ACTA DAY AT ASTA WORLD CONGRESS Michael Merrithew The Travel Agent of Tomorrow The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) will be hosting an ACTA Day at the ASTA World Congress in Montreal next month. Highlighting the day will be the panel discussion,  "From Tradition to Innovation - Retail Models and Strategies," to be held at the Montreal Convention Center on November 8 from 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. "This high-level event is meant to present and discuss different retail models for the benefit of thousands of Canadian and American travel agents attending the Congress and we expect this panel to be a lively and challenging debate," said ACTA Chair, Michael Merrithew. [Full text]

VALENCIA 2007 - NICHE MARKET FOR SAILING ENTHUSIASTS Bryen Dunn The Tourism office of Spain recently invited select tour operators, agencies and media to a presentation in Toronto on Valencia 2007 - host city for the 32nd America's Cup, the oldest and best known yacht race in the world. The event, which is always hosted by the current cup holder, must be held at sea, which has created an interesting dilemma this time around as the winner of the 2003 series, held in Auckland, New Zealand, was owned by a Swiss syndicate representing the Yacht Club of Geneva. The Swiss-based club therefore, held a selection process involving several seaport candidate cities, of which Valencia had been selected to stage the next regatta. [Full text]

YULETIDE MAGIC IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC Traditional Nativity Scene Clients who are starting to think about Christmas shopping and holiday getaways may be tempted by the yuletide magic of the Czech Republic. The Czech Tourist Authority offers a host of suggestions from   traditional Czech nativity scenes; to open air museums decked in Christmas decorations and brought to life with folk traditions; to festive castles, chateaux and churches for a performance of Czech music; or to a yuletide table laden with traditional Czech food and sweet-smelling Christmas cookies. [Full text]

MINISTER URGES CANADIAN TRAVELLERS TO REGISTER Evacuation of Canadian tourists from resort areas lying in the path of Hurricane Wilma has focused attention on the number of Canadian travellers registering abroad. In a year that has seen an unprecedented number of natural disasters, more Canadian travellers are registering with embassies and consulates overseas, said Dan McTeague, the parliamentary secretary responsible for Canadians abroad. He noted that there has been a sharp increase in the last six months of between 20 and 30 per cent of Canadians registering with the government while visiting foreign countries. "Registration should be a pre-condition for any type of travel; it's as important as your passport,'' McTeague said Saturday. Christine Theberge, vice-president of public affairs for ACTA, said tour operators provide information and encourage clients to register, but the onus falls on individuals to do so. [Full text]

ROYAL SCENIC CELEBRATES DISCOVER HONG KONG YEAR 2006 - SPECIAL Hong Kong To celebrate Discover Hong Kong Year 2006, Royal Scenic is offering a Discover Hong Kong special, which includes round trip direct economy class flight on a major transpacific carrier; three nights hotel in Hong Kong; round trip airport hotel transfer; and a half day HKG Island tour all for $1208 departure from Vancouver or $1358 departure from Toronto/ Ottawa/Montreal (twin occupancy plus taxes). Additional nights are available.  [Full text]

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