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| DISNEY EXPANDS FLEET |
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Disney Cruise Line announces construction on two new ships scheduled for completion 2011 and 2012
Disney Cruise Line began construction on two new ships with a steel cutting ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The two ships are scheduled for completion in 2011 and 2012. “When we launched our business in 1998, we recognized a need in the marketplace for a cruise experience created just for families,” said Karl Holz, President of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations. “With these new ships, we are continuing to build upon that vision of providing more families with an unforgettable cruise vacation and the chance to explore new destinations with Disney.”
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| TRAFALGAR’S 2009 AGENT TRIP |
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Trafalgar announces revised and extended 2009 Agent Trip contest details; bookings made by April 30, 2009 will qualify
Due to the later booking period across the travel industry in Canada this year, Trafalgar has decided to extend the dates on their 2009 Agent Trip qualification period. New contest dates and details include: For every booking made from January 1, 2009 through to April 30, 2009 agents will receive one ballot per booking in the agent trip contest. Group bookings qualify. Please note that the more bookings you make the more you qualify for winning one of four spots on the agent trip. The winning agent will be drawn shortly after April 30, 2009 and will be notified directly by a Trafalgar sales team member. Winning agents must be able to travel on the agent trip between the dates of June 4, 2009 and June 8, 2009. Agents must also hold a valid passport.
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| SCENIC’S 2-FOR-1 SPECIAL |
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Scenic launches two-for-one European river cruises
Scenic Cruise’s has recently launched their latest promotion, two-for-one pricing on selected European river cruises. Bookings and payment of deposit must be received by April 30, 2009 to obtain this offer. Agents should note that adding Scenic’s Canadian-dollars-at-par program can also save your clients up to $5,830 per couple. The offer is valid on select eight- and 15-day cruises. Applicable cruises include a two-week Amsterdam to Budapest sailing and weeklong cruises between Hungary and Romania or Hungary and Germany.
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| TAM’S NEW NA HEADQUARTERS |
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| TAM Airlines has just inaugurated a new office in support of the company’s activities in North America. Located in the city of Miami, Florida, the objective of the new structure is to increase the company’s sales in the United States (Miami, New York, Orlando, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and Atlanta), Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand. The office counts on 40 employees in the areas of management, accounting, marketing, sales, client services and ticketing, and is TAM’s second headquarters outside of Brazil.
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| ICELANDAIR INTRODUCES ECONOMY COMFORT |
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Icelandair introduces newest class of service, Economy Comfort; save up to $150 per person from YYZ April till May
Icelandair has announced the launch of its newest class of service, Economy Comfort, and a limited-time offer on airfare. According to Icelandair, Economy Comfort is designed for the business traveller expecting more amenities on a fixed budget. Economy Comfort features more legroom, complimentary beer, wine and meals, increased frequent flyer points, Business Class check-in and increased baggage allowance, as well as Saga Class Lounge access. For a limited time, your clients can save up to $150 per person in Economy Comfort for departures from Toronto for travel from April through the end of May. Visit icelandair.ca for complete details.
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| CARNIVAL’S RECORD WEEK |
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Carnival Cruise Lines reports record booking week; net bookings up 10% since mid-January
Despite the challenging economy, Carnival Cruise Lines has reported strong booking volumes. For the one-week period ended March 1, 2009, Carnival recorded the highest number of net weekly bookings in its history. Additionally, on a cumulative basis since mid-January, net bookings are up 10 per cent compared to the same period in 2008, although pricing is at lower levels. Last week’s record reservations activity encompassed all of the line’s 22-vessel fleet, which depart from a variety of homeports throughout the U.S. Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO, attributed the increase in bookings to the line’s travel agent partners and consumers’ appreciation for the inherent value and affordability of a “Fun Ship” vacation, as well as aggressive marketing efforts.
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| FEDS CONSIDER DUTY-FREE ON ARRIVAL |
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The federal government considers possibility of allowing duty-free purchases upon arrival when traveling abroad
Canadian Press
The federal government is considering the idea of allowing people to buy duty-free goods as they arrive home from abroad. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says he's been told such a change would create jobs and make Canadian airports more competitive. Currently, travellers can buy duty-free goods, alcohol, tobacco, perfumes and the like, only on departure. Supporters of the idea say it would generate new sales for Canadian businesses, especially with tens of thousands of visitors expected at the Vancouver Olympics next year. Duty-free limits would still apply, up to $750 worth of goods after a minimum seven-day absence.
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| OTTAWA & QUEBEC PITCH FOR $30M AIRSTRIP |
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The federal and Quebec governments agree to finance $30 million runway in Inuit territory of Puvirnituq
Canadian Press
The federal and Quebec governments have agreed to finance a $30-million runway extension at an airport in the northern community of Puvirnituq, Quebec. Leaders from the province's Nunavik region, as well as the president of the organization that oversees economic development in Nunavik said Friday that the longer strip will accommodate jet airplanes that transport goods, and is a key step to reducing the price of goods in a region that has one of the highest costs of living in the country. Both governments will share the cost in the airport project, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Construction will also include a new airplane hangar.
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