PAXnews - “One quick question”: MP Badawey presses WestJet, Air Canada on recalls; ACITA's petition presented in the House; Florida is "open and ready"

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Monday, February 8, 2021

“One quick question”: MP Badawey presses WestJet, Air Canada on commission recalls

Is Air Canada and WestJet going to protect the commissions that have been paid to travel agents? MP Vance Badawey of Niagara Centre asked this question at a federal committee meeting last week and was surprised that it hadn't been asked before.

ACITA's petition to protect commission presented in House of Commons

A petition the Association of Canadian Independent Travel Advisors (ACITA) launched at the end 2020 was read into record in the House of Commons last week, checking off a significant box in the group’s fight for commission protections.

Huddle 21: Florida is “open and ready,” says Visit Florida CEO

Florida Huddle 2021, the Sunshine State’s official travel trade show, officially kicked off Monday morning (Feb. 8) with a message that Florida is "open and ready" to welcome back visitors "as soon as possible."

Sunwing has received a takeover offer from an unnamed buyer: report

Sunwing has received a takeover offer from an unnamed buyer, according to a report by the Globe and Mail. “We have been approached recently,” said Stephen Hunter, chief executive of Sunwing.

Videotorial: It’s Time for Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions and activities, from the signature Piton Mountains to mud baths at Sulphur Springs Park to one of the world’s few drive-in volcanoes.

Panama, Copa Airlines starting IATA Travel Pass trials in March

The “IATA Travel Pass,” a digital passport designed to enhance compliance with health requirements for air passengers, is set to begin trials in Panama with Copa Airlines, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced.

Insight unveils Valentine’s Day savings on European tours

Insight Vacations has launched a campaign called “Get Back to What You Love" featuring Europe and Americas tours with savings of up to $750 per person, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Rant: A 3-day stay at "Club Fed?" Canada needs to get serious about the travel industry's future

Canada needs to get serious and focus on core issues if it wants a future travel industry, argues Dave Heron, founder and general manager of Pace Setter Travel & Tours based in Okotoks, Alberta.

Disappointing, harsh, unfair: Industry reacts to Canada’s one-year cruise ban

Professionals from Canada's cruise industry sound off on the Canadian government's decision to ban cruise ships until February 2022. Two years without cruising in Canada will have “potentially irreversible consequences," said Charlie Ball, Chair of CLIA-NWC.

“This is not a legitimate bailout plan”: MP Shin stands up for agents, calls for commission protections

Nelly Shin, MP for Port Moody-Coquitlam, is the latest politician to stand up for travel agents and demand that their commissions be protected as Ottawa devises a bailout plan for airlines. ACITA, meanwhile, sees growing support in Ottawa.

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