A&K Africa Rebuild, TTC Hosts First Alberta Event, & More: Tour Operator News Roundup

Happenings in the world of tour this week, with news from A&K, CIE Tours, G Adventures, Sunwing, and TTC Tour Brands. For more recent tour news from across the industry, see TMR’s Packaged Travel page.

Abercrombie & Kent Announces Africa Rebuild

Sanctuary Retreats, part of the A&K Travel Group family, is celebrating 25 years with two ambitious rebuild projects.

A&K has announced extensive renovations for two of Sanctuary Retreats’ flagship African properties: Gorilla Forest Lodge (previously Gorilla Forest Camp) in Uganda and Baines’ Lodge in Botswana. Both luxury safari camps are undergoing “a complete transformation,” A&K said in a release. The camps will reopen in mid-2025.

“These ambitious projects, the first in a series of exciting developments for the brand, underscore Abercrombie & Kent’s commitment to delivering authentic experiences, exceptional service, and unwavering conservation efforts,” said the statement.

CIE Tours reveals upcoming Black Friday deals

CIE Tours, a tour operator specializing in Ireland and Britain vacations, has announced four weeks of Black Friday deals. From Nov. 11 until Dec. 7, 2024, travelers can save up to 15% off all destinations, for a savings up to $1,750 per couple. There are no black-out dates, and the promotion applies to all available 2025 departures.

The initial sale window runs from Nov. 11 until Nov. 24, 2024. A new set of tours will be added to the promotion from Nov. 25 until Dec. 7, 2024. Featured tours include the seven-day Scottish & Irish Sampler, which explores the highlights of both countries, and the seven-day Evergreen Ireland North, a winter tour showcasing the island’s Northern region.

G Adventures launches annual cyber sale

G Adventures’ 2024 Cyber Sale is now on. Effective Oct. 31 until Dec. 3, 2024, travelers can save up to 30% on more than 400 trips departing by April 30, 2025, or 10% on a selection of trips departing between May 1 and Aug. 31, 2025.

This year’s promotion applies to more travel options than in previous years, and includes the recently announced Solo-ish Adventures package categories. Featured tour packages that are 30% off include the nine-day Costa Rica Quest, a classic small-group tour, and Thailand: Night Markets & Blue Waters, a 15-day trek for active 18- to 39-year-olds.

Sunwing and GlobalMedic partner on disaster relief initiative

Sunwing Vacation Group and Sunwing Airlines joined registered charity GlobalMedic to pack emergency kits to assist communities in Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Beryl. The volunteers wrapped 990 filters and 240 full family emergency kits, which will be transported to Montego Bay via Sunwing Airlines.

“GlobalMedic is thrilled to once again be partnering with Sunwing to get critical aid to families impacted by disaster,” adds Jamie Cross, senior emergency programs manager at GlobalMedic. “Volunteers are at the core of everything we do at GlobalMedic and the team that Sunwing mobilized to help pack Family Emergency Kits was amazing. Their efforts in packing will ensure more families have access to basic resources like clean drinking water, and their support in moving the kits from Toronto into hurricane-affected areas means we can get the right aid, to the right people, at the right time.”

TTC Tour Brands holds inaugural “Advisor Alliance”

TTC Tour Brands held its inaugural “Advisor Alliance” event in Alberta last week, in partnership with Travel Alberta.

TTC Tour Brands representatives and 20 advisors attended the invite-only business summit. Advisors were given the opportunity to provide feedback to the tour operator, while exploring local sights in Calgary, Banff National Park, and more.

“Travel advisors play a pivotal role in our success, and it’s essential that we continue to provide avenues for them to share their feedback and ideas, enabling us to better support their business,” said Melissa DaSilva, interim CEO of TTC Tour Brands.

“At our inaugural summit this past week, advisors shared invaluable insights into our processes and a deeper understanding of the trends advisors have identified across the industry. Partnering with Travel Alberta not only enhanced the experience for advisors and team but also gave us a glimpse into the types of exceptional experiences we’re all striving to deliver for our guests. We are grateful for Travel Alberta’s support and look forward to expanding our collaboration in the future.”