Cuba Cruise finally sailing.........................

INTERNATIONAL SURVEY REVEALS WORLD'S FAVORITE TAXI RIDES

For the sixth year in a row, the iconic famous London cab were voted the world's most favorite taxi, for everything from its quality of driving, cleanliness to safety. Even the equally famous yellow cabs in New York weren't a close competition. In a survey by Hotels.com, 22 percent of participants voted London cabs as the best taxi service, while New York yellow cabs got about 10 percent of the total votes. British taxis have won 5 of the 7 categories, including top spot for quality of driving, friendliness, knowledge of the city, cleanliness and safety. In order to become a licensed taxi driver in London, they must pass one of the most demanding training courses in the world, as they must know 315 routes within 10 kilometers (6 miles) radius of Cross Charing in London. For most of the survey respondents from more than 30 countries, safety is by far the most important element when taking the cab, which is followed by knowledge of the area, quality of driving and availability. The survey also discovered that the most performed activity in taxi is to send e-mails or text. Also, just like with the hotels, the most important part for cab passengers is the access to wireless, which beat out music and radio. Meanwhile, cities all over the world have been increasingly encouraging taxi drivers to expand their knowledge of the streets so that they can also serve as efficient tour guides. Dubai is the latest city that actually trains their fleet of drivers, while teaching them about hotels, events, main attractions in the city and key landmarks. Edinburgh, London and Tokyo have also launched similar programs. World's best taxis according to Hotels.com survey: 1. London cabs (22% of votes) 2. New York cabs (10% of votes) 3. Tokyo cabs (9% of votes) 4. Berlin cabs (5% of votes) 5. Mexico City, Madrid and Amsterdam cabs (4% of votes)

CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL OFFERS FREE WIFI

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts next year will begin offering free Wi-Fi access to all guests, according to Gina LaBarre, InterContinental Hotels Group vice president of Americas brand management for upscale brands. LaBarre discussed the development with Business Travel News here this week in Las Vegas at IHG's investors and leadership conference. Free Internet access will be part of a "connectivity bundle" Crowne Plaza will introduce sometime next year as a part of a larger ongoing brandwide overhaul. Beginning next year, IHG will offer free Internet at all properties for any Priority Club member, regardless of status, but Crowne Plaza's offer will go "above and beyond the IHG standard" because it will available to all guests, whether they are Priority Club members or not, LaBarre said.

MIAMI AIRPORT ADDS ELECTRONIC PASSPORT KIOSKS

U.S. and Canadian travellers can have their passports processed via a self-service kiosk Miami International Airport has now launched Passport Express, new automated passport control kiosks, which allow U.S. and Canadian citizens to have their passports processed via a self-service kiosk instead of a customs and border protection (CBP) officer. Thirty-six Passport Express kiosks have been installed in Miami's North Terminal and another 12 will be installed in the airport's South Terminal in 2014. Every four kiosks do the work of approximately one CBP officer, making the 36 new kiosks in North Terminal the equivalent of adding nine new CBP officers to Miami's international arrivals area. Implementation of the kiosks also relieves CBP officers to process more non-U.S. citizens. The average time for Global Entry processing is 40 seconds. The program targets those who leave the country at least four times per year, mainly airline personnel and business travellers

AMERICAN AIRLINES & JETBLUE OK'D FOR EXPANDED MOBILE-DEVICE USE

JetBlue Airways began offering its passengers the option of using Kindles, iPads and other personal electronic devices (PEDs) gate to gate on Friday afternoon. American Airlines announced that it, too, had received FAA approval to use PEDs gate to gate. In a press release it posted on its website, JetBlue said that it had received FAA approval of its plan allowing PED use below 10,000 feet, just one day after the FAA had announced the new policy. JetBlue said that it was first airline to offer use of PEDs under 10,000 feet to its passengers. JetBlue said its first approved flight was Flight 2032 from New York Kennedy to Buffalo. American said on that it had received FAA approval for allowing PED use under 10,000 feet on its entire mainline fleet as well as regional aircraft operated by American Eagle Airlines. Some American Eagle flights won't allow the expanded use of PEDs until later this year. Customers need to secure their handheld devices by holding them or placing them in a seatback pocket. Previously, these devices needed to be stowed under a seat or in an overhead bin during taxi, takeoff and landing. Larger items, such as laptops, still need to be stowed during taxi, takeoff and landing.

Canadians are on the move.......

Canadians love to travel and according to the recently published Global Tourism Watch summary report by the research department of the Canadian Tourism Commission, in 2011 alone, took 32.7 million trips abroad and spent US$33.1 billion on their adventures.

More Canuck statistics:

• Canadians have almost doubled their spending on international travel since 2005, pushing Canada to sixth place in terms of global tourism expenditures;

• The US is the primary destination for Canadians on the road, who made more than 21 million trips there in 2011. The launch of Brand USA and its aggressive marketing efforts to lure Canadians over the border poses another challenge to the local Canadian tourism industry;

• Everybody loves the sunshine, including Canadians who take much of their leisure travel to hot spots such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico during the winter;

• Domestic travel is vital to Canada’s economy: Canadians took 229 million domestic trips in 2010, which accounted for 80% of total tourism receipts:

• Canadians take great pride in their country, ranking it first in terms of being friendly, beautiful, informal, liberal and confident;

• Nature, cultural activities and unique or local experiences get Canadian travel pulses racing the most, but there is a growing appetite for city activities;

• Facebook is the No. 1 social network for Canadian travellers, with almost 75% using it in the past three months. YouTube (50%) and Twitter (18%) are the other heavyweights on the social scene;

• Nearly three in 10 Canadian travelers use social networks to share images or stories while on the road, with one in five doing so via smartphones.

Souirce:  Canadian Tourism Commission -  Global Tourism Watch

DELTA PASSENGERS ALLOWED TO USE ELECTRONIC DEVICES THROUGHOUT FLIGHTS

Delta said that the Federal Aviation Administration approved its plan for the use of personal electronic devices under 10,000 feet. Delta customers can do so immediately, the airline said on Twitter. Devices must weigh under 2 pounds and stow easily in seatback pockets. The FAA said that airlines could allow the use of personal electronic devices from gate to gate, including during takeoffs and landings, once airlines establish that aircraft operations won't be affected by the devices. The FAA also has to approve airline revisions of fleet manuals, safety announcements and training.

Self-service U.S. Customs Kiosks at O'Hara Airport in Chicago

As of October 1, 2013, Canadian citizens arriving on international flights at O'Hare International Airport started clearing customs more quickly by using self-service kiosks for the first time under an expansion of the new program for entry into the U.S. For those that are not flying out of Toronto where U.S. Immigration service is in place this will be a great time saver. Canadian citizens with Canadian passports can use the electronic kiosk service, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Chicago Department of Aviation. Kiosk users do not need to fill out a paper customs declaration form. Instead they are prompted to scan their passport at the kiosk, which takes a photograph of each traveler and asks him or her to answer questions on a touch screen to verify flight and biographical information and complete a customs declaration. A receipt is issued, and travelers show the receipt and their passport to a customs officer, officials said. The electronic processing effectively allows users of the free service to beat the long lines of passengers who sometimes wait hours to enter the U.S. by going through traditional customs procedures that involve filling out documents and then appearing before a customs officer who scans travelers' passports and verifies their paper customs declaration forms, officials said. Passengers using the kiosks have generally spent 15 minutes or less in the international customs hall at O'Hare's Terminal 5, officials said. From information provided by the London International Airport - London, Ontario

U.S. ISSUES ADVISORY FOR CUBA - Five foreigners stricken with cholera

The US has issued an advisory for travellers to Cuba after several foreign visitors were sickened by cholera in recent weeks. In a security message dated Tuesday, the US Interests Section in Havana recommended visitors and US citizens living on the island avoid untreated water, street food and under- or uncooked dishes such as ceviche. "We urge you to follow public health recommendations and guidelines, such as safe food and water precautions and frequent hand washing to help prevent cholera infection,'' the diplomatic mission said in a statement published online. The 51-year-old embargo against Cuba bars most American tourism to the island, but hundreds of thousands of Cuban-Americans make legal family visits each year and increasing numbers of US citizens are visiting through licensed cultural exchanges. According to the Pan American Health Organization there have been five confirmed cholera cases "associated with a history of travel to Cuba'' in July and August: an Italian, two Venezuelans and two Chileans. At least three of them visited Havana. Authorities last summer acknowledged a rare cholera outbreak originating in eastern Cuba after many years when it was unheard of on the island. They said at the time that the disease had run its course after afflicting 417 people and killing three. In January the government announced 51 more nonfatal cases in the capital, but there has been no official word of new cases since then. Authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Cholera is a waterborne disease can kill its victims quickly through severe dehydration, but it is treatable if detected in time. Cuba has a well-organized civil defence system and scrambled to fight last year's outbreak, with workers handing out chlorine and water purification drops and quarantining hospital patients with diarrhea. The government also mounted a campaign to raise awareness about good hygiene. Meanwhile many Cuban doctors and nurses have experience diagnosing and treating cholera from aid missions in Haiti, where the disease has killed thousands in recent years. "In Cuba, authorities maintain active and strict clinical-epidemiological surveillance of acute diarrheal diseases, studying every suspected case,'' the Pan American Health Organization said in its report. As posted on the TRAVEL INDUSTRY TODAY website 22 AUG 2013

New Passport Rules for Italy

The European Union’s recent new regulations affecting entry requirements for Italy are now in effect as of August 2, 2013. Passports must now be valid for at least three (3) months beyond the return date. Although airport authorities may allow a certain degree of flexibility, travellers are strongly advised to ensure their passport meets the new requirements.

NEW EU PASSPORT REGULATIONS ARE IN EFFECT - BELGIUM, FRANCE, GERMANY & SPAIN

Passports must be valid at least three months past traveller's return date for Belgium, France, Germany and Spain. The European Union's new regulations affecting entry requirements for Belgium, France, Germany and Spain take effect today July 29, 2013. Passports must now be valid for at least three months beyond the date travellers are scheduled to return from travelling in those countries. Airlines will now be checking to ensure passports meet regulations prior to departure, however, if a soon to expire passport is not caught prior to departure, customs officials in Belgium, France, Germany and Spain may not allow travellers to enter. Similar rules are already in effect for travellers visiting Portugal, Greece and the Netherlands.

NEW Europe Passport Entry Requirements – Effective July 19

IMPORTANT NOTICE........... Passengers travelling to Belgium, France, Germany & Spain. The European Union’s recent new regulations affecting entry requirements for Belgium, France, Germany and Spain take effect on July 19, 2013. Passports must now be valid for at least three (3) months beyond the return date for the above destinations. Although airport authorities may allow a certain degree of flexibility, travellers are strongly advised to ensure their passport meets the new requirements. This rule was already in effect for travel to Greece, the Netherlands and Portugal.

Aer Lingus announce Toronto to Dublin service

Aer Lingus will commence direct year-round service from Canada from April, 2014. A daily direct Boeing B757 service between Toronto and Dublin will operate during the summer season, with up to four weekly services operating during the winter. Further to the direct service to Dublin from Toronto, Aer Lingus will provide connections from eight Canadian cities including Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary. The opening of the new Toronto route marks the return of Aer Lingus to Canada’s travel market for the first time in over 30 years, having last served a passenger route between Shannon and Montreal in 1979. The announcement provides a continued boost for both leisure and business tourism from Canada to the island of Ireland as recent figures estimate an increase of 4% in 2012 with close to 120,000 Canadians visiting the island of Ireland.

LUXURY YACHTING IN COSTA RICA

The luxury mega-yacht SeaDream will sail along the “Rich Coast” of Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua.  The paradise of active volcanoes and pristine beaches is abundant with wildlife and a breathtaking 1,200 varieties of orchids. The surfing, hiking, rafting, zip lines and deep sea fishing is among the best in the world. Exciting itineraries and various departure dates in November-December, 2013. Prices from $3499 (+ $305 taxes/fees, p/p, cruise only). 
With only 112 Guests and 95 Crew it is truly 5-Star Service Inclusive.   “It’s yachting, not cruising”

Call me at YYZ Travel Group and ask for amazing spa wellness package, pre and post land packages and limited time saving offers!

WestJet Flying to Myrtle Beach

WestJet launched its new twice-weekly, non-stop service between Toronto (Pearson Airport) and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on May 2nd.

“Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular destinations for Canadian vacationers, with more than 90 kilometers of picturesque beaches, world-class golf and warm southern hospitality,” said Chris Avery, WestJet vice-president, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development. “The baggage capacity of our 737 aircraft is ideal for those travelling with golf clubs and our first checked bag free is popular with leisure travellers.”

WestJet’s Toronto-Myrtle Beach service runs Thursdays and Sundays

10 THINGS TRAVELERS CAN ASK FOR ON A PLANE

If you don't ask, you will not get it. Thanks to reducing the size of airport seats to saving money on in-flight amenities, airlines have a cheap reputation today. However, for those who dare to ask, they may find that these airlines may not be as bargain-basement as they seem.

The next time a passenger has a headache or a thirst that requires more than the standard airline refreshments, they can simply ask for the things that they need. Listed below are 10 things on the 'just ask for' listings.

1) Wing Pins for Kids
Although most airlines do not offer free food and snacks to their passengers, most still have the little flyers wing pins available to celebrate their flights. Therefore, the children can ask the flight attendants for the wing pins.

2) The Whole Can
In the past, passengers normally felt extra special when they were on board. The airline stewardess appeared to supply drinks and snacks that were enough to keep them comfortable until they got to their next destination. Today, flight attendants will only pour a small amount from the can of soda before they give the passenger a little cup. Which means, the drink that is left over can be served to the next passenger. Instead of allowing the flight attendant to pour the rest of the can in another passenger's cup, the person can request the whole can.

3) Basic Medicines and Bandages
If a passenger has a splitting headache that will not go away, flight attendants can provide basic medications to their passengers. Most passengers will not know this unless they ask. This also includes asking for bandages.

4) Water-Bottle Refills
As long as a passenger is onboard the plane, flight attendants can refill their empty water bottles. This service is often needed and necessary because people must empty their water bottles before they can get to the plane.

5) Help Finding a Doctor
Sometimes a passenger may have a medical emergency, while on board. In these situations, the passenger can request assistance from a doctor. The stewardess will respond immediately by asking for a physician over the loud speaker.

6) Seconds
When the flight attendants serve the passengers, they are instructed to serve specific amounts. However, if the person is still famished for whatever reason, they can ask for seconds and it can be granted – as long as the flight attendant has leftovers.

7) Help Switching Seats
Sometimes people may be traveling together, but they are seated in different places. Asking for a switch in seating is also legal to do. However, most flight attendants are more receptive when the passenger waits until everyone has been seated in the proper places.

8) Short-Term Babysitting
Flying alone with small children can be difficult for any mother. Sometimes the mother will need help. Based on specific airline rules, the attendants can provide short-term babysitting, e.g. when the mother needs to use the bathroom.

9) Cockpit Tours
With all of the security concerns in airports today, most people may think that the cockpit is off limits but it is not. If a passenger asks, many pilots will provide the tour at the end of the flight. In fact, some pilots love to share their offices with passengers that have an interest, specifically the children.

10)  Sanitizing Wipes
With all of the germs that people pass today, sanitizing wipes are also available via the assistance of flight attendants.

Reprinted from May 2013 edition YYZ Travel Group Newsletter  BUSINESS FIRST

Turkey now has convenient e-Visa option

What is e-Visa?


Citizens of certain countries are eligible for e-Visa (Check the back page for the full list). It replaces “sticker” and “stamp-type” visas formerly issued at the borders. Applicants obtain their visa electronically after completing all the required steps on www.evisa.gov.tr

Why would I get e-Visa?

By getting e-Visa you can save the time, that you would otherwise spend on “sticker visa”, “stamp-type visa” or “regular visa” procedures.


What do I need for e-Visa application?

A minimum 6-month-valid (as of the date of travel) passport
Flight (or any other possible means of transportation) reservation
Credit or debit card (Mastercard or Visa) - For detailed information please visit www.evisa.gov.tr

How can I get my e-Visa?

The whole process is completed in 3 steps.

Step 1: Application

Visit www.evisa.gov.tr and fill up the application form. (You should make separate applications for each traveler)

Step 2: Payment

You can make the payment by credit or debit card. (Mastercard or Visa) Visa fee is deducted from your account after your application is approved.

Step 3: Download

Your e-Visa will be e-mailed to you within 24 hours after completion of your application. You are required to print out your e-Visa, show it to airport officials and customs officers and keep it with you throughout your stay.

Who is eligible for e-Visa?

The citizens of the countries listed in Table 1 are eligible for e-Visa. The citizens of the countries listed in Table 2 are also eligible, provided that they comply with some criteria.

To check these criteria, go to www.evisa.gov.tr, click “Apply Now”, and choose your country. E-Visa is valid only for tourism or trade purposes. For other purposes, such as work or study, you must make a visa application through Turkish Embassies or Consulates.

Airline Requirements

For e-Visa to be effective, citizens of certain countries are required to travel to Turkey by the airline companies that concluded protocols with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. In this regard, you are expected to read the notifications in the application step carefully.

The validity period of your e-Visa begins from the date specified in your application. You can enter Turkey on any date within this period. If you do not use your e-Visa within this period, you need to make another application for a new e-Visa.

You can get a multiple-entry e-Visa if you are a citizen of certain countries. To check your eligibility, www.evisa.gov.tr, click “Apply Now”, and choose your country.

Citizens of the countries listed below are eligible to apply for e-Visa.

Antigua and Barbuda -  Armenia - Australia  - Austria  - Bahamas  - Bahrain -  Barbados -  Belarus Belgium -  Canada  - Croatia  - Dominica -  Dominican Republic  - Greek Cypriot - Administration Grenada - Haiti - Hong Kong -  Hungary -  Indonesia - Ireland  - Jamaica - Kuwait  - Maldives - Malta Mauritius - Netherlands - Norway - Oman  - Poland - Portugal  - Qatar  - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - Saint Lucia - Saudi Arabia - Slovakia  - South Africa - Spain - U.S.A. - United Arab Emirates - United Kingdom


The table listed above are subject to change. For the updated information please visit www.evisa.gov.tr

Information provided courtesy of Turkish Airlines

WestJet and Icelandair Launch New Interline Agreement

A single combined e-ticket can now be fooked for WestJet and Icelandair flights

WestJet and Icelandair have launched a new interline agreement opening up the skies for passengers connecting between the Americas and more than 20 Icelandair destinations throughout Europe.
Passengers can now book a single combined e-ticket for WestJet and Icelandair flights which includes single check-in for all flights and baggage sent through to the final destination.

When connecting in the Americas, Icelandair customers will fly aboard WestJet’s fleet of Boeing 737 Next-Generation aircraft serving more than 80 cities in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
Earlier this year Icelandair expanded its seasonal service from Toronto to a year-round operation with plans to increase capacity next summer. Icelandair will also resume seasonal service from Halifax with two flights a week starting June 1, 2013

Reprinted from YYZ Travel Group Newsletter - May 2013

Airplanes to remain knife-free. For now.

Facing a huge backlash from the public and the Flight Attendants Union, the US Transportation Security yesterday postponed its controversial plan to allow knives on US flights beginning on Thursday.

The change would have allowed pocketknives with blades under 2.36 inches long and less than half an inch wide. Knives have been banned since terrorists commandeered airplanes in the attacks of September 11, 2001.

A group of 133 Congressmen had signed a letter urging TSA to withdraw the plan, and the Flight Attendants Union has been a vocal opponent.

The Flight Attendants noted in a statement that in order to change a rule, TSA is legally required to issue a notice of rule-making, to allow all interested parties the opportunity to submit comments, and to fairly consider that input.
"If those procedures are followed, we have no doubt that the Administrator will conclude that knives have no place on our planes and will leave the rule barring 'weapons' in place," the union said.

A number of airline unions are working with Congressmen Ed Markey (D-MA) and Michael Grimm (R-NY), and Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), to propose legislation to permanently keep knives off planes.

In announcing the postponement, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, agreed the TSA should get input from stakeholders and transportation security experts.
A TSA spokesman in March had defended the idea of allowing knives, saying the TSA's primary mission is to stop terrorists from bringing down airplanes, which a pocketknife is not likely to do. The safety of travelers on planes is just a "tangential or residual benefit of the things we do," he said.

Thompson noted that the TSA, "paid for by the American public, must understand that its mission is to protect people—passengers and crew."

 

Reprinted from YYZ Travel Group Newsletter BUSINESS FIRST, issue for May, 2013

 

 

Canadian Passport update..............ePassports

About ePassports



Watch video

As of July 1, 2013, all new Canadian passports issued will be 36-page electronic passports, or ePassports. At that time, applicants age 16 and older will have the option of applying for a passport with 5- or 10-year validity for both first-time applications and renewals, while children's ePassports will be issued for a maximum of 5 years.

Enhanced security

The Canadian ePassport looks like a regular passport, but has new security features that make the passport even more tamper-proof:
•An electronic chip embedded in the back cover stores the same personal information that you see on page 2 of the passport (except for the signature), the photo and a digital security feature that proves the passport was issued by the Government of Canada.
•New images in the inside pages celebrate Canada and serve as extra security features.

Protecting your information

Machine-readable zone



When information is first stored on the e-chip in the passport, the e-chip is electronically locked so that your information cannot be tampered with. No additional information about you or your travels will be stored on the e-chip.
The information on the e-chip cannot be read unless the passport is held within 10 centimetres of an ePassport reader, open to page 2, and the machine-readable zone has first been read. It is therefore extremely unlikely that personal data stored on the ePassport chip could be read without your knowledge.

Reader


An ePassport being read by a reader

At border crossings equipped with ePassport readers, the ePassport is put into a scanner that reads the machine-readable zone, which in turn allows the e-chip to be read as well. The machine also checks other security features, such as the country-specific signature. Border authorities not equipped with ePassport readers will continue to examine travellers’ passports as they do now, looking at other security features such as holographic images.

Tried and true

Over 100 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and France, have been using ePassports for several years with no reported chip failures. Through a pilot project that began in January 2009, Passport Canada has already issued more than 60,000 diplomatic and special passports that contain an electronic chip, and no problems have been reported.

In the unlikely event that the chip cannot be read, the passport will still be valid.

A transparent process

Canadians who would like to see the information stored on their e-chip to make sure it is accurate may do so by visiting one of Passport Canada’s 34 offices 

Air Canada updated check-in times

Effective April 10, 2013, check-in and baggage acceptance for flights within Canada will close 45 minutes prior to departure – with the exception of flights leaving from Toronto’s city airport (YTZ), where check-in and bag drop-off will remain available until 20 minutes before departure.

You can check in online or with your mobile device at any time within 24 hours of flight departure, and to familiarize yourself with the check-in and boarding gate deadlines to allow for a smooth travel experience.

Breaking News

NICE AND EASY

No luggage retrieval required for US bound connections at YYZ

Good news for Air Canada passengers connecting to flights to the US through Toronto's Pearson airport. They no longer have to retrieve their checked bags for US customs inspection. The airline says a new system will automatically send travellers' checked baggage to connecting flights.

Passengers previously had been required to collect their checked baggage before clearing US customs.

Air Canada operates up to 355 departures a day from Pearson, with approximately half of its customers making connections through Toronto.

The airline has up to 148 scheduled flights each day to 51 US cities from its Toronto hub

Reprinted from YYZ Travel Group - BUSINESS FIRST - April 2013 issue.

Virgin Galactic Space Travel in 2014..........

Virgin Galactic passenger flights are scheduled for next year.  Here is an interesting interview with the test pilot.  

http://blog.virtuoso.com/virtuoso-life/now-testing/

AIR FRANCE LAUNCHING NEW LOW COST AIRLINE

Date 11.02.2013

In airline circles, it has been known for quite some time that Air France was working on a new regional airline called "HOP!" Now it is official – as a 100 percent subsidiary company of Air France, HOP! will have a fleet of 98 airplanes (48 – 100 seats) and offer 530 flights a day to 136 destinations (32 of them within France), including Vienna.

The goal is to finally lead the way among low cost airline competitors with a strong product. Air France is counting on a break-even of HOP! by 2014, at the latest 2015. The sales expectancy in the short fiscal year lies at 900 million Euro at an expected loss of 30 million Euro. Around 3,000 employees (on board and ground) will be on the HOP! payroll. The minimum tariff BASIC amounts to 55 Euro one-way including taxes. What ranks higher is BASIC PLUS and MAXI FLEX. The advertising slogan is „Rendre l'Europe plus petite“ (Making Europe smaller). HOP! flights will also be integrated into the frequent flyer program "Flying Blue".

After the start of HOP! on March 31st, 2013, Air France will operate based on three pillars: Air France, HOP! and Transavia France. Air France will serve the short- and medium-haul routes which have command over a high ratio of Business travelers and with those long-distance network from Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) will be filled. In addition to that, there will be flights from and to the regional hubs of Marseille, Toulouse and Nice.

HOP! will take over the point-to-point connection from and to Paris-Orly, the inland network as well as from and to CDG.

The leisure activities lie in the responsibility of Transavia France, with flights in Europe and in the Mediterranean area of Paris-Orly and regional airports.

Read more at www.tourism-review.com/air-france-new-low-cost-airline-launched-news3580#2Akc4Jj9CW0xSupD.99

TOP 10 U.S. AIRPORTS FROM TRAVEL LEADERS

Atlanta ranks as the top preferred domestic airport if clients have a connecting flight, while Chicago O’Hare ranks as the top domestic airport to avoid if making a connection, a new survey by Travel Leaders reports.

Atlanta's Hartsfield–Jackson also was identified as the top airport for amenities, dining and providing the best services for business travelers; Minneapolis/St. Paul ranked second in amenities, dining, and for helping to keep kids entertained and occupied. Conducted November 19 - December 16, 2012, the findings are based on responses from 930 Travel Leaders Group owners, managers and frontline agents.

Best U.S. Airports for Connecting Flights:

Travel Leaders Group owners, managers and agents were asked, “If your clients are flying and need to connect through a hub airport, which hub do they prefer?” Respondents were allowed to choose up to three airports. The following list displays the Top 10 domestic airports: Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston Intercontinental,Detroit,Minneapolis/St. Paul, Chicago O’Hare, Phoenix, Denver, New York (JFK), Salt Lake City

Top U.S. Airports for Business Travel Services:

When asked, “Which airport(s) would you and your clients say offers the best services for business travelers?” nearly 700 agents responded with the following list of Top 10 airports: Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York (JFK).

Top U.S. Airports for Amenities:

Airport amenities can range from spas and yoga rooms to art exhibits and putting greens. When asked, “What do you and your clients consider the top airport for amenities?” Travel Leaders Group agents named (1) Atlanta, (2) Minneapolis/St. Paul, (3) Chicago O’Hare, (4)Dallas/ Ft.Worth, and (5) Las Vegas as their Top 5 U.S. airports for amenities.

Top U.S. Airports for Dining:

Some of the most significant upgrades at airport have been to the dining options available to air travelers. When asked, “What do you and your clients consider the top airports for dining?” Travel Leaders Group agents identified (1) Atlanta, (2) Minneapolis/St. Paul, (3) Chicago O’Hare, 4) Dallas/Ft. Worth, and (5) San Francisco as their Top 5. Based on responses from 526 agents.

Top U.S. Airports for Families with Kids:

Traveling with kids poses additional challenges, particularly when trying to keep kids entertained while spending time in airports. When asked, “Which airport(s) would you and your clients say are the best for helping to keep kids entertained and occupied?” Travel Leaders Group agents listed their Top 5 U.S. airports as: (1) Orlando, (2) Minneapolis/St. Paul, (3) Atlanta, (4) Chicago O’Hare and (5) Dallas/Ft. Worth.

Reprinted from YYZ Travel Group Business First March 2013

UPDATE - Florida requirement for International Drivers License

Well with all the social media frenzy today over this issue it appears that the Florida law violates the Geneva Convention of which the United States is a signor.    Here is the official response from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Department

Click on link      http://www.flhsmv.gov/IDP.htm

INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT NOW REQUIRED IN FLORIDA

Silvana Aceto, CAA, says company is urging Florida officials to amend the law & exclude Canadians

Zachary-Cy Vanasse

As of this past Jan. 1, all Canadians renting a vehicle or driving their own vehicle in the state of Florida are required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). The requirements are a result of a new law passed by the Florida senate in 2012 that came into law for 2013.

CAA, the sole provider of IDPs in Canada, said it was made aware of the situation just a few days ago and is opposed to the legislation.

According to Silvana Aceto, media relations and PR specialist, CAA South Central Ontario, the company is "urging the Florida officials to amend the law and to exclude Canadians from this."

"The intent of the Florida law in regards to the IDP was to help law enforcement in Florida with drivers who have a license in a foreign language," she told TRAVELHotNews.com. "My understanding is that the state is going to try and clarify the law in the upcoming legislative session, which is not until next month and clear up exactly whether or not a license written in English will also be acceptable."

That said, even if changes are made, it could potentially still affect travellers from Quebec.

An IDP is a special driver's license that allows motorists to drive in other countries without further tests or applications. It provides proof that the holder possesses a valid driver's license, issued by a competent authority, in his or her country of residence.

The IDP also provides travellers with additional photo identification and includes a multilingual translation of the traveller's valid Canadian driver's license. IDPs are valid in all countries. Canadians IDPs are only valid outside of Canada and are valid for one year from the date of issue.

They cost $25 and those requesting and IDP must provide two passport size photos and their official drivers license. CAA is the only organization in Canada authorized to issue IDPs.

IDPs can be obtained by printing the application - available from the CAA website in the Travel Documents section - and submitting it to a CAA Club. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

The CAA National Office in Ottawa has requested a meeting with senior officials for the State of Florida in order to raise awareness of the negative impact that this legislation will have on substantial number of Canadians who travel to Florida for vacation every year.

In Q1-Q3 of 2012, 2.7 million Canadians travelled to Florida, of which 48.7 per cent - or 1,184,000 - did not travel by air, according to Visit Florida.

CAA is advising travel agents with affected clients to contact a CAA store and have their clients acquire and IDP.

"At this point, it's better safe than sorry and any drivers who will be travelling to Florida are prepared just in case," said Aceto.

Reprinted from  TRAVELHotNews.com

AIRLINE NEWS

CANADIANS LAUNCH NEW CARRIER IN GREECE:    SKYGREECE

A new air carrier connecting Toronto and Montreal to Athens is set to launch this spring, TRAVELHotNews.com has learned. Founded this past September, the Athens-based airline is called SkyGreece and will operate with the Airbus A340-300 aircraft.Beyond Toronto and Montreal, the carrier will also serve New York and, at a later date, is expected to add connections to Chicago and South Africa. According to multiple sources, beginning in May, two weekly flights are scheduled from the Athens hub to Toronto, once-weekly flights to Montreal and three to New York.

The airline's three founders are Bill Alefantis, co-owner of Voyages Funtastique Rex in Laval, Quebec and wholesaler HI Tours, as well as Paniatis (Peter) Chilakos and Nicholas Alexandris, all of whom are Canadians of Greek origin. Chilakos was educated at the University of Quebec in Montreal and is a shareholder in HI Tours and Voyages Alcyon. Alexandris is a cleric who was educated at the University of Ottawa and lives in Toronto, where he is the director of the Metropolitan Centre of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto.

The A340-300 is a long-range four-engine plane with a 295 passenger capacity in standard configuration (three service classes). The planes will be registered under the Greek flag and will have Greek crews.

The company's mission is to offer affordable flights to the Greek diaspora returning to visit family in Greece. Since the collapse of Olympic Airlines in 2009, no Greek carrier has served North America.

Reprinted from YYZ Travel Group Business First Newsletter -  February 2013