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Challenging times: GLOBUS CALLS FOR CALM IN WAKE OF

CORONAVIRUS’ Stéphanie Bishop and Chris Jones of the Globus family of brands gave an update on Globus brands and their response to coronavirus. The event was held at Toronto’s Hockey Hall of Fame, where SPREAD Bishop and Jones posed with the Residence Stanley Cup.

ian stalker “We’ve been through many chal- are already booked for future travel were lenging times (that put a damper on looking for reassurance about whether to The Canadian managing director international travel)...,” she said, citing travel, while 27% reported clients wanted for the Globus family of brands the likes of the Gulf War, Sept. 11 attacks to cancel, and about 17% reported is calling on those in the travel and SARS. clients wanted to postpone their travel “Let calm prevail.” or change the date or destination. Asia industry to remain calm as the cor- Bishop’s plea comes as ACTA released cruises and Asia river cruises topped onavirus continues to cut an often a members survey that showed agents the list of what people were wanting to chaotic swathe through much of in this country report many jittery trav- cancel or change, followed by Caribbean the international travel scene. ellers wonder if they should stay home cruises, with Europe bookings close because of coronavirus. behind. There were a large number of Stéphanie Bishop told a Toronto “The results show that consumers requests to change or cancel Caribbean gathering last week that “we can’t take are concerned not just about Asia but and Mexico trips as well. Smaller num- anything lightly” but noted the travel in particular about cruising and about bers of requests to cancel or change US industry has had to contend with many travel in general,” ACTA reported. 56% destinations were also reported. 87% said crises in the past few decades. of surveyed agents reported clients that continued on page 6

TRAVEL ® BAXTERMEDIA COURIER BaxterMedia$" #axter.edia$" CdnTravelPress Baxter.FEJB$" travelcourier.ca Edith Baxter, Editor-in-Chief [email protected] Earl Lince, Director of International Marketing [email protected] Subscriptions: $60 – David McClung, President [email protected] Rodney Tugwell, Sales Manager [email protected] 1 year (Canada), plus Wendy McClung, Executive VP, Operations [email protected] Mitchell McClung, Account Executive [email protected] applicable taxes. Robert Mowat, Executive Editor [email protected] Daniel McDonald, Classiﬁ eds [email protected] $110 US – 1 year Mike Dunbar, Quebec Editor [email protected] Greg Ohman, Western Canada [email protected] (Foreign). Single price $2. per copy, Ted Davis, Western Editor [email protected] Dino Torres, Southern Florida [email protected] plus applicable taxes. Greg Coates, Assistant Editor [email protected] Laurie Doerschlen, Hawaii [email protected] HST #R120906425. Ann Ruppenstein, Assistant Editor [email protected] Paloma Martínez, Mexico [email protected] Canadian Publications Ian Stalker, Senior Writer [email protected] HEAD OFFICE Mail Sales Agreement Emily McClung, Audience/Product Development Manager [email protected] 310 Dupont St., Toronto, Ont., M5R 1V9 No. 40063078. Ashley Rochefort, Marketing/Special Projects Manager [email protected] Tel: (416) 968-7252 Fax: (416) 968-2377 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Dee Ristic, Subscription Inquiries [email protected] Editorial [email protected] Circulation Dept., Advertising [email protected] Wayne Labourn, Production Manager [email protected] 310 Dupont St., Toronto, We acknowledge the support of ON, M5R 1V9 Sharron Taylor, Advertising Material Coordinator [email protected] Founder: W.H. Baxter 1919–2004 the Government of Canada email: [email protected] ISSN 1182-9699. Vol. 55, No. 8 ©2020. PRINTED IN CANADA

4 travelcourier.ca | march 5, 2020

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continued from page 4 China through April, after which they will be reassessed. Asian cruises are slower than normal and 85% said the same Bishop said her company is continually monitoring the holds true of Asian river cruises. 58% of agents reported situation and safety of its passengers remains paramount. Europe cruise sales have slowed and 47% said that’s also true Among countries now having to grapple with coronavirus of Caribbean future cruise sales. On the flip side, over 50% is Italy, one of Globus’ top-selling destinations. said that future bookings were normal for the Caribbean, Bishop said her company isn’t seeing a “huge amount of Mexico, the US, Central and South America, and non-cruise cancellations” but recognizes that new bookings might slow Europe holidays. because of coronavirus. The sur vey had 401 respondents from across Canada. But Chris Jones, the Globus Family of Brands’ director Coronavirus’ rapid spread from China to many other parts of marketing, said those wary about visiting a country that of the world has led to airlines cancelling some routes, some has the virus can opt for a part of the world that hasn’t seen cruise passengers being quarantined on idled ships in Asia, it surface, such as Central America, which is seeing “some while another cruise ship was denied docking rights in some really good traction.” Caribbean ports over concerns that passengers may have had Globus “sells the world,” Jones noted. the virus, the long-running ITB travel show in Berlin being Meanwhile, Intrepid Travel spokeswoman Nicole Powell cancelled and some governments restricting travel, with the said that coronavirus has put a dent in the company’s Asia World Health Organization stating the latter move will do bookings and “as the crisis continues it will continue to little to stop the spread of the virus. affect sales.” Bishop said the travel industry tends to quickly feel the Intrepid has suspended its China program through March, impact when international crises surface but also tends to after which it will be reassessed. rebound faster than most industries,. However, Powell said Intrepid is seeing more South America The Globus brands have suspended their programs to and Europe bookings. tc Hanging at the YYZ Hangar WestJet recognizes top travel partners With the newest member of the WestJet Taking home the hardware for Top Finally, Top Premium Air Sales, fleet – a 787 Dreamliner – as the back- Revenue Growth, WestJet Airlines WestJet Airlines 2019 were awarded to: drop, the airline recently celebrated its 2019, were: Platinum partner: BCD Platinum partner: American Express top travel partners at its YYZ Hangar. Travel; Gold partner: Egencia; Silver Global Business Travel; Gold partner: “We would like to congratulate partner: YYZ Travel Group; Teal Merit Travel Group; Silver partner: this year’s Travel Partner Awards Plus partner: Costco Travel Canada; TierOne Travel; Teal Plus partner: winners and thank all our agency Specialty Sales partner: Agencia Elite Travel Management; Specialty partners for their ongoing support,” Global; and OTA partner: Hopper. Sales partner: TravelBrands; and OTA said Chuck Crowder, WestJet Vice- The Top Revenue Growth, WestJet partner: Expedia. President, Sales, Distribution and Vacations 2019 went to: Platinum part- Following the awards presentation, Contact Centres. “We’re proud to ner: Red Label Vacations; Gold partner: the 300 attendees were invited on recognize their hard work and dedica- Alberta Motor Association; Silver part- board to discover the new aircraft, tion, as we work together in support of ner: The Travel Agent Next Door; and the fourth 787 Dreamliner in the WestJet’s global growth.” Teal Plus partner: TravelOnly. fleet, firsthand.

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0305PG04-06.indd 6 2020-03-02 3:03:33 PM DESTINATION | FAMILY TRAVEL

In & Suites, designed to evoke the feeling of being surrounded by the sea from the shore and catching the sunset from beneath a pier. Dockside Inn & Suites is the second hotel in Universal Orlando’s UNIVERSAL OFFERS Value category and will add 2,050 SNEAK PEEK OF NEW guest rooms to the destination by the DOCKSIDE INN end of 2020, featuring both standard rooms and spacious two-bedroom suites unmatched in the Orlando area.” Universal Orlando Resort revealed a that sleep up to six. With rates starting Plus, guests receive exclusive theme first look at its newest and eighth at US$79 per night, based on a five-night park benefits, including Early Park hotel, Universal’s Endless Summer stay during value season, Dockside Inn Admission, complimentary and con- Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites – open- combines the “quality guests have come venient transportation to and from the ing on March 17. to expect from a Universal Orlando theme parks, and more, creating a com- This first look gives guests a pre- hotel with an extra-affordable price plete and seamless vacation experience. view of the inspiration for Dockside point – creating an experience that is →www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/ places-to-stay/universals-endless-summer- resort-dockside-inn-and-suites inclusive ski package and save up to 30% at any of the brand’s mountain resorts in the Alps. Guests can choose skeleton events, the Whistler Sliding from top-rated Club Med resorts, Centre remains an active training and including La Rosière, Alpe d’Huez, competition site, while also offering a Les Arcs Panorama, Cervinia, Grand number of Olympic experiences for guests Massif Samöens Morillon, Pragelato such as the thrill of sliding in a passenger Vialetta, Peisey-Vallandry, Saint-Moritz bobsleigh or the adrenaline rush of a solo Roi Soleil, Tignes Val Claret, and Val skeleton ride. Over at Whistler Olympic Thorens Sensations. Park, the site of the ski jumping, biathlon, SAVE ON THE SLOPES The offer is for a seven-night min- cross-country skiing, and Nordic com- WITH CLUB MED imum stay at Club Med’s ski resorts bined events during the Games, guests between Nov. 22 and May 2, 2021 (black- can discover the original Nordic trails and Agents have until Monday to take out dates applicable). experience the biathlon shooting range advantage of Club Med’s exclusive →www.ClubMed.ca just as the 2010 athletes did. discounts on winter family getaways. Within Whistler Village, Whistler Club Med’s Early Book Rate Guarantee Olympic Plaza, where nightly medal cere- ensures that travellers get the lowest rates WHISTLER CELEBRATES monies were held during the Games, is available for a stay at one of its resorts, and OLYMPIC ANNIVERSARY now a popular year-round outdoor gath- those who jump on this deal quick will ering space. Surrounded by restaurants have first pick of resorts, rooms and ser- Whistler is celebrating the 10th anni- and local shops, the Plaza offers guests a vices. It even includes the 4-Trident resort versary of hosting the 2010 Olympic winter skating rink and numerous outdoor Club Med La Rosière, opening this winter. and Paralympic Winter Games. concerts throughout the summer. Through March 9, book an all- Since hosting the bobsleigh, luge, and →www.whistler.com/about-whistler/olympics

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march 5, 2020 | travelcourier.ca 7

0305PG07.indd 7 2020-03-02 2:00:51 PM POSTCARDS from EXUMA

Story and photos ANN RUPPENSTEIN

Who let the pigs out? Big Major Cay, which could more adequately be called Pig Major, is a small uninhabited island that makes up one of the 365 cays that surround Great Exuma – uninhabited aside from those world-famous swimming pigs and a handful of chickens, that is. Exuma’s swimming pigs have long lured visitors around the globe to this picturesque part of The Bahamas, but how exactly did the Instagram-worthy hogs get there? “It is said that during the Gulf War, two family members bought several pigs and chickens to raise for fear of an extended war and the threat of food supplies not being able to reach Exuma,” Kerry Fountain, Executive Director of the Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board tells Travel Courier. “They placed the animals

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0305PG08-11.indd 8 3/2/2020 3:17:38 PM on Big Major Cay to be used as food in the event supplies as adhering to a strict regime of what can be fed to the were to become scarce. The Gulf War, however, didn’t pigs. There are now more than 80 pigs and piglets who last as long as anticipated, so the need didn’t arise to use call Big Major home. the animals as food. As time passed, boaters looking for “The pigs roam the island freely, they are not domes- deserted beaches to picnic or swim, were greeted by the ticated, but should not be considered as wild animals inhabitants of the island and soon started bringing treats either,” says Fountain. “Water for the animals is pro- and eats for them. The eager residents, in anticipation vided, and, of course, there is no shortage of food, which of receiving food, began meeting – swimming to – their includes bread, fruits and vegetables. A vet visits the feeders before they landed on shore.” island every other month to check on the animals and Today, visiting the swimming pigs is a top experience provides basic meds and vitamins to ensure that they for travellers to Exuma, and The Bahamas in general. Tour remain healthy. Other than greeting visitors, you will operators like Triple A Adventures take great care not to find the pigs sunbathing on the beach or wading in the overcrowd the destination with scheduled arrivals, as well water during the heat of the day.” continuedcoontntinnueed onon ppageagage 1010

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Along with international travellers, Exuma draws in an A-list clientele. Country stars Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have set up camp (i.e. a mansion) on one of the islands, Goat Cay, and David Copperfield has developed Musha Cay into a vacation rental, visited by the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and Johnny Depp. The price tag? A mere US$37,500-US$57,000 per night, depending on the size of the party.

50 SHADES OF BLUELU Exuma is often describeddes as a no filter needed destination for its vivid postcard-worthy blue waters. “While we in Thee Bahamas boast of having the best white-sand and pink-sand beaches in the world, and the clearestest waters in the world, Exuma takes this to another level,” says Fountain. “There are beaches andnd clear waters, then there are Bahamas beaches and clear wawaters, and at the very top, the pinnacle, there are the turquoise waters of Great ExumaExum and its surrounding cays.” With seasonal non-stopop Saturday service with Air Canada from Toronto to Exuma, and direct lift from major Canadian gateways to Nassau, from where it’s just a short flight to George Town, it’s easier to get to Exuma than some may think. “The Canadian market is quite significant and very important to us, as it is the second largest source market for visitors to The Bahamas,” says Fountain. “While we realize that the Bahamas Out Islands are not for typical tourists seeking an all-inclusive vacation getaway, we have a saying for travellers seeking sun, sand, sea and a genuine, authentic vacation experience – ‘Why one would want to fly beyond the Bahamas Out Islands is beyond us!’”

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0305PG08-11.indd 10 3/2/2020 2:05:04 PM BUCKET LIST-WORTHY MOMENTS While the allure of getting up close and personal with the swimming pigs continues to help raise the profile of Exuma, there are so many other bucket list-worthy experiences that awaitt clients in the destination.ation. Here’s a firsthand look…

The name’same Bond, James Bond: “L“Look up there, what do youy think that is?” our guidede Ron of Triple A Adventuresure asks pointing to the ceilingng of the limestone cave. “Bats!”ts!” After leaping off our boatoat decked out with snorkellingg ggear, we followed him through an unassuming dark Sandy sandbar: With a rum punch in hand,, ouour boat hidden passage.sag What didn’t look like much on the outside opened docked at one of the idyllic sandbars in the Exumaxum Cays. into a brightt cavernca where hundreds of fish swam below. We’d Digging our toes in the sandy shores, everyonee wwas silent arrived at thehe mystiquem Thunderball Grotto, which got its name for a few minutes soaking up the views of stunningnni tur- from the 19655 BBond film Thunderball. It was used again in the quoise waters meeting crystal clear white sand.d. ThisT truly filming of Neverver Say Never Again. is paradise. Another exciting and picturesquee opoption is to feed the iguanas at Leaf Cay or Bitter Guanaana CCay (other- Where the wildld tthings are: Looking down at the seemingly wise known as the Iguana Island)d) and watch them nibble docile nurse sharkshar swimming in the shallow water at on lettuce. Compass Cay, I hesitatedhe for a second. “Are you sure you want to get close to thosehose beasts?” Weighing between 200 to 300 Pig out: AAs the boat turned the corner and the swimming pounds, nurse sharksharks tend to be seven to 10 feet long, but some pigs at Big Major Cay come into sight, I already knew that grow up to 14 feet. A minute later I’ve descended the ladder and this experience would live up to expectation. The sight sharks like Woody, Hookok and Scar are mere inches away. The of several large pigs immediately swimming towards story goes thathat the bottom feeders are fed by staff and have us, eager to be fed, brought a smile to all the passengers become accustomedustom to the ritual, so they’re mostly harmless to on board. Once on shore, squeals of glee continued as a swimmers. Nonetheless,neth I let out a squeal as one of the litter of piglets stormed the beach, and it sealed the deal: carnivores brushedhed against my leg. Time to get out. Exuma is special.

WHERE TO STAY: SANDALS EMERALD BAY

A popular option for Canadians is Sandals Emerald Bay. The adults- only luxury all-inclusive resort on Great Exuma is set along a mile-long beach complete with hammocks, swings and lounge chairs. The property features three stunning pools, and offers guests 11 restaurants, like Bombay Club, the brand’s latest Indian restaurant concept. There’s also an award-winning golf course and a jogging trail on-site.

INSTAGRAMMABLE MOMENT: Head to the half-acre, zero-entry pool with a fire pit in the middle or to the beach and jump on the double swings in the water.

FEELING PECKISH? 24-hour room service is available.

CRAVING SOMETHING TO SATISFY THE SWEET TOOTH? Visit the Café de Paris for a made-to-order crepe. Options include Nutella and banana, need we say more?

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0305PG08-11.indd 11 3/2/2020 2:05:05 PM DESTINATION | HAWAII

diversity in between. the panoramic views of rugged crags The whole family will be in awe and valley gorges seem never-ending. of mother nature when visiting the A variety of trails cater to beginners Thurston Lava Tubes, a 500-year-old and seasoned hikers, so families can lava cave located high up in the Kilauea take their pick. Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Spread out over 104 acres, the FAMILY FUN ABOUNDS Park. Formed when lava flow stops, the Kilohana plantation is a historic land- IN HAWAII Thurston cave is a great example of lava mark, botanical garden and orchard tube geology with 20-foot-high ceilings property and the finest example of Ohana (family) is deeply rooted in in some areas. The solidified flow of the plantation architecture on Kauai. the Hawaiian Islands, making it a once-liquid lava rock shows the power of In late September, visitors can enjoy welcoming destination for families the molten forces that created the caves. the Kaua’I Mokihana Festival, a series of with kids of all ages. For daring kids and parents, the events in celebration of Hawaiian cul- From snorkelling and sandcastle feeling of soaring 250 feet over water- ture. Families can try their hand at coco- building on sun-soaked beaches to falls and ravines by zip-line will be a nut (Ka niu) weaving during a cultural exploring volcanoes and sacred cultural treasured vacation moment. workshop, while learning about why sites, the Hawaiian Islands are a natural playground in which to play. Maui Nui is home to off-the-beaten path adventures and living history that allows families to learn, bond and inspire each other. For kids interested in marine life, the annual Great Whale Count on March 28 allows volunteers to become citizen scientists for the day, helping to count humpback whales from sites along the shoreline of Maui. This event is one of the world’s longest-running citizen scientist projects and offers families a chance to explore the island, whilst supporting important research. A Haleakala Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Experience offers families a view of the sunset from the summit, followed by dinner and an evening of stargazing via telescope. Children and adults alike can learn about the night A day at the beach is a must, and the the niu was foundational to a thriving sky, the history of Maui, native Hawaiian beaches of south Kona are a great place to early Hawaiian society. Music and hula culture and local legends passed down go for a postcard-worthy dip in the Pacific competitions are also held. for generations. ocean with the entire family. The waters Oahu presents a variety of action- The legendary Banyan Tree of are calm and clear, ideal for paddle board- packed activities for families, from Lahaina celebrates its birthday on ing and snorkelling opportunities. historical sites and cultural learning to April 18 with a free event including Kauai is home to extraordinary nat- zoological marvels. cake, live music, silent auction, Maui ural wonders, welcoming small towns The world-renowned surf town of artists, and more. Originally from India, and pristine beaches, perfect for families Haleiwa welcomes visitors with epic surf the tree was planted in 1873 and has looking to reset and rejuvenate in nature. breaks, food trucks and delicious shaved grown from eight feet to a behemoth The Garden Isle, as Kauai is ice stands (the Hawaiian version of a structure with over a dozen main trunks described, is a hiking paradise. Active snow cone). Active kids can take to the spread out over two-thirds of an acre. families will be eager to lace up their water with the help of a local surf school, The Island of Hawaii offers an incred- walking boots and explore Waimea while adults can take some time out ible amount of family fun, from thrill- Canyon which stretched 14 miles long, and explore the boutique stores, diverse ing adventures to authentic Hawaiian one mile across and 3,600 feet deep. eateries and laid-back country ambiance. culture – with lots of nature and bio- Hawaii’s answer to the Grand Canyon, →www.hawaiitourismauthority

12 travelcourier.ca | march 5, 2020

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TOURISTS CAN HAVE A

WILD TIME Safaris are available in India that enable visitors to safely spot tigers. IN INDIA Photo courtesy/ INDIA TOURISM take a backseat to the country’s histor- evening hours when all the lights are lit ian stalker ical and cultural attractions. up it’s beautiful,” Singh reports. “Whenever they (tourism authorities) Singh suggests that this is a good Lions and tigers and bears? Oh, my! promote India, they talk about the Taj time to visit India as rapid development And don’t forget the elephants, leop- Mahal,” he notes. in parts of the country mean it will be ards, rhinos and a host of other exotic Tamarind Global offers India, Nepal, harder to spot traditional lifestyles in the creatures found in India as well. Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates coming years. Simerdeep Singh, Canadian repre- and Bhutan. He has high praise for the country’s sentative of Mumbai-based Tamarind Sri Lanka is seeing a rebound in tourism infrastructure, which includes Global, says India’s wildlife is more than tourism, with India travellers often many palaces that once served as retreats worthy of attention from nature enthusi- visiting it as well on the same trip, for maharajas now being high-end hotels. asts, with elephants and tigers often appreciating its tropical beaches, and its That includes Udaipur’s Lake Palace, serving as iconic symbols of the country. also having the likes of wild elephants seen in the James Bond movie Octopussy, But he notes the state of Gujarat has a and leopards found within park bound- and which has become part of upscale lion population, and India has numerous aries in a country that has particularly Indian hotel chain Taj Hotels. national parks that tourists can explore green landscapes. Tamarind Global has its roots in the in hopes of seeing members of the wild Sri Lanka’s Khondi Hill Station 1990s, and Singh reports that a company cat family and other creatures. has “you feeling like you’re walking in that started with 10 employees now has Among those parks is Ranthambore the clouds.” 410 found in 14 offices throughout India in northern India, which offers tours Singh notes Nepal offers spectacular and outside the country as well. that seek sightings of tigers, with Singh trekking, thanks to – like India – its FIT and group travel is available, saying those going on the tours can having many Himalayan peaks. “The with chauffeured cars offered clients. expect to safely spot one of the large first thing that comes to mind (upon Singh notes that Air Canada links predators from trucks designed for that seeing the Himalayas) is ‘wow!’ ” he says. both Vancouver and Toronto with India. role and which may have 20 seats. Desert safaris are available in Singh can be reached at simers@ But he adds that many international Dubai, as are dinner cruises that serve tamarindglobal.com or 647-531-2723. travellers are unaware of Indian wild- buffets and provide nighttime sightings Tamarind Global’s website is life spotting opportunities, which often of Dubai’s dramatic skyline. “In the tamarindglobal.com.

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14 travelcourier.ca | march 5, 2020

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0305PG15.indd 22 3/2/2020 1:03:18 PM Embrace family time in the heart of Puerto Vallarta

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No one knows travel better than travel agents.

VOTE for your favourite destinations, suppliers, brands, and services in 40+ categories by April 3 for your chance to win one of ﬁve fantastic prizes:

A delightful discovery through the sights, sounds, and tastes of ‘The Big Easy’ on Collette’s six-day Spotlight to New Orleans tour for two

A $250 Visa gift card from Manulife

Uncover Roman monuments, Venetian canals, and Florentine artistry on this picture-perfect seven-day Italian Holiday vote now at: tour for two from Trafalgar

travelpress.com/ One-week boutique river cruise by Uniworld for two on any agentschoice European itinerary in 2020

Round-trip ﬂight for two guests travelling to any WestJet destination

Baxter Media’s Agents’ Choice Readership Survey is Canada’s #agentschoice original and most trusted travel industry survey.

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