Travelweek SEPTEMBER 28 2023

INTREPID CEO TALKS TRAVEL TRENDS

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ACV'S WINTER LAUNCH

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TICO AGM PRELUDE TO COMP FUND PROPOSALS

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The ‘who, where, how and why’ of 2023’s biggest travel trends, plus a look ahead to 2024, with Intrepid CEO James Thornton

By Kathryn Folliott

TORONTO — How wonderful to be sharing travel trends again, as one stupendous recovery year heads into the home stretch, and another incredibly strong year beckons.

That’s exactly the position Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton finds himself in.

Thornton was in town earlier this month, meeting with Intrepid’s North American team, headquartered in Toronto.

For this exclusive interview with Travelweek, Thornton looked back on travel’s biggest talking points, from a gangbusters 2023, and ahead to the last few months of 2023 and the start of 2024.

Thornton likes to joke that Intrepid Travel “is a 35-year old overnight success story.” As important trends like sustainable travel and experiential travel gain traction with the general public, Intrepid is in the spotlight more and more, with many travellers discovering the company for the very first time. Meanwhile Intrepid has been around since 1989, espousing for decades the responsible travel conversations that are dominating travel today.

First and foremost, of course, is climate-conscious consumption. It’s the number one talking point in travel, and not surprisingly it tops Thornton’s list too.

“Travellers are increasingly mindful” of their travel habits, he tells Travelweek. “They want a lighter footprint.”

While over the years the certified B Corp. has rolled out many, many initiatives focused on climate-conscious

travel, its latest - carbon labelingmakes a traveller’s footprint clear from the get-go. Now displayed on over half of Intrepid’s trip pagescomprising 500+ itineraries - including Intrepid’s top 100 trips - the carbon label will show the total CO2-e of the trip per traveller, per day.

While Intrepid offsets emissions for all trips and continues to decarbonize its tours where possible, these labels will help travellers understand and compare the impact of their travels, including benchmarking it against everyday activities for better context.

A recent research report conducted for Intrepid by The Harris Poll showed that 64% of people globally have no idea what their carbon footprint is. However, according to the survey, 60% would be more likely to book trips with a company that is transparent about their environmental impact, and more than one in two people globally would be more willing to alter their plans if they

could easily see and understand the carbon impact of each travel option.

In addition to the rollout of carbon labels, Intrepid remains committed to developing lower carbon itineraries.

In 2024, the company will have approximately 4,000 fewer flights on trips (compared to 2023) and will be discontinuing all scenic flights.

“We’re seeing more flight-free travel,” says Thornton, adding that Intrepid is in the process of taking short-haul internal flights (i.e. less than 90 minutes) out of itineraries where rail alternatives exist. It’s an approach that France has takenshort-haul flights have been banned in France where rail alternatives can make do - and Thornton says the EU is looking at similar measures.

Thornton’s second point - shoulder-season travel - is another key

INTREPID TRAVEL CEO JAMES THORNTON

point in the sustainability conversation. Fall bookings are up 56% for Intrepid, while spring bookings are up 70%. Tour operators and tourism boards have been promoting shoulder season travel for years, with an eye to easing the high-season burden on destinations. No doubt fuelled by high-season sell-outs as travel demand continues to surge, it seems as though travellers are finally getting the message.

Thornton’s third point - family travel - comes as no surprise to travel advisors fielding constant requests for family vacation bookings. Family travel, and especially multigenerational travel, has been one of the biggest travel trends coming out of the pandemic, as people seek to reconnect with loved ones in a special destination. “Families are finally feeling confident booking those big trips,” says Thornton.

And where are those families going? The list is long and diverse, from Europe to the Middle East to Asia, with highlights like South Korea and Japan. Which brings us to Thornton’s fourth and final talking point: trending destinations.

Japan is seeing “huge, huge” demand, says Thornton. The country’s reopened to individual visitors just about a year ago, making it one of the last destinations to reopen after the pandemic. Interest in travel to Japan was immediate and hasn’t ebbed. “We expect to have the biggest cherry blossom season we’ve ever had in 2024,” says Thornton

South Korea is also topping the charts for Intrepid, with a rapid rise

FAMILIES ARE FINALLY CONFIDENT BOOKING THOSE BIG TRIPS

from 80 departures to 130+ departures for 2024.

Many of Europe’s hidden gem destinations are seeing interest too. Slovenia, Slovakia, Corsica, Albania - all are getting inquiries, particularly from travellers who have seen much of Europe and are looking for new adventures. Others just want to get off the beaten track. Of course, perennial best sellers Spain, Greece and Portugal are booming too. Morocco is strong and Thornton urges travellers to continue visiting Morocco despite the recent earthquake, to support the country. The quake’s epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains, more than 70 km from Marrakech.

Travelling to 120+ countries, with more than 1,000 itineraries (Basix, Original, Comfort and Premium), Intrepid has plenty of options.

One destination primed for a comeback is Peru. The always popular destination was dogged by civil unrest fuelled by political protests earlier this year. In February, Machu Picchu reopened after a nearly month-long closure. In collaboration with a local Peruvian community, Intrepid has developed a new section of the Quarry Trail. Located in the Andes Mountain region and spanning 26 kilometres, the Quarry Trail has become known as an off-the-beaten-path alternative to the popular Inca Trail in recent years.

Machu Picchu “is still the topsearched destination from Canada” for Intrepid, says Thornton.

Worldwide, to all of its destinations, Intrepid’s volumes are up 70% year to date over 2019. The company gets about 30% of its bookings

through travel advisors. Thornton says Intrepid welcomes bookings from all distribution channels: “We’re channel agnostic.” Agents can log in to the company’s agent portal from the main site.

The average age of an Intrepid traveller is around 43 - 44 years old, and that busts open one of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to Intrepid’s travel style, that the company caters to travellers in their 20s and 30s. Thornton says Intrepid veers more to psychographics than demographics, and that Intrepid travellers of all ages mix well on trips.

That said, Thornton shares three ‘typical traveller’ profiles that comprise a big part of Intrepid’s client base. First, there are university-educated single women in their 30s and 40s who have limited free time but who want to see the world. Second, the Boomers. Their kids are grown up and out of the nest, and these travellers want to see the world too. And finally, there are the first-time travellers who gravitate to the structure and camaraderie of group travel.

Many travellers associated Intrepid with adventure travel, but Thornton says the company is steering away from using that designator, and towards experiential travel instead.

Experiential, sustainable travel has “hit its stride” in the Canadian market, says Thornton. And even better, “Canadian travel advisors, and travellers, are ready for it."

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Strong visitation from Canada helped push DR to record-breaking 7 million visitors in the first eight months of 2023

TORONTO — The travel industry was out in full force for the Toronto edition of the DR Tourism Road Show.

David Collado, Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, welcomed travel advisors and other industry professionals all eager to discover everything the D.R. has to offer.

The lively event had a prime location, at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto in the downtown core.

Minister Collado has done an excellent job highlighting the importance of the Canadian market for DR tourism. He's made several visits to Canada in the past year, on top of his presentations at the DR Roadshows. Why? For starters, Canada is the second most important market for the Dominican Republic, with an average of one million Canadians travelling to the destination each year.

Of course Canadian visitors to the DR have plenty of company, from the destination’s many other key markets. Minister Collado recently declared during the during the inauguration of the XXXV Trade Fair of the Hotel and Tourism Association of the Republic Dominican (Asonahores) that in 2023 the DR will make history,

with its best ever start to the year.

Some seven million tourists arrived in the DR in the first eight months of 2023, including 5.5 million by air and 1.5 million via cruise ships. As the DR’s second largest market, Canada is a huge contributor to these numbers, says Cosette Garcia with the Dominican Republic Tourism Promotion Office in Montreal.

In eight months the Dominican Republic received 7,079,991 visitors, 31% more than in 2019, 136% more than in 2021 and 25% above last year, adds Garcia.

Looking at Canadian numbers specifically, through July 2023 the Dominican Republic received 694, 121 visitors from Canada. About 60% arrived into Punta Cana, making it the most popular from the Canadian market. The second most popular destination for Canadians is Puerto Plata.

Travel advisors looking to sell more DR should register for the DO Travel Rewards Program, the first global loyalty program for travel agents sending travellers to the Dominican Republic. The program aims to build loyalty, inform and strengthen the relationship with travel agents.

“This is our way the give a big THANK YOU to the Canadian travel agent community,” says Garcia. “Travel agents are the key to the success of the DR’s numbers. They are the savvy ones, those that motivate potential travellers with their experience.”

New constructions on the horizon in the DR are popping up in Miches, including the Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton with 502 rooms, scheduled to open in 2024. Meanwhile Secrets Playa Esmeralda and Dreams Playa Esmeralda will add some 1,000 rooms to the DR’s hotel offering. The Viva Wyndham Group project will add another 487 hotel rooms, and the Maralda Group project 690 rooms.

Other developments include the Tropicalia Group’s project with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, for the development of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia. The sustainable luxury destination is on a 24 hectare site along Playa Esmeralda in northeastern D.R., along the southern shores of Samana Bay. With construction underway, the project is slated to open in early 2026. The property will include a 95-key resort.

For all sorts of travel tips and ideas for the Dominican Republic see godominicanrepublic.com.

THE DR TEAM AT THE DR TOURISM ROADSHOW IN TORONTO (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) YADIRA GOMEZ, ASSISTANT OPT TORONTO; MARIEL HERRERA, RESPONSIBLE OPT TORONTO; ALBANIA ORTIZ, ASSISTANT OPT TORONTO; AND FERNANDO ABREU, DIRECTOR OF AIR LINES CONNECTIONS.

DAVID COLLADO, MINISTER OF TOURISM OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.

“We want you to dream bigger”: ACV celebrates its winter 2023/24 launch with travel advisor partners

by Kathryn Folliott

TORONTO — More than 900 travel advisors and other industry professionals, including 70 suppliers, packed the stylish Universal Event Space for the Toronto edition of Air Canada Vacations’ #ACVDreamMakers on Tour.

As the last stop in a five-city tour - following Halifax, Vancouver, Edmonton (for the first time) and Montreal - ACV’s Toronto event was as high-voltage as ever, with a troupe of dancers opening the festivities and a singer belting out Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’.

The crowd loved it, with loud applause for ACV and, no doubt, travel’s comeback after so many difficult years. Travel agents never stopped believing and clearly, neither did ACV.

‘Dream Bigger’ and ‘See the World’ were the touchstone messages from the presentation. And while ACV can offer clients the world, last night’s event was all about sun getaways for the upcoming winter 2023/24 season.

Last month ACV released its brand new ‘Dream of Sun’ interactive digital brochure, showcasing the tour operator’s complete 2023-2024 Sun Collection portfolio. This winter ACV will offer 1,000+ hotels and resorts, primarily all-inclusive, across 45 destinations.

ACV’s digital brochure was a big focus at the launch, accessible via kiosks throughout the event space. Of course, agents can check out the digital brochure from their own computers too, at agents.dreamofsun.aircanadavacations.com.

ACV is also promoting its enhanced self-serve tools, available to travel agents via the Manage Your Booking page on aircanadavacations.com, and designed with the trade in mind.

The self-serve tools allow travel agents to effectively serve their customers, said ACV’s general Manager, Ontario (and now Atlantic Canada too), Erminia Nigro. “We have invested so much this year to help you do more self-serve, so you don’t have to sit on the phone,” she said.

ACV’S 44-PAGE SUN 2023-2024 TRAVEL AGENT TOOLKIT

Digital may be a big part of ACV’s offer for travel agents, but print still has its place too.

The second edition of ACV’s Travel Agent Toolkit hit agency desks earlier this month. The handy 44-page guide has all sorts of relevant information to help agents book their clients’ next Sun vacation including step-by-step instructions for using the digital brochure, a flight schedule, an overview of available hotels and cruises and more, plus ACV promotions and offers. The second edition followed in the footsteps of ACV’s 28-page Travel Agent Toolkit for Europe released earlier this year.

The toolkit quickly outlines all the need-to-knows for agents selling ACV winter sun getaways to their clients, from the company’s self-serve options, to ePackages, to EBBs, to travel protection plans like CareFlex and Carefree, and of course, Hotels at a Glance. The toolkit also has details on the ACV&ME Rewards program, group travel tips, ACV’s Vacation Promise and Cruise Promise.

UPDATED COMMISSION POLICY

A nother big winner from the ACV event: the tour operator’s updated commission policy. Announced last month, travel agents are now entitled to receive standard commission on any cancelled individual bookings made 45 days or more prior to departure (Cancelled with Deposit), with the exception of cruise and group bookings. In addition, ACV is protecting full commission on any schedule change that provides no option of reprotection and results in a cancelled booking.

“We did this for you. This is all from your feedback,” Nigro said to cheers.

DINA BERTOLO, VP, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, AND NINO MONTAGNESE, VICE PRESIDENT, AIR CANADA VACATIONS

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AIRLINES

Air Canada has placed an order for 18 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft, with an eye to its ongoing fleet renewal and fuel efficiency initiatives. Deliveries of the new aircraft are scheduled to begin in Q4 2025, with the last aircraft scheduled for delivery in Q1 2027. The brand new planes will be used to replace older, less efficient wide-body aircraft currently in the Air Canada fleet. The agreement also includes options for another 12 B787-10 aircraft, which the airline says will provide flexibility for growth to meet future customer demand. Air Canada currently operates 30 787-9 and eight 787-8 versions of the Dreamliner, with two more 787-9 aircraft scheduled for delivery from a previous order. The 78710 can carry more than 330 customers depending on the seat configuration. According to Boeing, the 787-10 also has up to 25% lower fuel emissions per seat than the aircraft it replaces.

WestJet passengers now have access to 31 additional cities across Europe via Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), thanks to the carrier’s expanded codeshare agreement with Air France. Previously, the agreement included just 22 destinations through CDG, all of which will be maintained as the number of onward destinations in Europe now grows to 53, which will be accessible as part of the WestJet network.

STATS

International tourism has nearly fully recovered from its worst crisis in its history, reaching 84% of pre-pandemic arrival numbers between January and July 2023. According to the latest data from UNWTO, 700 million tourists travelled internationally during this time period, 43% more than in the same months of 2022. July was the busiest month with 145 million international travellers recorded, about 20% of the seven-month total.

“UNWTO data once again shows how tourism is recovering strongly in every part of the world,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. These results show international tourism remains on track to reach 80%-95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Prospects for September-December point to continued recovery, though at a more moderate pace following the peak travel season of June-August. Factors to watch out for are a challenging economic environment and persisting inflation and rising oil prices, which have translated into higher transport and accommodations costs.

CRUISE

Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas had its much-anticipated float out at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The Oasis Class ship is set to debut in Port Canaveral, Florida, in July 2024. The key moment in the construction of Utopia took 17 months to reach. The process itself took nearly 15 hours, beginning with filling the new ship’s dry dock with more than 46 million gallons of water overnight. Utopia was then moved into an outfitting dock, where it will be completed in summer 2024. New game-changing features on the way for Utopia include the longest dry slide at sea – the 295-foot-long Ultimate Abyss – and a first-of-itskind immersive train car dining experience.

POLICIES

Iceland’s prime minister said Iceland’s tourist tax would be nominal and likely be levied as a city tax on visitors. The tax is aimed at shoring up resources to further the country’s sustainable tourism goals. Meanwhile Venice’s city council recently voted in favour of an entrance fee for visitors. So far the fee - five euros a day - will only be charged on 30 high-traffic days, still to be determined.

TICO AGM tackles questions about Comp Fund review, expenses and more

TORONTO — Proposals for a potentially new way forward for the Ontario travel industry’s Compensation Fund will be distributed next week, and if TICO’s AGM is any indication, TICO registrants are ready.

With participation topping 150, the virtual AGM included a lively Q&A session that showed just how engaged registrants are in the year-long review of TICO’s funding framework and fee model, including the Comp Fund. Many have advocated for a consumer-pay model, while other options include a risk-based model, or no Fund at all.

The funding review is now complete, and a detailed business case has been shared with the Ontario government.

A package outlining the proposals will be delivered to travel industry stakeholders next week.

Also next week, TICO will launch a series of consultations on the proposals, with the goal of gathering input.

NO VOTE ON PROPOSED FUND CHANGES

One AGM participant asked if TICO registrants will have an opportunity to vote on the proposed changes.

The short answer is no, said TICO President and CEO, Richard Smart. “There will not be an opportunity to vote. The process we’re following, one that’s defined in the administrative agreement, is to consult with all stakeholders - travel advisors and tour operators - and then share the proposals, which we intend to do next week, receive input, and then a summary of those inputs are taken back to the TICO board and the Ministry.”

Another participant questioned TICO’s use of monies from the Comp Fund for TICO operating expenses.

“The transfers you’re referring to have been taking place since 1997 when TICO was formed,” Smart said in response. “One of our goals in this funding and fee review is to once and for all fix that fundamental misalignment of fees. It’s our goal to address those transfers. When we hold the consultations in October and November we’ll have more to say on that.”

BOARD MEMBER VOTING GLITCH

Due to a technical glitch in the AGM’s voting process for the TICO board’s two new Industry Directors, the vote was postponed. An impressive list of 9 industry candidates are on the ballot: Julie Boucher, Judith Coates, Andrew Dawson, Patrick Doyle, Mike Foster, David Harris, Dan Langevin, Anthony Saunders and Robert Townshend.

The new makeup of the TICO board is in line with one of five orders from the Ministry. The new board composition will be 3/3/3 – Industry, Public, Minister’s appointees. There will also be an industry advisory board.

COMP FUND AT $22,786,930

Currently the Comp Fund sits at $22,786,930. There were $616,542 in claims against the Fund claims over past year, up from $491k last year. It was the highest level of claims in a decade, said Smart, with 278 consumers assisted.

Smart noted that TICO operated in a near-zero revenue environment for the third year in a row. TICO’s

operating expenses came in at $4.35 million, under budget and lower than prior year, he said.

One AGM participant took issue: “ACTA and Ontario travel businesses have been calling for a regulator that is right-size for this industry. How can TICO justify the exorbitant expense that has been thrust upon registrants?”

In response, Smart said: “I simply don’t accept that TICO’s fees have been exorbitant. Our board is very tough and they make sure that any cost increases are understandable and reasonable. I would also point out that during the pandemic we didn’t levy any fees. We take burden reduction very seriously. The numbers speak for themselves.”

CONSOLIDATION CONTINUES

TICO has seen an almost 6% decline in registrants, with 328 voluntary terminations. “We continue to experience consolidation in the sector,” said Smart. Meanwhile some 140 new applications were processed, double from the prior year.

Interest in becoming TICO-certified is accelerating, he added. This fiscal year, some 7,100 individuals wrote TICO exams. That’s up 50% from the previous year. “It’s a clear sign of pipeline and new individuals choosing travel as a career,” said Smart.

For Travelweek’s complete coverage of this week’s TICO AGM, see Travelweek.ca.

Jamaica targeting half a million visitors from Canada by 2025

TORONTO — Jamaica wants 500,000 visitors to Jamaica from Canada by 2025, in what Jamaica's Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett describes as an “ambitious but achievable” target.

Minister Bartlett and his team of senior tourism officials were in Toronto for a five-day winter marketing blitz, including meetings with top industry partners and media in the GTA.

“We have an overarching goal to welcome five million visitors and earn five billion dollars in tourism revenue by 2025. Canada is our second largest market and we are currently at just above the 300,000 mark and getting to where we were in 2010 when we had up to 400,000 visitors coming from Canada. My projections are driven by data, and I have evidence now that the Canadian market is ready to take us to half a million visitors within the next two years,” said Minister Bartlett.

People

“This initiative is about that – getting more airlift. We’re going to be talking with Air Canada, WestJet, Canada Jetlines, our new partners, and others to bolster the airlift out of Canada,” he added.

The Toronto meetings follow discussions held with Canadian travel partners at JAPEX, which wrapped up in Montego Bay earlier this month.

Minister Bartlett’s engagements included meetings with executives from ACV and Canada Jetlines, as well as travel agents and tour operators. The tourism minister also conducted numerous interviews with various media entities, including print, television and radio, as he seeks to position Jamaica as a destination of choice for Canadian visitors.

New sales and marketing appointments for G Adventures

G Adventures has welcomed two new members to its sales and marketing teams, bringing its crossCanada sales support back to full strength.

Ana Santa Maria has been appointed to the role of global purpose specialist (GPS) for Alberta and the Prairies. She previously worked for G Adventures in a similar role from 2019 to 2020, and returns after a three-year hiatus. She joins Nuppy Mistry (GPS for Ontario), Hilary Arsenault (GPS for Quebec and the Maritimes), and Jenna English (GPS for British Columbia and the Northern Territories).

Sara Murphy is now regional marketing manager for Canada and will be working on brand marketing and tourist board opportunities. Murphy worked in advertising before joining G Adventures.

Both passionate about travel, Santa Maria said her next trip will be to Everest Base Camp with G Adventures this November while Murphy has her eye on a safari.

Santa Maria can be reached at ana.santamaria@gadventures.com, while Murphy can be reached at sara.murphy@gadventures.com.

TORONTO — VThe fine print of the federal government’s CEBA extension has left ACTA and others in the industry disappointed and frustrated.

As reported recently, the federal government is extending deadlines for CEBA (Canada Emergency Business Account) loan repayments, providing an additional year for term loan repayment, and additional flexibilities for loan holders looking to benefit from partial loan forgiveness of up to 33%.

ACTA issued a statement expressing its disappointment with the extension, saying it’s not enough.

“Last Thursday, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that more time – one year – would be provided for small businesses, including travel agencies and independent travel advisors, to repay CEBA loans – the Canada Emergency Business Account – which were due to be repaid by Dec. 31, 2023,” says ACTA.

“At the time, ACTA and many other business associations were delighted to hear of this measure of temporary relief that offered hope to heavily indebted businesses struggling to repay their loans.

“However, ACTA was very disappointed to read the actual details of

“It’s not enough”: ACTA’s disappointed to learn details of CEBA extension

SARAMURPHY ANA S A NTA MARIA

the announcement that came later.”

As Wendy Paradis, ACTA President, notes: “Hours after the announcement, new details appeared on the Department of Finance website that described a very different picture.

“Although more time to repay CEBA loans was being offered, the government was taking away the key element of the program – the interest-free partial loan forgiveness offered (worth up to $60,000) – if businesses repay the full amount by the deadline.”

She added: “Instead of carrying forward the interest-free partial loan forgiveness to the new deadline, the government instead is providing only an 18-day extension to qualify for it –until January 18, 2024. If the loan is not repaid by this date, outstanding CEBA loans will be administered by financial institutions subject to 5% interest. Instead of extending forgiveness, the government is charging interest. This is unacceptable.“

Paradis said that while ACTA is thankful that the government announced more time to repay CEBA and RRRF loans, it is critical that the interest-free forgivable portion of both also be extended immediately.

According to a recent ACTA survey, travel agencies and independent travel advisors continue to struggle with significant debt as a result of enduring and recovering from the covid-19 pandemic. 27% of businesses owe at least $100,000; 56% owe at least $50,000; 80% owe at least $10,000. 36% of respondents say it is likely or somewhat likely their business will close within 3 years.

DOUBLING DOWN ON ADVOCACY

With Parliament’s return, Paradis says ACTA’s advocacy efforts will intensify through Dec. 3, 2023 with a vigorous advocacy strategy which includes the letter writing campaign that began last month, and collaboration with stakeholders.

“We need to make it clear that this CEBA extension is by no means enough to help our members,” said Paradis. “We will continue to work alongside other stakeholders in our coalition to make sure the message

gets through.”

ACTA is asking that the deadline to repay CEBA and RRRF loans be extended by two years from Dec 31, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2025 –and that the government extend access to the interest-free forgivable portion of both for two years.

ACTA will also advocate for relief on federal HASCAP (Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program) loans, though terms of that program are different than CEBA and RRRF.

ACTA will target the Government of Canada in their efforts including Members of Parliament, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and additional cabinet members.

Tour operators looking for answers after suspension of India visa services

TORONTO — Tour operators are working diligently to get more information on the India visa situationand that includes Intrepid Travel.

As reported earlier, in the wake of

the growing rift between the governments of India and Canada, India has halted all visa services for Canadian citizens.

Tom Smith, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, North America for Intrepid Travel, told Travelweek how Intrepid is handling the news.

“Intrepid is actively working with our sources so that we can bring Canadian travellers the latest information,” Smith told Travelweek. “Our local DMC team in India allows us to tap into real-time updates on the ground.”

He added: “It’s currently unclear whether those who already possess an Indian visa are still eligible to travel to India or not but as soon as this has been clarified, we will be proactively reaching out our customers booked on trips to India to let them know what this means for them and next steps. We understand just how frustrating this abrupt announcement is for travellers. It’s an incredibly unfortunate situation for them to be stuck in the middle of and we hope to bring them clarity as soon as possible.”

The tensions between India and Canada, impacting visa availability for would-be travellers, comes just a few weeks after Egypt announced a new visa policy that also has ramifications for travellers.

FAMILY TRAVEL

With the winter season ahead, families will be looking to escape to these top-rated resorts

Sunwing Vacations delivers the best family getaways

Planning the perfect family vacation can be quite the adventure in itself, especially with varying wish lists and musthaves both parents and kids come to the table with. But Sunwing Vacations makes it easier for Canadian families to find the perfect vacation for their needs and preferences, thanks to a portfolio of over 700 hotels and resorts.

These include Royalton Bavaro An Autograph Collection All Inclusive Resort and Casino, a top resort in the Dominican Republic that serves up a menu of exciting activities and seaside relaxation for all ages. Guests can surf the waves on the FlowRider surf simulator (at an added cost), wind down the lazy river, or snorkel in pristine waters close to shore. The splash pad is also a big hit with kids, while the spa’s hydrotherapy circuit offers ultimate relaxation for adults. Plus, up to two kids aged 2-12 can Stay, Play and Eat free.

Nestled between Cancun and Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya, Mexico is Iberostar Selection Paraiso Lindo, a gem of a resort that offers a wave pool, lazy river and a water park. Guests can also tee off at the the 18-hole golf course,

or take a nature walk amongst the hotel’s mangroves. The Star Friends entertainment team also ensures that there’s always something fun to do for the entire family.

Families on the lookout for an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana will love Falcon’s Resort by Meliá All Suites Punta Cana. Offering ‘resort-ainment’ for all ages, this property features a water park, an on-site spa, a kids club and non-motorized water sports. The crown jewel, however, is complimentary access to Katmandu Park, an immersive theme park featuring rides and thrilling adventures.

And in Cuba, there’s the family-favourite Grand Memories Varadero, considered to be one of the best resorts in Cuba. Located on the world-famous shores of Varadero, the resort offers plenty of ways for families to spend quality time together, from ping pong and kayaking to pool time and nightly entertainment.

All of these resorts are listed among the ‘Best Resorts for Families’ in Sunwing’s 2023 Best of the Best program. For more information go to www.sunwing.ca/en/

ROYALTON BAVARO / CREDIT: SUNWING

SAVE MORE. DO MORE. GRAND OASIS TULUM.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Nestled within the lush Riviera Maya jungle, Grand Oasis Tulum employs its all inclusive charm to entice families, couples and friends for a tranquil escape reconnecting with nature. Families will find unlimited joy at the KiddO Zone with a playground, kid-themed entertainment and family pool before dining together at one of the restaurants on site, including Le Petit Chef, an immersive experience in which a tiny 3D chef performs culinary demonstrations and surprises you with tasty dishes.

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KiddO Zone

Air Transat extends Lima route from

YYZ and YUL

for summer 2024

MONTREAL — Air Transat is extending its exclusive direct service from Toronto and Montreal to Lima, Peru for summer 2024.

Last month the airline announced the addition of twice-weekly Toronto-Lima flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Dec. 20. 2023 to April 24, 2024, and weekly Montreal-Lima flights on Fridays from Dec. 22, 2023 to April 26, 2024.

With the extension, the direct service will now be offered in summer 2024 as well. Bookings are now open for both winter 2023-2024 and summer 2024.

On this long-haul flight, Air Transat will offer inflight services similar tothose included on its flights to Europe.

SWISS to offer Zurich-Toronto nonstop flights next summer

TORONTO — SWISS is expanding its route network for summer 2024 with two new long-haul destinations, including one from Canada.

Nonstop services from Zurich will be introduced to both Toronto and Washington, DC next summer. In addition, the airline will be expanding its European route network with service to Košice, Slovakia and Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

The 2024 summer period will run from March 31 to Oct. 26, 2024. Flights on the new routes are now open for booking.

“The demand for air travel continues to steadily rise, and the loadings on our flights are now higher than they have ever been before,” said SWISS Chief Commercial Officer

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Winner announced for Spain Specialist Program contest

A winner has been named for the Spain Specialist Program’s contest. Katie Gibson of Kensington Tours has won a $500 Visa card for completing the program on Travelweek’s Learning Centre.

Designed by Turespaña, the course was designed for travel agents to broaden their knowledge about Spain and obtain a Spain Specialist Certificate. Agents who completed the course are now permitted to use the ‘Spain Specialist’ logo in their online communication and promotional materials, and will also be considered for future FAM trips and activities organized by the Tourist Office of Spain.

All agents who completed a basic or advanced course were entered into the draw.

Tamur Goudarzi Pour.“We are delighted that we will be further expanding our route network next summer on both the short- and the long-haul front. And as we do so, we will continue to pursue the kind of balanced growth that pays due and full regard to our customers, to society and to environmental considerations and concerns.”

The Toronto route, which will kick off on May 10, 2024, is provisionally planned for the summer schedules only, and will be provided daily (except Mondays and Wednesdays) using an Airbus A330. The new westbound SWISS service will depart from Zurich at 09:55 and arrive in Toronto at 13:00 (both times local). The corresponding eastbound service will leave Toronto at 16:35 and arrive in Zurich at 06:30 the following day.

SWISS will serve Washington, DC year round, with westbound service that will depart Zurich at 13:00 and arrive in Washington at 16:20, and eastbound service departing the U.S. capital at 20:45 and arriving in Zurich at 10:50 the following day. The first such service will operate on March 28, 2024, though with slightly different departure and arrival times as this date falls within the prior 2023/24 winter timetable period.

In Europe, SWISS will serve Košice 3x/weekly using advanced Airbus A220 aircraft. Cluj-Napoca will also run 3x/weekly with an Airbus A220.

In total, SWISS’s program of scheduled services from Zurich and Geneva in summer 2024 will extend to 113 destinations.

IT WAS A SUN-SOAKED WEEK SPENT IN NATURE AND AMONG WILDLIFE FOR 18 TRAVEL AGENTS FROM QUEBEC WHO RECENTLY TRAVELLED TO COSTA RICA FOR A FUN-FILLED FAM. THE SEVEN-NIGHT TRIP WAS HOSTED BY THE COSTA RICA TOURISM BOARD AND ESCORTED BY GUSTAVO INCIARTE FROM VOX INTERNATIONAL. LIVE-STREAMED TO PLAYA EMPLOYEES ACROSS ALL REGIONS AND OFFICES.

Hurtigruten Expeditions has a brand new name

OSLO — Hurtigruten Expeditions has announced a global rebrand that includes a brand new name.

From December 2023 onward, the adventure travel brand by Hurtigruten Group, which launched the world’s very first expedition cruise in 1896, will be known as HX, a name that honours its origins.

The new HX brand and logo will be fully implemented starting in December, with updates to brochures, websites, and social channels. Livery repainting of the fleet’s six ships will commence over the next 18 months.

Hurtigruten Norway, which celebrated 130 years of operating the original Norwegian Coastal Express this summer, will be simplified to just ‘Hurtigruten,’ the same name as when it first launched in 1893.

Both Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Norway are 100% owned by Hurtigruten Group, forming a portfolio of sustainable travel brands that includes land-based activities such as hotels, restaurants and more through Hurtigruten Svalbard, plus a 25% stake in Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring.

"The name Hurtigruten is synonymous with travel in Norway, just as it has been a renowned travel brand for over 130 years. Today’s evolution of our brand identities is the culmination of the work that started in 2021 when we split the two brands,” said Daniel Skjeldam, CEO, Hurtigruten Group.

“HX will remain at the forefront of expedition cruising and sustainable travel as we continue to significantly grow its global presence while strengthening Hurtigruten’s iconic position on the Norwegian coast.

“With HX, we are investing in our high-end expedition itineraries to some of the most adventurous, remote places around the world.

While we have traditionally been known as the Polar experts, we launched the Galápagos Islands last year, which is already our third most popular destination.

"And we will be the only cruise liner to exclusively sail the West African archipelagos of both Cape Verde and the Bissagos Islands in this year’s most exciting new itinerary, which we are launching this fall,” Skjeldam added.

In 2020, the strategic separation of the two brands was announced to enhance operational and commercial autonomy for each business, allowing for the delivery of distinctly different guest experiences. Implementation of this separation began in 2021, and earlier this year, Hurtigruten Group completed its internal restructuring to align commercial and support functions with the dedicated ship operations.

The Group also announced a fleet adjustment over the summer, shifting Hurtigruten Expeditions’ battery-hybrid-powered MS Otto Sverdrup to Hurtigruten Norway as of January 2024 while redeploying MS Maud to Antarctica due to growing demand. In the 2024-2025 Antarctica season, HX will offer guests more choices than any other expedition cruise company, with 36 departures across eight different itineraries spanning 12 to 24 days.

Canlink now representing SunSwept Resorts

TORONTO — Canlink Travel Representatives has been appointed as the Canadian rep for SunSwept Resorts in St. Lucia.

SunSwept’s offerings include BodyHoliday, which, in 1998, was launched as the Caribbean’s first wellness resort. Located on a crescent-shaped beach, the resort offers 155 oceanview rooms, suites and villas, all of which are fully air conditioned and furnished with contemporary natural bathrooms. There are also five restaurants on site that focus on good nutrition and well-being.

Also included in SunSwept’s portfolio is StolenTime, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort that pays special attention to the mental and emotional well-being of its guests. Guests will experience authentic West Indian hospitality complete with local cuisine, island-inspired art, and exquisite beachfront, poolside or garden view rooms and suites.

Vienna Experts Club International eLearning program

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SPAIN Specialist Program eLearning program

Agents completing a basic or advanced course before July 1st 2023 will be entered in a drawing for a $500 VISA card.

Designed for professionals who want to broaden their knowledge about Spain and obtain the Spain Specialist Certificate, allowing you use of the “Spain Specialist” logo for online communication and promotional materials. You will also be considered for future FAM trips and invitations to activities organized by the Tourist office of Spain.

5 need-to-knows about Cap Cana Waterfront & Marina Hotel

The luxury hotel is located in the most exclusive part of Punta Cana, just 10 minutes from the airport

Formerly known as TRS Cap Cana Hotel, the adults-only resort is now operating as TRS Cap Cana Waterfront & Marina Hotel on a property surrounded by more than 6,000 acres of lush tropical forest and located next to a pristine beach.

Among the enhanced gastronomic offerings is the new Fusión Caribeña restaurant, which offers a blend of Dominican, Tex-Mex and Jamaican flavours, as well as a new sommelier and redesigned menus at all five à la carte restaurants.

IT CARES ABOUT YOUR WELL-BEING

The hotel has added a new food concierge service to offer a personalized dining experience to guests with food allergies or who prefer gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian options. These health-conscious options will be implemented throughout breakfast, lunch and dinner.

IT HAS NEW ‘WOW MOMENTS’

Available throughout the day, ‘Wow Moments’ include specialty cocktails and dishes served at the pool, as well as beachside seating that allows guests to enjoy a leisurely lunch or nightcap under the stars.

For more information go to www.trshotels.com

IT’S PERFECT FOR ROMANCE

For couples looking to imbue their getaway with romance, the hotel offers a private poolside dining experience that includes the finest of fares, champagne and personalized service under their own candlelit pergola.

WestJet to relaunch nonstop service between Victoria, Las Vegas

VICTORIA — WestJet is bringing back service between Victoria and Las Vegas starting Feb. 1, 2024.

This marks the first time since 2017 that the airline will fly the route, its first transborder connection from the Canadian island. It will operate nonstop, twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays.

“WestJet is proud to add our newest route to our winter schedule and bolster Victoria’s transborder connectivity to Las Vegas,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer.“As we continue to provide guests across Canada with even more affordable and accessible opportunities to escape the cold and find the sun this winter, Victoria is an important part of our Western Canada growth plan.”

Elizabeth M. Brown, President and CEO, Victoria Airport Authority, added: “This will provide residents of Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island convenient nonstop service to this popular destination. It also demonstrates YYJ’s continued efforts to recover post-pandemic and reflects a positive sign of confidence in the Victoria marker.”

Earlier this month, WestJet also announced 31 additional cities across Europe to its network, by way of an an expanded codeshare agreement with Air France. The airline is also extending nonstop service between Winnipeg and Ottawa, which was previously set to temporarily pause on Oct. 29, 2023 and will now run 4x/weekly between the two cities.

Trevello’s 30th anniversary conference set for spring 2024

TORONTO — The save-the-dates are in the mail - email, that is - for Trevello’s 2024 annual conference April 30 - May 7.

Trevello Travel Group President and CEO Zeina Gedeon told Travelweek that she and her executive team are “absolutely thrilled by the overwhelming interest and enthusiasm” for the

for the event. It’s Trevello’s 30th anniversary conference.

“The response has been so incredible that we're actively working to secure additional cabins to accommodate all our advisors,” says Gedeon, adding that some advisors are currently on a waitlist, “a testament to the high demand for this milestone event.”

Trevello’s 2024 conference will take place onboard Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess, as part of a seven-day Alaska sailing that will take participants to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, plus some scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, before heading back to Vancouver.

“We want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation for our dedicated advisors. They truly are the best in the industry, and their passion and hard work continue to drive our success,” says Gedeon.

“Our conference is more than just a gathering; it's a celebration of our team's spirit and dedication,

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made even more special by the fact that it marks our 30th anniversary. We look forward to coming together, collaborating, catching up, and networking with our valued supplier partners. But above all, we cherish the chance to spend quality time with each other, fostering the strong bonds that make our organization exceptional.”

The conference may be months away, but if 2023 is any indication, time flies when bookings are booming. In the meantime the Trevello team is working hard to make the sailing a memorable one. Says Gedeon: “We can't wait to make this 30th anniversary conference an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”

TREVELLO REGIONALS 2023

Also on Trevello’s calendar, the host agency’s Trevello Regionals 2023 series are taking place in nine cities across Canada.

This year's Regionals offer a heightened focus on enhancing engagement opportunities between advisors and partners. The change comes in the wake of feedback from Trevello advisors.

Three cities - Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver - continue to host the tried-and-true trade show and presentation format.

The remaining six – Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Halifax, St. John’s and Moncton – will introduce a unique and immersive experience where participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities such as cooking classes and visits to indigenous farms, creating an atmosphere of fun, learning, and collaboration.

REGIONALS ARE A PIVOTAL MOMENT FOR US

“Trevello Regionals 2023 represents a pivotal moment in our journey. We're excited to usher in a new era of collaboration and connection within the travel industry,” says Gedeon.

Trevello Regionals will also offer a series of consumer events in 2023.

“Following the successful conclusion of events in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver, we are gearing up for six more exhilarating regional experienc throughout October,” says Gedeon.

Porter now offers Victoria with new flights out of YYZ

TORONTO — Porter Airlines’ coast-tocoast network now includes Victoria, B.C., thanks to new daily flights between Toronto Pearson Airport and YYJ on Porter’s new 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.

Out of Toronto, flights depart at 10:55 a.m. and arrive in Victoria at 1:04 p.m. On the return leg, flights depart Victoria at 2 p.m. and touch down in Toronto at 9:31 p.m.

“Victoria is proving to be among our most popular new markets,” said Kevin Jackson, Executive VP and Chief Commercial Officer, Porter Airlines. “We are now truly connecting Canada’s major cities from the west

with Victoria to the east in St. John’s, with many points in between. There are numerous other destinations that we intend to serve across North America as additional aircraft are delivered to us through 2024.”

Connecting flights with Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and St. John’s are also available.

Exodus has a brand new name

SEATTLE — Exodus Travels has officially changed its name to Exodus Adventure Travels.

The name change, says Sasha Andrews, Industry Director, was made to “emphasize our leadership position in the adventure travel market.”

With more than 500 trips to 100 countries worldwide, the tour operator is “well positioned to be the #1 provider of small group adventure trips for consumers in the U.S., Canada and around the world,” adds Andrews.

According to a recent AMR (Allied Market Research) report, the global adventure tourism market is projected to reach US$4.6 trillion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 28.7% from 2023 to 2032.

TREVELLO REGIONAL IN TORONTO

TREVELLO

To meet this demand, Exodus Adventure Travels offers trips in eight major collections: Premium Adventures; Active Europe; Gastronomic Getaways; Wildlife and Wilderness; Peaks and Valleys; City-Hopping; Coastal Gems; Classic Countrysides; History and Culture; and Compact Adventures. Each trip is rated for the level of activity, allowing travellers to select the right adventure for them.

In addition to offering adventure, the tour operator also aims to improve life through travel in the places that it visits. Through its foundation, it gives back to communities, helps protect wildlife, reduces waste and take action on climate change. Trips avoid and reduce some of tourism’s most significant impacts on nature with smaller environmental footprints, a stringent animal welfare policy, and strict rules on avoiding waste generation. Exodus has even measured the carbon footprint of all its trips and contributes towards nature regeneration through its commitment to rewild 100 square metres per passenger.

“With our new name and branding, combined with our rich history of industry commitment and innovation, we look forward to providing memorable and extraordinary active travel experiences to people in North America and around the world,” says Andrew.

THE NAME CHANGE EMPHASIZES OUR LEADERSHIP POSITION IN ADVENTURE TRAVEL

KAHULUI, MAUI — A new update from the Maui Visitors Bureau includes visitor tips that travellers can take to heart.

The update comes just over a month after wildfires devastated the beautiful and historic town of Lahaina.

As announced earlier this month by Hawaii Governor Josh Green, the West Maui communities of Kaanapali, Napili, Honokowai and Kapalua will fully reopen on Oct. 8.

In the meantime, travellers are encouraged to visit other areas of Maui including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Makena, Paia, Haiku, Makawao and Hana.

““No one in Hawaii will ever forget the tragedy that our friends, families, loved ones, and colleagues in Lahaina are enduring,” said Daniel Nahoopii, Chief Administrative Officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. “The response from residents statewide and by people around the world to support Maui’s recovery

has been incredible and inspiring. Now is the time for people everywhere to show their support for Maui by booking trips, making restaurant reservations, and frequenting Maui’s retail stores and attractions that support workers and their families.”

The update also included these four tips for visitors considering Maui to help care for the island, keep residents employed and local businesses open, and support the community’s wellbeing …

• Come with compassion – “The people of Maui need your compassion and support. Please be respectful and mindful in our island home.”

• Help Maui recover – “While West Maui is not accessible to visitors at this time, we strongly encourage travelers to visit the rest of Maui and the other Hawaiian Islands.”

• Support local – “Support Maui’s shops and restaurants, farmers’ markets, tours and activities, and festivals and events. Your dollars will support local employees and businesses.”

• Donate to Maui – “If you would like to provide a monetary donation in support of ongoing relief efforts on Maui, please visit mauinuistrong. info.”

Maui has tips for visitors as many communities prepare to reopen Oct. 8

For more resources, maps, and the latest information on responsible travel to Maui, visit the official travel site of the Hawaiian Islands at gohawaii.com.

Emerald Cruises announces luxury yacht cruises through April 2026

VANCOUVER — Emerald Cruises has unveiled a new collection of luxury yacht cruises through April 2026 aboard its twin, 100-guest Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara luxury vessels, including a brand-new destination: the Indian Ocean and the tropical Seychelles.

The upcoming season also features new ports of call and new itineraries in the Med, Adriatic, Red and Caribbean seas.

Elevating the experience even further, guests joining either yacht from April 17, 2024 onward will now enjoy a complimentary drink package with unlimited access to a range of cocktails, mocktails, premium wines, Prosecco and Champagne by the glass, bottled beer and soft drinks, as well as a mini-bar selection in each suite.

A calendar detailing the sailing schedule for both yachts through April 2026 is available online. Guests who book by Dec. 31, 2023 will receive free, roundtrip economy air on stateroom and premium air on suites, plus additional savings of up to Cdn$1,000 per couple with Emerald Cruises Super Earlybird offer.

New for winter 2024 and into 2025, Emerald Azzurra will take guests on a journey to the Seychelles, a vast Indian Ocean archipelago. The eight-day Tropical Charms of the Seychelles itinerary, sailing roundtrip from Mahé, calls on eight islands. The first sailing departs on Dec. 22, 2024.

As Emerald Azzurra transits between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean, the ship will also offer several sailings in the Red Sea.

A variety of eight- to 12-day Red Sea sailings are available in December 2024, March, April, October and November 2025 and April 2026.

Another first for Emerald Cruises, 2024 will find both Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara spending the full summer season in the Med and Adriatic seas. A variety of new itineraries will call on the Western Med, including Emerald Cruises’ eight-day Yachting Gems of the French and Italian Rivieras between Nice and Barcelona, and the nine-day Coastal Spain and the Algarve between Barcelona and Lisbon.

Plus, starting in November 2023, Emerald Sakara will spend the winters in the Caribbean, offering three distinct, eight-day itineraries calling on a total of 22 ports.

Most Emerald Cruises yacht journeys in all regions are combinable, from two-weeks to 22-days, without repeating a port.

Emerald Cruises’ site is emeraldcruises.ca, or call 1-855-444-0161. Brochures are available for order or download on the site.

EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE TREATED A GROUP OF VOYAGES EN DIRECT TRAVEL ADVISORS TO A THREE-DAY, ACTION-PACKED FAM. LED BY DENISE GRAHAM, ACCOUNT DIRECTOR FOR EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE, REPRESENTED IN CANADA BY VOX INTERNATIONAL, THE FAM FOCUSED ON EXPLORING KISSIMMEE BEYOND THE THEME PARKS. HIGHLIGHTS

SUCH AS AIRBOAT RIDES, KAYAKING AND A

BICYCLE TOUR, AS WELL AS RESORT AND NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCES.

EMERALD AZZURRA