 6 for a firsthand account of a recent sailing onboard Crystal Serenity.
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Sunwing’s new service fee policy starts Nov. 6 TORONTO — Sunwing is doubling down on its efforts to steer trade inquiries away from its call centre and towards online assistance options, with a new service fee policy starting next week. Effective Nov. 6, 2023, service fees will be applicable when contacting the Sales Centre for any actions where online self-serve options are available, says a letter to travel advisors. The announcement coincides with new updates and enhancements to Sunwing’s Travel Agent Portal. Sunwing says the enhancements provide agents with more options to manage their bookings “conveniently, efficiently, and with a number of selfserve options available to you for several actions on booking files (meaning they can be completed without the need to contact our Sales Centre).” For group travel, agents are asked to refer to their quote or group contract for terms and conditions, including any applicable service fees. Says Sunwing: “Our Agents will advise you before completing the action if it can be completed online. If so, you may choose to end the call and avoid the service fee. If you opt to have our Sales Centre Agent complete the action where a self-serve option is available, a service fee of $25 for existing bookings will be applied, and for new bookings a fee of $25 per travelling passenger will be applied.” More than 20 actions are on the list, including making a reservation, submitting special assistance requests to existing booking; adding insurance to new booking within 48 hours; requesting a group quote; commission questions and many more. Most of the 20+ actions can be done in Sunwing’s Travel Agent Portal, several via Sirev / Revnet, and a few in both.
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TOP NEWS
By John and Sandra Nowlan
ONBOARD CRYSTAL SERENITY —
We were sitting in the office of Scott Peterson, the Hotel Director on Crystal Serenity. The 20-year old ultra luxury ship had just left Quebec City heading to Halifax and New York on its first North American cruise since bankruptcy, legal woes, purchase by the Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group and an extensive, $150 million refurbishment of it and its 28-year old sister ship, Crystal Symphony. In early 2022, A&K purchased both ships at auction, paying $103 million for Serenity and $25 million for Symphony. “For two old ships, the commitment the new owners made is extraordinary,” Peterson told us. “The transformation of both ships in just a few months at a single Italian shipyard was unprecedented.” Another commitment, Peterson said, will be to travel advisors, many of whom were affected by the bankruptcy. “The new owners are adamant that those relationships must be repaired. And they will be.” He also pointed out
that past guest milestones will be recognized and honoured. Most remarkably, with its major refit, Crystal Serenity decreased the room count and lowered the maximum number of passengers from 970 to 740. When we embarked in Quebec City for our eight-day cruise it looked, for the most part, like a brand new ship. All passenger areas, even the extensive teak decking, looked new, upgraded or totally changed. The most dramatic transformation was on passenger decks 8 and 9 where all former rooms and suites were removed and the area stripped down to bare steel. Much larger, prefabricated suites were craned onboard, all with approved material for coast guard and fire safety regulations. Also, for the first time, single ocean view rooms were added. We were in one of those Deck 9 Sapphire Veranda suites, now at a generous 537 square feet, including a double width balcony. In a word, it was stunning. The sitting room had a large sofa, a marble top work desk, a table for meals and snacks and four
CRYSTAL SERENITY 'S HOTEL DIRECTOR SCOT T PETERSON IN THE SHIP’S BRIGHT ATRIUM
6 | TRAVELWEEK | November 2, 2023
comfortable chairs. It included a large, walk in closet, Nespresso coffee maker and a fridge stocked with complimentary champagne, wine and beer. Every room on Serenity includes the services of a well-trained butler and he or she can also provide spirits (vodka, rum, gin or whisky from the complimentary list) or non-alcohol wine or beer. The butler also brings hors d’oeuvres every afternoon, fresh fruit daily and can look after all needs including laundry and pressing or specialty dining reservations. Instead of paper, there’s an iPad in every room with daily programs, restaurant menus, even full copies of daily newspapers from around the world. If requested, a printed daily schedule is available. There’s a curtain between the living room and the bedroom where guests enjoy a comfortable, king size bed with high-end Italian sheets, the most luxurious we’ve ever experienced at sea. On each side of the bed is a marble table, reading lights, USB ports and electric plugs for both North American and European devices. Both rooms include a 50”, high-res TV with a wide selection of movies and TV channels from the U.S., Canada, Britain, Japan, France, Spain and Italy. The whole ship, including each suite, is wired for complimentary WiFi with a signal equal to the best at sea. The bathroom in our suite included two well-spaced sinks along a marble counter, both liquid and bar soap, toiletries from upscale Ortigia Sicilia and a huge shower, big enough for three people, that had a choice of four separate nozzles. There was a makeup mirror and a wide, lighted mirror above the sinks. However several
All photos courtesy John and Sandra Nowlan
Crystal Serenity is back in action and better than ever
TOP NEWS
CRYSTAL SERENITY IN QUEBEC CITY
guests told us that they missed a fulllength mirror in their suite. One significant difference in the refurbished Crystal Serenity is the lack of a casino. That space has now become another lounge, a bit bland, but ideal for embarkation formalities. “Crystal is not in the casino business like the previous owners were,” Peterson told us. “But a casino is especially important in the Asian market, so we’re looking at the possibility of a smaller venue for gambling.” Outstanding cuisine has always been a hallmark of the Crystal experience and the new owners intend to build on and enhance that reputation. Many of the restaurants including the Marketplace Buffet, Trident Grill and Tastes Kitchen, all on Deck 12, and the main, Waterside restaurant on Deck 5 have been refreshed and upgraded. It was a treat to see fresh squeezed orange juice and real maple syrup at breakfast. The really significant dining changes are evident in the two specialty restaurants on Deck 7. Umi Uma (Sea Horse), known as Silk Road prior to 2018, is Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s only restaurant at sea. It was totally gutted and refurbished in the shipyard earlier this year and is now much brighter and more modern looking with changed colour schemes, tables and fixtures. The popular sushi bar remains and table guests can enjoy Nobu’s award-winning Japanese-Peruvian specialties like Lobster with Truffle Yuzu, Sashimi Salad and Miso Glazed Black Cod. Prego, the Italian specialty restaurant on Deck 7, has been renamed and enhanced. It is now known as Osteria d’Ovidio to honour Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, former owner of
Silversea Cruises and now Executive Chairman of the Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group. His Italian influence on the menu shows. Our favourite dishes included Lobster in Aqua Sale, Salt Baked Sea Bass, Tortello Pasta with braised beef and Risotto with Scampi. Missing from the menu (to the disappointment of several guests) was a Prego highlight, Mushroom Soup in a Bread Bowl. But the main restaurant, Waterside, includes it at least once per cruise. The elegant Palm Court, on Deck 12 with its wrap-around ocean views, has always been the relaxation and reception centre on Crystal Serenity. It has stayed much the same with daily trivia and formal afternoon tea as regular events. The popular Mozart Tea, presented once each cruise with waiters in late 18th century attire, has been dropped by the new owners. In its place, a Chocolate Tea will be featured. Unlike many cruise lines, Crystal has not cut back on the quality of its entertainment or the number of performers hired. We were delighted
with the talent of the seven piece Galaxy Show Band and the 10 singers and dancers in the ensemble. Enrichment lectures plus golf, bridge, art and computer instruction are available daily. Crystal remains all-inclusive with the exception of excursions. When Genting Hong Kong, Crystal Cruises’ former owner, filed for bankruptcy in early 2022 the crews of Serenity and Symphony were devastated but many found alternate employment. After the acquisition by AKTG, Peterson told us that a blanket email was sent to all former crew inviting them back. “The response was overwhelming,” he said. “Over 80% of former Crystal employees have signed up and returned.” Such a response shows the loyalty and passion the staff continue to have for the company and its high quality services for guests. In a published interview shortly after Abercrombie & Kent acquired the two Crystal ocean ships, the new owner, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, commented, “You’re going to find the same Crystal … enhanced.” In our interview with Hotel Director Scott Peterson, himself a 20-year Crystal veteran, that same optimism and commitment were evident. “For many years, Crystal was the number one cruise ship in the world,” he noted. “Our goal is to return to that status and to be exceptional.”
WAITERS AT TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON TEA ONBOARD CRYSTAL SERENITY
November 2, 2023 | TRAVELWEEK | 7
WORLD NEWS
AIRLINES
AIR CANADA CELEBRATES THE START OF ITS NEW VANCOUVER-DUBAI ROUTE
New service from Vancouver to Dubai with Air Canada is now underway. The airline celebrated the new route, inaugurated Oct. 28, with a special presentation at Vancouver International Airport. The four times weekly seasonal flights complement Air Canada’s daily yearround service between Toronto and Dubai. Passengers can connect with Air Canada’s codeshare and frequent flyer partner Emirates to a multitude of destinations across the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and East Africa. The Vancouver and Dubai flights are operating with B787 Dreamliner aircraft featuring Signature Class with lie-flat seats, Premium Economy and Economy Class. Air Canada’s Q3 profit for 2023 is $1.25 billion, compared with a loss of $508 million in the same quarter last year. Operating revenue totalled $6.34 billion in the company’s third quarter, up from $5.32 billion in the same quarter last year, boosted by higher passenger revenues. “Air Canada performed strongly in the third quarter, generating solid operating revenues of more than $6.3 billion, a 19% increase over the same period last year. Our focus on growing our international network, building scale at our hubs and leveraging our solid partnerships is delivering strong results,” said Air Canada’s President and CEO, Michael Rousseau. Air Canada transported 12.6 million customers during the busy and demanding summer season. Air Canada managed costs prudently, added Rousseau, with operating expenses rising 5%, on a 10% increase in capacity.
EXEC MOVES Marriott International has announced that longtime executive Don Cleary has decided to retire, effective February 2024. In his 34-year career with Marriott, starting in 1989, Cleary has held multiple leadership positions with the company. In 2010 he moved to Hong Kong to assume the role of CFO, Asia Pacific, and later became COO, Asia Pacific. He took on the role of President, Marriott Hotels of Canada in 2015, overseeing the acquisition and successful integration of Delta Hotels, which established Marriott as the largest hotel company in Canada, as well as the integration of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Canada. Under Cleary’s leadership, total hotel room count in Canada more than doubled to over 56,000 rooms and over 270 hotels, with more than 100 in the pipeline. Marriott is conducting a search for a new head of Canadian business operations.
CRUISE The Port of Vancouver welcomed an estimated
1.25 million passengers in 2023, a new record and a 54% increase compared to 2022. The stats include 15 of Canada Place’s 20 busiest days ever for cruise passengers, all occurring in the past six months. There were 332 cruise ship calls between April and October 2023, a new record for the Canada Place cruise terminal and an increase of 9% compared to 307 visits in 2022. The Canada Place cruise terminal at the Port of Vancouver was recently recognized as North America’s Leading Cruise Port 2023 by World Travel Awards and North America’s Best Cruise Terminal in the World Cruise Awards.
RAIL VIA Rail’s brand new fleet, already operating between Québec City - Montréal - Ottawa since late last year, is now servicing Toronto as well. The new fleet ushers in a new era of comfortable, barrier-free and eco-friendly travel in the Québec City-Windsor corridor, says VIA Rail. Part of a $1.5 billion dollar investment made by the federal government, some 32 of the new trains are rolling out and will be progressively introduced through 2025.
NEWS
WESTJET VACATIONS' SEVI ANAGNOSTIS, SUNWING'S DAVID WRIGHT, UNIQUE VACATIONS CANADA’S CJ SMITH, MANULIFE'S SHELLEY KOPYS AND TRAVEL LEADERS NETWORK'S CHRISTINE JAMES
Sunwing, WestJet need-to-knows at Travel Leaders Network’s Canadian Fall Regional MISSISSAUGA — It was another
record-breaking turnout for Travel Leaders Network’s latest Canadian Fall Regional event, this one taking place in Toronto-West with over 300 suppliers and travel advisors in attendance. Following Regionals in Edmonton and Vancouver, with 160 and 180 guests, respectively, the Toronto-West stop at Hilton Mississauga capped off a hugely successful, three-city tour. According to Christine James, Travel Leaders Network VP Canada, the high turnout is reflective of the company’s exceptional year in sales. “Last year was amazing – we weren’t expecting 2022 to be that healthy, especially since no one was travelling in Q1 due to omicron. And yet, despite having only three quarters, 2022 ended up beating 2019 numbers, our best year in the travel industry,” said James. “This year, we’re way outpacing 2022 numbers. Bookings for a particular partner might have gone up, say, 25% over 2022, but their revenue
may have also gone up by 50%. So people aren’t only travelling, they’re also spending much more.” A new AI program launching by year’s end will help travel advisors perform a range of functions, from building out itineraries to enhancing their Agent Profiles, to composing sensitive emails to irate clients. Plus, as the only consortium with a preferred agreement with Softvoyage, Travel Leaders Network will be launching an enhanced version of SIRVA, Softvoyage’s B2C platform that rolled out during the pandemic.
SUNWING & WESTJET TALK MERGER During the Land & Insurance panel, David Wright, Director of Sales, Ontario for Sunwing, and Sevi Anagnostis, Key Account Manager for WestJet Vacations, addressed travel advisors’ concerns about WestJet’s acquisition of Sunwing, which was completed in May 2023. “It’s going to be business as usual for a while,” said Wright. “The companies have decided to take a very, very slowpaced approach to everything. I saw a PowerPoint presentation just yesterday that included slide after slide of projects that have to do with the integration of the two companies and it was mind-boggling. There’s so much work involved with this, so the thought of doing this in a very slow, methodical manner is exactly how it’s going to be when I say business as usual.”
Wright did hypothesize how the two brands may be categorized in the future, adding: “When the two companies really come together, maybe there’ll be a situation where certain destinations are WestJet Vacations destinations, or maybe some brands of hoteliers might be under Sunwing Vacations exclusively, I don’t know. All of these things are being talked about right now behind the scenes.” Speaking for WestJet Vacations, Anagnostis confirmed that meetings are taking place to discuss where the two brands can merge synergies in a way that makes sense. “As you know, we’re two very different companies. Sunwing is more charter, we’re more scheduled. The fact that it’s going to take the airline a year to integrate should tell you something about what’s happening on the vacation side as well, which has far more complexities with all the different hotel partners, transfers and more,” she said.
GUARANTEES FOR THIS WINTER? While sitting in the hot seat, Wright and Anagnostis also fielded questions from advisors about the upcoming winter season, and what guarantees they have that this year won’t be a repeat of last winter, which was marred by flight delays and cancellations. “We’ve taken a very good approach in the sense of not having as many flights back to back to back like we used to,” said Wright. Anagnostis emphasized the fact that it’s not just one issue, but several. “There are so many parts to it, from the baggage handlers to NavCanada to security and more. I think we all need to take responsibility, though obviously there are things out of our control, like the snowstorm that happened all across Canada last winter,” she said, adding “it is a bigger issue than just the airlines, one that the government needs to address.” November 2, 2023 | TRAVELWEEK | 9
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NEWS
Air travel to the U.S. from Canada is up, and more updates from Discover America Day-Canada TORONTO — Canadian visitation to
the U.S. is booming, with both an incredibly strong 2023, and plenty of momentum for 2024 and beyond. U.S. tourism boards and attractions delivered that message and more at the Discover America Day - Canada event, at Arcadian Loft in downtown Toronto. The annual event, now in its 15th year, offers trade and consumer media the chance to find out what’s new from tourism boards and attractions across the U.S. According to the latest stats, in the first seven months of 2023, some 12.2 million Canadians visited the U.S. That’s up 5% over 2019. For 2024, forecasts estimate that 58% of Canadian outbound travel will be to the U.S. “We’re doing really well,” said Casey Canevari at Discover America Day - Canada.
SANA KELLER REPRESENTING THE SANTA MONICA TRAVEL & TOURISM – CANADA OFFICE AT DISCOVER AMERICA DAY-CANADA
Canevari is senior manager, global trade development (Canada) for Brand USA, a driving force behind the popular Discover America Day - Canada event. Travel advisors and the trade should keep an eye out for a new campaign from Brand USA, ‘Experience It All’, which launches this month in the Canadian market. Air travel to the U.S. from Canada is up 32%, while road trips are down 14%. Whether the uptick in air travel and the dip in car travel is due to travellers splurging on travel
People American Queen Voyages’ Kevin Lorton promoted to VP of Sales American Queen Voyages has promoted Kevin Lorton to the role of VP Sales. Lorton has worked with parent company Hornblower Group for more than 30 years, having previously served as Regional Vice President for California for American Queen Voyages’ sister brand, City Cruises. He also served as Vice President and General Manager of Greater Los Angeles and Orange County, as well as Director of sales and Marketing, Promotions Manager, and Public Cruise Manager. “With his years of hospitality expertise, exceptional sales acumen and proven track record, we are thrilled to welcome Kevin Lorton to the AQV team,” said Adam Peakes, President, Hornblower Group. “As someone who has previous experience with our sister brand, I’m looking forward to the fresh, new ideas Kevin brings to the table as we continue to level up our services for American Queen Voyages.” 12 | TRAVELWEEK | November 2, 2023
post-pandemic, or the desire to maximize time in destination, or concern over rental car availability or gas prices, one thing’s for sure: air travel is much more likely to be booked by travel advisors, making this trend a positive one for the trade. Brand USA’s upcoming Mega Fams are a boon for travel agents too. The six fams, all taking place the same week in April 2024, fan out to six regions across the U.S., with participation by 60 Canadian travel agents. There’s also a sales mission. For updates from U.S. tourism boards including Florida, Utah, Nevada and more, see our complete DADC coverage at Travelweek.ca.
AIR TRAVEL IS MORE LIKELY TO BE BOOKED BY AGENTS, MAKING THIS A POSITIVE TREND FOR THE TRADE
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811203 (09/2023)
NEWS
ACTA responds to TICO proposals, calls for Travel Industry Act overhaul TORONTO — ACTA is calling for a complete overhaul of the Ontario Travel Industry Act, as part of its review of TICO’s funding framework and fee review proposals. “The window to change the system is open now and it could be years before it is opened again. ACTA, our members and other industry associations need to continue to advocate to the Ontario government to finally fix this 40-year-old legislation and its regulations, which in no way reflect the environment of the Ontario travel industry today,” said ACTA president Wendy Paradis. A one-month consultation period is currently underway for TICO’s five proposals. Dates for virtual and in-person consultation opportunities, plus a link for online feedback, on everything from the five proposals to a possible point-of-sale option where travel retailers and wholesalers could voluntarily pass on or display Comp Fund fees or registration renewal fees at the point of sale, can be found on TICO’s website. Paradis said: “Overall, we find TICO’s proposals to be essentially cosmetic changes. These are band-aids on a broken system. The proposed funding framework is not based on the risk profile of the registrant, and the Consumer is not legislated to contribute, leaving the burden squarely on the shoulders of Ontario travel agencies and tour operators.” Paradis noted that over 95% of transactions in today’s environment are by credit cards, “which historically provides the primary consumer protection.” ACTA says the risk lies with several possible parties: registrants that accept cash or cheque; unregulated tour operators; and federally regulated airlines and cruise lines residing outside Canada.
Germany’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites await with GNTO & the Lufthansa Group Germany’s 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are waiting to be discovered. Travellers can choose from active day trips through primeval forest-like landscapes and artistic parklands, or a tour of historic architectural spas and traditional remedies, or a journey along the river landscapes of the Rhine and Moselle. “Be inspired by our themed routes, and stay a little longer during your visit to Germany,” says the German National Tourist Office. During active day trips from Berlin, Dessau and Cottbus, clients can experience eight UNESCO natural and cultural World Heritage Sites in just 11 days. For a wellness-themed itinerary, an 11-day tour from Frankfurt am Main to Baden-Baden via Constance and Füssen includes nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Traditional and natural remedies, historical spa architectures, as well as churches and monasteries provide mental and physical relaxation on this tour. Clients may want to visit the Monastic Island of Reichenau: The former Benedictine abbey on the island in the state of Baden-Württemberg was an important monastery between the 9th and 11th centuries, as evidenced in its three Romanesque churches. And travelling from Munich to Hildesheim, time takes on a new
dimension: in just 10 days, visitors will experience a fast-forward through the history of Earth and humankind, and experience the connection between past and present, including a brief glimpse into the future. Eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites are included on this tour.
FLIGHTS WITH LUFTHANSA GROUP Getting to Germany has never been easier with Lufthansa Group. Frequencies are plentiful from several Canadian gateways, on modern aircraft including B787s from Toronto and Vancouver, A330s from Calgary and A350s from Montreal. As the Lufthansa Group notes, the A350 is exceptionally modern: fuel consumption has been reduced to just about 2.5 litres of kerosene per passenger per 100 kms flown. That’s about 30% less than its predecessor models, and that has an immediate positive impact on the CO2 balance. Here’s a look at Lufthansa Group’s schedule from Canada for winter 2023/24… • Calgary - Frankfurt, up to six times a week with Discover Airlines (A330-3) • Toronto - Frankfurt, seven times a week year-round with Lufthansa (B787-9) • Vancouver - Frankfurt, seven times a week year-round with Lufthansa (B787-9) • Montreal - Munich, up to five times a week year-round with Lufthansa (Airbus A350) More information is at Germany. travel and Lufthansa.com. November 2, 2023 | TRAVELWEEK | 15
NEWS ACTA’s stance is that Comp Fund contributions “should be paid for by the beneficiaries of the Fund – consumers. Any registrant fees should be based on the risk profile and not a blanket approach.” ACTA and CATO, as well as retail groups and individual travel advisors, have been vocal for years about the need for updates to the Comp Fund model, and many have advocated for a consumer-pay model similar to that in Quebec. TICO’s CEO Richard Smart spoke to the consumer-pay model at TICO’s briefing last month. “In regards to Quebec’s consumer-pay model, I’ve always said that you can’t cherry-pick what you like and ignore what you don’t like [from other funding models]. When people say, ‘let’s do the Quebec consumer-pay model’, those are policies, those are decisions that the Ontario government makes.”
ACTA LOOKS AT FEES TICO’s five proposals include a decrease in Comp Fund payments; removing non-contributing end-supplier coverage from the Fund; higher Fund payout maximums; new late filing fees; and recalibrated registrant renewal fees. “Companies with more gross sales will pay more,” said Smart last
month. “We’re trying to reduce the burden on smaller registrants.” ACTA’s take is that TICO registrant fees and Comp Fund contributions need to be evaluated together. “In order for ACTA to understand this impact further, ACTA encourages Ontario travel agencies and host agencies to use TICO’s fee estimate calculator, and advise ACTA of the results at advocacy@acta.ca. Individual results shared will remain confidential, with only aggregate information being used in our advocacy message.”
NEED TO REDUCE OPERATING COSTS TO THE FUND: ACTA ACTA also argues that since TICO is recommending a significant reduction in Comp Fund payments, and no consumer contribution, the Ontario government must review all TICO expenses and what the Fund will cover in the future. Currently, approximately 72% of TICO operation expenses are funded through the Compensation Fund - an average of almost $3M/year over 2016-2020. Without a significant reduction in the cost of TICO operations and expenses - this is not sustainable going forward. Even under the new proposal, we estimate that TICO will still take $1 million a year from the Fund to cover expenses.”
TICO’s stance is that the updated registrant fee bands will help to address TICO’s long-standing funding gap. The funding gap was one of four key reasons TICO launched the review.
END SUPPLIER COVERAGE ENDING: “A POSITIVE STEP” ACTA’s take on the proposed removal of coverage of cruise lines and airlines - both non-contributing end-suppliers “is a positive step toward change. This is a national issue, not a provincial issue.” However, “it is important to note that Section 46 of the Travel Industry Act Regulations still states that if a registrant acquires rights to travel services for resale, and the supplier fails to provide the travel services paid for by a customer, the registrant is still liable and therefore, ACTA believes this section of the regulations must be updated with more equitable wording.”
MAXIMUM CLAIM INCREASE “STILL INADEQUATE”, SAYS ACTA ACTA is also taking the position that while increasing the maximum Comp Fund payment per person to $10,000 from $5,000 for consumers is an improvement on the surface, “the remaining caps of $5M/event and $2M in repatriation would leave consumers with ‘cents on the dollar’ in the event of a large failure.”
TICO THE PAYER OF LAST RESORT
TTAND AGENT CHEN YU WAS HONOURED BY G ADVENTURES AS THE NUMBER ONE AGENT FOR ‘MOST LIVES CHANGED’ IN CANADA, AS WELL AS IN THE WORLD, AS PART OF G ADVENTURES’ FOUR-MONTH-LONG ‘CHANGEMAKERS’ INCENTIVE. ONLY EIGHT TOP AGENTS FROM EACH MARKET WORLDWIDE WERE HONOURED FOLLOWING THE FOUR-MONTH LONG INCENTIVE, WHICH RAN MARCH - JUNE 2023. WINNERS WERE INVITED TO G ADVENTURES’ GX SUMMIT, WHICH TOOK PLACE LAST MONTH IN PERU.
16 | TRAVELWEEK | November 2, 2023
ACTA also had this to say: “It is also important to keep in mind that TICO is the payer of last resort, with registrants being the first to reimburse, followed by credit card companies, and then insurance policies before claims ever hit the Ontario Compensation Fund. If the Ontario government remains motivated to legislate enhanced consumer protection to make the consumer ‘whole’ in the event of potential registrant bankruptcies or insolvencies, the only way this is sustainable is through a consumer contribution model.”
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NEWS
ADEL EL FAKIR, CEO OF THE MOROCCAN NATIONAL TOURISM OFFICE (LEFT), AND ANNICK GUÉRARD, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF TRANSAT
Air Transat announces new year-round service from Montreal to Marrakech MONTREAL — Air Transat is heading to Marrakech, Morocco with new nonstop service from Montreal starting June 2024. Upon launch, the new service will make Air Transat the only airline in North America to offer nonstop flights to the city, and will mark its first destination on the African continent. From June 12 to Oct. 24, 2024, flights will operate twice a week between Montreal and Marrakech on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The service will then continue once a week from November until April 20 on Saturdays. “We are delighted to make this announcement today, as it marks a milestone in the evolution of our company,” says Annick Guérard, Transat’s President and CEO. “With the addition of Marrakech to our portfolio of transatlantic destinations, the first in Africa, we are consolidating the diversification of our network. This exclusive, year-round service will meet the growing demand, generated by the significant presence of the Moroccan community in Montreal and the undeniable tourist appeal of Marrakech.” Adel El Fakir, CEO of the Moroccan National Tourism Office, added: “Canada, and more specifically Quebec, is a market of major importance for Morocco. The Montreal-Marrakech with our partner Air Transat is the
first non-stop connection to Marrakech from North America. It will open up a wide range of possibilities for all travelers, both in the ochre city and also providing access to the seaside resorts of Essaouira, Agadir, Taghazout, and tours in the southern part of Morocco.” Flights will be operated with Air Transat’s new-generation Airbus A321LR aircraft.
Goway launches new destination Saudi Arabia at Africa & Middle East show TORONTO — After a three-year hiatus, Goway’s Africa & Middle East event was back in a big way, showcasing vacation ideas, selling tips and more to travel advisors eager to help clients book the post-pandemic bucket trip of their dreams. The industry gathering drew plenty of agents, plus many of Goway’s partners. Goway invited more than two dozen suppliers representing destinations from South Africa to Saudi Arabia to the day-long event, held at the Hyatt Regency Toronto. The day before, the Goway team and suppliers faced off in friendly ping-pong matches at SPIN Toronto. Some 27 suppliers and countries were represented: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco, Egypt, UAE and Saudi Arabia. More than 150 travel advisors
came out to the event as well. “We think there is huge value in in-person events. This value comes from building relationships, making new connections, engaging with our partners and clients and networking,” Moira Smith, Goway’s VP, Africa and Asia, told Travelweek. Goway has significantly expanded its Southern and East African product offerings. This includes offering a full safari circuit in Rwanda and Zambia, as well as adding in a Southern Tanzania circuit. To complement Goway’s successful Odyssey small group series, currently operating in East Africa and Egypt, the company is adding Odysseys to South Africa, Ghana, Jordan, Morocco and Saudi Arabia. As for Saudi Arabia, “it’s a true Goway Globetrotting destination, as it’s rich in culture and heritage, and it’s where you’ll find arid deserts and lush valleys, clear seas and rugged mountains, ancient archaeological sites and modern architecture,” said Smith. She urged travel advisors to communicate to clients the importance of booking far in advance, no matter the destination. “By all accounts, industry predictions indicate that 2024 will be a record-breaking year for travel. With this in mind, planning ahead and booking in advance will be crucial. With recent world events consumer confidence has been shaken, so travel advisor expertise, and an agent’s ability to help travellers to navigate travel complexities, is key. Goway’s GowayPro academy, featuring over 50 countries with in-depth destination training, can assist you.”
GOWAY 'S MOIRA SMITH, IAN SMYTH AND RENEE STANTON AT GOWAY 'S AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST TRADE SHOW
November 2, 2023 | TRAVELWEEK | 19
NEWS
ACV offering early bird savings with Book Europe Early offer MONTREAL — Air Canada Vacations
has brought back its Book Europe Early offer, featuring significant savings and free travel protection. With the offer, travellers can save $800 per couple and receive free CareFlex travel protection – valued at $99 per person – on 2024 Europe tour packages. For cruisers, the offer includes up to $300 per couple on Europe Flight & Cruise packages, plus they can enjoy the benefits of ACV’s ‘Our Cruise Promise’, which includes a guaranteed return flight, flexible booking options and more. The Book Europe Early offer is valid on bookings made as of Oct. 16, 2023 until Nov. 19, 2023, for travel April 1 - Sept. 30, 2024. “At Air Canada Vacations, our goal is to help our customers create unforgettable moments that will last a lifetime,” said Nino Montagnese, Vice President at Air Canada Vacations. “With our expansive list of curated vacations, we’re proud to provide a variety of travel options with incredible savings so that travel professionals will be equipped with the tools they need to help their customers do exactly that.” Travellers can book their tour, Flight & Cruise or Flight & Hotel packages in 12 countries across Europe, including new Scandinavian tours departing from Copenhagen. Destinations include Rome and Venice in Italy, Athens, Madrid, Lisbon, Dublin and more.
ACV 'S EUROPE EBB IS GOOD UNTIL NOV. 19 20 | TRAVELWEEK | November 2, 2023
‘Entertainment for all’ with Palladium Hotel Group Palladium Hotel Group offers an array of entertainment options that promise an unforgettable vacation experience. Chic Cabaret & Restaurant, located at TRS Hotels in Costa Mujeres, Riviera Maya, and Punta Cana, offers a five-course dining experience, accompanied by an acrobatic show, glamorous costumes, choreographies and music of all genres. The venue and immersive setting of Chic Cabaret ensures that every seat in the house is the best seat, allowing the audience to be part of the magic unfolding before them. “Complemented by a gourmet dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds, this cabaret promises an enchanting night where artistry meets exceptional hospitality,” says Palladium Hotel Group. Meanwhile, POP Entertainment at Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts is an engaging experience designed to provide guests with an unforgettable vacation filled with fun and excitement. The POP Entertainment team offers a unique program curated daily; this daily itinerary covers all the bases and has something for all types of travelers from the active, to the foodie to the experiential. Featured activities can include dance classes, Spanish lessons, mixology and local dishes workshops, art show and guided classes, fitness classes from aqua aerobics to beach yoga. Through the Palladium Hotel Group
app, guests will have access to the daily activities in order to plan accordingly. And of course children are treated to a world of adventure as they participate in activities at the Kids Club. With games, arts and crafts sessions, and even mini-discos, young ones can create lasting memories. Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts’ Play at Palladium with Raggs entertainment program includes shared breakfast moments, surprise pop-up spectacles across the resort and more. Coming soon to Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, the Bravo Dinner & Dance Experience is an immersive event that includes a sumptuous dinner with a backdrop of mesmerizing performances, from dance routines to acrobatics and aerial artistry. “With a diverse array of captivating shows, engaging activities, and immersive experiences, TRS Hotels and Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts seamlessly weave together innovation, artistry, and hospitality. From the dazzling performances that grace the stages to the intimate and interactive events that foster connections, a stay at Palladium Hotel Group properties is more than just a vacation – it’s an invitation to be inspired,” says the company. More details are palladiumhotelgroup.com.
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NEWS
Apply now for TTC Tour Brands’ new fam for BIPOC travel advisors CYPRESS, CA — Save the date for TTC Tour Brands’ new FAM trip, created specifically for the BIPOC travel advisor community. Hosted by Trafalgar, the seven-day Sense of Europe fam trip takes place March 11-17, 2024 and will travel from Prague to Vienna and Budapest. During the fam, travel advisors will be able to engage and network with peers within the BIPOC (black, indigenous, and other people of colour) community and discover the history, architecture, culture and cuisine of the region. According to Melissa DaSilva, President of TTC Tour Brands North America, the trip was designed in alignment with the organization’s sustainability strategy, specifically the brands’ DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) goals, which aim to bridge the gap between TTC and underrepresented communities in the travel industry. “Studies have shown that black travellers are more likely to visit a destination if they see themselves represented and if they feel secure,” said DaSilva. Tonya Leigh, TTC Tour Brands Senior National Account Manager, who spearheaded the ‘Sense of Europe’ experience for the BIPOC travel advisor community, will be escorting the trip in March. “Diversity is the foundation of meaningful travel,” said Leigh. “Eastern Europe is an emerging destination for North American travellers of colour and selected with intention. Rich in 22 | TRAVELWEEK | November 2, 2023
history, and with incredible architecture, food, music, and art, this is a place for all travelers to discover. By sharing this incredible experience with our partners in the BIPOC community, we are helping them to bring this experience confidently to their customers while expanding and strengthening their professional network.” Participating advisors will begin their trip in Prague, then pass through Bratislava on their way to Vienna, and then Budapest. For more information email fams@ttc.com.
Sandals Resorts International debuts new wedding ‘Inspirations’ MONTEGO BAY — Sandals Resorts
International has presented its new wedding decor ‘Inspirations,’ curated designs that cater to the latest destination wedding trends. Called ‘The Aisle Edit,’ this collection of new ‘Inspirations’ serves as the centrepiece of ‘Aisle to Isle’ Caribbean Weddings by Sandals and ‘Aisle to Isle’ Caribbean Weddings by Beaches ahead of 2024. As its name suggests, ‘Inspirations’ provides just that – inspiration for couples to plan their dream destination wedding using customized offerings that include
everything from ceremony seating layouts to whimsical tablescapes and floral arrangements. “It all starts with choosing an idyllic wedding locale and we’re proud to be synonymous with some of the best destination wedding locations around the world,” said Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown, Director of Weddings and Romance at Sandals Resorts International. “In fact, we surveyed over 1,000 newlyweds and brides to be, with an overwhelming 70% of couples prioritizing scenery and location as the single most important elements of a destination wedding. This became part of our creative influence to bring forward chic new décor concepts. We simply can’t wait to share the unique richness of the Caribbean with our guests and debut these new inspirations this wedding season,” she added. Some highlights of The Aisle Edit’s Inspirations include: Azure Tides; Blissful Beach; Sunkissed Skies; Enchanting Sands; Paradise Bloom; Curacao Desert Blooms; Bahamian Seashells; and Bahamian Rush. Aisle to Isle’s new wedding package can be scaled to any size affair, from intimate elopement ceremonies for two to larger celebrations with preand post-wedding gatherings. Additional package inclusions include gift registry service, a wedding website template, the preparation of marriage documents and more.
BLISSFUL BEACH, AISLE TO ISLE INSPIRATION, SANDALS RESORTS
NEWS Railbookers now provides independent vacations to five continents worldwide, spanning the globe from Scandinavia to Australia and eastern Asia to North America.
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Orlando Canadian Sunshine Tour 2023 coming next month available activities are safari voyag-
Railbookers adds es to see the Big Five in Kruger NaORLANDO — Visit Orlando’s ‘OrlanPark, the ‘Thundering Smoke’ 15 new itineraries tional do Canadian Sunshine Tour 2023’ is at world-famous Victoria Falls, wine coming to Calgary, Toronto and Halto South Africa tastings and experiences, excursions ifax this December. TORONTO — Railbookers has ex-
panded its presence in South Africa with the addition of 15 new luxury rail itineraries. Each of the journeys, which ranges from 9-20 days, features travel onboard one of the country’s iconic luxury trains, the Blue Train or Rovos Rail. As with all Railbookers vacations, the itineraries include rail transportation, five-star hotel accommodations and sightseeing. Included among the
to gem mines and more. “We’re seeing rising demand for luxury rail vacation solutions to South Africa,” said Cris David, Vice President of Sales. “Our product team has come up with the most comprehensive selection of luxury train departures, including the quintessential South African activities and destinations. One call to Railbookers can secure the ideal bucket-list vacation to South Africa, any day that the trains run.” With the addition of South Africa,
People FCTG names Chadd Andre as new EVP for Canada brand division Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has appointed Chadd Andre as its new Executive Vice President for Flight Centre Brand (FCB) Canada. Andre will helm operations in Canada, focusing on boosting both the digital and retail sectors of the leisure business. His appointment comes on the heels of the departure of Brian McLaren, who was instrumental in steering the Canadian division’s transition into the growing digital market. “Chadd’s cemented his position as a leader throughout our organization, known for his ability to drive success from coast to coast. He’s a shining example of our ‘Brightness of Future’ philosophy, a passionate and innovative leader who is sure to lead the charge from the front lines,” said Chris Lynes, Managing Director for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada. Andre has a longstanding history with FCTG and has held various roles, starting as a novice consultant in Vancouver 20 years ago before progressing to his current role as Executive Vice President.
Travel advisors and travel industry professionals are invited to join Visit Orlando and partners for the Orlando Canadian Sunshine Tour 2023, with networking opportunities, education, prizes and insider tips on selling Orlando. Cities, dates and venues are … • Calgary - The Westin Calgary Airport - Dec. 4 from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. • Toronto - Chateau Le Jardin in Vaughan - Dec. 6 from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. • Halifax - The Prince George Hotel Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Travel advisors are encouraged to register to attend by Friday, Nov. 10 at https://cvent.me/gg4BbN.
New Quebec privacy law coming into effect next September, reminds ACTA TORONTO — ACTA has issued a reminder about new privacy laws coming into effect next year that apply to Quebec travel businesses and travel companies.
November 2, 2023 | TRAVELWEEK | 23
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Oliver Weibel Director Canada, Switzerland Tourism
Andrea Hilbert Senior Manager Travel Agent Training, The Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt
Camille Olivere Chief Sales Officer, Globus / Avalon Waterways
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NEWS
TO HELP MEMBERS BETTER UNDERSTAND THE NEW RULES, ACTA WILL BE PROVIDING INFO ON ITS SITE THIS FALL Travel businesses with operations, employees or markets in Quebec are required to comply with new data privacy rules outlined in Quebec Law 25 by September 2024. According to the Quebec government, Law 25 modernizes the province’s privacy legislation, and is part of a shift underway in Canada to widen the privacy landscape. All travel businesses that are based elsewhere but have employees in Quebec, or serve markets and customers in the province must also comply. To help members better understand the new requirements, ACTA will be providing information on its website this fall. In addition, it’s working with a partner in Quebec to plan and deliver a webinar to further assist members.
WHAT IS REQUIRED? In addition to meeting current privacy obligations in Quebec, here are examples of what travel businesses will be required to do during the transition period (2021-2024): designate a person responsible for the protection of personal information; report privacy incidents involving personal information that poses a risk of serious harm; and notify the Commission d’accès à l’information before using any biometric technique to verify or confirm an individual’s identity.
EMERALD AZZURRA IN KOTOR
Emerald Cruises announces early access to 2025 Europe river cruises VANCOUVER — Emerald Cruises has
opened early access bookings for its entire 2025 Europe river cruise season. Pricing and details are now available for sailings on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Rhône and Douro rivers, including springtime ‘tulip cruises’ and a variety of Christmas market cruises. As always, a wide array of EmeraldACTIVE tours including guided hikes, bike rides and canoe trips are offered at no extra cost. Guests booking their 2025 Europe river cruise by Feb. 15, 2024 will receive a Bonus Launch Savings of $500 per couple, plus their choice of Earlybird offers. Group bookings made by Feb. 15, 2024, will receive the same Bonus Launch Savings of $250 per person and choice of Super Earlybird or Earlybird offer. Plus, groups booking all April, July, August and October 2025 (excluding Douro) departures receive
extra $750 group savings per person, while all other departures will receive an additional $350 group savings per person (excluding Douro). Emerald Cruises has increased the number of departures for some its most popular itineraries, including the eight-day Jewels of the Rhine, and the 15-day Splendours of Europe.
Register now for Nov. 29 ‘Future of Travel: 2024 Preview’ TORONTO — With 2024 already on
the horizon, suppliers are eager to get their product news and updates in front of travel advisors. ‘Future of Travel: 2024 Preview’ will take place Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 1 - 3 p.m. EST. Registration for the online event is now open at: https:// www.travelweekfutureoftravel.com/. “This year has been off the charts for travel advisors, tour operators, airlines and more,” says Travelweek’s Publisher, Devin Kinasz. “Join us for ‘Future of Travel: 2024 Preview’ on Nov. 29 to find out all the need-toknows for 2024.” Keynote speakers slated to join host Kinasz and Travelweek’s editorial team for interviews include: Bruce Poon Tip, founder, G Adventures; Nathalie Tanious, President & CEO, TravelBrands; Peter Ouzounov, Director of Sales, Canada, Riverside Luxury Cruises; Oliver Weibel, Director, Canada, Switzerland Tourism; Andrea Hilbert, Hyatt Inclusive Collection; and Camille Olivere, Chief Sales Officer, Globus family of brands. Also watch for updates from Avalon Waterways, Martinique, CIE Tours, Playa Resorts, Visit Detroit, VIA Rail and more. Registration is now open; see https:// www.travelweekfutureoftravel.com/. November 2, 2023 | TRAVELWEEK | 25
NEWS The all-new AmaSintra, sister ship to AmaDouro, will launch in Portugal in 2025 with two seven-night itineraries along the Douro River: Enticing Douro, which sails roundtrip to Porto, and Flavors of Portugal & Spain, which sails from Porto to Vega de Terron, with a reverse itinerary option.
NEW & RETURNING FAVOURITES
AMAWATERWAYS' AMACELLO
AmaWaterways’ 2025 brochure available now, in print and digital CALABASAS, CA — AmaWaterways
has unveiled its 2025 brochure, available in both print and digital editions. The brochure features the river cruise line’s most up-to-date offerings, including the introduction of two state-of-the-art ships – AmaMelodia in Colombia and AmaSintra in Portugal – as well as a diverse range of new and returning European river voyages. “We are delighted to release this new brochure as inspiration and a guide to our travel advisors and their clients who have already begun planning memorable trips in 2025 with family and friends,” says
Kristin Karst, EVP and co-founder of AmaWaterways.
TWO NEW SHIPS In June 2025 AmaWaterways will launch its second ship in Colombia, AmaMelodia, sailing two seven-night itineraries – Wonders of Colombia and Magic of Colombia – along the Magdalena River between Cartagena and Barranquilla. Similar to sister ship AmaMagdalena, which will launch in November 2024, AmaMelodia will welcome 64 guests with twin-balcony staterooms spanning 237 square feet. Other onboard features include a Sun Deck pool, fitness room, nail salon and a new al fresco dining experience. Itinerary highlights include the Carnaval Celebration in Barranquilla, a jazz street performance in Mompox and a cumbia performance in El Banco. Pre- and post-cruise land packages in Cartagena, Medellín and Panama City are also available.
Meanwhile the new seven-night Imperial Danube embarks and disembarks in Budapest. In addition to having more time to discover the city’s famed nightlife, guests will also experience romantic Vienna, enjoy daytime cruising through the Danube Bend and Wachau Valley, and take part in bike rides and regional tastings. In response to increased demand for more extensive travel experiences, AmaWaterways is also bringing back its popular 14-night ‘Magnificent Europe’ itinerary. Sailing between Amsterdam and Budapest, the voyage traces the path of emperors and royalty while traversing the Continental Divide across the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers. Also featured in the 2025 brochure are three new 14-night itineraries: Grand Seine & Bordeaux, Grand Seine & Rhone and Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals.
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