TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

AND THEN THERE WERE TWELVE

The Sunwing contest finalists have been narrowed down to twelve; vote now!
The Sunwing and TRAVELHotNews “Sensational Snapshots Contest” is nearing its conclusion. Online voters have two weeks left to cast their vote on the last twelve finalists. On September 26th, the winner (and four finalists) will be announced at the Addison Show in Toronto. The grand prize winner will receive a one-week trip to the Temptation Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico, courtesy of Sunwing Vacations and TRAVELHotNews. Vote now and vote often! Click here to vote.

CREDIT CARD STANDARDS RISE

ACTA announces new security standards imposed for credit cards
ACTA has received requests concerning the new security standards that will be imposed by the Payment Card Industry (PCI) to merchants and suppliers as of January 1, 2008. ACTA notes that PCI standards will be imposed on all businesses that store, process or transmit credit card data, and are not specific to the travel industry. Also, in regards to the security of electronic payments, the Canadian payments market is migrating to more secure Chip and PIN technology, ACTA adds. ACTA mentions that one of the most significant benefits for moving to this technology is fraud reduction and its impact on merchant liability. This move is planned for 2010 although some pilot projects have already been conducted. [Full text and pictures]

ALIO IN BERMUDA

Alio's 2008 Bermuda brochure

Alio launches their new 2008 Bermuda brochure
Alio’s new 2008 Bermuda brochure is now available. The brochure has been produced with the cooperation of the Bermuda Tourism Department. In addition to the golf packages offered with most of the hotels appearing in the brochure, Alio also offers private transfers and activities such as, the new swim with the dolphins experience, as well as spa packages. For all travel until October 31, 2007, travellers that book Bermuda with Alio will receive a $300 US VISA gift card that can be used at any VISA merchant in Bermuda. For a complete list of Alio offers visit alio.ca.

CARIBBEAN’S NEW CEO

Philip Saunders, CEO of Caribbean Airlines

Caribbean Airlines appoints new CEO Philip Saunders
Caribbean Airlines announced today that a new CEO, Philip Saunders has been appointed and will be starting his new role on October 1st, 2007. He will replace Peter Davies who will continue to be involved with Caribbean Airlines, acting as strategic advisor to the board. Since the launch of the Task Force in the summer of 2005, under the chairmanship of Arthur Lok Jack, the airline industry of Trinidad & Tobago has undergone substantial change. The Task Force was established to meet specific challenges in building a sustainable industry, and this resulted in the closure of BWIA and the launch of Caribbean Airlines. After 7 months of operation, under the stewardship of Davies, Caribbean Airlines has established a reputable position in the market following a successful summer period with record numbers of passengers. [Full text and pictures]

IN WITH THE NEW

Oded Grofman, new Consul-Tourism Director for Canada

Oded Grofman is appointed as new Israel Consul-Tourism Director of Canada
Oded Grofman, the newly appointed Consul-Tourism, Director for Canada, Israel Government Tourist Office has arrived in Toronto, and has taken his post. Official changeover took place at the Israel Government Tourist Office (IGTO) on Wednesday September 5th. In attendance were Dani Shahal, outgoing Consul Tourism and Director for Canada, and Arie Sommer, Consul and Commissioner for North and South America officiated the proceedings. Arie Sommer, Consul and Commissioner for North and South America, Israel Ministry of Tourism stated “It is like the passing of the torch from one leader to his replacement. As Dani Shahal returns to Israel at the conclusion of his very successful five-year posting here in Canada, Oded brings to his new posting as Consul - Tourism a new vitality to continue the task at hand.” [Full text and pictures]

TROPICAL STORM GABRIELLE HITS CAROLINA

Tropical storm Gabrielle

Gabrielle sends 80 km/h winds into North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Tropical storm Gabrielle made landfall Sunday on North Carolina's Outer Banks, packing 80 km/h winds and plenty of rain, but not enough of a threat to scare vacationers from the shore and surfers from the beach. Although Gabrielle strengthened slightly Sunday morning, it was a weak tropical storm when its small centre made landfall along the Cape Lookout National Seashore around 11:45 a.m. Forecasters said Gabrielle's strongest winds and rainfall have yet to reach the coast. [Full text and pictures]

GALILEO & SABRE EXPLANATION

ACTA to arrange conference call for Galileo and Sabre to explain new product to ACTA members
In a recent media release ACTA stated that there is a lot of noise surrounding the new distribution agreements offered by Galileo and Sabre. While ACTA said that the GDS companies and the airline companies seem to have found solutions which make it possible to bring back all of the rates and products in the GDS of the travel agents, ‘the Tango affair’ is still fresh in their minds. ACTA will be arranging a telephone conference for ACTA members on these latest distribution developments in Canada during which Sabre, as well as Galileo will come to explain their new product, and will discuss these recent developments. ACTA have yet to confirm the date.

VISIONS OF INDIA IN TO

Steve McCurry "Man in the Yamuna River in front of the Taj Mahal"

Airliners & ATOURZ unveil the World Heritage Project’s photo exhibit in Toronto
The first photo collection of The World Heritage Project’s was unveiled in downtown Toronto early this month. The India collection was the first in a series of events to bring world recognition to the many natural and cultural heritage sites around the globe. Airliners and ATOURZ played a key role in what the World Heritage Project. The World Heritage Project is a not-for-profit organization whose aim is to inspire a global community to protect the environment, preserve and care for each country’s cultural treasures and build bridges of peace and understanding through education. [Full text and pictures]

ETIHAD VISITS MILAN IN STYLE

(L-R) Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive James Hogan, TV presenter Joyce Bousader and Italian Ambassador to the UAE, Paulo Dionisi with Etihad cabin crew

Etihad Airways launches new service to Milan with a fashion show and reception
Etihad Airways helped launch its new three flights a week service to Milan by staging an Italian fashion show and reception at Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Hotel. Italian designer Ettore Bilotta, who designed the uniforms worn by Etihad Airways’ 2,400 cabin crew, exhibited his new range for winter 2007 at the fashion show, which was followed by a performance from the Three Waiters opera group. The event was attended by the Italian Ambassador to the UAE, Paolo Dionisi, members of the UAE’s Italian business community and senior Etihad Airways management. [Full text and pictures]