TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

TRAVELHOTNEWS.COM RETROSPECTIVE 2009

TRAVELHotNews.com Retrospective 2009

TRAVELHotNews.com takes a look back at 2009

Although the new decade is now upon us, it’s time to look back on all the newsworthy events of 2009. Last year saw the effects of the global recession on the travel industry, with a negative effect on the global airline industry. The H1N1 influenza pandemic was another setback travellers had to deal with. In Canada, Conquest Vacations collapsed, and several key players struck alliances, including Sunwing and TUI Travel PLC, as well as Merit Travel Group and Travel CUTS. The retail landscape has also changed, with closures announced at CAA and BCAA storefronts. Two of Transat’s cofounders, Lina De Cesare and Philippe Sureau, announced their retirements in 2009. Berlin celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall, and Mexico, Israel and Jamaica posted positive Canadian visitation figures despite a challenging year. And, Canada was finally granted Approved Destination Status from the Chinese government. Inside, TRAVELHotNews.com has compiled the most important news items that dominated headlines in 2009. [Full text and pictures]

CHIASSON BUYS BACK LOGIMONDE SHARES

Logimonde Inc. and ACT Communications Inc. agree to bring amicable end to five-year partnership; will focus on developing their unique products independently

Uguette Chiasson

Rex Armstead

ACT Communications Inc. and Logimonde Inc. have agreed to bring an amicable end to their partnership of nearly five years in order to better develop their unique products independently. Uguette Chiasson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Logimonde stated that “by buying back my shares from ACT, I feel Logimonde will have greater flexibility to focus on developing our on-line products and I can also re-establish the company as a family-owned business involving my daughter, Marie-Klaude Gagnon, who is the General Manager of Logimonde.” [Full text and pictures]

LIVING BEAUTY IN THE DEAD SEA: PART 1

The Israel Government Tourist Office hosts trip to Israel from Dec. 3 to 6; features 7th annual Dead Sea International marketing weekend
Lisa Raffaele

Travel professionals and journalists from 25 countries around the world gathered in Israel’s Dead Sea region for a three-day conference highlighting the area. The conference also emphasized the Dead Sea’s candidacy in becoming one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature; it also promoted Verdi’s Nabucco, an al fresco operatic performance set to be performed at the foot of Masada this June. Keep reading for the full story. [Full text and pictures]

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

Transport Minister John Baird announces new air passenger behaviour observation program in addition to full-body scanning

Yesterday afternoon, Transport Minister John Baird announced that Ottawa will be implementing a passenger behaviour observation program through Canada’s major airports. The new security measures will also involve the purchase of 44 full-body screening machines; with a price tag of $250,000 each, the technology will cost $11 million, reported the Globe and Mail. A dozen scanners are expected to be delivered by the manufacturer within a week, with the rest to come in six to 10 weeks. [Full text and pictures]

GOWAY’S EBB CHINA ODYSSEY

11 or 14-day China Odyssey 2010 program now available with Goway; offers $100 per person EBB
Goway Travel’s China Odyssey escorted tour program has confirmed 2010 departure dates for their escorted program to China. The 11 or 14-day China Odyssey is priced from $2,189 for the 11-day tour and from $2,689 for the 14-day tour. It offers first class and deluxe centrally located hotels, and features a National Guide, which will remain with the group through their entire China journey. The 14-day journey includes the downstream cruise on the Yangtze River and uses one of the four-star ships available in the region. To kick off the China Odyssey 2010 program, Goway is offering a $100 per person early booking bonus. For more information, call 1-888-469-2988, visit Goway.com/asia or e-mail res@goway.com.

A DECADE OF DEALS WITH SIGNATURE

Signature Vacations rings in the New Year by offering Top 20 Deals of 2010 at several resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean

Signature Vacations has announced their Top 20 Deals of 2010, available at several resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. For a limited time, customers can save up to 40 per cent on select all inclusive packages while availability lasts. Some Top 20 Deals of 2010 inlcude: Victoria to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, staying at Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa (four-star) for one-week, all inclusive, departs Fri., Feb. 19 for $938 plus $256 taxes; Edmonton to Varadero, Cuba, staying at Gran Caribe Club Kawama (three-star) for one-week, all inclusive, departs Sat., Feb. 21 for $1,038 plus $200 taxes; and Toronto to Varadero, Cuba, staying at Oasis Brisas Del Caribe (three-star) for one-week, all inclusive, departs Sat., Jan. 23 for $698 plus $205 taxes. Keep reading for for deals throughout Canada. [Full text and pictures]

INSIGHT BRINGS BACK BOGO OFFER

Insight Vacations’ Buy One, Get One Free Air Deal is now valid until January 31, 2010
Due to demand, Insight Vacations has extended its ‘Buy One Get One Free’ Air Deal. The booking deadline for this bonus has been extended to January 31, 2010, giving your clients an additional month to take advantage of the offer. To qualify, all bookings must be made and paid in full by January 31, 2010. Insight will pay the base airfare for the second passenger and both passengers must pay fuel surcharges and taxes.