News from Travel Impressions, Globus, and more
Tours
Travel Impressions’ Cayman Islands Promo
Travel Impressions, in conjunction with the Cayman Islands, is offering the Cayman Summer Splash, an island-wide promotion offering a variety of family-friendly value-adds and packages that start at $435 pp on bookings made now through Sept. 2 for travel May 15 through Sept. 6.
The Cayman Summer Splash promotion includes: kids 11 years of age and under stay, play and eat free; kids 12 to 17 dive free on pre-purchased dive packages; Cayman Island Sea School with SpongeBob SquarePants for kids ages five through 11; 30% off air tickets on Cayman Airways for kids 11 years and under (adult fare must be purchased); a fifth-night free (five-night minimum stay required); free boat trip for two to Stingray City; and 50% off night dives (when purchasing a four-day dive packages).
Participating resorts include Comfort Suites Cayman Islands, Sunshine Suites Resorts, The Reef Resort, The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa and Grand Cayman Beach Suites.
Agents must use the code SUMMER SPLASH at the time of booking. As always, agents can earn an extra 1% bonus commission when booking online via http://www.TravelImpressions.com.
Globus Unveils Client Concierge for Agents
Globus has added a new Client Concierge program to its online Travel Agent Portal. Client Concierge provides agency owners and managers with client and reservation data that is downloadable 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Among the type of data agents can access are current year bookings, bookings without deposits and upcoming departures.
The tool also gives agent access to Marketing & Sales reports that will help the agency create a communications plan for past Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways clientele.
The Marketing & Sales reports also feature booking anniversaries, as well as access to client’s on-trip surveys. Survey data includes everything from insight into which destinations clients want to visit next to the types of travel they’re interested in.
To access the Client Concierge program, agency owners/managers need to log on at http://www.globusfamilypartner.com and click the “Access Client Data – Client Concierge” link under “Agent Tools.”
Travel Bound Enhances Web Site
Travel Bound has added new features to its Web site to help agents quickly find, compare and book hotels, tours, transfers and pre-/post-cruise products for independent travel clients.
A new Hotel Quick Search feature reduces the number of steps it takes to find hotels. Search results can be displayed in three ways: a minimal “list view” that permits more than 50 properties to be shown per page; a full details list; or a map view. Hotel descriptions also now include Trip Advisor reviews. Also, a new compare function allows agents to select and compare several hotels, their features and rates.
Finding destinations on the site also now takes fewer steps. To book a hotel, agents need only type the first three or four letters of the city name, and all cities starting with those letters will be displayed.
Additionally, a new Sign On shortcut allows agents to save Travel Bound’s index page to their Favorites folder or desktop, eliminating the need to sign on in the future. The booking process has been streamlined into fewer steps as well, and a “show/hide” function allows the booking to be expanded or condensed. The up-sell feature has also been revamped to make it easier to search for and book additional products, such as sightseeing tours and transfers.
Agents can visit the new site at www.booktravelbound.com.
Funjet Offers Fun In the Sun Savings
Funjet Vacations is offering up to $225 in savings on flight and hotel packages. Packages are available to Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, California and Nevada.
Savings are based on the following tiers: save $25 on vacation packages priced $750 to $2,000; save $75 on packages $2,001 to $3,000; $100 on packages of $3,001 to $4,000; $135 on packages of $4,001 to $5,000; $175 on packages $5,001 to $6,000; and save $225 on packages of $6,001 or more.
Bookings must be made between now and April 1 for travel through Oct. 31. Agents must use promo code FJTRAVEL when booking.
Agents can book Funjet Vacations through http://www.VAXVacationAccess.com or via Amadeus AgentNet and Sabre Vacations. For more about Funjet, visit www.FunjetAgentAdvantage.com.
South Africa Airways Sale
South African Airways is offering a sale on trips to South Africa.
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The package, called “South Africa on Sale” includes roundtrip, economy-class air on South African Airways from either New York JFK or Washington DC Dulles airports, domestic flights within South Africa, a meet and greet by a South African Airways Vacation representative upon arrival, four nights at the Commodore Hotel in Cape Town, two nights at either Kwa Maritane or Bakubung Bush Lodge in Pilanesberg National Park, private transfers between airports and hotels, six breakfasts, three dinners, a full-day Cape Peninsula tour, half-day Winelads tour, Table Mountain tour, game drives and more.
South Africa on Sale is priced at $1,899, plus $440 in fuel surcharges and taxes, and is only available on travel from March 22 to May 31 and Aug. 15 to Dec. 15.
For more information, visit www.flysaavacations.com.
Ritz Tours Offers 30% Savings
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Ritz Tours is offering 30% off for the first 30 passengers who book the 16-day Tibet Highland & Yangtze River Tour for July or August departures.
The discounted tour price translates into a savings of more than $1,000 per person. Departure dates eligible for the 30% savings include July 3, July 17, Aug. 7 and Aug. 28.
For detailed itinerary information, visit http://www.RitzTours.com.
Cruise
HAL Has 55 New Shore Excursions
Holland America Line is adding 55 new shore tours for its 2010 summer season. The new excursions range from an afternoon in the French city of Cognac, France, where guests can discover the secrets of making Cognac, to an exhilarating flightseeing Brown Bear and wildlife tour in Alaska.
Additionally, for the first time the line will pay calls to Anchorage, Alaska, where a new line-up of shore excursions has been arranged. Highlights include: fly-in fishing expeditions to remote Alaska backcountry; a sled dog rodeo; flightseeing safaris through the Chugach Mountain Range; A Prince William Sound Glacier cruise; and a visit to Wildberry Park and Anchorage Museum, among others.
In addition to Holland America’s new Alaska offerings, 17 new excursions have been added to the line’s Europe offerings. Featured tours include: a tour of the Roman catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar and National Museum of Alexandria; a tour of Budva and Kotor in Montenegro; historic Jewish Dublin tour; and a more.
IsramworldShore Excursion Program
Isramworld has launched Shore Excursions by Isramworld, a new division that offers private car shore excursions and pre-/post-cruise programs in 56 countries.
The excursions are designed to avoid crowds and focus on local culture, important historical sights and areas of special interest to clients, such as art, history, shopping or cuisine. They are available for both groups and individuals.To find out more call Isramworld at (800) 223-7460.
FAMS
Elite Island Resorts Offers “Gone FAMing”
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Elite Island Resorts is offering a new “Gone FAMing” program to travel agents, with all-inclusive rates starting at $89 per person, per night, double. The promotion is based on a two-night minimum stay, and agents may bring up to two children, who can share the same room for $39 per child all-inclusive at the company’s family friendly properties.
In addition to the low all-inclusive rates, a special $199 American Airlines roundtrip travel agent airfare is available as well. One companion may accompany travel agents at a reduced airfare of $249. Valid IATAN card is required.
While the Gone FAMing rates are available from May 1 to Dec. 20, the American Airlines special airfares are only available May 1 to June 30 and Sept. 1 to Nov. 15.
All-inclusive rates vary by property: St. James’s Club & Villas, Antigua, starting at $99; The Verandah Resort & Spa, Antigua, from $89; Palm Island, the Grenadines, from $119 or a suite at $149; and Galley Bay Resort & Spa, Antigua, rates start at $129 or $149 for premium beachfront.
Special European Plan rates are available at Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, starting from $49.
For more information visit http://www.eliteislandresorts.com/fams. To complete a FAM booking, a request form must be downloaded from the site and faxed to (954) 418-0888.
Deals
U.S.V.I., The Knot, Launch ‘It’s Your Day’ Wedding Promo
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has teamed up with The Knot to offer the “It’s Your Day” wedding promotion, which offers soon-to-be-married couples more than $1,000 worth of savings.
Through the “It’s Your Day” wedding promotion, brides and grooms of The Knot who book a minimum of 30 room nights (e.g. five rooms for six nights, ten rooms for three nights, etc.) for family and friends at participating hotels in St. Croix, St. John or St. Thomas will receive $1,000 worth of wedding day savings (in $100 increments; limited to one per booking), upon check-in at their hotel, redeemable at a variety of businesses in the U.S.V.I. including spas, salons, wedding planners, transportation, florists and more.
Travel agents should use booking code “BRD10” when booking the hotel stays for friends and family of the bride and groom.
The promotion is valid on bookings made now through April 20, for a wedding to take place July 1 to Oct. 31. Complete details can be at http://www.usvigetaway.com/brides.
Abu Dhabi Promotion
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Jumeirah Emirates Towers is partnering with Etihad Airways for the “Two for the Price of None” promotion, which runs through June 30.
Through the promotion, Diamond First Class or Pearl Business Class passengers traveling with Etihad to or via Abu Dhabi between now and June 30 will receive two nights free in a deluxe room at the hotel. Also, airport transfers will be provided by Etihad.
Agents must book the flight (no need to issue a ticket at this stage), and then visit http://www.etihadairways.com/bizbreak to register. After the registration is processed, agents will receive vouchers, at which time agents must contact Jumeirah Emirates Towers to make a booking and mention promo code EYJUMEIRAH. After confirmation of flight and hotel booking, agents must then issue the EY ticket and the chauffeur service. Guest must have EY Boarding Card, hotel voucher and hotel room confirmation (e-mail sent by travel agent) when they check in to hotel.
Qantas Queensland Deal Ends March 31
Qantas, Tourism Queensland, and Tourism Tropical North Queensland have teamed up to offer a special reduced fare from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef for $389 each way.
A bonus flight is also included in the airfare, permitting one stopover in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne at no extra charge.
The offer ends March 31 and is for travel from April 19 to June 8 and July 24 to Sept. 21.
Sandos Caracol Adds Free Eco Activities
The Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa, situated along the Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, is offering two complimentary eco activities to engage guests in ecological practices and techniques.
The free Snorkel Tour allows visitors to explore one of the region’s cenotes (underwater caves). On the tour, they can explore the resort’s largest on-property cenote and discover three caves below the surface that connect to other cenotes throughout the property. Guests can sign up for one of two complimentary snorkel tours held daily.
In addition to the snorkel tour, guests can also engage in a free Eco Tour where guides lead participants on an interwoven path to discover indigenous animals and exotic fauna on-site.
For more information, visit www.SandosHotels.com.
5 Puerto Rico Hiltons offer ‘Spring Escapes’
Five Hilton properties in Puerto Rico are offering the Spring Escapes Package for booking now through April 30, for travel starting April 12 to June 30.
Clients who book the Spring Escapes Package will receive the fourth night free, breakfast for two adults and two kids, a casino match bet coupon and 20% off spa treatments. Starting rates for each of the properties offering the Spring Escapes Package are as follows:
El Conquistador Resort, The Waldorf Astoria Collection -from $199 for stays from April 12 through April 30 and $149 for stays May 1 through June 30; El San Juan Hotel & Casino, The Waldorf Astoria Collection -from $212; Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza -from $189; Caribe Hilton, San Juan -from $231; Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort -from $144.
Airline News
US Airways Adds Charlotte/Cabos Route
The Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau announced new nonstop service to Los Cabos (SJD) from Charlotte (CLT) on US Airways. This new airlift from the carrier’s largest hub will be effective as of June 5.
US Airways’ new year-round flight service to Los Cabos will be available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, with travel times of CLT-SJD 9:55 a.m. to 12:46 p.m. and SJD-CLT 1:36 p.m. to 8:09 p.m. Bookings for the new route are open.
