November 10- 23, 2009

Vol.15 ISSUE 354Page 8Page 4 Page 22

IN TH IS ISSUE

Insight Vacations is introducing is a new brand: independent travel without the hassles of independent travel. Insight Select is designed for travelers who want the con-venience of pre-planned holidays but with more flexibility and independence. Insight Select takes care of the complex-ities of organizing everything, while guests retain the flexibility of independent travel in day-to-day sightseeing content and holiday duration. For agents, Insight Select offers an opportunity to capture revenue from a seg-ment of the market that may not normally choose escorted touring. Once travelers have perused the list of

Insight Select itinerary options and tailored their trip to suit their individual style, they can relax or join as many tours as they want. In each city, Select guests can manage their day entirely as they wish. They also have access to Insight’s quality hotels in desirable locations, luxury motor-coaches, and orientation tours in major cities and a knowledgeable Insight Tour Director. Select provides maximum itinerary flexi-bility by allowing guests to leave the tour early or travel the entire route. Insight will also use its volume buying power to pre-book extra hotel nights at attractive rates to suit guests’ travel schedules.

WestJet Vacations has increased service from Vancouver to Palm Springs from three times per week to daily service. It has also boosted Calgary to Palm Springs service from seven flights per week to 11.

Trek Holidays will hold a series of product launches and training seminars in BC and Alberta this month, detailing its new small group adventure programs in conjunction with Exodus, Peregrine, Gecko’s and Tucan Travel. Sessions are planned Nov 17 in Victoria; Nov 18 in Vancouver; Nov 19 in Edmonton; and Nov 20 in Calgary. All are breakfast sessions with breakfast running from 7:30 am to 8:15, when the presenta-tions commence. Register online.www.TrekHolidays.com

Exotik Tours unveiled an extensive portfo-lio of global programs recently at product launches in Alberta and BC. Leading the pre-sentations was Michael Mullin, BDM Western Canada for Exotik and Boomerang Tours, subsidiaries of Thomas Cook. In a private interview, Mullin recapped the highlights of this year’s holiday offerings. He also pointed out that any program booked 90 or more days before departure qualifies for a $75 pp EBB discount. Mullin recited the high-lights of the company’s programs as follows:

•  Tunisia:  Three  escorted  tours  are  offered here, each including a beach stay at one of two resorts. Mullin says Tunisia is “like the Cuba of Europe” and although it has been offered by Exotik in Quebec for nearly two decades, it is has only recently been mar-keted in the west. And it is proving very popular, he said. Tunisia offers a safe envi-ronment, amazing beaches, value for money, and some of the most incredible ruins in the Mediterranean.

Cont’d on page 14

Exotik expands global product line

Insight Select: a new travel option

Sunwing

TravelSavers conference in the Bahamas produced great net-working for all.

Nolitours hosted agents and media on its first Panama pro-gram from the west.

Tokyo tourism officials are look-ing to Canada for more tourist traffic.

Las Vegas!Air and 3 night’s accommodationat the Circus Circus – Hotel Room

Terms & Conditions: New bookings only. Sample room only rates are based on January 9 - 12/10 travel and are CAD per person based ondouble occupancy. Surcharges may apply. Air & hotel taxes of $89 - $99 per person are additional. Not included: Transfers or car rental. Pricesare subject to change and availability. Call for other dates and durations. Not valid for group bookings. Restrictions apply. 23498

VANCOUVER$369CAD per person

CALGARY$375CAD per person

EDMONTON$399CAD per personDEPARTURES FROM NOVEMBER 2009 – DECEMBER 2010

LasVegas

23498-HH/FS-LasVegasBanner_GSA_Nov5:GSA 10/28/09 1:46 PM Page 1

Silk Holidays recently held its Taiwan and Vietnam, The TV Show pre-sentation in Edmonton, Kelowna, Abbotsford and Parksville, drawing hundreds of agents. Held in conjunction with Taiwan Tourism Board and EVA Airways, the sponsors contributed to a grand door prize win-ner. She is Val Anderson, Marlin Travel Edmonton, who won return air from Vancouver to Ho Chi Minh City with a stopover in Taipei on EVA Airways and four days in Taiwan. Drawing the winner’s name were (L-R): EVA Airways GM Ken Chung; Silk Holidays VP Ricky Poon; and EVA Airways Deputy Manager Michael Chu.

Silk Holidays is offering a new Asia Now or Never Series of stopovers at various cities throughout Asia. The program is from $969, and includes return international air ticket from Vancouver with Japan Airlines, two nights’ accommodations, daily breakfast, and one way airport transfer. Destinations offered include Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Saigon and Bali. With Air China, destinations include Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou or one of many other cities in China, using a Visit China Pass. 888-800-7455  •  www.silkholidays.com

Merit buys Travel CUTS Merit Travel Ventures Inc of Toronto has acquired Canadian Universities Travel Service Limited (Travel CUTS) and all of its sub-sidiary brands including The Adventure Travel Company, Voyages Campus, Odyssey Travel, Innovative Group Travel and most of their respective programs and branch office networks. Michael Merrithew, chairman and CEO of Merit Travel Group Inc, said: “This is an exciting agreement and a great day for the Canadian travel industry.” Mike Dawson has been appointed president of the newly created Merit Leisure Group, incorporating the Merit retail brands and Travel CUTS/Voyages Campus businesses. He said: “It is important to stress that we will remain committed to supporting student initiatives in the markets we serve, and to developing greater savings opportunities for student travel – stay tuned for exciting announcements.” The combined company will deliver a diversified offering of travel services to a wide cross section of specialty and niche markets, including: corporate travel management, loyalty and affinity programs, student and alumni travel, adventure, golf, ski, long stay, small ship expedition cruising, as well as other unique group, hosted and themed travel experiences.

Manulife Financial has purchased Pottruff & Smith Travel Insurance Brokers Inc., a leading broker and third party administrator of travel insurance across Canada. The transaction makes Manulife Affinity Markets one of Canada’s largest providers of travel insurance ser -vices, by adding almost 90 employees in two Pottruff & Smith locations in Woodbridge, Ontario and Ste-Therese, Québec.

Sandals meets Martha Stewart Sandals Resorts International and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia have introduced Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart. Brides and grooms can now book a destination wedding for any time after Jan 1, 2010, at any of the 18 Luxury Included Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts across the Caribbean. With six exquisite wedding themes, in the most romantic settings, Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart feature coordinated color palettes, designed wedding decor, comple-

mentary bouquets, invitations, cakes and favors, along with a la carte items, creating a memorable experience to suit every couple’s unique preferences. The themes include Flutter of Romance, Vision in White, Seaside Serenade, Chic & Natural, Island Paradise and Beautiful Beginnings. Prices start at US$1500 in Jamaica; $1700 in Bahamas, St. Lucia and Antigua; and $1900 in Turks & Caicos. In addition to the six wedding themes, couples have the opportunity to enhance

their destination wedding with optional Finishing Touches for the ceremony and reception, including a petal-strewn aisle lit by floating candles in large glass hurricanes, a candy buffet where guests can help them-selves to sweet treats, a romantic evening on the beach, and a sand unity ceremony. For more information, or to book a Sandals Wedding by Martha Stewart, visit www.sandals.com/weddings or call 877-SANDALS to speak with a dedicated bridal concierge.

WestJet adds Club Grand Bahama WestJet Vacations has teamed up with The Islands Of The Bahamas to unveil the world’s first island inclusive vacation - Club Grand Bahama - a flexible, affordable holiday expe-rience that redefines traditional vacations. Guests select accommodations at one of five resorts and choose from 18 restaurants, 50 destination activities, three championship golf courses, specialty tours, beach parties, gaming and more. Club Grand Bahama packages have been divided into Silver, Gold or Platinum levels, with a

number of activities and dining options. WestJet recently launched direct service from Toronto to Freeport, operating twice-weekly on Mondays and Fridays. This com-plements daily direct service from Toronto to Nassau, as well as weekly service from Calgary to Nassau. WestJet partner resorts include the bou-tique Sunrise Resort and Marina, Flamingo Bay Resort & Marina, oceanfront resorts Our Lucaya Reef Village and the Radisson at Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort, and harbour-

side Pelican Bay at Lucaya Hotel. Guests receive roundtrip airport transfers to the hotel of their choice, and packages include shuttle bus service connecting sports and recre-ational activities such as golf and scuba div-ing, fishing and adventure experiences. In 2008, the island welcomed nearly 115,000 Canadians - an increase of 14.5% over 2007. So far, 2009 has seen the Bahamas maintaining their market share, with at least the same number of Canadians travelling to the Bahamas as in 2008.

November 10 - 23, 20092

Friendly encounters included.

Liberia, Costa riCa

aLLeGro PaPaGaYoHHHH This fantastic resort features rooms set in a terraced hillside,

offering incredible views of Costa Rica’s uniquely beautiful

landscapes. Whether you seek adventure or a relaxing, sunny

holiday, this all-inclusive resort has it all!

It’s all included.• Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner • 2 à la carte dinners/week • Snacks • Unlimited domestic drinks (house wine included) • Admission to the disco (drinks included) • Daily activities program • Nightly entertainment • Selected non-motorized water sports • Introduction to scuba diving in pool

Price per person per week. Superior room Departure from Vancouver Jan 6, 13, 20, 27Calgary & Edmonton: Jan 5, 12, 19, 26

All Inclusive$1097

New bookings only. Package prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy in the lead room category unless otherwise stated. Package prices reflect any Book Early and Save and Save All Season Long discounts when applicable. Prices subject to availability at time of booking and is subject to change without notice. Prices available at advertising deadline. Taxes and all additional transportation related fees are additional. For full description, terms and conditions and insurance refer to the Nolitours Sun 2009-2010 brochure. Nolitours is a division of Tours Canada Inc. and is registered as a travel wholesaler in British Columbia (Reg. no 24807) It’s offices are located at Suite 2800, 555 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N5.

For more details, see the Nolitours 2009-2010 Sun Brochure or visit nolitours.com

Size: 8.125 inches x 10.75 inches

Co-op Travel Agency:Not applicable

File Name:GSA Travel Nov 10 NOLI.indd

Ad Title: Nolitours_GSA_Nov10.pdf

Designer: Dragan Rusimovici

Telephone: 688-3339, ext. 3034

Publication: GSA Travel Magazine

Date: November 10, 2009

GSA Travel Nov 10 NOLI.indd 1 11/2/09 3:52:35 PM

Tokyo courts CanadiansBy Lynda Cumming

Torch RelayThe 2010 Olympic Torch Relay arrived in Victoria Oct 30, direct from Athens and is now on its way across Canada. From Victoria, its route will span the country, travelling to the north and over to the Maritimes, covering 45,000 km (27,961 miles) before arriving back on the west coast in Vancouver on Feb 12. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay route is the longest domestic torch relay route in Olympic history. Upon comple-tion of its journey through Canada, the torch will have been welcomed in over 1,000 com-munities, making it accessible to more than 90% of the Canadian population while showcasing some of the most pristine and stunning landscapes to potential international visitors. www.vancouver2010.com/torchrelay

Air Canada will launch new non-stops to Hawaii from Calgary Dec 5, through to the end of April. Calgary to Maui will be offered once per week until Dec 21 when they will increase to three times per week. Calgary to Honolulu flights will begin Dec 6 with a weekly flight and increase to two flights per week on Dec 24.

Sandals Resorts will open the Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, Bahamas in January. Formerly a Four Seasons, this resort is being renovated as an all-butler resort, with all oceanfront rooms, suites and villas. It will have an 18-hole Greg Norman designed golf course, a 150-slip marina, a tennis center, a con-ference center with a capacity for 500, and a Red Lane spa. It will also offer five restaurants, including a pizzeria, and an Italian fine dining restaurant.

Air Canada Vacations will add a new Calgary-Santa Clara, Cuba service Decem -ber 23, operating through to March 31, and will add a new Vancouver-Varadero service December 25 to March 26.

Masayoshi Sanada, deputy director general, bureau of industrial and labour affairs for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and Rieko Tani, director for city sales, tourism division, led a delegation to Vancouver recently to promote tourism to Tokyo.

has seen the opening of the Shangri-La Hotel, the Peninsula Tokyo, the Ritz Carlton and the Mandarin. She also said that new a Skyliner shuttle service will be introduced from Narita and Haneda airports next year, cutting travel time to the downtown core to 36 minutes and 15 minutes, respectively. Haneda will also become an international airport next year. Nagano also pointed out that Tokyo offers a wealth of cultural experiences, from the formal Tea Ceremony to garden tours and temple experiences. Spas and wellness cen-ters are also offered throughout the city, as are restaurants (56,000 of them) serving a myriad of dishes. www. tourism.metro.tokyo.jp

Tokyo tourism officials came calling on Canada last month for the first time ever, meeting with travel trade representatives in Vancouver and Toronto to promote tourism. Led by deputy director general Masayoshi Sanada, the group was intent on not only promoting the charms of Tokyo but also on learning how they should market their city of nearly 13 million residents in the Canadian marketplace. Masada pointed out that visi-tors to Japan numbered 8.35 million last year, with some 5.34 million visiting Tokyo. Canadian travelers numbered just over 168,000, he said. With the pending improvements to Narita and Haneda airports, he said Japan is hoping to see tourism arrivals grow to 10 million by 2016. Addressing some of the misconcep-tions about Tokyo was Akiko Nagano, super-visor for the tourism division for the city. Nagano pointed out that prices for many products in Japan are not nearly as high as many believe, and in some cases are lower than Canadian prices for similar products. Lunch, she said, can be had for under $10; public transit costs about $2; and accom-modation at a Japanese style inn (not a capsule) can be had for about $70. If you don’t mind a capsule, they are available for about $46. She also said Tokyo offers more than 2,000 hotels and resorts, with more than 130,000 rooms, with more coming on line every year. In the past several years, Tokyo

November 10 - 23, 20094

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Susan AndrePrairies Correspondentsandre@shaw.ca

InDexThe Journal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11The Mid East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Lodgings West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Skiing Utah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Adventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25South Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27

Yoga with SkylinkSkylink Holidays is offering a 13-night yoga tour of North India. It includes a number of morning and evening yoga classes, as well as an elephant ride, jeep ride at Amber Fort, boat ride on the Ganges, and a visit to the Taj Mahal. www.skylinkholidays.com

Holiday House and Fun Sun release TravelGenie Holiday House and Fun Sun Vacations have introduced the second phase of TravelGenie, featuring an additional 14,000 hotels in the U.S. This includes all of the major chains –Marriott, Holiday Inn, Ramada, La Quinta Inns, Intercontinental, Ritz Carlton and so much more - in all the major cities, from Los Angeles and Las Vegas to New York City

and Orlando. Fun Sun Vacations and Holiday House have also recently released a new Las Vegas brochure featuring dynamic packaging and TravelGenie pricing, which includes on all there is to see and do in Vegas. European product is also being added to the TravelGenie system and will be fully loaded by the time the peak booking period

for Europe commences. More details to follow in the coming weeks.www.holidayhouseagent.ca or  www.funsunagent.com and look for the TravelGenie tab in the toolbar. For queries email bookingsupport@holidaynetwork.ca 

Sunwing prepares for Mexico take off Sunwing Vacations will offer its largest lineup ever to Mexico from Western Canada this winter. New service will be offered from Regina and Saskatoon to Puerto Vallarta. Other routes include: Victoria and Comox to Cancun; Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta; and Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg to Cancun. Clients will get a great choice of destina-tions with Cancun flights serving the popular Riviera Maya, as well as Cancun. Flights to Puerto Vallarta will also take clients to Riviera Nayarit, the resort area north of Vallarta known for its wide, sweeping beaches and contemporary new hotels. Sunwing emphasizes all-inclusive stays, and this year the company has 90 properties offered in conjunction with flights to Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. For something extra, clients can choose a Sunwing Club hotel, where they automa-

tically are eligible for such benefits as advance reservations at the a la carte restau-rants and a complimentary gift of fruit and wine or rum in their room on arrival. “These little touches really make your clients feel special,” says Daryl McWilliams, Sunwing’s VP of sales and marketing. “And it doesn’t cost them a dime!” New for this year is that all flights to Mexico from Western Canada are onboard Sunwing Airlines, known for its “more frills” in-flight service. All passengers receive Elite service, which includes a bon-voyage glass of champagne, hot towel service, a choice of hot meals at lunch and dinner with wine, and free in-flight entertainment including first run movies with headsets. For an additional $40 per flight, travelers may upgrade to Elite Plus service which includes 30 kg baggage allowance, separate check-in on the outbound flight, advance seat selection and extra legroom.

Group travel to Ireland Tourism Ireland is promoting group travel in Victoria and Vancouver with a series of special seminars devoted to group travel. Focussing on providing travelers with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Ireland prom-ises a journey that is off the beaten track but relates to the interests of the travelers. Customized group travel can be organized for any group. Hotels in Ireland offer value rates and many can provide huge savings for group travelers. For agents selling group travel or are inter-ested in developing group travel itineraries or more information on the upcoming presenta-tions.to Ireland, contact:kcarroll@toruismireland.com

Enjoying the Puerto Vallarta presentation were (L-R) Richard Carlin, Travelista Marketing; Tobe Leney, BDM for WestJet Vacations; and Shelly Carlin, Holiday Travel Solutions, all from Vancouver.

Puerto Vallarta CVB and wholesalers from Western Canada attended a trade show and presentation in Vancouver recently. Seen here were (L-R) Debbie Jiawan, BDM for Sunwing Vacations; Sofia Ferreira, BDM For Sunwing Vacations; Valerie Fisher, owner of Quest Travel; and Jevena Jado, inside sales, Sunwing Vacations. All are from Vancouver

Air Canada Vacations is offering up to two tickets to a number of Las Vegas shows such as LOVE and KA to clients booking a mini-mum of three nights air and hotel in Las Vegas by November 16, for travel before February 4, 2010.

Exotik Tours is offering a new pre-Christmas nine-day program to London from Toronto with stays at the Hilton Olympia, allowing for some Christmas shopping and museum hopping.

November 10 - 23, 20096

Attending a presentation of Arizona suppliers in Vancouver recently were (L-R): Tony and Janet Flegel of Celebration Travel, New Westminster, with Jackie Ludwig (R) from the Tucson CVB.

Networking at the Arizona event were (L-R): Charlie Pitchford from TPI, Vancouver; James Tevault, Mesa CVB; Susan Pitchford, TPI; and Chris Walden, TPI Richmond.

Seen here at the event were (L-R): Eliza Yuen from Malaspina Travel, North Vancouver; Kimberly Freer, Greater Phoenix CVB; Jennifer Sutcliff, Arizona Office of Tourism; and Robert Stieve, editor of the Arizona Highways Magazine.

WestJet Vacations sent Dianne Berlinghoff (YVR) and Colleen Booth (YWG) to the Arizona presentation.

Whether it’s a golf weekend in a desert oasis, a magical family holiday or a laid-back beachside getaway, WestJet Vacations has what your clients have been dreaming about.

We offer:*

non-stop fl ights from Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver to • Los Angeles** and Palm Springs.

non-stop fl ights from Calgary to San Diego.•

over 35 hotels offering a wide range of accommodations • for adults and families.

other value added offers may include discounted golf, • free hotel nights or complimentary shuttles to popular attractions.

your clients may include their golf clubs as part of their • checked luggage.†

convenient connections from other WestJet • departure cities.

California dreaming?Book your clients with WestJet Vacations.

Book today at westjetvacations.comor call us at 1 877 737 7002.WestJet Vacations is now available on SIREV.

TAXI CANADA INC495 Wellington Street WestSuite 102, TorontoON M5V 1E9T: 416 979 7001F: 416 979 7626

CLIENT WestJet WJV101034AB_L_Nov10.GSA.indd

APPROVALS

CREATED 28/10/2009CREATIVE TEAM

TRIM 7" x 4.917" CREATIVE Pick-up ACCOUNT Terri H

LIVE N/A MAC ARTIST P/U HeatherM Derrick L PRODUCER Marsha W (ext. 33)PROOFREADER

BLEED N/A INSERTION DATE(S) 10/11/2009 AD NUMBER WJV101034AB_L PRODUCER

COLOURS CYANI MAGENTAI YELLOWI BLACKI STUDIO

PUBLICATION(S) GSA – South Pacific, Adventures, Skiing, Middle East– Nov 10, 2009CLIENT / ACCOUNT MANAGER

All colours are printed as process match unless indicated otherwise. Please check before use. In spite of our careful checking, errors infrequently occur and we request that you check this proof for accuracy. TAXI’s liability is limited to replacing or correcting the disc from which this proof was generated. We cannot be responsible for your time, film, proofs, stock, or printing loss due to error.

*Winter schedule starts late fall 2009. **Seasonal service from Vancouver begins January 15, 2010. Schedule is subject to change. †Check two 50 lbs/23 kgs bags for free. Golf clubs can be checked as one of two free bags.

WJV101034AB_L_Nov10.GSA.indd 1 10/30/09 3:53:50 PM7November 10 - 23, 2009

TravelSavers delegates meet in BahamasBy Ron Barker

TravelSavers “Get the Edge” conference in the Bahamas recently drew more more than 250 Independent Agencies in Canada and over 1200 worldwide. Held at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas, the conference introduced

some new products such as its “Cruise Express” boost their agency sales. The EDGE conference (Educate, Develop, Grow and Excel) covered a variety of strate-gic solutions that plague all travel profes-sionals. On top of interesting and intensive

training sessions there were mini trade shows and activities that showcased the Bahamas as well as helped all the agents network with their peers.

Lynn and Rick Mazza, president of TravelSavers Inc. Steve Larkin from Intrepid Travel with Patricia Theriault-Marrek from Treks and Jasper Travel, in Jasper, and Tonia and Chris Scurr from Ladner Cruises and Travel, Ladner, BC.

Erin Flemming from Vacations for Heros, Abbotsford, and Brian and Pat Johnson from Flair Travel, Lethbridge, and Paul Stockert from Holland America Line, Seattle.

Ramone Jacinto from WestJet discusses the carrier’s new schedule to the Bahamas to Marion Primeau from Sportscorp Travel, Bolton, Ontario and Henry Weisberg from Talk of the Town Travel, and Mel Lucas from Sportscorp Travel.

Doug Seifert, Air New Zealand, meets with Sherry Andrews and Dawn Rukin from Sylvan Travel, Alberta.

The spectacular Atlantis Resort hosted the TravelSavers’ conference.

November 10 - 23, 20098

E M E R A L D B A YGREAT EXUMA, BAHAMAS

®

Unique Vacations, Inc. is the worldwide representative for Sandals Resorts.

Sandals premieres a new level in luxury with the introduction of the world’s � rst and only “All Butler” resort – Sandals Emerald Bay. Formerly The Four Seasons Emerald Bay, Great Exuma. This magni� cent resort with its sublime style and re� ned panache brings privileged seclusion to the Exumas. Connoisseurs of the good life will � nd all oceanfront, butler-serviced rooms, suites, and villas � lled with unabashed indulgences. Devotees of world-class pleasure will discover a championship Greg Norman-designed golf course, a 16,000 sq. ft. Dermalogica® Red Lane® concept spa, a pro-grade tennis center, a 17-acre marina, and � ve fabulous new palate-pleasing restaurants. For those who seek out-of-the-ordinary luxury in the Out Islands, this is your own exotic, private escape.

For more information, call 1-800-545-8283, 1-416-223-0028or the following Tour Operators: Air Canada Vacations, Holiday House,

Sunquest Vacations, Sunwing Vacations, Tours Mont-Royal, Transat Holidays or WestJet Vacations.

sandals.com

Great Exuma, BahamasSANDALS EMERALD BAY

INTRODUCING THE FIRST ALL BUTLER RESORT

SAN 25896 EmeraldBay_Ad_nt.indd 1 11/4/09 2:26:36 PM

Scenic Tours adds booking tool Scenic Tours can now accept cruise and tour bookings from agents via Scenic’s own booking tool, “Express Book”. This reserva-tion system is new to Scenic’s preferred retail partners and expedites the booking process. The system includes the following fea-tures: Agencies can register and set up indi-vidual counsellors within their agency as

users on the system; agents can check trip availability and get quotes online; they can search for trips by tour code, keyword, tour region or departure date; they can see pric-ing and availability by tour and stateroom category, and they can see any promotions. It also allows agents to make special requests for a client’s dietary needs, or spe-

cial assistance, to view all deck plans and stateroom availability by category, providing visual assistance when selecting a clients’ preferred accommodation. For information, and access, email your Business Development Manager or Scenic Tours’ reservations department.canadabookings@scenictours.com

Winter in Canada Anderson Vacations has developed a number of ski holidays and city stays for winter getaways. The mild climate of Victoria and Vancouver makes for an attractive winter vacation, particularly if you want to get into the 2010 Olympic spirit. Also available are holidays to Ottawa, where clients can skate on the Rideau Canal, or to Quebec City to take in the winter carnival. Or they can head to Northern Manitoba to view the polar bears. Anderson Vacations also has contracts with most major ski resorts across the country including Whistler, Silver Star, Sun Peaks, Big White, Lake Louise, Sunshine, Banff, Kicking Horse, Fernie, Kimberly, Red Mountain and Mont Tremblant in Quebec. For clients who want the ultimate off the beaten path experience, there’s heli-skiing in the Canadian Rockies. Anderson Vacations can help plan any activity to any city, including transportation and accommodation. 866-814-7378  •  www.canadatravelsolution.com

Anderson Vacations’ CEO Corey Marshall (L) joins Coral Perry, Air Pacific area sales manager, Canada, at a Calgary presentation recently , where Laurie Keith (R) of Romantic Planet, won the door prize of a trip for two to Fiji and five nights’ accommodation. The big winner in Edmonton was Don Murphy, from Travel Co.

pay for only three. A similar promo is available at Park ‘n Fly Edmonton, where customers will get seven days of parking and pay for only four, or get 28 days and pay for eight. Download a discount coupon at:www.parknfly.ca

Park ‘n Fly Vancouver has extended its promotion throughout the winter. Clients can now get 28 days of valet parking and pay for only seven, until April 30, 2010. Or, they can get seven days of parking and

November 10 - 23, 200910

AUSTRALIA – Prices are at their lowest in years!

1.888.469.2924 www.goway.com/aus

15 Day Vacation from $1899*

Return airfare from Vancouver with Qantas, 12 nights hotel (4 nights in a choice of 3 cities: Sydney,

Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Darwin). Ask for more great VALUE travel ideas.

*Price is per person, twin share. Valid for departures 1 May- 8 Jun’10. Does not include tax of $350 p.p. Savings reflect per couple travel to Darwin.

Savings of up to $800*

13TH TIME .... yup, for the 13th consecutive year, Whistler Blackcomb has been named as the #1 ski resort in North America by read-ers of Skiing Magazine. FREESKIER Magazine has also ranked Whistler Blackcomb #1 and in SKI Magazine, the resort has moved up one spot to the #2 position.

DID YOU KNOW .... you can purchase “friends and family packs” that start at $22, including admission ticket, hot dog, and soda, to watch a Vancouver Canucks game in Los Angeles. The equivalent in Vancouver costs $74, while in Toronto you can expect to spend $89. Hmmmph!

APPOINTED .... as GM of the 179-room Coast Bastion Inn in Nanaimo is Volker Grady, who has 14 years of hospitality experience, includ-ing six years as GM of the Coast Bastion.

NICE REWARD .... Signature Vacations handed out a couple of great prizes to agents who attended its recent product training seminars in BC and Alberta. One winner was chosen from each province. In Alberta, Carla Lohr of Stettler Travel and Cruise Center won a one-week all-inclusive stay at the Gran Bahia Principe Mayan Riviera Resort and in BC, Deborah Ashley of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Kelowna won a one-week stay at the Sensatori Azul, by Karisma.

SPA TIME .... Jamaica captured half of the top 10 spots in Travel + Leisure’s 2009 list of Top 10 Hotel Spas in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas in the magazine’s annual World’s Best Spas readers’ survey in the October issue. The top-ranked Jamaican resort on the list is Couples Sans Souci. Nestled in Ocho Rios, Couples Sans Souci’s Charlie’s Spa, named after a resident sea turtle, is an oasis of peace, serenity and well being.

LEAVING .... Australian Pacific Touring due to the ongoing economic downturn that has impacted the North America market, is Aubrey Schmidt, sales manager, Canada, who has represented APT for 14 years. Bronwyn Wilson, president, North America, and Ward Reid, sales manager, USA, will continue to service the Canadian travel agent community.

JOINING .... Intrepid Travel in Toronto is Mick Phelan, who has been named to the position of sales and reservations manager. He was most recently a Latin America and adventure travel specialist at Goway Travel.

LIVABLE CITY .... Gibsons, BC has been named the World’s Most Livable Community at a UN-endorsed global awards event. Communities from around the world that are leaders in addressing issues ranging from pollution to conservation and housing were named at the annual finals of the Inter-national Awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom) held in Pilsen, Czech Republic. The winners in the “whole city” section judged as the world’s most livable communities across the six criteria were: Gibsons, Canada (popu-lation category up to 20,000), Newark, England (up to 75,000), Melville, Australia (up to 200,000), Shilong, China (up to 750,000) and Dalian, China (over 750,000).

Now boarding. Non-stop flights to Mazatlan.

*Seasonal non-stop service is subject to change.BECAUSE OWNERS CARE

Book your clients on a non-stop flight* to Mazatlan from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina or Winnipeg. As always we never overbook our flights, have the lowest change/cancellation fees in Canada and give our guests two free checked bags. It’s all part of the WestJet Care-antee. Because owners care.

We also offer great connections from other cities. Visit westjet.com for complete schedule information. Book now at westjet.com/agentweblink or on GDS and you’ll enjoy a 7% commission. Or simply call 1 800 538 5698. For group and convention travel, call 1 888 493 7853.

From VancouverWeekly non-stop flight departing MondaysFrom CalgaryWeekly non-stop flight departing FridaysFrom EdmontonWeekly non-stop flight departing Fridays

From SaskatoonWeekly non-stop flight departing ThursdaysFrom ReginaWeekly non-stop flight departing MondaysFrom WinnipegWeekly non-stop flight departing Saturdays

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Volker Grady

Mick Phelan

11November 10 - 23, 2009

Thirty-nine years after my last visit to Israel on a cruise ship, I visited again in September to attend the 14th Annual GoGalilee event. I was hosted by the Israel Government Tourist Office, El Al Israel Airlines and several other Galilee tourism related entities. More than 260 travel agents, tour operators and media from 26 countries took part in this event. I spent the first few days on my own in Tel Aviv, staying at the Adiv Hotel, a centrally located three-star hotel, five minutes walk to the beach. It provided compact clean rooms, excellent Israeli breakfasts and complimentary computer access. Every day I walked the Promenade along the Mediterranean, north to the Hayarkon River and south to Jaffa, exploring many of the streets in between. I explored the city in depth: the shops along bustling Ben Yehuda Street; the well-stocked supermarkets and Carmel Market; Rabin Square; Dizengoff Centre indoor mall; and the many art galleries. I also found many quaint restaurants at which to dine. I returned several nights to the welcoming ‘Odelia’, beside the Deborah Hotel on Ben Yehuda Street. Here I dined on a small salad plate, with a home-cooked hot meal over rice or couscous, all for 17 shekels, about $5, based on the exchange rate of 30 cents to one New Israeli Shekel. Tel Aviv is renowned for the variety and calibre of its restaurants, both kosher and non-kosher. www.hungryintelaviv.blogspot.com

The Group Fam Our main focus on the trip was the Galilee. I was based at the com-fortable all-inclusive 400-room Fattal chain’s Golden Tulip Hotel in Tiberias. Others were housed in one of the many hotels or kibbutzim in the immediate area. www.fattal.co.il I was able to tour the 65-room Casa Dona Gracia, the only hotel

museum in the world, located in the center of Tiberias, escorted by the knowledgeable GM & Curator of ‘The House of Dona Gracia’, Tzvi Schaick. www.donagracia.com Our group also toured the Scots Hotel, a non-smoking, non-kosher former hospital now owned and managed by the Church of Scotland. Its 69 double rooms, in various buildings, measure up to international standards, and I enjoyed the gardens, original artwork, and the Wine Cellar with its ‘knights table’, which would make an unusual venue for a group dinner or wine-tasting. www.scotshotels.co.il We saw and did a lot over the next few days, including: attending the opening ceremony at the Moriah Plaza Hotel, attending a welcome reception at the Tiberias Hot Springs, with remarks from Stas Misezhnikov, Minister of Tourism; and enjoying a tour and buffet at the Kibbutz/Hotel Lavi (www.lavi.co.il) We also enjoyed a boat cruise on the Sea of Galilee to Kibbutz/Hotel Nof Ginosar, housing the Yigal Allon Museum and the so-called 2,000-year-old ‘Jesus boat,’ excavated in 1985 from the lake and probably used in the time of Jesus. www.ilmuseums.com/museum We also toured the main Christian sites on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, and enjoyed a new evening Sound & Light show at Beit Shean, followed by a fabulous dinner and a dip in the mineral hot springs at spa Hamat Gader. This was followed by a walking tour of the port city of Acra/Acco/Akko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with exhibits showcasing its Crusader origins. Plan on a whole day. Visit www.acco.org.il. I also revisited Masada, which I had done many years ago. Its new Visitors Centre offers a fascinating video and an enhanced reception area and gift shop selling Ahava Dead Sea products. Dinner and accommodation weres at the luxurious 600-room Meridian Hotel. While some of our group chose to take a ‘bob’ in the Dead Sea, I chose to swim in the huge pool. The hotel also has a spa pool with Dead Sea salt water. www.fattal-hotels-israel.com/dead.htm. Tune into GSA next issue for Installment Two on my Israel adventure.

Intrepid Travel is offering a felucca ride up the Nile River. This tradi-tional mode of transport provides a relaxing and casual way to experi-ence this ancient river. Onboard, a cook will prepare meals for the 10 or so passengers with nothing more than a knife and camping stove. And at night, sleeping is provided on deck. Also available in Egypt is a Red Sea Beach Camp, where travelers get to enjoy the beach and casual dinners, with accommodation provided in individual beach huts.

On the NileUniworld has launched its newest luxury ship, the River Tosca, which will ply the Nile River in Egypt next year. The sun deck features a Jacuzzi and swimming pool. The Cairo Deck’s lounge offers a full-service bar. Additional diversions include a gym, library, and boutique. Uniworld’s Egypt and Nile River Cruises and Tours include a new nine-day Classic Egypt & the Nile, a 13-day Splendors of Egypt & Nile cruise and a 13-day Jewels of Egypt, Nile, & Lake Nasser cruise.

Tour East Holidays is offering a seven-day Highlights of Egypt cus-tomized tour, featuring the ancient temples and pyramids near Cairo, plus a three-day cruise on the Nile River. The tour also includes flight south to Luxor to visit the Valley of the Kings and King Tut’s tomb. Cost is $1599 pp dbl land only.

Indus Travels is offering Long Stays in Dubai, UAE, in Dubai Apartments located in the heart of the city, just 10 minutes drive from the international airport. Priced at US$1890 pp for 30 days, the cost includes taxes, daily breakfast and airport transfers.

Israel’s Galilee beckons touristsBy Ricky Goldman

November 10 - 23, 200912

WestJet has commenced new seasonal non-stop service between Toronto and Miami. The service is offered five times per week until

Dec 17 when it will switch to daily service. The flights depart Pearson at 11 am.

Sunwing in VegasSunwing will add two new hotels in Las Vegas to its portfolio this winter. The first hotel is the Vdara, a 1,496-suite hotel open-ing Dec 1. This property, adjacent to the Bellagio, has no casinos and is smoke free. All rooms are upscale and feature spa-style tubs and 42-inch flat screen TVs. The second property to join Sunwing’s line up is the ARIA, which will open Dec 16 and will be adjacent to the Vdara. This 4,000-room property will offer 16 restaurants, 10 bars, an 80,000 sq.ft spa and 150,000 sq.ft. meeting space.

Inflight foodAir Transat will introduce new Economy Class meal service on sun destination flights (excluding Florida), beginning Dec 1. Passengers flying south will now be welcomed onboard with a glass of champagne, while early morning passen-gers will be greeted with a mimosa. Also, the airline will now offer passengers a more complete meal tray, including a choice of two hot meals, a complimentary glass of wine and dessert. www. airtransat.com.

CITC’s final 2009 dates for agents to take the Travel Counsellor Knowledge Exam are Dec 3 or 4. This is a 100-question multiple choice exam where the questions relate primarily to travel products. The exam is available online or paper based with regular scheduled monthly exam sitting dates. The fee is $125, plus tax, and includes a free Prep Guide with the option of purchasing a Practice Test for $15, plus GST. 800-589-5776

The European Travel Commission has launched a new revamped web portal, www.visiteurope.com which promotes Europe as a tourism destination worldwide. The aim of the new site is to portray ‘Europe as a whole’ to the ca. 500 million guests who visit Europe each year.

program includes visits to the lakes of Northern Italy including Como, Garda and Maggiore. As well as offering off-sea-son bargains, Cosmos features a host of money-sav-ing components. For single travelers, there’s a “guaranteed share” program. There’s also a 10% discount for young travelers eight through 18.

Cosmos has published a new catalogue featuring extended stay vacations, year-round tours, and European rail journeys. The new 146-page brochure also features the company’s new LeisureScapes program: relaxing getaways of just over two weeks to the temperate winter climes of Italy and Spain. A total of 59 itineraries will be offered next year, composed of the 15 European Panorama tours – which visit several countries – and Regional Discoveries, with 25 of the tours offered year round. Destinations range from the classics such

as the 16-day Best of Britain and Ireland to the more exotic nine-day Tunisian Adventure or the 14-day Bohemian Rhapsody, which includes the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Rail buffs will be tempted by the nine-day Moscow and St. Petersburg holiday, which includes an overnight train ride between the cities; and the 10-day Scenic Switzerland by Train which features train journeys on the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and Golden Pass trains. Cosmos has added a new itinerary called The Magic of the Italian Lakes. This nine-day

Cosmos adds more in Europe

13November 10 - 23, 2009

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November 10 - 23, 200914

He also pointed out that Exotik uses mod-ern, air-conditioned coaches escorted by professional guides. He added that all hotels are star rated to Canadian standards, classi-fied by Exotic’s own product professionals. Programs include the Tunisian Discovery, a 15-day tour that travels inland to Tozeur and includes visits to souks, ancient Roman baths, mosaic collections, mosques and tem-ples. It also includes seven nights on the beach. Also offered is the 14-day Berber tour, which offers a more active and adventurous program and includes seven days touring and a seven-day beach stay. The third program in Tunisia is the 14-night Haniball’s Journey, a panorama program that takes in the north, south and east during an 11-night tour and ends with a three-day beach stay. A choice of beach resorts is offered, all of which include breakfast and dinner.•  Egypt:  Passengers heading to Egypt can now obtain visas when they arrive at the airport in Cairo. Mullin also pointed that the company has changed operators in Egypt to offer better service and better value. A number of escorted tours are offered. Among them is a 14-day Egypt and Nubia program that includes a Nile cruise and a cruise on Lake Nassar. For the upscale client, Exotik offers a luxury cruise aboard the 16-passenger sailing ship, the Dahabia. This seven-day cruise is part of a 13-day tour that includes Cairo and sightseeing, followed by a flight to Aswan to join the ship. Mullin said this cruise allows clients to enjoy the Valley of the Kings and Luxor at a leisurely pace. A new program in this region is the Jordan-Egypt combo, a 16-day program that includes six nights in Jordan with visits to Amman and Petra, followed by a flight to Cairo, sightseeing and a flight south to Abu Simbel, a visit to the Valley of the Kings and a Nile Cruise.•  Greece:  Exotik has added a full slate of Holiday House FIT product in Greece to its

brochure this year. All are on an a la carte basis, says Mullin. There are several tours and also stay- puts in Athens and on the islands. Combination programs are available that include both Athens and Crete, or Athens and Naupilo, or Athens and Rhodes. Any combo can be arranged, he said.•  Turkey: Offered here are stay-puts in Istanbul on the Bosphorus or in Antalya on the coast, and a wide variety of competi-tively priced and original day excursions geared to cruise passengers arriving at Kusadasi. For those who want a more indepth look at this huge country, there’s the 12-day Turkish Delight, which travels from Istanbul to Kusadasi (by air), and then by coach on to Pamukkale, Antalya, Cappadocia and Ankara. Extensions are offered for those who want to stay and explore for a spell.•  Long-stays: Exotik continues to offer long stay vacations in the north and south of Portugal; in the Estoril region, in Lisbon or in the Algarve. For those who prefer the coast of Spain, long stays are offered at Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol. •  Eastern Europe: FIT programs are offered in Budapest, Vienna and Prague, with accom-modation located centrally in each city. For those who want to try a combo, train trans-portation can be added between the cities. •  South  America: A number of different escorted tours are offered here, including a Discover South America 16-day vacation that takes in Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Iguassu Falls and includes a train ride from Cusco to Macchu Pichu. There’s also a 12-day Tango and Samba tour that includes Brazil and Argentina. For those who want to explore Darwin’s islands of Galapagos, Exotik offers three, four and seven-day cruises through these islands, with flights from Quito.•  Africa: A wide variety of tours are offered, including the Best of South Africa, 15-day tour that travels from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, and on to Hluluwe-Umfolozi

Park, the Cango Caves and Cape Town. There’s also a 13-day Kenya and Tanzania Safari without Frontiers program that includes the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. For those who want to see Africa from the safety and convenience of a train, Exotik

offers the Shongolo train between Cape Town and Johannesburg, or the Southern Cross train ride, from J’Burg to Victoria Falls, a journey that is sure to produce animal sightings. Mullin said that the main advantage with these 17-day train rides is that they include day excursions at various featured stops along the way. Passengers sleep on board, and have breakfast and dinner onboard, but during the day, they are out on

safari or exploring a village. He also said that this train is casual and comfortable, rather than luxurious. He also added that Indian Ocean beach stays are available on Zanzibar, and in the Seychelles and Mauritius.•  Asia: FIT programs are offered in Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Seoul, Taipei, Laos and Myanmar. But Exotik also offers a selection of escort-ed tours in Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos and, new this year, programs in China and India. For those using China Airlines through Taipei, a business class fare of $2000 roundtrip is available. A variety of tours are offered throughout Asia that include sightseeing and beach stays. Among them is the 19-day Thailand Fantasy, which includes 14 days touring from Bangkok to the north to the south, followed by a five day beach stay. Several different resorts are offered in Bali, either all inclusive or breakfast only. With each 16-day stay, cli-ents get five-day excursions around the island. In Vietnam, there’s a 15-day Colors of Vietnam tour that travels from north to south. In India, a new 13-day program explores the north and includes the Golden Triangle and the Taj Mahal.www.exotiktours.com

Holiday Inn International Vancouver Airport and Holiday Inn Express Hotel Vancouver Airport have undergone a $1 billion Holiday Inn brand worldwide re-launch program established to create a more contemporary brand image, increase quality and drive consistency. Elements of the re-launch include redesigned brand image, refreshed guest room, re-designed lobby area, new service promise, including a newly created position at each hotel – the Guest Experience Champion.

The Osoyoos Indian Band and Bellstar Hotels & Resorts opened the new NK’MIP Conference Centre last month in Osoyoos, BC. The state-of-the-art facility is the largest, full-service conference centre in the South Okanagan, with 9,000 square feet of flexible exhibition and ballroom space for events up to 350 people. The centre offers six break-out rooms and three alternative conference facilities: a 25-seat facility at NK’MIP Cellars Winery, a 75-seat facility at Spirit Ridge and an 80-room amphitheatre-style conference facility at the NK’MIP Cultural Centre.

Eagle watchingThe Fraser Valley Bald Eagle festival will be held in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver Nov 21 and 22 is centered around one of the largest gathering sites of bald eagles on the continent. The eagles are drawn to the area by the prospect of dining on the salmon that travel up the Fraser River to spawn in its many tributaries. For a map of all venues, visit fraservalleybaldeaglefestival.com.

Hollyhock Centre on Cortes Island in Desolation Sound has become one of Canada’s leading educational retreat centers. It offers a wealth of activities, including yoga, kayaking, cooking, spa treatments, and spe-cial theme weeks designed for artists, writers and those simply seeking refuge. 800-933-6339 • www.hollyhock.ca

IncentiveSandman Hotel Group is offering a cash incentive to their most loyal partners. Through Dec 31, 2009, for each reservation made, agents can register online allowing them to enter a draw. Each month, one lucky recipi-ent will win $1,500 in cash, amounting to a total of $4,500 by the end of the year.

BC Hospitality Industry Conference and Exposition 2009, the largest hospitality industry conference in the Pacific Northwest, will be held in Vancouver Nov 22-24. The Exposition, to be held at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Museum exhibits celebrity silver The Royal BC Museum in Victoria has opened the exhibit Silver of the Stars, a stun-ning collection of contemporary silver created for some of the biggest names in film, music and literature. The exhibit runs through Jan 10, 2010. Based on the theme “a drink with a close friend,” 10 celebrities, including Sir Sean Connery, Robbie Coltrane and Ewan McGregor, paired up with Scottish silversmiths to create elaborate drinking vessels. The finished silverworks – and accompanying stories – range from the stylish to the amusing:

fashion designer Alexander McQueen’s dream is to share a goblet of absinthe with Cate Blanchett, while comedian Billy Connolly pictures himself drinking tea with God. Also on display is a companion exhibition, The Millennium Collection for Bute House – a selection of tableware designed for use at the Scottish First Minister’s official residence. Created between 1999 and 2000, the 15-piece set celebrates the re-establishment of Scotland’s Parliament after an absence of nearly 300 years.

Coast in Penticton Coast Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with the Locations West Investment Group to re-brand the Travelodge Penticton as the Coast Penticton Hotel effective April 19, 2010. The hotel is located just minutes from downtown Penticton, a block from the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre and

across the street from the new 5,200-seat multi-purpose South Okanagan Events Centre. It offers spacious rooms, including one and two-bedroom suites, as well as an indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, whirl-pool, 250-foot waterslide and a family restaurant.

15November 10 - 23, 2009

WESTLodgings

November 10 - 23, 200916

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AIR_09-1014_webflyer_B2B_GSA.indd 1 10/28/09 11:30:57 AM

Intrepid debuts Urban Adventures Intrepid Travel has expanded its expertise and experience into some of the most excit-ing cities in the world. The company, which has spent two decades developing small scale travel to exotic locales, is now offering Urban Adventures, which offers travelers a chance to explore cities the same way they have been exploring countries. Urban Adventures uncovers back streets,

hidden gems and fascinating sights in such cities as Los Angeles, Bangkok and London. While these adventures may be short time-wise, they’re big on local knowledge and experience, particularly since groups are small and led by local guides chosen for their insider knowledge. They include stepping into the lives of the locals, riding the public transit, getting acquainted with the local

food, culture and traditions. Departures are daily and prices start from $17. The adventures may highlight local mar-kets, or an activity such as hiking, or nightlife. Currently there are 25 cities with 75 adven-tures available. An additional 65 locations and 200 trips are planned over the coming six months. www.urbanadventures.com

Monograms expands horizons Globus’ Monograms has released its new brochure and is extending its offerings with new itineraries in Europe, North and South America, and Asia. Each includes hotel - most with daily breakfast - all ground transporta-tion, intra-itinerary flights, airport transfers and local host service. The nine new itineraries for 2010 include Rome & Sorrento (seven days), priced from $1,558; Brazil, Argentina & Chile (12 days), priced from $2,739; Costa Rica Wonders (seven days), priced from $1,589; Tokyo & Kyoto (seven days), priced from $2,459; Beijing & Shanghai (seven days), priced from

$1,069; Bangkok & Phuket (9 days), priced from $1,159; Maui & Kauai (seven days), priced from $849; Vancouver & Whistler (seven days), priced from $639; Redwoods, Wine Country & Yosemite (nine days), priced from $809. Prices are based on land-only intra-vacation air and rail transfers. Book a 2010 Monograms Europe air-inclusive vacation to receive a $150 EBB off. Booking must be made, between October 14 and Nov 28, 2009, for travel completed by December 31, 2010. Monograms 2010 vacation offerings provide travelers diversity in length of stay,

pricing and destinations, and comprise get-aways to Europe (12 countries including the increasingly popular Czech Republic and Russia); South America; Asia; the South Pacific and many cities and regions in North America. The company is not only expanding its portfolio, it has increased services. For instance, Monograms travelers can now book activities and excursions online before their vacation. And, Monograms has expanded the cities worldwide in which Local Host services and expertise are available.www.monogramstravel.ca

Skylink is offering return flights to London in World Traveler Plus Cabin from $838. World Traveler Plus offers extra leg room; larger, more adjustable seats; three-course menus with complimentary drinks; and laptop power and phones in each seat.

Big Five Tours & Expeditions is adding a new component to its premier White Glove Service - basic trip interruption and lost lug-gage insurance. Every guest now has basic trip interruption and lost luggage insurance as part of the White Glove Service guest assistance program – at no additional cost.

Indus Travels is offering Long Stays in a beach bungalow in Kerala, India, for US$1790 for 30 days, including taxes, daily breakfast and airport transfers.

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Free air ADVENTURESIncorporated has extended its free airfare to its Antarctica promotion. The promotion includes free economy air transportation from most North American international gateways combined with book-ings on the following voyages: Dec 28, 2009 to Jan 16, 2010 – Explorers’ Route aboard Clipper Adventurer; Jan 15 to 25, 2010 – Classic Antarctica aboard Lyubov Orlova or Clipper Adventurer; Jan 22 to Feb 10, 2010 – Antarctic Quest aboard Ocean Nova; Jan 24 to Feb 10, 2010 – Explorers’ Route aboard Lyubov Orlova; Feb 20 to March 3, 2010 – Classic Antarctica – aboard Lyubov Orlova; and Feb 22 to March 13, 2010 – Antarctic Quest – aboard Ocean Nova.888-469 2949 ADVENTURESIncorporated.com

eWaterways, the new small ship cruise portal, has created an online booking system for agents, a one-stop shop for sourcing and book-ing small ship cruises. eWaterways brings together over 1200 ships with itineraries on the Danube, the Nile, the Galapagos, Antarc-tica, the South Pacific and Scandinavia. 877-359-7458 • www.ewaterways.com/Account/Register

Agent IncentiveCollette Vacations is offering travel agents who book Collette’s South America or any of their 125-plus tours, $500 as part of the Book 5, Get $500 travel agent incentive. Collette offers six tours visiting South America, including cultural and leisure attractions, such as Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, Colonial cit-ies, Lake Crossing of the Andes, penguins and glaciers in Patagonia, beaches of Rio, the Galapagos Islands, wineries in Mendoza, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon.

Big Five ultimate tour packages Big Five Expeditions’ new series of special collection packages are geared to those who love fast machines, speed, push-ing the limits and great craftsmanship. A selection of tours that incorpo-rate all these elements is avail-able in New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, India and Jordan. The journeys encompass elements of land, air and water, using a variety of vehicles and vessels - from rare vintage cars, to WWII aircraft and incredibly fast jet boats. In Jordan, participants will view the royal family’s famous rare car collection, featuring such gems as a 1950s Aston Martin DB2, a 1961 Rolls Royce Phantom V, and a 1916 Cadillac Type 53. Also included on the tour is the 2,000-year-old Rose City of Petra. And in Oman, guests get to paraglide from a hilltop to the beach. On another tour, participants soar over the Peruvian desert in a private Cessna, followed by white water rafting down the Urubamba River and paragliding over the tree tops. In South Africa, guests have a chance to

pilot a Formula 1 racecar, and experience a Mach 1 thrill aboard a supersonic jet capable of climbing 50,000 feet per minute. If you like your speed with a little water spray, you’ll

love the jet boat ride into Cape Town’s Table Bay, at speeds of 200 mph. For the hands on approach, there’s shark diving,

and rock climbing in Cape Town. In India, participants get a chance to admire upclose a collection of rare autos from India’s regal past including a Bugati and a Mayback. Down South, for the truly gutsy, there’s a chance to sky dive off Auckland’s Sky Tower, jet boat through narrow gorges, and fly in the open cockpit of a vintage bi-plane. Guests also get a chance to take to the sky in a Pitts Special, the ‘Ferrari of the Skies,’ as it reaches speeds in excess of 200 mph. Or they can enjoy a flight in one of the most famous fighting aircraft from World War 2, the Mustang, which reaches speeds of up to 280 miles per hour.800-244-3483

NZ for adventure New Zealand tourism has taken on an adventurous spirit over the years. Bungy jumping was launched here – the insane act of tying ones ankles to a rope tied to a post and leaping off a bridge into thin air. New Zealand is also the home of naked rugby and zorbing, an individual or group activity where participants climb into a big plastic ball and bounce down a bumpy hill. It’s also where whitewater rafting is so popular that locals had to take it one step

further and, in addition to battling rapids and waterfalls, rafters can also go black water rafting through caves (also known as cave tubing). New Zealand is also home to jet boating, glacier climbs and multi-day hikes through incredible forests and over challenging trails. Adventure travel isn’t what it used to be. Today, after an active day on the water, many travelers like to check into a five-star hotel.www.NewZealand.com

Trek Holidays’ Africa in Style and its part-ners are offering a Sell & Go incentive to travel agents. Agents can earn trips by selling Exodus, Peregrine, Gecko’s, Trek Africa In Style and Quark Expeditions programs. As few as ten passengers in one year will earn

an agent a trip to Botswana, Thailand, Morocco, Turkey or France, among others. Bookings can be accumulated from Oct 1, 2009 onward. www.adventures@trekholidays.com www.trekholidays.com

November 10 - 23, 200920

Joining a travel delegation to Panama on behalf of Nolitours and Transat Holidays was Vic Nakhleh (C), VP transportation and revenue manage-ment, Vancouver, with Rick McSwain (L) of Uniglobe Geo, Edmonton, and Hank Oostveen, VP of Uniglobe Travel, Western Canada.

Nolitours introducesStory and Photos by Shannon Melnyk

Enjoying the fam were (L-R): Renato Ferrari of WD world Travel, Vancouver; Alexis Parks of Travel Best Bets by Jubilee Travel, Burnaby; and Christina Bischoff of Travel TST, Richmond.

Nolitours hosted 170 agents from BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba in Panama to launch its new departures on Air Transat from Edmonton and Calgary starting Dec 21 and running through April 26, 2010. Western Canadian agents sampled both the heritage-rich and growing metropolis of Panama City and the beaches and jungles of the tropical rainforest, with stays in two of the six properties offered by Nolitours.

Panama City Agents were treated to the four-star Radisson Decapolis in down-town Panama City. The 29-story cosmopolitan tower features a buffet restaurant, a pool, a whirlpool and a gym. Also included upon check-in are US$20 credit vouchers for use at the hotel Martini Bar or the Sushi /Panini Bar as well as US$25 credit vouchers for use in the Majestic Casino. Extra amenities and services available at the Decapolis include room service, the Fusion a la carte restaurant, the Sushi bar, a cinema, the Aqua Spa, a beauty salon, a shopping centre, Internet access, convention centre and babysitting services.

Tropical Rainforest Agents also visited the four-star Royal Decameron Golf, Beach Resort & Villas Panama, exclusive to Nolitours. Located an hour and a half drive from Panama City, the Royal Decameron’s all-inclusive experience combines a variety of activities with eco-tourism and exclusive golf and wedding packages. This lively, family-friendly resort offers 820 rooms in low-rise three-storey buildings. Ocean front, ocean view, and suites on the golf green are all available. Considered one of Nolitours’ best-sellers, The Decameron offers as a part its all-inclusive experience: buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, unlimited a la carte dinners, unlimited domestic and selected interna-tional drinks and house wine, admission to the disco, daily activities, nightly entertainment, a gym, pool tables, selected non-motorized water sports and an introductory scuba diving lesson in the pool. There are several snack bars and pools, including children’s pools, located throughout the expansive property. The Royal Decameron also provides shuttle service throughout the resort. The eight a la carte restaurants offer an international variety of cuisine includ-ing Thai, Japanese, Fusion, a steak-house, seafood, Catch of the Day, Italian and Mediterranean. Extras that are available at an extra cost to guests include specialty food items, golf fees, motorized water sports, snorkelling, fishing, casino, spa services, beauty salon, gift shops, internet service, bicycle rentals and convention facilities.

Excursions Agents also took part in several of Nolitours’ extensive selection of day tours throughout the city, the beach and the rainforest, all organized by Decameron Explorers operators.

City Tour and the Panama Canal The spectacular Miraflores Locks provide guests with a chance to view the hydraulic eighth wonder of the world. A film, museum and viewing deck are all part of the experience of what it takes to sail through the Panama Canal in the great passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The historical treasures continue with a visit to the colonial city of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO Heritage site. Travelling back in time happens in the blink of an eye with the sights of the Golden Altar, the Plaza de Francia Square and Las Bovidas. Historical monuments can also be seen at the ruins of Panama Vieja, the original settlement in Panama that was destroyed by the infamous pirate Sir Henry Morgan in 1671. The very old meets the very new as a panoramic tour delivers a magnificent view of history alongside the modern cosmopolitan development that is Panama City.

Continued on next page

November 10 - 23, 200922

Panama from the WestEmbera Indigenous Community

Going back in time is also possible deep in the Chagres National Park. Agents took a two and one-half-hour scenic ride to the banks of the Chagres, where they boarded piraguas (small boats) to visit the Embera Indians of the Darien Province. Agents took in the Embera’s narrative about their history and cul-ture, traditional dance and craftsmanship of baskets and figures made from the natural fibres of their surroundings. Authentic pieces made from cocobolo, tagua (vegetable ivory), maquenque and chunga are available for sale on this excursion and guests are also treated to a typical Embera lunch. Ancestral customs in the form of plant medi-cines and jagua tattoos are shared and guests can wander about the village, untouched by modern society.

Yayas Falls Tucked away at the entrance of Omar Torrijos Herrera National Park in El Cope, the Yayas Falls excursion promises a refreshing end to an ecological adventure only one hour away from the Royal Decameron Resort. Guests amble alongside rich tropical vegetation, home to par-rots, toucans and hummingbirds along with over 300 species of other birds. Sweeping viewpoints lead to a descent to huge volcanic rocks and three waterfalls, where guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the pools under cascading waters. Among the other excursions offered are: horseback riding through the forests of La Pintada, partial transits through the Panama Canal, wildlife jungle boat tours on Gatun Lake, Caribbean beach and Panama Canal Railway tours, the Chiva Parrandera live music Party Bus, and the folkloric show and traditional dinners. Also popular is the Gamboa and aerial tram adventure, hiking and wet rappelling in Chagres National Park, the Bubba Gump Boat Fishing tour, Kuna Indian village visits to Sans Blas, coral coast day tours on Isla Grande, surfing, diving at Toboga, Tabolguilla or Drake island, shopping excursions and pirate parties.

Hotel partners Other hotels and resorts offered in Panama by Nolitours are Playa Blanca Hotel and Resort Cameleon Select; Gamboa Rainforest Resort; Intercontinental Playa Bonita; and Hotel El Panama. All are four-star properties, with the exception of the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, which is a three-star.

Nolitours to Panama Noitours is offering Panama with Transat weekly from Edmonton Dec 21 to April 6, 2010; from Calgary every two weeks Dec 21-April 6; and from Vancouver every second week Dec 28-April 6. Vancouver and Calgary departure will be one week on, one week off. The Edmonton flight will alternate via Calgary or Vancouver depending on the week. Flying time from Calgary is seven and one-half hours, and from Edmonton it is seven hours 50 min-utes. This new route is the second addition to Nolitours’ Central American destinations, as the company also offers 74 different destinations and excursions to Costa Rica.

Panama City is home to some 800,000 residents, and is both the political and financial capital of the country.

Christal Bauer, Western Canada Regional Manager for TPI, networking with Carlo Trinidad, Western Canada Sales Manager for Nolitours. Both are based in Vancouver.

The Nolitours’ group heads out to the village of the Embera Indians via motorized piraguas on the Chagres River.

23November 10 - 23, 2009

Adventure travel agency in Vancouver is looking to expand. If you have an established client base and/or a minimum of five years retail agency experience and are looking for a change into the exciting world of adventure travel, please contact us. We offer an interesting range of product, high commission levels, ongoing train-ing and support. Please email resume to adventuretravel2009@hotmail.com

NEED A SALES REP TO PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS TO THE U.S. CONSUMER & TRAVEL TRADE?Canadian-trained travel professional now residing in the United States is ready & willing to be your sales rep or open a U.S. branch office for you. For my resume & further information-contact Eric: globexplorer@hotmail.com

Port Coquitlam Travel is currently seeking outside sales agents with an established clientele base. If interested please email Isobel at info@pocotravel.bc.ca

November 10 - 23, 200924

To learn more about whichoption best suits your needs,contact in strict confidence:

Katrina RourkeManager, Business Development1-866-665-4282 katrina.rourke@transat.com

Transat Distribution Canada isthe largest travel retail network in Canada.We offer many options for agency owners.

YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR SUCCESS!

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BE PART OF OUR SUCCESSFUL TEAM!

The following employment opportunities are available in our Calgary office:

• SENIOR CORPORATE COUNSELLOR/FLOATER• JUNIOR CORPORATE COUNSELLOR• ACCOUNT MANAGER• INDEPENDENT CRUISE SPECIALIST• ONLINE RESERVATION AGENT• VACATION COUNSELLOR – CANMORE OFFICE.

Salary will commensurate with experience. Excellent employee benefits and travel opportunities. Please send resume via email to stephaniem@uniglobecustom.com.

We thank all applicants in advance, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

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Work in our office or your own! Designated office to meet your clients for outside agents. Group medical/dental plan available. Located in North Vancouver. We are a member of IATA, ACTA, CLIA, and Ensemble.

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Are you renting a desk, working at home or in a storefront agency?

You may be paying too much for ticketing, IT and marketing services than you need to be or earning less than you could be.

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Go to our website www.tpi.ca for more information. To set up a confidential meeting call or email David Wass at 866-627-2122 or dwass@tpi.ca or Leah Smith at lsmith@tpi.ca

Independent agents: Can you afford not to compare?

25November 10 - 23, 2009

Anderson Vacations’ independent holidays in Australia and New Zealand include a huge selection of Hertz vehicle rental choices. Clients can choose from an economy Toyota Yaris, maximum four passengers, or a mid size, standard, or full size capable of seating five. For those who want to explore outside the city, 4WD are offered, and a minivan for seating up to seven is available for larger families. Motorhome rentals are also avail-able for those who want to tour and camp their way through the Outback.

Escaping to Tahiti IslandsEscapes...by Goway has released its new program to Tahiti. On the Magical Island of Moorea, IslandsEscapes offers travelers a choice of two resorts for a four-night holiday priced from $1259. Included in this escape is international airfare from Los Angeles with Air Tahiti Nui, round-trip airfare from Papeete to Moorea, airport transfers and four nights’ accommodation. Travelers can choose either the Moorea Pearl Beach Resort garden room, with daily breakfast, or the Lanai room at the Inter-continental Moorea Resort and Spa – Lanai

Room. The resort is a traditional Polynesian style hotel offering 95 rooms and bungalows and situated a sandy beach. It is a short drive from arrival points on the island, and two miles from Cooks Bay. The other option is The Intercontinental Moorea Resort and Spa, located on the north-west side of the island, on 11 hectares of tropical gardens and islets. Nestled between the mountains and the blue lagoon, the resort features a dolphin lagoon where guests can swim alongside the dophins.800-667-6601  •  islandsescapes.com

Long stays Downunder Exotik Tours has contracted with three condo hotels on the Queensland coast of Australia for long stays this winter. They include the Marrakesh Apartments in Surfers Paradise, with one and two-bedroom units; the Crystal Bay, north of Surfers Paradise, offering one, two and three bed-rooms; and the Rolling Surf Resort on the beach of the Sunshine Coast, one hour north of Brisbane. All have fully equipped kitchens and swimming pools. All offer transfers from Brisbane airport to the condo.

BonusGoway is offering a bonus to travel agents of $200 per couple on every Waltzing Matilda booking made for travel Jan 31, Feb 18 and March 4 and 14, 2010, through Nov 30. The 22-day Waltzing Matilda tour features air travel with Qantas Airways. Places visited in New Zealand include: Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Christchurch. In Australia, highlights include: Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

Tourism Fiji has recently published a Consumer Guide packed with information about the Pacific Island destination for travel-ers to Fiji. The book is free by emailing ili@bulafiji-americas.com

Sonaisali Island Resort Fiji has extended its Stay 3 Pay 2 package and the ‘Eat for Free’ deal through to next year. With the ‘Stay 3 Pay 2’ package, guests who stay for two nights receive a third nights’ stay, free of charge through June 15, 2010, with blackout dates over the Christmas and New Year period. Guests who book five nights or more qualify for the ‘Eat for Free’ deal, with com-plimentary meals provided throughout the entire stay. This offer is valid for sale and travel through March 31, 2011.

November 10 - 23, 200926

Ireland is the perfect destination for your groups in 2010. Tourism Ireland is hosting the 2010Group Travel Organisers Seminars in Vancouver (Monday 23 Nov) & Victoria (Tuesday 24 Nov).

To register or for more information e-mail kcarroll@tourismireland.com

Your Group Friendly

Destination

Tourism Ireland-JuniorVertical:Layout 1 10/28/09 4:02 PM Page 1

Air New Zealand will launch direct twice-weekly air services between Rotorua and Sydney on Dec 12.

Pacific Beachcomber has acquired Paul Gauguin Cruises.

Anderson Vacations Your One Stop Travel Solution For

TourisM BC/Toshi Kawano

Anderson VAcAtions#301, 1117 – 1st street sw, Calgary, alberta T2r 0T9 fitres4@andersonvacations.ca

Email: fitres4@andersonvacations.ca

1.866.814.7378www.canadatravelsolution.com

sample itineraryarrive Quebec City•2 nights accommodation•Quebec City: City Tour by Coach •-a rendezvous with history!3 Course Dinner in the heart •of old QuebecVia rail Comfort Class to ottawa•2 nights accommodations ottawa•national art Centre Theatre Ticket•Entrance to national art Gallery •of CanadaTaxi to outaouais (not included)•2 nights accommodation•Moonlight snowshoeing•Dog sledding•Depart outaouais•

Quebec city, ottawa & outaouais

Prices starting from

$899 (Pricing is per person, double occupancy, plus taxes)

Anderson Vacations’ Cook Islands booking incentive is continuing to Jan 31. It offers agents a chance to win a fam trip to the Cook Islands by earning one point for every book-ing made between Sept 1 and Jan 31, 2010. The top selling agents will earn the fam trip. Anderson Vacations offers numerous resorts, activities and flights, all detailed in the com-pany’s Downunder Brochure.

Orion plies S. Pac Orion Expedition Cruises will offer a series of voyages to Papua New Guinea next March and April, with ten and 11-night sailings. A shorter six-night sailing will also be offered at the end of April, exploring Australia’s

Great Barrier Reef with activities such as a beach barbeque, snorkeling, sea kayaking, and a special visit to Thursday Island to inter-act with Torres Strait Islanders. In early May, Orion will offer an in-depth, seven-night exploration of the remote art communities along Australia’s Arnhem Land coastline.

ANZ cuts fares Air New Zealand has cut domestic airfares by an average 10% and has simplifed its fare structures to two simple options. Fare structures are being simplified, from three fare types to two – Smart Saver fares and Flexi Plus fares. Smart Saver fares will continue to offer great value, including one free 25 kg checked bag, online seat selection and Status Points. New Flexi Plus fares will start at substan-

tially lower levels than existing Fully Flexi levels, with reductions averaging 32%. The new fare type will provide more ben-efits than previously available, including two free 25 kg checked bags and the ability to change flights at the airport on the day of travel for free to any available seat. Air New Zealand’s lowest everyday Smart Saver fares will be only available online.www. airnz.co.nz

27November 10 - 23, 2009

Australia on Sale Goway Travel is offering vacations from Canada to Australia for $1899, including air-fare with Qantas from North America, 3 free flights in Australia and 12 nights’ accommo-dation. Vacations must be booked by Dec 15.

Delicious. Delightful.PrePare to be DazzleD.

GSA_bonbon copy.indd 1 10/29/09 10:04:19 AM