April 2011

Effective Friday, April 8, 2011, British Airways increased the fuel surcharge for all tickets issued in North America (the US and Canada) for travel originating from these areas to the destinations as detailed below. The only exception is there is no increase to Europe.

The changes are as follows:

US/Canada to the UK:
The fuel surcharge will increase: US - UK: $15USD one-way in World Traveller (economy) and World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and $30USD one-way in First and Club World Canada - UK: $15CAD one-way in World Traveller and World Traveller Plus and $30CAD one-way in Club World and First.

US/Canada to India: (Origin and destination basis in World Traveller, and sector basis in World Traveller Plus, Club World and First):

The fuel surcharge in World Traveller has increased $15USD one-way (Canada converted), and increased $30USD in World Traveller Plus, and $60USD in Club World and First (Canada converted).

US/Canada to the rest of world on a sector basis (excluding India):
The fuel surcharge has increased from the US/Canada $30USD in World Traveller and World Traveller Plus, and $60USD in Club World and First. (Canada converted)

American Airlines and WestJet Airlines have launched a comprehensive codeshare agreement that will give customers of both airlines more choices and greater connectivity when traveling between the United States and Canada, as well as across American's worldwide network.

The placement of the AA* code on WestJet flights will provide American's customers seamless connecting service to nearly 20 Canadian cities not currently served by American or American Eagle. Initially, American will place its code on flights in the following markets: Montreal to Winnipeg and Toronto to Edmonton.

By placing its WS* code on American's flights, WestJet will be offering its guests service to more than 30 new American U.S. destinations. WestJet will add these codeshare routes in phases, starting with flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles via Toronto, with expanded service throughout the American Airlines network expected in the near future. The codeshare agreement will make it easier and more convenient for customers to connect from WestJet to American's global route network and from American to WestJet's Canadian cities.

Members of the American Airlines AAdvantage® program and WestJet's Frequent Guest Program® can now earn miles or rewards on the codeshare flights, providing customers another benefit of the enhanced relationship. The two airlines are exploring other ways to augment their cooperation in the future.

WestJet offers a flight schedule that fits with your business schedule, so you’re just in time when you need to be. And with added service in Canada’s busiest business corridor you’ll have even more choice.
Starting on May 2, 2011, choose from 10 flights each business day between Toronto and Montreal and 9 flights between Toronto and Ottawa.

Toronto-Ottawa

Also starting May 2, guests travelling on flights between Toronto and Montreal or Toronto and Ottawa will enjoy these WestJet conveniences:**

• Dedicated, easy-access departure gates at all three airports

• Ability to take an earlier flight on the same day with absolutely no added fee

• If you miss your flight and arrive at the airport within two hours we’ll get you on another

flight at no extra charge

• A complimentary wine or beer on board

• 20% off at Toronto Pearson Valet Care. Curb drop-off means you are just seconds from

the check-in counter and your car will be waiting for you in a convenient pick-up area

upon your return.

Plus, for a limited time, WestJet Frequent Guest Program® members will earn

$25 WestJet dollars® for every three Toronto-Montreal or Toronto-Ottawa flights flown

between May 2 and August 31, 2011.

In the coming months Air France will gradually start installing its Premium Voyageur cabin on its A380 aircraft.

Up until now, the product has only been available on the airline’s entire international longhaul network served by B777s and A340s/A330s.With Premium Voyageur, Air France offers a private cabin with an additional 40% space compared to the airline’s Voyageur cabin; preserved personal space with a 48cm wide, fixed-shell seat which reclines to 123°; faster and easier services at the airport with access to business class check-in counters and the business class lounge, boarding at the passenger’s convenience and priority baggage delivery.In addition, passengers are given an additional baggage allowance to most destinations and passengers enjoy benefits and services such as the Flying Blue frequent flyer programme.

The airline plans to introduce daily A380 flights to Montreal on April 22.

Montreal will be the fourth destination served by the airline’s Super jumbo, after New York in November 2009, Johannesburg in February 2010 and Tokyo in September 2010.

Passport Canada is reminding Canadians to apply for a passport as early as possible prior to any travel outside Canada.

If travellers are eligible to use the Simplified Renewal Process, they need only provide a completed Simplified Renewal Passport Application (PPTC 054) accompanied by their most recent passport, the required fee (for 24-page passport: adults, C$87; children three to 15, C$37 and children under three, C$22; for 48 pages: adults, C$92; children three to 15, C$39 and children under three, C$24); and two recent photos*.

When using the Simplified Renewal Application Process, travellers do not have to resubmit proof of Canadian citizenship, supplementary identification or guarantor information.

To be eligible for Simplified Renewal they must:

• have been at least 16 years of age at the time they applied for their previous passport.

• be in possession of a Canadian passport that:

was issued in Canada, OR outside Canada after April 30, 2006 (as indicated under "Issuing Authority" on page 2 of the submitted passport);

was issued within the last six years;

is a regular (blue) passport, with a five-year validity period;

has not been damaged or reported lost or stolen; and

was issued in the same name as their current legal name.

With the Simplified Renewal Application Process, travellers can apply in person in Canada at any Passport Canada service location or by mail in Canada or from the United States.

The processing times are the same for all types of applications.

* The new photos do not need to be signed by anyone. However, the name and address of the photographer or studio, as well as the date the photos were taken, must be provided on the back of one photo.

Go to http://www.ppt.gc.ca/articles/20110401.aspx?lang=eng for more information.

The Conference Board of Canada says in its newly released Canadian Industry Outlook: Canada’s Air Transportation Industry – Winter 2011 that following record high profitability in 2010, Canada’s airlines can expect lower profits this year due to higher costs. Economist Maxim Armstrong stated that “Cost-control measures implemented during the recession helped airline profits take off when sales started improving in 2010. With costs expected to catch up with revenues, these profit levels won’t be sustainable.” He noted, however that “still, profits will remain high by historical standards.”

The Conference Board’s outlook reported that business and consumer confidence are driving growth in sales. Businesses are loosening their budget constraints and the resumption of income growth is allowing more people to fly. Particularly encouraging for the air transportation industry is the rising number of international travellers coming to Canada, both from emerging countries and from a slight upward trend of American visitors to Canada in recent months. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years. However, domestic travel will remain the primary source of growth for the industry.

The outlook indicates that following two years of decline, costs will rise by more than nine per cent in 2011 due to higher oil prices and increased hiring.

It noted as well that pre-tax profits are expected to fall to $785 million in 2011, down from $1.2 billion last year. Profits will remain in the $700 million to $800 million range annually for the next three years.

No. 1 Traveller has confirmed that it will open its first Heathrow Lounge, in Heathrow Terminal 3, this coming August.The lounge, due to open on August 14, will come complete with bedrooms.

It is also believed that the lounge will be the first paid-for facility to offer airside accommodation at Heathrow.The bedrooms will feature en-suite showers, soundproofing, telephones, Wi-Fi, on-demand films and room service.

Other facilities at the lounge will include free Wi-Fi, a games room, a cinema, bar and bistro, aquarium area and spa.The Heathrow lounge will be open from 04h00 until 22h00 every day.

Travellers wishing to make use of the facilities can book in advance online.

The bedrooms, however, will only open for bookings on September 30.

The lounge at Heathrow will join No. 1 Traveller’s existing three lounges at Gatwick South and Stansted, as well as the new Gatwick North lounge due to open on May 10.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, rolled out the green carpet for the grand opening of the Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre on April 6.

The new hotel is Canada’s largest Holiday Inn property with 513 rooms over 23 floors and features 9,000 square feet of modern, multi-functional event space. The grand opening marks the completion of the hotel’s $20 million renovation project. The hotel will be among the first and the largest in North America in 2011 to open following the successful completion of the $1 billion Holiday Inn global brand relaunch, the biggest ever project of its kind in the history of the hospitality industry. The Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre demonstrates the positive changes of the relaunch program on a large scale which includes a renewed focus on quality, improved arrival & welcome features, enhanced bedding and showers, a “Stay Real” service culture and a new, up to date look including a redesigned logo and signage.

“The opening of the Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre is a significant milestone, as it’s not only the largest Holiday Inn in Canada, but also the largest opening in North America following the successful completion of the $1 billion Holiday Inn global brand relaunch” said Gopal Rao, regional vice president, sales and marketing, IHG Canada. “Toronto is a world class city and the ideal place to host Canada’s largest Holiday Inn. This magnificent hotel will cater to tens of thousands of visitors in its first year alone. All of whom will be able to experience on a grand stage Holiday Inn hotels’ global brand relaunch as well as what Toronto has to offer first hand.”

Heart of the City

Located at 30 Carlton Street in the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood, the hotel is steps away from Toronto’s historic landmark Maple Leaf Gardens and within walking distance of the Eaton Centre, Ryerson University and hundreds of restaurants and businesses.

To celebrate the hotel’s grand opening, Holiday Inn reached out to local businesses and partners with the support of the Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Association (DYBIA) to participate in their Paint The Town Green initiative.  As part of the Paint The Town Green initative, local business gave an early welcome to the Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by rolling out the welcome mats and painting their doors in Holiday Inn hotels’ signature green in the weeks leading up to the grand opening. In a show of thanks and commitment to the community, Holiday Inn will make a donation to the BIA for every door painted. Holiday Inn will present a $10,000 donation to the DYBIA at the official Grand Opening Green Carpet event on April 6.

“To have the largest Holiday Inn in Canada opening in our neighbourhood will be an amazing boon to our local businesses and community,” said James L. Robinson, executive director, Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Association. “With the Paint the Town Green initiative, Holiday Inn has demonstrated a tremendous commitment to the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood and the business community welcomes them to our diverse and progressive corner of Toronto.”

A New Look and Feel

The Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre provides an intimate hotel experience that is unique to a large scale hotel property. The existing building was gutted and completely redesigned creating a modern design and décor by architect Ava Janikowski of Chase International Consultants in Design. Toronto-based visual artist Neil Young’s artwork was selected for the hotel lobby for his vibrantly colourful abstract visuals that accentuate the hotel’s modern design.

The hotel boasts a variety of dining options including the new urbane dining experience at The Carlton. Renowned executive chef Chris Moreland (formerly of White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa) brings his culinary vision of ‘glocal’ to life with exotic dishes created with locally sourced ingredients. While Thirty Bar & Lounge is the perfect modern and relaxed environment for both business and holiday travelers to enjoy cocktails and tapas. Guests will also enjoy the fitness centre and large indoor pool complete with stunning outdoor patio.

Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts participates in IHG’s guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards.  The industry’s first and largest guest loyalty program has 56 million members.  Priority Club Rewards membership is free and guests can enroll by logging on at priorityclub.com, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of this hotel or any of IHG’s more than 4,400 hotels worldwide.

Discover and Explore the Real Europe with Insight Vacations. SAVE on tours to London, Italy, New York, Morocco & MORE! Don't be disappointed - Book Now!  Offer expires April 29, 2011.

Spring Sale - Receive $700 Off per couple on an air inclusive Insight Vacation OR Save $450 per couple on Land Only Vacations.

Vision 2000 Recommended Itineraries

13 Day BEST OF BRITAIN
Here lies the story of Britain, starting with Coventry Cathedral, risen from wartime ashes and ending with the most famous monument from the ancient world.

9 Day COUNTRY ROADS OF SCOTLAND
Beyond Scotland's tartan facade lies 8,000 years of history and a rich cultural heritage, while the drama and variety of her natural features never fail to impress.

9 Day IRISH ELEGANCE
Irelands compact landscape means driving distances are not great. Therefore, the tour pace is relatively easy going. This is complemented by the two-night stays in Killarney, Cong and Dublin.

10 Day BEST OF SPAIN AND PORTUGAL
Combining some of Spain's most popular attractions with the lesser known delights of Portugal, allowing for an insightful exploration of the Iberian Peninsula.

11 Day EASY PACE FRANCE
Spend quality time in three very different parts of France; Paris, the cultural capital, Provence and the Rhone Valley, and the sun-drenched resorts of the Riviera.

16 Day GRAND TOUR OF ITALY & SICILY
A comprehensive exploration from north to south. Contrast Sicily's Greek heritage with the beauty of Capri and Venice's very own captivating character.

9 Day ITALIAN INTERMEZZO
Italy’s three most famous and best loved cities reveal a treasure-trove of riches on this concise yet surprisingly diverse and delightful itinerary.

16 Day TREASURES OF TURKEY
In ancient times, Turkey was a major player in the Mediterranean. It's in vogue once again, but now it's the historic sites, natural wonders and value for money that are drawing the crowds.

17 Day TREASURES OF THE BALKANS
This is a variant of Insight Vacations President's Tour, designed by Insight Travel Forum members. It proved so popular, we just had to put it in the brochure for past and future Insight travellers.

* Terms & CondiTions: Land and air: Valid for new bookings only for tours 9 days or longer. The $700 promo is a per couple discount or $350 per person discount. Applies to bookings made March 23rd, 2011 – April 29, 2011 for  tours departing between April 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011. Payment must be made in full by April 29, 2011. Land and Air discount is valid for Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver air gateways. Air fares are exclusive of applicable  taxes, fees and/or surcharges. Europe valid on KLM, Air France and Jet Airways only. East Med valid on KLM and Air France Airlines ONLY and based on N class seating.  Offers are combinable with all brochure discounts except for Young Traveller, Groups and Early Payment discounts. Offers do not apply to travel insurance, pre and post tour accommodations or custom groups. Land and Air discount is applicable to Europe and East Med product. Offer is applicable to Insight  Select Choices where valid. Offer is applicable to small groups – with availability and collection of travellers’ names at time of booking. Once payment is received, air tickets and changes are non-refundable .  Offer may be withdrawn at any  time and is subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. Airfare rates are subject to change without notice. This offer is not combinable or valid with any Insight Vacations existing promotional offer. Promo sPisPrair6 Land onLy: Valid for new bookings only for tours 9 days or longer. The $450 promo is a per couple discount or $225 per person discount. Applies to bookings made March 23rd, 2011 – April 29, 2011 for tours departing between April 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011. Payment must be made in full by April 29, 2011. Offers are combinable with all brochure discounts except for Young Traveller, Groups and Early Payment discounts. Offers do not apply to travel insurance,  pre and post tour accommodations or custom groups. Land only discount is applicable to Europe, East Med and USA and Canada tours . Offer is applicable to Insight Select Choices where valid. Offer is applicable to small groups – with availability and collection of travellers’ names at time of booking. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and is subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. This offer is not combinable or valid with any Insight Vacations existing promotional offer. Promo PPisPrLand6

Enjoy a getaway to Europe and, for a limited time, earn bonus miles for the sheer pleasure.

Between March 1 and April 30, 2011, earn 1,500 Bonus Aeroplan Miles^* when you book a package from Air Canada Vacations^® to Europe.

That's in addition to earning Aeroplan Miles for the Air Canada flight to your destination!

You can choose from over 40 of Europe's most incredible destinations—including Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Travel to one city and return from another. The choice is yours!

What a wonderfully adventurous way to experience Europe and earn bonus miles.

Act now! This offer is valid for bookings made between March 1 and April 30, 2011, and for travel from September 1 to December 31, 2011.