Tourism in Cuba 'business as usual' after departure of Fidel Castro Canadian Press

Castro took ill in July 2006 and delegated many of his duties to his younger brother.

Tourism industry representatives report `business as usual'' in the Caribbean island's tourism sector, even following the February handover of the presidency to Raul Castro.

``There is literally no impact at this point in terms of traffic,'' said Pierre LePage, executive director of the Canadian Association of Tour Operators. ``The transition from Fidel to his brother has had more impact in the U.S. in the media and in terms of political impact. But in terms of Canadian clients, there is no difference.''

An increase in Canadians visiting this year -The Cuban Tourist Board in Toronto reported a 29 per cent increase in Canadian travellers this January and February compared to last year. The board said 660,387 visitors came from Canada in 2007.

Tourism became a key part of Cuba's economy soon after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba's most important ally, in 1991.

Cuba has welcomed more than two million visitors each year since 2004. The number of travellers did slip in 2006, according to LePage, but that didn't have anything to do with Fidel Castro's health. The Canadian Association of Tour Operators advised Cuba that issues like poor service and airport theft were problems. Lepage says that these issues have been ``very well addressed'' by the Cuban government.

Elias Bestard, the Cuban Tourist Board's director in Toronto, points out new additions to the travel sector in recent and coming months, including the Varadero Jam Session jazz festival, a spa in Cayo Coco, and several hotels in and outside Havana.

Cuba – safe and secure to travel to Hal Klepak, a Cuban military specialist at the Royal Military College in Kingston, says concerns about instability are scarce because the chances of disruption, much less violence, are slim. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has no special warning for Canadian travellers to Cuba, advising on its website only that visitors ``exercise normal safety precautions.'' good security is one reason that Canadians will keep travelling to Cuba.``It's got great beaches and weather, it's safe and affordable,'' he said.

who has not noted any extraordinary queries about travelling to Cuba, says the country, in fact, is increasing its appeal by diversifying and improving its lodgings and services.

Canadians want to keep Cuba to themselves

Julie Parker of Kingston, Ont., expected another carefree vacation this winter. Since 1990 she has vacationed in Cuba almost every year with her husband and, on occasion, other family members.

They head for a rural part of the province of Cienfuegos to unwind at a small hotel. Parker said they had no concerns about changes in the political hierarchy affecting their stay.

What might turn Parker off from Cuba would be a flood of American tourists should economic restrictions against the Communist regime be lifted. Currently, the U.S. government basically bans its residents from travelling there.

``An influx of Americans might lead to more of the all-inclusive style resorts like in Varadero Beach that are just like the resorts in any other country,'' Parker said.

``If it means that Cuba has a better relationship with the U.S., then that's good - but it may not be good for us.

14 Associates earn CTC status; 2 TPI agents join CITC Regional Councils

Travel Professionals International (TPI) is proud to announce the latest results of its commitment to continuing education as a further fourteen of its Associates from across the country have become Certified Travel Counsellors (CTC) following the release of the October 2007 to January 2008 statistics, according to the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors (CITC). In addition to these new CTCs, two TPI agents now join a third in representing the company on CITC’s regional councils.

The following Associates achieving their CTC designation from the CITC:

- Ms. Heather Collins, CTC, Aurora, Ontario
- Ms. Pam Forgrave, CTC, South Campbellford, Ontario
- Ms. Tammy Prost, CTC, Buena Vista, Saskatchewan
- Ms. Nauzer Pocha, CTC, Markham, Ontario
- Ms. Olga Bezditny, CTC, Steinbach, Manitoba
- Mr. Rawle Borel Jr., CTC, Toronto, Ontario
- Ms. Loly Crowley, CTC, Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Ms. Stephanie Francis, CTC, Mineville, Nova Scotia
- Ms. Wilma Hazelwood, CTC, Mount Uniacke, Nova Scotia
- Ms. Karen Marquis, CTC, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
- Ms. Corenne McCarthy, CTC, Truro, Nova Scotia
- Ms. Amanda McMullin, CTC, Lake Echo, Nova Scotia
- Ms. Carolyn Morton, CTC, Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia
- Ms. Angela Randell, CTC, Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia

The following Associates are now part of the CITC Regional Council:

- Ms. Maureen Rose, CTC, Calgary, Alberta (Alberta and NWT Region)
- Ms. Rebecca Penner, CTC, Kola, Manitoba (Regional Chair, Manitoba and Nunavut Region)
- Ms. Lisa Geddes, CTC, Halifax, Nova Scotia (Atlantic Region)

“With numbers that truly speak for themselves, we’re really pleased with the commitment our Associates show to continued education as a necessary client development tool,” said Emilyn Salvador, TPI National Training Manager – herself CTC accredited.

TPI Associates who gain their CTC accreditation receive all of the CITC-provided benefits, plus TPI exclusive benefits through designated points for the CTC accreditation assisting them in furthering their status level in TPI’s exclusive Velocity rewards program.

Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of home-based travel agents, has announced that it has signed an exclusive agreement to become the official travel partner for all Canadian Idol post-season travel. “Canadian Idol is one of Canada’s most watched programmes and it produces some of this decade’s most successful new Canadian acts,” said Morris Chia, TPI’s president and CEO.

“We’re extremely proud to have a relationship with an organization that will build on our mutual successes.”

TPI will exclusively provide travel services to all Canadian Idol winners and artists following each television seasons’ finale, including, but not limited to, national and international tours and press junkets.

Kicking off the relationship, Kalan Porter (Canadian Idol Season Two Winner) took his Kalan Porter Club Tour to sold out venues across Canada, with TPI Associates celebrating the new partnership at each concert along the way.

As part of the partnership, TPI Associates across the country will have exclusive access to an innovative promotional programme that encompasses everything from concert venues to the internet, with the end goal of building TPI’s national brand awareness to drive increased business into the books of each TPI Associate within the programme.

A national advertising campaign, exclusive concerts, ticket giveaways, meet and greets, and photo opportunities are just some of the promotions that Associates and their clients will be able to take advantage of and participate in. To top off the promotion, clients of TPI Associates participating in the programme will also be eligible to win a trip for two to view some of their own Mexican “idols”, courtesy of TPI and Sunquest Vacations – a TPI Preferred Partner and supporter of the Canadian Idol partnership.

Next up for the exclusive partnership is the 2007 Top 3 Tour, which will be making its way to over 33 markets across Canada in November and December, featuring the 3 finalists from the 2007 Canadian Idol Season – Brian Melo, Jaydee Bixby, and Carly Rae Jepsen.
 

“With Kalan having the biggest selling single in Canadian history under his belt,” said Tim Morgan, TPI’s manager of corporate development, “we are honoured that his team saw in TPI a platform for continued success and subsequently approached our organization to take care of their travel arrangements
 

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority is renewing an appeal to air travellers a year after Canada adopted restrictions on liquids, gels and aerosols. In spite of the year-old regulations, numerous air travellers continue to arrive at the pre-board screening checkpoint with over-sized quantities of bottled water, perfume, shampoo, hair gel, and other toiletries. “It takes just a minute quantity of liquid explosives to destroy an aircraft and disrupt the aviation system. This is why the regulations were put into place,” said Jacques Duchesneau, CATSA president and chief executive officer. “We urge travellers to be vigilant and make a conscious effort to ensure that threats are kept off passenger planes.” Across the country, screening officers intercept over 850,000 liquids, gels and aerosols every week. Over 90,000 liquids, gels and aerosols are intercepted daily at Pearson International Airport alone. The staggering amount translates into delays at the security screening checkpoint as passengers have to unpack and dispose of the items.
The restrictions on liquids, gels and aerosols were put in place in August 2006 following the failed bombing attempts at Heathrow airport in London, England. Twenty four people were arrested in a plot to detonate liquid explosives on passenger aircraft. For carry-on items, liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in containers with a maximum capacity of 100mL (3.4 ounces). These containers must be placed in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than one litre. One bag per passenger is permitted. (www.catsa.gc.ca)

TPI thinks things through - Team strategizes at Jamican retreat

1 August 2007: Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of home-based agents, held its annual Management Retreat last month at Sandals Dunn’s River Villagio, in Ocho Rios. The TPI Management Team and Associate Development Managers (ADMs) from across Canada gathered to review TPI’s Strategic Plan which includes CITC certifications among its agents, membership growth rates in TPI programmes, and the introduction of new systems to increase back office efficiency.

The aggressive three-year strategic plan which was introduced in 2006, is TPI is currently on track – if not ahead – in many areas.

The plan’s wide-reaching vision contains objectives that focus primarily on streamlining, through technological efficiencies and tools, and continues to build service levels through human resources.

TPI is poised to continue strengthening its existing network of nearly 600 Associates across Canada, while focusing on new areas of growth.

“The entire TPI family has committed itself to meeting, and in many cases surpassing, the goals set forth in the strategic plan,” said Morris Chia, TPI’s President & CEO, “and I’m happy to report that we’re well on our way to making such a feat reality.”

TPI’s 2007 Management Retreat was sponsored by, TPI Preferred Partners, Air Canada, Air Canada Vacations, Sandals/Beaches, and Sunquest.

  Pictured: TPI Management Team and ADM 

 Back row: Morris Chia, president & CEO; Emilyn Salvador, manager of client services & training; Tim Morgan, manager of corporate development; Adam Murphy, Manitoba ADM; Cary Klassen, manager of technology; Sharon Schenher, Saskatchewan ADM; Carl Henderson, director of marketing & communications. First Row: (l-r) Anne Barclay, Ontario ADM; Amanda Brown, Sandals/Beaches Southwestern Ontario sales manager; Jan Poon, Southern Alberta ADM; Sheila Kubas, accounting; Lisa Geddes, Atlantic Canada ADM. 

New Seven Wonders of the World  Latin America was a big winner in the seven new wonders of the world competition. About 100 million votes were cast on the Internet and by cellphone text messages, said New7Wonders, the nonprofit organization that conducted the poll. The results of the global poll were released Saturday and included:
Brazil's Statue of Christ Redeemer
India's Taj Mahal
Jordan's Petra
Mexico's Chichen Itza pyramid
Peru's Machu Picchu
The Colosseum in Rome
The Great Wall of China

The World`s Biggest Passenger Aircraft - Airbus A380
Tuesday March 20, 2007 Big Bird has arrived in North America, and it has nothing to do with Sesame Street. The Airbus A380, the world`s largest passenger plane, successfully landed in two U.S. airports in New York and Los Angeles on Monday. One was carrying 550 people. The other had only a crew onboard. And both attracted worldwide attention. The plane is so big and so expensive, the company that makes it staged the flights to prove it can actually deliver its promised product on time. Airbus experienced a two-year delay in actually getting the vehicle to market, and wiped out $6.61 billion of its forecast profits in the process. It was an expensive lesson, costing 10,000 jobs and forcing the closure of six of its European plants. Which is why Monday`s two-city demonstration was considered so important. But while it`s sold 160 of the giant jets to 15 countries worldwide, so far no major carrier in North America has taken a flyer on the massive machine. And with competitor Boeing said to be working on its own version of a big rig, Airbus is looking to get a foothold while it still has the early lead. So what is it like inside this jumbo-est of jumbo jets? Here`s a look as provided by Airbus itself. The basics The plane is 239-feet-long, has wing spans the size of a football field, seats up to 550 passengers (or more than 800 if it`s only built for economy class), holds 309,987 litres of fuel, cruises at 900 kilometres an hour and flies some 8,000 nautical miles. Depending on how it`s configured, each vehicle costs about US$300 million. Leg room With the danger of blood clots on long haul flights becoming increasingly important and comfort onboard increasingly becoming a thing of the past, the plane`s creators wanted to concentrate on making room for passengers to stretch out. It claims the top part of its double decker aircraft is 190 centimetres wider than any of its competitors, while the main deck boasts an extra 20 centimetres of space. The cheap seats are slightly bigger, too, measuring 2.5-3.8 centimetres more in economy class. Because of its size, the aisles are wider so when you have to take that bathroom break you won`t have to squeeze by anyone. Overall, the average A380 has fewer rows of seats and more floor space spread over two floors. The manufacturer claims it used eight different mock-ups and asked 1,200 men and women around the world billed as `frequent travellers` what they wanted to see in a plane. One of the major complaints was a lack of leg room. Atmosphere This is a little harder to judge, because a lot depends on the specific plane and what`s ordered in it. There`s the usual entertainment systems available on board. But for those who want to go all out, there`s said to be room for a bar, a beauty parlour and even stores on board, so you could literally go shopping as you fly from one destination to another. Also possible for those willing to spend the money: a gym, a casino and double beds for when you get tired of it all. Most planes won`t have these amenities of course. And chances are you wouldn`t be able to afford the ticket if they did. Lighting It`s an old complaint about planes that the light is either too bright and shines right in your face or too dull and you can`t quite see anything. Airbus promises its monster plane has mood lighting that automatically adjusts for time of day. It also says its windows are bigger so you can enjoy the view a lot better. Fuel consumption This one`s based totally on comparisons that may be tough to imagine. The plane is said to consume about four litres of fuel per passenger for every 130 kilometres it flies. Airbus claims given its size and the number of people onboard, it`s actually as fuel efficient as a filling up an "economical family car." And you thought your gas bill was high. The noise Another big airline complaint is the noise you hear both inside the plane and when you`re listening to it fly overhead. It`s one of the things that killed the Concorde. Airbus says its plane is much quieter than others of smaller size, causing less disruption for those onboard and in the neighbourhoods it flies over. "Although it`s the largest commercial airline in the sky, it`s quiet and fuel efficient, claims Paul Haney of Los Angeles World Airports. "That means less noise and lower emissions." Overhead luggage The bane of many passengers` existence. Getting that carry-on stuffed into the little space with everyone else`s bags is never fun. The A380 can be designed so there`s more space - or the upper bins can be removed entirely to create the sense of even more room. Getting on and off Forget David Spade and his contemptuous `bye bye`. Because the plane is so massive, Airbus claims it has more entrance and exit points, allowing passengers to get on and off the vehicle faster. That`s supposed to mean the plane can be turned around faster at an airport, allowing more flights to take off sooner.
 

TRAVELING TIPS Keep these points in mind if you plan to use credit or debit cards overseas:  Before leaving, inform your bank of your travel plans. Otherwise, the bank may put a fraud alert on your card, which will not allow you to use it.  Make sure the places you plan to visit accept the cards you will use.  Research your bank's policies for sending replacement cards in case your card is stolen or lost. Likewise, determine whether additional fees apply when using your card overseas.  Make a copy of the back of the card or write down the account number and the emergency phone number to use for calls outside the United States; the 800 number listed on the back of the card cannot be called outside the United States Keep this information in a secure place other than your wallet.  The majority of overseas ATM machines require a four-digit personal identification number that does not begin with zero. You may have to change your PIN before you leave.  Consider taking a second credit card in case some businesses do not accept your primary card

Travel Tips
If you are planning to travel outside Canada get the facts before you go. Consult the Country Travel Reports and obtain the latest information on security & safety issues. Carry a valid Canadian Passport for you and your children. While some countries will accept other documents for identification purposes, a valid Canadian passport is the most acceptable document for proving your identity and your right to re-enter Canada. If you are traveling to or through the United States to a third country, you should always carry a valid Canadian passport. While U.S. authorities currently do not have a legal requirement that Canadians carry a passport, Foreign Affairs Canada strongly urges all Canadian travelers to obtain and carry one. Travelers should also ensure that they: • Have all appropriate documents when traveling with a child (i.e. consent letter) as well as being aware of any special regulations and conditions that may affect the trip.
• Purchase travel and medical insurance for all trips outside Canada and have sufficient funds available to deal with any emergency that may occur.
• Be able to answer detailed questions concerning their luggage. Do not wrap gifts. Security officials are very strict concerning personal items that could be considered weapons (e.g. nail files, medical syringes, etc.). Electronic devices and toy guns may be scrutinized. Follow the orders of police and security officials at all times and avoid casual comments about security measures that could be misinterpreted.
• Be registered and maintain contact with the responsible Canadian government office if planning to be in a country for three months or more or in a country with a potential for problems. Carry details on how to contact the Department's Operations Centre, which operates 24 hours a day and accepts
collect calls from Canadians overseas.
• Monitor local developments and news broadcasts carefully. There could be added delays at airports and other transportation facilities. Please plan accordingly.
• Leave detailed information about travel plans with a family member or friend in Canada. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, discuss the matter with your travel agent, travel insurer and/or airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveler.
Foreign Affairs Canada website www.voyage.gc.ca