TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

TRANSAT�S FUEL SURCHARGES RISE TODAY

Fees hiked by almost 75 per cent in face of rising costs

Clients booking flights to Europe with Air TransatTransat will be paying almost 75 per cent more in fuel surcharges, as the airline responds to the ever-higher cost of jet fuel. Starting today, Transat�s fuel surcharge on one-way travel to Paris from Vancouver or Calgary will be $180. The surcharge on one-way travel from Toronto to Vienna will increase from $85 to $145. The hikes are the latest in a series of recent fuel surcharges announced by airlines across Canada. Earlier this month WestJet introduced a fuel surcharge of $45 one way on all flights of 1,610 kilometres or more. Air Canada has matched WestJet's $45 surcharge on domestic flights exceeding 1,610 kilometres, and is charging $50 each way on all flights to the U.S.

CLIA TRAININGFEST COMING TO EDMONTON

Two-day education program to be held September 18-19

Edmonton will be the only Western Canadian stop for Cruise Lines International Association�s (CLIA) TrainingFest 2008 seminar series. Agents attending the two-day training sessions, to be held September 18 and 19, can earn CLIA certification credits, including � for the first time in 2008 � credits required to become a Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC). New seminars this year include Power Selling Techniques and Cruising...Knowing the World You Sell. In addition to the seminar program, TrainingFest will feature a CLIA member cruise line trade show designed to provide participants with further opportunities to expand their knowledge of cruise products offered by each brand. [Full text and pictures]

HORIZON TO CUT KELOWNA-SEATTLE FLIGHT, INCREASE CAPACITY

Aircraft substitution means fewer flights but more seats available from August 25

A Horizon Air Q400

Horizon Air yesterday announced it will cut 25 per cent of its daily flights between Kelowna and Seattle, yet increase seat capacity on the route by 20 per cent through the use of different aircraft. Beginning August 25, 2008, Horizon�s current four daily flights (three served by Bombardier Q200s and one by a Bombardier Q400) will be reduced to three flights, all using the Q400. This will result in a 20 percent increase in seats in the market. The move is one of several changes to the Seattle-based airline�s fall flight schedule designed to improve its financial performance. �With fuel prices hitting record highs, it's never been more important to ensure every single Horizon flight is as productive as possible," said Dan Russo, Horizon's director of marketing and communications in a press release.

BANFF CENTRE SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL KICKS OFF SATURDAY

Banff

Program includes premiere of Alberta Ballet/Joni Mitchell collaboration, a Midsummer Night�s Dream opera, Aboriginal performances
The world-renowned Banff Centre is gearing up for another successful season, as the Banff Summer Arts Festival gets underway this weekend. Between May 31 and September 6, the annual festival will showcase more than 150 events, with noteworthy performances in the fields of theatre, dance, music, writing, visual arts and mountain culture. Visitors can also stay on-site at The Banff Centre in its cozy pine lodge accommodations for $190/night. A special Arts Lover Pass, available for $100, allows access to more events than ever before, including up to 10 showcase performances in the Eric Harvie Theatre. [Full text and pictures]

ACCENT INNS APPOINTS REGIONAL SALES MANAGER

Canadian Airlines vet Kim Jones returns to tourism and hospitality sector with new role

Kim Jones, regional sales manager, Accent Inns

Accent Inns has announced the appointment of Kim Jones as regional sales manager of the B.C.-based, family owned hotel chain. Based at the company's Vancouver International Airport location in Richmond, her duties are selling to the corporate, travel agent and government markets in the Lower Mainland. Jones began her career at Canadian Airlines, working in the Operations Centre office at Vancouver International Airport for more than eight years. She then left the industry to care for her two young sons, before returning to the workforce in a variety of sales positions in the manufacturing industry. But nine years later, she was ready to return to the tourism and hospitality sector. �We are extremely pleased that Kim, with her talent, years of experience and understanding of our industry, has joined the Accent Inns team,� says Joan Murrell, Accent Inns' director of sales and marketing. [Full text and pictures]

THOMPSON OKANAGAN GOLF TRAIL LAUNCHES NEW SITE

24-hour tee time booking on top courses, multi-day packages available on gogolfbc.com

Fourteen of the top golf courses in B.C.�s Thompson Okanagan region � including some of the region's newest and most talked-about, such as Tobiano in Kamloops, Talking Rock Golf Resort in Chase and the Fred Couples signature course The Rise in Vernon � have joined together to promote the Thompson Okanagan�s Golf Trail. Using the website togolfbc.com, golfers can book tee times 24 hours per day, seven days a week at select courses in the Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton and Osoyoos areas. Multi-day packages, including accommodations and add-ons like winery tours, are also available through the site. Golfers can also subscribe to e-mail tee time alerts, as well as to receive updates and promtions.

NEW DESTINATIONS FROM ROYAL SCENIC

Operator adds new packages from Argentina to the Outback

Sydney, Australia

Royal Scenic Holidays is offering a variety of new tour packages to destinations across the globe. Recent additions to the operator�s product line-up include air-inclusive packages to Australia and New Zealand from $3,810; an Argentina air-inclusive package taking in the best the country has to offer, from Buenos Aires to Patagonia, from $3,965; and Poland and Lithuania packages encompassing �the essence of Baltic Europe� � castles, folklore and unspoiled nature � air-inclusive from $2,547. For bookings or inquiries, visit royalscenic.com or call 1-877-736-6028.