TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT AT POW WOW

Plenty of business, plenty of pleasure at 40th Annual Pow Wow in Las Vegas
Janice Strong

Photos courtesy of the Las Vegas News Bureau/LVCVA

The future is bright for the U.S. Travel industry, was the message from Roger Dow, president and CEO of the Travel Industry Association to more than 5,500 suppliers, buyers and international media gathered at the opening day of Pow Wow, in Las Vegas. Travel to the United States is exceeding pre-9/11 figures, and the prospects for continued growth in inbound travel are very bright, he told delegates at Monday’s lunch. Dow cited the expansion of the country’s visa waiver program as part of that success. “The visa waiver program make sit easier to get to the U.S. and strengthens our economy,” he declared. The U.S. visa waiver program is being expanded beyond its current 27 countries to include South Korea and several European Union nations, and Dow noted that the TIA is urging the government to add more countries, including Brazil. [Full text and pictures]

MALAYSIA'S CELEBRATION CONTINUES

Airliners/ATOURZ in association with Tourism Malaysia continue the celebration of last year’s 50th anniversary of their independence
Lisa Raffaele

Airliners/ATOURZ in association with Tourism Malaysia celebrate together

Yesterday evening at Toronto’s Dynasty Restaurant, Airliners/ATOURZ invited approximately 100 travel professionals to celebrate Malaysia’s continuation of last year’s 50th anniversary Golden Celebration of their independence. Toronto was the second stop of a four day host of seminar presentations, the first one being in Waterloo, and the next going to Mississauga today and Markham tomorrow. After a short 40-minute presentation on Malaysia, how to sell and why Malaysia is a safe destination, Airliners/ATOURZ and Malaysia featured a short video documentary about the destination's “wow” factor and it being good value for the Canadian traveller’s money. [Full text and pictures]

TRAVEL COUNSELLORS LAUNCH

New home-based agent business model launches in Canada
Charmaine Pang

Tara Sutton, Marketing Manager; Steve Byrne, Managing Director; Lynda Sinclair, General Manager Canada; David Speakman, Founder & Chairman, Travel Counsellors

Yesterday evening, Travel Counsellors Canada launched its Canadian program in Toronto, at the Le Meridien King Edward hotel. Approximately 50 tour operators and media were present at the event. Travel Counsellors is a global travel company with headquarters in the UK which aims to give home-based ‘travel counsellors’ the organizational infrastructure and support they need to grow their home-based travel business. Lynda Sinclair is the General Manager for Canada. She said the Travel Counsellors business model showcases the “evolution of the frontline agent…all good news for you folks who use the travel agent.” [Full text and pictures]

A NEW GM FOR AFRICAEXPERTS

Goway announces Moira Smith’s appointment as new GM, AFRICAExperts division

Moira Smith, GM, AFRICAExperts

AFRICAExperts by Goway has announced the appointment of Moira Smith to the role of General Manager. Born and raised in South Africa, Moira has worked in the travel industry for 25 years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in tour operations, sales and marketing, and destination product knowledge. Commencing her career in the travel industry in Johannesburg, Moira has held senior management positions with the two largest tour operators in South Africa. Her most recent position was Operations Director for an outbound North American wholesaler.As General Manager, AFRICAExperts, Moira is responsible for the quality and pricing of the entire Goway Africa product range, training and development of reservations staff, destination education training and growing relationships with travel agents. [Full text and pictures]

EL AL COMMITTED TO CANADA

Despite airline industry slowdown, EL AL affirms commitment to Toronto-Tel Aviv route

EL AL Israel Airlines has announced in a press release that it is committed to maintain its position as a market leader on flights from Canada to Israel. During the current situation EL AL is being extremely flexible understanding the needs of the market and responding accordingly. In regards to the future, EL AL’s summer schedule from Toronto will see 4 times per week non-stop flights from Toronto to Tel Aviv on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Haim Romano, President and CEO of EL AL Israel Airlines stated “to further emphasize the commitment of this organization and responding to the needs of our passengers we are offering the best schedule possible and are committed to strengthening our position in Toronto.” [Full text and pictures]

FLY FREQUENTLY AS A ‘VIPORTER’

Porter Airlines adds frequent flyer program; earn points starting on June 9, 2008
Yesterday, Porter Airlines announced its frequent flyer program, VIPorter, as the latest benefit for its passengers. Starting June 9, all registered Porter customers will begin earning VIPorter Points each time they fly Porter. Points collected can be used to redeem complimentary travel on Porter Airlines after as few as five one-way flights. The VIPorter frequent flyer program is distinguished by its simplicity in accumulating and redeeming points. There are no blackout periods and seats are allocated for VIPorter redemption up to a total of 10 per cent system capacity. Redeemed flights include complimentary seat selection and convenient change options. Read on for all the details. [Full text and pictures]

ENHANCED PHOTO IDS FOR ONTARIANS

Ontario to develop enhanced photo ID for cross border travel
Canadian Press
Ontario wants to offer enhanced photo identification cards as an alternative to a passport for non-drivers when they travel to the United States. The province has long pushed the idea of having high-tech driver's licences that could be used as identification when crossing the Canada-U.S. border by land or sea. Transportation Minister Jim Bradley introduced legislation Tuesday that, if passed, would also allow the province to develop a photo ID card for people who don't drive. Bradley says the province is working closely with the Canada Border Services Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to develop the program. He says the move will reduce congestion at the border as the U.S. steps up security in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Next June, all travellers to the U.S. will have to present either a passport or an acceptable alternative.