20.000 Meilen unter dem Meer by VERNE, Jules

Winter skiing, dude ranches, exceptional golf and scenic vistas which will fill your iPhone or camera photo space. In this issue of CTP, Voices of Travel host, Ron Pradinuk will take listeners on a tour of the Grand County region of Colorado – the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. At over three thousand metres, it’s the breaking point of the Continental Divide from where the watersheds either flow west to the Pacific Ocean or East to the Atlantic. In addition to Winter Park Resort – the closest major ski area to Denver – it is a summer destination for whitewater rafting, exceptional golf tracks, major cattle ranches that produce the world renowned Wagyu Beef – and small town communities whose people welcome you with open arms. Originating in Japan, and related to the better known Kobe Beef, Wagyu Beef is highly sought after because of its higher proportion of unsaturated fats – which can purportedly lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol Pradinuk talks with Gaylene Ore, the communications contact for the Grand County region, and Steve Hurlebert, the PR director for Winter Park Resort. Whether you’re thinking about a summer or winter vacation, Grand County may move up much higher in your planning options after you listen to this edition of Voices of Travel. As you’ll hear Gaylene Ore say, “The summer is delightful here. We all say we moved here for the winter, but stayed for the summer.” So take a listen to as this week’s Voices of Travel and discover Colorado’s Grand County region The post Grand County, Colorado appeared first on TravelPress.

In this issue’s podcast, Voices of Travel host, Ron Pradinuk talks with the founder of an online corporate and leisure booking tool that has been designed specifically for medium-sized agencies and smaller. Rastko Ilic consulted with major industry players like Amadeus, American Express and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, before he set out to find a cost efficient solution for agencies who are not able to afford the large established programs. What he found was ResVoyage, a product that has been tested and is already being used in Chile, Israel, Africa and Asia, in addition to the United States. Canada One Travel in Winnipeg has not only implemented the program, but has acquired the Canadian distribution rights as well. Voices of Travel will also talk with him and his business development officer, Leah Holovach. If you’re an agency searching for the online corporate and leisure booking engines, this program may offer the solution you’ve been looking for. The post ResVoyage appeared first on TravelPress.

In this week’s podcast, Voices of Travel host, Ron Pradinuk takes us on the rivers of the world as he presents the story of the company which is frequently recognized as the world’s finest luxury river cruise line. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has established an enviable reputation for exceptional services, above and beyond the ordinary. With even more new ships being added to its fleet over the next couple of years, it already dominates the luxury category in European itineraries, and offers the same exemplary experiences in Egypt, Indian, Russia, china, Vietnam and Cambodia. Talking with Uniworld’s vice-president for field sales, North America, Michelle Palma, Ron will explore the unique all-inclusive programs of Uniworld which include the best in beverage options, outstanding culinary offerings, onboard fitness facilities and much more that separates Uniworld Boutique River Cruises from so many of the others. Travel agents have been the absolute link to Uniworld’s success story, and they now offer even more enhanced booking tools for the travel agent community. As they say, the difference is in the details, and this show will convince you that Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is where clients will truly experience the luxury they are seeking. So take a listen to as this week’s Voices of Travel featuring Uniworld’s Michelle Palma. The post Uniworld appeared first on TravelPress.

The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia has become known as one of the best tourism destinations in Western Canada. Its largest city, Kelowna, has become the centre for so many of the attractions in the area. It has over 30 wineries and some of the best golf tracks in the country. It is the home of Canada’s annual culinary championships and has become its own gastronomic centre, where chefs choose to go to practice their craft in one of the most scenic environments in Canada. It offers spectacular sunsets, beautiful beaches and boating, and farm to table options to satisfy most discriminating tastes. In this issue of Canadian Travel Press, Voices of Travel host, Ron Pradinuk explores Kelowna and its many, many attractions. He will introduce listeners to award winning wineries and some amazing on-the-water hotel properties. By the end of the show, listeners will readily understand why Kelowna has become a place people want to live, and the many reasons it has become a prime Canadian tourist destination. The post Kelowna appeared first on TravelPress.

In this last Voices of Travel podcast for the year, we find out how the past year has worked out for many of our leading industry companies. More importantly we look at projections for 2019 and dig for trends that will affect travel related business and the consumer in the coming year and beyond. You will hear two recurring themes form our industry leaders in this week’s show. Firstly, experiential travel will play an even bigger role in satisfying the changing wishes of people, and as might be expected a continuing explosion in digital technology advancements will bring new opportunities for the industry, and exciting new services to the consumer. In this week’s podcast, Voices of Travel host, Ron Pradinuk talks with Nathalie Boyer of Transat Distribution Canada (TDC), Martine Venne of Tourism Montreal, Drew Fisher from the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Jeff Element of the Travel Corporation and Guy Theriault of Parks Canada. The post 2019: It’s going to be quite an experience appeared first on TravelPress.

Travel agents may know the name, Playa Hotels and Resorts, but many may not be fully aware of the number of brands under their umbrella. Or how fast their expansion has been over recent years. Panama Jack, Jewel, and Sanctuary Cap Cana — all impressive resorts unto themselves. Add to that list a number of Hyatt’s and Hilton’s which they fully own and operate and you have some of the best vacations options in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. In this week’s podcast, Voices of Travel host, Ron Pradinuk, talks with Rose Cosentino, vice-president of sales for Playa Resorts and Hotels in Canada. You’ll learn how they work closely with travel agents to ensure they are part of the Playa success story. And you’ll hear how they make dramatic improvements to the properties they purchase once they are in the Playa family. The post Playa Hotels and Resorts appeared first on TravelPress.

In this podcast, Voices of Travel host, Ron Pradinuk explores the recent improvements and expansion of the Palladium Hotel Group. Its Grand Palladium properties have undergone upgrades to their facilities, but the properties have also taken big steps forward in the gastronomical experiences they offer to guests. While it has been an established brand for a long time, the group now introduces a new adult’s only category into its mix. Sonia Casaubon, Palladium Hotel Group’s business development manager in Canada, will introduce listeners to the concept of Infinite Indulgence; technology innovations that change the face of digital service at its resort sites; and demonstrate why its own Zentropia Spa and Wellness centres have established new standards in spa service. Travel agents will also be brought up to date on the educational and reward programs which have helped them become favourites in the industry. The post Palladium Hotel Group appeared first on TravelPress.

In this edition of Voices of Travel, host Ron Pradinuk visits Grand Junction – Western Colorado’s biggest city. Fifty years ago, its serpentine main street won national urban design awards. With outdoor patios now occupying those turns of the road and 100 pieces of public art strategically placed all along the way, it is still a one of the most unique downtowns in America. It’s also the home of Colorado’s best golf course and sits at the base of one of the most spectacular mountain drives you will find in the United States. Within easy driving distance of some of the best Colorado ski areas, Grand Junction is often used as the home base for ski groups, because of its attractions and better valued, quality accommodation. While hiking through the nearby monument, it is not uncommon to find real dinosaur bones from millenniums past. So take a listen to the conversation as this week, Voices of Travel tells the story of a destination city that’s well worth visiting. The post Grand Junction Colorado appeared first on TravelPress.

Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations for travellers from all over the world. The company that holds sway over most of the Alaska itineraries is Princess Cruise Lines. They get consistently high ratings and offer a wide range of Alaska itineraries. And they are always rated highly for on-board food and service. I have just recently returned from my first Alaska experience and first sailing on a Princess ship. It was a wonderful eye opening experience. On this week’s Voices of Travel, host Ron Pradinuk talks with John Cherneski, North American director of sales for Princess Cruises. Pradinuk also interviews a number of the crew managers who make sure that the food and service aspects are maintained at the highest levels. During his cruise, Pradinuk talked to a lot of people who keep coming back to both Princess Cruise ships and Alaska time after time and you’ll hear from one of these couples. The post Discovering Alaska with Princess Cruises appeared first on TravelPress.

Thousands of people make the crossing between Vancouver and Victoria daily on the various ferries that service the route. Now there is a new luxury option added to the seascape that passengers are beginning to embrace more and more. Winding up their first year of operations, Julian Wright, general manager of this V2V premium cruise service connecting the two cities, talks to voices of travel host, Ron Pradinuk about the support they have received from tourists visiting from around the world. V2V vacations is part of a family business started almost a 100 years ago in 1926. With similar and diverse businesses in Australia, a previous stint working in Vancouver convinced the family it was time to bring a premium service to Canada to make the crossing a better travel experience. The company embraces the relationship they have with travel agents and looks forward to meeting them and their clients over the coming years. The post V2V appeared first on TravelPress.

  Most travel agents may have never heard of this non-profit organization. But in this week’s Voices of Travel, host Ron Pradinuk will introduce agents to Friendship Force which has helped send thousands around the world. And even though its base of being is homestays, it holds a bonanza for travel agents who are willing to get to know the organization and its members better. It was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for helping create peaceful bonds between the people of the United States and the former Soviet Union during the years of the Cold War. While the homestays usually last only one week, on this show you will see that few travel to a country and not extend their journeys to other parts of that nation.   The post Friendship Force appeared first on TravelPress.

On long haul flights, passengers expect comfort, entertainment, and exemplary service. On today’s Voices of Travel, host Ron Pradinuk talks with one of the acknowledged leaders in the sector. Having just been judged by SkyTrax voters as the best for in-flight entertainment, tops in business class and the fourth overall airline in the world, Emirates has a story to tell. You’ll also discover that it’s a Canadian story as well. Celebrating its 10th year in Canada in 2017, Matthias Schmid, senior vice-president for North America for Emirates, talks about the airline’s commitment to this country as it expands its Dubai service to five flights a week. It has already carried almost 1.5 million passengers through its Toronto-Dubai route and is poised for even greater growth in both passengers and cargo service. So take a listen to the conversation. The post Emirates story appeared first on TravelPress.

Every now and then an established company re-invents itself. That’s what’s happening with Anderson Vacations. This week, Voices of Travel host, Ron Pradinuk talks to the people who are driving change at the new Anderson Vacation. Under new ownership, Jai Mukerji is the person responsible for initiating and executing the changes and enhancements that will move Anderson from what was mostly a traditional motorcoach company to a small group tour company that has found its own place in the crowded environment of motorcoach competitors. You’ll also hear Darcie Quarderas, Anderson’s director of business development talk about the destinations and the itineraries, and expand upon the close relationship they have with the travel agent community. This is a company ready to take its place in an emerging market that values the personal experience when they travel, and who look forward to making friends as they seek new discoveries. The post Anderson Vacations is making it new appeared first on TravelPress.

In this edition of Voices of Travel, host Ron Pradinuk explores a sector of the travelling public travel agents may not have thought much about for insurance sales. It’s those travellers who come here from other places to spend time with Canadian friends and relatives. Are they covered in case something happens to them here? Dan Keon, vice-president, market management for Allianz Global Assistance Canada, one of the biggest insurance providers in the world, is Pradinuk’s guest in this edition of Voices of Travel. Keon will describe how travel agents here can work with these guests to Canada who may be unaware they are not covered by our health care system. Additionally as the season is upon us now, Keon also talks about some important insurance information for those thinking of travelling to hurricane prone areas. As well, Pradinuk and Keon explore a wide range of other key insurance topics that clients are likely ask agents about. The post Allianz Global Assistance appeared first on TravelPress.

River cruising has experience unprecedented growth over the past decade. Today, you can book trips for your clients on most of the major rivers in the world. Europe certainly has some of the most popular itineraries – and one of the most successful brands in the river cruise sector – particularly in Europe, is Avalon Waterways. On this week’s Voices of Travel podcast, host Ron Pradinuk sits down with Stéphanie Bishop, managing director for the Globus Family of Brands in Canada. During the interview, Bishop talks about the continuing upward trend of river cruising and some of the features and initiatives that Avalon Waterways is introducing to make these journeys even more popular. The post Avalon Waterways cruising to success appeared first on TravelPress.

In this week’s Voices of Travel podcast, host Ron Pradinuk will take you on a journey through a special part of Switzerland that’s perhaps not as well-known as some of the other regions. It’s the region of St. Gallen, with its historic UNESCO-recognized cathedral and nearby Lake Constance vacation area. Ron will take listeners on tours of a Chocolate factory, winery and a cheese shop that features more than 300 varieties of cheese. And he discovers that while the name Einstein might be associated with many things, few would suggest any connection to textiles. This podcast will tell you why. Traveling on the Swiss Travel System, Pradinuk visited a number of the communities around St. Gallen, and reports why it is such an impressive area to send clients. The post Switzerland appeared first on TravelPress.

Clifden may be a small community in southern Ireland but its connections are so strong to Canada that it celebrates Canada Day, as we do, every July 1. Barberstown Castle was owned until recently by guitarist and singer, Eric Clapton, and now you can rent one of the rooms in the castle section. Kylemore Abbey, near Dublin, is a riches to rags story of how bad times can happen to good people. These three castles form the foundation of this podcast – which introduces you to some of the Irish people – and takes you to some of the unique places in the Republic of Ireland. As Voices of Travel host, Ron Pradinuk’s guest, Brian Hughes explained it: “You can go down to the local pub and walk out laughing or crying.” In fact, Hughes noted: “Being in relative isolation and surrounded by the sea made the Irish who we are. It is our sense of humour, our character, and our music that we love to share with people.” The post Discovering Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way appeared first on TravelPress.

With over 6,000 rooms already available in their properties in Mexico and the Caribbean and another 1,500 set to open in the near future, the Palladium Hotel Group is clearly are a company on the move. In this week’s Voices of Travel podcast, host Ron Pradinuk talks with Jacques De Paep, Commercial Director for North America for the Group. De Paep talks about the massive investment Palladium has made in upgrading its current properties, and about the new resorts that are soon to be opened. What will be of significant interest for travel agents is Palladium’s program to make sure that agents get credit – and rewards – for their bookings, even if they are done through tour operators. The post Palladium Hotel Group appeared first on TravelPress.

Destination weddings are big business for travel agencies, tour operators and overseas resorts. As this market segment grows, the need for experienced and trained agents becomes increasingly more important. In this week’s Voices of Travel, host Ron Pradinuk explores some of the ways that digital technology is changing how couples communicate. Pradinuk talks with a bride who just got married in Mexico a few weeks ago, and learns how the couple initiated a better option to the “Save the Date” cards. Find out what tour operators, like Transat, are doing to capture a larger share of that lucrative market and learn some of the facts about the economic impact of destination weddings. The post Destination Weddings appeared first on TravelPress.

From its origins in the 1800’s, the Palm Beaches of Florida became known as the leisure destination for the famous. Including the present one, the region has been a frequent vacation option for many of the past presidents of the United States. Once the cold winds of winter start sending messages of escape to every province, it’s also a prime destination area for Canadians. Many have already discovered the Palm Beaches. With his eye on growth and evolution the newly appointed Senior Director of Leisure Travel Industry Sales for the Discover the Palm Beaches team, Erick Garnica (Gar-nee-ka) sees even more growth. On this week’s Voices of Travel, Ron Pradinuk will explore the area with Erick, and find out what travel agents can look forward to for their clients in the years going forward. The post The Palm Beaches of Florida appeared first on TravelPress.