gsa #357 dec.15/09

Dec 15, 2009 - Jan 11, 2010

Vol.15 ISSUE 357

Christmas

Valid for Fun Sun Vacations bookings made until Dec 31/09 for travel anytime. To redeem your gift card, pleasesend an e-mail with your eligible booking number to [email protected] Reg.: 3522-1 • ON Reg.: 50014991 • Dec 15/09 • 23706

When you book a minimum5 nights at RIU in Puerto Vallarta,Mazatlan or Los Cabos.

Receive a $25Future ShopGift Card

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF OUR STAFF!JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!

Visit www.funsunagent.com today for more information!

23706 _HHFS_GSA Riu 15DEC09 12/3/09 12:16 PM

It can be said many ways...

AfrIkAAns'n Geseende kersfees en 'n voorspoedige

nuwejaarAfrIkAnder

een Plesierige kerfeesAlbAnIAn

Gezuar krishtlindjeArAbIc

I'D MIILAD SAID OUA SANA SAIDAArmenIAn

shenoraavor nor dari yev Pari GaghandAzerI

Tezze Iliniz Yahsi OlsunbAsque

zorionstsu eguberri. zoriontsu urte berri On

benGAlIbodo din shubh lamona

bOhemIAnVesele Vanoce

breTOnnedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat

bulGArIAnTchestita koleda; Tchestito rojdestvo

hristovocelTIc

nadolig llawen a blwyddyn newydd ddachInese (mAndArIn)

kung his hsin nien bing chu shen TanchInese (cATOnese)

Gun Tso sun Tan'Gung haw sunchInese (hOnG kOnG)

kung ho hsin hsi. ching chi shen TancOrnIsh

nadelik looan na looan blethen nowethcree

mitho makosi kesikansicrOATIAnsretan bozic

czechPrejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny

novy rokdAnIsh

Glaedelig JulduTch

Vrolijk kerstfeest en een Gelukkig nieu-wjaar!

esPerAnTOGajan kristnaskon

esTOnIAnroomsaid Joulu Puhi

fArsIcristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad

fInnIshhyvaa joulua

frenchJoyeux noel

frIsIAnnoflike krystdagen en in protte lok en

seine yn it nije Jier!GermAn

froehliche WeihnachtenGreek

kala christouyenna!hAWAIIAn

mele kalikimakahebreW

mo'adim lesimkha. chena tovahIndI

bada din mubarak hohunGArIAn

kellemes karacsonyi unnepeketIcelAndIcGledileg Jol

IndOnesIAnselamat hari natal

IrAqIIdah saidan Wa sanah Jadidah

IrIshnollaig shona dhuit

ITAlIAnbuone feste natalizie

JAPAneseshinnen omedeto. kurisumasu Omedeto

kAlAkhristougena kai eftikhes to neon etos

kOreAnsung Tan chuk ha

lATVIAnPriecigus ziemas svetkus un laimigu Jauno

GaduleTTIsh

Priecigus ziemassvetkuslIThuAnIAn

linksmu kaledumAnx

nollick ghennal as blein vie noamAOrI

meri kirihimete

mArAThIshub naya Varsh

nAVAJOmerry keshmish

nOrThern sOThOmatlhatse le matlhogonolo mo

ngwageng o moswanOrWeGIAn

God Jul Og Godt nytt AarPAPIAmenTO

bon Pasku i felis Anja noboPOlIsh

Wesolych swiat bozego narodzenia

POrTuGuesefeliz natalrAPA-nuI

mata-ki-Te-rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-henua

rOmAnIAncraciun fericit

russIAnPozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom

rozhdestva i s novim GodomserbIAn

hristos se rodislOVAkIAn

sretan bozic or Vesele vianocesAmOAn

la maunia le kilisimasi ma le Tausaga fou

scOTTIshnollaig chridheil agus bliadhna mhath ur

serbIAnhristos se rodi!sInGhAlese

subha nath thalak Vewa. subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa

slOVAkVesele Vianoce. A stastlivy novy rok

slOVeneVesele bozicne. screcno novo leto

sPAnIshfeliz navidad!

sWedIshGod Jul and (Och) ett Gott nytt Ar

TAGAlOGmaligayamg Pasko. masaganang bagong

Taon

TAmIlnathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal

ThAIsawadee Pee mai

TurkIshnoeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz kutlu Olsun

ukrAInIAnsrozhdestvom kristovym

urdunaya saal mubarak ho

VIeTnAmesechung mung Giang sinh

WArAYmaupay nga Pasko ngan mainuswagon nga

bag-o nga Tu-igWelsh

nadolig llawenzulu

nginifisela inhlanhla ne mpumelelo e nyakeni

Softvoyage adds more IT options Softvoyage of Montreal is growing “by leaps and bounds,” says its VP sales and marketing. Dan Langevin says Softvoyage, which began operations in 1987, is con-stantly developing new IT product for those who sell to the leisure traveler. “We have to keep re-inventing ourselves and coming up with new things for our cus-tomers,” he said. “It never ends”. And this fall has been particularly busy when it comes to creating new product after tons of research and testing. As perhaps Canada’s pre-emi-nent software developer for the travel industry, Softvoyage has recently launched Mon arch.ca, a new program that provides retail customers with a value-added service, and helps keep prospective travelers on a cli-ent’s website. Monarc.ca is a service that provides hotel reviews composed by customers who’ve recently stayed at the hotel in question. After a client returns from a holiday, Monarc.ca sends that client a ques-tionnaire on the property, which is then posted on Monarc.ca. The client can say whatever he or she wants, or not reply at all. The brand name Monarc.ca was so called because of the monarch butterfly, which migrates south every fall to overwinter in the warmer climes of Mexico. Hotel reviews are graded on rating system

that uses butterflies. One butterfly up to five butterflies. The reviews, says Langevin, reflect the honest opinions of Canadians who sampled the product. While many other web-sites provide consumer opinions, he said, it’s hard to say, in some cases, if those opinions are authentic. Langevin also said that while the review service was initially developed for consumer use, he has found that travel agencies are

using it to research hotels before booking customers into a partic-ular property. “We have 7,000 reviews now and should have two or three times that many by the end of February or March,” he said. While Monarc.ca has just taken off, Softvoyage is ready to launch Dynamic Packaging, an other new software program that allows agents to book flights and a land component, outside of the confines of a one or two-

week charter holiday. Langevin pointed out that many customers would prefer to take a holiday of eight or nine days, rather than the seven-day packages offered by most tour operators. Dynamic Packaging provides that flexibility, allowing agents to customize a holiday using a modu-lar approach, where clients can leave when they want and return when they want.www.softvoyage.com

bmi enhances service bmi offers A330 business class service that includes fully flat beds, and an onboard chef. It also offers a spacious Premium Economy featuring business class style seating is offered on A330 service to Tel Aviv and Cairo, and on other A330 routes as well. bmi’s new flagship international lounge at Heathrow, located above Gate 5 in T1, provides a stylish environment where cus-tomers can work, dine, relax and refresh. Number One Heathrow is open to bmi Business Class, Diamond Club (Gold and Silver) and Star Alliance Gold customers

traveling to bmi international destinations. bmi’s Canadian service extends to Cal-gary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and several cities in Eastern Canada, in conjunction with code-share and Star Alliance partner Air Canada. bmi operates a modern fleet that includes Airbus 319, 320, 321, 330, Boeing 757 & Embraer 135 and 145. In a recent restructuring move, bmi, which is now owned by Lufthansa, announced the suspension of a number of routes from Heathrow, including service to Tel Aviv, Kiev, Aleppo, Amsterdam and Brussels.

Jordan is putting out the welcome mat for Canadian product buyers to visit in February.

Transat Holidays and Nolitours unveiled their new holiday options in Europe next summer.

Ireland Tourism hosted Vancouver agents re-cently in a bid to attract more group business.

Silk Holidays has packaged air and hotel stays in several Asian destinations this winter for travelers who want to stop and see the sights before heading out on their own or on packaged tours. Among the packages is a two-night stay in Seoul, Korea at the Hamilton Hotel, with breakfast, and air on Japan Airlines from Vancouver, starting at $969 pp dbl.

Online check inSignature Vacations is now offering online check-in service for all southbound Skyser-vice flights departing from Canada. The new service allows clients to save time by check-ing in and printing boarding passes, 24 to 2 hours prior to departure. At the airport, they will simply drop their bags at the Skyservice Counter rather than proceed to check-in.

Dan Langevin, Softvoy age, VP sales and

marketing, Montreal

Silk Holidays is offering an escorted Heritage of Japan 10-night tour from Vancouver March 27, during the peak cherry blossom time. It includes Kyoto and Tokyo, as well as the World Heritage site of Shira kawago, Mt Fuji and a cruise on Lake Ashi. It also includes a kimono fashion show in Tokyo. Air is with Japan Airlines from Vancouver to Osaka. Cost is $4499 pp dbl, with an EBB of $400 on bookings made by December 31.

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December 15, 2009 – January 11, 20102

tm

Reach foR the candy jaR!Sign up foR ouR caSh

RewaRd pRogRam.

youR tReatS• $5 per room for ITC packages (Sun and Europe) and coach tours - double

or greater occupancy• $5 per cabin for cruises - double or greater occupancy• $2.50 per room for ITC packages (Sun or Europe) and coach tours - single occupancy• $2.50 per cabin for cruises - single occupancy• $1 per passenger for air only flights• $1 per car rental (minimum 6 days)• $1 per file for à la carte accommodation (minimum 3 nights)

Note: Group reservations are included in the program. The rewards stay the same, but the maximum earning per group is set at $250. Subject to change without notice.

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bonbon_GSA_EN.indd 1 12/2/09 2:32:37 PM

Travel down, but not out World Travel and Tourism Council is putting a positive spin on the state of global tourism. It says that although indications are that tourism slipped further than expected in 2009, and next year will be “flat at best.” tourism and travel “remains a key engine of growth” and the long term outlook is bright. The WTTC says that the travel and tour-ism’s contribution to the global GDP for 2009 is expected to decline to 9.3% from 9.6% in 2008, down from the 9.4% predicted at the start of this year. And, the WTTC added, “activity in 2010 is likely to be flat at best.” However, the updated forecasts from WTTC and Oxford Economics show that there

has been no change in the projected long-term trend growth of 4% per annum forecast for Travel & Tourism over the coming decade, making it a key engine of expansion in the longer term. The council says that recent indicators suggest that the global economy has passed its trough and some forecasts for 2010 are now being upwardly revised, although a fur-ther dip in 2010 cannot be ruled out. Travel & Tourism growth in 2008 slowed to 1%, and the deterioration intensified early in 2009. It also said that international air pas-senger traffic contracted by 6% in the first eight months of 2009.

Holiday House, along with Exotik Tours, has released its new Greece 2010 brochure. It features a wide array of organized tours operating from April 1, 2010 to Oct 31, including all the top sellers and a couple of new additions. Early Booking Bonus of $100 per couple is offered on all tours booked by Feb 26. New this year is the 13-night Grecian Medley tour, which features three nights in Athens, a two-night cruise, three nights in Santorini, two in Paros and three in Mykonos, starting from $2,329 pp dbl land only. Another new program is the 13-night Sites & Seascapes tour, which features three nights in Mykonos, three in Naxos, three in Santorini, two in Crete and two in Athens, starting from $2,239 pp. Also new is a seven-day Three Continents cruise by Louis Cruises, departing on alter-nate Fridays beginning in April. It is roundtrip from Piraeus (near Athens) and calls at Istanbul, Mykonos, Ashdod, Port Said, Alexandria and Crete. Back by popular demand is the 13-night

Island Delight tour, which starts from $2,279 pp and includes three nights in Crete, four in Santorini, three in Mykonos, three in Athens and a Saronic Island Cruise. Many popular tours from previ-ous years are back in the catalogue, including the Island Splendour tour, the Grecian Gold tour, the Aegean Whisper tour and the Hellenic Mosaic tour. Every organized tour features a com plimentary Athens sightseeing tour. Any holiday may be customized to suit any taste or budget as Holiday House offers à la carte packages that include private transfers, domestic airfare or ferry service, hotels and villas on all islands, Louis Cruises and a vari-ety of sightseeing tours. www.holidayhouseagent.ca

Holiday House and Exotik return to Greece for summer

Avalon Waterways will waive the single supplement on selected departures of its most popular European River Cruises next year. The offer is valid on a host of cruises departing between March and August cover-ing Burgundy and Provence; Windmills, Vine-yards and Paris; Magnificent Europe; and two new cruises, the Taste of the Danube, and Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches. Bookings must be made between Dec 1 and Feb 16 and Promotion Code 9AVSS must be quoted at the time of booking.

Newwest Special Projects still has accom-modation available in North Vancouver on the cruise ship Star of Norwegian Cruise Lines during the upcoming Olympic Games. All meals are included, as well as onboard activities and free shuttle to the Seabus. www.vancouver2010cruiseship.com

Air Canada is now charging a Preferred Seats premium for passengers requesting seats in the bulkhead or exit rows on Air Canada or Jazz. Rates vary from $25 on short haul flights, to $100 on long haul.

#201 - 1945 West 4th Ave.Vancouver BC, V6J 1M7

Tel: 604.689.2909 Fax: 604.689.2989Publications Mail #40052485

Published by GSA Publishing Group495644 BC LTD.

InDexLodgings West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13Caribbean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-18Latin America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20The Journal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Guest Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28


Goway on Shongololo Express Goway’s AFRICAExperts is offering a $410 savings for travelers booking a 17-day Shongololo Southern Africa itinerary before January 31, 2010. The Shongololo Express travels by night, maximizing sightseeing opportunities during the day. It is a unique South African cruise-train that carries its own fleet of mini vans, which are used for daily guided sightseeing. The train operates two 17-day trips. The Good Hope route starts in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town, or vice versa, and is a comprehensive tour of South Africa that includes Kruger National Park, Zululand, the Drakensberg Mountains, Klein Karoo, the winelands and the Garden Route.

The Southern Cross route travels through six countries, starting in Johannesburg and ending at Victoria Falls, or vice versa. The route passes through Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana and includes visits to Kruger National Park, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, and Chobe National Park in Botswana. The Shongololo Express uses classic 1950’s carriages with accommodation in four two-person categories: Emerald, Commodore and Gold cabins have ensuite facilities while the Ivory cabins have shared facilities. The train has a lounge and bar car, and a dining car where break-fast and dinner are served.

Air Canada Vacations will add Barcelona and Athens to its line up next June from Toronto and Montreal. It will offer 19 hotels and five tours in Barcelona and 15 hotels and four tours in Athens, as well as activities, car rentals and more. Three departures per week will be added from both Toronto and Montreal.

Sunwing Vacations has added MSC Caribbean cruises to its winter lineup using the MSC Poesia. The one year old ship will operate three different week-long itineraries, including a selec-tion of theme cruises featuring Baseball Greats or Big Band cruises, among others.

Silk to Expo Silk Holidays is continuing to offer a wide range of programs for those who want to visit China and Shanghai World Expo 2010. Silk has partnered with China Eastern Airlines and the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo to produce these programs. Expo, which will run over 184 days, will have more than 200 par-ticipating countries and is expected to attract 70 million visitors. The theme is “Better City, Better Life”, and it is designed to promote sustainable urban living. Silk Holidays’ packages include Vancouver to Shanghai flights on China Eastern Airlines, accommodation, daily breakfasts and some other meals, transfers,.guided sightseeing tours and admission to Expo. Rates start at $989. These programs may be combined with visits to Beijing, Xian, Guilin and The Yangtze River Cruise. The programs are valid from May to October 2010. www.silkholidays.com/tours/china/shanghaiexpo

MSC courts groups MSC Cruises is providing Canadian travel agents with special early booking incentives for groups booked to sail on MSC Poesia for the 2010-11 Caribbean season. Agents with group sailings booked by March 31, 2010 will receive: 18% commission, no deposit required for 90 days, $25 per stateroom deposit requirement, and one tour conductor for 15 passengers. MSC Poesia will sail a variety of roundtrip itineraries from Fort Lauderdale during the 2010-11 Caribbean season, including a 10-night sailing featuring Panama, a three-night escape to Nassau and Key West and a series of alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. www.msccruisesagent.com

Getting together in Vancouver recently to help boost tourism to Korea, were (L-R): Douglas Yiu, sales manager for Korean Airlines; Stephen H Corke, marketing coordinator for the KNTO; Fiona Wu from I & J Travel; and Sooktaek Lee, director of the KNTO based in Toronto.


■Green fees additional. *Spa services additional. Unique Vacations, Inc. is the worldwide representative for Sandals Resorts.

Sandals premieres a new level of luxury with the introduction of the world’s � rst and only “All Butler” resort – Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas. Formerly The Four Seasons Emerald Bay, this magni� cent resort with its sublime style and re� ned panache brings privileged seclusion to the Exumas. Connoisseurs of the good life will � nd all oceanfront, butler-serviced rooms, suites, and villas � lled with unabashed indulgences. Devotees of world-class pleasure will discover a championship Greg Norman-designed golf course,■ a 16,000 sq. ft. Red Lane® Dermalogica® concept spa,* a pro-grade tennis center, a 17-acre marina, and � ve exquisite new palate-pleasing restaurants. For those who seek out-of-the-ordinary luxury in the Out Islands, this is your own exotic, private escape.

Great Exuma, BahamasSANDALS EMERALD BAY

INTRODUCING THE FIRST ALL BUTLER RESORT

For more information, call 1-800-545-8283, 1-416-223-0028or the following Tour Operators: Air Canada Vacations, Holiday House,

Sunquest Vacations, Sunwing Vacations, Tours Mont-Royal, Transat Holidays or WestJet Vacations.

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SAN 25986 EmeraldBay_Ad_nt.indd 1 12/4/09 10:56:54 AM

The Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos, BC is offering a $99 per night opening special through to March 31, 2010. The four-story, 153-suite Watermark Beach Resort consists of a main building and 30 beachfront town-homes. Each of the penthouse, studio, one, two and three-bedroom suites offers stain-less steel kitchen appliances, deep soaking tubs, flat-screen televisions in the master bedrooms and living areas, and private bal-conies. Slated to open in the spring will be a dining room and outdoor patio, a cafÇ, yoga studio, fitness centre, and a 1400-square-foot spa. The hotel is located 246 miles from Vancouver.

The Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier will open in North Vancouver in January. Located at Lonsdale Quay, the 105-room hotel will offer a lounge and restaurant, pool, fitness center, a ballroom and meeting space.

The Vancouver Playhouse is getting ready for its 2010 International Wine Festival April 19-25. The festival will include 196 wineries pouring more than 1700 wines from 14 countries.

Coast Hotels gets make-over in West End Coast Hotels & Resorts has signed a long-term lease for the 269-room Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites in Vancouver’s West End, meaning the hotel will continue operating as a Coast Hotel until at least 2017. As part of the agreement, the hotel owners will invest $6 million for renovations, includ-ing replacing the windows and upgrading the roof and facade to give the property a more modern look. Coast Hotels & Resorts will invest $3 million to upgrade guest rooms including new carpets and wall coverings, furniture, fixtures, beds and flat screen televisions. Also, the hotel’s ballroom will be renovated. All renovations will begin in the spring.

Ocean Discovery in Sidney

The 269-room Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites in Vancouver’s West End is headed for a major make-over.

Sidney waterfront, the center holds several gigantic aquariums, home to some of the smallest and some of the biggest creatures from below the sea. One of the highlights is a Giant Pacific octopus, who likes to snug-gle into his den against the aquarium windows, dis-playing the un derbelly of his tentacles to aquarium visitors. Also making themselves at home are wolf eels, and a colorful array of starfish, and other invertebrates such as anemones, and sea cucumbers. A huge collection of jelly fish occupy their own tanks, where they enthrall visitors with their delicate movements through a back-lit aquarium. The center also offers visitors a hands-on “touch pool” where they can pet a starfish and other creatures. This entertaining and education center comes equipped with a classroom, micro-scopes and live Internet links to undersea sites, as well as learned lecturers trained to interpret the creatures and their habitats to visitors.www.oceandiscovery.ca

The new Shaw Ocean Discovery Center in Sidney near the Schwartz Bay Ferry Terminal on Vancouver Island is a veritable petri dish of ocean dwelling creatures. Occupying 10,000 square feet near the

Skylink Holidays is offering an eight-day Imperial Cities tour of eastern Europe, visiting Prague, Vienna and Budapest, for $1289 pp dbl. This includes accommodation, transpor-tation, breakfasts and half day city tour in each city.


WESTLodgings

Maunakea on the Big Island offers amateur and serious astronomers a chance to view the planet’s most powerful astronomical observatories from an elevation of 13,000 feet. From here, telescopes peer billions of light-years into the universe. On the way to the summit, visitors can orient themselves at the visitors’ center and peer through portable telescopes to view the rings of Saturn and beyond.

Learn to surfThe Big Island is a great place to learn to surf safely. Lessons are provided at Honoli’i Beach Park outside of Hilo, and Kahalu’u Beach Park just south of Kailua Village. For those who are new to scuba diving, tours lead newbies or old salts out off the shores of Kona and Kohala.

Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival on the Big Island is set for Feb 6 and is a popular festival that celebrates Japanese traditions and culture and includes cherry blossom viewing, music, demonstrations, exhibits, crafts, entertainment, ethnic foods, a farmers’ market and visiting performers and artisans from Japan.

Honua Kai opens in Kaanapali Honua Kai Resort & Spa on Kaanapali’s North beach of Maui offers a uniquely contemporary Maui experience. Nestled on 38 oceanfront acres of beach, the new resort is designed as two U-shaped build-ings with ocean and mountain views, lush landscaping and expansive open spaces. This openness is mirrored in each of the 628 guest suites (one-, two-, and three-bedroom) with full kitchens, spacious floor plans, and luxury resort services. An imag-inative network of pools, hot tubs, natural pond bridges, a waterslide, waterfalls and fountains allows for privacy and play. Honua Kai is situated on the secluded, pristine Kaanapali North Beach, allowing guests to wade into the ocean from the sandy beach fronting the resort where a living coral reef provides snorkelers with an ideal spot to don a mask and fins. Birdwatchers are attracted to a small wetland pond and that has been restored with indigenous beach plants, creating a

healthy habitat that is drawing increasing numbers of migratory fowl and water birds. A ten-minute stroll south of the resort brings guests to the Kaanapali nightlife and shopping, or five minutes north to local cafes and grocery stores. Honua Kai is also a mere five minutes away from four of Maui’s top-rated golf courses and 20 minutes from three newly renovated and centrally located courses. Nearby activities and group outings may be arranged in advance with the resort’s onsite concierge. From water sports such as surfing, parasailing, snorkeling and the new stand-up paddling (SUP) to ziplining and four-wheel excursions into the rain forest, there are activities for everyone. Air Canada Vacations is offering seven nights in Maui at the Honua Kai Resort and Spa from $1239 plus $133 tax pp dbl, from Vancouver, or $1319 plus tax from Calgary and Edmonton.

Fun Sun and Holiday House are offering Hawaii à la carte this winter, with a variety of accommodation choices, and flights from across Canada. WestJet flies daily from Vancouver to Oahu and Maui, twice a week to

Kauai and twice a week to the Big Island. Also offered are cruises around the Hawaiian Islands, or Carnival repositioning cruises to Honolulu, from Ensenada April 11, and from Hawaii to Vancouver April 23.

9December 15, 2009 – January 11, 2010

Maui’s newest resort on Kaanapali North beach. Featuring spacious accommodations, plus hotel-style services & luxury resort amenities.

Call toll-free (888) 718-5789, or contact your favorite wholesaler.

The alternative to the traditional Maui resort vacation.

FALL SPECIAL 50% Off*WINTER SPECIAL 7th Night Free**

*50% off valid through 1/31/10. Black-out dates apply. **7th Night Free begins 2/1/10. Visit honuakaimaui.com for details Managed by Intrawest Hospitality Management

in this part of the world. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which captivated ancient travelers, contin-ues to enthrall new generations as a mod-ern, vibrant nation. It boasts an unbeliev-able variety of tourism options from Historical, Archeological, and Religious/ Faith Based experiences to contemporary Luxury Vacations, Meeting & Incentive opportunities, and “Voluntourism.” The JTM ‘10 Dead Sea Host Hotels housing the Buyer, Supplier, and Press delegates include: The Jordan Valley Marriot Resort & Spa; the Moevenpick Resort Hotel & Spa; and the new Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea.www.jordantravelmart.com

The Jordan Tourism Board North America will hold the 3rd annual Jordan Travel Mart’10 (JTM) Feb 21-23 at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center at the Dead Sea, Jordan. It will include two days of pre-scheduled appointments between Canadian, USA, Mexican, Central American, and Latin American “Buyers” and Jordan “Suppliers,” as well as presentations and seminars on Jordan’s tourism products and services. There will also be a variety of pre and post tours throughout the entire Country. The Jordan Travel Mart is designed to make it easy for buyers to personally research and experience the variety of travel products and services now available

Jordan set to host Buyers

Jordan welcomes the world to the 3rd Annual Jordan Travel Mart, Feb 21-23.

Silk Holidays is offering a Family Sweet “Suite” Deal in Phuket. Among the options is a two bedroom unit with kitchen for up to four people, or a one-bedroom for two peo-ple. Cost is $1589 pp dbl, at the Courtyard Marriot at Kamala Beach, including air from Vancouver, transfers and accommodation with breakfast. Child rate is $1469. This fam-ily resort offers a pool, water slides, kids club and more. An EBB of $100 per couple is offered until Jan 31. Add ons available from elsewhere. www.silkholidays.com

World Heritage Tours Asia World Heritage Tours, a travel firm special-izing in small-group, guided vacations to UNESCO World Heritage sites, is offering a variety of programs next year to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and South America. The tours are designed for groups of 15 or less, and are conducted by well-trained and experienced guides. Rather than just viewing the sites, the tours help visitors understand the history, cultures and people of the regions on the itinerary. Among the programs is a Silk Road: From Khiva to Kashgar that traces the steps of ancient traders who traveled along the Silk Road to trade silk, spices and other goods. This 18-day tour visits four World Heritage Sites — Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisyabz and Itchan Kala. The journey starts in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and follows the Silk routes to the ancient towns of Khiva, Bukhara, Shakhrisyabz and Samarkand. It continues to Kyrgyzstan, visiting the homeland of the Great Moghuls and eventually to Kashgar to experience the unique Sunday Bazaar. The trip concludes in Urumqi. Departures are May 15 and Sept 4. The land cost is US$3695 pp dbl.www.worldheritagetours.com


For more info please contact our Sales DepartmentToronto: (905) 825-3392 I Montreal: (514) 273-0008Email: [email protected] I Web: softvoyage.com

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Softvoyage-JV-GSA-Nov24:Layout 1 11/13/09 11:41 AM Page 1

photos by: George Fischer

design by: Anas Ruhman, studioMETHOD.com

Dead Sea

This is an InvitationFor ALL Tour Operators / Wholesalers to

REGISTER NOW for the 2010 Jordan Travel Mart hosted by The Jordan Tourism Board.

Come experience this kingdom’s treasures and learn about all that Jordan has to offer.

Take this opportunity to meet with the Jordan Travel industry and build fruitful relationships

through seminars, workshops, one-on-one meetings, pre & post tours and much more.

Special airfares are available!

February 21–23, 2010

toll free 1-800-874-2324 | www.JordanTravelMart.com

2010

Transat Holidays is offering a number of getaways to Mexico from Regina in January. A seven-night all inclusive stay is available in Manzanillo at the Tesoro Manzanillo, from $848 pp dbl; or in Puerto Vallarta at the Holiday Inn Puerto Vallarta from $1048 or at Las Palmas from $748; or at the Riviera Maya Gran Bahia Principe Coba Royal Golden, from $1198.

Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Spa in Puerto Vallarta has introduced a new Kids Spa at the tranquil, open-air spa Shakti. Designed for kids aged five to 13, it offers a fun and whim-sical menu of 15 to 35-minute manicures, pedicures, massages, scrubs, facials and therapeutic body treatments are available. A parent or adult guardian is required to accom-pany kids during spa treatments. Also designed for kids is the The Buenaventura Kids Club with non-stop activities ranging from soccer, to baseball, sandcastle building, water polo, swimming lessons and volleyball as well as a children’s pool for a splashing good time. In the shade, the Kids Club is the place for crafts, video games, board games, toys and music.

El Cid Granada Country Club in Mazatlan offers a quiet retreat in the Hotel Zone, across the street from the beach and its sister property, El Cid Castilla. The hotel is currently offering a golf package that includes a studio room, golf for two on its 27-hole golf course and breakfast, from US$140 per day, in February. January is nearly sold out. All inclusive and elite all-inclusive rates are also available.

Kids’ specialReal Resorts is offering kids-stay-free fam-ily vacations at The Gran Caribe Real in Cancun and The Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen that provide family pricing, and such activities such as a complimentary swim with the dolphins. Up to two children 12 and under sharing an adult’s double occupied suite can stay complimentary in the resort’s Family Suites or higher categories, which feature bunk beds for children.

Skylink offers a wide selection of a la carte Mexican holidays. In conjunction with Mexicana, it is offering net fares from Vancouver to Mexico City from $179 and to Cancun from $203. For details on the routes, visit skylinkcanada.com/mexico

WestJet is now offering weekly non-stop service between Calgary and Ixtapa/ Zihuatanejo, Mexico. The flight departs Calgary at 9 am.

Mexico à la carteHoliday House and Fun Sun offer a full slate of à la carte accommodation choices through out Mexico. Two to five-star proper-ties are offered in Cancun, the Mayan Riviera, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa and Acapulco. Many proper-ties are exclusive to Holiday House and Fun Sun.

Mexicana has announced a new partnership with the AIR MILES Reward Program, allow-ing AIR MILES collectors to redeem their reward miles for Mexicana flights anywhere the airline flies.

Sonora, Mexico now has its own interna-tional airport at Puerto Penasco. The new Mar de Cortes Int’l Airport is expected to handle more than 250,000 visitors annually.

SW to PVSunwing Vacations will introduce new ser-vice this winter to Puerto Vallarta from Sas-katoon and Regina. Packages are available in the hotel zone of PV as well as in Riviera Nayarit, the newer resort area north of PV. Among the hotel choices is the 160-room Hotel Tropicana in the heart of PV, and the adults only Blue Chairs Resort in the hotel zone.


TAXI CANADA INC805–10th Avenue SWSuite 500, CalgaryAB T2R 0B4T: 403 269 8294F: 403 269 7776

CLIENT WestJet WES101109AB_C_Dec15.GSA.indd

APPROVALS

CREATED 02/12/2009CREATIVE TEAM

TRIM 7" x 4.917" CREATIVE P/U ACCOUNT Erika J

LIVE N/A MAC ARTIST LisaB,DerrickL PRODUCER Marsha W (ext. 33)PROOFREADER

BLEED N/A INSERTION DATE(S) 15/12/2009 AD NUMBER WES101109AB_CPRODUCER

COLOURS CYANI MAGENTAI YELLOWI BLACKI STUDIO

PUBLICATION(S) GSA_MexicoCLIENT / ACCOUNT MANAGER

All colours are printed as process match unless indicated otherwise. Please check before use. In spite of our careful checking, errors infrequently occur and we request that you check this proof for accuracy. TAXI’s liability is limited to replacing or correcting the disc from which this proof was generated. We cannot be responsible for your time, film, proofs, stock, or printing loss due to error.

WestJet offers non-stop flights from Western Canada to five great Mexico destinations this winter:

Great connections are also available from other WestJet cities.

Your clients will enjoy no overbooked flights, two free checked bags* and ample legroom and overhead bin space.

Book now at westjet.com/agentweblink or on GDS and you’ll enjoy a 7% commission. Or simply call 1 800 538 5698. For group and convention travel, call 1 888 493 7853.

More Mexico, more often.Ay carumba!

*For two free checked bags, weight and size restrictions apply.

Cancun from

Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg

Ixtapa from: Calgary

Los Cabos from: Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton and Regina

Mazatlan from:

Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg

Puerto Vallarta from:

Victoria, Comox, Vancouver, Abbotsford, Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg and Prince George

BECAUSE OWNERS CARE

WES101109AB_C_Dec15.GSA.indd 1 12/3/09 3:24:37 PM

Winner of IPOD Touch in the contest spon-sored by Mexican Tourist Board and GSA Magazine. In December 2007 I took my first trip to Mexico. We arrived on the Norwegian star, starting with Acapulco. I have read about Acapulco and the old age of the movie stars here and I was not disappointed. From the cliff diving to the Mexican restaurants Acapulco had something for everyone. Our next port of call being Ixapta, Zihuatanejo this intrigued me as many of my clients do not get here it was something of a new destination for me. The beautiful blue waters, the walk way along the beach and the friendly people is what made me want to tell everyone about this destination. Puerto Vallarta was the next port.. The markets here were great. We went to a great restaurant and learned how to make Guacamole and other Mexican foods. What a great way to experience Mexico by immers-ing yourself in the traditional foods and the entertainment . Our last stop was Cabo San Lucas. This little town is a great get away for Canadians who do not want to travel far but want to get the Mexican flavour. We went Helmet Diving in the bay. The staff was friendly and helped

make me less nervous about going down and walking on the ocean floor 20 feet below. Half way through the ocean floor walk my air hose came off, leaving me no air/ I did not panic and with the guidance of the professional staff I was guided quickly to the surface to take a big breath of the Mexican air. Was I relieved to get back on solid ground. Back on ship many of my fellow agents were whispering about a story they had

heard about a very calm women who lost her air hose under water. I just smiled, said yes she was very calm and explained it was me who just went through that terrifying adven-ture. We laugh about it now but I will always remember Mexico and my deep breath of air in the Mexican city of Cabo San Lucas. I shall return to enjoy that Mexican hospi-tality and might even do some scuba diving next time.

Mexican Contest WinnersMy Mexico Survival Story, By Tracy Harms, Sears Travel, Richmond

Cruising the RivieraBy Pearl Seaker, Travel Masters Calgary South Winner of $100 gift certificate to Salt & Pepper Restaurant in Calgary I had the pleasure a few years ago of travel-ling on a Mexican Riviera cruise. My husband Dan and I thoroughly enjoyed kayaking at San Jose Del Cabo, ziplining near Puerto Vallarta, and fishing off the coast of Mazatlan, as well as exploring the old city. Our cruise was a great adventure and we were having the time of our lives, not realizing that the best was yet to come. We did not book a tour at our stop in Manzanillo, preferring instead to make our own way around town. We wandered through the little shops near the town square, hoping to

find a Mexican flag for Dan’s collection. Although we had visited Mexico previously, he had been unable to find a flag the size he desired. Eventually we found a building that appeared to be the town hall; we hoped to at least obtain some idea of where to find “una bandera.” A local gentleman happened to be in the office at that time and, when advised of our request, asked if we could wait about 15 min-utes. He returned shortly having removed the flag from his own house and offered it to us. He did not even want to accept the pay-ment we offered! The kindness of our Mexican friend will live forever in our hearts.


TAXI CANADA INC805–10th Avenue SWSuite 500, CalgaryAB T2R 0B4T: 403 269 8294F: 403 269 7776

CLIENT WestJet WJV101064AB_C_Dec15.GSA.indd

APPROVALS

CREATED 02/12/2009CREATIVE TEAM

TRIM 7" x 4.917" CREATIVE Pick-up ACCOUNT Erika J

LIVE N/A MAC ARTIST HeatherM,DerrickL PRODUCER Marsha W (ext. 33)PROOFREADER

BLEED N/A INSERTION DATE(S) 15/12/2009 AD NUMBER WJV101064AB_C PRODUCER

COLOURS CYANI MAGENTAI YELLOWI BLACKI STUDIO

PUBLICATION(S) GSA - Caribean destinationsCLIENT / ACCOUNT MANAGER

All colours are printed as process match unless indicated otherwise. Please check before use. In spite of our careful checking, errors infrequently occur and we request that you check this proof for accuracy. TAXI’s liability is limited to replacing or correcting the disc from which this proof was generated. We cannot be responsible for your time, film, proofs, stock, or printing loss due to error.

From white snow to white sand. Book your clients to one of our 13 Caribbean destinations.

WestJet Vacations offers great packages to the Caribbean from Western Canada. Have your clients experience white sandy beaches, all inclusive resorts, non-stop activities or romantic getaways.

Our destinations include:

The Bahamas Nassau and FreeportCuba• Cayo Coco, Holguin and VaraderoDominican Republic• La Romana, Puerto Plata and Punta CanaBarbados• BridgetownJamaica• Montego BaySt. Martin/St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos•

Book today at westjetvacations.com or call us at 1 877 737 7002. WestJet Vacations is now available on SIREV.

WJV101064AB_C_Dec15.GSA.indd 1 12/3/09 3:25:13 PM

Transat Holidays unveiled the highlights of its Europe program for next year at a festive reception at a Vancouver nightspot last month. All packaged into one comprehensive, 180-page brochure, the new Europe 2010-2011 catalogue contains details on product from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton, including a new gateway from the west, new tours on the continent and more holiday combinations. And to top it all off, Transat Holidays and Nolitours have introduced an attractive loyalty program for travel agents. Beginning June 18, Transat will introduce direct weekly A330 flights from Vancouver to Athens, with a stop in Rome. This new route brings the charms of the Aegean Sea closer than ever to Western Canadians.In addition to Greece, Transat Holidays will re-introduce flights from Vancouver to Madrid and Barcelona. Also from the west, it will offer flights to and land packages in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK. Greece: A complete menu of options will be offered in Greece, including escorted land tours, stay-puts in Athens, car rentals, and hotel packages at the seaside and on the various islands. Also offered are island cruises, and a four-country 16-day cruise that includes Greece, Turkey, Egypt and Israel. This Voyage to Antiquities program combines a land package with the cruise. UK: City stays are offered in the UK, including two-city packages, such as a six-day Edinburgh/Glasgow combination. A London/Paris combo is also available, with transfers on the Euro Star. Cruises are available with NCL, Celebrity, RCCL and MSC. Germany: City stays in Germany include Frankfurt and Munich, including a combo stay that combines time in both of these cities. A new eight-night Romantic Germany program includes visits to five cities, beginning in Frankfurt and ending in Munich. The Netherlands: Transat Holidays is offering a seven-night stay in Amsterdam with day tours that explore the many charms of this tiny country from coast to dyke to canal and back. Also offered from Amsterdam are 12 and 11-night sailings with Celebrity Cruises, MSC and Costa Cruises. France: Transat Holidays has developed a new program in France in conjunction with Uniworld Cruises. This river cruise travels roundtrip from Paris to Normandy, offering seven nights on board and six shore excursions. Another new program is the seven-night Wine and Castle land tour through Burgundy. Paris is also offered for city stays, with excursions.

Italy: Coach tours are offered in Italy, including a new 14-night Bernini tour from Rome to Florence, Venice, San Marino, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.Also new is a seven-night Roman Week, which spends seven days exploring this ancient city and includes all breakfasts and transportation. Also new in Italy is a 14-night Compania Delight, which spends 12 nights in Agropoli near Naples, plus two nights in Rome. Other options include stay-puts on the seacoast. For those who want to get wed in the romantic hills of Tuscany, Transat Holidays now offers wedding packages to this region, with stays in villas or country homes. Check out Transat Holidays’ new Weddings Away packages, which simplifies the process with four distinct, affordable wedding options, ranging from $300 to $1,000. A la carte accommodation is also offered. Spain: Transat Holidays is returning to Spain this year with city packages in Madrid and Barcelona, as well as seaside packages on the Costa Del Sol. Mediterranean cruises will also be available from Barcelona. Air Transat will also enhance its service from Canada to Europe next year. Starting May 1, all passengers will have a choice of three hot meals, with a glass of wine. Passengers will also be able to check in online, between two and 24 hours before their flight, for departures from most Canadian airports. Club Class, with its upgraded seats and choice of gourmet meals, priority check in and additional baggage allowance, is also available.www.transatholidays.com

Transat Holidays plans summer in Europe

Bonbon a big treat for TCs Nolitours and Transat Holidays have launched a new loyalty pro-gram for Canadian travel agents. With Bonbon, Nolitours and Transat Holidays now offer cash rewards for packages, coach tours, cruises, flights, car rentals or a la carte accommo-dation sold by travel agents. Participating agents will receive a personalized prepaid MasterCard, and rewards will be deposited directly into their accounts as real dollars. The pro-gram eliminates the collection of points or a rewards catalogue, by offering real dollars. Bonbon members don’t have to do any follow up, as rewards will automatically be deposited into their Bonbon account following the final payment for each file. Agents will be able to sign up for the program or get more informa-tion.www.bonbon.trucash.com

Groups dealTransat Holidays has enhanced its groups offer for those booking a group tour to Europe next summer. Bookings made by Dec 31, 2009 will qualify for a $100 pp discount on air only. Bookings made by March 31, qualify for a $50 pp discount. In addition, packages booked by Jan 31, will qualify for a $150 pp discount, and if booked by March 31, they’ll qualify for a $100 pp discount. Also, the 16th passenger flies and stays free. email: [email protected]

Hosting a gala reception for travel agents in Vancouver recently at the launch of Transat Holidays and Nolitours’ new Europe program was Paula Rizos, commercial director, Western Canada, who introduced Vassillis Sakellaris, president of TourGreece, Transat’s land partner in Athens, as a special guest.


BE

ST

WI

SH

ES

and the sweetest of holiday seasons

VTH-09-304 infographiste graphiste coordonnateur anglais francais

Initiales: Initiales: Initiales: Initiales: Initiales: Initiales:

Date: / /2009 Date: / /2009 Date: / /2009 Date: / /2009 Date: / /2009 Date: / /2009 J M A J M A J M A J M A J M A J M A

GSA.indd 1 11/27/09 9:37:48 AM

Occidental Hotels has resumed manage-ment of the Allegro Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Formerly Holiday Village Golden Beach Puerto Plata, this picturesque property has been re-designed as a family resort with a separate, exclusive area for couples and adults. Located just 15 minutes from the International Airport Gregorio Luperon, Allegro Puerto Plata has 271 rooms in 73 villas.

The Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada has appointed Canlink of Toronto as its mar-keting representative in Canada. This elegant upscale resort offers 64 suites, a fitness center, gourmet restaurant, pool, tennis court and children’s activity center.www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com

The Bahamas has launched a new Visitor Assistance Program in Nassau, where tour-ism ambassadors wander the streets to help visitors. On Tues, Frid and Sat – peak tourism days in Nassau due to cruise ship arrivals – tourism ambassadors serve as a resource for travelers, providing information and instruc-tions on how to find various attractions or restaurants. All ambassadors can be identi-fied by bright green vests marked “Ask Me.”

USVI eyes Canada for more visitors The US Virgin Islands has introduced a new logo, the Mocko Jumbie, along with a new marketing and branding campaign U.S. Virgin Islands tourism officials explained that the campaign is designed to symbolize the “unscripted vacation experi-ence” delivered by three distinct islands and a variety of unique experiences. The Mocko Jumbie logo originated in West Africa and is a popular character at cultural events in the islands. The idea to rebrand fol-lowed market research that indicated that travelers are now looking for something other than a “cookie-cutter” Caribbean vacation. In conjunction with the new campaign, the USVI has Canlink of Toronto as its travel industry representative in Canada. Founded in 1994 by Elaine Carnegie, Canlink is provid-ing sales, marketing and public relations strategies to market the USVI to the travel industry, including the meeting and incentive sector, tour operators and travel agencies. The USVI Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty noted at the time that: “The U.S. Virgin Islands’ Canadian business has increased by 40% year-to-date and we believe the time is right to strengthen our presence in the market.” Canadian visitors to the USVI totaled 6,000

in 2007, the last year for which stats are publicly available, and that was a 14% increase over 2006. Canadians account for about 10% of the total visitor arrivals. In response to her appointment to repre-sent the islands, Carnegie said: “Canlink is thrilled to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands. This multi-faceted destination has so much to offer Canadians and we are truly looking forward to ensuring it is always front-and-center in the minds of both the Canadian travel industry and the traveling public.” The three islands consist of St. Croix, a laid-back island with a Danish influence, with quaint streets and 18th Century sugar mills; St John, a nature lovers’ paradise, with two-thirds of its land held as a protected national park; and St Thomas, with its colorful, lively streets of duty free shops and restaurants. Among the historical treasures is the 18th Century Whim Plantation on St Croix, a great-house built of stone, coral and molasses, with a restored windmill and sugary refinery. On St John, the 1780 Annaberg Plantation is a sprawling stone ruin interlaced by hiking trails. A stroll through the ruins gives visitors an idea of the sugar refining process that drove the economy of this island for many decades. www.VisitUSVI.com


©2009 United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

800.372.USVI

Lost: Multitasker

Found: Mermaid

Help your clients discover the

dreams that lie within them.

You Unscripted

USVI_12.08.09_7x4.917_GSA Travel.indd 1 12/8/09 11:20 AM

MAZATLANRIU EMERALD BAY ��

All-Inclusive, Hotel Room, Only from SunquestMon., Jan. 25, 7 nts.$987 +$173 tax

MAZATLANEL CID CASTILLA BEACHHOTEL ��+

All-Inclusive, Pool View Room,Mon., Jan. 25, 7 nts.$817+$173 tax

LOS CABOSRIU SANTA FE��

All-Inclusive, Hotel Room,Only from SunquestMon., Jan. 25, 7 nts.$1127+$173 tax

PUERTO VALLARTAFRIENDLY HOLA VALLARTA��

All-Inclusive, Hotel Room,Sun., Feb. 7, 7 nts.$1197+$263 tax

Vancouver departures via Air Transat, Skyservice or WestJet. Prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy and available at press time. All offers are capacity controlled, subject to change and apply to new bookings only.For full product information and terms & conditions, see our Sunquest Southern Sun 2009/2010 brochure or visit Sunquest.ca. Sunquest, 75 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4P 3A4. BC Reg#2597-6. 23705

There’s never been a better time to go to Mexico: prices are at an alltime low while the value remains at an all time high!

Go for the romance, the open-hearted people, the stunning beaches,exciting nightlife, and that wonderful feeling of welcome that weCanadians so love about Mexico.

You’re ready. They're ready. Time to go!

For more information visit SunquestAgent.ca

23705 GSA SQ MGTO Dec15:Layout 12/8/09 5:19 PM Page 1

WestJet Vacations is offering eight property choices for those who choose St Martin/St Maarten. Among the offers is the Alamanda Resort, a 42-room WestJet Vacations’ exclu-sive property where continental breakfast is included. Children under 12 stay free with parents when booking a two-bedroom duplex. For those who prefer an all-inclusive stay, the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort offers all meals and drinks.

Signature in St KittsSignature Vacations has contracted with a number of hotel resorts in St Kitts and Nevis. Five properties are offered on St Kitts and one, the Oualie Beach Resort, is located on the island of Nevis, a 45-minute ferry ride from Charlestown, the ferry dock on St Kitts. The Oualie Beach is a 32-room property with special diving packages, and a kids’ play-ground and babysitting services.

Dominica’s Carnival will take place Feb 15 and 16, when the streets and venues are filled with locals and tourists enjoying the local and tradi-tional song, dance, drama, poetry and music in a variety of competi-tions, performances and street ac tiv-ities. Events include the National Queen Show, the Junior Calypso Mon arch, Carnival Street Jump Up, National Carnival Costume Street Parade and a traditional masquerade competition.

Atlantis offers new programs Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas, which features the world’s largest open-air marine habitat, has introduced three new programs that give guests the opportunity to closely interact with giant manta rays and sea lions, along with the more than 50,000 other marine animals. The new 60-minute Snorkel with the Mantas interactive program allows up to eight guests at a time the chance to snorkel the Ruins Lagoon, alongside giant manta rays, zebra sharks, jacks, snappers and hun-dreds of schools of tropical fish. Rates start at US$79 per person and participants must be at least eight years old, with children ages 11 and under accompanied by a participat-ing adult.

The new Sea Lion Interaction program offers face-to-face moments with the play-ful and curious sea lions, and an in-water interactive experience in a private pool at their state-of-the-art home in Dolphin Cay. Participants of all ages are invited to join the animals in their habitat, with prices starting at $81 pp. The new Aquarist for a Day program was designed for guests who want a hands-on experience under the guidance of Atlantis’ expert marine aquarists – preparing food for the fish, performing water quality tests and working in the fish hospital. Prices for Aquarist for a Day start at $184 per person.www.atlantis.com

The Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort is offering an Unlimited Golf package, through to March 1. It includes a luxury room with a balcony and unlimited golf and cart at Cable Beach Golf Club. The 694-room resort is located on a 1,000-foot stretch of beach, and boasts three freshwater pools with water-falls, six restaurants and lounges. Rates for high season from Jan 1 start at $429 and require a minimum two-night stay for two.www.sheraton.com/nassauoffers

The 2010 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival will be held Jan 24-30, and will feature the likes of Roy Ayers, Jon Secada, Third World, Monty Alexander and Lady Saw.

Grenada is offering a Grenada Master Specialist program for agents interested in learning more about this island nation. Graduates will be eligible for booking rewards and will receive fam trip priority. Grads also earn two CITC credits upon graduation. www.tauniv.com

Air Canada Vacations is offering a one-week stay at the Cancun Royal Solaris in Cancun in January from Calgary from $939 plus $250 tax pp dbl. Edmonton to Jamaica is also available in January from $1489 plus $262 tax pp dbl, for a stay at the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach.


Our new Latin America travel planner

1.888.469.2955 www.goway.com

COMING SOON February 2010

by

Featuring: Ecuador Costa Rica Brazil Argentina Chile Panama Guatemala Peru Honduras Belize Antarctica

Icelandair has updated its website for travel agents. Pages have been redesigned with accessibility in mind, highlighting Icelandair flights and packages. Travel agents can sign up to use the online booking engine and receive 10% commission on packages and land only bookings. Links also include information regarding group bookings, meeting and conference incentives as well as industry discounts.www.icelandair.ca/travel-agents/sales-offices email: [email protected]

Celebrity Cruises is now offering passengers all-inclusive beer and alcohol packages. The unlimited Beer Package starts at US$34.50 per night, The Classic Liquor Package, at $51.50 per night; a Premium Liquor Package, at $76 per night; and a frozen drink package.

Globus visits Eastern Med Globus has put three of its most popular itineraries to Greece and Turkey on sale for all of 2010. Travellers can save up to $1,160 per couple when they book their trip by the end of this year for any departure next year. One of the offers covers a cruise and land stay. The cruise portion of the seven-day Aegean Legends’ tour visits Crete, Patmos, Kusadasi and Mykonos over three days; while the Jewels of the Aegean features the same ports of call on its four-day cruise, plus a stop in Rhodes. For a longer vacation, there is an 11-day Splendors of Greece and Turkey tour that adds a stop in Istanbul during its seven-day cruise. These Globus vacations feature cruising on the Louis Cruise Lines’ MTS Cristal or Aquamarine, both spacious ships featuring a swimming pool, casino, beauty salon, and, on board the Cristal, a spa and large duty-free shopping area.www.globusjourneys.ca

Fly to BermudaWestJet will begin seasonal non-stop service from Toronto to Bermuda, effective May 2010. Bermuda is a small, 54-sq-mile island located in the middle of the Atlantic, about 650 miles east of North Carolina. The flight from Toronto takes about two and three-quarters of an hour.

Silk Holidays is offering a 15-day holiday in Bali from Vancouver, with air, accommodation, some sightseeing, a massage and a bottle of wine, from $1499 pp dbl in February and March, or $1549 in January.

Signature Vacations has awarded the Grand Prize in its Everyone’s a Winner agent promotion to Rosemarie Herscovitch of CAA Manitoba, Empress Street location in Winnipeg. She is seen here with Corwin Kostenchuk, Signature Vacations’ sales manager for Central Canada


signaturevacations.com

Happy Holidaysfrom Signature Vacations!

Signature Vacations, a division of First Choice Canada Inc., Suite 402A, 4211 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 1Z6. BC Reg #3043.

11195_GSA_Dec15_half_Holiday Greetings.indd 1 12/4/09 3:59:56 PM

Big Five adds safari in Galapagos Big Five Tours & Expeditions offers new options in the Galapagos that include a Safari Camp, which features eight luxury safari tents perched on a hill in the high-lands of Santa Cruz Island. All tents have a balcony with views of the area and the ocean. Each tent has a private bathroom, with hot shower, while the main room offers a fireplace, dining room, and an infinity pool. The eight-day Galapagos Safari Camp Discovery program offers an in-depth exploration of Santa Cruz Island that includes local villages and Garrapatero, one of the most exotic beaches in the islands which features black lava, pioneer cacti, white sand and a turquoise sea. Also on the tour is Tortuga Bay, and a mangrove lagoon ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The island is home to the renowned Charles Darwin Foundation, with its tor-toise breeding center. Big Five also offers a new eight-day

Galapagos Safari Camp Diving program with an emphasis on scuba diving at vari-ous island sites such as North Seymour, an area known for its colony of garden eels as well as sea turtles, sea lions, fur seals, eagle rays, yellow-tailed grunts, big-eyed jack, and frequently white tip reef sharks and hammerheads. Another option is Beagle Island south of Santiago Island, an ideal spot for beginner and intermediate divers. It offers an under-sea wall covered with black coral and sea fans. The waters off Gordon Islands are world famous for divers of intermediate or expert skills. The Galapagos Safari Camp price begins at US$2750 pp dbl and includes accom-modation, all meals, sightseeing tours, and guides. The scuba package, which starts at $2790 pp dbl, also includes six dives, complete dive gear, transport to and from dive sites and towel service.800-244-3483 • www.galapagos.com

Nolitours is offering air only to Costa Rica from Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, from Dec 22 to April 27, from $797 plus tax. An all-inclusive package for one week at the Allegro Papagayo in Liberia, Costa Rica is priced from $1097 pp dbl plus tax.

TACA Airlines is offering three flights per week from Toronto to Lima, Peru, operating Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Transat Holidays is offering January and February getaways from Calgary, as fol-lows; a one-week all-inclusive stay at the Puerto Vallarta Palladium Vallarta is avail-able from $848 pp dbl; at the Hotetur Palma in Varadero, Cuba from $898; and at the Allegro Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, from $948.

Sunquest Vacations is now offering the 701-room Riu Guanacaste Hotel in Costa Rica, which opened on Matapalo Beach on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The hotel offers 24-hour, all-inclusive service and four restaurants. The hotel also features a large swimming pool for adults with a built-in Jacuzzi and a pool for children, with a play-ground and mini-club. There is also a spa, gym, sauna and Jacuzzi.

WestJet Vacations’ Yehudi Alman, direc-tor of product, proudly displays the Golden Deer Award he picked up recently up at the annual Gran Fiesta Amigos de Mazatlan when WestJet was named Canadian Airline of the Year at the awards festival in Mazatlan.


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Anderson Vacations is continuing to offer 15% commission to all travel Agents on all South Pacific land Packages until December 31st!

subject to change

NEW AT .... Air Canada Vacations is Philippe Blain who has been appointed to the position of Director, Product Development. In his new role, Blain will be responsible for developing Air Canada Vacations’ international product to Europe, Asia, South America and the South Pacific. Blain has 20 years experience in the travel industry, including owning and operating his own travel agency, Kiwi Travel International, and founding Boomerang Tours.

TAKING OVER .... as VP at WestJet Vacations is Chris Avery, who was previously VP revenue and planning at the Calgary-based company. He is responsible for the continued growth and development of WestJet Vacations, which is only three and one-half years old. Avery joined WestJet in 2005 and worked in several key positions before becoming VP, Revenue and Planning. His airline experience spans more than 17 years, and includes postings with Alaska Airlines, Canadian Airlines, Transat Holidays and Fiesta West, which is now Signature Vacations.

UP THERE .... Flight Centre has, for the eighth consecutive year, been named as one of the Best Companies to Work For in BC, as judged by BC Business magazine. This year, the company placed eighth overall for companies with more than 100 employees and was the only travel company in the top 10 in this category. “We are extremely pleased with this ranking ....” said Flight Centre president Greg Dixon.

COLLECTING TOYS .... More than 7,500 WestJetters collected and are currently distributing more than 2,400 toys during the annual WestJet Cares for Kids Toy Drive. The toys are being delivered this month to 29 children’s hospitals and pediatric wards in 27 cities across Canada

JOINING .... Goway Travel is Wendy Schaber who has been appointed Business Development Manager for Alberta and Saskatchewan, based in Alberta. Schaber has 22 years industry experience, including managing a small independent agency, and working with American Express Vacation Travel, specializing in luxury, customized and International destinations. She can be contacted at 800-387-8850 ext: 6310 or via email at [email protected]

MATCHING FUNDS .... that’s what Anderson Vacations handed over to Tourism Cares recently. The cheque for $2546.74 represents donations from Anderson’s clients, plus a matching sum from Anderson CEO Corey Marshall. Tourism Cares is dedicated to helping preserve historical, cultural and natural sites around the world, including employing volunteer days and clean-up programs, scholarships for students in Travel and Tourism, hands-on industry experience for students, grants to different sites around the world and the Save Our Sites Program.

AMONG THE BEST .... The four-star boutique hotel Magnolia Hotel & Spa in Victoria has been named as one of Canada’s top 30 hotels in the 22nd annual CondéNast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

Stepping down as secretary of the Executive Travel Network in Van-couver is Lorraine Bullock, GM Specialty Insurance for BCAA, who is seen here with Claire Rottare of Insight Vacations, president of the ETN.

Travel Masters picked up a number of awards at the recent Ensemble conference in Banff. Seen here receiving an award for top sales in Western Canada from Christy King (C), sales representative, Transat Holidays, Vancouver, were Neil McMahon, CEO, Travel Masters, and Jackie Seaton (R), Accounting Support, Travel Masters. Travel Masters was also named as one of the top 25 Ensemble agencies in Canada.

Wendy Schaber


Anderson Vacations is Your One Stop Travel Solution For:

TourisM BC/Toshi Kawano

Anderson VAcAtions#301, 1117 – 1st street sw, Calgary, alberta T2r 0T9 [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

1.866.814.7378www.canadatravelsolution.com

ottawa city stay3 Days/ 2 nights •independentsample package includes:•2 nights accommodation•national art Centre Theatre •Ticket3 Course Dinner at Cornerstone •restaurant

Prices starting from

$325 (Pricing is per person, double occupancy, plus taxes)

Québec city stay

3 Days/ 2 nights •independentsample package includes:•2 nights accommodation•a rendez-Vous with history City •Tour or old Québec walking Tour3 Course Dinner in the heart of •old Québec



Carnaval! Winterlude!outaouais stay

3 Days/ 2 nights • independentsample package includes:•2 nights accommodation•Moonlight snowshoeing (including •dinner at L’orée du bois)Your choice of: Dogsledding or a •relaxation Massage



Bal de neige!

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Touring the gardens of India Gardening Tours is offering an Incredible India tour March 3-15 that combines tours of gardens with views of monuments and historical traditions. The tour is roundtrip from Delhi, where a visit is planned to the Mughal gardens, as well as to Humayun’s Tomb, which includes gardens, fountains and water and the Lotus Shaped Bahai Temple, which is also surrounded by pools representing the float-ing leaves of the lotus. Also on the agenda is Lodhi Garden, known for its fountains, ponds, flowering trees, shrubs and glass dome.

Agra and the Taj Mahal are also on the agenda, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, a city built in red sandstone by Emperor Akbar to commemorate the birth of his son 400 years ago. Next on the tour is Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’, which was colour-washed pink to welcome Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, when he visited in 1883. More gardens are on the tour, before a flight to Jodhpur and on to Udaipur. Cost is $4,995 land only and the tour is restricted to 10 people.www.gardeningtours.com

Real Resorts’ Royal Playa del Carmen has added 44 suites in the upper and deluxe categories, in addition to a new restaurant, a coffee bar, and a junior-Olympic pool. Each of the five Presidential Suites offers 360 degree views and has a roof top terrace withprivate plunge pool.

Hola Sun’s winter program is offering the Oasis Playa Varadero 1920 on the Hicacos Peninsula in Varadero, Cuba, new this year. Amenities include a buffet restaurant, three a la carte restaurants – Italian, International and a steak house, a selection of national and international drinks 24hours per day, light snack service 24 hours per day, daily activi-ties (tennis, volleyball, aqua gym, non-motor-ized water sports), nightly entertainment and Mini Club for children ages four to 12. www.holacaribeagent.ca


The Irish Tourist Board hosted Vancouver travel agents recently at a pre-sentation designed to boost group travel to the Emerald Isle. Hosting the gathering was Judith Cassidy (L), manager Canada, Tourism Ireland, Toronto, seen here with Michael Morrow, TPI Travel, Kelowna, and Katie Caroll, trade and online promotions executive, Tourism Ireland, Toronto.

Representing the Globus family of brands at the Ireland presentation was Tony Wicks, business development executive, Vancouver, who is seen here with Sharleen Dixon, Travel Masters, White Rock.

Sherry Steeves of Prime Time Travel, West Vancouver got the full low down on commissionable product in Ireland from Jim Kelly, VP sales from C.I.E. Tours Ireland, Toronto.

Ryan Killin of FCM Travel Solutions, Vancouver, found time to meet up with Sandra Cornish, area sales manager, BMI, Vancouver.

Presenting product from Trafalgar Tours was Nick Coward (L), seen here meeting with Chris Walden, TPI, Richmond, and Mandy Luk, of Fairview CruiseShip Centre, Vancouver.


Free seasonal festivities in San Diego San Diego offers a slew of free things to do this winter from wit-nessing traditional holiday parades and festivals to the viewing of migrating California gray whales along the Pacific coast. Some activi-ties and events include: Blues, rock and R&B music in part of the Blue Christmas in the Gaslamp Quarter on Dec 10 in downtown San Diego’s historic neigh-borhood. Live musical performances take place at 10 venues in Gaslamp Quarter, and admission is free. www.gaslamp.org Old Town State Park is decked out for the holidays during Fiesta Navidad Dec 12-15. Guests can learn how residents celebrated the holidays in the 1800s while enjoying candlelight tours, holiday sing-ers, live performances and complimentary refreshments. www.oldtownsandiegoguide.com/events “Whoville” decorations light up the plaza outside The Old Globe theatre in Balboa Park through to Dec 27 to coincide with the theatre’s annual holiday production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! www.balboapark.org The 38th Annual Port of San Diego Parade of Lights in San Diego Bay on Dec 13, features more than 100 private boats decorated with holiday lights. Great views are available on dry land from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Marina Park and Coronado’s Ferry Landing. www.sdparadeoflights.org Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade is held on Dec 13 in downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter. Owners and their dressed-up pets march down the decorated streets of the neighborhood, ending at a Pet Expo featuring an award-ceremony for best-dressed pups.www.gaslamp.org Big Bay Balloon Parade, the country’s largest balloon parade, takes place Dec 30. Floats, balloons and marching bands are just some of the offerings in this colorful holiday parade along San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego. www.holidaybowl.com Poinsettia Bowl Battle of the Bands takes place in the Gaslamp Quarter on Dec 21. Kicking off two days prior to the annual Poinsettia Bowl, which is played in San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium, bands rep-resenting the two Bowl football teams line up at opposite ends of Fifth Avenue in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter and face-off in an old fashion battle of the bands. www.gaslamp.org For more “free fun things to do” visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau.619-236-1212 • www.sandiego.org

HAL cruises new routes in Australia Holland America Line will feature new itineraries throughout the Southern Hemisphere in 2010 aboard the 1,432-guest ms Volendam, including, for the first time, a circumnavigation of Australia departing Sydney. The 34-day sailing will spend two days cruising the Great Barrier Reef, visiting 18 ports along the way. In addition, a new series of 14-day cruises roundtrip from Sydney will explore Australia’s and New Zealand’s diverse landscapes. And, in the spring of 2010, Volendam will sail the South Pacific on a leisurely 26-day cruise, visiting some of the world’s most captivating islands from Sydney north to Vancouver. The Sydney to Vancouver 26-day cruise departs March 14, 2010 and visits Noumea and Ile des Pins, New Caledonia; Port Vila, Vanuatu; the Fijian islands of Lautoka, Viti Levu, and Levuka. From Fiji, Volendam will cross the Equator and International Date Line, continuing to Apia, the capital of Samoa before spending five days at sea before sailing around Hawaii, calling at Nawiliwili, Kauai; Honolulu, Oahu; Lahaina, Maui and Hilo. The ship then departs for Vancouver. Fares for this 26-day South Pacific cruise start at $2,699.


One Solution. Infinite Possibilities.

1.800.668.2566 www.ContacServices.com

Contac Services is best known in the travel industry for its distribution and fulfil lment of collateral and also for e-Contac.com, an online travel resource site exclusively for travel agents. Developed over the last 30 years, the company’s renowned reputation for expertise and excellence in the logistics arena is unrivalled.

Experiencing a surge of growth in 2009, Contac welcomed dozens of new clients, added several key members to its board of advisors and management team, and also moved its headquarters from Water Street to an expanded space in the historic Sun Tower on Pender Street in Vancouver. Contac has added several new products and services, including eConcierge (described below), Contac Entertainment, Contac Photo Books, and Contac Procurement Platforms.

“The Contac Procurement Platform is aimed at helping businesses enhance procurement processes, reduce costs and overhead, and increase efficiencies and customer service,” noted Riaz Pisani, President and CEO for Contac Services. This platform has been adopted by major travel agency chains such as Ensemble Travel, Flight Centre and TPI; and large non-travel franchises such as M&M Meat Shops and Cara Operations Limited to handle their supply chain management. In addition, Grand & Toy introduced this platform to their clients under the name of Online Brand Manager, powered by Contac, which is available at www.GrandandToy.com.

One of Contac’s major milestones in 2009 was the completion of the revolutionary eConcierge™ program for the travel industry. eConcierge is a personalized marketing platform utilizing the power of PURLs (personalized URLs), with variable, digitally printed resource booklets. The product debuted with WestJet Vacations and combined relevant, tailored communications with increased revenue generating opportunities. eConcierge has since been positioned to enable travel agents to provide a valuable service to their clients.

“Agents have the opportunity to earn additional revenue with the sales of excursions through Contac Entertainment, merchandise, car rentals, photo books and more. PURLs can also be shared with friends on Facebook and other social networks creating a viral marketing program and perpetual revenue stream for the agent,” said Pisani.

eConcierge will be deployed across Canada and globally in the coming year. Contac is also evaluating various worldwide opportunities for the eConcierge platform in the travel, entertainment and hospitality verticals.

“Looking ahead toward 2010, I foresee the travel industry becoming more intent on streamlining back-office processes, developing more personalized communications with clients, creating new recurring revenue streams, driving incremental bookings, and utilizing technology to provide value to travellers to make their holiday the trip of a lifetime,” said Pisani.

Contac’s suite of products and services provides cost-effective solutions for 2010:

• eConciergeandtravelmarketing–PURLs,resourcebookletsand 1to1 communications

• ContacEntertainment,TravelGearStore,ContacPhotoBooksandLonelyPlanetShop–allavailableonwww.e-Contac.com

• ProcurementPlatforms–onlinesitesthatenableseamless supply chain management

• DigitalandOffsetPrinting• LogisticsandWarehousing

Air Canada Vacations has awarded five travel agents with 100,000 Aeroplan Miles for correctly answering a questionnaire on ACV’s product. One of those winners was Jennifer Whitechurch (L), of BelAir Travel, Winnipeg, who is seen here with Judy Munden, area sales manager with Air Canada Vacations.

Another winner in the ACV Half a Million contest was Karen Bowler of Marlin Travel, St John, BC, who is seen here with Michael Gilmore, Air Canada Vacations, Area Sales Manager.

Intro cruiseAvalon by Globus is offering a new European river cruise next year designed to introduce clients to river cruising. This five-day sailing between Vienna and Budapest is called a “The Taste of the Danube.” Other new itiner-aries include a 14-day Upper Rhine cruise between Zurich and Vienna, a nine-day Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches, and a 13-day Christmastime in Germany and Austria program. www.agentlingo.ca

EncoreCruise Escapes globally EncoreCruise Escapes offers cruises to and through some of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, as well as to some of the more remote and lesser known desti-nations. Next summer, for example, it will offer a seven-night cruise to Greenland on Hurigruten’s MS Fram. The program begins in Krangerlussuaq in Greenland and sails to the fishing port of Sissimiut, and on to Qeqe-ruertarsuaq, home of Copenhagen Uni-

versity’s Arctic Station, as well as herds of musk oxen. The cruise continues to Ilulissat, where icebergs are prevalent. This cruise departs July 29, Aug 5 and Aug 12. For something a little more traditional, CruiseEscapes offers Caribbean sailings from Miami, in conjunction with Fun Sun and Intair. These programs on the Carnival Liberty are available early next fall, with early saver rates offered.

Air Canada Vacations is offering flight and four nights in London in January, from Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, from $767 plus $483 tax pp dbl.

Link to the EastSkylink offers agents an easy way to book flights on any of 20 airlines to India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh, through its India Desk Specialist. www.skylinkcanada.com

Bali Hai Golf Course on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip is near Mandalay Bay and across the street from McCarran International Airport. This public course features more than 2,500 palm trees, and a course accent-ed with black volcanic rock and white sand, as well as numerous water fixtures, from ponds to slow-running streams and water-falls. It plays to 7,000 yards or 5,511 yards, whatever your preference. Rates range from US$110 to nearly $300 in peak times.

Cruise West has developed several new itineraries for the spring of 2010. Voyages of the Great Explorers will circumnavigate the world in 335 days, traveling west from Singapore on March 5, 2010.


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Alaska expertPrincess Cruise Lines’ Princess Academy has introduced a new Alaska Expert Certification online training program for agents. The course will help agents boost their Alaska knowledge, and their sales. Graduates are also eligible for bonus com-mission coupons and a chance to win an Alaska cruisetour. 800-421-1700www.onesourcecruises.com

Globus heads south Globus has added two new Southern US itineraries to its selection of North American escorted tours. The new Southern Delights is designed for those who want to explore the unique culture and distinctive cuisine of the deep south. The nine-day itinerary takes clients into Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama and includes visits to such iconic southern locales as New Orleans, Biloxi and Baton Rouge. The itinerary includes a Choose your Own Experience option, whereby clients select the tour they want to take in any given city from among several offered. Such as a Paddlewheel excursion on the Mississippi, an Anne Rice Vampire Tour tak-ing in New Orleans’ haunted side, or a Hurricane Katrina Tour, allowing visitors get a better understanding of events pre and post Katrina and the “Rebirth of New Orleans”. A special departure April 22 next year also takes in the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Also new is the San Antonio Escape, a five-day program based in San Antonio that includes a day at a dude ranch and an excur-sion to Hill Country. It also includes the Alamo and the pic-turesque River Walk in downtown San Antonio. www.agentlingo.ca

The Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, AZ is offering a winter getaway package that offers the third night free when two nights are booked. In addition, resort credits ranging from $100 to $500 are offered, depending on the time and length of stay. And when booked through a travel agent, guests receive complimentary break-fasts, every day of their stay. www.icmonelucia.com

Criminal Records RemovalBy Dean Rideout , BDM, Pardon Services Canada Criminal Records are increasingly affect-ing travel to the U.S. and abroad, but they don’t have to. Every day, Canadians who have booked expensive travel packages are denied entry to the United States, often being detained for many hours, finger-printed and photo-graphed — all due to their long-forgotten criminal record. The first response of these disgruntled travelers is often to demand refunds from their travel agents, believing it was the agent’s responsibility to inform them of their travel limitations. The potential dam-age to the reputation of booking travel agencies is unfortunate and unnecessary. But asking a customer if they have a criminal record can be awkward and some-times, agents, rather than risk jeopardizing a sale or losing a client, don’t ask the ques-tion. However, it is important that clients know their rights and limitations before booking a trip. Consider using something like the fol-lowing statement:

“If you have a criminal record, you may be denied entry to the United Stated, and you are at risk when traveling abroad.” Fortunately, there is a solution. By mak-ing an application through Pardon Services Canada, Canadians can clear their criminal records once and for all. Agents can be proactive in building stronger customer relationships and expe-riences by telling clients and potential cus-tomers to contact Pardon Services Canada and take the first step towards total free-dom to travel. Pardon Services Canada has established a referral rewards program with travel agencies across North America. The pro-gram has been established to help travel agents build long-term clients and develop a passive income for individual travel agen-cies and independent travel agents. How Does it Work?• All Travel Agency and agents will be registered at www.pscaffilliates.ca. All travel agency managers will be assigned an affiliate ID number. • Pardon Services Canada will pay a 10%

commission on every pardon or waiver sold by the referring travel agency, a sum that will likely be between $50 and $100.• Pardon Services Canada will be supply-ing all travel agency locations with post card brochures with unique ID numbers to track sales back to each individual office with commissions paid monthly.• All travel agencies will be provided with Pardon Services Canada signature tags for outbound emails. If any client purchases a pardon through your email, you will be rewarded.• Pardon Services Canada will have a ban-ner link on the Travel Agencies Website and all sales commissioned will be rewarded based on the exact site.• Every month, cheques will be sent to agents based on referrals that come from their links. With an estimated 14% of all Canadians having some kind of criminal record, chances are you have one or two clients who could use this service. 604-685-7899 • 1-8-NOW-PARDON www.RemoveYourRecord.com


Sonaisali Island Resort Fiji has extended its Stay 3 Pay 2 package and the ‘Eat for Free’ deal through to next year. With the ‘Stay 3 Pay 2’ package, guests who stay for two nights receive a third nights’ stay, free of charge through June 15, 2010, with blackout dates over the Christmas and New Year period. Guests who book five nights or more qualify for the ‘Eat for Free’ deal, with com-plimentary meals provided throughout the entire stay. This offer is valid for sale and travel through March 31, 2011, with some blackout dates.

Pink Jeep in Death ValleyLas Vegas-based Pink Jeep Tours is now offering in-park tours of Death Valley. This new tour allows guests to visit the remote areas of the park too difficult for most vehi-cles to access. The tour includes Racetrack Playa, famous for its mysterious sliding rocks; Titus Canyon with its views at Red Pass, Charcoal Kilns and Mosaic Canyon; and West Side Road offering views of the valley rarely seen by visitors. Covering 3.3 million acres, Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states. www.pinkjeep.com

Active Journeys is offering kayaking camp-ing trips in Belize, departing Sundays until May 30. These seven-day programs include two lodge stays, and five nights camping, beginning in Placentia. The programs are

described as moderate and suitable for fami-lies. Cost is US$1595 pp and includes all gear and most meals. www.activejourneys.com

RCCL launches Oasis Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas has embarked on it maiden voyage in the Caribbean. The ship, the largest cruise ship afloat, is about 40% larger than any other cruise ship and can carry more than 6,000 passengers. It offers such innovative designs as inside-facing cabins and an open air amphitheatre. Its sheer size (16 decks high, 200 feet wide and with a draft of 30 feet) restricts the ship to only the largest ports in the world. As for amenities, the ship has it all. There are 37 bars, 24 cafes and restau-rants, 10,000 square feet of shops, and 21 swimming pools. The Oasis is divided into neighborhoods such as a Pool and Sports Zone; Central

Park, a landscaped area with boutiques and restaurants; The Royal Promenade with more restaurants and shops and a bar that moves slowly up and down between Deck 5 and 8. There’s also a Boardwalk with restaurants, bars, shops, rock-climb-ing walls, a theater and a carousel. In Entertainment Place, passengers will find a wide selection of clubs, lounges, a disco, a casino, a show lounge and an ice rink where shows are performed. There’s also a spa and fitness center and a Youth Zone. The ship is offering Eastern Caribbean sailings from Ft Lauderdale, sailing to St Thomas, St Maarten and the Bahamas. In the spring, it will introduce Western Caribbean sailings to Labadee, Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico.


Unique opportunity for independent agency owners

across regional CanadaFlight Centre is one of the world’s most exciting and fastest growing leisure travel companies with operations in more than 60 nations.

We are looking to grow our business in rural and regional Canada by aligning with quality independent agency owners.

Why make the move?

•Ouragentstellusthataligningtheirindependenttravelbusiness with our strong brand and industry-leading supplier contracts has assisted them to grow their business and make more money

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To arrange a confidential discussion or for more information, call 1 866 891 2189 or visit www.applyfirst.ca/job14685

Looking to buy a travel agency, IATA appointed, preferably in Vancouver, Burnaby or New West. Please contact me only with serious offers. My e-mail address is [email protected]

Established Downtown Vancouver IATA Agency is looking for FT and/or PT Senior Corporate/Leisure Agent. Must have experience with Apollo 3.5 and good computer skills. Competitive Salary and Benefits. Fax Resumes to 604-669-5840 or email [email protected]

Carlson Wagonlit Travel is a world leader in business travel management, partnering with large corporations as well as small and medium-sized companies. We are the proud recipients of the Top 100 Employer Award for three consecutive years.

We are currently seeking to fill the positions of Leisure Travel Counsellor based out of our Edmonton, AB branch. Positions for outside sales agents are also available throughout Alberta.

The successful candidate will have a post-secondary education related to the Travel Industry with a minimum of 3 years leisure travel experience. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills combined with excellent communication and customer service skills are essential. You should be team oriented, self-driven and a positive individual who is willing to join our energetic team. Knowledge and understanding of Sabre and Global Matrix would be an asset.

Interested candidates should forward their resume by December 23th, 2009 to: Lori Mohr, Branch Manager Email: [email protected]

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• KIDS STAY AND EAT FREE!! 2 kids ages 12 and under in Family Junior Suites and upper categories, and 3 kids in Gran Master Suites and Presidential Suites when sharing with 2 adults.• 40% special discount for teens (ages 13-17) in all suite categories.• “Resort Credit” of $100 USD for guests staying between December 24, 2009 and January 01, 2010 (6-night stay min). • Free Swim With Dolphins promotion has been extended thru 2010 when booking 5 nights or more in Junior Suites. Oceanfront and upper categories. Applies to one person in the suite. Additional occupants receive a 50% discount. • New! Special Kids mini front desk Check-in plus small bathrobes & slippers for kids in Family Junior Suites and upper categories.• New! Fabulous Oki® Splash Water Park featuring a 17th century pirate ship replicca, a middle-ages castle, multiple water slides and jet sprays. A fun water escape for kids and adults from four to 60. • New! Family Suites with direct access to Kid’s Club.• New! On-line check-in for guests, available 48 hrs. prior to arrival.• New! T-Zone with the most sophisticated video games for our 12-17 year old guests.• New! Real time beach webcam on-line at: www.RealResorts.com/Caribe_Real/Webcam

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Open Letter to ACTA membersBy David McCaig, President and COO, Association of Canadian Travel Agencies – ACTA

Dear ACTA Members, I believe it is time for the Retail Travel Industry Owners and Agents to take a hard look at the relation-ship that you have with Tour O p e r a t o r s /

Wholesalers/Cruise Lines. We will all benefit if the focus is on providing an exceptional experience for the travel consumer and we all have a role to play in making that hap-pen. We are stronger as partners than adversaries but for long term success, there must be a mutual respect and trust. ACTA members are of the view that the scales have tipped and that some travel industry partners are failing to recognize and properly compensate travel agencies for the role they play in the travel pur-chase. There are a number of questions that should be posed and issues that need to be reviewed. Some of those questions/issues are best addressed by ACTA; others need to be asked as part of determining your busi-ness strategies. 1. Fuel Surcharges Why is the fuel surcharge not typically part of the base fare? After all, is fuel not part of the total product cost. Why is it that most tour operators/whole-salers who do have a fuel surcharge have an identical fuel surcharge of $90? A $90 fuel surcharge that is not part of the base fare and is included under “taxes” and therefore is claimed not to be commis-sionable means that you have just had a 9% reduction in your commission on every

$1,000.00 sale. If you are paid 8%, that means a reduction of $7.20 pp $14.40 per couple. If you have a preferred relationship with one of your suppliers that pays you 15%, the net loss is $27 per couple! In this business of pennies, whether it is $14.40 or $27, how long can you stay in business losing that much money? What is the impact on your bottom line? It is in your best fiscal interest to seek out partners that include the costs of fuel in their base fares.2. Landing Fees Why are landing fees (not taxes) at any airport in any country not included in the base fare? Are they not also a part of the total product cost? 3. NCF Comparison I understand that there are legitimate port taxes that must be paid to ports but have you compared the non-commission-able fees (NCF’s) between cruise lines lately? You may be surprised at how the different business practices of the cruise lines can affect your bottom line. 4. Technology Did you know that search engines used by the travel industry prioritize product of all companies on the Base Fare, not the final price? Unfortunately, the result is that companies with less NCFs (and potentially better remuneration for you) end up lower down on the list. Your success hinges on knowing which companies include what in their base fare and seeking out those that compensate you fairly. You can change how your search engine displays your choice of product? 5. Taxes Is everything that is referred to as a “tax” truly a tax? If it is, is it being remitted to the appropriate taxing authority? If it is not, then should not that amount also be part of

the base fare? If the fee is truly a tax, why are some of the amounts charged as taxes on identical comparative competitor products differ-ent? Do suppliers realize the more they disclose the true taxes and do not pad them, the higher the credibility they will have when they lobby the governments to get them reduced and they will have travel agents and consumers aligned as one on their side! 6. Commissions ACTA will always advocate the imple-mentation of professional fees for those agencies providing a higher level of service at a market rate that ensures sustainability. However, commissions paid by tour opera-tors, wholesalers and cruise lines should properly compensate agencies that sell the product without having to charge a service fee. This practice will level the playing field between the retail distribution channel and the wholesaler online distribution system. On your behalf, ACTA will continue to press for answers to these questions. We encourage agencies to investigate the sup-pliers who work with you. Furthermore, which ones want to be your true partners? We value your updates, please keep us informed and provide us with your feed-back on this issue. Let us know about your positive and negative experiences. We will publicize and positively promote those companies that see the retail travel agency as an important link in travel distribution. And we will discourage practices that we believe are detrimental to a positive work-ing relationship between travel retailers and suppliers. Make your voice count!


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TRAVEL AGENTS COMMISSION 17% ON ELIGIBLE RATES

STAY & SKI AT SUN PEAKSThe Cahilty Lodge at Sun Peaks Resort is a family friendly condo style hotel with 190 rooms ranging from cozy traditional lodge rooms to spacious 3 bedroom suites. The Cahilty Lodge is proud to provide you with a smoke-free environment.

Steps from our front door is Sun Peaks Resort, offering snowboarding, skiing, cross country skiing, snow biking, terrain park, back country snowmobiling, dog sledding, and much more. There are plenty of shopping, art studios and spas to cater your every need.

ASK US ABOUT OUR SKI & BOARD PACKAGES

per person plus taxes

golf

Kaanapali Maui

3 or 7 nights deluxe condo accommodation2 or 4 rounds of golf including shared electric cartsPre-booked tee times at Royal Kaanapali / Kaananpali Kai and Kapalua Bay & Plantation (7 night / 4 round package)

at

January 3 to 31, 20103 nights, 2 rounds from $775 USD or 7 nights, 4 rounds from $1,742 USD

604-879-3770 [email protected] 0 0 - 2 6 7 8 W B r o a d w a yV a n c o u v e r , B C V 6 K 2 G 3

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VISIT US AT www.travelistamarketing.com31December 15, 2009 – January 11, 2010

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