Archives January 31, 2008 Travel News

EXOTIK TOURS LAUNCHES NEW OFFICE

Exotik's new Toronto reservations office now open; meet Dan Prior, new Business Development Manager for for Exotik, Boomerang Tours
Charmaine Pang

Philippe Blain, manager Boomerang Tours; David Boigné, GM Exotik Tours; Dan Prior, BDM Exotik Tours & Boomerang Tours

Yesterday afternoon at Lobby Lounge and Restaurant in downtown Toronto, key partners, tourist boards, airline representatives and the travel trade media were invited to rediscover the world of Exotik Tours. The 30-year old tour operator has 'landed' in Toronto with a brand new reservations office, and is one of the four brands that make up IFS Voyages. The others include Intair, Fun Sun Vacations and Boomerang Tours. The press conference allowed the guests to meet Dan Prior, Exotik Tours and Boomerang Tours' new Business Development Manager for Ontario and the Maritimes. Prior steps into this newly created position with a solid background in the travel industry. He was enthusiastic about joining his new company, praising the strength of the existing team and the new reservations team, saying, "the timing is perfect for the products of Exotik and Boomerang Tours." [Full text and pictures]

TRANSAT AGENT SPECIALS TO U.K.

Transat Holidays offers travel agents U.K. airfares for $99

London, England

Transat Holidays is offering travel agent airfares to the U.K for only $99. Flights must be booked by February 22, 2008 and is valid for Toronto departures only to the following cities. London - Depart between February 5 and 20, returning between February 13 and 27. Glasgow - Depart February 6 and 13 and return on February 27 or March 5. Manchester - Depart February 12 and return on February 21. Departure taxes are additional, and rates are valid for new bookings only. Rates apply to travel agent and one travelling companion only and are net (non commissionable). No changes are permitted. For more information or reservations contact Transat Holidays Interline Department in Toronto (416) 620-8050 extension 7897 or fax your request on company letterhead with your Manager's Owner's approval stating you are an active travel counsellor, legible copy of your business and active IATA card, and guarantee for full payment to 416-847-8602.

FEBRUARY IS BAHAMAS MONTH WITH FUN SUN

Agents can win a trip to the Bahamas; simply book Bahamas product during the month of February

Nassau, Bahamas

In the month of February you could win a trip to The Bahamas courtesy of Fun Sun Vacations and The Bahamas Visitor Bureau. All you have to do is simply book any Bahamas product with Fun Sun Vacations from February 1 - 29/08 and you are automatically entered to win. The grand prize trip includes two round trip tickets from Canada to Nassau, Bahamas, plus 7 nights accommodation at the Paradise Island Harbour Resort All-Inclusive. Fun Sun Vacations offers year round daily service to the Bahamas from across Canada, with a choice of three different airlines and a selection of 15 properties. Your clients don't need to be limited to a 7 or 14 day vacation. Fun Sun Vacations offers you the ability to sell hotel only, air only or a combination of both for any duration. For more information, visit Fun Sun Vacations online at funsunagent.com.

Air Canada Vacations' new Area Sales Manager

Kim Barbisan

Air Canada Vacations has appointed Kim Barbisan the new Area Sales Manager for Southwestern Ontario. TRAVELHotNews.com spoke to Barbisan, who is a 30-year veteran of the travel industry. "After spending many years as a travel agent in the Hamilton and Burlington areas, I was most recently the service director for Travelsavers Canada," said Barbisan. She can be contacted at kbarbisan@vacv.com.

Sunwing's Barbados taking off

Clients are escaping the cold in Barbados, a popular destination this winter

Amaryllis Beach Resort in Barbados, one of Sunwing's properties

One of Sunwing's newest destinations, Barbados is proving to be a real winner with the tour operator this winter. Sales are very strong on their Friday series using Sunwing Airlines from Toronto; and the operator's choice of hotels is proving popular with agents and clients alike. From the dollar-stretching informality of the Coconut Court Beach Hotel to the gold-rated charm of the new, all-inclusive Almond Casuarina, Sunwing has a great selection of accommodation. And the prices can't be beat: recent sale prices were as low as $795 EP and $1,095 all-inclusive for one week. "We'd like to remind agents that this year they do have a choice when it comes to selling Barbados," says Daryl McWilliams, Sunwing's vice-president of sales and marketing." Clients, he adds, fly to Barbados enjoying the style and comfort offered by Sunwing Airlines, with its full in-flight service. [Full text and pictures]

T.O. TOURISM SETS '07 RECORD

Toronto sets tourism record in 2007 with more than 10 million overnight stays
Canadian Press

The Toronto tourism industry set a record in 2007 with more than 10.6 million overnight visitors. Toronto Tourism president David Whitaker says the city showed resilience despite challenges, such as new passport rules and the rising dollar. He says visitors to the city spent more than $4.5 billion on hotels, restaurants, attractions and shopping. The greatest number of overseas visitors - about 280,000 - were from the United Kingdom, while Mexico and China were the fastest-growing international markets at about 15 per cent growth each. Whitaker also says hotel occupancy in 2007 across the Toronto region rose to 68.3 per cent, its highest level since 2000. The Toronto tourism industry, which took a severe hit during the SARS outbreak in 2003, supports nearly 100,000 jobs.

Awards of merit 2007

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