JimBits: British Airways Wine and Pretzels, Silversea Christmas Cruises and a Montreal LGBTQ Campaign

One hundred and one full bottles of wine, 350 bags of pretzels, 78 rolls of toilet paper and five first aid kits. A lot of planning goes into your average flight, and British Airways has released a great report showing just how work it takes.

Their report finds that there are more than 7,000 items loaded onto the average aircraft to cater to customers on their summer holidays. That includes 798 drinking glasses, 101 full bottles of wine, 388 quarter bottles (they must have known I was coming), 350 bags of pretzels, 78 rolls of toilet paper and 282 blankets.

They also stock up on some 800 items of bedding, including the new Club World White Company bedding, which has been introduced as part of British Airways' $1 billion investment in its long-haul business class.

In addition to looking at WHAT's loaded on board, British Airways examined WHO is on board their 850 flights each day. Their study found that almost half of customers (47 per cent) are travelling alone, while a quarter of them (27 per cent) are travelling as a pair. Roughly 70 per cent are travelling for leisure, while 28 per cent are flying for business. The other two per cent possibly are flying for those quarter bottles of wine.

New champagnes and English sparkling wines for customers travelling in First Class and Club World also have been added to the list of items onboard, as part of the airline's $7.5 billion investment for customers over the next five years. The investment is also driving the installation of the best quality WiFi and power in every seat, the fitting of 128 long-haul aircraft with new interiors and the delivery of 72 new aircraft

In 2018, Silversea is inviting travellers to spend the holiday season wrapped in all-inclusive luxury as they voyage to discover the world's wonders. A carefully curated selection of voyages will traverse the globe over the holiday season this year, unlocking a number of alluring destinations, from Asia to Africa, Antarctica to the Caribbean. Spending quality time with loved ones, guests will enjoy unique opportunities to celebrate the holiday season and the New Year in some of the world's most fascinating locales.

From the sacred shrines of the Far East to the mesmerizing Great Barrier Reef and the ultimate winter wonderland of Antarctica, the spectacular destinations will ensure a memorable holiday season for Silversea guests.

To browse Silversea holiday season voyages for 2018, visit: https://www.silversea.com/landing-holidays-with-silversea.html

Velas is offering great incentives for meeting planners at Grand Velas Los Cabos, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Grand Velas Riviera Maya.

Included in their latest offer are such perks as 50 per cent off set up fee for private events, a complimentary one-hour cocktail reception with sparkling wine, convention centre rentals include and $50 USD spa bonus per person, per day (applies to facials, massages or body wraps of 50 minutes or more).

The deals start at 40 suites per night, with a minimum stay of three nights. Booking window is Aug. 9 to Aug. 31, 2018. Travel window is Aug. 9 to Dec. 14, 2018.

For information: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1102596375019&ca=c826501e-5d2a-4623-a83b-ae63ef6e3e78

Taking inspiration from Claude Cormier's 18 Shades of Gay installation-the famous colourful balls overhanging a section of Sainte Catherine Street-Tourisme Montréal is launching its We've Got Balls campaign on the Toronto, New York and California markets. The campaign highlights the audacious side of Montréal, a city known for being a safe and welcoming destination for the LGBTQ+ community.

"Montréal is a creative, forward-thinking city and a must-visit destination for this visitor segment. We want to remind them that the city has a lot to offer with its vibrant arts and culture scene, exciting nightlife and rich and varied food scene," explained Danièle Perron, Vice President, Marketing at Tourisme Montréal.

Montréal Pride has offered praise for the bold campaign and Tourisme Montréal's efforts to reach out to LGBTQ+ visitors, a very important tourist segment for the city.

"The balls overhanging St. Catherine Street have become a Montréal icon. Besides adding colour to the city, they make an excellent showcase for the tourism campaign," said Éric Pineault, President and founder of Montréal Pride.

Developed by lg2 (creation) and Touché!, this campaign is part of the broader Never Grow Up communications platform launched in May. The campaign invites visitors to experience the city's youthful energy with the message that Montréal is an immense playground where anything is possible.

Transat is presenting its Cubamania sale, inviting Canadians to get the best prices on winter packages. Vacationers will save up to $700 when booking all-inclusive packages in Cuba's most beautiful destinations by Oct. 31, 2018.

This promotion is valid for travel between Nov. 1, 2018 and April 30, 2019.

For details, visit www.transat.com.