TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

COLIN HUNTER SPEAKS OUT

Sunwing�s CEO comments on his company�s stability, the economy, price wars, low margins and more
Charmaine Pang

Colin Hunter, CEO of Sunwing

Last week, TRAVELHotNews.com spoke to Colin Hunter about the economic slowdown in North America and its possible effect on the travel industry, as well as Sunwing�s position in the market. Regarding the economic climate, Hunter said that Sunwing�s winter program is only just beginning; their plans were set before the economic downturn, but Sunwing is �very confident� that the Canadian market won�t be as badly affected as the U.S. So far, the tour operator saw a �slight slowdown� in booking activity during the Canadian election season, which is typical for the market. �Traditionally when there�s a stock market crisis, historically the Americans have always stayed at home and watched CNN and wrapped themselves in their flag, and this year is no exception; it�s probably exacerbated by the current election of the new president,� said Hunter. Keep reading for more. [Full text and pictures]

GUATEMALA'S SOUL

Guatemala tourism partners showcase the �soul of the earth� in their diverse and welcoming country
Charmaine Pang

Reggie Kieda, LATA; Marco Tulio Rodas and Evelyn Davidson, INGUAT

Guatemala�s official motto is �alma de la tierra� � Spanish for �soul of the earth� � and yesterday evening, representatives from the country conducted a reception and workshop with travel agents and media to showcase their destination�s offerings. Agents and media representatives conducted one-on-one business meetings with the suppliers. The event took place at the Novotel Hotel in Toronto and was organized by LATA, the Guatemala Tourist Board (INGUAT) and six tourism partners representing hotels and inbound tour operators, as well as Mexicana Airlines. [Full text and pictures]

CONNECT BGI 2008

Thomas Cook, Air Canada Vacations win awards and recognition at Barbados travel conference

Thomas Cook walked away with several awards, including Tour Operator of the Year

This year�s edition of Connect BGI, a travel conference hosted each year in Barbados, ended with a Gala Awards Ceremony at the Sandy Lane Country Club in St. James. The awards ceremony enabled 30 leading tour operators from the United States and Canada to become oriented with the island�s tourism product, which included strengthening relationships with local industry partners. Congratulating the tour operators for their unwavering loyalty to Barbados, Chairman of the BTA, Ralph Taylor, said that he looked forward to witnessing an expanded event in 2009. Urging tourism players to fully exhaust the opportunities in the North American market, Taylor said that he would like to see tourism arrivals there return to its pinnacle of 20 to 30 years ago. [Full text and pictures]

EARN HOLIDAY POINTS WITH FUN SUN

Agents can now earn Holiday Points of Fun Sun Vacations product: As of Nov. 1 Sun Dollars are no longer available

As of November 1, you will now earn Holiday Points on all Fun Sun Vacations� product. Holiday Points are earned at a ratio of 10 points for every $100 in sales (please note that for cruise and groups agents earn five points for every $100 in sales), and can be redeemed for travel rewards. For departures as of November 1, Sun Dollars will no longer be available on Fun Sun Vacations� product; however. In order not to lose those Sun Dollars earned for departures from July 1 to October 31, 2008, agents will need to redeem their outstanding Sun Dollars between November 1 to 15, 2008. You will have a couple options when redeeming your 2008/09 Sun Dollars. [Full text and pictures]

SAUDI ARABIA EMBASSY SAYS NO TO VISA

The embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa no longer accepts Visa applications

Effective immediately The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa will no longer accept Visa Applications, by mail or in person. All Visa Applications must now be arranged through an authorized agent. International Visa Passport Service Corporation, formally Visa Connection Ltd., has announced it is the lowest cost authorized agent for processing several varieties of visas to Saudi Arabia with the Embassy of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Canada. For further information, including nearest office location, visit ivpsc.com or call their toll free number 1-866-566-VISA (8472).

ASIAN G.A.P. PORTFOLIO GROWS

G.A.P. Adventures launches 60 new Asian adventures to their portfolio and offers 10% off bookings made by Nov.15

G.A.P Adventures is expanding its Asian portfolio with 60 new adventures this year. What�s more, travellers will receive 10 per cent off all new Asia 2009 trips booked by November 15, 2008 with travel completed by April 30, 2009. When booking quote promo code: New Trips 2009. �Asia is a crossroad of culture and religion and, as such, it offers plenty of opportunities to the adventure seeker," says Bruce Poon Tip, CEO of G.A.P Adventures. "Whether you�re looking for the bustle of Bangkok or the peaceful atmosphere of the Tibetan monasteries, Asia is the perfect place for a genuine discovery experience." G.A.P Adventures� new trips to Asia include: A 15-day Cambodia and Laos Mekong Adventure, a 15-day Beyond the Himalayas, a 24-day Trail of the Buddha and a 10-day Nepal Adventure. [Full text and pictures]

MICKEY RETURNS TO HAWAII

Disney plans a Hawaii hotel complex in Oahu for 2011; first project for company in Hawaii
Canadian Press

Djuan Rivers, Disney Vacaton Club Hawaii; Todd Apo, Honolulu Councilman; Mufi Hanneman, Mayor of Honolulu; Jay Rasulo, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

Seventy years after his first ride on Hawaii surf, Mickey Mouse is finally coming back to the islands. Walt Disney Parks & Resorts' first venture in the islands will add 830 hotel and vacation time-share rooms, a fantasy-laden water play area and an 1,700-square-metre spa to the rapidly expanding Ko Olina resort on West Oahu. The complex is expected to be completed in 2011. It'll be the first such complex for Disney away from a theme park, combining a 350-room hotel with 480 vacation villas on one of Ko Olina's four man-made lagoons, which already feature a Marriott hotel and timeshares, a luxury condominium project and wedding chapels. [Full text and pictures]

HOLA�S GROUP GETAWAY

Hola Sun announces group incentives from most Canadian gateways

Hola Sun Holidays has announced a wide selection of resorts for group travel. Their groups department will be discounted group rates for a minimum of 10 or more passengers booked. Featured destinations include: Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Holguin, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Cayo Santa Maria, Santiago de Cuba, Camaguey, Santa Lucia, Havana and Varadero. This offer�s group incentives include: competitive group pricing, free air seats, group discounts, 24 hour turn-around service, private group transfer, agent gift package and beach bag souvenir for each passenger booked. Please note that a black out period will apply for all group quotes; restrictions apply and over night stay may apply.

ARTA CANADA JOINS UFTAA

United Federation of Travel Agents� Associations welcomes ARTA Canada at 42nd Congress

The United Federation of Travel Agents' Associations (UFTAA) announced at its 42nd Congress and General Assembly that it has approved ARTA Canada's request for membership in the worldwide association. ARTA Canada President Bruce Bishins spoke at the Congress and confirmed that travel agencies around the globe are facing similar issues. "We are delighted to join UFTAA and to leverage our collective experiences in paving a new, collaborative path in defending and enhancing the role of travel retailers around the world. �I was very impressed with the global strategies detailed by UFTAA's delegates and board of directors and feel that ARTA Canada will benefit from and contribute greatly to these important initiatives", said Bishins. [Full text and pictures]