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On a day on which Ontario’s cottage country was actually hotter than Las Vegas, it seemed only fitting that a team of suppliers and tourism officials from the latter city met with a group of Canadian trade representatives in Muskoka to talk travel. The two-day retreat early this week at the JW Marriott on Lake Rosseau was also meant to symbolize Sin City’s current tagline: “Las Vegas Unplugged.”

The Vegas team included representatives from Caesars Entertainment, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Indigo (show attractions), Resorts World, The STRAT Hotel Casino & Tower; The Venetian, Travel Nevada, Wynn and Encore, while the Canadian roster included Air Miles, Air Canada/ACV, NGH/Tai Pan Tours; Perkopolis, Porter Escapes, TravelBrands/Red Tag, SellOffVacations, Travel Leaders Network, tripcentral.can, WestJet Vacations, and select media including Travel Industry Today.

Together, the groups wined and dined, took part in a poker-themed treasure hunt, cooking class challenge, and chilled out, literally, at the resort’s Dan Aykroyd-branded Crystal Head Vodka Ice Bar – in between bites of s’mores at the campfire.

Attendees were also treated to nature walk through the budding fall colours, overlooking the spectacular lake.

More typically, a traditional speed-dating session facilitated official business, though the overall point of the unique getaway was to help attendees bond outside the boundaries of the boardroom.

Fernando Hurtado of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority declared the event “phenomenal” and said the concept replicated recent events in Mexico and Brazil, and most recently “Camp Vegas” In the UK.

“It’s a chance to bring our top operators and top sellers together to have a chance to rekindle relationships as well as connect outside of work,” he told Travel Industry Today, adding that in such circumstances conversations tend to be “more organic” and “more meaningful.”

Sam Youssef of TravelBrands agreed the event was great for enhancing relationships with both familiar and new partners by providing a unique and creative environment, such as the team- building exercise of planning, cooking, presenting, and then eating a meal during the “Black Box Cooking Challenge,” with the winning team members each earning a three-day, two-night stay at Caesars Palace.

“It’s much better than a PowerPoint presentation,” Youssef smiled.

Anju Bliss of Travel Leaders Network praised the LVCA for organizing he event and said it was a good opportunity two liaise with Canadian partners as well. “You get to spend more than 10 minutes (during the speed dating sessions) with them and get to know them. It’s wonderful.”

Altogether the delegates were working to boost business to a destination that has lost its No. 1 status for the first time in forever (to Mexico) in 2022, albeit under the mitigating circumstances of the pandemic.

Nevertheless, Hurtado says, Canadian capacity has nearly reached pre pandemic levels with the addition of service from new carriers like Flair, Canada Jetlines, and Lynx, plus new flights from WestJet from Victoria and Kelowna, and that 2023 visitations are already up 49% – putting the city on pace to surpass 2019 (1.4 million), resulting in Canada claiming top spot again in international arrivals.

And just in case the s’mores don’t do it, the mission was moving on to Ottawa and Montreal.

Las Vegas takeaways

Here are some of takeaways for the Canadian travel trade shared by suppliers at ‘Las Vegas Unplugged’:

Caesars Entertainment: Located in the heart of the Strip, Caesar’s incorporates nine properties, including the new Horseshoe (formerly Bally’s). The brand is well-known throughout the US, but less known to Canadians. In other Caesars’ news, Paris is gaining a new tower (the Versailles, which is being transferred from the Horseshoe). Agents are recommended to register at Caesarstravelpartners.com for collateral and commission on bookings.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas: Direct from Miami Beach, the famous Fontainebleau brand takes residence in Las Vegas as of Dec. 13, the first incarnation of the hotel outside Florida. At 67 storeys, the 3,644-room hotel, which promises “a new take on Las Vegas luxury” will be the tallest building on the Strip, and will feature 34 restaurants and bars, seven pools, lavish spa, and a LIV nightclub. Reservations are now open.

Resorts World Las Vegas: Available through WestJet Vacations in Canada, Resorts World is three hotels in one resort – a four-star Hilton and five-star Conrad and Crockfords (part of Hilton LXR), the latter brand imported from London and described as an ultimate ultra-luxury property that features a more curated, personalized experience for guests, including a custom tea service upon check-in.

The STRAT Hotel Casino & Tower: The newly “top to bottom” renovated hotel’s adjacent 112-storey tower is to Vegas what the CN Tower is to Toronto and includes “Big Shot” and “Sky Jump” attractions, plus a revolving restaurant that offers 360-degree views of the city skyline and desert beyond (not to mention guests plunging past while on the Sky Jump). Room rates are less expensive than others on the Strip and guests can get 50% off the attraction tickets, prompting the hotel’s rep to quip that visitors “can get terrified for half price!” But book ahead for the restaurant, it’s the fifth busiest in North America.

The Venetian: The largest hotel on the Strip is revelling in its ideal location adjacent to The Sphere, Vegas’s new “it” attraction, which opened on the weekend with a concert by U2, who is in residency at the giant multi-use marvel. Guests can now request a “Sphere-view” room (in addition to Strip-view) at an upgraded price, and a walkway leads guests from the hotel to the venue. Soon packages will be available that include Sphere events.

Travel Nevada: Citing a mission to promote the state beyond its most famous destination, Travel Nevada has rolled out a “road trip capital” theme with 10 unique and varied trips for visitors, some of them utilizing Las Vegas as a starting point. The trips’ comprehensive itineraries make great tours for travel advisors to suggest and sell and can be found on travelnevada.com. Agents can also become a “Nevada Trailblazer” through the tourist board’s short and easy specialist course, which entitles graduates to FAM possibilities and access to assorted collateral material.

Wynn and Encore: Boasting the only golf course on the Strip (though be prepared to fork out about $800/round), sister properties are both newly renovated, with Wynn making claims to be “the” luxury property in Vegas. A popular add-on for guests are buffet offers that give a $50 credit towards the quintessential Las Vegas dining experience.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

MSC Cruises celebrated its return to Canada after four years with a series of visits by travel advisors in Saint John, NB; Charlottetown; and Halifax last week as it heads into the fall season for a series of cruises in the Maritime region on return itineraries out of New York.

Travel Industry Today accompanied close to three dozen New Brunswick agents in St. John for a visit of the MSC Meraviglia, which included lunch and a presentation by MSC Business Development Manager Tammy Thompson during the ship inspection.

“Agents tell us, you’re coming out of nowhere,” Thompson said, but she noted that MSC is the third largest cruise line in the world and one that notably “owns the Med.”

A cargo giant, family-owned MSC entered the leisure cruise business in 2003 and has been growing ever since, and will boast 23 ships by 2026. After introducing the Euribia in June, next up is the MSC World America, due to launch in April in 2025.

The fastest-growing cruise line in the world, the MSC fleet currently sails around the globe (except the two poles) and counts a growing presence in the Persian Gulf region – Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar – among its unique attributes.

There are also “Grand Voyages” of 10 to 30-night duration, and featuring 80 ports in 2022-23, plus a “World” cruises. In 2025, the global voyage, aboard the MSC Magnifica will visit 50 destinations on four continents over the course of 116 nights.

As such, MSC’s presence is certainly registering with consumers, Thompson says, with inquiries to its call centre demonstrating an increasing level of knowledge and sophistication.

Nevertheless, she says, MSC’s mission continues to be to “get on the radar” in Canada, adding, “we’re the new boys in North America, but were really growing.”

Meraviglia

And that’s especially good news for Atlantic Canada, where the 5,642-passenger Meraviglia will sail 10- and 11-day itineraries this Fall in the region – and return next April-May and again in Fall, 2024, thereby benefitting local communities along the coast as passengers spend at local restaurants and shops, and book local shore excursions.

Research has shown that the combined economic benefit from cruise ships in Halifax and Sydney is more than $225 million annually, more than $68 million a year in Saint John, and $42.4 million in Charlottetown (and the Island) over a 12-month period.

Ian Patterson, Country Manager, MSC Cruises Canada, says, “The return of MSC Meraviglia to Eastern Canada after four years is a cause for celebration. Our guests will be able to enjoy experiencing the beauty and the tranquility found in the region and we believe the sailings will benefit the local economies of the ports and local destinations that the ship will visit.”

Thompson believes the cruise line’s Canadian office similarly shows a statement of intent by MSC in the Canadian market (it is the only cruise line to have a permanent office here), not least with a staff of about 30 and a bilingual call centre, including three, and soon to be four, BDMs covering the country to assist the trade.

Benefits for the travel trade and consumers includes Canadian-specific sales and marketing efforts, Canadian pricing, and the ability to communicate with staff based in this country – in both official languages.

Who is the client?

Coloured with European heritage and character, and symbolized by signature Swarovski crystal staircases (on newer ships), MSC targets slightly more cultured cruisers, Thompson says, noting that foodies will also appreciate the attention to detail, and produce – some made on board – of the culinary program. And the pizza, he maintains, is the best at sea, bar none.

MSC’s three ideal clients include:

• Sophisticated travellers drawn to foreign cultures and who prefer cosmopolitan environments with higher-end amenities

• Open-minded clients interested in the world around them and who are open to meeting new people and new experiences, and,

• Learning families, who use holidays as a teaching experience, where they can spend as much time as possible with their children.

Meanwhile, those seeking an elevated experience can choose the Yacht Club, a boutique hotel within the ship experience that provides a “pristine, private” space featuring private club lounge, restaurant and bar, sundeck with whirlpool, butler service, priority check in, and much more.

Travel advisors

With so many ships and so much information to manage, MSC has a user-friendly agent portal – MSC Book – offering a plethora of sales and marketing tools, plus quick-glance information and quotes, groups, sales offers, and educational training in the four-course MSC Master.

There are also agent rates and incentives, and extra commission that can be earned by booking drink and dining packages, spa treatments, and fly-and-cruise packages to Fort Lauderdale and Martinique/Guadeloupe.

Meanwhile MSC’s future cruise program refers clients who book their next cruise while on board a current voyage back to the original booking agent.

“We’re making a lot of noise in the Canadian market,” Thompson enthuses, adding, “and we’re taking the cruise by storm. We’re the third largest cruise line, but we’re going for No. 1.”

Sustainability & Ocean Cay

The cruise division of MSC Group is committed to being a net zero GHG emissions brand by 2050 and reports that the emissions intensity of its ship operations has decreased by 33.5% since 2008. Future goals include achieving a 40% reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050. To do so, the cruise company says it is embracing new technologies and switching to non-carbon and renewable fuels, while contributing to the development of scalable solutions that can be used universally.

But it’s not all about carbon and fuel. Another example of MSC’s commitment to sustainability is found in Ocean Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas, which had suffered from decades of industrial activities, including aragonite sand mining. In 2015, MSC Cruises took responsibility for the island and embarked on an ambitious restoration initiative, collaborating with the Government of The Bahamas, leading universities, marine scientists, and conservationists to restore the island’s ecosystems.

Through substantial investment, the restoration project has already seen nearly 5,000 trees and 75,000 indigenous plants, flowers and shrubs planted on the island, revitalising the terrestrial environment. Meanwhile the health of the surrounding waters is demonstrated by the now flourishing marine life, which includes the presence of loggerhead sea turtles, and the launch in 2019 of MSC Foundation’s ‘Super Coral Program’ to restore the island’s coral reefs.

The MSC Foundation is plans to further the work and engage the attention of many thousands of cruise visitors every year, raising awareness of the urgent need for ocean conservation efforts worldwide.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The global travel and tourism industry celebrated World Tourism Day, Sept. 27, while other round-up items include an Expedia found that travel is more stressful than, well, read on to find out. Also, global rankings were not kind to YYZ and YUL, Club Med sets its sights on South Africa, and an iconic hotel brand opened its doors in a popular American city.

NEWS

World Tourism Day 2023 was celebrated on Sept. 27 with the global sector to coming together around the theme of Tourism and Green Investments. In the biggest celebration of the global travel and tourism industry to date, official proceedings were held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, while United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) member states marked the occasion in every region through a range of special events and programs.

Nav Canada proposed reducing customer service charges by close to 6%, which would claw back some of an almost 30% implemented on Sept. 1, 2020, during the pandemic when global air traffic was significantly reduced. The proposal calls for decreased service charges averaging 5.57% across its service categories to take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

The union representing 11,000 Canadian pilots says a newly streamlined immigration program that looks to fill job gaps in transport fails to cut to the core of a dire labour shortage in aviation. Tim Perry, president of the Air Line Pilots Association‘s Canadian chapter, says recent changes to the country’s Express Entry system may offer a temporary fix but still amount to what he calls a “Band-Aid solution” to the lack of flight crews.

A new survey reports that four in 10 (39%) Canadian travellers find air travel to be more stressful than a flooded inbox or sleeping through an alarm. Expedia‘s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report of 1,000 Canadian flyers also says almost half (43%) of air travellers find the process of securing a good flight deal especially stressful, and 17% even checked back on ticket prices after booking to see if they could have saved more.

BY THE NUMBERS

The Bahamas recorded more than 5.89 million arrivals from January through the end of July, putting the country well on the way to closing out the year at 8 million-plus visitors, reported the country’s ministry of tourism. July year-to-date overall arrivals paced 59% ahead of 2022 and 30% ahead of 2019, the busiest year on record. Of the 5,893,118 total visitors who came to The Islands of The Bahamas in the first seven months of the year, 1,133,494 arrived by air and 4,759,624 by sea. Canada ranked as the destination’s second largest market after the US, and ahead of the UK/Europe.

AIR

Toronto and Montreal airports were near the bottom in the race for passenger satisfaction this year, according to a study by J.D. Power. The study ranks Toronto Pearson Airport second from the bottom (19^th of 20) in the category for the largest airports that see more than 33 million passengers per year. Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport stood third from the bottom in the next category, with passenger traffic between 10 million and 32.9 million per year.

Air Canada says it has placed a firm order for 18 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft that will be used to replace older, less efficient wide-body aircraft in its fleet. The agreement also includes options for an additional 12 Boeing 787-10 aircraft.

Beginning Feb. 1, 2024, WestJet will operate non-stop service between Victoria and Las Vegas, twice weekly, departing Thursdays and Sundays. The service reintroduces WestJet’s first transborder connection from Vancouver Island since 2017. Meanwhile, West Coast Canadians will also have an easier time to get to Loreto thanks to weekly nonstop seasonal service from Calgary to Baja Sur Loreto starting Nov. 3. Through April 26, the nonstop flight will operate once a week and is scheduled to depart YYC at 10:25 a.m., arriving in Loreto by 1:25 p.m. (local time).

SWISS is set to expand its route network in its 2024 summer schedules, adding two new long-haul destinations – including Toronto – to be served from Zurich. YYZ service will begin May 10. The new flights, provisionally planned for the summer schedule only, will be provided daily except Mondays and Wednesdays using Airbus A330 equipment. The new westbound SWISS service will depart from Zurich at 09:55 and arrive in Toronto at 13:00 (both times local). The corresponding eastbound service will leave Toronto at 16:35 and arrive in Zurich at 06:30 the following day.

HOTELS

EMA Marketing has added 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. to its portfolio. Recently featured on “The Amazing Race,” the luxury property spans an entire city block on Queen Street and boasts a renovated Gate House (photo) and 32 new guestrooms for a total of 72, meticulously designed with Canadian-made furniture and décor. A highlight is a brand new 1,100-sq.-ft. subterranean spa. With 345 sq. m. of meeting space, the property is ideal for corporate retreats, incentives, and private functions, including weddings. There are also two on-site restaurants offering farm-to-table fare and local wines. The hotel is within walking distance of the oldest existing golf course in North America.  (www.emamarketing.ca)

Raffles Boston has officially opened its doors to guests. The 35-storey Massachusetts property represents the first mixed-use development in North America for the iconic 136-year-old brand ad offers an urban oasis in the heart of Back Bay with 147 sumptuous guestrooms multiple dining experiences, state-of-the-art gym, 20-metre indoor pool with expansive city views, and the prestigious Guerlain Spa at Raffles Boston, featuring treatments in partnership with the renowned Parisian beauty and wellness brand.

RESORTS

Club Med fans will soon be able to add an African safari experience to the all-inclusive resort chain’s traditional beach and ski offerings at Club Med Tinley. Projected to open in 2026, the resort will be Club Med’s first in South Africa. Nestled on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, dubbed the ‘Dolphin Coast,’ the resort will offer both beach and bush experiences, providing guests with the opportunity to reconnect with nature and the wild while featuring a surf-lifestyle concept for healthy beach holidays shaped by art and local culture. Additionally, guests will have the chance to embark on a safari experience to discover the wildlife of Africa.

With its recent addition to the Blue Diamond Resorts portfolio, Royalton CHIC Antigua is set to debut in early April 2024. Designed exclusively for fun-seeking adults, the 235-room beachfront resort is set on the northwest coast of Antigua and is now available for bookings. Located 20 minutes from VC Bird International Airport along Dickinson Bay Beach, Royalton CHIC Antigua is designed as “a tropical hotspot for vibrant couples, groups of friends and energetic solo travellers, featuring the brand’s exuberant “Party Your Way” concept that promises that guests enjoy “a lively atmosphere with something to celebrate every day.”

CRUISE

Quark Expeditions, a global leader in polar adventures, has announced its new global membership in the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association. CLIA represents 95% of the world’s ocean-going cruise capacity, as well as 65,000 global travel agents, and 15,000 of the largest travel agencies in the world.

Carnival Cruise Line has opened for sale approximately 400 cruises that will bring guests to Celebration Key, its new exclusive cruise port destination in The Bahamas, beginning with the first calls in July 2025.  Guests can book cruises on the first 12 Carnival ships, sailing regularly from eight homeports, visiting Celebration Key in 2025 and 2026.

TOUR OPERATORS

At its 8th Annual Charity Golf Classic held at the picturesque Eagles Nest Golf Club north of Toronto, TravelBrands raised nearly $300,000 for the Sick Kids Foundation. The event was attended by 144 partners and industry colleagues, resulting in a staggering $296,646 raised (photo) in support of the Labatt Family Heart Centre at The Hospital for Sick Children. “Our Annual Charity Golf Classic is always an event we look forward to,” said Nathalie Tanious, President and CEO of TravelBrands. “As a proud SickKids Foundation donor, our collective efforts have now raised over $2 million for SickKids to help enhance and save countless lives in their cardiac department.”

African Travel, Inc., (ATI) has launched its new 2024 brochure offering authentic wildlife and cultural encounters across 16 destinations in Africa from Cape Town to Cairo. Featured is ATI’s newest destination, Morocco, with four new journeys, focussing on the North African nation’s vibrant culture, history and incredible beauty. The journeys will also feature ‘Make Travel Matter’ experiences, which benefit wildlife conservation or local communities.

EVENTS

VisitBritain Canada is planning a four-city trade workshop in Ontario Nov. 13-16, inviting travel agents to engage with VisitBritain and key tour operators in-market including the tourism officials from VisitWales and VisitScotland. The key objective is to empower and educate the travel agents to help them sell Britain better to their clients. While more details are to come, key cities will include Kingston, Ajax, Barrie, and London, with plans to roll out the sessions across Canada at later dates.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced the appointment of Noor Ahmad Hamid as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective Oct. 1. Noor’s appointment for a three-year term will usher in a new era for PATA as the influential industry association dedicates itself to promoting responsible travel and tourism within the Pacific Asia region.

DESTINATIONS

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen and members of his Lahaina Advisory Team have shaped a phased approach to the re-opening of West Maui to visitors following an announcement by Gov. Josh Green that West Maui will re-open on Oct. 8. Phase 1 will see the area from the Ritz-Carlton, Maui Kapalua to Kahana Villa re-opened on the 8th, followed by an assessment of Phase 1 re-opening for Mahinahina to Maui Kaanapali Villas. Phase 3, Royal Lahaina Resort to the Hyatt Regency, will be the last to re-open. The only locations on Maui that have been completely closed have been historic Lahaina Town and the surrounding areas impacted by the fire of Aug. 8.

Long-anticipated passenger rail service between Orlando and Miami was inaugurated Sept. 22 with the arrival of ‘Bright Pink,’ the first Brightline train, in the central Florida city. Brightline launched operations in South Florida in 2018, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Stations in Boca Raton and Aventura opened last year. It now covers 400 km between Miami and Orlando and the new route takes between 3 and 3.5 hours.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 2019, British tour operator Thomas Cook fell victim to multiple setbacks including shifting travel habits, the rise of online booking sites, the sinking pound and even unusually hot weather that encouraged fewer Northern Europeans to travel.  Specific problems of its own, like a 1.6 billion-pound ($2 billion) debt pile, made it less able to react to change.  It all added up to a perfect storm that led the 178-year-old company to cease operations, stranding hundreds of thousands of travellers.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News