TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY ROUNDTABLE TACKLES TRENDS Bryen Dunn CAA may move to a more consultative approach; Best Western sees increased agent bookings despite growing Internet action; Hotel Association urges agents to sell Canada to Canadians Tourism officials met last week in Toronto as part of a panel discussion to provide their views on travel trends within the Canadian market. While a few interesting facts were revealed, the general consensus wasn't anything new - travel is a resilient industry in a volatile environment. Featured panellists represented a cross section of organizations within the industry - Dorothy Dowling, Senior VP of Marketing, Best Western International (BWI) - Alison Hermansen, Vice President, National Travel and Member Awards Alliances, Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) - Randy Williams, President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) - Tony Pollard, President, Hotel Association of Canada (HAC). [Full text]

MILTON PROPOSES AIRPORT BOYCOTT BY INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES Draconian action required to drive down rising fees - Robert Milton too late for Toronto's Pearson but Caracas potential target Airlines are considering a boycott of large airports that they feel charge excessive fees to airlines. Robert Milton, the pugnacious chairman of Air Canada, said Friday it may be the only way for airlines to drive down rising fees charged by monopoly airports. Milton said the option was discussed Friday by the board of the International Air Transport Association, of which he is chairman. "Airlines have to start to act and speak in unison,'' said Milton, speaking at a conference of airline executives of the Star Alliance network. [Full text]

SILK HOLIDAYS - CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES HOST CHINA FAM Silk Holidays and China Eastern Airlines are hosting an agent FAM to Sanya, Hainan Island in China. Departing on February 27, 2006 for 10 days and eight nights, the itinerary includes Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Sanya, Hainan Island beach resort. The price for agents is $749 twin share from Vancouver plus tax, China visa fee, and tips. Single supplement is $399. Price includes airfare, accommodation, sightseeing and some meals. For additional details, e-mail mavis@silkholidays.com.

SUPPLIERS-BUYERS TO HUDDLE UP AT ANNUAL FLORIDA SALES EVENT Registration is now open for Florida Huddle 2006, Fort Lauderdale, January 29-31, 2006 During the two and one half day show, sellers representing accommodations, cruises, attractions, transportation, and visitor information services will participate in one-on-one appointments with suppliers and an open trade show. Other activities include networking opportunities, a special invitation to the King Tut Exhibit and three post tours - St. Pete/ Clearwater; Miami; and Seminole Tribe/Billie Swamp Safari. Pre-tours have not yet been announced. [Full text]

ASTA INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION EXPO SLATED FOR PRAGUE IN MARCH First annual event showcases Czech capital March 21-26, 2006 The selection of Prague as the host city for the American Society of Travel Agents' (ASTA) first International Destination Expo "confirms the rise of the Czech Republic and Prague as an important and popular tourist destination," said Rostislav Vondruska, director of Czech Tourism. [Full text]

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