TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

FUN SUN’S EGYPTIAN FAM

Western agents recently returned from December trip

Earlier this month Fun Sun Vacations’ hosted agents from B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan – plus a couple from Ontario! – on a Egypt fam trip. Participating agents, along with fam host Farole Kikkert of Exotic Tours, Fun Sun’s business development manager for Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, are shown here in front of one of the many ancient monuments the group visited on the trip. [Full text and pictures]

MORE TRAVEL TO GERMANY

Germany says visitor numbers are up, new flights from Lufthansa
Janice Strong

Lufthansa Airbus A340-300

There was Christmas cheer all around yesterday at the annual media luncheon hosted by the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the State of Baden-Wurttemberg and Lufthansa at the William Tell restaurant in Vancouver. Guests were treated to both a German Christmas feast as well as plenty of information about increased visitor numbers, new air services between Canada and Germany from Lufthansa, and the GNTO's new marketing theme for 2008: Palaces, Parks and Gardens. [Full text and pictures]

VANCOUVER SKAL CLUB'S DECEMBER MEETING

Skålleagues present annual award to YVR president, donate toys and money

YVR president & CEO Larry Berg receives his award from (L) Bill Rowe and Mike Hagan, Vancouver Skål Club

The Vancouver Skål Club recently held its December meeting, which included the presentation of the club’s annual Tourism Award. This year’s recipient is Larry Berg, president and CEO of the Vancouver Airport Authority, who received the award from Bill Rowe, chair of the Vancouver Skål Club Tourism Committee; and Mike Hagan, president of the Vancouver Skål Club. At the same meeting, generous Skålleagues donated a mountain of toys, along with more than $900 to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau.

MEXICANA TO LAUNCH CALGARY-MEXICO CITY SERVICE

Year-round non-stop service to launch June 1, 2008

Mexicana Airlines has announced a non-stop service between Calgary and Mexico City beginning June 1, 2008. This new service to the vibrant capital of Mexico, one of the most important economic hubs in Latin America, will offer travellers quick and convenient connections to sunny beaches and spectacular colonial cities throughout Mexico and other countries in Latin America. Departing year-round from Calgary International Airport four times a week, Mexicana will operate an Airbus 319 aircraft. Calgary is now Mexicana's fourth Canadian gateway, in addition to Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. [Full text and pictures]

HOLIDAY AGENT SPECIAL FROM SIGNATURE & KARISMA

Seven-night winter 2008 stay at the El Dorado Royale, from $1,097

El Dorado Royale by Karisma

Signature Vacations and Karisma Resorts & Spas have announced a holiday special for their travel agent partners: a seven-night package to the El Dorado Royale, a Spa Resort by Karisma on the Riviera Maya. Agents can book now for a well-deserved break at the luxurious boutique hotel, recognized as one of the “Top 100 Hotels in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler. The package includes seven nights’ accommodation in a Jacuzzi Junior Suite during February or March 2008. Read on for more details. [Full text and pictures]

AC LAUNCHES BAGGAGE REGISTRY FOR SPORTS EQUIPMENT

Equipment not registered prior to check-in subject to fees from Jan. 7, 2008

Air Canada has announced changes to its baggage policy concerning sporting equipment. For travel on or after January 7, 2008 passengers will be asked to register their sports equipment at the time of booking, either on aircanada.com or through the Air Canada call centre. As of January 7, 2008, customers who do not to pre-register their sporting equipment will be subject to all applicable excess piece and oversize fees when checking in at the airport on the day of departure. Read on for details. [Full text and pictures]