TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

POW WOW WRAP-UP

Blue men, green business and a positive outlook at Pow Wow from May 31-June 4, 2008
Janice Strong and Stephen Fountaine

Pow Wow, the Travel Industry Association of America’s annual convention started on a positive note with president and CEO Roger Dow’s announcement that travel to the U.S. is exceeding pre-9/11 figures, and it just kept getting better. Record attendance at the 40th Annual International Pow Wow included more than 5,500 suppliers, buyers and journalists who enjoyed the best in Vegas entertainment along with an intense three days of scheduled business appointments. The week kicked off with splash at the Surf, Sand and Stars beach party at Mandalay Bay Resort, hosted by the MGM Mirage and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and featuring entertainment by Cirque de Soleil. [Full text and pictures]

NEW DIRECTOR AT INDIATOURISM

Ronjon Lahiri is the new Director of India Tourism office in Toronto
India Tourism has announced the addition of Ronjon Lahiri has joined as Director of India Tourism office, Toronto. In India he was looking after the Human Resources Development in the Hospitality and Tourism sector. He is familiar with North America, as he had been in New York in his previous stint.

VARAPLAYA CHANGES COMMISSION STRUCTURE

Varaplaya Tours announces eight per cent commission on all products whose prices finish with an eight
Varaplaya Tours has decided to offer agencies the opportunity to sell certain Varaplaya Tours products competitively. As of July 1, 2008, certain changes will be in effect and will be applied for all new reserved departures. An eight per cent commission will be given on all Varaplaya products whose prices finish by the number “eight”. In Québec, the product prices include the taxes, contrary to other provinces where prices in eight will exclude taxes. As a representative of Varaplaya Tours you will not be permitted to advertise products in any media including Web sites, television, radio, newspapers or other in which a product whose price finishes with the number “eight” with less than eight percent commission reflected in the price. [Full text and pictures]

TRANSAT’S REVENUE RISES

Transat quarterly revenue up 18 per cent to $1.08B; net hit by ABCP writedown
Transat A.T. Inc. booked an 18 per cent increase in February-April revenue to $1.08 billion, but net income declined 24 per cent to $40.7 million because of an additional writedown of $17.9 million on asset-backed commercial paper. The Montreal-based integrated tourism operator said Thursday that demand was firm over the winter, and its summer bookings and prices are higher than a year ago. The $40.7 million in net income for the second quarter of Transat's financial year was worth $1.21 per share. This compared with a profit of $53.8 million or $1.57 per share in the year-ago period when revenue was $911.4 million. The top-line growth reflected increases in the number of travellers in Canada and Europe, Transat said. [Full text and pictures]

SIGNATURE’S PUERTO PLATA FAM

SellOffVacations.com agents enjoy the charms of Dominican Republic from June 6-8, 2008

The group enjoying a refreshing drink at the Holiday Village Golden Beach

Excitement and education were on the agenda when Brian Joseph of Signature Vacations led a group of 10 SellOffVacations.com agents on a recent FAM to Puerto Plata. From June 6 to 8, 2008 the small group packed their days with hotel visits to the area’s best selling resorts. Getting the chance to overnight at both the Bahia Principe San Juan and the Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort & Spa, the FAM visited the Gran Ventana, Victoria Golf & Beach Resort, Iberostar Costa Dorada, Viva Wyndham Playa Dorada, Fun Royale & Fun Tropicale, Blue Bay Villas Doradas, Viva Wyndham Tangerine and the Holiday Village Golden Beach. Read on for more details about the FAM. [Full text and pictures]

LAST CHANCE TO DINE FREE WITH DISNEY

Walt Disney World offers free dining plan with purchase of late summer vacation package, ends June 22
Travellers planning a vacation later this summer at the Walt Disney World Resort still have time to receive the discounted Magic Your Way Package that includes a free Disney Dining Plan for stays most nights August 24 to September 20, 2008. For a limited time only, guests can purchase this 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 $1,354US (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. This offer includes select Disney Value Resort accommodations, a Magic Your Way Base ticket and the Disney Dining Plan. With Disney’s Dining Plan, guests can choose from over 100 participating restaurants. [Full text and pictures]

A NEW EXPEDITION SHIP FOR G.A.P

G.A.P announces relaunch of polar expedition program; will begin on Jan. 4, 2009

M/S Expedition

G.A.P Adventures has announced the purchase of a new ship, the M/S Expedition, and the relaunch of its polar expedition program, commencing on January 4, 2009. “We have been scouring the globe to find the ideal replacement ship for our polar expedition program,” said Bruce Poon Tip, CEO of G.A.P Adventures. “I am delighted to say that we have succeeded with our aim with the acquisition of a world class ship, M/S Expedition. Built in Denmark in 1972, the ship has been operating in coastal waters around Scandinavia for 15 years. The 105-metre-long ship can accommodate 120 passengers and will undergo a multi-million dollar refurbishment and refit in order to offer travellers a unique and comfortable way of exploring the Polar Regions. [Full text and pictures]

UA CHARGES FOR 1ST CHECKED BAG

First checked bag will cost $15; second bag will cost $25 for crossborder and domestic U.S. flights
United Airlines has just announced two changes to its domestic checked bag policy. The service fee to check one bag for domestic travel will be $15 each way and the fee to check three or more bags, overweight bags or items that require special handling will increase from $100 to $125 or from $200 to $250, depending on the item. These changes apply to customers who purchase a ticket on or after June 13, 2008, for travel within the U.S. and to/from Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on or after August 18, 2008. The $15 service fee does not apply to customers who are flying in United First or United Business or who have premier status with United or Star Alliance. Read on for more. [Full text and pictures]

CLIA RELEASES NEW CRUISE STUDY

CLIA’s 2008 cruise market profile says that US customers are satisfied and agents play essential role
According to CLIA’s cruise study, despite the uncertain economy, the cruise industry is well-positioned for continued growth and success. This is one of the conclusions to be drawn from the cruise lines 2008 Cruise Market Profile Study released on Tuesday. The biannual survey of American consumers, first conducted in 1986, identifies American consumer demographics, attitudes and intentions as they relate to leisure travel and specifically to cruising. Research was conducted online in March and April 2008 by TNS. A total of 2,426 U.S. residents were interviewed. According to CLIA’s study, this year’s findings “reinforce previous studies in that the demand for the cruise industry is fueled by vacationers with broader travel interests than non-cruisers and whose satisfaction with cruising is based on perceived and realized value." [Full text and pictures]