CONFUSED BY INTERNET TRAVEL SHOPPING?
Thursday, August 04, 2011
It seemd these days, that the "Big Box" online booking sites have shot themselves in the foot! Why you ask? Read the article below. I can vouch for pretty much all that it has to say! More and more I have clients come to me after they've spent countles hours on their own computer, trying to unravel the myriad of travel offers on these sites, only to end up more confused than ever!
DO YOU HAVE THE TIME/PATIENCE
Wednesday, May 05, 2010

The Evolution of Buying Travel Online;
MORE ON THE DEBATE, TRAVEL AGENT vs TRAVEL WEBSITE
Monday, April 12, 2010

Travel agents, once thought of as the "gurus" of the travel industry, have become dinosaurs now, with the onslaught of travel sites that are available to the consumer. OR HAVE THEY?
EXPERTS SPEAK OUT
Wednesday, April 07, 2010

What's The Point Of Using A Travel Agent 01/APR/2010

Do you still need to use a travel agent in the Internet age?

It’s a much debated question, and the answer depends on factors like the complexity of your travel needs, your knowledge of the idiosyncrasies of the travel business, and the amount of time you’re willing to invest in your own travel planning.

“There is no doubt that today’s travellers have more options than ever before, from destinations, packages and pricing to shopping and booking methods. But the most important decision a traveller can make is selecting the right travel agent,” says Chris Russo, president and chair of the American Society of Travel Agents.

Russo’s organization suggests several reasons why travellers should consider using the services of a professional travel agent:

Time & Service
Talking face-to-face with a travel expert can reduce the hours you have to spend in front of a computer screen. Researching destinations and reading reviews can be lots of fun – and travel agents love educated customers -- but the process of matching up flights, accommodations, times and prices is far more tedious. A good agent has the tools to take care of the transactional part of the deal quickly and accurately, usually for the same or a better price you’ll find on your own.

Customer advocacy
“If you have a problem with a particular part of your travel experience, the agent is there to act on your behalf to see that restitution is made.”  ASTA’s right: it’s nice to have someone to call when little emergencies crop up, from not getting the type of room you were promised to finding out that your tour operator or charter airline has gone bust.

Professional Advice
Agents are there to make sure you get where you want to go, when you want to go and for the lowest price. They can decipher the jargon and codes of travel, so you don’t have to.

Unbiased Information
Even though agents earn commission on some of the products they sell, their job is to work for you, not the supplier. Happy customers are repeat customers, so your satisfaction is paramount. Ask an agent up front about any additional fees, including service fees.

There are fewer travel agencies today than there were a decade ago. But those who are in business today tend to be specialists in various types of travel or destinations. A Canadian organization similar to ASTA – the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA), has an agency directory you can access through its website. You can search by specialty as well as location.

“Being a travel agent is more than just selling travel. It takes training, attention to detail and expertise to keep clients happy and coming back,” says Russo. “Travel agents are there for their clients before, during and after the trip, and when the unexpected happens. We provide value, expertise, convenience and personal service to our customers and understand that travel planning isn’t just about places, it’s about people.”
BOOKING A VACATION? STAY OFF YOUR COMPUTER
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
A recent article by Christopher Elliott, travel columnist, and regular contributor to msnbc.com had this to say, click the following link;
 
 
NEWS BULLETIN ~ SKYSERVICE FLIGHTS
Tuesday, April 06, 2010

TICO
01APR10

Skyservice Airlines Ceases Operations

Skyservice Airlines has been placed into receivership by an Ontario Court. Skyservice Airlines operated charter flights to various destinations on behalf of Ontario tour operators which were sold as part of packaged holidays (air and accommodations) by travel agencies.

Skyservice is an airline and as such, is not registered with TICO. However, there is consumer protection available under the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002 and its Regulation. Registered Ontario tour operators (travel wholesalers) who packaged Skyservice flights or sold air only with Skyservice are required under the legislation to provide alternate replacement travel services or a full refund to the customer.

Consumers who are affected by the closure of Skyservice should contact their travel agent for information with respect to any alternate travel arrangements or to obtain a full refund.
"By law, all travel agencies and tour operators operating in Ontario must be registered with TICO," says Michael Pepper, President of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). "When you purchase your travel services through an Ontario registered travel agency, you are protected by the consumer protection provisions found under the Travel Industry Act, 2002."

"The failure of Skyservice Airlines drives home TICO’s message that the best way for consumers to protect themselves, whether booking online or at a travel agency, is to deal with an Ontario registered travel agency," says Pepper. TICO encourages consumers to Always Look Before You Book. Look for the TICO logo and the TICO registration number whether online or in person. If you are not sure whether a travel agency is registered, go to TICO’s website at www.tico.ca and use the Travel Agency Search feature or contact TICO at 1-888-451-TICO.

Formed in 1997, TICO is a not-for-profit corporation wholly financed by Ontario-registered travel agents and wholesalers. It administers the Travel Industry Act, 2002 and the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund. TICO may be contacted at (905) 624-6241 or 1-888-451-TICO. Visit TICO’s website at www.tico.ca or email TICO at tico@tico.ca.

WHY YOU NEED A TRAVEL PRO
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
6 GOOD REASONS TO USE A TRAVEL AGENT
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Posted by: Jenny Ferguson, DailyTakeoff.com - Wed Sep 3, 11:48 AM (Yahoo Travel)
 
Planning a trip properly is essential to truly enjoying yourself while on vacation. Some people prefer to do all the work themselves: booking hotels, flights and excursions by telephone or online. With the world of online shopping, it seems travel agencies have become a thing of the past. However, if you want your trip to go smoothly, a travel agent just might be the optimal solution.

Expert Advice
Travel agents make their living on knowing the ins and outs of all steps of the process, from initial planning to when and where to go. If you have questions, your travel agent will have answers. There's nothing worse than taking two weeks vacation and finding that your "online special" isn't special at all!

Travel agents are inspired by travel. They should be able to give you first hand reviews of resorts and different travel companies, so you can get the best possible experience. They've been to Cuba and to the Dominican Republic, so they can tell you what's great about each country and help you decide on the best trip!

Insurance
Using a travel agent ensures you are insured! In Ontario, buying from a travel agency registered with TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) will guarantee that you, the consumer, can have confidence in your travel purchases. Other provinces should have similar organizations. The Travel Industry Act of 2002 protects you from fraudulent claims, which means you can have faith you'll get the trip you paid for! Look for the TICO sign at your local travel agency before you make any travel plans. Remember the JetsGo fiasco? If you book with a registered travel agent, there are no worries when an airline or cruise line goes bankrupt.

Save Time
In your daily life -- while running from work to the gym, to the store to pick up ingredients for dinner and then home to catch up with your friends and family -- when do you have time to search, check reviews and book travel? Who has time to book 18 different train reservations so you arrive on time at each destination?

Your travel agent can save you time. Book an appointment to go in and talk about your dream trip and then leave it in the professional hands of your travel agent. They'll update you along the way. Before you know it, you'll be ready to go!

They Work For You
Your travel agent works for you, not the travel companies. This is important. Your travel agent shouldn't try to sell you anything you don't need for your vacation. They don't make a commission with a certain destination or hotel chain. You're the boss when it comes to booking with your travel agent. They are there to support and guide your travel decisions so you have a better trip! After all, a happy customer is a repeat customer.

Deals
Your travel agent has the inside scoop on sales and deals in the travel industry. If you want to get the best bang for your buck, a travel agent is your best bet. Your agent works within your budget and will always be on the lookout for seat sales and other discounts. Ask your travel agent when to book your vacation time from work, to coincide with the best deals on travel. Work your vacation into the low season to save money! Agents have the resources to direct you to age specific discounts, from student to senior deals.

Doing the dirty work
Taking a vacation should be a stress-free adventure! While lying on the beach, you shouldn't have to worry about your return flight. If you're jumping from city to city on a European backpacking excursion, you need to trust that when you arrive in Rome at 11:30 p.m., your hotel will be booked and ready for your arrival. By booking your travel with a registered travel agent, the fears and worries in the planning stage disappear. Turning to the experts is the key to enjoying your next sojourn!
HAWAII
Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Hawaii

Hawaii tourism rescued by Candian tourists, incentive travelers

Hawaii tourism rescued by Candian tourists, incentive travelers
Image via zaneclark.net

By eTN Staff Writer | Mar 30, 2010

Incentive travel was strong in Hawaii in February 2010, up 30.3 percent from last year. The Diana group from Japan, a lingerie company, added to the 43.4 percent increase for incentive travel from that market. Incentive travel was also up for other markets led by Canada with a 78 percent increase, US East with a 24.3 percent increase, and US West with a 9.2 percent increase.

Significant increases from Canada for the second consecutive month were main contributors to the boost in numbers for Maui, with a 16.2 percent increase in arrivals and 15.4 percent increase in visitor spending to US$95.2 million. Again, airlift played a critical role with many Canadian snowbirds taking advantage of direct flights to Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. Total seat capacity from Canada rose 37.6 percent over last year with the additional flights from Calgary, Victoria, and Vancouver.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) said it was great to see results from the groundwork that they laid in 2008 when they shifted a lot of their programs within their Corporate Meetings & Incentives market to target incentive travel.

Momentum from the strong fourth quarter in 2009 continued through February 2010 as anticipated. Despite the Pro Bowl not being in Hawaii this year, total visitor arrivals and spending held stable over last year.

The growth in arrivals and spending for Maui underscores the importance of airlift and affirms HTA’s continual efforts toward increasing air access, especially direct flights, from key markets. HTA is working with its marketing partners to beef up efforts to increase arrivals and spending for the neighbor islands, which is a key component in its Strategic Plan.
AIR CANADA NEWS
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Air Canada Vacations Launches Year-round, non-stop flight from Toronto to Exuma
Effective March 7, 2010, Air Canada is now offering non-stop flights from Toronto to Exuma in the Bahamas. Book by Aprill 30, 2010 for travel from June 1 – October 31, 2010 and take advantage of ACV Early Booking Bonus of $150.00 per person. Upgrade to Executive Class service for $299!