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Learning and information at the Advantage Travel Convention

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Lessons and leisure in the Mayan Riviera

Danielle Durocher, Diane Manson, Ton Den Hartigh, Beth Fleeton, Mijanou Lanct�t, Lindsay Caven
Sixty agency owners and managers recently gathered in the Mayan Riviera to attend the Advantage Travel Convention. They participated in a dozen workshops offered by top ranked suppliers, then stayed on for a few extra days to enjoy the sun. Advantage Travel's elite partner, Sunquest Vacations/Holiday House, had a prominent spot with three seminars given by Beth Fleeton, regional sales trainer: "Taking it up a notch", "The tools to 'Cruise' into success" and "Gone fishin'for new business". Flemming Friisdhal, My Travel sales VP for Canada was also on hand for the event.

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CONTINENTAL MAKES IT EASY FOR AMEX BUSINESS TRAVEL CLIENTS

Introduces online check in

Continental Airlines has announced a new dedicated Web site that allows American Express Business Travel clients using the American Express Online corporate travel booking tool to check-in, reserve or update seat selections and print boarding passes for their Continental flights online. Clients who purchase Continental tickets through American Express Online are sent a check-in prompt via e-mail within 24 hours prior to their flight's departure. The e-mail links the traveller to a co-branded Continental Airlines/American Express Business Travel Web page where the check-in process can be managed. The new online check-in feature delivers a number of traveller productivity and time-saving efficiencies, such as the ability to proceed directly to security and bypass airport check-in. [Full text]

Cuba launches marketing campaign

Cuban themed party a hit

Carlos Zambrano, Ed Radonic, Laureano Cardoso

RadonicRodgers, the new marketing agency for Cuba Tourist Bureau, celebrated the launch of Cuba's 2007 marketing campaign at their annual year-end festive gala in the Renaissance Hotel, at the Rogers Centre, in downtown Toronto. Carlos Zambrano, director of Cuba Tourist Bureau in Canada, and Consul General of Cuba, Laureano Cardoso, were in attendance at the Cuban-themed party, along with over 250 guests."It was a fabulous party with an authentic Cuban flavour" said Cardoso, adding that it promoted Cuba as a destination "in a very original way." [Full text]

At Transat's advice for your clients travelling with kids

Tips for making air travel with children easy and enjoyable

Air Transat is offering some tips that can help make travelling by air for the winter holidays easier and more pleasant for children and adults alike. If you have clients flying with their children over the holidays, they will appreciate the following advice. 1. Plan ahead. Planning is the key word for adults travelling with one or several children. A few days before departure, they should check with their carrier to see if it offers a children's entertainment program on board the aircraft. If not, it is strongly recommended that they have a few favourite games or objects handy to entertain children during the pre-boarding period and the flight. [Full text]

Monte Carlo Travel Market 2007

Luxury market attracts international travel professionals

Grimaldi Forum Monaco

For the third year in a row, Monte Carlo Travel Market will present tourism professionals with a selection of the most exclusive travel products in the world. Created in January 2005 in the Principality of Monaco, this luxury tourism event takes place from January 12 to 14, 2007 in the Grimaldi Forum Monaco. New decors specially created for the occasion will highlight the top end of luxury brands, exclusive journeys, spas, safaris, cruises, private jets and lavish yachts. Internationally famous Monte Carlo artist, Jean-Michel Folon, symbolic patron of the event, conceived the logo of Monte Carlo Travel Market and was actively involved in the event until his recent death. A tribute to Folon has been planned during the official opening. [Full text]

Thomas Cook for sale?

Lufthansa rumoured ready to sell its share
Reports in the German financial press this weekend suggest that the sale of Thomas Cook by Lufthansa is imminent. Reports said Lufthansa will sign a letter of intent to sell its 50% stake in Thomas Cook AG to Karstadt, its JV partner in the tour operator. Lufthansa previously stated that its share in Thomas Cook AG was 'non-core' and that its non-core businesses were under review. The letter is apparently to be signed by Christmas with more details to be released in January. [Full text]