TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

THOMAS COOK'S WYKES ADDRESSES ALLEGATIONS

Jill Wykes, Senior VP, Operations, comments on alleged restructuring of Toronto office

Jill Wykes

Yesterday afternoon TRAVELHotNews.com spoke with Jill Wykes, senior vice president, operations, Thomas Cook Canada regarding some of the changes that were allegedly made at the Toronto office last week. Wykes said the company does not typically announce internal restructurings. She confirmed that Chris Rivers, vice president, Network and Sarah Chatburn, senior vice president commercial, Sunquest, have left the company. Wykes also confirmed that Ron Heuer, vice president and general manager for The Holiday Network, has left the company on a full-time basis but is still working on special projects as a consultant. Finally, Wykes confirmed that Lars Lofgren, the company's chief commercial officer, will be departing for Sweden (but still working with the Thomas Cook group) around December. She declined to comment regarding alleged restructuring in Thomas Cook's Western Canada offices.

OTTAWA FIGHTS FOR FLIGHT RIGHTS

Government launches Flight Rights Canada to protect air travellers
Charmaine Pang

Minister of Transport Lawrence Cannon announced last Friday the launch of 'Flight Rights Canada', which aims to strengthen consumer protection. Flight Rights Canada will help Canadians become more aware of their rights when travelling by air, and ensures transparency and accountability of air carriers. The Government of Canada noted that the foundation for Flight Rights Canada already exists in Canadian legislation. "Through Flight Rights Canada, air travellers will be reassured that options are available to them if they are inconvenienced. Consumer protection is important to our government and that's why we are taking further action," said Minister Cannon. Keep reading; Flight Rights Canada and details of Code of Conduct of Canada's Airlines are also included. [Full text and pictures]

ALLBURY ZOOMS TO THE RESCUE

Allbury Travel Group appointed to assist Canadian, UK passengers

Eamonn Ferrin, CEO of Allbury Travel Group, announced yesterday afternoon that they have been appointed by Zoom's credit card payment service provider to assist the passengers of the failed airline in both the UK and Canada. The proposal was constructed by the credit card payment service provider in an effort to assist the passengers and was agreed in association with the administrators of the airline. The regulatory authorities in the UK and Canada have also been made aware. Allbury Travel Group has agreed to work with the credit card payment service provider and various airlines in order to coordinate an effort to assist the passengers affected by Zoom's failure. Keep reading for more details. [Full text and pictures]

FLIGHT RIGHTS CANADA A 'FARCE'?

N.L. Liberal MP says Tory airline passenger rights plan toothless
Canadian Press

The Newfoundland Liberal MP who launched the debate over a bill of rights for airline passengers is calling the federal government's response a farce. Gerry Byrne says the Conservative plan does not include any legal force nor is it binding on the airlines to maintain specific, nationwide standards of customer service. Byrne says the Tory initiative, called Flight Rights Canada, merely makes suggestions it hopes the airline industry will follow. He calls it a pamphlet full of well-crafted, politically appealing language that lacks teeth and offers only hollow platitudes. [Full text and pictures]

AGENTS GET 70% OFF AVALON

Agents can experience selected 2008 Avalon river cruises with a 70% discount

The Rhine River

The Globus family of brands is offering agents an opportunity to cruise with its sister brand, Avalon Waterways, at a price discounted by 70 per cent on selected itineraries and dates. Managing Director St�phanie Bishop is confident that agents will understand her enthusiasm for the product, and enjoy selling it to customers. "When agents cruise with us, they will not only understand the enjoyment in the destinations to be visited, they will also fall in love with our modern ships, averaging just two years in age." Agents have an excellent opportunity to experience Avalon Waterways. When agents book until October 31, 2008, they will receive 70 per cent off the cruise/land price of the following select 2008 Avalon Waterways European River Cruises. Keep reading for more details. [Full text and pictures]

SIGNATURE ANNOUNCES PSP WINNERS

Four lucky agents win PlayStation Portable in contest

Signature Vacations has announced the four winners of their PSP (PlayStation Portable) lucky draw. The lucky winners are: Kristie Miller of Got Travel in Brandon Manitoba, Marilyn Rowan of CAA Travel in Hamilton Ontario, Chrystal Beegan of Sundial Travel Club in Calgary Alberta and Marina Mazariego of Jubilee Travel and Tours in Calgary Alberta each won a PlayStation Portable handheld entertainment system. From August 1 to 28, 2008 all agents making a StarClass booking were automatically entered for the chance to win one of four units from a weekly draw.

HOLA SUN HURRICANE POLICY

Hurricane protection policy available for all departures from Jun, 1-Nov. 30, 2008; four options to choose from

Hola Sun Holidays' hurricane policy is in effect to ensure the peace of mind of your clients when a hurricane may threaten their vacation arrangements. The hurricane protection policy is applicable for all departures from June 1 to November 30, 2008 for ITC packages and air only booked through Hola Sun Holidays. If a category 1 or greater hurricane warning has been forecast by the relevant local government to affect your client's holiday destination, within a week of the scheduled departure date, then your clients may choose from one of the four following options: Change of Departure Date; Change of Destination; Cancel with a full refund; Resume travel as originally planned. Keep reading for full details. [Full text and pictures]