TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

HIT THE ROAD WITH KENYA!

Kenya Road Show coming to Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver from Apr. 20 to 23, 2009

Agents, you�re invited to the Kenya Road Show taking place later this month. The Kenya High Commission, Kenya Tourist Board, Kenya Airways and TOPAC (Tour Operators Promoting Africa in Canada) will be participating and want to meet you this April! Learn more about what�s new in �Magical Kenya�, the safari capital of the world. Learn how to become a Kenya Specialist and profit from this high-yield safari adventure product. You can also invite your preferred clients to the audio-visual presentation following a trade show and reception. Cities include Ottawa (Apr. 20), Toronto (Apr. 21), Calgary (Apr. 22) and Vancouver (Apr. 23). Participating suppliers include MyEscapades, Tourcan Vacations, Trek Holidays, Lion World Tours, Sita World Tours, Kenya Airways, Travel Studio, Goway and Wild Africa Safaris. Keep reading for more details about the event and how to sign up. [Full text and pictures]

PASSPORT CANADA CUTS ONLINE SERVICE

Passport Canada cuts online service; will be unavailable after Apr. 30, 2009
Canadian Press

Passport Canada has abruptly ended its online application service, just as other federal departments are expanding their Internet-based links with Canadians. The agency posted a cryptic notice on its website earlier this month, saying its online service is ``stepping aside'' and will not be available after April 30. The move follows complaints from Canada's privacy commissioner about sloppy security at the agency, and an embarrassing online security breach more than a year ago. But a spokesman for Passport Canada says the online service is being wound up simply because it isn't as ``convenient'' for Canadians as using downloadable forms that must be filled out and brought in person to a passport office. [Full text and pictures]

ACV OFFERS FREEDOM IN BARBADOS

Air Canada Vacations offers $200US pre-loaded Visa card

Bookings made with Air Canada Vacations between April 6 and May 15, 2009 or August 15 and September 30, 2009 will receive a VISA card pre-loaded with $200US, a 25 per cent discount gourmet card and a Barbados passport, which entitles users to discounts at various attractions. This offer is valid for stays of 5 nights or more and is applicable to travel from May 1 to June 30, 2009 or from September 1 to December 18, 2009. Air Canada Vacations heads to Barbados daily from Toronto year round and on Saturdays and Sundays from Montreal.

THAILAND TRAVEL ADVISORY

Canada, others issue travel advisories for Thailand as crisis worsens
Canadian Press

Canada and a number of other countries have issued travel warnings, advising their citizens to exercise caution in Thailand which is reeling under political unrest. ``The security situation is fluid and travellers should expect an increased security presence and measures,'' Foreign Affairs said in an advisory posted on its website. ``Canadians are encouraged to verify travel schedules and services with local authorities or travel service providers prior to departure, and should exercise patience and plan accordingly,'' it added. Americans were urged to ``exercise caution'' in Bangkok and South Korea called on its citizens in the Thai capital ``to return home (to Korea) if they are not on urgent matters.'' [Full text and pictures]

CUNARD�S 2010-2011 SALE

Queen Victoria

Cunard Line announces 2010-2011 Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria itineraries on sale; starting April 17
Building on the announcement of Cunard Line�s inaugural season for Queen Elizabeth, Cunard has announced the newly published Europe, Transatlantics and Americas 2010-2011 programme for Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. �Our heritage is highly regarded by our guests, with up to 97 per cent saying they will recommend Cunard to a friend and 98 per cent saying they will return,� said Carol Marlow, President of Cunard Line. "In appreciation of their loyalty, we are pleased to offer a wider range of itineraries in 2010 � a direct result of our expanded fleet of modern luxury vessels." [Full text and pictures]

FALL INTO FREE MEALS WITH GOWAY

AFRICAExperts by Goway offering free meals on Victoria Falls Safari packages

AFRICAExperts by Goway is offering free meals to travellers booking their 3-day Victoria Falls Safari Lodge package. AFRICAExperts' 3-day Victoria Falls package is priced at $981 per person and includes roundtrip flights from Johannesburg, roundtrip airport transfers, 2 nights accommodation at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, breakfast daily, free dinner daily, a guided walking tour of the Falls and a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Dining options include the flagship restaurant, "The Makuwa-Kuwa", which overlooks the waterhole, and "The Boma Place of Eating", set in the nearby Gusu Forest. [Full text and pictures]

RIU EMERALD BAY OPENS FOR BUSINESS

Riu Emerald Bay announces May 29, 2009 opening; offering $73 per person, per night, all-inclusive opening rate special
Riu Emerald Bay, the first RIU resort in Mazatl�n, Mexico will open up its doors in May 29, 2009. The all-inclusive beachfront resort offers 716 rooms, four restaurants - three of which are a la carte - five bars, two swimming pools and three conference rooms. Special opening rates start at $73 per person, per night, based on double occupancy, taxes and gratuities included. Special rates are valid May 29 through June 25, 2009. The 5-star hotel will offer a variety of culinary choices at its main restaurant, which features a buffet and live cooking. The hotel also includes the Tabasco Mexican restaurant, the Asian-themed Bamboo restaurant and Las Gaviotas, which will feature tastes from a traditional American steakhouse. [Full text and pictures]

GREYHOUND UNVEILS NEW BUSES

Greyhound rolls out buses with more legroom, wi-fi, new design; introduced on Montreal and Toronto buses to New York

Greyhound Lines has unveiled its fleet of new buses designed to offer a more comfortable riding experience. The first of the 102 re-designed buses have debuted on the company�s New York to Montreal and New York to Toronto routes, with additional buses slated to begin appearing on the New York to Boston route by mid-April. Over time, Greyhound will replace the entire nationwide fleet. The new buses will feature an exterior of strong blue and premium silver colors, highlighting a new Greyhound logo. Inside, upgrades and amenities available include extra legroom, free Wi-Fi access, power outlets and three-point seat belts. [Full text and pictures]