TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

ENSEMBLE MAKES WAVES

Ensemble Travel Group launches new Grand Journeys experience at this years 5th annual international travel conference in Las Vegas
Lisa Raffaele

Lindsay Pearlman

Last week TRAVELHotNews reported on location from this year's fifth annual international Ensemble travel conference in Las Vegas Nevada. From October 15 to 19 participants attended several seminars from unique topics including: marketing options, group sales made easy and product differentiation. Ensemble members also conducted one-on-one appointments in a speed-dating, round table set-up and mingled with other top Ensemble producers and members form both Canada and the U.S. Among some of the conference highlights included the official launch Ensemble grand Journeys. For the first time ever Ensemble Travel Group has launched their own 10-day, six islands and six-star luxury sailing product. "This is a 100 per cent game changer," Lindsay Pearlman, Executive Vice President and GM Canada, Ensemble Travel Group told TRAVELHotNews in a one-on-one interview. [Full text and pictures]

IRELAND'S 'FAM'ILIAR

Fifteen Canadian agents visit the Emerald Isle from Oct. 1-8, attending the North American Destination Expo

Canadian agents with Katie Carroll, Canadian rep for Tourism Ireland

Fifteen of Canada's leading travel agents visited Ireland from October 1-8, 2008 for this year's North American Destination Expo. The FAM trip was organized by Tourism Ireland and sponsored by Air Canada and their Star Alliance partner bmi. The visit incorporated a weeklong itinerary of sightseeing and activities. The group visited Northern Ireland, the northwest and west of Ireland. [Full text and pictures]

TRUCA$H LETS AGENTS EARN POINTS FOR WEB BOOKINGS

Sunwing's Imagine Truca$h program gives 24-hour grace period; now agents can earn points on web bookings

Since the launch of Sunwing's Imagine TruCa$h loyalty program four months ago, agents from across the country have signed up for a TruCa$h card and are now receiving reward points on sales of all Sunwing product. Sunwing has now announced a grace period so that agents now have up to 24 hours from time of booking to add their Imagine card number. In addition, web bookings made by travel agents now also qualify. Simply contact the call centre with the applicable booking numbers or access the booking through REVNET and add the Imagine card number through the "apply payment" screen. [Full text and pictures]

TRANSAT, AC REDUCE FUEL

Air Transat to reduce some fuel surcharges, Air Canada expected to follow
Canadian Press

Canadian consumers should only expect a partial reprieve from high international fuel surcharges as competitive pressures force airlines to modestly lower fees despite a dramatic drop in fuel prices, industry experts said Friday. Air Transat plans to reduce surcharges on some routes and Air Canada is expected to follow suit. The Montreal-based charter carrier will reduce surcharges to several destinations in France, including Lyon, by nearly 17 per cent as of Nov. 1, to $290 from $348 for a return fare. Reductions are also planned for next spring for flights to Germany and the Netherlands. [Full text and pictures]

YOU COULD WIN WITH GRENADA AND ACV

Agents booking air and hotel packages to Grenada have a chance to win their own trip there

Flamboyant Hotel & Villas

This October, travel agents booking air and hotel packages to Grenada with Air Canada Vacations are automatically entered to win a one-week all-inclusive trip for two to The Flamboyant Hotel & Villas in Grenada. To enter, agents simply need to book an air and hotel package to Grenada between October 1, 2008 and October 31, 2008, inclusive, for departures December 21, 2008 to April 19, 2009 featuring non-stop flights from Toronto and connections from 65 cities in Canada. Grenada package bookings made on aircandavacations.com/agents, GDS or the call centre automatically count as one entry. Plus, agents receive a bonus entry with all bookings at The Flamboyant Hotel & Villas, doubling the chances to win. [Full text and pictures]

BOOK NOW, DRIVE FREE WITH OCCIDENTAL

Agents can receive a $25 gift card from Petro-Canada when booking now through Dec. 15, 2008

Occidental Hotels & Resorts are helping agents combat high gas prices with their "Book Now Drive Free" fall event. To start driving free, agents simply visit the contest website winwithoccidental.com to register their bookings. All bookings made at participating Occidental Hotels & Resorts with any tour operator or wholesaler from now through December 15, 2008 for hotel stays from November 1, 2008 through April 30, 2009 will receive a $25 gift certificate from Petro-Canada. Even better, the agent with the most booking will win free gas for one year! Free gas for one year prize is based on $40 per week for 52 weeks to be awarded as a lump sum payment of $2,080 in Petro-Canada gift cards. The contest closes on Dec. 15, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.

MSC'S ONLINE EXPRESS CHECK-IN

MSC Cruises launches new online Express check-in

MSC Cruises is now offering online express check-in, expediting embarkation for its guests. In order to utilize MSC Express, guests can log onto msccruisesusa. com up to 48 hours prior to departure and click on the MSC Express icon to enter their booking information. The completed printed form, cruise ticket and required identification information can then be presented at the MSC Express priority check-in desk at the port. "MSC Express serves to fast-track guests through the check-in process, saving them valuable time and letting them start their MSC Cruises experience as soon as possible," said Richard E. Sasso, President and CEO of MSC Cruises, USA.

HALLOWEEN WITH MICKEY

Walt Disney World in Florida offers a Halloween party for your clients' families

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party allows your clients to seize the opportunity to visit the Magic Kingdom in costume, and trick-or-treat for candy and goodies with favourite Disney characters, all in their finest Halloween outfits. The 7 p.m. to midnight party takes place on select evenings until Oct. 31 and features two scheduled entertainment extravaganzas that are exclusive to this fun Halloween celebration: the "Boo-to-You" Halloween parade and the bewitching "Happy HalloWishes" fireworks spectacular. There's also a chance to experience popular attractions throughout the evening. Parties are slated for Oct. 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31. To purchase advance tickets, call 407-W-DISNEY or visit Disneyworld.com/Halloween for more.