TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

TOURISM IRELAND ANNOUNCES 2007 IRISH OPEN WINNERS

Tourism Ireland hosts 25th annual ‘Irish Open’ on Monday Sept. 10

Irish Open Winner 2007- John Dolan, Ballyliffin GC; Jayne Shackleford, Tourism Ireland; Don McLean, Synergi Global Travel Management; Karen Evans, bmi; Keith Delgado, Air Canada

Tourism Ireland held its 25th annual Irish Open industry invitational last Monday, September the 10th. Sponsors this year included RBC Insurance (Platinum Level), Transat Holidays/Nolitours , Softvoyage , Royal Irish Tours, Abbey Tours / RMR Group and Canlink Travel / Druids Glen Golf Resort. [Full text and pictures]

ARTA Votes "No" on ARC Fee Increases

ARC's Proposed Fee Increases Shift More Airline Distribution Costs to Travel Agents in the U.S.

In a press release sent out yesterday, The Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA), a member of the ARC Fees and Charges Working Group (FCWG), reported voting "no" yesterday on a variety of pricing changes proposed by ARC for approval of travel agencies or maintenance of ARC accreditation for existing travel agencies. While there has been much focus on ARC's proposal to increase fees from $145.00 today to $395.00 in 2008, ARTA has also expressed their concern with the ARC's plans for further increased fees over the next four years to a $875.00 accreditation fee by 2011, more than a 600% increase from the fee levels today. ARTA has expressed worries regarding ARC's evolution from an accreditation and settlement program to becoming a cost barrier, impacting travel agencies' ability to maintain independent and cost-manageable commercial relationships with the airline sector of the industry. [Full text and pictures]

JAMAICA’S NEW MINISTER OF TOURISM

Edmund Bartlett, new Minister of Tourism
Edmund Bartlett appointed new Minister of Tourism after elections
Edmund (Ed) Bartlett, a marketing executive and long-standing Parliamentarian, has been appointed Minister of Tourism in Jamaica’s newly elected government. This follows the September 3 electoral victory by the Jamaica Labour Party. Bartlett is no stranger to the tourism portfolio, having been the Opposition spokesman on tourism and matters related to the Jamaican Diaspora during the last administration. In over 22 years in the Jamaican Parliament, he has served as Minister of Youth and Community Development as well as Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and Culture. Bartlett assumes the position as Minister of Tourism in Jamaica at a time when the island is experiencing substantial infrastructural development in its tourist industry. [Full text and pictures]

AC DEBUTS HK, CHINA FLIGHT PASS

Save up to 40 per cent off with Hong Kong/China Flight Pass; introductory prices now in effect

Hong Kong harbour

Air Canada has introduced a multi-trip Flight Pass to Hong Kong and China, expanding the reach of its popular Flight Passes for the first time to Asia. With the introduction of Air Canada's 'Hong Kong and China Pass,' customers will now be able to save up to 40 per cent off regular economy fares by pre-purchasing six one way trips (three round trips) valid up to one year for travel to Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai, from anywhere Air Canada and Jazz fly in Canada. To promote its new 'Hong Kong and China Pass,' Air Canada is offering special introductory prices until October 25, 2007 starting at $2,548 from Western Canada ($425 per one way trip including all taxes and charges) and $3,598 from Eastern Canada ($600 per one way trip including all taxes and charges). In addition, for purchase through October 25, customers will receive a complimentary bonus pass valid for two one way trips anywhere Air Canada flies within Canada or between Canada and the continental United States. [Full text and pictures]

TREK HOLIDAYS’ AFRICA BROCHURE

Trek Holidays releases expanded ‘Africa in Style’ brocure for 2008

Trek Holidays announces the release of their expanded 2008 Africa In Style brochure. Sixteen brand new trips have been added and improvements have been made to many other trips to provide more choice. The 48-page brochure offers a range of trips throughout all of East and Southern Africa with accommodation options including 3 to 5-star safari lodges, luxury permanent and mobile tented camps and upscale comfort camping, which allow clients to experience the true Africa without compromising on comfort. With the popularity of East Africa, finding safari accommodation space can be difficult. Trek has blocked space at the lodges & camps on their many set departures, which guarantees beds. Make sure to book early, because beds sell out fast! Brochures can be ordered at e-contac.com. [Full text and pictures]

SUNQUEST PAYS THE TAX THIS WINTER!

Beginning today, Sunquest will pay the tax on all new bookings

Effective today, Sunquest will pay the tax on all new bookings made by Sept. 26, 2007, for travel from Feb. 1 until Apr. 30, 2008. Applicable on all seven- and 14-night stays (for Nassau it applies to three-, four- and seven-night stays), this offer is available nationally from Sunquest gateways across Canada. This offer is not applicable to air only or child rates, excludes fuel surcharge, and any local departure taxes are additional. It is also not combinable with any other offer except hotel-specific EBBs and/or Sunquest’s Heys xcase gift offer. For more information, visit sunquestagent.ca.

TRAVEL IDOLS, WHERE ARE YOU?

Keep submitting your photos for this year’s Travel Idol 2 contest!

Transat Holidays and TRAVELHotNews want to know where all the ‘Idols’ are. The second annual contest is on, in a search to find the most attractive man and woman in the travel industry. Submit your pictures and your coworkers’ pictures for consideration. Have some fun while adding pictures and voting. All readers who vote at TRAVELHotNews.com will get a chance to win a one-week vacation in the Riviera Maya at the Grand Sirenis Beach Resort. Submit your photos here!

SIGNATURE SALE ON PREMIER COLLECTION RESORTS

Lowest price guarantee - clients can save an additional $300 per couple for “best in class” resorts

Occidental Grand Papagayo, one of the hotels in the Premier Collection

For a limited time, the Signature Vacations Premier Collection Sale offers the lowest prices of the year on 36 "best in class" resorts throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. Customers can save an additional $300 per couple off of already reduced prices for reservations made from September 21-October 2, 2007, on departures between January 1 - April 30, 2008. If Signature Vacations further reduces the price on participating hotel packages at any point before departure, passengers with eligible bookings will receive a refund of the difference. The sale pricing is already reflected in adult package prices with applicable resorts. This offer excludes Montreal departures, and is combinable with Early Booking Bonuses but no other promotions. For a list of Premier Collection properties, or more detailed information on promotional conditions and product availability, visit signaturevacations.com.

ENSEMBLE ADDS NEW DIRECTOR

Franca Iuele to lead marketing team at Ensemble Travel Group

Franca Iuele, new Director, Marketing & Product Development
Ensemble Travel Group has announced the appointment of Franca Iuele to the position of Director, Marketing and Product Development. Working from the company’s Toronto head office, Iuele’s mandate will be to continue providing top-tier marketing programs to Ensemble members, with a focus on product development. “The direct marketing programs offered by Ensemble Travel Group are truly above and beyond anything else currently available in the retail travel industry, and I’m thrilled to have joined such a talented team of professionals,” Iuele said.
With nearly 20 years of industry experience, Iuele brings a broad spectrum of skills in the areas of sales, marketing, product and relationship development; having worked with suppliers, retailers and tourist boards alike. She has held several senior positions, most recently with Transat Distribution Canada. Franca Iuele can be reached via email at franca@ensembletravel.ca or by phone on 416-367-3660 ext 242.

NEW ADDRESS FOR EGYPTIAN TOURISM

Egyptian Tourist Office in Montreal changes locations
The Egyptian Tourist Office in Montreal is now located at 2020 University, Suite 2260, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2A5. The telephone number is 514 861 4420 and the fax is 514 861 8071. For more information, email info.ca@egypt.travel and visit the website www.egypt.travel.