TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

THNWEST.COM AWARDS OF MERIT

Thank you for making this year’s awards the biggest ever!
Uguette Chiasson

Uguette Chiasson, Publisher, TRAVELHotNews.com, ExpressVoyage.ca and TRAVELHotNews Western Edition

As publisher of TRAVELHotNews.com, ExpressVoyage.ca and TRAVELHotNews Western Edition, and on behalf of the entire Logimonde/ACT Communications team, I would like to thank everyone who made the first-ever Canada-wide 2007 Awards of Merit a huge success. The Awards of Merit were designed to recognize the hard work of professionals in the travel industry in Canada, particularly those who went above and beyond the call of duty in 2007. Launched three years ago in Quebec, the Awards of Merit are now national - all because of your participation. I am proud that you have made it into what it is. Your nominations and your votes have truly made this your contest. Congratulations to all the winners! Read on for more information, and a statement about this year's Awards of Merit. [Full text and pictures]

FRENCHANTING! VANCOUVER SHOW

Maison de la France, tourism suppliers welcome travel professionals for a morning filled with the latest news from France

Angela Diomis, Transat; Caroline Putnoki, Maison de la France; Cindy Wong, Holiday House

Travel professionals from across the Vancouver area came to the Renaissance Hotel Harbourside last week to attend the Frenchanting! Show hosted by Maison de la France. Caroline Putnoki, Maison de la France’s deputy director for Canada, welcomed guests over breakfast, and introduced the Frenchanting! ad campaign designed exclusively to target English Canadian consumers. Official figures from the French Tourism Authority indicate that the number of Canadians who visited France in 2006 was 990,000 – up an astounding 39 per cent from 2005. The program also included presentations from suppliers, a mini trade show and a three-course lunch. Read on for more details. [Full text and pictures]

PHILIP HOUDE NEW CHAIR OF ACTA’S MB & NT REGIONAL COUNCIL

Co-owner of River East Travel & Cruise Center, elected to top spot

Philip Houde

Philip Houde has been elected Chair of Manitoba and Nunavut’s Regional Council. Houde joined the ACTA Regional Council in 2005 and initiated the review of the cruise fuel surcharge. He also chairs the Human Resources Committee. As Chair, Houde now represents the Manitoba and Nunavut regions on the ACTA Board of Directors. He holds several accreditations, including .the CTM, CATS and CSS designations. Houde has also worked for the Manitoba provincial government. In 2002, he and his wife purchased Winnipeg’s River East Travel & Cruise Center – a full-service travel agency established in 1979. Houde replaces Melanie Carter as Chair of the Manitoba/Nunavut Regional Council.

JAL TOKYO FAM RETURNS

Participants return from Japan Airlines Tokyo FAM
A group of travel agents recently returned from Japan Airlines latest FAM trip, which departed Vancouver on Feburary 24. The group travelled to Japan Kanto for a six-day FAM, hosted by Japan Airlines and Signet Tours. The group visited the sites in area of Kanto, including Narita, Atami, Fuji, Hakone, Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Ginza.

AC WEEKENDER PASS BRINGS NYC CLOSER TO WESTERN CANADA

"New York Weekender Pass" from $899 for YVR, YEG & YYC departures, plus discounts on hotel, dining & attractions

Air Canada has introduced a multi-trip New York Weekender Pass special promotion for clients travelling from Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary. The pass is for sale until May 31, 2008 and valid for travel for one full year from date of purchase. It is available in packages of four flights (two return trips) for one person for $899 or eight flights (four return trips) for two people for $1,798. Prices include all fees, surcharges and taxes except GST. The airline is also offering significant savings and benefits on New York hotel rooms through its website aircanada.com. Clients will receive double Aeroplan Miles for stays of three days or more at “Best Value” hotels, as well as five per cent off sedan and shuttle services, dining, activities and show tickets. Read on for details. [Full text and pictures]

FAIRMONT INTRODUCES "CLUB FIT"

Chateau Whistler Welcomes Canada’s Ironman for Fitness Weekend, May 30-June 1

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, in partnership with adidas, today introduced the inaugural Fairmont “Camp Fit” with Canadian Ironman Jasper Blake. Designed for both beginner and accomplished athletes, the weekend will take place from May 30 to June 1, 2008, and will kick off Whistler’s annual Wellness Week. Participants will hit the trail with Jasper Blake, elite Canadian triathlete and Ironman champion, for their choiceof three-, five- or 10-kilometre runs daily. Included in the weekend getaway are two nights' accommodation at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, daily Fairmont Cuisine breakfast hosted by Blake, use of adidas Fairmont Fit workout apparel, tech talk and test fleet trial with adidas, and daily motivational seminars led by Blake. Following the completion of the weekend, complimentary adidas® running shoes will be sent to all guests. “Camp Fit” starts from CDN $349.00 per person. Read on for more details. [Full text and pictures]

SILK'S BALI GRAND MIRAGE SPECIAL

10 days at Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Spa from $1,399

Bali Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Spa

Silk Holidays is offering a 10-day Bali package that includes return economy air ticket from Vancouver to Bali with Japan Airlines, seven nights' twin share accommodation at the 4.5-star Bali Grand Mirage Resort in a superior garden view room, daily breakfast buffet, return transfers, five sightseeing tours, an invitation to the Mirage Management Cocktail Party, a 30-minute gazebo beach massage; free upgrade to a newly renovated deluxe ocean view room, 25 per cent off all spa packages, welcome drink/fruit/cold towel and hotel souvenir for $1,599. All prices are plus tax and fuel surcharge. The packages are available for travel through May 31, 2008. For full details, call 1-888-800-SILK (7455) or visit silkholidays.com.