Air Canada Four-Star Award, Karisma Rewards, Cruise News & More: JimBits This Week

Four stars, six years in a row.

Air Canada's Four-Star rating has been affirmed by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organization whose research is used for benchmarking in the global airline industry. The rating is based on assessment of more than 1,000 aspects of the airline's airport and onboard products and services and makes Air Canada the only four-star, full-service international carrier in North America, a distinction first earned in 2013.

"We are delighted that Skytrax has re-affirmed Air Canada's Four-Star rating and we are proud to be the only international network carrier in North America to hold this coveted distinction. These results validate our strategy to invest in our onboard and airport products, services and people. In particular, we are thrilled that Skytrax concluded our new Air Canada Signature Suite at Toronto-Pearson 'can now be considered amongst the best, if not the best in the world for Business Class' pre-flight dining," said Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, at Air Canada.

As part of the four-star re-certification by Skytrax, Air Canada was also awarded high marks for the recently introduced Air Canada Signature Class service on select North American trans-continental markets, the new Business Class seat offered on the Boeing 737MAX aircraft, the state-of-the-art entertainment system on the Boeing fleet, as well as the service concept offered in Premium Economy Class, all reflective of the significant investment in product undertaken over the previous years.

In July, for the seventh time in nine years Air Canada was named Best Airline in North America, as well awarded the distinction of Best Business Class in North America, by the Skytrax World Airline Awards, which are based on survey results of 20 million global travelers. Skytrax airline Star ratings are based on evaluations by individual Skytrax auditors and the Certified Airline Rating is the only global airline quality ranking program applied through direct and professional analysis of product and service quality standards.

For the entire month of September, Karisma is granting Silver Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultants Agents the chance to win a one-week escape to paradise at two of its luxury properties in Mexico along with entry to the 2018 GIVC Awards.

Participating agents are asked to prepare a marketing plan exclusively promoting Karisma Hotels & Resorts and the various brands within the portfolio. The marketing plan has no limits - from public relations and social media, to website/displays, TV, radio, and print, the plan is an opportunity for agents to showcase their creativity. Contest winners will receive a complimentary 3-night stay at The Fives Azul Beach Resort and a ticket to attend Karisma's 11th Annual Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Agent Awards with an additional THREE-night stay at El Dorado Royale.

Plans are to be submitted to [email protected] along with the agent's contact information. The campaign will continue through the end of September 2018 and eight winners from each RSM territory, will be chosen via email on October 10th.

I don't know about you, but this seems like an awfully smart idea to me.

Tourism Toronto is entering a new collaboration with Google to drive growth in Toronto's visitor economy. The Markets and Insights strategy is the first of its kind for Google and a major Canadian city, officials said this week.

The strategy will see Tourism Toronto tap into the latest in trends, insights, data and technology from Google, providing a deeper level of consumer insights and rigorous measurement for Toronto's key visitor markets to develop the region's growing tourism sector, while also offering additional insights for Tourism Toronto members.

"This collaboration with Google fuels our destination marketing programs through more robust analytics," said Andrew Weir, Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer for Tourism Toronto. "The dual benefits of deeper consumer insights and sophisticated measurement will help keep Toronto at the leading edge of our industry."

Through the collaboration, Tourism Toronto is committing to Google as one of the organization's principal marketing channels - leveraging search reach through Google and video reach through YouTube. This deeper collaboration provides strategic insights and measurement from Google for Tourism Toronto's online marketing content, including analysis of content performance and impact in core key markets.

"Our goal is to help Tourism Toronto reach more people from around the world who are interested in Toronto as a tourist destination. To do that, we have built specific tools to help Tourism Toronto better understand what kinds of marketing approaches to use in order to differentiate Toronto as a destination and grow visitors to the city," said Chris Adamkowski, Head of Government, Tourism and Airlines, Google Canada.

In 2017, tourism in Toronto had a record-breaking year with 43.7 million visitors welcomed to the region.

Air Transat, named the 2018 World's Best Leisure Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, presents its future experts in an all-new web series.

The three webisodes posted this week take viewers into Air Transat's hangar, where we meet young children eager to share their knowledge of aviation with Raymond, Certified Aircraft Mechanic Technician at Air Transat. How fast can an airplane fly? How many passengers can travel on our airplane? How much does an airplane cost? The videos, created with agency Sid Lee, spotlight the future experts' priceless reactions as a playful way to reveal some fun facts on the aviation industry.

"This series builds on our most recent content initiatives. In our 'vacation experts' series, employees tell us what they love best about their favourite destinations, providing recommendations from seasoned travellers to inspire people everywhere as they plan their South and Europe holidays," said Genevieve LeBrun, Vice-President of Marketing at Transat. "With our 'future experts,' we talk aviation, a topic many people are curious about, while also reaffirming our role as family travel specialists. It's worth noting that our future experts are all children of Transat employees, showing that passion for travel runs in the family."

The Jamaica Tourist Board Canada (JTB) and Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) have renewed their partnership agreement, to host Jamaica-themed game nights with the Toronto FC and the Maple Leafs for the 2018-2019 season. The games will take place in Toronto this fall.

"We are thrilled to partner with MLSE again to help make the game night experience exciting and memorable for fans," said Philip Rose, Regional Director, Jamaica Tourist Board Canada. "The Jamaica Tourist Board's previous collaboration with MLSE has been a great success, and provided an incredible platform for Destination Jamaica. Our music and magnetic Jamaican vibe will be on show, and fans will be in for a great treat."

Upcoming Events:

Jamaica Night at BMO Field - Toronto FC vs. LA Galaxy

Sept.15, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. ET

On this night, thousands of fans will see the Toronto FC play the LA Galaxy at BMO Field. JTB Canada will be co-hosting this event with Pizza Pizza and will be giving soccer supporters a taste of Jamaican culture with themed prize giveaways and pre-game music performed by The Arsenals Band, a hometown group who will be playing their unique blend of Jamaican ska.

From mid-September, fans can enter to win an exclusive trip for two to Jamaica, which includes roundtrip airfare and a four-night stay at Meliá Braco Village, a five-star resort in Trelawny, Jamaica. Fans can download the Toronto FC app for a chance to win. The contest will run until early October.

Jamaica Night at Scotiabank Arena - Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins

Nov. 26, 2018 at 7 p.m. ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be taking on the Boston Bruins at Scotiabank Arena.. JTB Canada will be the presenting partner at the game, providing Jamaica-themed exit prizes and a chance to win a trip for two to the island in partnership with Air Canada Vacations. Fans can enter the giveaway on Leafs Nation Network, with the winner being announced in-arena on game night.

For more information about JTB Canada's upcoming events, please go to VisitJamaica.com/Canada/

Sandals Resorts understands that every love story is unique and special - likewise, every wedding at the resorts made for love should be designed exclusively for the couple, by the couple, too. With the launch of Sandals' tenth and newest wedding inspiration, Band of Gold, brides and grooms have even more inspiration to help them personalize their wedding day as part of the Aisle to Isle destination wedding experience at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts.

Inspired by gold and now available for sale for weddings at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts taking place after November 1, 2018, the Band of Gold inspiration will help couples looking to be on trend create their own golden rule with a stunning metallic flair - accented by sapphire and white blooms - that frames their special day in modern elegance. Ceremony décor is available with gold or sapphire fabric against a white ceremony structure, with various seating décor available for white Chiavari chairs ranging from gold chair backs with floral or non-floral accents to gold or sapphire chair covers with non-floral accents. Ottomans with gold covers can jazz up the celebration, along with tailored bar décor and reception table linens with brushed gold/crème.

With the Aisle to Isle destination wedding experience, Sandals has replaced wedding packages and themes with inspirations in response to the millennial brides and grooms seeking inspiration and information above all else when planning their wedding celebration. Sandals empowers couples to plan their dream destination wedding by giving them endless choice.

Sandals offers a free wedding to couples that book three nights or more, providing brides and grooms with everything they need to celebrate their special day - from a personal wedding planning team and a stunning ceremony venue, to the bouquet and boutonniere and the cake. Plus, the more people couples bring to the wedding, the more "Bells & Whistles" are included. Couples can even test-drive their dream destination wedding and honeymoon with a two-night stay including a sneak peek of venues, wedding linens, cake options and more, starting at US$500 per couple.

For more information, agents can contact their local Sandals Business Development Manager or call Inside Sales at 1-800-545-8283 or visit www.sandals.com/weddings/inspirations/

WestJet says it will soon unveil a new rewards tier above the Gold level, along with new and enhanced benefits for our Silver and Gold members.

"This growth represents some outstanding opportunities- especially for those looking for more exclusive premium experiences. Our goal is to make WestJet Rewards the best travel rewards program in the business and we will share more details in the coming weeks," said d'Arcy Monaghan, Vice-President, Loyalty Programs for WestJet.

WestJet will be introducing innovative new seating in our front cabin on board our Boeing 737 aircraft starting this fall. The Calgary-based airline will bring in business c7lass on their Boeing 87 Dreamliner in 2019 and also is introducing new lounges in an effort to attract premium customers.

Europe's largest river cruise operator, CroisiEurope Cruises, is announcing their latest new program for 2019, adding to the existing 170 itineraries that take place on over 50 ships on 39 waterways and in 37 countries. In addition to the new ship joining the fleet on the Douro River, CroisiEurope will be introducing a new coastal cruise along the Adriatic on board the MS Belle de l'Adriatique. Prices for this 8-day cruise start at $2,518 per person with cabins on select February and March 2019 departure dates still available.

Highlights of this new program, which will include stops in Croatia, Greece, Albania and Montenegro, include:

- Excursions in Albania to sites such as Apollonia, the country's largest archaeological site; the captivating ancient ruins of Butrint; and city tours of Albania's capital city, Tirana, and the old town in Gjirokastër, one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country;

- Discover the hidden treasures of the island of Corfu, Ulysse's last stop before returning to Ithaca, and the island's emblematic palace, Achilleion, which was built by the beloved Empress Sissi;

- Explore the wild beauty of Montenegro and the ancient city of Bar with its stronghold towers, city gates, gun powder room, Prince's Palace, and Bishop's Palace - it's easy to imagine the impressive town that once stood here.

For the full itinerary, dates and pricing, please visit https://www.croisieuroperivercruises.com/cruise/treasures-adriatic-croatia-greece-albania-montenegro-classic?edition=2019

PortsToronto, owners and operators of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, today confirmed that it experienced its busiest summer on record with 817,171 passengers arriving and departing through the airport from June to August 2018. Both Porter Airlines and Air Canada contributed to the high passenger numbers, which were a combination of leisure and business travellers.

"Whether travelling to Toronto, New York, Ottawa or Montreal for business meetings or taking off to Boston or Halifax for a fun summer getaway, more and more people are choosing our airport for its unique passenger service which includes complimentary shuttle service, comfortable lounges, shorter lines and proximity to downtown," said Gene Cabral, Executive Vice President, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and PortsToronto. "This summer also marked a busy time for infrastructure development at the airport with the completion of our airfield rehabilitation project and the ongoing completion of the terminal upgrade which includes larger passenger lounges. We are proud that we were able to introduce improved facilities and infrastructure at the same time as providing a high level of service and efficiency to passengers."

Billy Bishop Airport experienced record-breaking monthly passenger levels recording 267,094 passengers in June; 264,866 passengers in July; and 285,211 passengers in August, surpassing the previous monthly record, which was set in August 2017, by nearly 12,000. Billy Bishop Airport serviced 2.8 million passengers in 2017 and is currently the ninth busiest airport in Canada.