MyTravel buys Encore Cruises from First Choice Canada Vanessa Lee will not join new company Michael Friisdahl Vanessa Lee MyTravel Canada announces it has reached an agreement to purchase Encore Cruises from First Choice Canada, for $3.75 million, subject to certain closing conditions, effective July 31. Vanessa Lee, managing director of Encore Cruises announced today that she will not remain on at Encore and will step down as managing director of Encore Cruises on July 7. [Full text]

TICO gets new powers ACTA applauds TICO rate reduction and new authority Christiane Theberge The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) is very pleased that the Ontario government has approved a reduced new contribution rate of $.05 per $1,000 to the Compensation Fund for Ontario registrants. "ACTA has been lobbying this issue for quite some time and it is terrific news to hear that our efforts have paid off," said Mike Foster, ACTA Ontario Regional Council. "I wish to thank the ACTA appointees to the TICO Board of Directors who over the years have volunteered and dedicated their time to ensure that the interests of the retail travel community are addressed," he continued. [Full text]

Toronto airport lauded GTAA responds to airline complaints John Kaldeway John Kaldeway, president and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), responded to criticism regarding Toronto Pearson International made yesterday in Montreal at an international conference on the future of global air transport. In a recent edition of Enroute magazine, Air Canada president and CEO, Montie Brewer, hailed Pearson's redevelopment program as designed to make it one of the most convenient airports in North America.  The "upgraded facilities at other Canadian airports are also contributing to a better travel experience for Air Canada's customers" he said. [Full text]

A showcase for Central America LATA organizes informative evening Reggie Kieda A group of suppliers from Central America conducted a workshop Tuesday evening in Toronto.  Billed as Centro America Showcase, the invitation-only event attracted a number of industry professionals who had a serious interest in the area. Hoteliers and inbound operators from Central America were knowledgeable and experienced and attendees were positive and enthusiastic about the content and quality of the information provided. [Full text]

Qatar Airways best in the Middle East Sixth best in the world at the Skytrax awards Akbar Al Baker It's getting to be a habit.  For the fourth year in a row, Qatar Airways' cabin crew was voted Best in the Middle East, with their worldwide ranking up from fifth to second.Already ranked by Skytrax as a Five Star carrier, Qatar Airways was also recognized earlier this year with an Inflight Service Consistency Award. Qatar Airways held onto the coveted Five Star award for excellence, service and high standards and is one of only four airlines in the world to earn such recognition. [Full text]

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