TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

MEXICO SAYS GRACIAS

The Mexico Tourism Board hosts appreciation dinner in Toronto; will focus on Canadian market with first-ever regional office in Canada
Lisa Raffaele

Alfonso Sumano, Monica Garcia, Carlos Pujalte, Adolfo Salamanca

To say thank you to the travel trade, The Mexico Tourism Board invited travel media and tour operators to Toronto's Canoe Restaurant yesterday evening. The appreciation evening was designed to celebrate Mexico's past year success in the Canadian market. According to Alfonso Sumano, Regional Director for Canada, Mexico Tourism Board, "The trade has voted us [Mexico] as their favourite destination, and we have a favourite destination to, Canada." During the first quarter of 2008, Mexico received $7.8 million in private investment for tourism. In the last 20 months, the country reached 40 per cent of it six-year target of $20 billion. [Full text and pictures]

HOLGUIN'S HELLO

Carlos Zambrano, former Cuba Tourist Board Director and now Holguin representative, returns to spread the word about his destination
Charmaine Pang

Nieves Ricardo, Carlos Zambrano, Karen Puebla

This morning, travel agents and the media were treated to the warmth of Holguin, Cuba with a presentation on the northeastern destination at the Bond Place Hotel in downtown Toronto. Former Cuba Tourist Board - Toronto director, Carlos Zambrano, now a representative of Holguin, returned to Canada to share some news about his destination (and his hometown). Along with Zambrano, other familiar faces at the Cuba Tourist Board were in attendance, including Marketing Assistant Nieves Ricardo and Executive Assistant Karen Puebla. Eddy Santos from the Cubanacan Group was also on hand to answer agents' questions. The winter season is shaping up in Canada and Zambrano said Holguin is fully recovered from Hurricane Ike and is ready to welcome Canadian visitors. All hotels are fully operational and open, except for the Brisas Guardalavaca, which will reopen on Dec. 15, 2008. [Full text and pictures]

CANADA REACHES AVIATION PACT

Canada announces civil aviation pact with European Union
Canadian Press

Canadians could have more travel options when visiting Europe since the European Union and Canada have reached a deal to open up their air-services markets to each other. Transport minister John Baird said the agreement would benefit travellers and shippers by giving them more choice in terms of destinations, and Europe officials predicted more transatlantic trade and competition in the air-services sector. "In these uncertain times, closer global partnerships will help stimulate our economy and expand commercial links," Baird said at a news conference at Montreal's Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport. He noted the government wants to work to eliminate economic barriers and build partnerships. [Full text and pictures]

GOWAY'S AUSSIE WEBINAR

Learn about Australia from the comfort of home; webinar presentation takes place tonight - Dec. 10, 2008, from 8 p.m to 9 p.m. EST

Agents looking to learn more about Goway's Australia are invited to join a webinar, "Experience Australia From the Comfort of Your Own Home", taking place tonight, Wednesday Dec. 10, 2008. The webinar runs from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (7 p.m. CST, 5 p.m. PST). Explore flight options to Downunder, and some of Goway's travel ideas so your clients can discover the wonders of Australia. Some of these options include Rail Experiences, Self Drive Vacations, Coach Touring, Adventure travel, our Deluxe Holidays of a Lifetime fully escorted tours and cruise experiences, among many others. Visit this link to sign up for this evening's webinar.

RIVIERA NAYARIT GETS ONLINE SPECIALIST

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico receives agent interactive destination specialist program, "Learn and Earn Together"

Riviera Nayarit has launched the first of a three part modular destination specialist program called, Learn and Earn Together. The online program's interactive video presentation format provides an overview of the destination's attractions and sales points, while it simultaneously asks travel agents to give their opinions of the marketing relevance and importance of the topics covered. Agents who complete this new program will have the opportunity to further participate in shaping the marketing strategies of the destination when the destination launches its Riviera Nayarit Agent Advisory Board next year. [Full text and pictures]

AC PREPARES FOR HOLIDAY SEASON

Air Canada announces network capacity increases and holiday season highlights

With the holiday travel season almost upon us, Air Canada has geared up to offer tips for smooth travel experiences this upcoming holiday season. During the peak holiday travel period between December 17, 2008 and January 6, 2009, the airline has increased network capacity between the East and West corridor. In order to meet the demands of high passenger loads expected during the holiday season, the airline has increased capacity with added frequencies or bigger aircraft on key city pairs in the East and West between Newfoundland and Labrador and Alberta, as well as between Toronto and Thunder Bay. Continue reading for complete details. [Full text and pictures]

EL AL'S WINTER AIRFARES

El Al Israel Airlines announces reduced economy and business winter airfares to Israel, along with fuel surcharge reduction

EL AL, Israel's national airline, is introducing savings on companion and Platinum Business Class tickets on nonstop EL AL flights from New York (JFK/Newark) and Los Angeles. The airline is also announcing a further reduction in the fuel surcharge, resulting in more affordable travel to Israel. A roundtrip companion fare of $831US per person from New York (JFK/Newark) is available for travel in economy class from January 1 to March 31, 2009 when two people travel together and purchase their tickets at the same time. The roundtrip companion fare on a nonstop EL AL flight from Los Angeles during the same time period is $1,171US per person. [Full text and pictures]