TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

Awards of merit 2007

IT'S TIME TO VOTE NOW!
A total of 55 candidates

You have until February 10th, 2008
to submit your candidates.

AWARDS OF MERIT 2007: VOTE FOR YOUR FINALISTS!

Voting now open; make your voice heard by February 10
The TRAVELHotNews Western Edition Awards of Merit have accepted all the nominees -- 55 in all. It’s now time to cast your vote for the top 3 finalists in Western Canada. Choose your favourite candidates in a series of individual and company categories. The voting ends on February 10, 2008, which will determine the finalists in each category. Remember that finalists should be chosen based on their achievements in the year 2007. Who should win the Travel Agent of the Year, the Personality of the Year, the Reservation Agent of the Year? It’s up to you, so cast your vote today! You may only vote once; multiple entries will be disregarded. Get your office together and vote for your favourite candidates now.

ADDISONTIME IN ALBERTA & KELOWNA

Mother Nature no match for Addison as the shows go on in Edmonton & Calgary
Hilary Genders

The Addison “A Team” proved rain nor sleet nor snow, nor ice – nor arctic temperatures – can stop Canada’s only national series of independent travel trade shows. The team was tested by Mother Nature in its recent Alberta series, but pulled through with two shows in Edmonton and Calgary. More than 180 hardy travel agents defied the travel advisory and the bone-chilling cold on January 29 and came to do business with a wide variety of exhibitors – many making their Addison debut -- at the Westin Edmonton. [Full text and pictures]

ROYAL SCENIC'S VIP AGENT APPRECIATION DINNER

Royal Scenic serves up mini tradeshow, previews highlights from upcoming 2008-2009 brochure
Hilary Genders

Royal Scenic airline and tourism board partners

More than 200 travel professionals packed Vancouver's Victoria Chinese Restaurant on January 30 for the ever-popular annual Royal Scenic Holidays VIP Agent Appreciation Dinnner. Guests arrived to a mini tradeshow featuring many of Royal Scenic's airline and tourism board partners, before sitting down to a gourmet Chinese feast and presentations by company staff, who presented highlights from the hot-off-the-presses China & Asia 2008-2009 brochure. Read on for details. [Full text and pictures]

INDUSTRY VETERAN HOLLY KLOS JOINS INSIGHT TEAM

Holly Klos

Sales executive will cover Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Insight Vacations has announced the appointment of Holly Klos as sales executive for Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Klos has extensive travel experience in both retail and wholesale, including several years in sales with Fun Sun Vacations and Sandals. She is returning to the travel industry after a few years away and is excited about seeing old friends and making new ones. Holly is based in Winnipeg, where she can be reached by telephone at 800-668-8008 ext. 7727 or by e-mail at holly.klos@insightvacations.com.

REGINA AIRPORT AUTHORITY NAMES NEW CEO

Retired Brigadier General Jim Hunter to take up new duties March 1

Jim Hunter

The board of directors of the Regina Airport Authority announced the appointment of James (Jim) Hunter as its new president and chief executive officer. Hunter, who currently lives in St. Albert, Alberta, is a retired Canadian Forces brigadier general with a strong background in aviation management. He brings more than 35 years of experience in executive positions, including 15 years in the senior ranks of the military, to his new position in Regina. "Being a pilot, I"ve always liked being around airplanes and aviation activities of any kind," Hunter told TRAVELHotNews West in a telephone interview this morning. "So when I heard about the opportunity here, it was a perfect fit, a natural fit for me. At least that's what I thought, and I was lucky enough to have the board agree with me." [Full text and pictures]

PHUKET “SUPER BARGAIN” FROM SILK

Two-week beach holiday from $1,599 available April 1-October 18

Patong Beach, Phuket

Silk Holidays’ latest special is a 15-day/13-night trip designed for beach lovers. The “Phuket Super Bargain” package, valid from April 1-October 18, 2008, includes return economy class air ticket from Vancouver to Phuket via Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific, 13 nights’ accommodation (twin share), daily buffet breakfast at hotel and round-trip coach airport transfers in The package is priced from $1,599 for a Garden Room at the Sabana Resort, a Superior Class property located within walking distance to the beach; and ranges to $2,199 for a Pansea Beach/Hillside Cotage at The Chedi. Read on for more details. [Full text and pictures]