TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

TURKS & CAICOS – THE SECRET IS OUT!

“See if you can’t find a better destination out there in the Caribbean and I will buy you a ticket to Turks & Caicos,” says Beancho Harvey Joseph
Charmaine Pang

Turks & Caicos Tourist Board: Rosemarie Wilson, Sales & Marketing Executive, Lindsey Musgrove, Director of Tourism and Miss Turks & Caicos, Angelica Lightbourne

The sounds and rhythms of the Turks and Caicos Islands filled the air at Toronto’s Courtyard Marriott yesterday night, as the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board announced the opening of a dedicated Canadian office and celebrated their ties with Canada. According to the words of Lindsey Musgrove, Director of Tourism, it was “an evening of celebration of our strong relationship with Canada. Tell your clients to come to Turks & Caicos – at least once. Years ago, we were called the ‘Caribbean’s best-kept secret.’” Now is the time to spread the word. Rosemarie Wilson, Sales & Marketing Executive, introduced her colleague, Brian Been, who will be the manager of the new Canadian office, based in Toronto, to open sometime this winter. Been invited the guests to visit all the islands and said that “we are the Caribbean’s fastest growing destination.” [Full text and pictures]

SEABOURN SAILS AHEAD FOR 2009

Seabourn Forms New Partnership and Announces New Ultra Luxury Cruise Ship
Bryen Dunn

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Seabourn Cruise Line introduces the first of two new 450 passenger ships. Seabourn Odyssey’s maiden voyage is scheduled for June 2009 and “is almost sold out”, President and CEO Pamela Conover announced at the press conference held in Toronto at George Restaurant last night. The second new “sister” will be unveiled in 2010. Seabourn’s other three vessels, Pride, Spirit and Legend, are also currently undergoing multi-million dollar restoration and renovations. This aggressive growth has been fueled by the strong Canadian client base that has steadily increased over the past several years. Conover mentions that “Canadian sales are growing faster than any other and we aim to increase the market share even further.” [Full text and pictures]

KUMUKA & SKYLINK ANNOUNCE NEW RELEASE

The Temples of Angkor, Cambodia

Kumuka Worldwide along with Skylink Holidays announce the release of new Family Adventure itineraries
Since Kumuka Worldwide’s new Family Adventures brochure released in February this year, Kumuka has introduced a number of new itineraries and destinations to its Family Adventures program. Kumuka Family Adventures specifically cater to the needs of youngsters by minimizing long journeys and incorporating child friendly activities. The new 10-day ‘Mekong, Mystery and Kingdoms’ tour priced at $1,645.00 (Adult) $1,235.00 (Child) is a tour of Vietnam and Cambodia. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, the heart of the Mekong Delta and the famous Angkor temples of the ancient Cham civilizations. The journey includes swimming pools, sampan rides, cruises, temples, cycling and an optional Hot Air Balloon ride. [Full text and pictures]

ETIHAD: NEW CALL CENTRE & SPECIAL OCT FARES

Open 24 hours a day, call centre will answer your clients’ questions; special fares for October

Etihad Airways is pleased to announce effective September 27, 2007, a new call centre will be available 24 hours a day for guests. Any guest holding a TKT and calling for a reservation change, seat booking, special meal request or general information are welcome to call 1800-8060ETI. The aim of such a product enhancement is to give our travel agents the time they deserve. Travel agents will continue to be serviced by our Canadian office by calling 416.221.4744 (option 3); no delays are to be expected. Etihad has also introduced a special published fare for 09th and 11th of October departure dates. Please check your GDS for complete details. See below for flights and special pricing.

FROM TO LSP1MCA QSP1MCA CSP1MCA
YTO AUH / DXB / AAN / SHJ 970 1370 4000

G.A.P Adventures EXPANDS OUTSIDE SALES

Four members added to outside sales team
G.A.P Adventures has expanded its Outside Sales department.
“The G.A.P Adventures sales team is committed to our agency partners and has invested in the best sales team in the industry,” says Steven Larkin, Vice-President of Global Sales, “I am confident that we can assist all of our agency partners in realizing the benefits of selling adventure travel.” Four new members of the team will be added, including: Brad Ford, Sales Director for North America; Nick Samuel, Sales Manager; Monty Walsh, Sales Manager; and Erin Buttler, Sales Support Specialist for North America, replacing Tyler Zajacz who is relocating to Australia as its territory Sales Manager. [Full text and pictures]

CANADIAN TAKES TOP POST AT TURKS & CAICOS RESORT

Jeffrey Boland appointed Director of Operations at Seven Stars luxury resort, opening July 2008

Jeffrey Boland, new Director of Operations, Seven Stars Resort

Jeffrey Boland, who hails from Toronto, has been named Director of Operations for the luxurious five-star Seven Stars Resort, scheduled to open in July 2008 on Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, in the Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies. The appointment was made by Duncan MacArthur, the resort's Managing Director, on behalf of Santral Management Ltd. In this position, Boland is responsible for the resort and property management. Boland comes to Seven Stars with over 15 years' hospitality industry experience. Most recently, from 2003-2007 he was an Assoc. VP for Colliers International Hotel Advisory Group in Toronto where he implemented financial and operational management strategies for several major hotel chains in North American and the Caribbean. [Full text and pictures]

BRITISH AIRWAYS’ LARGE ORDER

Boeing 787

British Airways orders 24 Boeing 787s and a dozen Airbus A380s
British Airways has ordered 24 Boeing 787 aircrafts and a dozen Airbus A380s, all to be equipped with Rolls-Royce engines, the company announced Thursday. The airline also placed options for 18 of the Boeing planes and seven A380s. The company, which is replacing its Boeing 747-400 fleet, said the A350, the 787 and Boeing's 777 would be considered for further orders. The total list price for the orders, including engines, is $8.2US billion.

TPI Helps AC Celebrate 70 Years

Air Canada’s 70th birthday celebrated at Winnipeg International Airport

TPI Associates with AC's new Boeing 777 on display in Winnipeg. Tim Morgan, TPI's Manager of Corporate Development, Marc Rosenberg, Air Canada's VP Sales, Anna Gebczyk, Robyn Lussier, Donna Chidwick

Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of home-based travel agents, took part in Air Canada's 70th birthday celebrations and welcomed Air Canada’s latest fleet addition to the Winnipeg James Richardson International Airport in early September, 2007. The VIP event was hosted by Air Canada at their Winnipeg Air Canada Technical Services (ACTS) hangar. In attendance were partners from the travel industry and hundreds of current and former Air Canada employees and their families, as an Air Canada Boeing 777 was put on display to the delight of all those in attendance. The festive atmosphere included tents retelling the history of Air Canada in photographs, booths by fellow ACE Aviation Holdings companies and, of course, birthday cake. However, judging by the scores-deep lineup waiting to board the new plane, the 777 was truly the star of the show, with new lie-flat seats in business class.