TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

BECOME A TREK HOLIDAYS SPECIALIST

Certified Adventure Travel Specialist training ongoing across Canada from Jan. 13-Feb. 3, sign up today

Trek Holidays is offering travel agents another chance to become a Certified Adventure Travel Specialist (CATS). From Jan. 13 to Feb. 3, various workshops are being held to help agents become certified. The comprehensive full-day seminar will teach agents the key destinations for adventure travel, why people choose these destinations, their key selling features and the options available for travel. Agents will learn how to better define and target today’s adventure traveller, learn how to market to potential clients, and address any common concerns and questions your clients may have. Keep reading for a schedule of the dates and cities for the seminars. [Full text and pictures]

JAMAICA’S NEW LOOK: PART 2

The Jamaica Tourist Board, along with WestJet host press trip to Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios; highlight what’s new on the island
Lisa Raffaele

As part of an initiative to showcase Jamaica’s newest developments, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), and WestJet hosted a media trip to the island from Dec. 13 to 18, 2008. The trip highlighted some of the newest expansions and enhancements including: the town of Falmouth, Mystic Mountain and the emergence of Spanish all-inclusive chains, along with long-standing favourites such as tubing down the White River Valley, Scotchie’s jerk stand and Green Grotto Caves. Day four brought the group to the town of Falmouth, just 30 minutes and about 30 kilometres east of Montego Bay. Currently there are plans for the town to receive a multi-million dollar cruise ship port for berthing of the newest and largest class of cruise ships, The Royal Caribbean International line of vessels’ new Genesis Class, which is now under construction. The terminal (to be called The Wharf) is set for completion in 2010. [Full text and pictures]

FUN SUN’S 1ST NIGHT IS BACK!

First night in Anaheim is only $20.09 with a New Year Sale

Fun Sun Vacations is bringing back their “First Night in Anaheim…” New Year Sale. If you book one of five select properties in Anaheim with a minimum of airfare and five nights accommodation, the first night is only $20.09 plus tax – not per person – per room! Participating hotels include Holiday Inn Anaheim Resort, Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort, Staybridge Suites Anaheim Resort, Jolly Roger Hotel, and the Portofino Inn & Suites. This offer is valid for bookings made Jan. 7 to 16, 2009; for travel from Jan. 7 to Mar. 15, 2009. For full details on this offer, available for a limited time only, go to funsunagent.com.

INSIGHT’S LUCKY TICKETS

Who has the lucky 7 remaining tickets? You could win gift cards, a new 42” TV or a trip to Britain

Late last year, Insight Vacations hid 10 blue tickets inside golden-wrapped Belgium chocolates made at Charlie’s Chocolate factory in B.C. The chocolates have been distributed by Insight sales managers on a sales blitz to agents across Canada. The blue tickets each represented a prize, ranging from $50 and $100 HBC gift cards to a 42-inch LCD TV and the grand prize of an Insight Vacations ‘Gems of Britain’ trip for 2. But there’s a problem – the big prizes are still out there. Only three of the 10 blue tickets have been claimed. If you received an Insight chocolate bar and have yet to open it, now’s the time. If you didn’t get one, Insight sales managers still have some, so get your requests in quickly before they are gone. There are still seven lucky blue tickets out there – including the top two contest prizes. [Full text and pictures]

TRANSAT AGENT AIR SPECIALS

Madrid

Agents can fly to the U.K., Spain for $99 per person and to Malaga, Spain for $120
Transat Holidays is is bringing back their Air Only Travel Agent Specials to Britain and Spain. Fly to the U.K. for $99 per person, and to Malaga, Spain for $120 plus applicable taxes & fees. Why not get away in January and February for less? Transat Holidays offers you a perfect excuse to visit Europe with this special offer. The offer is valid for specific dates departing and returning in January and February. To book call Interline Monday to Friday 416-620-8050 ext. 8923. Rates apply to travel agent and one travelling companion only and are net, non-commissionable. Keep reading for full details. [Full text and pictures]

SUNSPOTS’ ALOHA SALE

Save 35 per cent off on all land and air components to Hawaii

Sunspots is holding a seat sale to Hawaii (HNL, OGG, LIH and KOA) from all major gateways in Canada. Save your clients 35 per cent off on all land and air components to Hawaii offered by the tour operator. In addition, if you book your clients a business class package, gift cards with a value of up to $50 are offered. Book tickets by Feb. 6, 2009 for travel from Jan. 6, 2009 to Mar. 11, 2009. Contact Sunspots for more details at sunspotsholidays.com.

AC LAUNCHES ESCAPE PASS

Multi-flight 'Escape Pass' starts at $720, offers flights between U.S., Canada

Air Canada has launched its new 'Escape Pass', giving customers the opportunity to make multiple getaways affordably across North America. On sale in Canada and the U.S. today until January 28, 2009, and good for travel on Air Canada and Jazz between January 15 and May 3, 2009, the 'Escape Pass' is ideal for leisure travellers because it provides flexibility, ease of booking, plus Aeroplan Miles. Available in packages of four or eight one-way trips and valid for either three days (Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday) or seven days of the week, the 'Escape Pass' starts from C$520 for two return trips. In addition, customers who purchase the 'Escape Pass' have the option to buy a special bonus pass for $199 (C$ or US$) per person for travel to select international destinations. Keep reading for more. [Full text and pictures]