Navigating the ever-changing world of corporate travel can overwhelm even the most seasoned travel professional. From artificial intelligence to the sharing economy to cryptocurrency, myriad factors play a role in shaping the industry, and, in turn, how your organization operates and manages its travellers. Staying updated on the latest trends, changes, and progressions in the industry is essential for any organization looking to grow. At GBTA Conference 2018 – Toronto, we’ll be discussing the biggest trends expected to impact managed…
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Tourisme Montréal signs a memorandum of understanding with its Mexican counterpart
Tourisme Montréal and the Mexico Tourism Board have just signed a memorandum of understanding. This occurred while several representatives from Montréal’s business sector were on a trade mission to Mexico City. “Tourism is a major driver of economic and social development for both Quebec and Mexico. Today, we are confirming our desire to increase bilateral trade and support growth in the tourism industry, for which the outlook is very promising. This agreement is very good news for both organizations!” said Yves Lalumière, President and…
Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking to hold meeting in Toronto
Perhaps you have been hearing the buzz about Human Trafficking lately and how it is becoming a hot topic in the events industry, or maybe this is the first you are hearing about it (and you aren’t alone). Either way, you might be wondering what this has to do with the meetings you are planning (assuming that someone else in responsible for this) or, if you work in a hotel, you might be thinking that surely it isn’t happening in your…
Marriott’s commission reduction: Don’t say you weren’t warned!
By Shimon Avish Six months ago, in a prescient article by the GBTA Meetings Committee, the specter of a reduction or elimination of hotel commissions was explored. And as of last month, that possibility is now a reality, thanks to the folks at Marriott reducing commissions from 10 to seven per cent in North America. Do we believe this is the final reduction in commissions, or only the first step? Let the chaos begin! The only question that matters now…
Best year ever for Canadian tourism
Canada welcomed a record breaking 20.8 million tourists in 2017, the highest ever in Canadian history. The preliminary data, released on Feb. 20 by Statistics Canada, shows that Canada has surpassed the previous record set in 2002, by almost a million. “Today’s results are yet another reminder of what has been clear for a while now: Canada is back. And more and more, the world wants to come and visit. We are excited to share our vibrant cities, beautiful natural attractions, diverse cultures and proud…
Egencia takes the turbulence out of rebooking flights with online air exchange
Now available globally, clients can change flights online quickly and with confidence Egencia, a leading global travel management company (TMC), announced the availability of post-ticketing online air exchange for all its clients. It is the only TMC to offer this functionality at a scale that covers travellers from all types of companies globally. Travellers can now change flights themselves on either desktop or mobile after they book, with instant visibility on any potential fare changes and penalties. Modifications are quick…
Europe is more accessible than ever with Air Transat – New domestic flights will offer travellers greater flexibility
Air Transat will be adding new domestic flights this summer, making Europe that much more accessible to travellers from Calgary, Vancouver and Quebec City. In fact, they will now have access to more than 10 new European destinations, thanks to Air Transat’s connecting flights via Montreal and Toronto. “For more than 30 years, Air Transat has been the preferred holiday travel airline for Canadians flying to Europe,” says Annick Guérard, Chief Operating Officer at Transat. “Our domestic flights are very popular with travellers, as…
Acquis Consulting Group adds Shimon Avish to expand Meetings Management practice
Acquis Consulting Group is pleased to announce Shimon Avish has joined the firm as Principal and Head of the Strategic Meetings Management practice. In this role, Avish will oversee the expansion of Acquis Consulting Group’s offerings in the area of meetings management. Avish has been in the industry for over 20 years, holding roles with American Express Consulting, American Express Meetings & Events, BCD Meetings & Events, and his own firm, Shimon Avish Consulting. Avish has led major initiatives to design and build…
New president and CEO of RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg announced
Convention Centre Corporation Board of Directors announce the appointment of new president and CEO After 25 years at the helm of the RBC Convention Centre, President and CEO Klaus Lahr will be retiring this spring. Following a lengthy search, Crystal Laborero, Board Chair, and Search Committee Chair Danny Akman have announced that Drew Fisher will be appointed to the position effective March 15, 2018. Fisher will join the convention centre with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and…
MPI Winter 2018 edition of Meetings Outlook Report now available
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has published its Meetings Outlook, 2018 Winter Edition. The latest installment of the quarterly report indicates planners are reporting an increased focus on personalizing the user experience through technology and data collection in a landscape of continued growth—and an increase in the perceived value of face-to-face meetings. Key findings include the following: Despite slightly more people expressing pessimism about meetings and events one year after the U.S. presidential election, the overall statistical finding of respondents’ professional…
