Give Peace A Chance

All tour operators are saying about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is give peace a chance, reports staff writer, Ian Stalker in this week’s digital edition of Canadian Travel Press.

A tenuous ceasefire in Ukraine appeared to be holding (at press time), leading to hopes that months of fighting between Ukraine government forces and pro-Russian rebels that has raised tensions between the West and Russia has ended.

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada isn’t telling Canadians to avoid Ukraine, although it does say that the Crimea and other parts of the country should be avoided and a “high level of caution” should be exercised in general.

Jeff Element, president of The Travel Corporation Canada, said there remains good interest in Eastern Europe in this country. “Interest in this region is strong and will continue to be strong in the way our travel styles offer.”

TravCorp has been monitoring the situation with its European operations team and office in Russia providing daily updates, he told Canadian Travel Press. “The well-being and safety of our clients is our top priority, so we can provide them the latest destination information.”

Stephanie Bishop, managing director Canada, the Globus family of brands, says that company cancelled its Ukraine and Crimea program earlier this year.

“We do have a portfolio of product in Russia and Ukraine and our typical booking window is relatively far out. For 2014 travellers, most have already travelled this year. For 2015 travellers, they would be in the research stage and most would likely book in the first quarter of 2015. At this point it would be a bit too early to assess the sales trend.”

The Globus brands do have a “very small Russia program” that largely revolves around St. Petersburg and Moscow and it hasn’t “experienced negative repercussions” as a result of regional tension, she added.

For the complete story in this week’s digital edition of Canadian Travel Press, click here.