TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

ACV GOES ON EURO VACATION

Air Canada Vacations celebrates launch of European expansion with several promotions

To celebrate the launch of its European expansion, Air Canada Vacations has several European promotions underway. Stay 2 nights or more and save $200 per couple when booking an air and hotel package to any European destination, including London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Dublin, Frankfurt, Munich, Geneva and Zurich. Bookings made by April 30, 2009 for travel completed by October 31, 2009 are elligible. Also note that bookings made on an air and hotel packages for one week to any destination in Europe from $559 are for select departures in May. Package includes return flight and 2 nights accommodation. [Full text and pictures]

EXPLORING ISRAEL, PART 2: BACK IN TIME

A mix of history, culture and religion in Israel: Visiting Caeserea, Haifa, Akko and Zippori
Article and photos by Charmaine Pang

Caeserea

When trying to reflect upon my Israel trip in writing, I am struck by the richness, diversity, and history of the country, stretching back thousands of years. There are hundreds of archaeological sites all over the country from every civilization that has occupied the land, reading like a who's who of ancient and modern-day civilizations. At the ancient site of Caesarea, we began in the Roman era. The port city is situated halfway between Tel Aviv and Haifa. Keep reading for the full story. [Full text and pictures]

DEFINITE DEPARTURES WITH INSIGHT, TRAFALGAR & CONTIKI

Insight Vacations, Trafalgar Tours and Contiki Holiday announce largest number of definite departures for 2009

The Travel Corporation has announced that it has designated hundreds of departures as "definite" for the 2009 travel season. These tours are 100 per cent certain to depart and can be found on the Insight Vacations, Trafalgar Tours and Contiki Holidays websites with the abbreviation "DEF" marked next to the relevant departure date on each price panel. Jeff Element, President of the Travel Corporation, Canada stated, "We have made a commitment to travel agents and their clients to do everything and anything to make travellers feel secure when booking their vacation. By offering definite departures we are enabling travel agents to book their clients with confidence." [Full text and pictures]

ETIHAD'S 7-DAY PROMO

Etihad Airways launches seven-day promotion in celebration of new Boeing 777

Etihad Airways is offering Canadian customers some of its lowest long-haul airfares, as part of a seven-day promotion celebrating the airline's new Boeing 777 aircraft that will fly between Toronto and Abu Dhabi beginning in March 31, 2009. Robin Middleton, Regional General Manager, Americas, said: "We are very excited to launch the new Boeing 777 aircraft on flights between Canada and Abu Dhabi and this is a great way to showcase our new fleet." The special promotion is for a return economy air ticket from Toronto to Abu Dhabi for $777. All available economy seats are guaranteed at this price throughout the seven-day period of the promotion. [Full text and pictures]

TOTAL VACATIONS GOES MAD

Total Vacations announces "March Commission Madness"; earn 17% commission

Total Vacations has recently announced a March Commission Madness promotion of 17 per cent commission valid on all land only bookings made from March 13 to 31, 2009. This offer is valid for travel March 13 to December 31, 2009 and also offers agents a group bonus. The group bonus is applicable for every group booking of 10 or more passengers. With the group bonus offer, agents can earn an additional $20 per person on land only bookings made from March 13 to 31, 2009 for travel March 13 to April 1, 2010. For complete details, visit totalvacations.ca.

UNIVERSAL'S BOOK 2, GET 1 FREE

Universal Studios Hollywood launches book 2-night package and receive a night free; packages begin at under $50 per-person/per-night

Starting March 12, 2009, families booking a two-night package can get one additional night for free at Universal Studios Hollywood. Packages begin at $559 or less than $50 per-person/per-night for a family of four, and includes accommodations at a hotel near Universal, two days of theme park admission for the price of one, complimentary scheduled transportation between the hotel and Universal Studios Hollywood and one souvenir photograph. Bookings must be made by Aug. 31, 2009 for travel that can begin immediately and run through Sept. 30, 2009. For more information, visit UniversalTravelAgents.com.

SLOW DOWN WITH MAXXIM

Maxxim Vacations invites your clients to slow down and relax with an Atlantic Canada vacation

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Your clients may be considering a holiday closer to home this year, and Maxxim Vacations offers a host of itineraries throughout Atlantic Canada. Give your clients a chance to slow down, reconnect with their loved ones, and relax a little bit closer to home while experiencing East Coast charm. In Newfoundland, your clients can visit the curiously named neighbouring villages of Heart's Desire and Heart's Content. In New Brunswick, test the romance quotient of the world's longest 'kissing bridge'. Tranquil country inns await your clients in Nova Scotia. Keep reading for more details. [Full text and pictures]

VISITORS FEEL WELCOME IN OTTAWA

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport launches Welcome to Canada initiative

Image provided by the Canadian Tourism Commission

A venture was launched at the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport recently that will provide international visitors with a sneak peek at some Canadian travel experiences. The Welcome to Canada initiative, created in anticipation of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, features visual images in the international arrivals area. This was a partnership between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC), the Ontario government and the Ottawa International Airport Authority. [Full text and pictures]