TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

GLP'S NEW CHINA BROCHURE

GLP Worldwide releases new 2009 China brochure with 9 tours, unique cultural experiences and cruises

GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel and Tours' new 2009 China brochure is now available and highlights nine different China-based tours. The tours feature many of the popular areas of China including Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Xian and many of the tours offered cover the most popular cultural attractions including: the Great Wall of China, Tian'anmen Square, and the Qin Mausoleum featuring 6,400 life-sized terra cotta warriors, archers and infantrymen. Tour packages available in the brochure include: China, Yangtze River Cruise & Hong Kong; Beijing & Hong Kong; Shanghai & Hong Kong; Beijing & Shanghai; China Super Value; China Highlights; Scenic Yangtze River; Mystery of Tibet; and the Ancient Silk Road. There are also a variety of optional excursions. [Full text and pictures]

MORE GREECE FOR HOLIDAY HOUSE

Holiday House adds two new escorted tours to Greece program

Crete

As part of its 2009 Greece program, Holiday House has added two new escorted tours - Lands of Antiquity and Hellenic Voyage - both of which give clients an in-depth look at the country, as well as the services of a member of the Thomas Cook Canada team who will escort them throughout. Starting from $2,689 for land and cruise only or from $3,969 with air, the 15-day/13-night Lands of Antiquity escorted tour starts with four nights in Athens and sightseeing that visits the Acropolis, Royal Palace, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and much more, before heading off on a three-day classical coach tour of Delphi and Meteora. The 15-day/13-night Hellenic Voyage tour starts from $2,879 for land & cruise only and from $3,639 with air, and also starts with five nights in Athens. [Full text and pictures]

OCCIDENTAL'S ROYAL DIAMOND GIVEAWAY

Royal Hideaway Playacar announces Royal Diamond Giveaway for highest number of group bookings

Occidental's Royal Hideaway Playacar has announced the Royal Diamond Giveaway. The group planner with the highest number of group bookings wins a $1,500 Tiffany & Co gift certificate which can be spent on a diamond. The group planner with the second highest number of bookings wins a 3-night stay at The Royal Hideaway Playacar (blackout dates apply) and the planner with the third highest bookings wins a $500 bonus commission. Every new group booking (minimum 10 rooms) confirmed through June 30, 2009 for hotel stays March 31 - December 15, 2009 are eligible. To be eligible for the $1500 Tiffany & Co gift certificate, a minimum of 150 rooms must be booked. For complete details and a tracking form, email Occidental at occidental@voxtm.ca.

NOLITOURS' FREE DISNEY DINING

Nolitours introduces a free Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World with purchase of Disney vacation package

Nolitours is introducing a new Walt Disney World Resort offer, where your clients can dine free. Travellers can enjoy a Disney vacation with a free Disney Dining Plan with a purchase of a Disney vacation package. Offer is valid with a 7 night stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel combined with a 7 - Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket. Disney packages must be booked between March 30 and June 21, 2009 for travel August 16 to October 3, 2009 to receive the Free Dining Plan. Disney Dining Plan offers an easy way to experience a wide variety of participating restaurants. Each night the Dining Plan includes One Table-Service Meal, One Quick -Service meal, and One Snack per guest. [Full text and pictures]

ULTIMATE TRAVEL SHOW

Ultimate Travel Show hosts spring show at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Mar. 27-29
Charmaine Pang

This past weekend, the Ultimate Travel Show took place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Over 100 exhibitors participated in the consumer show, including tourist boards, hotels, tour operators, airlines, car rental companies and more. This was the first year the show made the move to downtown Toronto, a change from its previous location near Pearson Airport in Mississauga. Keep reading to see more photos from the Ultimate Travel Show. [Full text and pictures]

TAUCK EXPANDS SINGLES PROGRAM

Tauck expands single traveller program for 2009; single supplement waived or reduced throughout
Tauck is coming to the aid of solo travellers feeling the combined pinch of the economic slowdown and the "single supplement" typically levied on those travelling alone. The company is expanding its annual single traveller program for 2009, either waiving or dramatically reducing the single supplement on 106 departures of 22 land and cruise itineraries in Europe and North America. According to Tauck, nearly a quarter of the itineraries in the program have had their supplement waived entirely, and the average supplement reduction is 70 per cent. This translates into cash savings as high as $3,000 US, with an average savings of $1,276 US. Keep reading for more details. [Full text and pictures]

TOURISM SPENDING SLOWS

Growth in tourism spending slows in 2008: StatsCan
Canadian Press

Tourism spending in Canada increased 1.9 per cent in 2008, as outlays by Canadians at home continued to rise while those by international visitors decreased again. Statistics Canada reports spending by international visitors in Canada fell 5.4 per cent in last year, the seventh decline in eight years, bringing tourism exports to their lowest level in 13 years. Tourism outlays by Canadians at home weakened in the second half of 2008, and ended the year up 4.1 per cent from 2007, the smallest gain in four years. Keep reading for more statistics. [Full text and pictures]

SIGNATURE HELPS IN N.S.

Signature Vacations sponsors hospital fundraiser prize in Nova Scotia

Kimberly and James Cook accepting prize

Signature Vacations recently assisted Sears agent Deborah Chapman in sponsoring a prize for the first ever 12-hour Radio-a-thon benefitting the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation. The Radio-a-thon garnered overwhelming support from the community and raised over $25,000 towards additional equipment for the Kentville, Nova Scotia hospital. Chapman, a Sears Travel Independent Agent, presented a trip for two to travel with Signature Vacations to the Viva Wyndham Tangerine in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic to the lucky winners from the event.