Transat makes changes Jen Savedra Key appointments help implement "national vision" Philippe Sureau In an interview with TRAVELHotNews, Philippe Sureau, President of Transat Distribution Canada emphasized that Transat Distribution's purchase of Thomas Cook its purpose in both past and future acquisitions was part of a vision to create a national network to provide services outside the key marketing areas. Noting that while it is obviously important to have a central presence, "The Toronto-centric and Montreal-centric approach needs to expand" he said, "a more balanced plan and a Canada wide presence will reconcile the needs of the franchisees and the company, with the organizational and marketing benefits of centralization." [Full text]

Gloves off at TICO Jen Savedra Upcoming election hotly disputed Bruce Bishins Simon Parry of Helen Thompson Travel created quite a stir with his "Open letter to Ontario Travel Agents." Parry is vociferous in his support of Bruce Bishins as a candidate for the open seat on the TICO board and just as opposed to the candidacy of former board member Richard Vanderlubbe. Parry's 3 page email was widely distributed by Bishin's company, Canadian Standard Travel Agent Registry (CSTAR). It lauds Bishins's accomplishments, describing him as understanding the issues and as a champion for travel agents. It points out that he pulls no punches and is currently taking IATA to task over the BSPLink and debit memo problems. Bishins's own online letter pledges "to leave no stone unturned in working diligently to aggressively and effectively bring about policy changes at TICO." [Full text]

Harmony in New York Airline inaugurates non-stop flights from Vancouver Vancouver-based Harmony Airways has launched its inaugural non-stop flight to New York City. The service operates year-round, seven days a week between Vancouver International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. Flights leave Vancouver daily at 9 a.m., arriving in New York at 5:25 p.m. Return service departs New York at 7 p.m., arriving in Vancouver at 10 p.m [Full text]

Hard Rock Park rocks Myrtle Beach Theme park first in a decade for U.S. The proposed US $400 million Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach is the largest single tourist investment in South Carolina history and the first built in the U.S. in nearly a decade. The ground breaking on July 13 promises to be spectacular.  The 140-acre theme park which will celebrate the spirit of rock and roll is designed to be an innovative and distinct extension of the Hard Rock brand.  The park will reflect the brand's commitment to music featuring six unique custom-designed zones celebrating rock's lifestyle, legends and irreverence. [Full text]

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