June 07, 2018 To the MAX with Sunwing + HAWAII & MEXICO 00607607 TTCC CCOVEROVER SSunwing.inddunwing.indd 1 66/5/2018/5/2018 110:30:120:30:12 AAMM Noteworthy CONTENTS REGULAR FEATURES 8 cover story New possibilities abound for Sunwing Kissimmee celebrates the value of tourism 12 air Airlines are fl ying high o highlight the US$6 billion economic impact of the 19 trade incentives TOsceola County tourism industry in 2017, Experience Lots on offer from suppliers this week Kissimmee is thanking tourists during its annual Value of Tourism campaign. Experience Kissimmee’s president and CEO, DT Minich said, “A vacation to Kissimmee means an endless supply of DESTINATIONS & FEATURES sunshine and incredible experiences for visitors. But it also means tangible benefits to Osceola County residents.” Minich said that, “With 8.6 million overnight visitors 14 mexico contributing to the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) in Get the latest product news 2017, the tourism industry enhances the lives of thou- sands of Osceola County residents, every day. So, we’re excited to share this information with the community, 16 hawaii while showing appreciation for our valuable visitors.” Check out the latest news from the In 2017, Osceola County’s travel and tourism industry Hawaiian Islands saw visitor spending reach US$3.8 billion, provided 45,000 jobs ranging from entry-level to high-level management 18 western canada positions, and saved each household $900 a year in taxes. There’s lots happening in Canada’s West “Spending by tourists and the travel industry’s con- this week tinued growth directly benefits the local community,” said Minich. “The taxes collected on every Twistee Treat sold, hotel room booked, kayak rented, and dollar spent in Osceola County, saves every residence annually enough DEPARTMENTS money to visit Walt Disney World Resort 14 times or rent a vacation home for four staycation weekends.” →www.experiencekissimmee.com/impact . 19 careers professional services cover photo/ GREG COATES business opportunities The travel industry’s most sought-after source of innovation, knowledge and solutions, bringing the world to Canada and Canada to the world. Canadian Travel Press | Travel Courier | Press Today | TravelPress.com TravelBestJobs.com | PersonnelGuide.ca | TravelBlast | Agents’ Choice Awards EventsCalendar.ca | Baxter Student Ambassador Program | Travel Webcast BaxterMediaCA BaxterMediaCA CdnTravelPress BaxterMediaCA Subscribe today. We’re mobile friendly. travelpress.com/subscribe [email protected] 2 travelcourier.ca | june 7, 2018 0607PG02.indd 2 6/4/2018 2:47:55 PM Benefit from the A321’s state-of- the-art cabin design because of enhanced comfort, a markedly wider aisle for faster boarding, and easier cabin movement. First A321neo from TORONTO to the AZORES 5:30 >> Unique Airbus technologies allow TORONTO for the A321 to offer the lowest fuel This winter we will have 4 burn, emissions and noise weekly direct connections to footprint in its class. Ponta Delgada, Azores, with Visit azoresairlines.pt the new Airbus A321 neo for further information 0607PG03.indd 3 6/4/2018 3:44:15 PM READY FOR TAKEOFF Azores Airlines to add new aircraft on Toronto route, promotes stopover program ann ruppenstein Azores Airlines hopes to do with the Azores – Portugal’s nine vol- canic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean – the same as Icelandair has done with Iceland. With a hub in Ponta Delgada, Gavin Eccles, chief commercial officer of Azores Airlines, plans to position a stopover in the archipelago, as a way for travellers to experience two unique destinations for the price of one. “A Canadian can be in Europe in five Gavin Eccles, chief commercial officer, Azores Airlines and William Delgado, Visit hours,” he told a recent Toronto gather- Portugal’s country manager for Canada ing presented by Azores Airlines and the Portugal National Tourist Office. “We are offering clients the “We’re 76 years old, and I think that’s a fantastic achievement ability to discover a part of the world that they may not nor- for an airline. And if I look at Canada, if I look at 2013 to 2017, mally think about going to… What Icelandair did with Iceland we’ve grown 63% in the amount of seats we’ve offered direct is what I’m trying to do with Azores and Azores Airlines… We from Canada to Portugal.” need to educate people that there is an alternate way to get to Describing it as Portugal’s oldest newest airline, he says the mainland.” agents drive 40% of the business for Azores Airlines, which With five weekly flights from YYZ this summer, he says boasts a 6% commission rate, and is part of the SATA group. travellers can spend a few hours or several nights in the Azores “Travel agents are what keeps me going, keeps my business before connecting on to Porto, Lisbon, Madeira, London, going, and we need you,” he said, adding that the Canadian Frankfurt, Cape Verde, and Gran Canaria. market is vital for the airline. “We also believe in supporting “Some people think we only touch Azores, that’s not fair. those who work with us. We believe passionately in upfront We’re a Portuguese airline. We go on from Azores,” he said. continued on page 6 TRAVEL Vol.53 No.23 www.travelcourier.ca ® COURIER BaxterMedia$" #axter.edia$" CdnTravelPress Baxter.FEJB$" FOUNDER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE V.P. OPERATIONS BAXTERMEDIA W.H. Baxter, 1919-2004 Edith Baxter, [email protected] David McClung, [email protected] Wendy McClung, [email protected] Bob Mowat, Executive Editor [email protected] SALES & MARKETING: Florida – North: Gillian Harper [email protected] Greg D. 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PRINTED IN CANADA Copyright 2018. 4 travelcourier.ca | june 7, 2018 0607PG04-7.indd 4 6/4/2018 2:56:50 PM #1to the Sun Nassau & Paradise Island Featured Resorts • Book Now! 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Nov 1/18 – Oct 31/19 *All claims will be subject to a $50 admin fee *Each passenger must register within 7 days of making the booking to qualify for the Price Drop Guarantee promotion. For full terms and conditions visit Sunwing.ca. Flights are with Sunwing Airlines, Travel Service and TUI Airways. Sunwing Vacations Inc. 27 Fasken Drive, Toronto, Ontario. Ont Reg #2476582 | #4276176, British Columbia License #39606 9Top-rated resorts and excursions 9Award-winning service 9With you every step of the way 0607PG04-7.indd 5 6/4/2018 2:56:54 PM NEWS continued from page 4 commission. You are our sales force. You are selling me, why would I not want to reward you?” This summer will see four weekly flights to PDL and one to TER from YYZ, as well as weekly service from YUL to PDL. “Obviously in the last two years, the North American market to Portugal has been exponential. The Canadian tourist is really defining Lisbon and Porto as some of the best cities in the world. Why would you fly direct? Lisbon is unique so let’s go via somewhere else that is unique,” he said, explaining that their target guest isn’t a business traveller. “What I hope to find is that good pre- mium leisure customer that isn’t rushing to Lisbon. They are open to a couple of days to take some time out, and just kind of discover someplace that is quite unique.” For winter, the airline will be flying one of its new Airbus A321neo on the Toronto route, with 170 seats in economy in a three by three configuration and 16 in business class with a two and two configuration as a single aisle airplane.