Sunwing Celebrates, Thanks Agents
On the second of a 20-city cross country road show, Sunwing Vacations/Signature Vacations hosted an estimated 600 agents and suppliers at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto last night, unveiling Winter 2016/17 programs highlighted by new destinations – Saint Lucia and the Dominican resort town of Juan Dolio – and routes.
Speaking with PressToday, Deana Murphy, vice-president, retail sales, for Sunwing, said the evening’s festivities, which included a trade show, presentation, dinner and prizes, were all about thanking agent partners for their support.
“We wanted to see and thank agents face-to-face for an amazing winter,” said Murphy, adding, however, that it was not without its challenges. “We’re excited about our new program which is our biggest and best yet and with any luck Mother Nature will co-operate and give us a nice cold winter with lots of snow.”
The new Sunwing program offers 35 vacation destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America accessed via direct flights on Sunwing Airlines and available from 32 different gateways across Canada.
Along with continuing to offer its popular Relax Resorts and Smile Resorts where couples and families alike benefit from generous inclusions and additional perks, the tour operator has introduced Sunwing Selection hotels. Exclusive to Sunwing, these handpicked properties have been chosen based on their popularity, value and superior range of amenities.
A highlight will be the addition of Saint Lucia, renowned for its lush interior, golden beaches and the world-famous twin Pitons. Royalton Saint Lucia Resort and Spa will soon be available for bookings.
Also new is the laid back Dominican resort town of Juan Dolio. Located on a prime stretch of sandy beach, Emotions by Hodelpa is ideal for those who like to keep active and offers tennis courts, a climbing wall, fitness centre, non-motorized watersports and golf packages. Another popular inclusion is sure to be the Pacific Mexican resort destination of Manzanillo, where vacationers can take advantage of non-motorized watersports, daily sports and entertainment program and complimentary kids clubs at the beachfront Barceló Karmina Palace Deluxe.
A number of new routes have also been introduced including Toronto to Saint Lucia, London to Montego Bay, Regina to Grand Bahama and Kitchener to Punta Cana.
On the Signature side of things, the tour operator unveiled a brochure based around its unique vacation collections, making it easier for travellers to choose the most suitable package.
Designed to appeal to different interests and vacation styles, the 2016/17 brochure features six exclusive collections that have been designed in partnership with some of the leading hotel and resort chains across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.
Continuing its longstanding and exclusive partnership with RIU Hotels & Resorts, Signature’s RIU-topia Collection offers 37 all-inclusive resorts where guests enjoy a host of inclusions. New additions to RIU for this coming winter include two five-star adults only properties – the Riu Republica slated to open in the Dominican Republic in June and the Riu Reggae, Montego Bay, which opens its doors in November.
New to the brochure, the Emerald Collection offers a unique selection of eco-friendly resorts offered by Krystal Hotels. Specially designed for food lovers, the Culinary Collection, in partnership with Karisma Resorts, provides a packed timetable of cooking classes, tequila tastings, wine appreciation sessions and gourmet dining as part of the all-inclusive package at seven resorts in Mexico. Exclusive to Signature, Sensimar Seaside Suites & Spa features 10 different à la carte restaurants and 11 bars in the Riviera Maya.
Perfect for those wanting to feel like rock ’n’ roll royalty while they’re on holiday, vacationers that opt for the Celebrity Collection can look forward to exclusive benefits (including an $1,800 resort credit) at Hard Rock’s unique rock ‘n’ roll inspired resorts across the Caribbean and Mexico.
The Crown Collection brings additional value to seven of Palace Resorts’ most sought after properties, including the Moon Palace Jamaica Grande, where younger guests are especially well catered to with a FlowRider Double Wave Simulator, kids pool and playroom.
Conceived in partnership with Velas Resorts, the Divine Collection redefines the concept of a truly luxurious, all-inclusive vacation.
Featuring four individual properties located on Mexico’s Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, travellers can expect lavish rooms with pillow menu, bathrobe and slippers and deluxe room service together with a personalized check-in.
Sunwing is also offering an expanded cruise program featuring Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. Packaged with Sunwing Airlines, Murphy noted these are easy to book, “a one-stop shop for agents and priced in Canadian dollars.”
She also encouraged agents to book excursions up front with Nexis Tours, enhancing their clients’ experience.
“Again, they’re paying in Canadian dollars and agents earn 8% commission,” she said.
Murphy also took time to remind agents not to forget about the current summer program which offers “excellent value” to most Sun destinations, as well as new air service from Toronto to Amsterdam and Montreal to Paris.
In related news, Sunwing Airlines will move to Pearson’s Terminal 3 on May 1.
Pictured at the Toronto event are Murphy and David Wright, director of sales, Ontario and Atlantic Canada, and (below) the gang from Baxter Travel Media.
(http://www.sunwing.ca, http://www.signaturevacations.com)
