PAXnews - Sunwing apologizes to agents for Sask. cancellations; Probe into holiday travel crisis intensifies; Canada’s testing rule for China flights begins

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Thursday, January 5, 2023

Sunwing apologizes to travel advisors for Sask. cancellations

Sunwing is apologizing to travel advisors in Saskatchewan for crushing more than a month’s worth of bookings after it decided last week to temporarily suspend service out of Regina and Saskatoon airports. The statement comes after PAX, on Wednesday, profiled three travel advisors who are losing thousands of dollars in commission due to the last-minute cancelled service.

NDP calls for more airline competition as probe into holiday travel crisis intensifies

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says Canada's holiday travel crisis is an example of why there should be more airline competition in Canada. His remarks come as the Conservatives and NDP demand answers from travel companies on what caused the operational breakdowns that left hundreds of Canadians stranded over the holidays.

Canada’s testing rule for China flights begins; EU “strongly” urges restrictions

Canada’s pre-departure COVID-19 test requirement for people flying from China, Hong Kong and Macao kicked in today (Jan. 5). Travellers arriving must test negative for COVID before leaving for Canada, Ottawa says. EU officials, meanwhile, have "strongly" recommended that all member states insist on negative COVID tests from passengers arriving from China before they travel.

TICO approves $201k+ in Comp Fund claims; fees resuming April 1

The Travel Industry Council’s Board of Directors has approved 43 claims against the Ontario Travel Compensation Fund, totalling $201,928 to assist 86 consumers who did not receive travel services for which they had paid. TICO's renewal fees and Compensation Fund assessments will also resume on April 1, 2023.

Personal Travel Management forms exclusive partnership with Boutique Safaris

Vancouver-based Personal Travel Management has become the exclusive North American wholesale partner with Boutique Safaris. A 100% Maasai-owned company, Boutique Safari provides clients with life-changing safari experiences that empower the community with jobs and meaningful interactions with at-risk children.

Save 45% on polar voyages during Quark's Escape Sale

Quark Expeditions has kicked off the new year by launching a robust Escape Sale with polar voyages reduced by up to 45 per cent—plus a variety of guest benefits. The special offers—and perks—in the Escape Sale appeal to solo travellers, couples and groups. An additional 10 per cent savings are applied when guests pay in full at time of booking.

Exotik Journeys sails to Egypt, Jordan & Saudi Arabia with exciting offer

Exotik Journeys is starting the year with an exciting offer on their popular cruise to Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia on MSC Splendida. Until Jan. 20, 2023, travel advisors who book the March 17, 2023 sailing will earn 10,000 Loyalty Rewards Points and travellers will receive a $200 credit to apply to their flight.

Turkish Airlines debuts UEFA Champions League-themed aircraft

Turkish Airlines, the first airline to sponsor UEFA Champions League, has designed a special aircraft to celebrate UEFA Champions League. The airline redesigned one of its Airbus A330’s to honour the UEFA Champions League which will host its 2023 final in Istanbul.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

“Enough is enough”: Agents blast Sunwing for suspending SK flights, recalling commissions

Travel advisors in Saskatchewan are starting 2023 with disappointed clients, mounting paperwork and thousands of dollars in lost income after Sunwing, last week, suspended flights out of Saskatoon and Regina for more than a month. The move has cancelled bookings and commissions aren't protected. "I’m literally out tens of thousands of dollars,” said travel advisor Ashley Doell.

IATA's director general slams “ineffective” travel restrictions on China

IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh is disappointed that countries have introduced COVID-19 testing and other measures for travellers from China as the virus is "already circulating widely" within their borders. “It is extremely disappointing to see this knee-jerk reinstatement of measures that have proven ineffective over the last three years,” said Walsh on Jan. 4.

BST Vacations unveils 2023 Peterborough departures, partners with Nolinor

BST Vacations (Blowes & Stewart Travel Group Ltd) has unveiled its 2023 lineup of destinations for their Peterborough Departures program. In 2023, BST Vacations will fly to New York City; St.John's, Newfoundland; Boston, Massachusetts; Nashville, Tennessee; and now, Austin, Texas.