TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

LAST WEEK FOR LUCKY SUITCASE CONTEST!

It's your last chance to win a trip for 2 to the Grand Paradise Bavaro, Punta Cana from Sunquest and THN.com - contest closes Sun Oct. 19

If you haven't yet opened the Lucky Suitcase and entered the contest, you still have four days left to win. TRAVELHotNews.com and Sunquest have teamed up to offer THN.com readers the chance to win a $3,400 trip to Punta Cana! This year, the hotel featured is the Grand Paradise Bavaro in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Enjoy a one-week vacation at the 24-hour all-inclusive resort, featuring white sand beaches, tall coconut palms and a wide range of activities. Click here to play the Lucky Suitcase game now! Click here for rules and regulations. [Full text and pictures]

KOREA TOURISM ADDS NEW FACE

Stephen Corke announced as new Marketing Coordinator for Korea Tourism Organization

Stephen Corke has joined the KTO

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has appointed Stephen Corke its new Marketing Coordinator. He will be responsible for managing public and media relations, as well as supporting all marketing, advertising, sales, and promotion projects. Corke previously worked as an English teacher in Seoul, South Korea, which allowed him to immerse himself in the Korean culture. He was able to use Korea as a gateway into the rest of Asia and further broaden his cultural awareness. Living and working in Korea has helped Stephen develop a unique understanding of what Canadian travellers can expect when visiting Korea and Asia. He has travelled extensively and possesses a strong marketing background, which will serve him well in his new role. He can be contacted at stephen@knto.ca, 416-348-9056 ext. 224 or 1-800-TOUR-KOREA (868-7567) ext. 224.

CARNIVAL DROPS FUEL SURCHARGES

Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Princess and Seabourn fuel surcharges to be eliminated for all new bookings on 2010 departures

Carnival Destiny

Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn have announced that effective October 31, 2008, the existing fuel supplement will be eliminated for all new bookings on 2010 departures. At that same time, a price increase on 2010 sailings will become effective. Additionally, the company has established specific guidelines under which the current fuel supplement may be reimbursed to consumers for 2008 and 2009 voyages. Keep reading for full details. [Full text and pictures]

FUN SUN ADDS 5 RIU HOTELS

Select RIU properties now available in Mexico and the Bahamas

RIU Paradise Island

Fun Sun Vacations has recently added five select RIU properties to their line-up. The five properties include: RIU Sante Fe in Cabo San Lucas, RIU Tequila and RIU Lupita in the Playa del Carmen, RIU Palace Pacifico located in Nuevo Vallarta and RIU Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It's easy to combine the above properties with Fun Sun Vacations' daily air service from gateways across Canada to any destination, giving your clients the vacation they're looking for. Create an FIT package to suit their needs. Fun Sun can help you book departures during the week and various stay lengths - whether it's a few days, one week, two weeks, or more. For additional information or to book, call Fun Sun Vacations at 1-800-938-6786.

ENCORE CRUISE ESCAPES OFFERS AMAWATERWAYS

AMAWATERWAYS now available from Encore CruiseEscapes; $100 bonus commission available when booking by Oct. 31

Amsterdam

Sailings on one of Encore CruiseEscapes' newest cruise line partner, AMAWATERWAYS, are now available to book. and when those bookings are made by Oct. 31, 2008, on all 2008 and 2009 departures, agents earn a $100 bonus commission. The $100 bonus is per stateroom and applicable on all 2008 and 2009 bookings with a minimum value of $1,600 per person. AMAWATERWAYS (formerly Amadeus Waterways) offers your clients value and fascinating itineraries. The line has a fleet of nine new and modern river cruise vessels, all with an intimate atmosphere (only 140-160 guests onboard), fine dining, friendly service, themed evenings, expert local guides, and more. Agents can automatically earn Holiday Points on all the products represented by Encore CruiseEscapes, including AMAWATERWAYS. [Full text and pictures]

OMAR BECOMES HURRICANE

Omar strengthens into a hurricane, heads for Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands Canadian Press

Hurricane Omar. Photo courtesy of accuweather.com

Tropical storm Omar has strengthened into a hurricane that is expected to lash Puerto Rico later Wednesday before scoring what forecasters say may be a direct hit on the Virgin Islands. Authorities on Wednesday issued a hurricane warning for the U.S.
Virgin islands as well as Puerto Rico's Vieques and Culebra islands. Hurricane warnings are also in place for St. Martin, the British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis and other islands.Officials in Puerto Rico, already soaked from several days of rain, warned residents to prepare for a lot more, and medical authorities appealed for blood donations in case of casualties. [Full text and pictures]

IRELAND HOSTS GROUP TRAVEL SEMINAR

Tourism Ireland to host group travel seminar in Toronto on Nov. 6th

Kilkenny, Ireland

Tourism Ireland has announced their 3rd annual 'Developing and Selling Group Travel to Ireland Seminar ', to be hosted in Toronto on Thursday November 6th. The seminars will ake place in the afternoon from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and are designed to increase awareness of Ireland as a groups-friendly destination. If you are a group travel organizer, you'll be able to get the tools to develop and sell group travel to the Emerald Isle. The seminar will be attended by the following Irish and Canadian trade participants who will lead seminars: Irish Coaches / Hello Ireland; Ireland's Shannon Region; Adare Manor & Golf Resort; The Kingsley Hotel; and Holiday Ireland Hotels and local partners Royal Irish Tours, Trafalgar Tours, Globus Family of Brands and Transat Holidays. If you are interested in attending, please visit the TRAVELHotNews.com Events Calendar to learn more and to register.