Travel news advisors can use
G Adventures launches three new brochures for 2021, extends Cyber Sale
G Adventures has launched three new brochures for 2021 available for agents to digitally download. Two of the new brochures are themed in line with the small group adventure operator’s ‘18-to-Thirtysomethings’ and ‘National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures’ (featuring Journeys and Family Journeys) programmes. The third brochure, Earth, incorporates the Active, Classic, Family, Local Living, Marine, Rail and Wellness travel styles.
Many of the trips featured in the new 18-to-Thirtysomethings and Earth* brochures are also available in the company’s Cyber Sale, which is being extended until Dec. 6.
Included in both the sale and the new brochures are four updated Hawaii trips from the Classic and 18-to-Thirtysomethings travel styles, perfectly timed to coincide with the island state’s announcement that it has removed the quarantine on arrival for Canadian travellers.
Lauren Michell, VP of global marketing for G Adventures, says the vibrant new direction for the covers was motivated by a desire to reignite people’s passion for travel as they look to ‘retravel’ in 2021.
“With the global travel industry paused for the majority of 2020, we wanted to appeal to people’s sense of curiosity and wonder with our brochure covers for the year ahead. At first glance people will see a striking, textured image, but after taking a step back (or forward!) they will discover so much more,” says Michell. “The cover for 18-to-Thirtysomethings depicts a playful, colourful and energetic scene, much like the personality of the travel style and the travellers who experience it. Our Earth cover captures the natural beauty of our world, and for National Geographic Journeys we opted for an iconic wildlife shot aligned with National Geographic’s brand identity.”
New and updated itineraries featured in the new 2021 brochures and Cyber Sale include:
Rajasthan: Laneways & Local Villages – Plus – This 15-day 18-to-Thirtysomethings tour sees travellers exploring some of India’s most incredible kingdoms, cities, towns, and villages, including Mandawa, also known as Rajasthan’s “open-air art gallery”. Was priced from $949pp, now priced from $807*pp, saving 15%.
Hawaiian Adventure: Beachin’ & Boardin’ – ‘18-to-Thirtysomethings’ can get their beach fix with this week-long rip through Hawaii. Discover the hidden gems of Waikiki with a locally-based CEO, rest up at a hostel just steps from the beach, and grab a paddle for a kayak ride that supports national park restoration. A seven-day trip was priced from $1,499pp, now $1,274pp saving 15%.
Oahu and Maui Adventure – This week-long Classic trip gives travellers an authentic (and delicious) taste of Hawaii with the smarts and charm of a locally-based CEO, and includes sunset sailing, kayaking and snorkelling plus a trip down the Road to Hana. Was priced from $4,199pp for an eight-day tour, now priced from $3,569pp, saving 15%.
www.gadventures.com/cyber-sale/
Globus and Cosmos release 2022 Europe & North America itineraries with early booking incentives
Bundling unrivalled knowledge from Tour Directors and local guides with superior accommodations and first-class services, Globus, and budget-friendly sister company, Cosmos, offer travellers over-the moon-experiences without overthinking. Now, both tour brands are unveiling a large selection of Europe and North America itineraries for 2022 travel, marking their earliest release in history, to meet demand and cater to travellers ready to book their next, best vacation.
Travel advisors now have an opportunity to extend an invitation to their clients to open their calendars and map-out a vacation, near or far, in 2021 or 2022 – including those travellers holding on to a Travel Credit from displaced 2020 vacation plans.
Early Booking Incentives:
- ENJOY 10% OFF 2021 or 2022 Globus Europe & North America
- SAVE $50/person on 2022 Cosmos Europe & North America
Groups Booking Incentives (available for 10 or more travellers when booking as a “Group”):
- ENJOY an extra $100 OFF/person on select 2022 Globus vacations*
- SAVE an extra $50/person on select 2022 Cosmos vacations*
To help quell concerns travellers may have for 2021 travel and beyond, Globus and Cosmos are bolstering trust in touring with a Peace of Mind Travel Plan and new On-Trip Assurances.
Avalon Waterways’ 2022 vacations are also on sale now. For more information, travel advisors can visit www.Agentlingo.ca.
*Deal is combinable with other early booking offers.
Sunwing announces winter flight schedule from Western Canada
Sunwing has announced the recommencement of service from three of Western Canada’s major cities. The initial program from Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary will operate to selected destinations for the winter season using a combination of seats contracted from third party carriers as well as Sunwing Airlines. Flights will depart from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton to Cancun on Saturdays starting January 9, 2021, with additional flight service from Edmonton to Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán on Saturdays starting December 26, 2020.
“We are thrilled to be resuming flight service from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton,” said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations for Sunwing. “Western Canada is a very important market for us and we’re committed to providing our customers on the west coast with convenient vacation packages to sunny destinations. We’re looking forward to bringing more Canadians back to paradise under our wing, and being able to offer more vacation choices as the season progresses.”
Get on track with Rocky Mountaineer incentive
Canadian travel agents who make three new Rocky Mountaineer bookings for Canadian residents to travel in 2021 will receive a complimentary vacation package for their own travel.
The complimentary Classic Rail package is a four- to five-day package, which includes two- to three-days onboard the train and overnight accommodations, valued at up to $4,479.
For a limited time, travel agents can take advantage of a new Canadian Resident Offer to entice their clients to book travel for 2021.
With this promotion, Canadian residents can save up to $1,400 per couple on qualifying 2021 vacation packages of five days or more.
Alternatively, Canadians looking for shorter trips can save $1,000 per couple on Classic Rail packages. The Canadian Resident Offer is available until February 26, 2021.
“Over the past 30 years, Rocky Mountaineer’s travel agent partners have supported us to showcase Western Canada and the Rockies to Canadians from across the country,” said Steve Sammut, president and chief executive officer of Rocky Mountaineer. “As Canadians are dreaming of their next travel experience, we hope they will choose to explore this incredible country and join us for a memorable train journey through some of the most spectacular scenery Canada has to offer.”
Qualifying travel agents can select from three rail routes for their complimentary package: First Passage to the West Classic between Vancouver and Banff via Kamloops; Journey Through the Clouds Classic between Vancouver and Jasper via Kamloops; and Rainforest to Gold Rush Classic between Vancouver and Jasper via Whistler and Quesnel.
The package is available for travel in 2021 or 2022 in either SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service and agents can add one additional travel companion at 50% off the regular package price.
Agents will qualify for their complimentary vacation package once their third booking for 2021 is 45 days from travel.
The agent incentive is subject to the terms and conditions outlined on the Agent Portal. The Canadian Resident Offer is subject to terms and conditions outlined on the website. Both offers are available for travel agents making FIT and custom group bookings for 2021.
Agents who need more information can go to the agent portal at www.rockymountaineer.com.
Sandals, Beaches extend Black Friday, Cyber Monday sale
Sandals and Beaches Resorts have extended their Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale, offering their guests additional time to book and benefit from one of the luxury-included resort company’s biggest sales of the year.
For all new bookings of six nights or longer in any room category at any Sandals or Beaches resort made now through Dec. 4, 2020 – and for travel immediately through Dec. 26, 2022 (a two-year travel window) – guests will receive a host of complimentary add-ons to elevate their Luxury Included vacation experience.
Sandals Resorts “Ultra-Romance Package” features:
Complimentary 1-Hour Couples Massage + Complimentary Candlelight Dinner + Complimentary Catamaran Cruise
Note: Catamaran Cruise is not available at Sandals Emerald Bay and Sandals Grenada. Instead, guests will receive a US$230 tour credit with Island Routes.
Beaches Resorts “Ultra-Romance & Fun Package” includes:
Complimentary 1-Hour Couples Massage + Complimentary Candlelight Dinner + Complimentary Catamaran Cruise for up to five persons
These special offers are combinable with current resort promotions so guests can also enjoy up to US$1,000 Booking Credit and 1 free night in select room categories.
Additional terms and conditions (including blackout dates) apply. To be eligible for the “Black Friday/Cyber Monday” promotion, travel advisors on behalf of their clients must register their booking within 72 hours at either:
https://www.sandals.com/specials/blackfriday-cybermonday-sale-registration/
https://www.beaches.com/deals/blackfriday-cybermonday-sale-registration/
In addition to the above gift registration requirement, travel advisors are also reminded to register the booking on Sandals travel agent portal (taportal.sandals.com) within 30 days, in order to earn benefits for themselves including Points to Paradise, which they can redeem for a vacation of their very own.
TRS Cap Cana to open Dec. 4
Following successful reopenings in Mexico and the Caribbean, Palladium Hotel Group will resume operations in the Dominican Republic this December with the reopening of TRS Cap Cana Hotel. The property, located in Punta Cana, is set to reopen on Dec. 4, just in time for the holidays.
The adults-only TRS Cap Cana Hotel is located 10 minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), in Punta Cana on the Dominican Republic’s east coast.
Pilar Arizmendi-Stewart, VP of Sales and Marketing for the Americas at Palladium Hotel Group, said: “Palladium Hotel Group is incredibly proud of the strides made during the global crisis, and we’re excited to reopen the TRS Cap Cana Hotel this holiday season. Our properties in the Dominican Republic, a destination with year-round sunny weather, have continued to attract travellers from all over the world, and we can’t wait to showcase this luxury haven as a safe destination for winter travel.”
Go to www.palladiumhotelgroup.com for more.
Air Canada, Shoppers Drug Mart team up on testing
Air Canada is teaming up with Shoppers Drug Mart to provide Air Canada customers with the opportunity to take a pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR test in order to comply with international travel requirements.
Beginning Dec. 7, eligible Air Canada customers can book and purchase a COVID-19 test at participating Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Results are typically available within 24-48 hours.
Dr. Jim Chung, Air Canada’s chief medical officer, said: “Many countries now require a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test and we are pleased to facilitate this process for our customers, making their travel experience easier and safer by recommending the RT-PCR test at select Shoppers Drug Mart locations. We believe that testing is one of the keys to protecting employees and customers, and an important step to safely reopen travel around the world, easing travel restrictions by providing alternative testing solutions in managing risk.”
Ashesh Desai, executive vice president, Pharmacy at Shoppers Drug Mart, commented: “Our stores and pharmacy teams are a convenient, trusted resource for Canadians. We want to continue to be a part of the solution as the country looks for ways to manage COVID-19. We’re pleased to work with Air Canada to make COVID-19 RT-PCR tests accessible to travellers, and to help customers plan their travel safely and with confidence.”
This test will be available for customers flying to any destination requiring a negative COVID-19 test, including Hawaii and the Caribbean (namely, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Antigua, Barbuda and St-Lucia).
Canadians are now eligible to be exempt from Hawaii’s mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival in the Hawaiian Islands via a pre-travel testing process. Visit the Hawaiian government website for more details. https://travel.hawaii.gov/#/
Air Canada’s service to Hawaii from Vancouver begins on Dec. 17 and flights from Calgary start on Dec. 18.
Other testing options are also offered to our customers who are flying to Hawaii, including travellers from Quebec. For more details on the list of approved testing entities by the Hawaiian Government, visit aircanada.com/covid19testing.
