TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

THE INS & OUTS OF SUNWING

Sunwing invites the media for a closer look at their headquarters and the CLS office
Lisa Raffaele

Sam Char, Executive Director, Quebec, Sunwing; Colin Hunter, CEO/President, Sunwing Travel Group; Stephen Hunter, COO Sunwing Travel Group; Mark Williams, President, Sunwing Airlines; Daryl McWilliams, VP Sales & Marketing, Sunwing Vacations

Yesterday afternoon, Sunwing invited a group of media to their offices to speak with Sunwing officials, receive a tour of the Toronto Sunwing head office facility, their hanger and the Cathay Lufthansa Services (CLS) catering and prep facility nearby. In the sit-down with Colin Hunter, CEO/President, Sunwing Travel Group, Stephen Hunter, COO Sunwing Travel Group, Sam Char, Executive Director, Quebec, Sunwing, Daryl McWilliams, VP Sales & Marketing, Sunwing Vacations and Mark Williams, President, Sunwing Airlines, questions were raised regarding the quick growth of Sunwing, new incentives being offered, the role of the travel agent in today’s market and the changes in the way Canadians are travelling. [Full text and pictures]

SULTANA TOURS AND TUNISIA

Quebec-based tour operator, Tunisia National Tourist Office increase presence in English market
Charmaine Pang

Serge Deslongchamps, Sales Representative and Cesia Osorio, Administrative Assistant, Sultana Tours; Neji Gouider, Director, Tunisia National Tourist Office

Yesterday evening, Sultana Tours, the Quebec-based tour operator specializing in Tunisia and the Mediterranean, presented an evening seminar for travel agents in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, located at Terminal 3 of Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Sultana Tours has been in existence since 1991, providing close to 20 years’ experience selling Tunisia and other exotic destinations. Two years ago, they entered the English speaking market, and are looking to further expand their presence there. Their main focus is to begin building relationships and doing business in Ontario. Read on for the full details. [Full text and pictures]

OASIS HONG KONG LIQUIDATED

After 17 months of operations, low-cost carrier ceases operations

Yesterday, Oasis Hong Kong, the low-cost carrier which flies from Vancouver and London to Hong Kong, announced they were going into liquidation and that all flights had been cancelled. The airline had been in operation for 17 months. Oasis Hong Kong announced in a press release that they are “liaising with other airlines…and encourage Oasis passengers to check the website oasishongkong.com and to call hotline numbers.” The hotline number for North America is 1-888-983-0808 (open from 9AM-7PM on weekdays, 9AM-6PM on Saturdays and Sunday) and the number for Hong Kong is 852-3628-0628 (open 8AM-8PM, 7 days a week). Oasis encouraged their passengers to book alternate transportation with other airlines, saying that “owing to [Oasis’] current situation, [passengers] will need to meet the cost of these alternate flight arrangements themselves.” Passengers may also visit the Hong Kong Transport and Housing Bureau’s website at thb.gov.hk for information. For general (non-reservations related) inquiries, email Oasis at info@oasishongkong.com.

SANDALS’ NEW AGENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM

New program allows agents to earn up to $100 per booking

Sandals Halcyon in St. Lucia

Sandals Resorts has launched a new incentive program where agents can earn up to $100 per booking. Through the new “Fall into HoneyMoney” program, agents who book a minimum five-night stay (or a minimum four-night group stay) at any Sandals resort or Beaches resort made now through June 15, 2008 (for travel between August 15 – December 15, 2008) can earn: -$100 – per Butler category booking
-$75 – per Concierge category booking
-$25 – on all other room categories
-$750 – per group booking (regardless of room category but a group contract is required and consist of 10 rooms or more)
Read on for more details and how to qualify. [Full text and pictures]

SHERATON CABLE BEACH OPENING SPECIALS

Nassau’s newest resort offers rates starting from $219 per night; pay for 3 nights, stay for 4

Lobby at the Sheraton Cable Beach

The all-new Sheraton Cable Beach resort is making it easy and affordable for travellers to stay in Nassau’s newest resort and relax on Cable Beach with Grand Opening rates that start at $219 per night. Guests who book a three-night stay will receive a fourth-night for free, as well as a $150 resort credit for stays in April or $100 credit for stays May through December. To receive these offerings, guests must book by May 12, 2008. The resort offers nearly 700 guest rooms and suites – all featuring balconies – as well as six restaurants and lounges serving a variety of island specialties and international cuisine. Read on for more details. [Full text and pictures]

DINE FREE AT WALT DISNEY WORLD

Purchase a late summer vacation package and enjoy a free Disney Dining plan
Your clients planning a magical vacation later this summer at the Walt Disney World Resort can take advantage of a specially discounted Magic Your Way Package that includes free Disney Dining Plan for stays most nights August 24 to September 20, 2008. For a limited time only, your clients can purchase the 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way Package for a family of four including accommodations and Theme Park tickets and get a free Disney Dining Plan included for as little as US$1,354 (price based on 2 adults, 1 junior and 1 child at select Disney Value Resorts in a standard room). Other lengths of stay and resort categories are also available. Read on for the details. [Full text and pictures]

CITC 40th ANNIVERSARY – MORE AWARDS

Annual General Meeting on April 4th; academic awards handed out

Steve Gillick CTC, President/COO of CITC; Coralie Belman, National Certification Manager & Office Manager

As reported earlier this week by TRAVELHotNews.com, the CITC hosted their Annual General Meeting in Mississauga, Ontario at the Stage West Hotel on April 4th. The organization celebrated 40 years by honouring past and current members. Thirty-three VIPs were introduced in the audience of 70. Past Regional Council chairs, Past Presidents and CITC corporate partners were announced. Following presentations from Steve Gillick CTM, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Coralie Belman, National Certification Manager, a series of awards were presented. Here is a list of some of additional awards handed out at the AGM. Read on for the winners. [Full text and pictures]