TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

A SIT DOWN WITH AIR CANADA VACATIONS

President and CEO Zeina Gedeon and Senior Director of Sales Nino Montagnese chime in on ACV’s new direction
Charmaine Pang

Last Tuesday, TRAVELHotNews.com conducted an interview with Air Canada Vacations President and CEO Zeina Gedeon and Senior Director of Sales, Nino Montagnese following their Toronto 2008/2009 Sun Collections launch on the same evening. TRAVELHotNews.com got more in-depth with the two, asking them what inspired the tour operator’s new direction. A big difference in the ‘new’ Air Canada Vacations this year is their new visual identity, which the industry will see in their redesigned website, brochure, billboards and more. At the launch, Gedeon spoke in a video segment that the company has placed a new focus on evoking the kinds of emotions a client experiences on holiday. Relaxation, getting away from it all, discovery, exploration – all the new visuals, including the brochure and redesigned website, allow you to “jump right in” to the travel experiences that ACV is selling. [Full text and pictures]

ONE-ON-ONE WITH THE GLOBUS FAMILY

Exclusive interview with Globus’ Stephanie Bishop and Patrick Clark of Avalon Waterways
Lisa Raffaele

The Globus family's Stephanie Bishop and Patrick Clark

Recently, TRAVELHotNews.com had a chance to sit down with Stephanie Bishop, new Managing Director, Globus family of brands and Patrick Clark, Managing Director of Avalon Waterways. The two were on hand to discuss Avalon Waterways emergence as a solo brand into the forefront of the Globus family of brands, as well as discuss Bishop's new role in the company. According to Bishop, she is bringing her industry knowledge and relationships to the Globus family. She also mentioned that she sees an opportunity for the touring sector of the company to increase. “It’s [the touring sector] taking on a new life and re-inventing itself,” Bishop told TRAVELHotNews. “The beauty is in its flexibility, and I am impressed with the quality of product. Globus is taking the best of both worlds – the cruise sector and the Globus knowledge.” [Full text and pictures]

IN MEMORY OF HIMO MANSOUR

The passing of Canadian Travel Abroad’s president Ibrahim (Himo) Mansour 1935-2008

Ibrahin (Himo) Mansour 1935-2008

Ibrahim (Himo) Mansour, the president of Canadian Travel Abroad has passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 16, 2008. Beloved husband of Nadia, loving father of Peter and André and caring brother of Farag, Faiza, and Kamal Mansour along with the late Samira Mansour and Soad Azouz, brother-in-law of Therèse Mansour and the late Labib Azouz, uncle to Jean-Pierre, Mark, Christiane Mansour and Fred and Tom Azouz, and all their families. He will be greatly missed. Mansour was a graduate of law from the University of Cairo. He immigrated to Canada in 1963, and soon found his niche in the travel industry. Mansour was a well-respected Canadian travel industry veteran, and President and owner of Canadian Travel Abroad, a Canadian tour operator that has been promoting special interest groups to Europe, Russia, Egypt and the Middle East for the past 34 years. [Full text and pictures]

UNITED GETS NEW VP OF MAINTENANCE

United Airlines Names Timothy Canavan Vice President of Maintenance and Aircraft Appearance
UAL Corporation announced on Friday that Timothy Canavan has been named vice president of maintenance and aircraft appearance for United Services. In this role, Canavan will lead the company’s line maintenance and aircraft appearance teams to improve the reliability, workability and interior cleanliness of United’s fleet. "Tim’s strong background and extensive experience in maintenance will provide tremendous value as we work to improve our processes in the face of escalating costs,” said Joe Kolshak, Senior Vice President of Operations for United. “His main focus will be on leading our maintenance team to safely deliver our customers a reliable aircraft, with a clean and workable interior.” [Full text and pictures]

AMERICAN INCREASES SERVICE TO ST. KITTS

American Airlines to operate daily non-stop flight from Miami to St. Kitts beginning November 3rd

The St. Kitts Tourism Authority today announces that American Airlines will be increasing service to St. Kitts from Miami with daily flights beginning November 3, 2008. American Airlines flight #2299 will depart MIA daily at 10:50 a.m. arriving into St. Kitts at 2:50 p.m. The return flight #2280 will depart St. Kitts at 3:45 p.m. arriving into MIA at 6:05 p.m. American Airlines will use a 148 seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 16 first class seats and 132 economy seats for these flights. “Such a significant increase in non-stop service by American Airlines during a time of widespread route cuts by US carriers is a testament to the quality of St. Kitts’ tourism product,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports & Culture. [Full text and pictures]

NOLITOURS’ SUMMER SAVINGS

Nolitours offers summer and fall savings for Riviera Maya, and waives fuel surcharge for certain departures

Nolitours is offering vacation deals for the summer and fall to the Riviera Maya, staying at the Ocean Maya (formerly H10 Hacienda Maya). Depart Fridays between August 1, 2008 and August 29, 2008 for $599 per person and Saturday departures for $649 per person. Departures between September 5th and 26th are available for $699 per person and $749 departing October 3rd to the 24th (Sunday departures add $50). The Ocean Maya was completely renovated in 2006, and is a 10 minute drive from Playa del Carmen, and 45 minutes from the Cancun airport. This resort features 320 rooms in several 2-storey buildings and a separate main building. It offers two a la carte restaurants, unlimited local and selected international drinks, pools, a whirlpool and bars. A spa is available at extra charge. [Full text and pictures]

PASSPORT DEMANDS TO SURGE

The federal government predicts record rise in passport applications over next year and look into new passport for 2011
Canadian Press

The federal government is predicting a record surge in passport applications over the next year as Canadians get ready for tougher U.S. border rules. Passport Canada is bracing for 5.2 million passport applications during the year ending March 31, 2009, a jump of 10 per cent over the previous year which itself was record-breaking, an internal document shows. The projection is based on a revamped formula that now takes into account so-called “pulses,” that is, changes in demand that are driven by significant events, such as the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative or WHTI. The initiative requires Canadians to present passports when travelling into the United States. Previously, Canadians could show birth certificates and other documents but as of January last year, the new passport rule kicked in for air travel. [Full text and pictures]