Global Travel News

ENSEMBLE’S BOLD VISION: Consortia e-ases into future with new vision, branding

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It may be spelled now with a small ‘e,’ but ensemble unveiled big plans for the future at the travel organization’s first event for owners and managers since being acquired by Navigatr Group.

Held at the Eden Roc and Nobu Miami Beach, Fla., Oct. 20-23, the inaugural ‘Horizon by ensemble’ provided the consortia’s leadership team a platform to present its vision of the future based a trio of core company pillars: bigger profit, bolder vision, and better member services.

President Michael Johnson underscored several areas where ensemble would focus its energy to achieve the goals, including member and supplier relations, training and development, marketing, and data monetization.

“From the beginning, we believed that the strengths of the Navigatr Group were complementary to ensemble, and that investing in this great company represented an opportunity to do something really unique,” said Johnson. “This was always about building on existing strengths and giving members more options. The new ensemble is very focused on choice and the word ‘and.’ We are still providing the programs and resources that members rely upon, but we are now also offering several other new tools and resources with the goal of helping our members be more efficient and more profitable.”

Since the acquisition was completed in June, the transition has focused on people and reorganizing and building the ensemble team, building relationships and process, and fostering a culture of engagement. The team has increased by 20% with plans to invest aggressively in talent by an additional 50%.

With a distinct focus on improving margin and yield, Johnson told members that ensemble wasn’t focused on becoming the biggest consortium; rather, it aims to be the most profitable for its members.

A key to delivering on that promise – and one of the key differentiators ensemble has emphasized since the acquisition was announced – is confidence in its proprietary technology platform, ADX (Agent Digital Experience), which allows advisors to not only book all aspects of a client’s trip, but also invoice in the same platform for maximum efficiency.

From the early adopters who have been onboarded to the platform, members are seeing an average commission of 8 to 13%, says ensemble, with one member agency reporting an increase in sales of 150% in just one month on the platform.

Plans are to have all members onboard by year’s end.

New branding

Reflective of a new energy but a commitment to also honour the past, ensemble also revealed new branding, with a new logo featuring just the word ensemble and dropping the travel group. “We wanted to simplify the logo and felt that ensemble is what people will remember,” says Johnson. “It is also a name we are all proud of.”

A new tagline – Further Together – was also introduced, inspired by an African proverb that says, if you want to travel fast, go alone; if you want to travel far, go together.”

The new branding will extend to ensemble’s portfolio of magazines and brand across print, digital and social.

The magazines will come to life in two print formats: one focused on aspirational travel and lifestyle editorial along with advertising. The second format focuses on key travel themes and the best travel products in the market to highlight ensemble’s partners and their offerings.

There are also several new high-impact B2B vehicles to highlight relevant partner offers and keep them top of mind during the selling process – an array of branded email platforms called Bold, Lift and Pronto. The branding will extend to several annual events, each named in a distinct way that connects to the new tagline. Marquee events will include Horizons, which will be the full annual gathering with the entire ensemble advisor community; The Summit as the executive retreat; Beyond for top performer recognition; Skyline, regional networking opportunities with frontline advisors; and Uncharted, a virtual event that will allow partners to share messages from the vantage points unique to their brand.

Training and development

In response to the demand for travel advisor services and to support members with recruitment and retention – and limited bandwidth to effectively onboard new advisors and ICs who are new-to-industry – ensemble is expanding the department, which now also includes Development as a key function. In addition to expanding the team is the launch of a new ensemble Training Academy (ETA), which l expand upon Universe of ensemble’s on demand programs and weekly training webinars.

Data is king

Expanding on its focus on data collection and monetization, ensemble will continue to capture transactional data with the express intent of delivering profit by leveraging stronger contracts for the entire network; proactively managing override targets; and utilizing partner dollars more strategically.

Johnson emphasized the importance of sourcing real time data to enable members to see industry trend lines early and leveraging that information to increase sales and commissions and ultimately, making their businesses more profitable.

Power of partnerships

David Harris, who had served as ensemble’s CEO since 2019 and assumed a new role as Executive Chairman as part of the acquisition, will focus on industry advocacy and ensuring that ensemble has a strong voice and leadership position.

“I truly believe it is critical for us to work together and speak with one voice in order to fully recover and continue to grow the global tourism industry,” said Harris, who will also continue to focus on supplier partner relationships and will work with the leadership team to execute the vision for the new ensemble.

Harris also moderated an industry panel that included addressing the future for the industry and how advisors and partners can work together more effectively. Perhaps not surprisingly, all agreed that one of the outcomes of the pandemic has been greater demand for and appreciation of the expertise and services provided by travel advisors and the group’s opinions included:

• Focusing on service and the need to prioritize people over profits
• Authenticity, transparency and communication as core pillars for meeting and exceeding customer expectations.
• The importance of travel in our DNA and how the global shutdown of travel for such an extended period has led to a greater appreciation for travel.
• Travel as the catalyst for greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures and as the best way to bridge people and cultures for a more peaceful world.

Other highlights of the conference included a keynote speech from Kara Goldin, founder of Hint water who shared stories of her journey from journalism major to entrepreneur encouraging the audience to approach opportunity and change without fear.

Award winners

The event culminated in a gala dinner where ensemble recognized and celebrated several members and partners with awards for efforts during the pandemic. These included:

• Partner Pandemic Response – Royal Caribbean
• Ambassador Partner of the Year – Silversea and WestJet Vacations
• Most Socially Responsible Travel Partner – Ama Waterways
• Reinvention Award – Lauren Doyle, President, The Travel Mechanic
• Member Excellence Award – Ross Spalding, President, Crown Cruise Vacations
• Outstanding Contributions to the Travel Community – Travel Only

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

MEET THE NEW TRANSAT: Transformed tour company embraces the future

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It’s been a tumultuous nearly three years for Transat, starting with Air Canada’s takeover intentions that ultimately were derailed (deplaned?). Then, of course, a historic and horrible pandemic. However, the iconic Canadian company – 35 years young next month – is “still standing,” even if not in the way it expected it would be back in 2019.

But the past is the past, even if it informs the present, and Transat execs came together last week to show off a new plane to select trade partners in Toronto, but also for a state-of-the-company update and crystal ball glimpse of the future.

Indeed, wondering about the future is a fair question, says Transat chief sales and marketing executive Joe Adamo, stating, “We’ve been to hell and back in the travel industry (during the pandemic), but I’m here to tell you, we’re still standing. We are what we were, but we’re transforming.”

So, where does Transat stand?

• As of Aug. 31, the company counted 4,300 – and increasing – employees, though down from 5,000 pre-pandemic. However, efficiencies and technology mean the company likely will not fully reconstitute its former compliment of staff.

• Among those employees, Transat has almost entirely new leadership, including Annick Guérard (president and CEO), who replaced a retiring company co-founder Jean-Marc Eustache in 2021.

• Entering the pandemic with half a billion dollars in the bank and no debt, Adamo admits the company “burned through cash” during the global health crisis, leaving it “leveraged to the hilt” and having taken on debt, including government loans to repay.

• Circumstances have required Transat to “turn the page” on its former aspiration of owning hotels, instead focussing on three core products: airline, tour company, and distribution (travel agencies). In sum, Adamo says, “We are a very different company (in 2022) with a different balance sheet.”

• Nevertheless, sales are brisk this fall, reaching and surpassing 2019 levels, and the company is “confident” about 2023. As for 2022 – a year that started strongly as travel restrictions eased and pent-up consumer demand surged, then lulled during a summer of industry (and airport) staff shortages that caused travel disruptions, then boomed again – it has been “a year of stabilizing and transforming the business.”

“And,” declares the Transat exec, “we’re succeeding.”

So, where is Transat headed?

Towards efficiencies and a focus on its three core products, particularly the airline, for as Adamo observes: “Focussing on the airline first and foremost is vital… It all starts with an airline that is well run, that is efficient. Without a well-run airline, there is no tour operator, and with no tour operator there is no sense in us being in the retail business, because retail is still the go-to channel for selling ITC in this country. So that’s why we focus on the airline – because it all starts with that!”

Additionally:

• Regional retrenchment: Lacking the “scale to meaningfully compete” in Western Canada, Transat has retrenched in the east – Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. Adamo says when the time is right, the company may return to the west, but beyond a small service feeding into Toronto and Montreal, that won’t be soon, though “maybe (beyond 2025) as we regrow the fleet, who knows?” He adds that instead the airline will grow in the east, including having a “compelling offer” in the market this winter and by next year offering capacity comparable to 2019. The decision to recalibrate regionally was difficult, “but absolutely the right choice for us!” says Adamo.

• Fleet: Nothing less than a “massive transformation” of the fleet is under way, with the current roster of aircraft already 40% younger than pre-pandemic thanks to the retirement of older “warhorse” A310s, and older A330s, to be replaced by 12 Airbus321neos (first introduced in summer 2019). By 2025 four extended long-range aircraft will start arriving with the capability of directly reaching destinations like Athens and Rome, plus the Middle East and North Africa.

The fleet will also be focussed entirely on Airbus (with the exception of a couple of short-term leased Boeings), which will reduce costs through maintenance efficiencies and pilots who can be certified to fly more than one aircraft model. This mixed fleet flying capability will be a “game changer from an operational point of view,” says Adamo.

• Network: With a renewed focus on eastern Canada, the airline will also transform its network by “densifying” routes, including South and Europe. Another mandate is to “do a better job” of feeding domestic flights into Toronto and Montreal for Europe flights. Following a beefed-up Florida program and inaugural service to California, a stronger US program is in the offing, including developing the US market through use of Sixth Freedom rights to feed into its European routes.

Adamo says Transat will also be endeavouring to move away from the “extreme seasonality” that saw a lot of its routes “go dark” during shoulder seasons for commercial reasons. “But we’re really trying to level that off – our swings were too extreme,” he says. A key to doing so will be better aircraft utilization by optimizing how and where planes are being used to ensure “more turns,” thereby allowing planes to run more routes.

• Partnerships: The airline will also continue to develop and expand partnerships, like its arrangements with WestJet, and more recently Porter Airlines, to similarly connect Canadians onwards to Europe or Transat’s sun markets.

• Connectivity: Adamo says Transat plans to similarly “raise its game” with its own divisional “connectivity” by better exploiting its own network, such as channeling European passengers on to the South or US destinations through Montreal and Toronto.

Team Transat: (L-r) Jhadyd Gonzalez, Laura Albrow, Julie Sareault, Benjamin Pron, Pat Brady, Nicole Bursey, Steve Brown, Lindsay Merrill, Joe Adamo, and Diana Zincarelli

• Call centre: Despite the pride of being named North America’s Best Leisure Airline for 2022 in the prestigious annual Skytrax awards, Adamo acknowledges that the company has still has some “shortcomings,” notably in the area of customer service. Stating that the pandemic “laid bare the inefficiency of legacy systems” in the travel industry – which were particularly prevalent during the summer “when the industry really took it on the chin” – he says matter-of-factly, “Our current (call centre) is unacceptable,” adding, “I do apologize; I would have thought that we would be in better shape at this point. We are not.”

He adds that, “While perhaps not perceptible, you have to believe me, it (caller wait time) is getting better… every week. You have my commitment that we are deploying every resource necessary to get our heads above water…”

Citing ubiquitous staffing shortages, Adamo assures that problems are in no way related to cost-cutting and that Transat is endeavouring to attract new employees by all means possible, including offering higher salaries, and by investing heavily in technology as the way of the future. He estimates that simple online capabilities (such as being able to check inventory) could reduce the number of calls by 40,000-50,000 annually, thereby easing wait times when contact with a person is necessary. “Self service,” he says, “is a huge, huge deal!”

New brand image

With so much that’s new, it’s only natural that the tour company would seek a new image. Based on the tagline, “Travel Moves Us,” Adamo says that Transat is positioning itself as a facilitator of travel rather than simply “vacations” – an image that is being introduced in a new fall advertising campaign that is its first in three years.

“We are a leisure-first airline, although we do have some business travellers, but the position here is we’re going beyond vacations,” says Adamo. “Leisure travel is more than vacations, it’s VFR… it’s not just fly and flop on the beach. It’s more than that, and that’s what we’re aspiring to. So, we move from vacations to travel, and hoping that we can help our customers to foster openness in every sense of the word.

“We think ‘Travel Moves Us’ works on two levels: the travelling public can recognize themselves in the adverts – it speaks to them because travel moves them.

“But it also works for us a brand because we travel moves us, literally and figuratively. That’s what we’re trying to say!”

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

MADRID REMEMBERS ITS ROOTS

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The bleating and bells of some 1,200 sheep and 200 goats took over downtown Madrid on Sunday morning as part of a festival that recreates the pastoral practice of moving livestock to new grazing grounds.

Shepherds herded the animals through the paved streets of the Spanish capital while re-enacting what their ancestors did for centuries: move flocks from cool highlands in the summer to lowland winter pastures.

Madrid, Spain’s lively capital city, has always been part of the 125,000-km grid of farming paths that cover the Iberian Peninsula.

As part of the Transhumance Festival, organizers make a symbolic payment for the right to use the drovers’ route that crosses the capital. The payment presented at Madrid’s city hall in medieval Spain’s currency consists of 50 maravedis, as stated in an agreement between the city and shepherds that dates back to 1418.
The closeness of the animals delighted the urban dwellers who gathered to watch the unfamiliar ritual. Children tried to touch the soft merino wool of the locally bred sheep.

Madrid has held the festival since 1994, and towns and smaller cities in Italy, France and California hold similar events.

In Spain, modern farming methods have reduced practicing transhumance – the seasonal movement of livestock – to a small group of farmers that keep the tradition alive through associations such as Concejo de la Mesta, who are responsible for the Transhumance Festival in Madrid.

They promote transhumance for advantages such as sustainability, cultural value and environmental protection since areas walked by sheep are less prone to wildfires.

According to the Transhumance and Nature Association, 52 families carry out the practice in Spain.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott International Signs Agreement With Grupo Puntacana and Mac Hotels to Bring W Hotels Brand to the Dominican Republic

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W All-Inclusive Punta Cana Uvero Alto

Marriott International, Inc., today announced the signing of a management agreement with Grupo Puntacana and MAC Hotels to begin construction on the W All-Inclusive Punta Cana in Uvero Alto, an adults-only, all-inclusive luxury property in the Dominican Republic. This hotel is expected to be the first W Hotels property in the market and one of the first W All-Inclusive resorts globally.

W All-Inclusive Punta Cana Uvero Alto is anticipated to feature 349 guest rooms with balconies and plunge pools, as well as several suites. With immersive and dynamic adult-focused programming, plans for the resort include a spa with 11 treatment rooms, a retail area, three pools with pool bars and eleven food and beverage destinations.

“Punta Cana is the perfect destination for both the W Hotels brand and an all-inclusive luxury resort,” said Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer, Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott International. “We look forward to bringing the vision for this fun adult playground to life with Grupo Puntacana and MAC Hotels.”

Today’s agreement is a result of the diversification and growth strategy of Grupo Punta Cana. The pioneering work of the company has contributed to the development of more than 40,000 hotel rooms in the area. The region generates the equivalent of 6.8% of the Dominican Republic’s GDP in the tourism sector and has become the province with the highest per capita income in the country.

“The signing of W Punta Cana Uvero Alto demonstrates our strong commitment to tourism development in Uvero Alto. This project is set to elevate the hotel supply in the region and generate about 600 new jobs,” stated Frank Elías Rainieri, President and CEO, Grupo Puntacana.

For MAC Hotels, the original developer of this project, the investment represents its third project in the country. MAC has evolved its hospitality strategy in which the company has traditionally been both an owner and the operator for all of its projects until now.

“Today’s signing with Grupo Puntacana and Marriott International allows us to move up to the next stage in our company’s growth and development, and we thank both Marriott and Grupo Puntacana for the confidence they have shown us. We are excited to provide an unparalleled experience for guests coming to the beaches of Punta Cana,” stated Begoña Amengual, CEO, MAC Hotels.

The project is expected to break ground in the coming months with an anticipated opening date in 2025.

About Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. Connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold, 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels has redefined hospitality for over two decades, breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With nearly 60 hotels around the globe, the detail-driven design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing, signature Living Rooms create an experience that is often imitated but never matched. Dynamic and invigorating, the brand celebrates each travelers’ desire to uncover the destination through a lens that is distinctly W. For more information on W Hotels, visit www.WHotels.com/TheAngle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.Marriott.com.

About MAC Hotels Group
MAC Hotels was created in the 1980’s by Mr. Miguel Amengual Cifre and his wife, Mrs. Begoña Delgado. Today, the family-owned company has been transitioned to its second generation, handled by Begoña, Miguel and Aina Amengual, who each hold different management roles. The group owns and manages its 7 hotels under its brands Pure Salt Luxury Hotels, dedicated to the luxury segment, and MAC Hotels, which is a family-oriented brand. Both brands represent a total of 1,920 hotel rooms, in addition to which the group manages a residential complex luxury apartments known as Pure Salt Residences. One of the key pillars of MAC Hotels has been constant reinvestment in its properties to maintain them up to date, and the high satisfaction of its guests and employees.

About Grupo Puntacana
Grupo Puntacana is a pioneer company in large scale tourist and economic development. With over 52 years of trajectory, it has envisioned and developed a successful real estate community and airport in a paradisaical destination in the Dominican Republic. Through its initiatives in sustainability and corporate social responsibility, Grupo Punta Cana has become a reference for its creation of new jobs while enhancing the local culture and taking care of the environment.

Media Contact
Natalia Castillo
Coordinator, Public Relations
Marriott International
Natalia.Castillo@RitzCarlton.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

CALLING ALL COUNTRIES: Global resilience more necessary than ever

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Recent hurricanes Fiona and Ian, which devastated parts of the Caribbean and Florida, have reinforced the need to “call the world to come together” to help support sustainability in the travel sector, particularly in the face of devastating disasters both natural and man-made.

At the recent Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Puerto Rico, travel industry leaders including Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s (CHTA) President Nicola Madden-Greig, Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Chairman Kenneth Bryan, and Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett touted a three-day summit to further the cause around the newly declared Global Tourism Resilience Day, Feb. 17, 2023.

However, more than a Caribbean-centric forum, the groups called on the rest of the world – and particularly countries that are highly tourism dependent – to participate and help make Global Tourism Resilience Day a historic and annual observation.

“We can’t have an industry that will survive over time if we don’t the capacity to sustain it,” stated Bartlett, who has spearheaded the initiative and is co-founder of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC).

Global Resilience Day, Bartlett says, is meant to foster a “global appreciation of building resilience to make a quicker recovery (to disruptions)” such earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, monsoons, typhoons, rising sea levels, volcanic eruptions, terror attacks, wildlife degradations, heatwave, drought, food insecurity, epidemic and pandemics, as well as the negative effects of economic downturn and political instability.

“As the Caribbean is well-known to be the most tourism-dependent region on earth, having both CHTA and CTO join the call to support Global Tourism Resilience Day is critical to our efforts to build the sector back stronger,” said Bartlett.

CHTA president Madden-Greig added, “We must now truly harness the power of our knowledge and our human capital and resources to overcome our challenges.”

To that end, Bartlett further proposed support for the establishment of a Global Resilience Fund to help destinations that are recognized as facing high vulnerability to disruptions, both natural and man-made, but have insufficient financial capacity to prepare for and quickly recover from disruptions.

Edmund Bartlett

Both the proposed observance of a Global Tourism Resilience Day and the Fund would be designed to help build a more resilient and sustainable tourism industry worldwide.

Earlier this year, Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council member Laurie Myers explained that the initiative is designed in part to “build the confidence of the traveller,” with the notion that “if the traveller knows that the destination is looking out for them when they arrive and if they know the suppliers are all following preparedness and crisis management, then recovery from any kind of a crisis will be much shorter than in the past.”

“Confidence is the key word – to build consumer confidence and destination assurance, is vital,” agreed Bartlett. “The world relies on us to bounce back faster to stimulate economic recovery. Once the tourism economy is back, the rest of the world economy can follow suit… and no country will be left behind.”

As recent history has shown – whether it be through the pandemic or the aftermath of powerful and more frequent storms such as Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian – the tourism industry is vulnerable to disruptions.

“We are stronger when unified and I support Minister Bartlett’s call to focus on tourism resilience in the Caribbean,” said Kenneth Bryan. “To mitigate the worst-case scenario, we must be proactive and deliberate. This will require support from political leaders in enacting the necessary legislation to adequately prepare for disasters of all types.”

The CTO chairman told Travel Industry Today that he would be delighted to see Canada, and other non-Caribbean countries, take up the Resilience cause, but acknowledged that at first it is likely to be a Caribbean initiative.

“We need to get this bigger, but we can’t wait on the rest of the world to start addressing this, because we (the Caribbean) are affected the most… We want to be in front in respect to preparedness to the trends we are seeing, like global warming and major storms…

“As a matter of fact,” he added, “I suspect that you will hear a lot from the United States after what we’ve seen in Florida (with the recent hurricane). I think that this may have shaken things up for us all to understand that we’re all in this together.”

But he added, “We’re not waiting. We can’t afford to wait another year… We have to start protecting the tourism industry, but also our lives.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

NEW ZEALAND WELCOMES WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

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While all eyes are the men’s World Cup next month in Qatar, New Zealand kicked off activities for the women’s tourney, to be held in the South Pacific nation (jointly with Australia) next summer (July 19 to Aug. 19).

In conjunction with the tournament draw in Auckland on Saturday, which saw Canada selected to play against Australia, Ireland, and Nigeria in the first round, New Zealand issued a “powerful invitation” via YouTube to incoming football teams, fans, and manuhiri (visitors), along with a rare Māori welcoming ceremony (banner photo).

Reserved for significantly important occasions, the wero, or laying down of the taki within the pōwhiri (Māori welcoming ceremony), signalled the invitation to the 10 qualifying nations that will play games in Aotearoa (New Zealand) next year.

And while Canada won’t be one of them (scheduled to play all its games in Australia), Tourism New Zealand notes that Canadian visitors can still attend matches and enjoy the tournament atmosphere in regions and communities across the North and South Islands, not to mention discovering the country’s “spectacular scenery and rich variety of experiences.”

Reaching New Zealand will be easy, adds the tourist board, thanks to direct Air Canada service from Vancouver to Auckland, which returns this November.

New Zealand team members Claudia Bunge and Paige Satchell accompanied ahi Kaa (traditional custodians of the land) Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to deliver the rousing welcome.

“I can’t wait for people to see more of Aotearoa New Zealand next year, I’m really proud to be a Kiwi and it was awesome to take part in the welcome. Standing next to the amazing group from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and sharing our culture with the world was a humbling and powerful experience,” said Bunge.

The maioha (greeting) was delivered by renowned Māori Performing Arts tutor Tarumai Kerehoma-Hoani and set the scene for the compelling wero delivered by another leader of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Piripi Davis, who demonstrated a masterful use of traditional weaponry passed on through his ancestors.

Graham Tipene of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, added, “The hope is that countries visiting will see the point of difference that only Māori and Aotearoa can offer.”

Watch the video below.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: Oct. 17-21, 2022

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Canada’s airlines dominated the news last week: Transat and Porter paired up, as did WestJet and Pacific Coastal; Canada Jetlines announced a new plane and route (Toronto-Vancouver); Air Canada got cooking with Destination Canada; and Sunwing announced flights from Northern Ontario. Also, ACTA wants Ontario agents’ opinions on TICO and the Compensation Fund.

NEWS

ACTA is inviting members of Ontario’s travel trade to weigh in on the Travel Industry Council of Ontario’s recently announced review of its funding model and the Compensation Fund. Travel agencies and independent travel agents are encouraged to submit their opinions via an online survey by 5 p.m. EST, Oct. 26, to ensure it is analyzed in advance of the government submission. Access the survey HERE.

The latest US Business Travel Tracker reports that while companies are increasingly paring back pandemic-era restrictions on business travel, there are developing storm clouds in the form of persistently high inflation and a looming recession. According to the Tracker, many companies slashed their business travel budgets during the pandemic, but less than half of companies (42%) still have policies in place restricting business travel – down from 50% in Q2.

Destination Canada and Air Canada have come together to showcase Canadian cuisine by creating a cookbook designed to showcase Canadian cuisine and its practitioners. “Canada’s Best New Cookbook,” authored by Amy Rosen and published by IndigoPress, features mouth-watering recipes from more than 30 restaurants and stories that explore the unique culinary regions and personalities across Canada. The book is available in stores in English and French editions and each book sold supports future hospitality professionals through the work of the Canadian Hospitality Foundation.

BORDERS

Canada’s much publicized border woes continue to edge towards pre-pandemic standards reports Transport Canada in its most recent update, reflecting data from the week before Thanksgiving. For the week of Oct. 3-9, 99% of flights planned for Canada’s top four airports were completed (i.e., not cancelled); an improvement from 95% for the first week of July; from Oct. 3-9, 91% of flights from the top four airports left on time, or within one hour of their scheduled departure – an improvement from under 75% for the first week of July; and the number of arriving international flights being held on the tarmac at Toronto-Pearson was 0.6%, or 12 international flight arrivals, compared to the peak of 373 during the first week of May.

AIR

Air Transat and Porter Airlines have launched a new bilateral codeshare. Air Transat is now using its “TS” code on flights operated by Porter Airlines between Toronto’s Billy Bishop and Montreal as well as between Halifax and Montreal. Travellers are then able to easily connect to or from a destination served by Air Transat via Montreal. This winter, connections to and from Paris, London and Lisbon are available, as well as domestic and several South destinations. Additional connection to and from the US will be rolled out later this year. Codeshare flights are currently available for bookings made via Air Transat for departures as of Nov. 2, 2022.

In mid-December, residents of Northern Ontario can to the South with greater ease with the return of weekly Sunwing flights from Sudbury and North Bay. Flights from the former to Punta Cana start Dec. 14, through April 12, while Varadero service begins from the latter Dec. 15 through April 13.

WestJet and Pacific Coastal Airlines have launched a reciprocal interline relationship, the first interline collaboration for Pacific Coastal Airlines. The new interline expands the existing relationship between the airlines, through which Pacific Coastal Airlines operates all WestJet Link flights on behalf of WestJet under a capacity purchase agreement, serving 11 communities in Alberta and British Columbia.

Canada Jetlines has signed a lease agreement for a second Airbus A320 aircraft, with delivery of the aircraft expected by Nov. 30. A new route – YYZ-YVR – will follow in December. The carrier conducted its inaugural flight on Sept. 22.

Starting Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 respectively, Air Canada will resume flights to Lima (LIM) from Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL), replacing Air Canada Rouge. Both routes will be operated on Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with a capacity of 298 passengers and will include one to three flights seasonally.

TOURS

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced new offerings for 2023, including new and updated itineraries, excursions, and cruise extension options. Highlights include four new itineraries across Europe and beyond. The 15-day Grand Central Europe, 10-day Zurich & the Rhine River Valley, eight-day Belgian Holiday Markets itinerary, on May 20, the 46-night Rivers of the World cruise will take guests to nine countries aboard five luxury Super Ships. Additionally, Uniworld’s ‘Nights Out’ private evening experiences will be included on almost every European itinerary in 2023 and new immersive shore excursions will be added to the Masterpiece Collection portfolio, available to guests at an added cost.

North American tour operator, Big Five Tours & Expeditions has launched a new interactive digital gateway geared towards connecting travel advisor partners and their clients while providing all travel information in one central hub, before, during and after a trip. “Portal Five” is designed to assist advisors in creating lasting bonds with their travellers and provide content to keep the conversation going after the travellers return home, including providing content on destinations the clients visited, updates on the Spirit of the Big Five Foundation project their previous trip supported, as well as sustainable efforts being made thanks to the support that journey generated. For info, email sales@bigfive.com.

HOTELS

New to the brand, Hilton at The Key, Arlington-Rosslyn, a state of the art, full-service hotel just minutes from Washington, D.C. Located at the foot of the Potomac River’s historic Francis Scott Key Bridge in Arlington, Va., the 36-storey, 331-room property is surrounded by numerous corporate headquarters based in Rosslyn’s business district and minutes from the riverfront Fort Bennett Park and Palisades Trail. The modern hotel is under development as part of The Key, a project that includes a destination restaurant, street-level retail, plus panoramas of the water and the nation’s capital. It is located within steps of the Rosslyn Metro Station, Georgetown, and the National Mall, and is less than five minutes from Reagan International Airport.

RESORTS

Following the success of the Royalton CHIC Resorts concept in Cancun and Punta Cana, Blue Diamond Resorts has announced the opening of Royalton CHIC Antigua in late 2023. Located on idyllic Dickenson Bay Beach, the fully renovated adults-only 227 room five-star beachfront resort is located 20 minutes from V. C. Bird International Airport and will feature day-to-night activities available such as themed pool parties and DJ sets, as well as a six gourmet dining experiences, including an over-water restaurant, five bars and a world-class spa.

New wellness programming for kids has been introduced at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai in Maui, Hawaii. Children ages 5 through 12 can learn how to centre themselves with breathing and visualization techniques, as well as improve coordination, strengthen their bodies, and increase flexibility. Restorative Sound Bath immerses pint-sized guests into a full body listening experience that intentionally uses sound to invite gentle yet powerful therapeutic and restorative nurturing. Yoga Sculpt combines power yoga and strength training while silk hammocks welcome all levels in an AntiGravity Yoga session.

DEALS

Stylish Montego Bay property S Hotel Jamaica (photo) is offering guests a free night when making a booking by Jan. 6 for travel Jan. 6-April 30, 2023. The offer includes a sixth night when a minimum five are booked. The beachfront S Hotel has 120 rooms and agents earn commission on all bookings made directly to the hotel or through the GDS.

CRUISE

Beginning in 2023, Avalon Waterways is lifting the spirits of its guests at “Happy Hour” on Suite Ships across Europe with free house beer, wine, and spirits as well as a featured cocktail of the day.

Explora Journeys, MSC’s luxury lifestyle travel brand, has revealed three new Alaska journeys departing from Vancouver, in summer 2024. The 11-night “Remote Wrangell and Spectacular Sitka” itinerary departs May 6, featuring Inside Passage, Wrangell, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, Ketchikan, Misty Fjord, Victoria, returning to Vancouver on May 17. Subsequent journeys include the 11-day “Sailing the Whale’s Highway” and 10-night “Journey of the Glaciers” concluding Aug. 28.

BY THE NUMBERS

Holland America Line‘s Rotterdam VII departed the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on Oct. 15 on its historic 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing. The 15-day journey recreates Holland America Line’s maiden voyage of Rotterdam I that departed the city 150 years ago today. The crossing follows the path of that first sailing to New York, with calls at Le Havre, France, and Plymouth, England.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Forces of good and evil will once again battle it out in Mickey’s dream as the long-awaited return of Fantasmic! debuts Nov. 3 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. The popular The elaborate 29-minute spectacular takes place nightly – a kaleidoscope of entertainment featuring thrilling stunts, dazzling special effects and a rousing score based on classic Disney animated films. Fantasmic! is just one of many new and returning live-entertainment experiences guests can enjoy during the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration.

TECHNOLOGY

Expedia Group has introduced new features to help its TAAP travel advisors, including more than 300 customizable templates for social media, email marketing, banners and more. The marketing suite is designed to help TAAP advisors gain a competitive edge by increasing visibility and engagement with travellers. Expedia Group TAAP offers access to a wide breadth of travel inventory to travel advisors, including more than one million properties, 200,000 activities, 175 car rentals and 500 airlines.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

AmaWaterways is giving agents a chance to earn Tour Conductor (TC) Credits on airfares and land packages, in addition to its river cruise TC Credit. The limited-time offer applies to all new group contracts for 10 or more guests signed with deposits paid by Dec. 31 for travel on select dates on Europe and Mekong River cruises in 2023 and 2024. Travel advisors can earn unlimited TC Credits based on one TC for every nine full-paying guests reserved in each of the three trip components – river cruise, airfare, and pre- and post-cruise land packages. Earned TC Credits can be applied to the 10th guest or group leader, or the value of the TCs can be taken as a discount shared by all guests in the group or as additional commission.

EVENTS

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) have announced that the 8th installment of Showcase Antigua and Barbuda will take place on June 7-9, 2023. The dedicated travel trade business-to-business event is aimed at increasing business from the destination’s main source markets in the US, Canada, UK, Europe and the Caribbean and targets tour operators and buyers from overseas markets. Registration details are to come.

AGENCIES

TL Network Canada has announced the addition of 37 new member agencies across the country to date in 2022. Lindsay Pearlman, Sr. VP International Leisure for Travel Leaders Network, stated, “Our laser focus on the needs of agencies and advisors has resulted in mega agencies joining our network, as well as agencies of all sizes and models in Canada. We are delighted to add such industry leaders as 510 Travel, Kemp Travel and many more who recognize the tremendous care and benefits we have to offer members.”

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Air Transat has announced the appointment of Jhadyd Gonzalez as National Sales Manager. He takes over Julie Sareault’s former position, which she held until July this year. Gonzalez had been part of the Transat team from 2006 to ‘14 as Regional Manager Destination Services before working seven years in the airline industry as an account manager. He recently held a leadership position for a large hotel chain. He can be reached at jhadyd.gonzalez@transat.com.

Aviation executive Jim Sullivan has been named Chief Operating Officer of Lynx Air, effective immediately. Sullivan brings more than 30 years of airline operations experience to the role, as both a pilot and an airline executive, most recently as VP of Flight Operations at JetBlue Airways.

DESTINATIONS

Celebrating 40 years, the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights illuminate the city of Niagara Falls (Ontario) for 101 Nights of Twinkling Lights from Nov. 12 until Feb. 20, 2023. With over 3 million lights and 75-plus spectacular displays (photo) providing colourful visuals, Niagara Falls will be transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland along the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands and across the tourist districts. Visitors to this popular annual event can bundle up and walk or drive through the Festival route to explore the outdoor, self-guided experience and warm up indoors with 40 nights of free family entertainment options.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1938, Trans-Canada Airlines (later to become Air Canada), created by an act of Parliament the year before, was ready to start carrying mail and freight between Montreal and Vancouver.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Avana Retreat Opens Hidden Spring Lagoon to Guests

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HANOI (October. 20, 2022) – It’s rare to find a secret swimming hole that hasn’t already attracted a crowd. Rarer still is that secluded spot having all the creature comforts you may want, while still enjoying the solitude. Avana Retreat has one such place.

Carved by nature and masked by dense foliage, the Hidden Spring Lagoon is nature’s take on the private plunge pool. The rugged rim is 6 x 3.5 meters, and is filled with natural spring water fed by a small waterfall. The spring water here is crisp and refreshing.

The new property, set amid the terraced rice fields and jungled mountainside, created this intimate space for guests to enjoy the natural wonder, while not negatively impacting the landscape.

“It was important to us that we not affect the flow from the main waterfall at the heart of our resort,” said Mr. Vu Huy, founder of Avana Retreat. “We discovered this beautiful natural pool at the lower part of the flow and built around it to give our guests the chance to connect with nature without impacting it.”

The new Hidden Spring Lagoon space was recently launched and features two sunbeds, a changing room area, and towels are available post-dip. A small bar has been set up so guests can order drinks.

For those who prefer to enjoy the backdrop without getting wet, the property has launched private dining experiences. Guests have the choice of two menus, The Night Breeze or Lagoon Chill. Both are multi-course meals for a maximum of 12 guests. The fine dining menu consists of dishes like Japanese scallops and duck breast with mushroom truffle. The experience in the evening is a candle-lit affair and guests will have the lagoon to themselves. Prices start at VND 4,500,000++ per person.

An afternoon tea service is also available. Options range from the standard set at VND 600,000++ per person through to the indulgent champagne and caviar afternoon tea for VND 2,200,000++ per guest. The delectable menu features sweet treats like macaroons and panacotta as well as savory items, such as fresh tiger prawn spring rolls.

Avana Retreat is a 15-hectare resort in Vietnam’s Mai Chau Province, a 3.5-hour drive from Hanoi. The 36-villa property features spacious, indigenous design, a spa and yoga studio built on a stream, and a stunning private waterfall, which inspired the entire development when discovered by the founders a decade ago.

The Hidden Spring Lagoon is open to guests only from 11am – 5pm, with no advance bookings required for a swim or a drink. Dining experiences require advanced reservations.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Asia’s Most Stunning Outdoor Wedding Venues

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Few celebrations feel as timeless as an al fresco wedding—especially one with a picturesque natural backdrop in a beautiful tropical setting. With destination weddings back on the rise, here’s a look at six of Southeast Asia’s most stunning locations for outdoor nuptials.

A Mythical Backdrop in Bali

Tanah Gajah, a resort moored in the rice paddies of Bali, is offering brides- and grooms-to-be a fantasy wedding with unparalleled nuptial backdrops, and the chance to buyout the entire resort for the ultimate private wedding. Spread over a lush six hectares of land in the spiritual hub of Ubud, the property is an oasis of beauty with a myriad of mythical sculptures and an impressive art collection. The amphitheater is home to one of the property’s most iconic structures, a towering stone-sculpted candi bentar (a Balinese gate) with hand-carved elephants, that has become the most popular place to say “I do.” The Elegant Wedding Package covers all a couple could need such as a pre-dinner cocktail party and dinner reception, as well as added perks like a romantic solo violin performance and a couples spa treatment.

Say ‘I Do’ on Ho Tram’s Buttermilk Shores

Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort is situated a two-hour drive from Vietnam’s bustling metropolis Ho Chi Minh City and yet it feels like a world away on Ho Tram’s sandy shores. The 17-hectare resort’s stunning ocean frontage, stretching 500 metres, lends itself to the ultimate beach wedding ceremony set-up that caters to up to 250 guests, with a wedding arch and aisle elegantly decorated with fresh flowers, as well as Tiffany chairs adorned with ribbons. The beach area is all the more spectacular as the sun rises to the left and goes down to the right in an incredible arc over the East Sea each day.

A Beach Lawn Big on Romance in Cam Ranh

Commanding 30 hectares on scenic Cam Ranh peninsula overlooking one of Vietnam’s most stunning stretches of sand, Long Beach, Alma Resort is big on romance. Basking in 300 sunny days a year, the resort’s lush beach lawn makes for a spectacular tropical wedding setting. Whether an intimate ceremony for two or a larger event, the loved-up couple ties the knot under an arch festooned in seasonal flowers to a backdrop of traditional sampans and coracles plying the waters and islands strewn just offshore. For the wedding reception, the Alma Convention Center features a majestic ballroom that caters to up to 300 hundred guests as well as a lobby bar and reception areas.

Sharing Nuptials in an Ancient Forest in Vietnam

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion is making the most of its verdant location in the rolling foothills of the Truong Son mountains, and its nourishing natural hot springs, with new wedding packages that invite guests to say ‘I do’ in a majestic hidden forest location. Ideal for intimate weddings of up to 40 guests, the resort has launched three different wedding packages: Standard, Superior and Deluxe. Inclusions vary but all feature a ceremony location amid lush tropical woods with decorations that honor the natural surroundings, wedding certification, two nights in a one-bedroom bungalow for the bride and groom, daily 80-minute spa treatments at Alba Spa, and lots more. Couples and their guests can also take advantage of the property’s authentic Japanese onsen spa and range of wellness activities, from sunrise yoga to water meditation.

Amid Banyan Trees in the Mekong Delta

An enchanting setting for an outdoor wedding in southern Vietnam, Azerai Can Tho is situated on a lush private islet in the Mekong Delta. Weddings are held on the resort’s lawn among mature banyan trees and feature a memorable setting with elegantly decorated tables and chairs and lights strung overhead. Azerai Can Tho’s wedding package also includes upscale culinary offerings, options for pre-wedding photography, a private pool party (before or after the celebration), and, of course, an overnight stay for the bride and groom. Azerai also offers memorable wedding packages at its two other properties in Vietnam: Azerai La Residence, Hue in the former imperial capital and the beachfront Azerai Ke Ga Bay on the southeastern coast.

Thai the Knot in Spectacular Koh Samui

Banyan Tree Samui’s team of onsite wedding planners, or Romance Concierges, caters to every whim for couples who dream of getting hitched on a tropical white-sand beach. The resort is totally secluded within a private palm-fringed bay, and guests will have the added luxury of staying in magnificent hillside villas, each with its own infinity pool and 24-hour butler service. This resort specializes not only in white weddings on the beachfront, but Thai Buddhist ceremonies where groom and bride are dressed in traditional Siamese robes.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Metropole Hanoi to Host 3rd Annual Korean Culinary Experience

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HANOI, Vietnam (Oct. 13, 2022) — Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi will host a two-week celebration of “spiritual” Korean gastronomy featuring extraordinary dishes created by Chef Jeong Kwan, a Buddhist nun, influential vegan chef (winner of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants‘ prestigious Icon Award Asia 2022) and a star of the award-winning Netflix series Chef’s Table.

Now in its third year, this special Korean culinary event runs for two weeks, serving à la carte dishes and a 5-course set menu in Metropole Hanoi’s Le Club Bar from October 15-31, 2022.

Korean Gastronomy Week will begin with an exclusive, invite-only kick-off event on Saturday, October 15 from 11am-2pm. The opening day will be limited to 100 persons and will feature a private lunch at Thang Long Hall, the largest of Metropole Hanoi’s reception rooms, along with a showcase of premium Shine Muscat grapes at La Veranda.

The dishes on Chef Jeong Kwan’s special à la carte menu are inspired by the world of Korean temple cuisine using premium Korean ingredients. These include Black Sesame Jook with Tomato Jangajji (Black sesame porridge, confit & pickled tomatoes); Tofu stuffed Paprika & Shiitake Mushroom Umami Jorim (tofu stuffed & gently steamed in paprika, shiitake mushroom braised in Korean traditional rice syrup); Farmer’s Jang Ddeok & Persimmon Muchim (Korean traditional pancake with Gochujang, chili paste, and Doenjang, soybean paste, and sun-dried persimmon tossed in tangy and sweet dressing); Namul Bibimbap & Root Vegetables and Morel Mushroom Tangsui (Bibimbap with millet rice and three kinds of mountain herbs, and Pakpakjang, Jeong Kwan’s special sauce, and sweet & sour root vegetables and morel mushrooms); and Shine Muscat confit in Refined Tomato Syrup with Seaweed Bugak & Potato Bugak (Shine muscat confit, sweet tomato dip, Korean traditional crisps made with seaweed and potatoes).

“When I think of making food, I empty myself first. Understand the nature of the ingredient, I share my mind with its nature,” Chef Jeong Kwan says.

Jeong Kwan has never worked in a restaurant, let alone had any official culinary training. Her profound food philosophy works in the service of the body, the mind and the planet. She is an advocate of the under-the-radar wonders of Korean temple cuisine, a holistic dining process that continues as the food is cooked and then consumed. When Eric Ripert, the French gastronomy expert, visited Baekyangsa, the seventh-century temple in Naejangsan National Park that Chef Jeong Kwan calls home, he named her the “Philosopher Chef,” hailing Chef Jeong Kwan’s cuisine as “the most exquisite food in the world.”

​​Korean Gastronomy Week 2022 is hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Korea Forest Service, and aT-Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, with organization by Nemo Partners.

For more information on this event, or to make a reservation, please contact the hotel’s food and beverage department at Tel: 024 3826 6919 ext. 8200

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI

A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, the Hotel Metropole Hanoi has a long tradition as a luxury venue for prestigious events and a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travelers such as playwrights, ambassadors and heads of state. The recipient of numerous international awards for its fine service, this legendary landmark has contributed to the richness of local heritage.

The hotel includes 364 rooms. The historic Metropole wing has 106 guestrooms and three Legendary Suites. The suites are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham with private garden) and have access to the Club Lounge. We proudly welcome our esteemed guests from all over the world.

The Metropole restaurants and bars are all famous dining venues, each offering a different exotic experience: Le Beaulieu has the best French fare in this corner of the world; Spices Garden offers the ultimate in Vietnamese gastronomy; angelina – Hanoi’s bespoke bar-lounge-restaurant, La Terrasse brings Parisian-style to the sidewalks of Hanoi; Le Club Bar treats guests to its famous chocolate buffet and cool jazz performances; and, finally, Bamboo Bar brings poolside lounging to the next level.

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND

Sofitel Legend is an illustrious selection of heritage luxury hotels where the best of past and present converge. Set within beautiful and culturally-rich destinations, each legendary retreat is both timeless and elegant, delivering lavish settings, renowned restaurants and modern comforts matched with impeccable service for the ultimate luxury experience. Noble, rare and soulful, Sofitel Legend hotels entice worldly travelers who are all drawn to these beloved places of grandeur for their storied past, architectural beauty, sweeping vistas and enchanting ambience. Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,200 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News