PAXnews - On Location: Canadian agents honoured, Karisma updates shared at GIVC 2022; NCL to pay commission on most NCFs; Jetlines approved for U.S. routes

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Wednesday, November 2, 2022

On Location: “Exciting”: Canadian agents honoured, Karisma updates shared at GIVC 2022

Canadian travel pros were honoured at Karisma's 15th annual Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultant (GIVC) event Tuesday night (Nov. 1) at El Dorado Royale in Mexico's Riviera Maya. PAX was there to connect with agents on the scene and learn more about Karisma's strategy to invest in Canada. More on this – plus property updates, too!

Norwegian Cruise Line to pay commission on most NCFs

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will pay travel advisors commission on non-commissionable fares (NCFs) starting Jan. 1, 2023, the cruise line announced Wednesday (Nov. 2). The update makes NCL the first major cruise line to compensate travel advisors on NCFs for reservations booked outside of a 120-day window.

Canada Jetlines granted authority to operate U.S. routes

The United States Department of Transportation has granted Canada Jetlines economic authority to serve the U.S., the airline announced Tuesday (Nov. 1). This exemption is effective immediately and will be replaced by a permanent foreign air carrier permit.

Toronto Pearson tests new security portal to detect weapons & threats

Toronto Pearson International Airport will be testing a new security portal over the next two weeks that detects potentially dangerous items, including non-metal weapons, like 3D-printed guns, powders or pipe bombs. The walk-through scanner, developed by Liberty Defense, started testing in multiple areas of YYZ on Tuesday (Nov. 1).

G Adventures launches new classic & active trips for 2023

G Adventures has unveiled new adventures for the new year, with a focus on stepping off the beaten path and uncovering hidden gems, getting active in some of the world’s most breathtaking locations, and rediscovering “that feeling” that only travel can provide.

WestJet's inaugural flight between Winnipeg & Los Angeles takes off

WestJet on Monday (Oct. 31) celebrated its inaugural flight between Winnipeg and Los Angeles. "With a thriving film and television industry, our Manitoban guests and partners have long awaited this integral connection and will benefit substantially from convenient flights between both cities," said John Weatherill, WestJet's chief commercial officer.

Author Diana Gabaldon to host Avalon "Storyteller" cruise on Danube in 2024

A novel vacation and bound to be the most memorable trip of 2024 – or a lifetime – Avalon Waterways will bring back author of the No. 1 New York Times-bestselling OUTLANDER series, Diana Gabaldon, to host a Storyteller cruise on the Danube River in 2024.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Transport Minister to host air sector recovery summit on Nov. 24

Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra will host a National Summit on the Recovery of the Air Sector next month, according to a press release issued Monday (Oct. 31).The Summit will take place on Nov. 24 and promises to discuss “critical issues facing aviation and the future of the air sector in Canada.”

On Location: Karisma outlines plan to reinvest in Canada, will hire two regional BDMs

Karisma Hotels and Resorts is investing in Canada again with a plan to hire on-the-ground sales support and build face-to-face relationships with travel advisors. The update was shared at Karisma’s Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultant (GIVC) conference this week in Mexico. PAX, reporting on location, sat down with Frank Maduro, president of Premier Worldwide Marketing, to learn more.

HAL drops pre-cruise testing requirement for most sailings

Holland America Line (HAL) is further simplifying it’s COVID-19 protocols, announcing Oct. 28 that it will drop its testing requirement, regardless of vaccination status, for most sailings. It marks the latest update to the line’s “Travel Well” COVID-19 protocols.