South Africa’s Justin Barnette, the highly entertaining head of Marketing and Communications, said the tourism team wanted to come to Toronto “because there’s so much energy and enthusiasm for South Africa in Canada” with visits up 55% from 2022.
As 2024’s wave season draws to a close, Travelsavers reports a dramatic increase in ocean cruise sales, especially to more exotic destinations. Travelsavers Canada states that ocean cruise bookings were up 34% in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year. While sales to popular cruise destinations such as the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe are growing, the strongest increases are for less typical itineraries. In a recent Travelsavers Canada survey, exotic travel ranked second for top emerging travel trends in 2024. This is evident as premium cruise bookings show Asia up 148% and South America up 57% over 2023. “Canadians are definitely getting more adventurous when it comes to selecting their cruises. This wave season has inspired travellers to book trips to destinations that weren’t as accessible in the past,” said Jane Clementino, SVP and GM of Travelsavers Canada. “People are also realizing that cruises provide exceptional value for their holiday dollar with special offers, shipboard credits and other inclusions, which probably helps with their decision to splurge and go global.” Canadians are, in fact, going for all the bells and whistles as luxury cruise sales are experiencing momentum for 2025. Travelsavers Canada statistics show bookings for next year are up 24% over 2024. Travelsavers and The Affluent Traveler Collection offer affiliate agencies and advisors value-added incentives and savings for cruise sailings year-round through the Value Incentive Program (VIP). This highly sought-after program includes over fifteen preferred cruise lines with hundreds of sailings offering affiliates exclusive client perks to attract and close sales.
Ponant announces a collaboration with the Nantes-based startup Farwind Energy to develop innovative solutions for ship refuelling with renewable hydrogen. Ponant and Farwind Energy have defined a road map to develop the production and use of renewable marine hydrogen. The companies will share progress on managing hydrogen on board, collaborate on developing first-use cases, and overcome potential technological obstacles. The two partners have set a goal to commission both PONANT’s Swap2Zero project and FARWIND’s first energy ship simultaneously by 2030. A company with a mission, based in Nantes and the Caribbean, FARWIND Energy develops cutting edge solutions to enable renewable energy to be supplied as close as possible to its point of consumption and in a form adapted to the requirements. Its energy ship technology aims to produce electricity at sea from offshore wind and transform it into hydrogen by the electrolysis of seawater. The hydrogen can be transported to shore to be used as a fuel, a solution particularly well suited to island territories, or refueling of a ship can take place at sea, helping accelerate the maritime transport industry’s energy transition. By 2030, PONANT is working on one of the sector’s most innovative R&D projects. Swap2Zero is the first concept of a transoceanic vessel aiming to approach, as far as state-of-the-art technology will allow, carbon neutrality, whether sailing, maneuvering, in port or at anchor. There are several initiatives to move forward with this ground-breaking project. Wind power is at the heart of the project and low-temperature fuel cells operating on liquid hydrogen for propulsion are also being studied. The project aims to be a catalyst for new energy solutions with strong replicability potential for the rest of the industry. “FARWIND Energy’s hydrogen production technology has the advantage of offering hydrogen refueling solutions in places where there are no means…
The Jamaica Tourist Board is hosting two events in Toronto for GTA advisors to experience an Evening with Jamaica on 16APR at the Jamaican Canadian Centre and 17APR at the Audley Recreation Centre.
Virtuoso has released survey findings that shed light on how some of the world’s savviest travellers view and approach sustainable tourism. The results revealed a steadily increasing demand for exploring the world alongside a heightened awareness amongst in-the-know travellers regarding their influence and impact on the destinations they visit. More than half of surveyed travellers said global developments in 2023 have encouraged them to travel more responsibly, citing geopolitical conflicts, overtourism and the effects of climate change, such as natural disasters, pollution and rising temperatures. Additionally, 45 percent of respondents agree that travelling sustainably enhances their vacation experience – a nine-point increase compared to 2023’s survey. The following are key insights into sustainable tourism, sourced from surveys conducted among Virtuoso travel advisors and their high-net-worth clientele: Seasonality Shifts Travellers are choosing to steer clear of the crowds. Seventy-six percent of advisors reported their clients are adopting off-season travel more regularly, primarily to avoid crowds and lines. Consumers echoed this sentiment, with almost half expressing their willingness to visit popular destinations during off-peak times and over 30 percent showing readiness to explore alternative, less-touristed destinations, all to combat overtourism. Moreover, 13 percent were open to embracing both methods. Cultural Appetite Eighty-six percent of advisors said their clients are investing in the cultural heritage of the destinations they visit, demonstrated through their participation in exchange/learning programs with locals, support for local crafts and performing arts, and aiding the conservation efforts of historic landmarks and sites. This cultural commitment also extends to culinary experiences. Sixty-eight percent of advisors report their clients’ heightened interest in hotels and restaurants that prioritize sustainable gastronomy, actively preferring local eateries over chains as well as seeking ingredients with low environmental impact (farm-to-table). And almost twenty percent of advisors said their clients were showing interest in zero-waste food options…
TTC Tour Brands is reconfirming its commitment to travel advisors with “Always,” a refreshed promise that emphasizes what makes its portfolio of unique brands, including Trafalgar, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Costsaver, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold, the ideal choice for travel advisors seeking high client satisfaction that results in repeat business. From the convenience of a single source to easily find the perfect tour for every client to the most confirmed tour seats in the market, Always is an assurance to travel advisors ahead of the busiest travel season that also includes a significant investment in additional on-the-ground support staff. “With the widest range of touring brands and the largest number of confirmed departures, we are confident we can deliver on our message of ‘tours for any and everyone,’” said Guy Young, Chief Engagement Officer of TTC Tour Brands. “TTC Tour Brands employs industry-leading Travel Directors, has 24/7 in-destination support and has been operating tours for over 100 years, always driven by service. Travel advisors can book our brands with total confidence knowing their clients will be well looked after.” TTC Tour Brands delivers on its Always promise in four key ways: Extensive Choice: TTC Tour Brands’ extensive selection of tour styles and destinations allows advisors to find the perfect tour for all types of travellers. From those seeking a luxury safari adventure in South Africa to a budget-friendly exploration of Eastern Europe, there’s a TTC tour brand for every traveller’s needs. With over 1000 itineraries to over 80 countries across six continents and more departures added weekly, advisors can feel confident booking a tour that works with their clients’ schedules and checks off all their vacation boxes. More definite departures ensure travellers can lock in their vacations early knowing their travel plans are secure. Booking Confidence: TTC Tour Brands offers the option to “book now,…
ACV’s Marigold Frontuna, GM Sales Western Canada, talks with Nina Slawek about how the operator is supporting advisors in monetizing rising interest in travel to Asia.
With Hilary Brown, BDM Globus Family of Brands. Win a $250 Amazon Gift Card!
You must be logged in to post a comment.