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| ACTA COMMENTS ON CONQUEST |
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| David McCaig, President and COO, ACTA | | David McCaig, President and COO of ACTA stresses importance of clients booking with ACTA agencies in wake of Conquest closure
David McCaig, President and COO of ACTA says the announcement about Conquest Vacations’ abrupt shutdown “is serious news for both the travel industry and consumers. Conquest has been a strong and reputable presence for 37 years. Unfortunately, in this economic downturn they could not remain profitable. At this time, indications are that passengers will not be stranded in destination. The winding down of their operations in an orderly fashion speaks to the way they have always conducted business.” Your clients who have purchased holiday packages from Conquest have various options, says ACTA. Travel agents can counsel their consumers about travel insurance that might cover this type of event. Recourse to a travel insurance company depends on the package purchased and its individual terms.
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| BRITAIN SHOWS OFF ITS BEST |
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VisitBritain hosts The Best of Britain & Ireland Travel Trade Forum March 26-27
Lisa Raffaele
As part of an initiative to showcase the best of Britain and Ireland, VisitBritain, British Airways and VisitScotland hosted a group of Canadian press to give them the opportunity to experience the United Kingdom firsthand. After attending the first-ever Best of Britain & Ireland trade show (BOBI), we were invited to explore the streets of London and then venture off to Scotland, where we got to experience a sampling of Homecoming 2009.
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| CONQUEST FALLOUT CONTINUES |
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TICO was aware of tour operator’s financial difficulties; Conquest customers being asked to pay up at resorts
The Toronto Star reported that TICO was aware of Conquest Vacations’ financial difficulties, but did not warn the public because the tour operator could have come through their challenges. TICO chief executive Michael Pepper said in an interview that Conquest could have emerged from the financial crisis even though its working capital had fallen below prescribed levels. Pepper said that it would have been irresponsible for TICO to sound the alarm about Conquest since the difficulties it faced appeared to be manageable. Canadian Press reported that some Canadians have faced hotel managers demanding they pay thousands of dollars or face the police.
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| TOTAL VACATIONS' CONQUEST OFFER |
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Total Vacations will rebook your Conquest clients' land bookings at 15 per cent commission; groups business also welcomed
Total Vacations is offering to rebook your clients' land bookings at 15 per cent commission to you. A statement from Total Vacations reads, "Due to the recent closure of Conquest Vacations, [we] have received calls from agents whose clients are looking to rebook their vacations. We understand this is a difficult and stressful time for both you and your clients and want to help any way that we can. In most cases we will beat the Conquest price, as well as offer 15 per cent commission on land only bookings." Total Vacations is also prepared to quote and turn around any of your group inquiries as quickly as possible. For more information, contact Total Vacations at totalvacations.ca, call reservations at 1-800-769-4147, or fax 905-879-0765..
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| APT PRICES GO DOWN UNDER |
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Australian Pacific Touring announces a 10 per cent discount off best-selling tours; book your clients by Apr. 30, 2009
Australian Pacific Touring has just announced its ‘Down Under’ price promotion, with 10 per cent discounts off their best selling tours of 10 days or more, including the most popular 22-day Royal Escorted Vacation of Australia and New Zealand. The 10 per cent savings are available for travel through March 2010. Save up to $1,585 per couple on land rates – your clients mustn’t delay and need to book by Apr. 30, 2009. Please note, this offer is not valid for pre and post accommodation. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts or special offers. Subject to availability. Cancellation fees apply. Keep reading to see a list of the featured tours available with 10 per cent discount.
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| DOUBLE GROUP VALUE WITH ECE |
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Encore CruiseEscapes, in partnership with Holland America offering double gap points on group bookings
Effective immediately, block a new 2010 group on selected Holland America ships and sailings by Aug. 31, 2009, and Encore CruiseEscapes, in partnership with Holland America, will give you double gap points. This offer is applicable to new bookings only, and is in addition to Holland America’s ‘Vacation Stimulus Plan’. Amenities on the applicable Holland America ships and sailings must be selected at least 90 days prior to sailing. All of the regular group terms and conditions, such as payments, apply. For more information, contact Encore CruiseEscapes Groups Reservations department at 1-800-661-6361 or via email at groups@encorecruiseescapes.ca (Toronto) or groupes@evasionscroisieresencore.ca (Montreal).
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| CLUB HOLA SUN IN CAYO COCO |
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New Club Hola Sun at Villa Cojimar offers complimentary bottle of rum, welcome cocktails, early check-in and more
Hola Sun has contracted a Club Hola Sun at the Villa Cojimar in the keys of Cayo Coco, Cuba. When you book this category for your clients you will receive added values such as a complimentary bottle of rum in the room, a welcome cocktail, early check-in when available and a beach towel in the room. Packages are available starting in May, with pricing from $568. Book online at holacaribeagent.ca (both RESTOURS and SIREV screens available for booking) or you may contact reservations at 905-882-9445 (in the Greater Toronto Area) or toll-free at 1-800-668-8178.
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| CATHAY CUTS FLIGHTS, STAFF TIME |
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Cathay Pacific staff to take unpaid leave as flights cut
Canadian Press
Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., Asia's third-largest carrier, has asked staff to take unpaid leave while it cuts passenger and cargo capacity to cope with the global downturn. All 17,000 of the company's employees are being asked to take unpaid leave ranging from one to four weeks in the next 12 months. Cathay Pacific's latest move comes a month after the airline recorded a worse-than-expected annual loss of 8.6 billion Hong Kong dollars (US$1.1 billion) in 2008 - its first annual red ink since the height of the Asian financial crisis in 1998. Cathay Pacific said it would reduce planned passenger capacity by eight per cent and that of Dragonair by 13 per cent starting next month.
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