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SURF’S UP FOR TOURISTS VISITING SYDNEY

IAN STALKER

Sydney-based Let’s Go Surfing is inviting those planning to vacation in Australia a chance to pick up some surfing skills, with the company’s Craig Wachholz saying riding waves is an iconic activity in his homeland.

“It’s what the locals do,” says Wachholz, in Toronto recently for a Goway Travel event promoting Australia and New Zealand.

And, adds Goway’s Shirley Rourke, taking part in local pursuits is attracting growing interest among Goway clients.

“It’s not about seeing a destination, it’s about experiencing it,” she told Travel Courier.

Goway brought dozens of Australian and New Zealand hoteliers and tourist board and airline representatives to the event, where they were able to meet with some 80 travel agents.

“Part of this is to really inspire travel agents to offer Downunder,” Rourke said. “The airfares have been been cheaper and there’s a choice of routes.

“Downunder is on everyone’s bucket list, but we need to take it off the bucket list and put it on the to-do list.”

The gathering used to showcase Australia alone, “but news of the event crossed the Tasman Sea and I had some Kiwi suppliers wanting to come so we invited them as well,” Rourke said.

The event was held at a time when Goway’s 50th anniversary is drawing nearer. The company plans to mark the half-century milestone with a lengthy promotion.

Rourke also noted that Goway has an special that offers agents travel in three separate periods this fall at special rates. Rates start at $2,449 per person (companion rates start at $3,099) and include return Bula Buddies airfare with Fiji Airways from Los Angeles to Sydney, then Brisbane to Los Angeles; Virgin Australia airfares from Sydney to Cairns to Brisbane; roundtrip transfers in Sydney and Cairns; four nights of four-star accommodations in Sydney; a city tour; a full-day Blue Mountains tour; four nights at a four-star hotel in Cairns; Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef cruise with lunch; and full-day Kuranda tour with Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail.

UPGRADE COMPLETE: ACV OFFERS AGENTS 5% BONUS

Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has completed phase one of its new Revelex Power Agent 5.0 cruise booking engine upgrade.

And, for a limited time, ACV is offering agents a 5% bonus commission when booking any cruise-only or cruise package using the new platform. Bookings are valid between Aug. 28 and Sept. 18 for travel through Dec. 31. The 5% bonus commission is only applicable on the cruise portion.

“Phase one of Revelex Power Agent 5.0 is an important milestone for us,” said Nino Montagnese, managing director at Air Canada Vacations. “The first phase of implementation focuses on the cruise component of the package.

The second phase, coming later in 2019, will allow agents to dynamically book air + cruise together.”

User-friendly, simple, and fast, the new Revelex Power Agent 5.0 platform allows agents to easily search for multiple cruise lines at one time. Users will immediately notice a larger and

easier to read booking screen, with pop-up reminders outlining terms and conditions related to rate codes. The new view also includes a right-margin display of the booking steps, and upgrade/downgrade selection buttons.

Travel agents will have access to shop, book and pay in one easy transaction.

EXCLUSIVE TRAVELBRANDS CRUISE OFFER

TravelBrands is making waves with an exclusive Asian cruise and land offer.

Until Sept. 30, travellers can plan an Asian cruise while enjoying savings, including a $250 air credit.

Plus, travel agents can earn 5x Loyalty Rewards points on qualifying bookings.

“Many Canadian travellers want to explore as much of Asia as possible when visiting,” says Nathalie Tanious, senior vice-president, TravelBrands. “That is why we believe this land and cruise offer is perfect for both travellers and agents. They can explore multiple places in Asia while saving and earning bonuses.”

The offer is a cruise and land package starting at $3,599. It includes transfers, excursions and accommodations in Singapore, an 11-night cruise, a free shore excursion in Bangkok, plus transfers, excursions and accommodations in Hong Kong. The trip is from Feb. 4-18, 2020.

The 11-night sailing is aboard the Norwegian Jade ship. The cruise visits multiple Asian countries including Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia.

Travellers who book before Sept. 30 will receive a $250 air credit per person. Agents will earn bonus Loyalty Rewards points.

www.travelbrandsaccess.com

SUNWING RETURNS TO SAULT STE. MARIE, NORTH BAY

Good news for residents of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. – Sunwing is returning for a 12th season and offering weekly flights to Varadero, Cuba for the first time.

Flights will operate weekly between Dec. 12 and April 9, 2020.

Travellers who take advantage of this new flight service can choose from a range of resorts for all ages, tastes and budgets. Families may pick Grand Memories Varadero, nestled on a calm stretch of beach with activities for everyone, including a kids club. Vacationers planning an adults-only getaway can stay at Melia Las Antillas. Iberostar Tainos is another popular choice in Varadero, with plenty of resort-offered activities like snorkelling and dance lessons.

Sun-seekers can also enjoy a host of benefits when they book their tropical getaway before Sept. 6 for travel between Dec. 18 and April 30, 2020. The tour operator is offering a package deal including a complimentary Price Drop Guarantee with up to $600 cash back per couple, reduced deposits of $50 per person, exclusive free perks on all new bookings to top-rated family and luxury resorts with the best price guaranteed and savings of up to 25% on select winter vacation packages.

Sunwing will also be returning to North Bay, Ont., with a new flight service to Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba.

Vacationers will be able to take advantage of weekly departures direct from North Bay Jack Garland Airport between Dec. 17 and April 7, 2020.

www.sunwing.ca

NEW VIDEO SHOWS OFF INNOVATIVE SCENIC ECLIPSE

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours has released a new video showing much of the interior of its Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse.

The video – see link at www.scenic.ca – provides the first preview inside Scenic Eclipse, featuring what’s described as ultra-luxury, design and innovation.

Guests can enjoy a choice of 10 included dining experiences, from alfresco meals in the Yacht Club, to casual fare in the Azure Bar & Café, Lumiere’s French haute cuisine and the exclusive Chefs Table degustation. The ship’s 114 suites, all with verandahs and private butler service, range in size from 345 sq. ft. Verandah Suites to the 2,645 sq. ft. two-bedroom Owners Penthouse Suite, with separate sleep, lounge and dining areas, spa bathroom and a large private terrace with Jacuzzi.

Other Eclipse features include the Senses Spa, two onboard six-guest helicopters and a six-guest submarine.

www.scenic.ca/request-a-brochure

MILLIONS OF AEROPLAN MILES UP FOR GRABS

Air Canada is celebrating the 35th anniversary of Aeroplan, and to mark 35 years of loyalty, Aeroplan is launching its biggest contest yet, with the opportunity for 45 members to win a total of 38.5 million miles.

Through Sept. 25, Aeroplan is offering members two ways to win.

Ten members will have the chance to win 3.5 million Aeroplan miles and make their dream bucket list trip a reality. In addition, 35 members will be able to win 100,000 miles. Members can register to enter the contest by going to aeroplan.com/35 and submitting their Aeroplan number.

To enter, members simply register their Aeroplan number at www.aeroplan.com/35 and share on social media.