Air Canada Upgrades, Celebrity Cruise Ballet And Six Senses/IHG News: This Week's JimBits

Air Canada has announced upgraded service and added capacity on key transborder routes from its Toronto and Montreal hubs.

"We are very pleased to offer customers travelling between Toronto and the cities of Nashville, Washington Dulles and Memphis an upgraded travel experience with larger and more comfortable aircraft featuring a choice of Business Class and wi-fi options on all flights. We are also adding daily frequencies on our Toronto to Minneapolis, Philadelphia and Austin routes and from Montreal to Baltimore," said Mark Galardo, Vice President, Network Planning at Air Canada.

"These changes are part of an ongoing transformation of Air Canada Express and customers will benefit from even more convenient schedules and enhanced onboard experiences as we further strengthen our North American network, optimizing connecting opportunities between our extensive transborder, North American and global markets," said Galardo.

These enhancements are in addition to Air Canada's recent announcement it will launch new daily flights from Montreal to Raleigh and increase capacity by deploying larger aircraft with Business Class and wi-fi options on its Toronto to Raleigh and Charlotte flights.

The airline also has nnounced strategic changes to Eastern Canada, including upgrading Air Canada Express regional aircraft to larger Air Canada Rouge aircraft with inflight amenities on its flights from Toronto to Fredericton, Moncton and Thunder Bay, and from Montreal to St. John's.

Out west, Air Canada announced it will boost capacity on regional routes across Western Canada this spring as it deploys more state-of-the-art Bombardier Q-400 Next Gen aircraft. The changes are part of an ongoing transformation of Air Canada Express that will result in enhanced services for customers.

Celebrity Cruises is taking its already unrivaled vacation experience to greater heights by joining forces with two legendary names in the entertainment and culinary worlds-the iconic American Ballet Theatre and world-renowned Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud. Both of these cutting-edge partnerships will create unforgettable onboard experiences unlike anything at sea.

"Our guests know to expect something unique, upscale and unexpected each time they step onboard. By partnering with American Ballet Theatre and the world's leading culinary authority, Daniel Boulud, we are creating experiences that won't just meet those expectations - but shatter them," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises.

Founded in 1939, American Ballet Theatre has been a pillar in New York City's cultural community and America's artistic landscape for nearly 80 years. American Ballet Theatre has wowed audiences in all 50 states and in 45 countries, performing for nearly 300,000 annually. Now, through an exclusive partnership that's a first in the industry, they're coming aboard Celebrity's ships to bring guests the best classical dance experience at sea.As part of the partnership, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive American Ballet Theatre guest performances on select ships, join the dancers for intimate seminars, ballet barre classes, and embark on unforgettable excursions to American Ballet Theatre performances in some of our most dynamic ports of call.

As Celebrity's Global Culinary Brand Ambassador, Chef Boulud will design signature dishes for Luminae, the brand's exclusive restaurant for suite class guests. Celebrity is also introducing Chef's Table by Daniel Boulud, complete with a private galley tour and five-course dining experience, plus guest chef appearances on board. The brand is also working closely with Chef Boulud on a culinary mentorship program where the most talented up-and-coming chefs can hone their craft by learning from the best - both in Celebrity's kitchens and in Chef Boulud's.

The new experiences with both American Ballet Theatre and Chef Boulud will begin rolling out across the fleet in 2019, starting with Celebrity Summit, then Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Millennium. To learn more about Celebrity's partnership with American Ballet Theatre, visit www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/entertainment/american-ballet-theatre. More information regarding the brand's partnership with Michelin-starred Chef Boulud can also be found at www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/eat-and-drink/daniel-boulud.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has welcomed a new family member to its portfolio of brands, with the acquisition of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.

Six Senses is renowned for its focus on wellness and sustainability, with each hotel and resort set in locations of incredible natural beauty that will stop you in your tracks, delivering an uncompromising level of service that will stay with you long after you've left. All of which has been recognized through a host of industry awards and accolades* including Travel+Leisure (World Best Award, Top Hotel Brand for two years in a row), TIME Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler and Skift to name a few.

Featuring properties in 12 countries, Six Senses is behind some of the world's most enticing hotels, resorts and spas, including: a 19th-century wine estate in the Douro Valley (Portugal), breathtaking island resorts in the Seychelles and Maldives, beach-side retreats in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Oman, a city escape in Singapore, and residences in the mountains of Courchevel (France).

Six Senses joins a growing number of luxury brands in the IHG family, including:

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest luxury hotel brand, which recently celebrated the opening of its 200th hotel and was named World's Leading Hotel Brand title for the 12th time at the World Travel Awards (WTA). This is a brand dedicated to those who appreciate and enjoy The InterContinental Life - the glamour and exhilaration of fascinating places, mixed with international know-how and local cultural wisdom.

Regent Hotels & Resorts, also recently acquired and now undergoing a repositioning which celebrates the brand's deep luxury heritage and revered legacy. Born in 1970, this collection of modern hotels and resorts is rooted in extraordinary living, with a legacy of luxury that endures to this day.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, the industry pioneer that first introduced the boutique concept to the U.S. The brand is now set to open in 20 new global destinations including Mexico City, Paris, Barcelona, Bali and Shanghai, each of which will showcase bold, playful design, award-winning dining and surprising amenities to ensure guests have the ultimate boutique hotel stay.

Across IHG's four leading luxury brands, guests can now enjoy nearly 300 luxury hotels around the world, with more than 100 set to open in the coming years.

From Auckland to Queenstown, Goway has more ways to explore New Zealand.

The experts in vacations Downunder, Goway Travel is inviting Globetrotters to explore New Zealand with three new air-inclusive New Zealand vacation packages.

The New Zealand North Island Highlights is a short and sweet 10-day vacation that visits Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitomo, and Rotorua. Enjoy all that makes Auckland one of the world's most liveable cities, enjoy a cruise in the city of sails, visit the glow worms of the Waitomo Caves, and gawk at the living geological laboratory that is Rotorua.

Four for Free in New Zealand is an ideal first timer's 13-day trip combining Auckland, Rotorua, and southern adventure capital, Queenstown. It also includes four bonus dining experiences, including a food and beverage credit in Auckland, daily breakfast in Rotorua, and a buffet lunch plus breakfast in Queenstown - 'four for free.'

Globetrotters with a taste for the great outdoors will want to go Out and About in New Zealand. This streamlined 10-day package connects Auckland and Queenstown, with the most exciting outdoor activities on offer in each. Explore volcanic islands, Waiheke Island, and the canyons of Queenstown on the world famous Shotover jet boat. Just to sweeten the adventure, this package also includes a food and beverage credit, hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour in Auckland, and a buffet lunch and breakfast voucher in Queenstown.

All three of the featured itineraries can be expanded into a longer, more comprehensive New Zealand vacation to explore the hidden gems throughout New Zealand, with regional stopovers, self-drive options, and luxury experiences to make the trip even more memorable. Globetrotters wanting to take advantage of special offers will need to hurry, as these are valid only until 22 March, 2019.

Goway is offering a special incentive for our valued Travel Agent partners. Simply book a New Zealand Vacation including round trip airfares with Air New Zealand and a minimum of 5 nights accommodation and Goway will pay you Double Goway Rewards - $30 per person booked. Visit gowayagent.com for more details on this great incentive.

For more information visit www.goway.com/explorenz or call 800 387 8850 to speak to your favourite Goway Agent. Alternatively, email [email protected] or visit www.goway.com and use the online chat function.

Heralding the city's world renowned festival season and the biggest sporting event in Canada, the all-new Four Seasons Hotel Montreal is now confirming reservations for arrivals beginning June 1, 2019.

"We are so excited to join with our community in welcoming Formula One fans from around the world for the 2019 Montreal Grand Prix taking place June 7 to 9. The event virtually takes over the city, and we'll be right there in the middle of it," says Four Seasons General Manager Gonçalo Monteiro. "And that's just the beginning of what promises to be a summer to remember in Montreal."

From June 27 to July 6, 2019, the eclectic Festival International de Jazz de Montréal takes place across 20 stages around the city, followed by the always star-studded Just for Laughs Festival from July 10 to 28, 2019, ushering in the best time to enjoy the city's abundant nightlife, cultural activities and historic neighbourhoods. For shoppers, Four Seasons couldn't be better positioned, having direct access to the adjacent Holt Renfrew Ogilvy from its third floor lobby.

Also arriving in Montreal this spring is MARCUS, a new concept and the first Canadian restaurant by internationally renowned chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson. Flowing in and around the Hotel's reception and lobby is a series of indoor and outdoor spaces conceived by Montreal designers Atelier Zébulon Perron as a setting for downtown's most fashionable dining, drinking and socialising.

Myrtle Beach has launched its annual CAN AM Days Savings Promotion for Canadians only ,which runs from January to April 2019, offering their northern visitors excellent offers with participating hotels, attractions and restaurants, from 25% up to 55% off the regular rates.

The savings program ties into their annual CAN AM Days March Break celebration, which will run from March 9-17, 2019, with special savings, events, tours, and festivities - all in the honour of Canadian friends who chose to visit the Myrtle Beach area during March Break or during the entire savings period from January to April.

In addition, their new 2019 Visitors Guide and 2019 Meeting Group Planner Guide have both arrived for distribution. Visitor Guides are ideal as a take-along guide for consumers who are flying or driving to Myrtle Beach this year - the guide includes a pull-out map and discount coupons.

Porter Airlines has resumed its annual seasonal air service from Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre Airport (YTZ) to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), commencing February 13 through to May 19, twice per week on Wednesdays and Saturdays with more frequent flights during March Break. Porter Escapes offers ITC packages with air, accommodations and attractions to Myrtle Beach during this seasonal period.

WestJet Encore has resumed their annual seasonal air service from Lester B. Pearson Toronto International Airport (YYZ) to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) commencing April 29 through to October 27, twice per week on Mondays and Fridays

Mastering the art of blending luxury with comfort isn't easy. Nor is it easy to blur the lines between outside and in. Avalon Waterways' Panorama Suites - available on two full decks of every ship in Avalon's European and Southeast Asian fleet have done just that. And that's not all. In addition to launching the new Avalon Envision in April with godmother, best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert, the river cruise company is announcing plans to launch the Avalon View in 2020.

Providing travellers with the most consistent ship and stateroom experience fleet-wide available from any river cruise operator across the globe, the new Avalon View will mark Avalon Waterways' 14th Suite Ship in Europe and its 17th Suite Ship worldwide. In fact, Avalon Waterways is exclusively sailing new, Suite Ships with an average age of just six-years.

"On Avalon's signature Suite Ships, we provide our guests with two full decks of 200-square-foot, one-of-a-kind Panorama Suites," said Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways. "And, this year, for the first time, there's only one point-of-view on an Avalon Waterways river cruise: The suite view. Avalon's entire fleet of ships, worldwide, is comprised of new Suite Ships giving our travellers exclusive access to the industry's only Open-Air Balconies and beds facing the incredible views for which river cruising is famous."

Avalon's Suite Ships have made a splash in river cruising since the Avalon Panorama debuted just eight years ago and have not only garnered industry awards - including the "Best Cabins" in river cruising from the prestigious site Cruise Critic for four years in a row - they have also won over river cruisers across the globe.

Britain's national tourism agency, VisitBritain, has launched its new Canadian Tourism Advisory Council. The aim of the council is to provide strategic advice to help steer VisitBritain's Canadian strategy by providing industry knowledge and expertise from an unbiased and independent point of view.

"We are excited to announce the formation of this council in Canada, and to confirm the participation of this group of top leaders from the tourism industry," said Gavin Landry, Executive Vice President, Americas, VisitBritain. "We met for the first time in Toronto, where insights were shared and a robust discussion took place."

The Canadian Tourism Advisory Council includes members from the following companies: Ensemble Canada; Globus Family of Brands; Kensington Tours; Travel Professionals International; Transat Holidays; TravelBrands and Air Canada Rouge (absent).

Members on the council from VisitBritain include: Gavin Landry, Executive Vice President, Americas; Paul Gauger, Senior Vice President, Americas; Sheelagh Wylie, Chief Marketing Officer, Americas; and Carl Walsh, Director of Travel Trade, North America.

The council will next meet at ExploreGB, May 8-10, 2019, in Harrogate, Yorkshire. ExploreGB is VisitBritain's flagship event providing British & Irish tourism suppliers and destinations with an invaluable opportunity to meet and do business with over 200 hosted international travel buyers from 30+ countries.

Canadian visitor numbers to Britain remain strong. In 2017, Canada visits increased to 835,000, the highest since 2006. For 2018, visitor numbers and spend are tracking ahead of 2017, according to data from the International Passenger Survey.

Mastering the art of blending luxury with comfort isn't easy. Nor is it easy to blur the lines between outside and in. Avalon Waterways' Panorama Suites - available on two full decks of every ship in Avalon's European and Southeast Asian fleet have done just that. And that's not all. In addition to launching the new Avalon Envision in April with godmother, best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert, the river cruise company is announcing plans to launch the Avalon View in 2020.

Providing travellers with the most consistent ship and stateroom experience fleet-wide available from any river cruise operator across the globe, the new Avalon View will mark Avalon Waterways' 14th Suite Ship in Europe and its 17th Suite Ship worldwide. In fact, Avalon Waterways is exclusively sailing new, Suite Ships with an average age of just six-years.

"On Avalon's signature Suite Ships, we provide our guests with two full decks of 200-square-foot, one-of-a-kind Panorama Suites," said Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways. "And, this year, for the first time, there's only one point-of-view on an Avalon Waterways river cruise: The suite view. Avalon's entire fleet of ships, worldwide, is comprised of new Suite Ships giving our travellers exclusive access to the industry's only Open-Air Balconies and beds facing the incredible views for which river cruising is famous."

Avalon's Suite Ships have made a splash in river cruising since the Avalon Panorama debuted just eight years ago and have not only garnered industry awards - including the "Best Cabins" in river cruising from the prestigious site Cruise Critic for four years in a row - they have also won over river cruisers across the globe.