TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

CATSA RESTRICTS CARRY-ONS

All U.S.-bound flights from Canada are permitted zero carry-on bags; WestJet, Air Canada provide statements

Effective immediately, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is implementing temporary emergency measures at security checkpoints under the direction of Transport Canada. U.S.A. bound passengers are permitted zero carry-on bags effective immediately and lasting for several days. The rules will be strictly enforced during this period. Air Canada and WestJet also provided statements on what to expect when travelling to the U.S. from Canada. Keep reading for more. [Full text and pictures]

ACV EXPANDS TO BRUSSELS & TEL AVIV

Brussels and Tel Aviv now part of Air Canada Vacations� lineup
Air Canada Vacations now offers packages to Brussels and Tel Aviv. In one year, Air Canada Vacations international lineup has gone from nine to 13, with Brussels and Tel Aviv being the two latest additions. As of June 2010, Air Canada�s new service to Brussels will include daily departures from Toronto via Montreal. During the summer, its service to Tel Aviv will include five non-stop, weekly departures from Toronto. Air Canada Vacations will offer 12 hotels in Brussels and 10 in Tel Aviv. For more information, visit aircanadavacations.com/agents.

U.S. KEEPS AN EYE ON THE SKIES

U.S. to step up security for airline passengers from 14 countries; measures include full-body pat-downs, full-body scanning and more

Airline passengers heading to the United States will be faced with increased security screening Monday in airports around the world following U.S. requests for stricter checks after a Nigerian man allegedly tried to ignite explosives on a flight to Detroit. Citizens of Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria, countries that are considered �state sponsors of terrorism,� as well as those of �countries of interest� - including Afghanistan, Algeria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen - will face the special scrutiny, U.S. officials said. [Full text and pictures]

ALBATOURS� SPENDS 2010 IN ITALY

New 2010 Italy brochure now offered by ALBATours; highlights program that will run this year from April to October

ALBATours� 2010 Italy program, which will run this year from April to October, is now showcased in the brand new 2010 brochure. Selecting Alitalia as the carrier for all of its coach tour packages, ALBATours has also introduced one new escorted coach tour and has made enhancements to a number of other tours. In addition, if travel agents book now they can also take advantage of a special limited time offer that will save their clients up to $300 per couple on all air-inclusive and tour-only packages. This year�s additions include the six-day/five-night Tourn�a Surriento (Return to Sorrento) coach tour, which features two days and two nights in Rome before heading to Sorrento on Italy�s Amalfi Coast for another two nights. Keep reading for full details including package pricing. [Full text and pictures]

INTREPID�S AGENT-ONLY WEBSITE

Intrepid Travel launches agent-only website; will track individual agents' sales, as well as offer product quizzes and more

Intrepid Travel has announced the debut of its website just for North American travel agents. Found at intrepidagent.com, the site is multi-functional and will track individual agent�s sales, as well as offer product quizzes - complete with prizes - free downloadable marketing resources, details on new promotions (such as the Aeroplan promotion where customers can earn 500 Aeroplan Miles on bookings over $1,000), and provide a link to each agent�s BDM. In addition, agents will be earning awards for booking with Intrepid. Keep reading for sales prize descriptions. [Full text and pictures]

FLIGHTS GROUNDED AT NJ AIRPORT

Canadian Press
A man walked through a screening checkpoint exit into the secure side of a terminal at one of the busiest airports in the U.S. on Sunday night. Flights were grounded for hours and passengers had to be re-screened while air safety officials searched for him. Keep reading for full details. [Full text and pictures]

THOMAS COOK RINGS IN THE NEW YEAR

Sunquest, Holiday House, Fun Sun Vacations and Intair offer Great Riu Emerald Bay Giveaway agent incentive; receive $25 AMEX-branded card & triple RPC points
Starting Jan. 4, 2010, for a limited time only, Sunquest, Holiday House, Fun Sun Vacations and Intair will be welcoming the New Year with a new agent booking incentive � the Great Riu Emerald Bay Giveaway. As of Jan. 4, for every booking you make to the Riu Emerald Bay in Mazatlan, Mexico, through any of the four brands for departures up to June 30, 2010, you will receive a $25 American Express-branded reward card and triple RPC points. In addition, you will also be entered into a weekly draw for a seven-night all-inclusive trip for two including air to Riu Emerald Bay. Keep reading for full details. [Full text and pictures]

COLLETTE ASSISTS AGENTS VIA WEB

New website designed to assist agents unveiled by Collette Vacations
Collette Vacations has announced that it has launched a new agent website with selling tools that will allow travel agents to better assist their customers. The new agent site features selling initiatives, such as a customizable e-mail marketing tool that allows agents to include a personal message that they then e-mail to their clients with embedded information about Collette. Keep reading for sign up information and more. [Full text and pictures]