Travel Impressions Expands South Pacific Portfolio, and other Leisure Travel News
Tour Operators
Travel Impressions Adds Australia, New Zealand and Fiji
Travel Impressions has expanded its portfolio in the South Pacific with the addition of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Agents can access an interactive, online flash version of the South Pacific brochure, which provides the ability to flip pages, zoon in and out, crop pages, e-mail and print pages or the entire brochure. Visit www.travimp.com/brochures/index.html. A pdf version of the brochure is also available at www.travimp.com/brochures/ti_south_pacific.pdf.
In Australia, the largest of the three new destinations, Travel Impressions offers more than 80 properties across the states and territories of the country. The company also offers several commissionable tours including the BridgeClimb Sydney, a three-day Uluru tour and many more.
Travel Impressions offers 24 properties throughout New Zealand in Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, and several other cities. Commissionable tours include Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour, Wilderness Safari, Jet Boat Safari, Picnic on a Peak, and Milford Sound and the Glaciers.
Finally, in the 320 islands that compose the Fiji Islands, Travel Impressions offers 17 properties, ranging in accommodation styles, from five-star resorts to secluded, traditional wood and straw “bures,” to thatched cottages on private beaches and everything in between.
Travel agents can view Travel Impressions complete portfolio of South Pacific products via www.travimp.com/destinations/south_pacific.html.
All bookings for the three new destinations must be made via Travel Impressions’ reservations department at (800) 284-0044.A bonus commission of 1% on all new bookings made via the phone reservations department will be given to agents.
In other Travel Impressions news, the company wants vacationers to score big in Las Vegas with two-night, air-inclusive packages from $435 per person, double occupancy, and hotel-only packages starting at $55 per person, double occupancy, on new reservations for travel between July 5 and July 31. Travel agents earn an extra 1% commission when booking travel packages online with Quest for Agents via www.TravelImpressions.com.
For example, two-night, air-inclusive packages with airfare from New York (JFK), including hotel accommodations, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel tax and service charges, start at $435 at Planet Hollywood Towers; $479 at the Wynn Las Vegas; and $495 at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.
Hotel-only Las Vegas packages include hotel accommodations for two nights, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers (for select properties), hotel tax and service charges. Visit the Web site for prices of per-person two-night hotel packages throughout Las Vegas.
For more information, call Travel Impressions at (800) 284-0044 or visit www.TravelImpressions.com.
Ya’lla Cuts Prices on Greece Porgrams
Announcing 6% to 10% price cuts for Ya’lla Tours USA’s programs to Greece, Ya’lla president Ronen Paldi told Travel market Report that the price change reflects the weaker euro and was not in response to a decline in traffic due to the riots in Athens.
Ya’lla’s price reduction affects most of its travel packages to Greece and certain published hotel prices. The reduction is in addition to its recent announcement that Ya’lla would absorb the cost of a fuel surcharge added by Louis Cruise Lines, which the tour operator uses for its Greece programs.
The cost reduction will be on all but two of the Greek tour packages that Ya’lla offers. The reduction will also affect published hotel rates in Athens, Crete, Mykonos and Santorini. Only the Clipper Apollo and Clipper Selene tour packages, both of which include a special Cyclades clipper ship cruise, are not affected. For more information, contact Ya’lla Tours at (800) 644-1595 and visit www.yallatours.com.
Cruise News
Royal Caribbean Adds European Land Excursions
Royal Caribbean International is adding new shore excursion opportunities to its 55 ports in 22 countries in an effort to “empower guests to create European cruise vacations,” it says. The excursions are especially designed to meet passenger’s individual styles, needs and preferences, such as those who like to make private tour arrangements or exclusive family-friendly tour options, or those who require accessible travel.
The cruise line will be expanding its existing shore excursion services by nearly doubling the number of “Easy” tours, for a total of 33 catering to passengers who have difficulty walking or standing or use wheel chairs. Accessible sightseeing is available throughout 57 itineraries now available, which will be upped to 109 itineraries when 11 Royal Caribbean ships are deployed in Europe in 2011.
Added to its regular shore excursions, for example, Royal Caribbean is introducing customizable half- or full-day private shore excursions in private vehicles on their own for flexible passengers or with an English-speaking guide to provide tour commentary and local insight. Passengers can enjoy the private tours in 13 ports-of-call throughout Egypt, Finland, Greece, Israel, Italy, Sweden and Turkey, in addition to previously introduced private tours offered in Russia.
For travelers who do not want to be limited by a schedule, Royal Caribbean excursion specialists will create customized arrangements, or simply provide a private vehicle for an existing tour. Both private and custom arrangements accommodate up to 10 people and can be initiated online.
Also, new half-day excursions have been added to accommodate multigenerational travelers; examples include gastronomic experiences such as “Pizza Making for Families” in Sorrento, Italy, featuring a city tour followed by a pizza making class and lunch; and “Sea Kayaking” in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where guests can explore the outdoors and admire the historical city walls from sea level.
Royal Caribbean is pre-purchasing Chorus Pass tickets from the Venetian Chorus Association, a non-profit entity tasked with safeguarding, conserving and restoring the architectural and artistic heritage of churches in the city of Venice, to invest in maintaining the cultural heritage represented in more than 1,000 pieces of art. Guests onboard Brilliance of the Seas will receive a complimentary Chorus Pass ticket ($13 value), providing access to 16 of most important churches in Venice, with the purchase of each Shuttle Bus Pass.
Additional Summer 2011 Cruises. Royal Caribbean International has announced 47 additional Europe cruises in 2011/12 aboard Splendour of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas, totaling 27 itineraries with calls at 30 ports in 12 countries.
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Splendour of the Seas, sailing roundtrip from Venice, will provide a new series of 10- and 11-night Greek Isles and Turkey itineraries. Mariner of the Seas will homeport in Rome (Civitavecchia) and offer a variety of Western Mediterranean, Egypt and Holy Land itineraries from six to 13 nights.
Cruise/tour additions. To enhance a voyage, vacationers can add a Royal Caribbean Europe cruise/tour land package. Vacationers can opt for an Italian Lakes and Venice cruise/tour, which combines a sailing aboard Splendour of the Seas with a three-night itinerary that explores Italy’s Stresa, situated along the west shore of the spectacular Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy. The cruise/tour includes an excursion to chic Lake Como for a private boat tour, a walking tour of Piazza San Marco and the grand, gothic Doge’s Palace, and an overnight in Venice. Vacationers also can choose the Venice, Florence and Rome cruise/tour, which combine a sailing aboard Mariner of the Seas with a five-night land tour including the three cities. Bookings for these 2011 Europe cruises and cruise/tours are now open.
Shore Excursions. Mariner of the Seas’ Holy Land shore excursion options include “Grand Overland,” which visits some of the most sacred sites in Israel, including Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Wailing Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, with an overnight stay in Jerusalem. “Grand Egypt Tour” includes Cairo, home to the Pyramids and Sphinx, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. In Turkey, the “Best of Ephesus” highlights the largest collection of Roman ruins in the Eastern Mediterranean. Splendour of the Seas’ guests can sample local wines while taking in the quaint village of Oia on “Village of Oia and Santorini Island,” or spend the day at Dassia Chandris Hotel in Corfu, Greece, on the “Dassia Beach Hotel Package.”
Itineraries. In Venice, Splendour of the Seas will join Voyager of the Seas from April through November 2011. Vacationers can choose from alternating 10-night Greek Isles and 11-night Greek Isles and Turkey itineraries, the latter featuring an overnight in Venice at the start of the cruise. Splendour of the Seas will kick off the season with an eight-night Western Europe itinerary from Lisbon to Venice, departing on April 14. A seven-night Mediterranean cruise from Venice to Barcelona, departing November 18, will conclude Splendour of the Seas’ Europe season, followed by a 15-night trans-Atlantic voyage to Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil.
From Rome (Civitavecchia), Mariner of the Seas will alternate 11- to 13-night Mediterranean Egypt and Mediterranean Holy Land itineraries, calling at several Greek and Italian ports. The Egypt cruises feature two full-day calls at Alexandria; and the Holy Land cruises offers a full-day call each at both Ashdod and Haifa, Israel. Mariner of the Seas additionally will offer six consecutive sailings of a seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary, beginning July 22, followed by a one-time six-night Western Mediterranean cruise departing September 2.
In addition to Voyager of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas will be joined by Liberty of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas, which will sail their maiden Europe seasons from Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, respectively. Independence of the Seas will continue its year-round service from Southampton, U.K. and, with Liberty of the Seas, make two Freedom-class ships to sail European waters as the region’s largest cruise ships. Navigator of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas will sail a variety of Mediterranean itineraries, while Jewel of the Seas and Vision of the Seas will ply the Baltic and North seas.
Mariner of the Seas’ Spring 2011 in Brazil. In Royal Caribbean International news elsewhere, a short Brazil season for Mariner of the Seas, beginning February 15, 2011, has been announced. Highlights include four roundtrip sailings from Sao Paulo (Santos) on the six-night March 5, 2011, voyage coinciding with Brazil’s Carnaval celebrations, featuring a call at Rio De Janeiro and an overnight at Salvador De Bahia. A two-night roundtrip getaway departs March 11 and calls at Rio de Janeiro. Mariner of the Seas will then depart for Rome on March 13 for a 14-night trans-Atlantic itinerary via the Canary Islands.
Travel professionals should visit www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.
Hotel & Resort Deals
Palace Resorts in Mexico and Dominican Republic Offers Clients ‘Vacation Dollars’
Pleasant Holidays has launched “1500 Vacation Dollars for Your Indulgences” on all Palace Resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The dollars may be used toward wedding collections, sightseeing tours, golf, spa/beauty salon, premium wines, romantic dinners, room upgrades and more. The offer is valid for stays of five nights or more per room per stay. For stays of three to four nights, guests receive “750 Vacation Dollars” per room per stay. The promotion also applies to groups up to 24 rooms.
Vacations must be booked by November 30 for travel from June 1, 2010, to December 23, 2011.
Pleasant Holidays features all Palace Resorts in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit and Cozumel in Mexico and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Activities available vary by property.
Visit www.PleasantAgent.com or call (800) 448-3333.
Holiday Inn’s Kicks Off ‘Honeymoon on Us’ and Wedding Registry Contest
Holiday Inn is in the final stages of a global brand relaunch that amounts to a $1 billion investment across more than 3,300 hotels worldwide. To celebrate the kick-off, the chain is giving away wedding gifts worth hundreds of thousands of Priority Club® points through “The Holiday Inn Twedding Gift Giveaway.” (The T refers toTwitter, the vehicle for the promotion.) And Holiday Inn is launching its “Honeymoon on Us” promotion, where couples can receive up to $750 toward their honeymoon when they book their wedding reception at any Holiday Inn hotel across the United States by Dec. 30. The expansion of “Honeymoon on Us” to Holiday Inn hotels is patterned after similar successful campaigns run by its sister upscale hotel brands, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts.
To enter The Holiday Inn Twedding Gift Giveaway, visit http://bit.ly/wedHI. Participants must be members of Holiday Inn’s loyalty program, Priority Club Rewards. Enrollment in free and guests benefit from flexible features such as no points expiration, no blackout dates on reward nights and redemption options. For more details, read full terms and conditions at www.holidayinn.com/wedding.
Sandos Hotels & Resorts in Mexico for Romance with Complimentary Wedding Package and More
Wedding bells, for free, or a simple romantic getaway are on offer at the two resort Sandos Hotels & Resorts complexes in Mexico along the scenic Riviera Maya. Couples who reserve accommodations at Sandos Hotels & Resorts can receive a free wedding package by reserving as few as five rooms. For full details, visit www.KTCpr.com/hosted/SandosPackages.zip.
For romantic getaways, a free “Romantic Package” is offered to couples who reserve an upgraded room category. The package includes a private, romantic toast in the guest room, dinner for two in a specialty restaurant with VIP service and a special menu (requires reservation at Concierge desk), aromatherapy gift set, 15% discount on all treatments in the spa facility, 10% discount on motorized sports, and a framed photo of the couple. Note that the “Romantic Package” must be added to the reservation when booking.
Adults-Only Features. Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa provides a special section of adults-only accommodations comprised of Select Club Ocean View suites. Suites are equipped with a king-size bed, marble bathroom with shower, air-conditioning and ceiling fan, plasma TV, and balcony with a view of Cozumel. Select Club suites enjoy added VIP services and amenities. The resort has transformed its elegant Le Gourmet specialty restaurant into an adults-only dining facility specializing in French cuisine. Reservations are required.
Romantic Row. Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa offers an intimate Romantic Trip for couples to explore one of the 16 natural “cenotes” on the property aboard a canoe with a personal captain. The excursion glides through natural waterways surrounded by mangroves and lush fauna and is free to guests as part of an all-inclusive Sandos Hotels & Resorts vacation; reservations must be made in advance at the hotel’s front desk. The 65-acre resort offers Select Club accommodations at the Sandos Select Club Beach Resort & Spa, within the resort, and includes Sandos Select Club Standard, Select Club Deluxe and Select Club Junior Suites.
Call (866) 336-4083, (866) 941-0851 in Canada, or visit www.Sandos.com.
Destination News
Revamped Acapulco Academy Launches E-Learning, Incentives for Agents
The Acapulco Marketing Destination Office has re-introduced a new virtual training program for travel agents and other travel professionals. Originally launched in 2007 through a partnership with Destination Ventures, the Acapulco Academy was recently revamped, it says, to better fit the needs of today’s travel professionals while continuing to offer up-to-date destination information.
The free, interactive Flash-based learning tool is composed of two on-demand sections: a Study Course and a 2010 Study Guide. Both tools are designed to highlight Acapulco’s finest selling points, with a focus on new luxury resort properties, updated visitor facilities, and more. Graduates of the Acapulco Academy secure continuing education credits from the Travel Institute toward a learning professional designation as a “Certified Travel Counselor.”
As an added incentive, graduates will receive an invitation to participate in a Fall 2010 FAM trip ($99 enrollment fee), consumer leads via the www.visiteacapulco.com Web site, a color diploma, and other recognition materials.
Visit www.aca-academy.com; for information on Acapulco, visit www.visiteacapulco.com.
Saint Lucia’s ‘Go Bananas’ Summer Family Packages Feature Kid-Friendly Activities
The Saint Lucia Tourist Board, in partnership with the island’s family-friendly resorts, has launched the “Go Bananas Summer Family Program,” named after the island’s major export crop, for families traveling from June 1 to September 30. Packages include complimentary stays and meals for children under 17.
Features for children include a “mixology session” and two-hour session at a local sight to learn more about the Legends of Saint Lucia. Also in the package is an island discount card and coupon book and a free excursion from a choice that includes whale and dolphin watching, a day cruise, a sky-ride, or horseback riding; complimentary room upgrade where available; babysitting for one evening; and souvenir.
Participating hotels Almond Resorts, Bay Gardens Resorts, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, Coco Resorts, Cotton Bay Village, The Marigot Bay Hotel, The Village Inn & Spa, Villa Beach Cottages and the Windjammer Landing Village Beach Resort. Attractions participating include ATV Adventure Tours, Captain Mike’s (Whale & Dolphin Watching), the Desmond Skeete Animation Centre, Eastern Caribbean Diving, Heritage Tours of Saint Lucia, International Pony Club (Horseback Riding), Pigeon Island National Landmark, Rain Forest Adventures (sky riding and tram ride).
For details, visit www.StLuciaNow.com.
New Orleans Promotes Summer Fun
“N’awlins” activities, festivals and events await summer visitors. The New Orleans Marriott, in the French Quarter, is offering a “Explore Summer in the Big Easy” package starting at $184 per night. Included are deluxe accommodations, daily breakfast for two at 5 Fifty 5, and two two-day Power Passes (valued at $178) providing complimentary admission to 30 of New Orleans’ most popular attractions, (where prices can reach over $40 per person). Valid through Sept. 26, 2010, travelers can use their Power Passes to experience, for example:
• Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World for a behind-the-scenes look at Mardi Gras in the making
• Audubon Insectarium, the largest free-standing insect museum in the United States
• National World War II Museum, newly expanded museum featuring the Solomon Victory Theater showing the “Beyond All Boundaries” film
• The Presbytere, a state museum home to a Mardi Gras exhibit
• French Quarter and Garden District walking tours in unique neighborhoods
• Cooking classes to learn the art of Cajun and Creole cuisine
New Orleans summer highlights include Satchmo Summer Fest, the Essence Music Festival and Southern Decadence, affectionately known as Gay Mardi Gras.
For details, call (800) 228-9290 or visit www.neworleansmarriott.com using rate code CUE.
Rail and Airline News
Rail Europe Summer Promotions Include ‘Buy 2, Get 3’
Rail Europe Inc.’s has debuted a promotion called “Buy 2, Get 3” where clients can buy a Eurail Select Pass Saver for two and take a third person for free. The promotion applies to residents of the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Central America. (Starting May 20, the company began offering 1,000 free Pass Savers on its Web site, with travel valid within six months from the date of purchase; check for availability.)
The “Buy 2, Get 3 Eurail Promotion” is a limited-time offer to passengers planning to travel together to explore up to three bordering European countries for five days over a two-month period. Travel dates may be consecutive or not and are based on each group’s preferences. The promotion also allows groups of up to five people traveling together to take advantage of the free pass offer. The fare is $385 per adult and allows for rail connections to numerous countries, including France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Germany and others. Note that selected countries must share a border or have a direct shipping line.
Visit www.agent.raileurope.com.
Continental Intros Houston/Auckland Service
Continental Airlines has announced it will begin nonstop Houston to Auckland, New Zealand service on Nov. 16, 2011. According to the airline it will be one of just three airlines flying nonstop between North American and New Zealand. The company plans to operate the route on a daily basis, with five-times weekly service during certain periods in the first year of operation.
Continental will begin taking reservations and selling tickets on the new route later this year.
