JET AIR DEFERS YYZ-YYC PREMIUM SERVICE

Jet Air grounds plans for premium service between Calgary and Toronto
Corporate Jet Air has put all plans on hold for premium service between Calgary and Toronto, the Globe and Mail reported. The Calgary-based company is no longer promoting plans to launch the cross-country flights. Due to soaring fuel costs last year, the current recession and a $1,600 charge for a one-way ticket, it was impractical for Corporate Jet Air to use three retrofitted Bombardier CRJ-200 planes for the proposed Toronto service as originally planned. The airline's parent company, Corpac Canada Ltd., is currently running scheduled air service between Calgary and Fort McMurray, Alberta, using its Corporate Express brand. [Full text and pictures]

A.I. SHOWS OFF WORLD’S BEST

Goway Travel’s ADVENTURESIncorporated launches 2009 World’s Best Adventures brochure

Goway Travel, through its exclusive adventures division, ADVENTURESIncorporated (A.I.), recently launched its 2009 World’s Best Adventures brochure. The brochure contains 80 world adventures and covers every continent and every style of adventure travel. Peru and Ecuador, as well as Argentina, Brazil, Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand are among the company’s most popular choices. “Any agent who wants to sell adventure should let us know,” stated Don Forster, Sales and Marketing Manager. To order the 2009 World’s Best Adventures brochure, agents should email brochures@adventuresincorporated.com or call 1-888-469-2949. For more information on A.I., visit adventuresincorporated.com. [Full text and pictures]

FLYGLOBESPAN ADVANCES INTO SUMMER

Flyglobespan’s advance bookings to the UK and Ireland off to good start; first- ever service from Halifax

Flyglobespan is off to a good start with advance bookings for flights from its four Canadian gateways to the UK and Ireland this summer. Flyglobespan’s Canadian Summer 2009 service will commence May 27, with first- ever service from Halifax operating weekly to Glasgow through to October 14. Other weekly service begins in June as follows: Hamilton to Belfast, Dublin, Manchester, London (Gatwick), Edinburgh and Glasgow; Vancouver to Dublin, Manchester, London (Gatwick), Glasgow; and Calgary to Dublin, Manchester, London (Gatwick), Glasgow. Fares start at $149 one way plus taxes on economy class from Halifax and Hamilton, and $209 one way plus taxes on economy class from Vancouver and Calgary. [Full text and pictures]

TICO TRAINING WITH CITC

CITC launches province-wide TICO Travel Counsellor Exam training; Webinar and seminar format available
CITC has enhanced its TICO exam training program by offering both seminars and webinars in order to ensure that all those required to write the Travel Counsellor exam in Ontario, will be able to access training. Every person, including supervisors and managers, who are working for a retail travel agency and are selling travel services or providing travel advice to the public must meet the industry’s Education Standard by July 1, 2009. Continue reading for complete details including fees and scheduling or visit visit citc.ca/ticotraining. [Full text and pictures]

ICELANDAIR DEBUTS TWO

Icelandair announces two new destinations: Seasonal flights to Stavanger, Norway, and Düsseldorf, Germany begin May 8

Icelandair has announced the addition of two new destinations in 2009. Stavanger, Norway, and Düsseldorf, Germany, will now be part of the network that includes over 20 destinations throughout Scandinavia, Great Britain and Continental Europe. Scheduled flights to these destinations will operate seasonally beginning May 8 through Sept. 29, 2009. Icelandair offers service to Iceland from Boston, New York-JFK, Minneapolis/St. Paul (seasonal), Orlando Sanford (seasonal), Halifax (seasonal) and Toronto (seasonal). For additional information about fares and packages, visit icelandair.ca.

DE-ICE WITH NOLITOURS & TRANSAT

Nolitours and Transat Holidays launch De-Ice Yourself sale on Toronto departures from Jan. 29 to March 31, 2009

Nolitours and Transat Holidays have launched their De-Ice Yourself campaign. Travellers will save $600 per couple on their vacation packages to the following sun destinations: Cayo Coco, Holguin, Santa Lucia, Varadero, Jamaica, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, La Romana, Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Cancun, Riviera Maya and Acapulco. This offer is valid for new bookings departing from Toronto for departures Jan. 29 to March 31, 2009. Agents should check the company’s reservation system for the most up to date prices. Offer is available for a limited time and subject to change without notice. [Full text and pictures]

SUNWING/PRINCESS ANNIVERSARY OFFER

Sunwing Vacations celebrates six month cruising anniversary with Buy One, Get Second Cruise for Half Price sale; ends Jan. 23, 2009

As part of its ongoing promotions with Princess, and to mark the six month anniversary of Sunwing entering the cruise business Sunwing is currently offering a “Buy One, Get Second Cruise for Half Price” sale on selected departures. The incentive is in effect until Jan. 23, 2009.

BOOK 3, GET 2 MORE WITH UNIVERSAL

Universal Orlando Resort announces book three nights, receive two additional nights free offer; includes accommodations and theme park tickets

Families booking a three-night package can get two additional nights for free. Packages begin at $689 – or less than $35 per-person/per-night for a family of four – and include accommodations at a hotel near Universal and unlimited theme park admission. A stay at a hotel near Universal includes complimentary transportation to Universal’s theme parks. Families have until January 31 to book for travel that can begin immediately and runs through June 27, 2009. [Full text and pictures]

RE-VIVA WITH SIGNATURE AND VIVA WINDHAM

Signature Vacations and Viva Wyndham Azteca announce re-VIVA savings of $100 per couple/week

Signature Vacations and the Viva Wyndham Azteca are offering travellers the chance to re-VIVA their body and minds with a $100 per couple/week savings offer. Book a vacation package to the Azteca located in the Riviera Maya, Mexico between Jan. 16 and Jan. 31, 2009 for travel March 1 to June 30, 2009 to receive offer. Savings of $100 are per couple, per week and based on double occupancy in the lowest room category offered. To view complete details, prices and departure dates for the Viva Wyndham Azteca, visit signaturevacations.com.

Retrospective 2008

It’s time to look back at 2008. The most newsworthy stories of the year included Thomas Cook’s purchase of IFS Voyages Inc., parent company of Fun Sun Vacations and Intair, adding another two companies into their wide portfolio of brands. Other news which dominated headlines included the collapse of XL Leisure Group in the U.K. and the demise of several airlines including Oasis Hong Kong, Zoom Airlines and additional regional carriers, all serving to highlight the biggest story of the year – the economic crisis. [Full text and pictures]