Jim Byers

Apr 2, 2020 5:14 PM ET

TICO's Richard Smart Talks Vouchers and the Value of Travel Agents

TICO President Richard Smart took part in TravelPulse Canada's 1 on 1 Facebook live chat on Thursday, talking about the value of agents, recent changes to Ontario laws and potential further help for agents and the industry.

Apr 1, 2020 6:09 PM ET

TravelBrands Chief Hails TICO Changes and Praises Agent Partners

TravelBrands President and CEO Frank DeMarinis tells TravelPulse Canada that recent TICO changes were absolutely necessary. He also had high praise for the company's agent partners and provided a hint of what's to come for TravelBrands.

Apr 1, 2020 11:53 AM ET

Trudeau: New Rules and Restrictions Could Last Months

This isn't what the travel industry wants to hear, but Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says social distancing and travel restrictions could last months. "July 1 is a real scenario," he said. Meanwhile, new details have emerged on the 75% wage subsidy.

Mar 31, 2020 5:44 PM ET

Sunwing's Dawson Says Canadians Already Booking For Next Winter; Thanks Agents

Sunwing Travel Group President and COO Andrew Dawson took part in the TravelPulse Canada 1 on 1 Facebook live chat on Tuesday. He said folks are already booking their winter holidays, and also thanked agents for their loyalty.

Mar 31, 2020 5:33 PM ET

AmaWaterways Suspends Cruises Through May; Holding Webinar For Agents Today

AmaWaterways has cancelled its river cruises through the end of May as the COVID-19 crisis continues unabated. They're holding a webinar for travel agents and advisors on Wednesday, April 1.

Mar 31, 2020 7:56 AM ET

New Ontario Rules Mean No More Charge Backs, Top Exec Says

The Ontario government has made changes to reduce the burden on travel agents and wholesalers and help some consumers hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sunwing's Andrew Dawson said the rules mean the end of charge backs.

Mar 30, 2020 9:45 PM ET

Royal Caribbean Extends Cruise With Confidence Package

Royal Caribbean says the decision has been made to extend their “Cruise with Confidence” policy to include all sailings departing on-or-before September 1st, 2020.

Mar 30, 2020 6:36 PM ET

Transat Exec Joseph Adamo Weighs in on Charge Backs and Travel Agents

Joseph Adamo of Transat took part in a TravelPulse Canada 1 on 1 Facebook chat on Monday. Among his points: Transat will pay its commissions to agents, and the airline also will vigorously oppose charge backs.

Mar 30, 2020 6:07 PM ET

Porter Secures $135 Million in Federal Funding: Says it Will Survive COVID-19

Porter Secures $135 Million in Federal Funding: Says it Will Survive COVID-19

Mar 30, 2020 5:43 PM ET

WestJet, Others Applaud Trudeau Government's Wage Subsidy

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday outlined more details of his government's 75% wage subsidy program. WestJet says it wants to see more details but that it applauds his support for business.