Live Aqua Beach Resort DR Announced, Plus Air Canada, Sunwing, Transat & More

- La Colección Resorts, a collection of esteemed properties located in Mexico's best destinations, operated by Posadas, is pleased to announce its debut in Dominican Republic, with the soon-to-come Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana, a property for the popular lifestyle sensory brand that is slated to open in March 2020. Located right on the northern shores of Uvero Alto, Live Aqua Resort Punta Cana will transform a newly built architectural gem, promising all the signature Live Aqua brand elements including sensorial experiences, personalized services, impressive art and design, as well as superb amenities.

"We are very excited to bring the adults-only Live Aqua experience to the Dominican Republic," explained Jose Carlos Azcárraga, CEO of Posadas. "Every Live Aqua resort brings its unique character to the location it's in, while always delivering on the signature elements our loyal guests have come to know and love. This property will be no different, offering a new experience for the millions of visitors the island welcomes every year."

Set on golden-sand beaches and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana will boast impressive architecture and design that embraces its serene setting to offer guests a variety of experiences. Expansive airy public spaces such as the grand lobby and beach lounge meld perfectly with the more intimate spaces including zen gardens and relaxation zones accented with magnificent fountains and imposing waterfalls. The resort will have 345 Suites, available in seven categories, that enjoy views of the ocean, gardens or swimming pools. Among the most exclusive options will be select Junior Suites with swim-up access from main swimming pools. Other Suites will offer complete exclusivity with private swimming pools and terraces. All Suites will have all the comfort essentials such as expansive, fully-equipped bathrooms with soaking tubs, interactive 50" flat-screen televisions, espresso machines, aromatherapy and pillow menus, and more.

Air Canada has announced the introduction of year-round service between Montreal and Toulouse starting June 4, 2020. The five-times weekly flights will provide the only year-round service between the two cities and be operated with Air Canada's Airbus A330-300 fleet, featuring Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Special introductory fares from Montreal to Toulouse start as low as $729 CDN round-trip, all-in, and tickets are now available for purchase at aircanada.com or through travel agents.

"Air Canada is very pleased to offer non-stop, year-round flights linking Montreal and Toulouse. This service will create opportunities to accelerate synergies between two of the world's leading aerospace industry hubs. Combined with our recently announced non-stop flights between Montreal and Seattle, the world's other major aerospace hub, starting next year, we are helping solidify Quebec's position as a global player in the aerospace industry, which will help maintain and encourage the growth of high-skilled, high-paying jobs in the sector. This further demonstrates the power of having a global champion in Montreal such as Air Canada; one with the capacity and network breadth to compete effectively in aviation, the most international of businesses," said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Canada.

"This new route is our sixth destination in continental France and represents further growth from our Montreal hub, where Air Canada has launched 35 new global routes since 2012. Apart from its attractions as a business travel market, Toulouse is also known for its rich heritage spanning 2,000 years, abundant culture and its culinary scene. At the same time, as this route will be the only year-round service to south west France from Canada, it will strengthen Montreal's position as both a business and tourism destination while making it a premier North American Atlantic gateway, conveniently connecting customers to Air Canada's extensive North American network," Rovinescu concluded.

There's good news for residents of Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay looking to trade snow for sun this winter.

Sunwing is returning to Sault Ste. Marie Airport for the 12th consecutive season and offering weekly flights to Varadero, Cuba for the first time; operating weekly between December 12, 2019 and April 9, 2020.

Vacationers who choose to head south this winter can look forward to a quintessential Cuban beach getaway in Varadero. Home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Varadero's pristine white-sand shores and friendly people have made this tropical destination a long-time favourite for Canadian travellers. Whether sun-seekers are dreaming of a family-friendly getaway or an adults only escape, Varadero has something to offer everyone.

President of Tour Operations for Sunwing, Andrew Dawson, commented on the news, "We are delighted that our service out of Sault Ste. Marie has been so well-received. As a result of ongoing support from residents, we're excited to be returning to Sault Ste. Marie Airport for the 12th consecutive season and providing convenient access to one of the most popular vacation destinations this winter."

Sunwing also will be returning to North Bay with a new flight service to Cayo Santa Maria. Vacationers will be able to take advantage of weekly departures direct from North Bay Jack Garland Airport between December 17, 2019 and April 7, 2020.

Travellers can look forward to a quintessential Cuban beach getaway when they vacation in Cayo Santa Maria. A favourite of Canadian sun-seekers, Cayo Santa Maria is lined with pristine white-sand shores, crystal-clear turquoise waters and a wide range of resorts for all travel styles. Vacationers can explore all that Cayo Santa Maria has to offer on a Sunwing Experiences excursion, whether they want to scuba dive in the deep blue or drive a Jeep through the scenic countryside.

"We are excited to be returning to North Bay for an eighth consecutive season and to be offering residents new flights to explore this exciting destination this winter," said President of Tour Operations for Sunwing, Andrew Dawson. "Cayo Santa Maria is a favourite destination for Canadian travellers and we're sure vacationers from the North Bay region will be eager to take advantage of this sunny retreat."

Collette, global tour operator, launches Patagonia: Edge of the World Tour - Featuring Argentina, Chile, and a 4- Night Patagonia Cruise.

Guests take a step into a world of pure nature in Patagonia, where crystal-clear waters meet mountainside glaciers. They will feel the Latin-infused rhythms of Buenos Aires, and breathe in the peace and serenity of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Following the land portion of the tour, guests will enjoy a 4-night cruise through the fjords of Patagonia, engage in a variety of nature hikes, and spend the day by the Aguila Glacier.

"There is a lot of excitement revolving around the launch of the new Patagonia tour," said Diana Ditto, Director of Product Design. "Through culinary inclusions, cultural experiences and incredible must-sees, this trip is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Transat is pleased to offer Canadian travellers two brand-new hotels on Cayo Cruz, an island off Cuba's northern coast less than an hour from Cayo Coco airport.

Known for its magnificent white-sand beaches, often likened to those of Cayo Largo, and as a location for exceptional sport fishing, Cayo Cruz offers an ideal combination of relaxation and exploration. It is located under two hours from Camagüey, capital of the province of the same name, which features vibrant history and cultural activities. Transat is also offering a one-day excursion to the city of Camagüey from Cayo Cruz.

For now, Transat is offering packages in two recently built 4.5-star hotels in Cayo Cruz. The Valentin Cayo Cruz is an adults-only establishment that features 546 deluxe rooms and facilities in a cleanly designed layout, in a captivating setting with five restaurants and three pools. For its part, the Hotel Marina & Spa Cayo Cruz is a boutique hotel featuring modern décor, 60 spacious rooms and a choice location near the marina.

Cayo Cruz will be accessible with Air Transat this winter via direct flight to Cayo Coco from Montreal (four flights weekly), Quebec City (two flights weekly), Toronto (four flights weekly), as well as Ottawa, Hamilton and Halifax (all three one flight weekly).

Ready for sensational displays of ancient tradition? Ready to stand in the presence of David or the Mona Lisa? To chat with the locals … All while avoiding hordes of other tourists? That's what happens when travellers choose an escorted vacation in Europe "off-season." And, if they're going with Escapes by Globus, they will save an average of more than 40 percent on their incredible - and incredibly immersive - getaway. Escapes are offered from late fall to early spring.

Milder temperatures, fewer crowds and better deals. That's the idea behind Escapes by Globus, a compilation of its best-loved itineraries in Europe presented during the low season (November through March) - so travellers can experience the world's most popular destinations for less. And travellers are taking notice: the company's Escapes portfolio has doubled in two years, thanks to increased demand.

"It's such a great idea: you get the same scenery and the same sights for much less," says Stéphanie Bishop of the Globus' Canada office. "The heat is off, the crowds are halved and the locals have the time to spend connecting with visitors. And you still benefit from our planned excursions, the support and advice of your Tour Director and personal recommendations from expert local guides." Escapes itineraries are available for less than $130 Cdn per day (airfare not included).

Globus' VIP access to the world's must-see sites - including Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Familia church, London's St. Paul's Cathedral and Rome's Colosseum - is included for travellers on these off-season vacations as well, allowing Globus guests to skip the lines and make the most of their time.

Local Favorites, memorable moments of cultural and culinary connection, are also provided on every Escapes by Globus vacation. In Modena, Italy, for example, Globus travellers enjoy a tasting of the city's famous balsamic vinegar. In Greece, Local Favourites include learning the sirtaki dance and making tzatziki - a classic of Greek cuisine.

Another benefit of off-season travel? Enjoying the beginning of Christmas holiday festivities in cities including London; taking part in Carnevale in Venice and basking in the glow of the Light Festival in Amsterdam.

And wonderful news for solo travellers, Escapes by Globus also waives the single supplement!

Trafalgar, is proud to announce the release of its 2020 Latin America itineraries, now featuring 13 trips across eight countries in three continents. As part of the launch, Trafalgar is thrilled to be unveiling a new guided vacation to one of the world's hottest emerging destinations, Colombia, showcasing exciting exclusive experiences to add to its portfolio of award-winning itineraries worldwide.

Trafalgar has made a name for itself through its innovative and immersive trips and experiences that enable clients to truly connect to the people and places in the destinations they visit. Its latest Colombia Rediscovered trip is an example of how the brand continues to innovate with this immersive 13-day itinerary.

On this trip, clients will visit the scenic Caribbean town of Santa Marta and the stunning Tayrona National Park to meet one of Colombia's most influential families, the Davilas, champions of sustainable farming and the largest producer of organic crops in South America. They will join the family's patriarch for a night of storytelling during a casual cocktail reception. The next day, guests meet the rest of the family at their private beachfront villa inside the national park for a 'Be My Guest' experience including a Trafalgar exclusive with Colombia's leading anthropologist, Dr. Santiago Giraldo, flown in from Bogota especially for Trafalgar's guests. Clients will then have a rare cultural encounter as they meet members of one of the local Indigenous mountain tribes, an exchange only possible since Dr. Giraldo has been working with these tribes for many years, building a relationship of mutual trust and respect. These tribes rarely interact with outsiders, so Trafalgar guests get a simply unmatchable look into Colombian Indigenous life.

"Our experience and unmatchable connections in this part of the world have enabled us to craft this trip, packed with exclusive experiences for clients," said Christophe Ghaye, Trafalgar's Chief Product Development Officer of The Americas. "These unique experiences have been developed from the ground up with our local contacts to provide unprecedented access into the local life, history, culture and Indigenous heritage of Colombia that cannot be matched elsewhere, by anyone."