Sandals Expands Fam Dates, GOGO Goes Voucherless & Other Leisure Travel News

FAM Trip:

Sandal’s Fam Gateways Expand; New Orleans, Dallas and Houston Added

With half of the Sandal’s popular “Mega Fams” sold out thus far, Sandals Resorts International has expanded gateways, adding Dallas, Houston and New Orleans (already sold out) so more agents can experience the Luxury Included® resorts firsthand from September through November. Additional flights out of Baltimore, Newark and Chicago have also been scheduled due to the response. As TMR reported last week, travel agents will have the opportunity to earn their Certified Sandals Specialist (CSS) certification while on the three-day, two-night Fam trip, giving them an opportunity to learn about latest Sandal’s developments, including Sandals Weddings by Martha StewartTM—the resort company’s new partnership with Martha Stewart. For air availability and the three Mega Fams choices, contact your local Business Development Manager or visit Sandals Resorts online travel agent portal at www.sandals.com/tas.

Tours:

GOGO Goes Voucherless
 
Clients no longer needing to present vouchers at check-in (except or Orlando and Disney bookings). GOGO’s partners are no longer accepting vouchers at check-in. Instead, they are requiring only a photo ID. E-itineraries and confirmations will be received as usual. For more information, contact your local branch, or call (888) 567-0600 for the branch nearest you. PLEASE NOTE: Vouchers will still be sent and need to be presented at check-in for all Orlando/Anaheim and Disney bookings.

Globus Offers Agents 2011 Europe at 2010 Prices

The Globus family reports Europe sales are up 60% this year over last and says its prices have become “extremely affordable.” Globus says it has “witnessed the lowest prices in Europe in recent history.” Now, both Globus and Cosmos are offering agents the chance to early-book 2011 Europe vacations at 2010 prices on most of their tours. “This summer and fall, we’re urging agents to help their clients book Europe early, not only to secure the best land and air prices but also to ensure their client’s secure preferred European itineraries and departure dates for 2011,” said Jennifer Halboth, director of marketing for the Globus family of brands. More early-booking incentives:  When booking a group of 10 in Europe in 2011 before August 31, one travels free (up to 40 passengers), PLUS agents can get a $500 bonus. For details, visit www.globusfamilypartner.com.

Cox & Kings Extends Hours of Operation

To better service travel agents and industry professionals in the West Coast market, Cox & Kings has extended hours of operation from 9 am to 7:30 pm EST/6:00 am to 4:30 pm PST at the Cox & Kings USA headquarters. Thomas Stanley, centre head and COO of Cox & Kings USA, added, “As we expand our travel offerings, we are simultaneously creating tools to assist agents in selling the product in a more interactive, hands-on manner.” Call (800) 999-1758 or visit www.coxandkingsusa.com.

What’s New for 2011 Walt Disney World Co. Packages?

Travel agents can now book 2011 vacation packages for travel from Jan. 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2011, that feature lots of enhancements to the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort through the Walt Disney Travel Company. In Orlando, Walt Disney Travel Company’s Magic Your Way packages feature extras that explore Disney beyond the theme parks. New and enhanced benefits include discounts to an array of activities for the whole family. At Disneyland, clients may receive one “welcome” call per package from a Disney Character when the travel agent books a package online. Also, every Walt Disney Travel Company vacation package includes the chance to interact with some classic Disney Characters in Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness an hour before its opening to the public. For a full list of all the package extras and discount possibilities, and the new onsite attractions, visit www.disneytravelagents.com, or call (800) 327-2996 or (800) 854-3104.

Trafalgar Offers Deals on Australia & New Zealand Vacations

To celebrate the launch of their new brochure, Trafalgar is offering $600 per couple off on air-inclusive vacations or clients can save $300 per couple on land vacations. And, both offers are combinable with Trafalgar’s Early Payment Discount. This offer ends September 30. Some exciting features of the two new itineraries: “Australia & New Zealand Panorama” includes a luncheon cruise and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, a Traditional Maori Hangi dinner, a tour of the glow worm grotto, and a special Trafalgar Hidden Treasure. The 15-day land-only prices begin at $3,525 per person, double; and  “Treasures of Australia & New Zealand” includes the above plus a TransAlpine trip through the impressive “Southern Alps,” a cruise on Milford Sound, a tour of Kangaroo Island, a visit to see the sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kakadu National Park, and more. The 29-day land-only prices begin at $6,999 per person, double. For details and restrictions, call (866) 544-4434 or visit www.trafalgartours.com. Brochures can be ordered online at www.trafalgartours.com.

Two New Pleasant Holidays Appointees in Southern CAL

Pleasant Holidays has announced the appointment of two new business development mangers to serve Southern California travel agents. Megan Gillespie joins the company to support the greater Los Angeles market; Samantha Gorin, who previously excelled with Pleasant Holidays’ Air By Pleasant brand, will be responsible for business development in the Greater San Diego area. Both have extensive experience in the travel industry and exceptional customer service skills, the company reports. Both new appointees will work directly with travel agents to develop sales and marketing strategies to grow their business in all Hawaii World, Distinguished Resorts and Pleasant Holidays destinations: Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, Costa Rica, Tahiti/Fiji/Cook Islands and continental United States, as well as Norwegian Cruise Line and Paul Gauguin cruises. Agents may contact them via e-mail at sales@pleasant.net or call (800) 442-3234.

Cruises:

HAL Introduces New Entertainment Approach

With the recent launch of the 2,106-guest ms Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America Line is showcasing its new approach to shipboard entertainment, which opts to bring more intimacy to evening shows. “With this new approach, we’ve focused on getting topnotch performers, and you’ll see more faces from Broadway, ‘American Idol’ and other well-known performance outlets gracing our stage,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. Holland America Line’s creative team, the cruise line says, has earned more Tony, Emmy, Grammy and Oscar nominations than any other in the cruise industry. Also among the new entertainment menu: the singing group Cantaré, a quartet of male performers with a pop music repertoire covering several eras; several production shows, including “N.Y.C.,” a musical tour of the Big Apple; “Ladies Night,” a fun and fabulous all-female revue; “Live from the Avalon Ballroom,” an extravaganza of ballroom dance and music; “Garage Band,” a ’60s and ’70s musical set in an auto service center, and “It Takes Two,” a revue of famous duets and duos (following the shows’ debut aboard Nieuw Amsterdam they will expand by the end of 2010 across the fleet, where many entertainment venues have been enhanced). (877) SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Princess Cruises Announces Exotic Details of ’11-’12 India & Africa Season

Princess Cruises’ 2011-12 cruise season will give passengers a selection of exotic voyages. (Four extended cruises provide the opportunity to visit 38 intriguing ports.) Voyages including Africa or India offer the opportunity for a multi-continent adventure, featuring ports in Europe and Asia as well. Ranging from 28 to 46 days, these extensive sailings feature either the intimate ambiance of Ocean Princess or the Aussie-style cruising of Sun Princess, which sails roundtrip from Perth. India highlights include cosmopolitan Mumbai as a gateway for travel to the Taj Mahal; the coconut palm-lined beaches in Cochin; and the quaint village of Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another exotic cruise scheduled is a sailing along the coast of West Africa, taking in the Namibian ports of Lüderitz and Walvis Bay, boasting historic German imperial style buildings and a bird-lover’s paradise with thousands of flamingos, penguins, and ostriches; mysterious voodoo presentations and grand markets pepper Lomé, Togo; and known for its “teranga” (hospitality), Dakar, Senegal, features natural wonders such as Lake Retba, named for its rose-pink-colored waters. For the many additional exotic cruising possibilities, contact (800) PRINCESS or visit www.princess.com.

Hotels & Resorts:
 
Turks & Caicos Seven Stars Resort Offers Up to $200 Credit

Seven Stars Resort, located on Grace Bay in the Turks & Caicos islands, is offering up to a $200 resort credit applied to the property’s already low rates on stays now through December 15. For example, clients who book a Resort View Junior Suite for $250 a night for three nights receive a $150 resort credit towards food, beverage or spa service, while those booking four nights or more receive a $200 resort credit. The room rate and resort credit offer does not include government tax and service charges. The rate and resort credit offers are subject to availability, and black-out dates apply. Agents call (866) 570-7777 or e-mail reservations@sevenstarsgracebay.com and mention “Past Guest Special Offer.” (NOTE: You do not need to be a past guest to book.) Visit www.SevenStarsGraceBay.com.

Grenada’s Spice Island Beach Resort Reintroduces MAP at Half-Board Rates

Recognizing the trend toward flexible dining options, the five-star Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection and the Virtuoso network’s Hotels & Resorts Program, has re-introduced a half-board Modified American Plan (MAP) including breakfast and dinner for guests. The plan allows guests to explore the island’s diverse culinary cultures and still maintain an all-inclusive option for Spice guests who prefer the security and comfort of a pre-paid vacation and dine only at the resort’s dining options. The new half-board rates start at $618 per room per night in an Oleander Garden Suite through Dec. 15. Call (473) 444-4258, fax (473) 444-4807, e-mail spiceisl@spiceisle.com, or visit www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com (where a virtual tour of property can be viewed).

40 Bahamas Resorts Participate in Free Companion Airfare Promo

The Islands of The Bahamas has brought back its most popular promotion: Bookings by Sept. 15, receive free companion airfare or an instant air credit up to $300 for stays of three or more nights. Clients can choose from more than 40 participating Bahamas properties throughout Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island, The Abacos, Cat Island, Harbour Island and The Exumas, to name a few. The offer is valid for travel through Dec. 22 (some blackout dates apply). Among the many resorts: on Paradise Island, the Marley Resort & Spa, themed to the reggae legend; on Andros, the Small Hope Bay Lodge, a boutique all-inclusive offering eco-tours and underwater activities in one of the most unexplored barrier reefs in the world; or in The Exumas, the new all-butler Sandals Emerald Bay, with its 18-hole golf course.
For a full list, visit www.Bahamas.com or call (800) BAHAMAS.
 
Four Hotels in Peru Join Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.

Orient-Express’ Peru collection of four hotels has joined The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. Located in Colca Canyon in Arequipa, Las Casitas del Colca (www.lascasitasdelcolca.com) offers a majestic landscape that surrounds one of the deepest canyons in the world. As a rare jewel of Cusquenian architecture, the Hotel Monasterio (www.monasteriohotel.com) embraces centuries of culture and Peruvian hospitality. Known for its exclusive proximity to the Inca ruins, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (http://machupicchu.orient-express.com) welcomes all to indulge in one of the world’s fascinating mysteries. Considered one of Lima’s finest hotels, Miraflores Park Hotel (www.miraflorespark.com) is situated on the edge of the beautiful Pacific Ocean and caters to both business and leisure travelers.

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts Customizes India

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts offers the opportunity to journey through India with customized itineraries and stays at some of the best hotels in the world. Available October 1, 2010, to April 15, 2011, the “Oberoi Exotic Vacations” package provides value and savings, allowing guests to enjoy an eight-night stay for $5,090, a 10-night stay for $6,190 and a 12-night stay for $7,250. The experiences also include spa discounts, 50% off a second room for children and daily yoga sessions. For details and bookings, please call +91-11-2389 0606, toll-free from the U.S. (800) 562-3764 or visit www.oberoihotels.com.