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| WestJet seeks deal with Air France |
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Strategic partnership would intensify Calgary airline's rivalry with Air Canada in Montreal firm's backyard
Globe and Mail
WestJet Airlines Ltd. is holding talks with Air France to forge a strategic partnership that would give new ammunition to the Calgary-based carrier, intensifying the battle against Air Canada in its own Quebec backyard. The negotiations are aimed at reaching an “interline” pact, with Air France and WestJet likely to co-operate on services such as baggage transfer, saving time for passengers on connecting flights, industry sources say. Details are being ironed out to first clear the way for WestJet to accept inbound Air France electronic tickets by mid-2008. Air France would accept outbound WestJet e-tickets by the end of 2008. The outbound arrangement means Canadian consumers could eventually book a flight to Paris through WestJet, with Air France getting part of the fare revenue after the French carrier flies passengers overseas.
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| CONQUEST SOLD TO INVESTORS’ GROUP |
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Robbie Goldberg makes private deal to sell Conquest Vacations to investors’ group led by COO Errol Francis
Former COO of Conquest, Errol Francis, becomes the new president and CEO of the tour operator following his buyout of the company. Robbie Goldberg will be retiring and has sold his stakes in the company to a private investors’ group led by Francis. Although he is 'retiring', Goldberg will continue to be involved with Conquest as a consultant.
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| NYC OPENS TOURISM OFFICE IN CANADA |
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NYC & Company’s new office in Toronto will cater to city’s 2nd largest international market
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| Times Square, New York City. Photo, Telefrancais | | NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing and tourism organization, today announced the opening of a Canadian office that will serve the City’s second-largest international market. The new tourism office will be represented by Vision|Co. under the direction of Jordan Bitove and Charmaine Singh. “The opening of a tourism marketing office in Canada comes at a pivotal time with the Canadian dollar hitting record highs against the US dollar,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. “With the economic advantages of traveling to New York City, we believe that there’s no better time than now to establish a more formal presence in this key market.”
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| SIGNATURE SELLS SUMMER 2008 |
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It’s never too early to think of summer…book with Signature now and save up to $300 off per couple
Signature Vacations is celebrating the launch of its summer 2008 product with great savings. From November 15th, 2007 until January 15th, 2008 the tour operator will be offering $300 off per couple for all packages travelling between May 1st and October 31st, 2008. With excellent properties available in Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic Signature is encouraging your clients to book now and secure summer savings. These savings are valid on new all inclusive packaged bookings for 2 (two) or more adults staying a minimum of 7 nights. The $300 off per couple is not valid on air only or children bookings. Please note this promotion is not combinable with any other offer except for an applicable Early Booking Bonus. For complete details refer to Signature Vacations website at signaturevacations.com
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| VISITSCOTLAND ADDITION |
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| Last Wednesday, TRAVELHotNews.com published the article "Come Home to Scotland!", highlighting upcoming events taking place in Scotland. For more information about the country, visit the website cometoscotland.com. The travel trade may visit bookingscotland.com to learn more about commissionable offers and other trade-related information.
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| TRANSAT & NOLITOURS LAUNCH ONLINE SEAT SELECTION |
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Air Transat, Nolitours, Transat Holidays launch online seat selection system; clients can select seats in real time
With seat selection now integrated into the flight and package booking process at airtransat.com, nolitours.com and transatholidays.com, clients can select their seats when they book online. The system gives them access to the inventory of seats available on the plane, so they can select their seats in real time. Once they book, they are issued a confirmation number. Clients booking with a travel agent, tour operator or via our reservation call centre can also select their seats online using their reservation file number to log on to the Seat Selection section at the Air Transat, Nolitours and Transat Holidays websites. Clients will then receive their seat selection confirmation by email. For further details, please visit the Air Transat, Nolitours and Transat Holidays websites.
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| NEW CUBA DIRECTOR |
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Cuba Tourist Board Toronto to appoint Elias Enrique Bestard Pavón to new position in December
TRAVELHotNews.com has learned the starting date for the incoming director of the Cuba Tourist Board, Toronto. Elias Enrique Bestard Pavón, successor to Carlos Zambrano, will begin his official role near the end of December.
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| FEDERAL GOV’T ANNOUNCES $5M FOR NWT |
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| Northern lights in the Northwest Territories. Photo, T.Macintosh, courtesy of Explore NWT | | Federal government gives $5M for NWT tourism initiatives; $1.27M for public transit
Canadian Press
The federal government recently announced $5 million in funding to support infrastructure and tourism initiatives for the Northwest Territories. Northern Development Minister Chuck Strahl said the money will strengthen the local economy. He said the money will help the territorial government execute its Tourism 2010 strategy, including an analysis of outdoor adventure activities; a study of the requirements to develop international flight connections; an architectural and engineering plan for a tourism waterfront facility in Yellowknife; and the development of interpretive centres focused on bison and diamonds. The federal and territorial governments also announced $1.27 million in funding for community public transit infrastructure projects.
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