First time airline has used its Boeing MAX for transatlantic travel WestJet has officially launched its route between Halifax and London (Gatwick). The departure of WS24 marks the start of daily, nonstop service between Halifax Stanfield International Airport and Gatwick Airport until October 26, 2018. This is the first time the airline has used its newest aircraft, the Boeing 737-8 MAX for transatlantic travel. “WestJet continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation using its fleet of fuel-efficient, guest-friendly Boeing MAX aircraft for transatlantic service,” said Tim Croyle, WestJet…
Meeting Community
Hospitality research: 2018 investment forecast for the GTA
Large events draw travellers to Toronto, bolstering investor interest Heightened tourism drives occupancy, revenue growth throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Record-breaking visitation to Toronto in 2017 spurred significant increases in hotel occupancy, RevPAR and ADR. International visitation to the area reached a high last year, aided by a jump in visitors from Mexico as visa requirements to visit Canada from the country were eliminated. Large conferences and major events, including the Invictus Games and North American Indigenous Games, drew…
Aeroplan makes key commitments to members
Canada’s premier travel loyalty program to offer more choice, flexibility, convenience Aeroplan has released a brand promise outlining its commitment to redefine travel rewards and continue its ongoing transformation into a superior travel and booking experience. Aeroplan will provide members with the freedom to book flight rewards on more airlines to more of their favourite destinations, starting in 2020. In the near term, members will have more earning opportunities to earn more miles with more retail partners, and select from a bigger…
Venue contract wisdom is often woefully insufficient
By Heather Reid A side-by-side examination of 12 signed and negotiated contracts for booking events into unconventional venues unveiled disturbing discrepancies to me. The “unconventional venue” contracts included the following Canadian locations: cultural centre, city-owned sport facility, entertainment complex, music hall, high-risk recreational facility, heritage facility, aquarium, brewery, two recreational/amusement facilities and museums in three different cities. A wide variety of unconventional venues for sure! Here are a few of the disturbing findings of my side-by-side review: Indemnification Clause: 6…
Air Canada to launch daily non-stop Montreal-London, Ontario and Montreal-Windsor, Ontario flights
Air Canada has announced it will begin new domestic regional non-stop flights on July 2, 2018. The only year-round service between Montreal-London and Montreal-Windsor will provide services that meets the needs of both local and connecting passengers. Flights are timed to offer convenient connections to/from Atlantic Canada including Saint John, Fredericton, Moncton Halifax and St. John’s; to Europeincluding Brussels, Rome, Geneva, Barcelona, Lisbon, Paris, Lyon, Frankfurt, as well as Casablanca, Morocco. Flights are now available for purchase along with introductory promotional fares at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada app and through travel agents. “We are pleased to expand Air Canada’s domestic network…
Aeroplan and Rocketmiles announce partnership renewal
Aeroplan has announced the renewal of a multi-year agreement with Rocketmiles, a hotel booking site that helps consumers earn miles’ incentives. Rocketmiles is a wholly owned entity of Booking Holdings, the world’s leading travel and accommodations company whose portfolio of brands includes Booking.com and Priceline.com, among others. The extended partnership will enable Aeroplan Members to continue to earn up to 10,000 Aeroplan Miles per night on stays at hotels worldwide. Rocketmiles features more than 400,000 hotels in hotspots around the globe –…
Technology, innovation and security were the hot topics of GBTA Conference 2018 – Toronto
All new tech talks designed to identify new technology platforms The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) – the voice of the global business travel industry – wrapped up yet another successful conference in Toronto this week. Technology, innovation and security were among the hot topics discussed throughout the industry gathering bringing together travel professionals and industry leaders for Canada’s premiere business travel event. The Conference saw more than 800 registrants and record attendance despite mother nature’s best attempts to keep…
Meetings Industry Euchre Tournament (MIET 2018)
The Meetings Industry Euchre Tournament, an annual event which raises money for cancer research, is excited to announce the transition of the 7th Annual Tournament to CanSPEP, the Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners. CanSPEP and MIET have signed a memorandum of understanding which supports the integrity of the event and ensures profits will support cancer research to find a cure through Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Founding member and Chair of MIET and BBW Vice President Sheila Wong states, “It’s…
Business travel responsible for $40.1 billion in Canadian GDP, creates over 573,000 jobs
Canadian business travel expenditures reached $35.8 billion in 2016 A new report issued at GBTA Conference 2018 – Toronto reveals the high potential of business travel to drive economic development and business success. The report, produced by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), in partnership with BCD Travel and Air Canada, also reveals the risk to the nation’s economy from a downturn in travel. The study, titled ‘The Canadian Business Travel Industry: Business Travel’s Impact on Jobs and the Canadian…
Smart hiring managers invest in getting to know candidates
By Sheila Wong Common courtesy is not just something we remember from the past – it can be an asset in recruiting today. How you treat your candidates before, during and after the interview process is very telling of the type of manager you are perceived to be. It is instrumental in attracting the kind of candidate you need in our service-based industry. How does this apply? It’s a lot like dating. After talking to a classmate from his MBA…
