TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

THN.COM SPEAKS WITH FLEMMING FRIISDAHL

Flemming Friisdahl, VP Sales, Thomas Cook says, "This is the time when it's not to busy to pick up the phone and say, 'How can I help you?'"
Lisa Raffaele

Flemming Friisdahl

Regarding the state of the economy, its effects on the travel industry, and how to stay afloat during trying times, Flemming Friisdahl, Vice President Sales, Thomas Cook gives point of view. In Friisdahl's opinion there are several items the travel community should look at when projecting their future longevity in the business: are you maximizing your opportunity of commission, are you preparing for sales that are coming in much closer to departure dates and are you fully advertising the diversity of your offerings? Overall, Friisdahl acknowledges that the current economy may be tough, but considers those who tighten their purse string may be able to persevere without too much difficulty. "Especially in Toronto, anybody who lived through SARS or 9/11 will know that this will go away as it has in the past," he told TRAVELHotNews [Full text and pictures]

ST.LUCIA'S SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL

St. Lucia's 32-page Simply Beautiful Guide now available
The St. Lucia, Simply Beautiful Resource Guide is now available. The 32-page guide provides information on getting married in St Lucia, new hotel developments on island and details on island attractions and activities, such as diving and snorkeling, eco-adventure tours, watersports, heritage tours and rainforest adventures such as jungle biking and ziplining. In addition, the St. Lucia resource guide features profiles of must-visit attractions are all mapped out by region, such as the island's drive-in volcano. Also included is a calendar of events for 2009 and general A-Z information such as airline access from Canada and entry requirements. [Full text and pictures]

TRANSAT GIVES 2 FOR 1

Transat Holidays launches 2 for 1 sale, valid for departures December through to April on select Bahia Principe Resorts

Bahia Principe Resorts

Transat Holidays has launched a 2 for 1 sale. The offer is valid on select Bahia Principe Resorts for departures during December through to April. The first passenger pays and companion is free, except for the taxes. Package prices start from $1,199 for the first passenger plus $308 tax for both passengers for January and April 2 departures, $1,299 for February to March and $1,399 departing on December 22, 25 and 29 staying at the Bahia Principe San Juan Royal Golden in Puerto Plata, Bahia Principe La Romana Royal Golden, Gran Bahia Principe El Portillo Royal Golden, or Gran Bahia Principe Cayacoa Royal Golden. Continue reading for complete details. [Full text and pictures]

DELTA'S AGENT EXPRESS

Delta Hotels launches Travel Agent Express discounted rates from Dec. 1, 2008 to Jan. 31, 2009

In its 21st year, Delta Hotels' Travel Agent Express, will extend its discounted rates to the travel agent community from December 1, 2008 to January 31, 2009. This annual promotion provides agents with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the company's portfolio of properties. Travel agents will enjoy a special room rate of $45 for the first room for up to three consecutive nights, except at Ontario's Delta Grandview Resort and Delta Sherwood Inn, which are priced at $85. Additional rooms are offered at $75 and $115 respectively. The rate applies to single and double occupancy. To book, travel agents should reserve in advance by calling the dedicated toll-free line and asking for the Travel Agent Express rate. Continue reading for more details. [Full text and pictures]

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE WITH SUNWING

Sunwing announces Buy 1 Get 1 free promotion on select departures

For vacation packages booked by Dec. 9, 2008, Sunwing has announced a Buy 1 Get 1 free promotion on select departures. Toronto departures, for one week, all inclusive include: Las Vegas, Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino; Manzanillo de Cuba, Club Amigo Marea Del Portillo; Orlando, Holiday Inn Sunspree; Puerto Plata, Bahia Principe San Juan; Santa Lucia, Gran Club Santa Lucia; Cayo Coco, Oasis Palya Coco; Cozumel, Wyndham Cozumel Resort and Spa; Riviera Maya, Blue Bay Grand Esmerelda; Los Cabos, Crown Plaza Los Cabos; Holguin, Playa Costa Verde; Jamaica, Grand Palladium Resort; Ixtapa, Hotel Fontan Ixtapa; and more. For complete hotel, destination and price listings, visit sunwing.ca.

20,000 FREE RAINCHECKS RUNNING OUT

RainChecks from Sunquest, Holiday House and Fun Sun Vacations almost fully booked

The 20,000 free RainChecks from Sunquest, Holiday House and Fun Sun Vacations are quickly running out and given the rate of booking, it is anticipated they will be fully booked sometime this week. Once these free RainChecks are gone however, your clients can still take advantage of this offer for $39.95 plus tax per adult, and free for children 12 years of age and under, provided they are staying with two adults who have both purchased RainCheck. Also, please note that RainChecks are commissionable at 20 per cent, plus if your client buys RainCheck and then qualifies for the Future Travel Voucher because it rained during their vacation, they will be directed back to you to redeem that commissionable voucher on their next vacation. [Full text and pictures]

CANADIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE CREATED

Maison de la France, along with Air France in Canada announce the creation of a Canadian Advisory Committee

Caroline Putnoki, Marie Boivin, David Temple, Michel Archambault, Kerry McKeen, Claude Saint-Pierre, Isabelle Sparer, Alain Authier, B�n�dicte Duval

Maison de la France, the French Government Tourist Office, and Air France in Canada are have announced the creation of a Canadian Advisory Committee to exchange on challenges and discuss the state of French tourism in Canada. Members were chosen by Maison de la France's director in early 2008 to represent the Canadian tourist industry. The advisory committee has since its creation been gathered twice. A first meeting was held in Paris last June, prior to the National Conference for French Tourism to which the advisory committee members also took part in. [Full text and pictures]