Author: Torry K.

### Luxury Travel News: Exciting Developments in May 2025 As May unfolds, the luxury travel sector continues to thrive with updates that promise unforgettable experiences across the globe. Here’s the latest in opulent travel, from stunning new resorts to innovative airline offerings. #### Aman Unveils Amancaya in the Bahamas **Aman** has announced the upcoming launch of **Amancaya**, a breathtaking resort located in the Exuma Islands of the Bahamas. This exclusive property will feature 36 pavilions and fully-serviced **Aman Residences** set on two private cays renowned for pristine beaches and world-class diving sites. In partnership with philanthropist **Dona Bertarelli**, the resort…

Experience the Thrills of St Barts: From Kitesurfing to Private Yacht Charters St. Barts, a jewel in the Caribbean, offers an endless array of luxurious experiences that combine both relaxation and excitement. Whether you’re looking to kitesurf on stunning beaches, indulge in gourmet dining, or explore the island by yacht, St. Barts captures the essence of paradise. Kitesurfing Adventures at St Jean Beach **St Jean Beach** is renowned among water sports enthusiasts for its steady trade winds and tranquil waters, making it a top choice for **kitesurfing**. Visitors can book private lessons and rent high-end gear, all while enjoying luxurious…

Transat has taken a significant step forward in enhancing the travel booking experience by introducing a new self-service group booking feature on its Tripbook platform, in collaboration with Softvoyage. This innovative tool allows travel advisors to streamline group bookings with greater autonomy and efficiency. With this update, travel advisors can seamlessly select seats for each guest in the same accommodation, add luggage, generate electronic documents, and process payments—all within the Tripbook interface. This enhancement addresses a long-standing request from travel agencies, bringing additional convenience to the group booking process. Julie Sareault, Transat’s commercial director, highlighted the advantages of adopting this…

Elvi Cal (Senior Vice President, Product & Commercial) and Lina Côté (Director of Sales) at TravelBrands TravelBrands is marking a significant transition this year with the upcoming retirement of two prominent figures in the Canadian travel industry: Elvi Cal and Lina Côté. Their departures are set for July 31, 2025, and June 30, 2025, respectively, after notable careers that have spanned several decades. Impactful Leadership in Travel Nathalie Tanious, President & CEO of H.I.S. Canada Travel Inc., the parent company of TravelBrands, expressed heartfelt admiration for Elvi and Lina’s contributions. Tanious emphasized the essential role their leadership has played in…

In a heartfelt tribute to the travel advisor community, Sunwing is honoring Travel Agent Appreciation Month with an exciting initiative, **31 Days of Giveaways**. Throughout May 2025, the esteemed travel operator recognizes the pivotal role these professionals play in making dreams of sun-soaked vacations come true for Canadians. Daily Prizes and Exciting Rewards Every day this month, Sunwing will award one grand prize to lucky travel advisors. A total of 31 prizes are up for grabs, enticing participants with the prospect of winning various rewards. Advisors can earn **up to 8X STAR Points** when securing bookings at over 50 resorts,…

In a special celebration of Travel Agent Appreciation Month, WestJet Vacations has unveiled an exciting new initiative: Get in it to Win it Bingo. This engaging game gives travel advisors a chance to win one of 25 fantastic prizes, including all-inclusive vacations aboard WestJet, round-trip airport transfers, Monos carry-on luggage, and WestJet gift cards. How to Play Get in it to Win it Bingo All month long, travel advisors are invited to participate in this modified version of the classic Bingo game. To get started, advisors can download their Bingo card from the Travel Agent Resource site. To qualify, one…

Christian Roussin has officially taken the role of Director of Sales (Quebec) & Strategic Development at TravelBrands, marking a significant transition in leadership following the retirement of industry veteran Lina Côté later this year. In his previous role as Senior Manager of Strategic Development, Roussin collaborated with key partners, laying the groundwork for a strategic approach to growth. His extensive knowledge of the travel industry, coupled with a collaborative mindset and genuine passion for the travel advisor community, positions him as an ideal candidate for this expanded role. Nathalie Tanious, President & CEO of H.I.S. Canada Travel Inc., the parent…

Air Canada Vacations Celebrates 50 Years with New Recognition Programs In a significant milestone, Air Canada Vacations commemorates its 50th anniversary by launching a series of initiatives designed to honor and reward its travel advisor partners. Among these, the new **Top 50 Ambassador Program** aims to celebrate excellence within the travel industry. Introducing the Top 50 Ambassador Program The **Top 50 Ambassador Program** has been crafted by the Air Canada Vacations Sales Team to recognize advisors who demonstrate exceptional commitment, creativity, and collaborative growth. “Our goal was to create an unforgettable experience for our partners, not only to celebrate our…

Intrepid Travel is set to honor travel advisors on Travel Agent Appreciation Day, celebrated on May 7. Instead of a simple thank you, the company is putting travel advisors in the spotlight with two exciting initiatives: a North America-wide storytelling contest and the launch of their new monthly recognition series, Intrepid Icons. Celebrate with Stories: Win Your Next Adventure From now until May 14, Intrepid invites travel agents to share their most memorable experiences with the company. Whether it’s a touching, humorous, or transformative moment, participants have the chance to win fantastic prizes. The grand prize is an unforgettable Intrepid…

G Adventures is set to launch a new expedition vessel, the Ocean Adventurer, for the upcoming Antarctica season, marking an exciting development for adventure enthusiasts. This new ship will take the place of G Adventures’ current Expedition vessel and has been chartered from SunStone. The name "Ocean Adventurer" pays homage to the company’s iconic "little red ship," signifying a commitment to its heritage and the spirit of exploration. Details of the Ocean Adventurer The Ocean Adventurer is poised to enhance the overall travel experience, providing comfort and innovative amenities tailored for intrepid travelers. This state-of-the-art vessel will begin its first…