Emirates is official airline of US Open
In partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), Emirates has announced a global, integrated sponsorship of the US Open and US Open Series.
As part of the agreement, Emirates becomes the ‘Official Airline of the US Open’ and the title sponsor of the ‘Emirates Airline US Open Series’, whose 10 events combine to form the summer hard court professional tennis season and lead into the US Open.
The seven-year partnership will enable the airline to strengthen its connection with US consumers through a long-term investment in US sport. The sponsorship rights include integrated consumer experiential elements and substantial digital media assets and opportunities.
Emirates will have a significant on-court presence and also receive global promotional rights. In 2011, the US Open Series collectively reached a US viewing audience of 39 million and drew more than 800,000 fans.
“Our new partnership with the USTA and sponsorship of the prestigious US Open represents a further strengthening of Emirates’ presence within the United States,” said Sir Maurice Flanagan, executive vice-chairman of Emirates Airline & Group. “With the launch of Seattle, our sixth US gateway on March 1, Emirates will soon offer 59 flights a week to North America, connecting more US consumers than ever to our vast global network spanning six continents.”
Great Scott! Insight highlights Edinburgh Tattoo
Insight Vacations has two special departures of its premium four-day ‘Gems of Britain tour’ – on August 6 and August 13 – that include first class tickets and guaranteed seating to the 62nd Edinburgh Tattoo.
The annual event is staged at the world-famous Edinburgh Castle, which stands as a magnificent backdrop to this internationally acclaimed extravaganza.
Almost 1,000 performers will draw together to pay shining tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee and the year of ‘Creative Scotland’. The line-up includes hundreds of musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers.
As well as Edinburgh, the ‘Gems of Britain and Edinburgh Tattoo’ itinerary begins in London and takes in Cambridge, York, the Lake District and Stratford upon Avon.
“The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is sure to be an event of a lifetime,” says Cris David, president of Insight Vacations Canada. “Insight is very excited to be offering this legendary event as part of our premium Gems of Britain vacation, as we are constantly striving to bring the best of a region to our guests.”
Exotik offers Galapagos FAM 
Exotik Tours is running an exclusive FAM to the Galapagos Islands next month.
Available to just eight Canadian travel agents, the trip leaves on March 15 for 11 days.
The Galapagos FAM costs $1,748 plus $250 taxes and includes: Round trips from New York JFK with Lan, flights from Quito to Galapagos and back to Quito, breakfasts, accommodation in four star hotels and lodges, a three night cruise on the Explorer 11 (including all meals) and a city tour of Quito.
Agents can apply to Nathalie.demontigny@thomascookgroup.ca by February 23.
Vacation.com introduces social media boot camps 
Vacation.com is holding social media boot camp webinars designed to enhance its members’ participation in various social networking activities.
Led by Sophie Bujold, the 60-minute sessions are slated for March 15, April 19 and May 17.
Vacation.com’s social media boot camps are designed to educate both tech-savvy members already engaged in social media, as well as members just beginning to understand how social media can enhance their business
“Having someone who knows the travel industry and is a renowned social media expert is a perfect fit for our boot camps,” said Vacation.com vice president Canada, Christine James.
“Sophie’s multi-faceted expertise will offer our members a unique perspective that will teach them how to make the most of social media to help boost their business.”
To register please visit www.agentnet.com/aac and click the ‘social media boot camp’ link. To learn more about becoming a Vacation.com member, go to www.joinvacation.com.
Signature offers free access to Toronto’s Plaza Premium Lounge
Signature Vacations has a great line-up of some of the most popular European destinations, with convenient flights from Toronto to Barcelona, Glasgow, Lisbon, London, Paris, Porto, and Rome.
When booking their European flights with Signature Vacations, clients can enjoy complimentary access to the Plaza Premium Lounge in Toronto Pearson International Airport and being their vacation in style.
Services in the lounge include: A food and beverage service, Wi-Fi for personal laptops, workstations with computers and printers, international TV channels, newspapers and magazines.
Are you looking for ‘Amazing’? Come this way…
Contiki Holidays is taking the online social community by storm with the launch of its innovative new online game, ‘This Way to Amazing’.
As part of the game, the company is giving away a European tour every week to the follower who is smart enough to find Contiki’s travellers in four of Europe’s hottest destinations.
The Contiki team posts video clues featuring adventurous Contiki travellers exploring the sights, sounds and backstreets of Europe. Mixing video with Google Maps and Street View, the game allows users to hunt for the travellers’ locations and enter for a chance to win.
Each week will feature a different traveller as they explore a new city, uncovering the local and authentic experiences only discovered on a Contiki trip. Once a user tracks down one of the Contiki travellers, they will automatically be entered to win a European trip for themselves.
“The ‘This Way to Amazing’ contest is a fantastic way for Contiki fans to get involved with the brand online and learn about cool trends in European travel at the same time,” said Brad Ford, president of Contiki Holidays Canada. “Seasoned explorers and travel newbies alike have the opportunity to do well with this game, so we’re excited to see who makes their way to the end!”
Simply visit Contiki on Facebook or Twitter to get the most up-to-date news on the contest. Good luck!
Is the New Yorker Hotel going to the dogs? 
‘Beefy the New York City Skateboarding Bulldog’ has been entertaining patrons and on-lookers in the lobby of the pet-friendly New Yorker Hotel.
Beefy skateboarded through the historic hotel’s lobby while guests were preparing for the Westminster Dog Show, which featured a doggie gym and spa services, grooming stations and doggie blow dryers.
The show attracted 200 dogs and their owners.
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