TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

JUMEIRAH CALLING: MEDIA LUNCHEON

Jumeirah Group showcases portfolio, announces new and upcoming hotel projects
Charmaine Pang

Scott Dawson, GM, Jumeirah Essex House; Richard Eve, Account Manager, Jumeirah Group; Frank van der Post, Senior VP - Americas, Jumeirah Group; R. Maybelle Ravin, President/CEO, RMR Group

Yesterday afternoon at Sassafraz restaurant in Toronto, the Jumeirah Group of Hotels and the RMR Group hosted a media luncheon. Journalists learned about the Jumeirah Group’s portfolio, welcomed by a host of Jumeirah Group representatives. R. Maybelle Ravin, president and C.E.O. of the RMR Group and Richard Eve, account manager for Jumeirah in Canada, introduced Frank van der Post, the senior vice president for the Americas, Jumeirah Group. The Jumeirah Group now has 11 hotels in its portfolio in Dubai, London and New York, and their expansion plan aims to open 60 hotels by the year 2012. Read on for more. [Full text and pictures]

SUNQUEST NEW WEDDINGS/HONEYMOONS BROCHURE

Group savings, incentives for destination weddings, all in one brochure

The latest edition of Sunquest’s popular Weddings & Honeymoons brochure is now available and is filled with all sorts of useful information for clients planning a destination wedding. A trend that is showing no signs of slowing down (Sunquest managed the travel arrangements for almost 1,000 wedding & vow renewal groups in 2007), destination weddings are perfect for those looking to tie the knot in a beautiful setting, with family and friends, and with all the bells and whistles, but for a fraction of the cost of a wedding here in Canada. Since weddings are generally planned well in advance, Sunquest has released this brochure earlier than ever before in order to help your clients get a head start. Read on for all the details. [Full text and pictures]

CONQUEST ADDS LUFTHANSA

‘Build Your Own’ trip to Europe with Lufthansa flights to Germany and beyond

Berlin, Germany

Conquest Vacations have added Lufthansa, their first European airline, to their Vacation Access product lineup. The introduction of the carrier opens up a wide variety of product throughout Britain and Europe in Conquest’s rapidly expanding “Build Your Own” format. Introduced last fall, Conquest’s “Build Your Own” dynamic booking system has grown by leaps and bounds and agents can now offer their clients flexible vacations throughout the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and now Europe. Conquest is offering Lufthansa flights from 10 Canadian gateways to Germany and onward to cities throughout Europe. Agents can choose any departure day of the week and any duration for their customers. Conquest is also offering a wide variety of hotels in all of the European cities which can be combined with the Lufthansa flights to create a “Build Your Own Package”. Read on for more. [Full text and pictures]

TOUR EAST: DESTINATION DUBAI

Burj al Arab hotel

Tour East adds Dubai to Luxury Collection
Dubai, one of the most fascinating and fastest growing holiday locations in the world, is one of the featured destinations of Tour East Holidays' new Luxury Collection, the latest addition to the company's ever-expanding tour options. Tour East Holidays' Luxury Collection combines unique destinations with super-luxury hotel properties; the world's leading airlines, and specifically designed tours that cater to the needs and wishes of small groups. "Our Luxury Collection is really affordable luxury because although each of our Luxury Collection tours features only the best hotels, airlines and tours, we are still able to offer this pampering at a very competitive price," said Annie Tsu, Tour East Holidays' Executive Vice President. [Full text and pictures]

FUN SUN BAHAMAS WINNER

Ryan Babiak, American Express, with Fun Sun/Intair's Bruce Slade

Ryan Babiak from American Express, Toronto, wins trip to Bahamas
Congratulations to Ryan Babiak from American Express in Toronto. Ryan has won a trip for two to The Bahamas including 7 nights accommodation at the Paradise Island Harbour Resort All Inclusive. Ryan won the trip simply by booking his clients to The Bahamas with Fun Sun during The Bahamas Month at Fun Sun Vacations. If you would like to book your clients to The Bahamas or any other destination in the Caribbean, contact Fun Sun Vacations at 1-800-938-6786 or visit funsunagent.com.

TRANSAT U.K. PACKAGES

Plan a trip to the U.K. with city packages, driving packages, or air-only

Transat Holidays offers a wide range of packages to the U.K this summer. Visit London and enjoy historical monuments, splendid architecture, rich history, elegant boutiques, cutting edge fashion, theatre, music, a new generation of chefs and a vibrant nightlife. City Packages in London start at $799 per person departing on June 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18 staying at the Central Park Hotel. This hotel is located close to Hyde Park and Kensington Garden and is a short walk away from the lively Queensway, and area teeming with great restaurants and fabulous shopping. Or stay at the President Hotel for $879 per person for departures June 5 – 8. Located in the heart of Bloomsbury this hotel is just a short walk away from Russell Square and opposite the tube station, it provides an ideal location for exploring London’s many sights. Read on for more possibilities. [Full text and pictures]

V.COM ADDS WESTJET VACATIONS

Vacation.com signs preferred supplier agreement with WestJet Vacations

Vacation.com is enhancing and expanding its product offerings for members and their clients through a new preferred supplier agreement with a leading Canadian tour operator, WestJet Vacations. WestJet Vacations provides guests with affordable, reliable and easy-to-book travel packages. Leveraging WestJet’s friendly image, extensive network and value proposition of being Canada’s second largest airline, WestJet Vacations offers guests a unique and customized vacation experience. “WestJet Vacations aims to provide the perfect vacation experience based on the needs of our guests and becoming a Vacation.com preferred supplier will be critical in helping us realize our vision,” said Emmet Reidy, director of Leisure Sales WestJet & WestJet Vacations. Read on for more. [Full text and pictures]