TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

VANCOUVER TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS DISCOVER QUÉBEC

"Winter Wonderland" attracts more than 200 to Discover Québec Marketplace
Christine Potter, photos C.F.B. Potter

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver transformed into a Winter Wonderland

More than 210 travel professionals attended last night’s Discover Québec Marketplace at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, hosted by Tourisme Québec and a host of its tourism partners. Delegates from la belle province showcased a range of products including hotels, regions, attractions, air and rail. Québec City’s 400th anniversary in 2008 is the big event, and it’s impacting across the province, TRAVELHotNews learned from Micheline Rancourt of Urgo Hotels. “Urgo has 112 hotel rooms in Québec City, and it’s getting hard to find space for groups between April and September,” she warns. [Full text and pictures]

LAS VEGAS: REDEFINING LUXURY

Las Vegas opens new office in Canada; begins a new era of expansion and evolution
Charmaine Pang

The Las Vegas delegation and the VoX International team

Yesterday evening at Rain restaurant in downtown Toronto, the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors’ Authority (LVCVA) celebrated the official opening of their office in Canada. VoX International has been chosen to represent the LVCVA throughout Canada. Approximately 150 guests attended the function, representing all facets of the travel industry including tour operators, travel agents, meetings & incentive, media and government. Several members of the LVCVA flew up from Las Vegas for the evening, along with hotel partners. Susan Webb, president of VoX International, introduced the members of her team who will be working on the Las Vegas account, saying, “We are your go-to place for Las Vegas information in Canada.” [Full text and pictures]

SUNWING LAUNCHES CANADA’S FIRST CREDIT & REWARDS PROGRAM

Fly Sunwing Pay Later program rewards clients – and agents

Sunwing Vacations and TruCa$h have launched the Sunwing TruCa$h Rewards Card, a unique, all-in-one credit and rewards program that offers clients two new ways to pay for their holidays: no money down for six months with no deposit and no interest; or, 12 or 24 equal monthly payments as low as $49 per month. At the same time, they will earn Sunwing TruCa$h points they can use towards future Sunwing flights and vacations, as well as for purchases at more than 900 online retailers -- or convert into cash redeemable at ATMs across Canada. [Full text and pictures]

WESTJET MODIFIES COMMISSIONS

No more commission for Sales Super Centre bookings (except for groups); changes effective Jan. 1, 2008

WestJet has announced it is modifying its travel agent commission program. Below are important details concerning the change, transmitted via press release.
1. What is WestJet’s current travel agent commission program? Under the current system, travel agent bookings made online through Agent WEBLink or through a GDS earn a nine per cent commission, while bookings made through the Sales Super Centre earn commission at five per cent. 2. Why is WestJet modifying its current travel agent commission program? In order to streamline the current process, better utilize resources and encourage the use other effective booking channels such as Agent WEBLink and GDS. Read on for more details about the upcoming changes. [Full text and pictures]

AC JAZZ YVR-YELLOWKNIFE SERVICE TAKES OFF

Only non-stop seasonal service between YVR & North America’s diamond capital

Air Canada Jazz began its Vancouver-Yellowknife service on December 1, marking the launch of the only daily, non-stop service between the two cities. The seasonal flights depart Yellowknife at 9:05 a.m., and arrive in Vancouver at 10:40 a.m. Return flights depart Vancouver at 12:30 p.m., arriving in Yellowknife at 4 p.m. Flights have been timed to offer convenient connections to and from Air Canada's entire Asia network and points within B.C. The service will operate until April 4, 2008. [Full text and pictures]

FUN SUN'S 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

“Mr. Sun’s 12 Days of Christmas” promotion: book and have a chance to win prizes daily

Fun Sun Vacations’ beloved Mr. Sun kicked off another great winter promotion on Monday. Travel agents have the opportunity to win great gifts simply by booking Fun Sun Vacations until Tuesday, December 18. Prizes include gift cards, an 8 GB iPod, a home spa kit and the Nintendo Wii gaming system. Bookings made via the call centre or online at funsunagent.com and runway7.com all qualify. Watch each day to see which item you could possibly win. [Full text and pictures]