TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

ACTA TAKES ACTION ON ELECTION DAY

ACTA encourages its members to lobby decision-makers to stand up for travel industry
Charmaine Pang

With the federal election coming up on Oct. 14, ACTA is encouraging its members to send letters to their representatives demanding more action on pressing issues for the travel industry. A letter from Chair Jacqueline Jamieson reads, "Politicians never listen to the public more than when the public is going to the polls within a few weeks! ACTA is built on the strength of its grassroots members from coast to coast. Its success in political advocacy also depends on local members who deliver a strong message to elected decision-makers. In this election period, ACTA is again asking for your help to build our collective voice on the national stage." The letter that ACTA members can send to their leaders identifies several issues that key decision-makers in Ottawa should consider. [Full text and pictures]

HONG KONG SAYS "LIVE IT, LOVE IT!"

Hong Kong Tourist Board launches new campaign, with consumer contests on CityTV
Charmaine Pang

A toast with the HKTB, Cathay Pacific and BT host Frank Ferragine

The Hong Kong Tourist Board (HKTB) celebrated the fall launch of their "Live it, Love it!" campaign with an event in Toronto, hosted at Turf Lounge. Travel trade partners, trade and consumer media were all present at the event. Michael Lim, newly appointed Director for Canada, Central and South America, said that 395,000 Canadians visited Hong Kong in 2007. This year is also looking good, with a 5.1 per cent increase in visitors for the first eight months of 2008. Hong Kong is expanding their attractions and opening new ones, with additional hotel inventory coming online on a regular basis. Lim said the success of the Beijing Olympics extended to Hong Kong, which hosted the Equestrian Games, where several Canadians won gold medals in events. [Full text and pictures]

TRANSAT SPENDS TIME IN SPAIN THIS WINTER

Transat Holidays announces Long Stay Packages throughout Costa del Sol

Transat Holidays Long Stay Packages throughout Costa del Sol are available to book for winter 2008-2009. Seaside Packages with hotel, studio and self-catering apartment accommodations are available for one to four week durations. A la carte accommodation and excursions are also available throughout Costa del Sol. Transat Holidays is offering travellers an excess baggage offer of an extra 10 kilos free when staying a minimum of two weeks. A two-week package staying at the Sunset Beach Club Apartamentos is available for $1,369 plus taxes of $352 per person and $1,949 plus taxes per person for a four-week holiday departing January 27. Continue reading for more package pricing. [Full text and pictures]

SIGNATURE GOES CRAZY FOR 8

Signature Vacations announces Crazy 8's sale from October 1-15
Signature Vacations has announced their winter 'Crazy 8's' sale pricing. From October 1 to 15 the tour operator is offering low rates for packages departing in January to many resorts. Book today to take advantage of these rates: Toronto to Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba, stay at the four-star Sol Cayo Santa Maria for one week, all-inclusive, departs Sunday, January 4 and 11 for $698 plus $260 taxes; Montreal to Cayo Coco, Cuba, stay at the four-star Iberostar Daiquiri for one week, all-inclusive, departs Friday, January 9 to 23 for $1,158 taxes included; Calgary to Mazatlan, Mexico, stay at the two-star Oceano Palace for one week, all-inclusive, departs Wednesday, January 7, 14, 21 for $528 plus $329 taxes...Continue reading for more of Signature's sale pricing. [Full text and pictures]

SHOP AROUND WITH ENCORE

Encore CruiseEscapes offers up to $75 per stateroom in HBC or Petro Canada gift card

Effective immediately, agents are invited to go shopping on Encore CruiseEscapes. When you book a cruise of seven days or longer with Encore CruiseEscapes between Oct. 1 and 31, 2008, you will receive up to $75 per stateroom of your choice in HBC or Petro Canada gift cards. Valid on cruises with Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International departing between Oct. 2, 2008 and Apr. 30, 2009, agents will earn $30 per inside stateroom, $55 per oceanview stateroom and $75 per balcony, suite and Cruisetours. Gift cards will be mailed after final payment is received. Not applicable to groups, and not combinable with any other promotion, offer or NCL Best Value special. For more information, please visit encorecruiseescapesagent.ca.

IATA SAYS 20 AIRLINES "AT RISK" OF FAILING

IATA CEO Bisignani says at least 20 international airlines at risk of bankruptcy
Charmaine Pang

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Tuesday that at least 20 international airlines are at risk of bankruptcy thanks to financial instability in the U.S., the high cost of fuel and a slowdown of passengers. CEO and Director-General, Giovanni Bisignani said at a press conference in Hanoi that "at least 20 airlines are at risk," without naming the carriers. IATA has released data for August that reveal a passenger load factor drop to 79.2 per cent, lower than the 81 per cent recorded in August 2007. Capacity growth has also outpaced demand. [Full text and pictures]

SPEND WINTER WITH AN AIR NAMIBIA FAM

Air Namibia announces December agent 8-day FAM to Namibia
Air Namibia invites agents on a FAM trip to Namibia, departing December 6 and returning December 13. The cost is $949 US, plus $300 air taxes based on double occupancy, a single supplement is $100US and includes airfare on Air Namibia from Frankfurt, Germany. Highlights include: Okapuka Game Ranch, Cheetah conservation fund project, overnight at Ugab-Terrace Lodge, travel to Swakopmund to visit petrified forest and rock paintings and overnight at Hansa Hotel. For more information visit the TRAVELHotNews.com FAM page by clicking here. Please note that this FAM trip is open to full-time travel agents and tour operators only.

TRAFALGAR'S GREEN POLICIES

Trafalgar encourages clients to offset carbon credits, establishes conservation foundation

Trafalgar Tours has made a commitment to sustainable tourism, as outlined in a release sent out this morning. The company says that "coach travel has been proven to emit less carbon or greenhouse gases on a per passenger basis than either train or car travel [according to DEFRA Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Conversion Figures June 2007]." The company states that their coach fleet is "among the best in Europe and is continually upgraded to adopt the most fuel efficient engines available." This year, the company established The Leading Travel Companies Conservation Foundation, a non-profit organization that encourages long-term sustainable tourism. Each year US$1 million goes towards projects around the world. [Full text and pictures]