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Canadians to get e-passports
CANADA has announced plans to introduce e-passports to its citizens as early as next year.
Canadians who apply for passports will now receive a document with a chip that contains their photo and personal information such as their age, gender and date and place of birth. Only special and diplomatic passport applicants have received e-passports until now.
It is hoped that the introduction of these passports will increase security and provide better protection against fraud.
There are still a few issues that need to be ironed out and a major online consultation will also be taking place with Canadians to find out their ideas about this service. E-passports will also be valid for 10 years as opposed to the normal five.
For a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding e-passports, visit http://www.ppt.gc.ca/support/faq.aspx?lang=eng&id=810
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AS of May 1, tourists wanting to enter Cuba, Cubans living abroad and foreigners living in Cuba will be forced to buy health insurance.
Medical policies will have to be purchased from insurance companies recognised in Cuba or from a sales point at a point of entry to Cuba.
Diplomats and representatives of accredited international organisations are exempt from this policy.
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| Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is well on it's way to completion. When done, she will be the world's largest ship coming in at 220,000 tons.
The ever popular Cruise Critic website has just posted some photos showing her development. Click on the link below for more details:
More Info: http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=3156 |
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Do you dream of an exclusive and luxurious cruisetour in historic Venice or a romantic walk through the countryside in southern France? As your Travel Professionals International personal travel consultant, I can help you see more of Europe for less than you could imagine, and my new e-magazine, Xplore, can help. Click here to read Xplore and call me to start planning your dream European vacation!
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TPI Named “Agency Chain of the Year” Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, is proud to announce its receipt of “Agency Chain of the Year” in the Awards of Merit 2008 as presented by TRAVELHotNews.com (published by Logimonde Inc./Act Communications Inc. – also publishers of Canadian Traveller Magazine).
According to the organizers of the yearly awards, the “TRAVELHotNews.com Awards of Merit 2008 recognizes the best of the best - travel industry companies and individuals all across Canada.” “To be honoured by our industry peers is a major accomplishment for our agents across the country and their support team,” exclaimed Phil Sproul, TPI’s Executive VP & COO.
Voted on by members of the Canadian travel industry, the “Agency Chain of the Year” award represents the network of travel agencies that garners the most number of votes cast.
For over fourteen years, TPI’s independent travel consultants have been helping thousands of Canadians turn their travel dreams to reality by sending them to destinations around the world. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. |
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WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, today releases year-end financial results for Fiscal 2010, ended 31 July 2010, showcasing double-digit year-over-year growth in sales, commissions, and new members for the fifth consecutive year.
The privately-held company experienced a 16% increase in travel sales, with sales continuing a trend toward dynamic packaging and FIT travel.
Commissions and service fees related to travel sales increased 21%, driven by improvement in the blended commission average and higher service fees being charged by agents per booking.
“With commission growth outpacing sales growth, our agents are not only selling more but are putting more money back in their pockets,” said Phil Sproul, TPI President. “This is the true success story – the understanding by our agents and their clients that there is tangible value in the services provided by travel consultants.”
Revenue from new member fees improved 13%, boosted by growth in both TPI’s Associate program for new entrepreneurs to the travel industry and TPI’s Affiliate program for experienced agents.
“TPI’s continued growth is due to a combination of the commitment our existing agents have to growing their businesses, the continued trust that new entrepreneurs and agents put in our proven business model, and the personal service provided by our experienced support team,” explained Sproul.
YTD Fiscal 2011 continues the upward trend with travel sales up 32% year-over-year since 1 August 2010.
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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel consultants and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 800 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There
TPI is a member of the I.A.S. - Independent Agency Services Corp. group of companies. www.iascorp.ca
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Contact: Tim Morgan, Corporate Development & Communications Manager, I.A.S. - Independent Agency Services Corp.
Tel: 1-204-987-3336 Fax: 1-204-987-3338 E-Mail: tmorgan@iascorp.ca
WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, announces strategic changes within its organization involving the realignment of its Regional Manager structure to meet the varying training and business development needs of TPI Associates across its nation-wide network.
Eighteen months following the successful introduction of Regional Managers to TPI's structure, continued growth of TPI's membership base coupled with the need for greater national training coverage specialised to individual Associate markets and needs has resulted in the restructuring of the Regional Manager positions to become Training and Development Managers, effective immediately.
In explaining the change to TPI's membership base, Phil Sproul, TPI President, stated, "Our sole purpose in realigning the organization is to better understand and serve each of you. We will continue to seek your input and collaboration in our journey together and look forward to much future success with each of you."
TPI's Western Canada Regional Manager, Christal Bauer, CTC, becomes the Training and Development Manager for British Columbia and Alberta, additionally focusing on national training initiatives and the personal development program for all TPI Associates. Bauer is based out of British Columbia and can be reached at cbauer@tpi.ca.
A new member of the TPI team, Lisa Prost, becomes the Training and Development Manager for Manitoba and Saskatchewan, additionally focusing on product and program development. Prior to joining TPI, Lisa held sales positions with Signature Vacations, Nolitours, and RBC Insurance, respectively. Prost is based out of Manitoba and can be reached at lprost@tpi.ca.
TPI's Eastern Canada Regional Manager, Penny Martin, CTM, becomes the Training and Development Manager for Ontario, additionally focusing on TPI's exclusive Velocity agent rewards program and new Associate and Affiliate training programs. Martin is based out of Ontario and can be reached at pmartin@tpi.ca.
A member of TPI's Business Development Team, Lisa Geddes, CTC, becomes the Training and Development Manager for Atlantic Canada. Geddes is based out of Nova Scotia and can be reached at lgeddes@tpi.ca.
"With this further commitment to their national training platform, TPI continues to solidify its position that continuing education and designation are necessities for Associate success," said Coralie Belman, CTM, former National Certification Manager of the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors (CITC).
TPI's new Training and Development Managers will report to Melanie Carter, CTM, TPI's Manager, Training and Marketing, based at TPI Head Office in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
"This restructure will enable us to work even more directly with Associates to identify their needs and trends. We are excited about being able to deliver more customized programs and initiatives to help our Associates succeed," said Carter.
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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel consultants and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 800 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There
TPI’s 15th Anniversary celebrations are well underway for the fifteen months from May 2009 onward and include special incentives and prizes each month for TPI’s partners – staff, suppliers/industry partners, associates, and consumers, respectively. In celebration of its fifteen years, TPI has released a video telling its story as well as sending well-wishes from preferred partners and team members: www.tpi.ca/fifteenth.asp.
TPI is a member of the I.A.S. - Independent Agency Services Corp. group of companies. www.iascorp.ca
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WINNIPEG, CANADA – Independent Agency Services Corp. (IAS), home to Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, is proud to announce the appointment of, IAS President, Phil Sproul to the Board of Directors of Hope Air – the national charity that provides free air health-care transportation services to Canadians who cannot afford the flight costs.
"What Hope Air does is truly what travel is about at its core - making the World and all it has to offer accessible," said Phil Sproul, IAS President, " and that is why I'm honoured to be part of this organization's great work."
During the length of Sproul's term, the board has been charged with consolidating the charity's mission, communications network and community outreach programs.
"We're pleased to welcome Phil, whose knowledge of the travel industry coupled with his business and not-for-profit experience will greatly benefit Hope Air and its clients," commented Doug Keller-Hobson, Hope Air's Executive Director.
Hope Air has provided more than 60 000 flights to Canadians in need over its 24 years of existence thanks to the generous support of individuals and corporations including, but not limited to, WestJet, Air Canada, Bearskin Airlines, Central Mountain Air, Hawkair, Pacific Coast Airlines, Harbour Air Seaplanes, Air North, First Air, Canadian North, Swanberg Air Inc., and HeliJet, respectively.
For more information on taking part in Hope Air's volunteer programs, visit www.hopeair.org.
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About Independent Agency Services Corp. (IAS)
Since 1994, Independent Agency Services Corp. (IAS) has been the back-office services provider of choice to the most innovative companies in the travel industry. With its unique combination of management, technology, marketing, training, accounting and quality control solutions, IAS helps travel organizations provide top-notch services worldwide. More information is available at www.iascorp.ca.
About Hope Air
Hope Air provides a beacon of Hope for Canadians in financial need who must travel to non-emergency medical care outside their home communities. Many of the charity’s flights are for children and their escorts with transportation donated by national and regional airline partners and a team of volunteer private pilots who contribute their time and aircraft. More information is available at www.hopeair.org.
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WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, held its 2010 Annual Conference, "Action! Take, lead, and inspire in 2010", in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, 18-21 April 2010. Over 165 Associates, industry partners, and TPI staff members took part in educational, networking, and volunteer events as part of the conference at the RIU Palace Punta Cana. A further contingent of over 100 Associates took part in TPI’s second ever “Domestic Edition” of the annual conference – a live webinar broadcast from TPI's Winnipeg Head Office that took place concurrently with opening day events in the Dominican Republic.
The theme of the conference, "Action! Take, lead and inspire in 2010", engaged attendees to take charge of their professional lives, be leaders in the industry and their communities, and inspire and be inspired through awareness, networking, and volunteerism.
Keynote speaker and 35-year industry veteran, Joanie Ogg, kicked off this message while imparting best-practices for being a productive and successful independent travel consultant.
TPI President, Phil Sproul, continued on the theme while speaking to attendees about taking control of their relevance in a world of exponential change. Sharing TPI's corporate strategy for remaining relevant within the industry, Sproul outlined the importance of understanding industry consolidation and preferred partnerships. He went on to specifically address how Associates' and TPI's corporate relevance with consumers and communities will focus heavily on specialized training and marketing plans and programs, the latest in technological advancements, and becoming more involved in volunteerism and charitable organizations.
Sproul congratulated the assembled Associates on their success and noted that in addition to double-digit travel sales growth for its fiscal year 2009, TPI's overall travel sales were up 14% and travel commissions were up 19% for its fiscal year-to-date 2010, with the largest area of growth being cruise vacation sales (up 35%). He noted the growing desire among consumers and agents for FIT and dynamic packaging, and the impact that has had on TPI's segmented travel sales, with car rental sales up 46% and hotel sales up 25%.
Encouraging Associates to be leaders in their fields, delegates were given the opportunity to complete their Certified Travel Counsellor and Certified Sandals Specialist designations during the conference, with 20 Associates completing their CITC designations during the conference.
Inspiring volunteerism, Associates took part in a volunteer excursion that included an opportunity to visit elementary school children, tour a local village and Dominican home, and visit a coffee and chocolate plantation.
At the "Our Stars are Out" Gala Awards, Associate and supplier successes were highlighted, including but not limited to Transat Holidays which took home the "Agents' Choice Award" as voted by TPI's Associates during the 2009 TPI Annual Associate Survey, December 2009.
"Action! Take, lead, and inspire in 2010" was generously sponsored by TPI Preferred Partners, including the Thomas Cook Group of Companies, RBC Insurance, Transat Holidays, WestJet, Trafalgar Tours, Royal Caribbean International, Sandals & Beaches, AMA Waterways, GAP Adventures, Alio, Air Canada Vacations, Holland America, Cruise Strategies, hotelconnect, SuperClubs, Sol Melia, Princess Cruises, and Carnival Cruises, respectively.
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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There
TPI’s 15th Anniversary celebrations are well underway for the fifteen months from May 2009 onward and include special incentives and prizes each month for TPI’s partners – staff, suppliers/industry partners, associates, and consumers, respectively. In celebration of its fifteen years, TPI has released a video telling its story as well as sending well-wishes from preferred partners and team members: www.tpi.ca/fifteenth.asp.
TPI is a member of the I.A.S. - Independent Agency Services Corp. group of companies. www.iascorp.ca
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WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, today announces the details of its forthcoming 2010 TPI Annual Conference, 18-22 April 2010, at the RIU Palace Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The theme of the conference, Action! 2010, Take, lead and inspire, engages the over 100 registered delegates to take home great ideas, be leaders in the industry, and be inspired through awareness and networking opportunities.
Kicking off this message is keynote speaker and 35-year travel industry veteran Joanie Ogg who will be imparting expertise on working in an engaging and productive environment.
"Joanie's wealth of knowledge, specifically in the independent travel consultant market, is sure to inspire Associates to take action in 2010, bringing them much success as they grow their own travel businesses," said Melanie Carter, TPI's National Marketing Manager and Conference Chair.
Encouraging Associates to be leaders in their fields, delegates are being given the opportunity to complete their Certified Travel Counsellor and Certified Sandals Specialist designations during the conference. Technological education will take place in the form of sales workshops related to advancements in social media and the importance of using TPI's various customer relationship platforms to enhance communication and the customer experience.
Inspiring voluntourism, Associates will be taking part in a special volunteer exercise including an opportunity to help elementary school children, tour a local village and a Dominican home, and visit a coffee and chocolate plantation.
Associates will be able to take advantage of networking opportunities with over 20 preferred partner representatives along with numerous property site inspections.
The 2010 TPI Annual Conference is platinum-sponsored by the Thomas Cook Group of Companies and the RIU Palace Punta Cana.
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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There
TPI’s 15th Anniversary celebrations are well underway for the fifteen months from May 2009 onward and include special incentives and prizes each month for TPI’s partners – staff, suppliers/industry partners, associates, and consumers, respectively. In celebration of its fifteen years, TPI has released a video telling its story as well as sending well-wishes from preferred partners and team members: www.tpi.ca/fifteenth.asp.
TPI is a member of the I.A.S. - Independent Agency Services Corp. group of companies. www.iascorp.ca
WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, announces the details of its 2010 Club Velocity Trip - a yearly reward given to its top travel consultants and their invited guests as a thank you for their continued sales success and commitment to TPI through its exclusive Velocity travel consultant rewards program.
Previously taking top associates to Dunn's River, Jamaica, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and Barbados, TPI along with partners Celebrity Cruises and Air Canada Vacations will take top-tier Velocity travel consultants on a 10-day Mediterranean journey, including a 7-night cruise aboard the Celebrity Equinox, in September 2010. Upon arrival in Spain, associates will enjoy a guided tour of Barcelona before embarking on a luxurious cruise with ports of call in France, Italy, and Croatia.
"The Velocity trip is a reward I look forward to every year as it gives me time to network with my peers, preferred partners, and TPI staff in a relaxing and casual destination away from the busy day-to-day of the business," said Amanda Carter, a TPI Platinum-level Associate.
Built as both a motivational and incentive program, TPI Associates gain status in the various Velocity reward tiers through participation in TPI and TPI Preferred Partner functions (such as the TPI Annual Conference, Air Canada Vacations trainings, etc.), by receiving certifications and designations (such as those offered by CLIA, CITC, etc.), and by earning points through their yearly commission volumes.
In return for their acceptance into the various Velocity reward levels, Associates have access to such rewards as higher commission levels, and complimentary registration in a variety of TPI programs (such as the TPI Annual Conference), among other rewards.
More details on TPI’s exclusive Velocity travel consultant rewards program can be found at www.velocitybytpi.ca.
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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There
TPI’s 15th Anniversary celebrations are well underway for the fifteen months from May 2009 onward and include special incentives and prizes each month for TPI’s partners – staff, suppliers/industry partners, associates, and consumers, respectively. In celebration of its fifteen years, TPI has released a video telling its story as well as sending well-wishes from preferred partners and team members: www.tpi.ca/fifteenth.asp.
WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, has released the results of its 2009 Annual Associate Survey.
As one of the largest single measures of how TPI services rate year-on-year with agents, the survey gives important measurable insight into how the performance of TPI's support offerings matches up with agent expectations.
Consisting of 45 multiple choice questions, the survey is an added opportunity for Associates to rate areas of TPI including each operational department’s program offerings and customer service, as well as each of TPI’s preferred partners.
The voluntary survey was submitted by 230 TPI Associates during December 2009. Ratings for the survey are based on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0, where 1.0 is defined as "Strongly Disagree" and 5.0 is defined as “Strongly Agree”.
Samples of responses from all who participated in the survey include:
“Overall, I am satisfied and happy to be working with TPI.” received a grade of 4.5 out of 5.0.
- Up from 4.4 out of 5.0 in 2008.
- Up from 4.4 out of 5.0 in 2007.
“I would highly recommend being a TPI Associate to family and friends interested in the travel industry.” received a grade of 4.4 out of 5.0.
- Up from 4.3 out of 5.0 in 2008.
- Up from 4.3 out of 5.0 in 2007.
Following the release of the survey results, individual department managers and their teams are tasked with ensuring that the results of the survey are reviewed and appropriate adjustments made.
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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There
TPI’s 15th Anniversary celebrations are well underway for the fifteen months from May 2009 onward and include special incentives and prizes each month for TPI’s partners – staff, suppliers/industry partners, associates, and consumers, respectively. In celebration of its fifteen years, TPI has released a video telling its story as well as sending well-wishes from preferred partners and team members: www.tpi.ca/fifteenth.asp.
WINNIPEG, CANADA – Following four record-breaking years for its exclusive Velocity agent rewards program, Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, continues the trend with the release of the 2010 Velocity results.
Highlights of the recently announced Velocity year include:
- An increase to 268 participating Associates for the 2010 reward year, up 3% from 260 Associates for the 2009 reward year, and
- The number of Associates in the three highest tier levels of the program (Platinum, Diamond, and Elite) increasing by 25% over the 2009 reward year results.
Built as both a motivational and incentive program, TPI Associates gain status in the various Velocity reward tiers through participation in TPI and TPI Preferred Partner functions (such as the TPI Annual Conference, Sunquest trainings, etc.), by receiving certifications and designations (such as those offered by CLIA, CITC, etc.), and by earning points through their yearly commission volumes.
In return for their acceptance into the various Velocity reward levels, Associates have access to such rewards as higher commission levels, complimentary registration in a variety of TPI programs (such as the TPI Annual Conference), and a complimentary land and air package for the Associate and a guest on the annual ultra-exclusive Club Velocity trip – with previous reward trips taking Associates and their guests to Jamaica and Barbados.
More details on TPI’s exclusive Velocity agent rewards program can be found at www.tpi.ca.
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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There
TPI’s 15th Anniversary celebrations are well underway for the fifteen months from May 2009 onward and include special incentives and prizes each month for TPI’s partners – staff, suppliers/industry partners, associates, and consumers, respectively. In celebration of its fifteen years, TPI has released a video telling its story as well as sending well-wishes from preferred partners and team members: www.tpi.ca/fifteenth.asp.
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