TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

LATIN AMERICAN WORKSHOP

L.A.T.A. and suppliers from Latin America present a workshop for local agents and tour operators
Lisa Raffaele

Yesterday evening at the BW Primrose Hotel, L.A.T.A. hosted a Latin American workshop in Toronto. The workshop was previously held in Vancouver and then Montreal. Suppliers visiting from Argentina, Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala and Peru educated local tour operators and agents. Suppliers from local airlines, hotel chains, destination management companies and tourist boards were on hand to discuss what their destination or product has to offer Canadians, as well as clear up some misconceptions about the region. [Full text and pictures]

COSTA NORTH AMERICA’S NEW GROUP SALES LEADERS

Rosetta Pugliese is Director of Charter & Incentive Sales; Susan Windham is Director of Group Operations

Susan Windham, Director of Group Operations

Rosetta Pugliese, Director of Charter & Incentive Sales

Costa Cruise Lines-North America has introduced a new group sales leadership team, helmed by two seasoned industry professionals. Rosetta Pugliese was named director of charter and incentive sales and Susan Windham was named director of group operations. Together, they will lead the company’s North American group sales team in growing group business for Costa Cruises and ensuring the highest attention to group sales and service. Read on for more details about their new responsibilities and roles at Costa Cruises North America. [Full text and pictures]

AIR TRANSAT LAUNCHES BASEL-MULHOUSE FLIGHT

Direct flights begin from Toronto, Montreal; 60+ direct flights to Europe this summer

Basel, Switzerland

Yesterday, Air Transat launched its new Toronto/Montreal/Basel-Mulhouse flight, one of over 60 direct flights being offered from Canada to Europe this summer. The Basel-Mulhouse flights are scheduled to leave every Thursday from Toronto and Montreal from May 29-October 9, 2008. Since the Basel-Mulhouse Airport is located on both the Swiss and French (Alsace) borders, tourists will be able to visit two countries on the same trip. Transat Holidays offers a variety of vacation options to better explore the region, such as the ‘Beauties of Alsace and Bourgogne’, ‘Floral cities and towns of Alsace’ and ‘Splendours of the Rhine’ tours and packages. The tour operator also offers self-drive tours that include flight, accommodation, breakfast and car rental, with itineraries that allow your clients to see the best of the region. A variety of Ŕ la carte accommodation options in Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse are also available.

ROYAL SCENIC’S NEWEST DESTINATIONS

New packages offered in Downunder, Argentina, Poland and Lithuania

Argentina - Iguazu Falls

Royal Scenic has added several new destinations, including Australia & New Zealand, Argentina, Poland and Lithuania. A variety of packages are offered for the following destinations. Clients wishing to experience the most iconic regions of Australia and New Zealand can explore the lush terrain and wildlife of the Outback to the modern architecture of Sydney. Royal Scenic offers air-inclusive packages starting from $3,810 with many more land-only programs available. Royal Scenic's Argentina package offers the best of the South American country, covering the province of Patagonia to see Buenos Aires, Bariloche & El Calafate. Travel to the ‘End of the World’ from Ushuaia on the tour operator’s optional add-on Antarctic Expedition cruise. Airinclusive from $3,965, with cruise from $4,090. Read on for more package details. [Full text and pictures]

TRAFALGAR ADDS TO E-LEARNING PROGRAM

New Level 2 eLearning program launched; new learning ‘games’ added

A new 'Quiz-O-Rama' e-learning game

Trafalgar’s eLearning program has experienced success with agents. More than 6,700 travel professionals have participated in the Level 1 series – a four-module program - since its April 2006 introduction. Trafalgar is currently launching Level 2, comprised of four modules. As with Level 1, each agent who successfully completes the training will receive a Trafalgar Specialist certificate. This unique, in-depth style of product training utilizes flash animation and a highly interactive “game-style” format to educate and entertain participants. The latest modules include a Sherlock Holmes detective style format and a game show called “Quiz-O-Rama.” Trafalgar Level 1 and Level 2 agents are given priority when spaces are available on agent educational trips and will qualify for agent incentives and discounts on selected Trafalgar tours. Visit the Trafalgar website at trafalgaragent.com and head to the exclusive Trafalgar Agents section for more information and to sign up.

ACTA ID CARD ADDS NEW PARTNERS

Air Canada expands partnership; Gray Line joins

The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) is welcoming a new travel industry partner and has announced additional benefits for their ID Card Program. Air Canada, which already recognizes the card for domestic travel, now also offers ACTA cardholders, who are working in an IATA accredited agencies, two reduced rate AD75 authorization numbers entitling them to a 75 per cent reduction on applicable fares when travelling with Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz, Central Mountain Air, Air Alliance/Air Georgian. Gray Line is joining the program with an offer of a 10 per cent commission on all products booked on grayline.com to holders of the ACTA identification card. With Gray Line’s travel agent tools, registration is easy and tracking your bookings is as simple as logging on. [Full text and pictures]

SUNSPOTS’ LATIN AMERICA

Competitive rates for air, group travel, accommodations and more

Honduras ruins

Latin America has something remarkable to offer for everybody. Whether it’s adventure travel, wildlife-watching, birdwatching, high-altitude trekking or a simply relaxing vacation, Sunspots offers a wide range of countries with a choice of different airlines. Send your clients to Costa Rica, Belize, Peru, Honduras, Brazil and beyond. The tour operator offers airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, Mexicana, Taca, Lan, Tam, Avianca Aerolineas Argentina and more at reasonable fares. Destinations include Belize, Guatemala City, Liberia, Managua, Panama City, and more – from all major Canadian gateways. Sunspots specializes in group travel, including weddings, sports groups, meetings, conventions, incentive programs, and pilgrimage or missionary trips for your clients. Read on for more details. [Full text and pictures]