CHECKING OUT Review


Checking Out... AIR CANADA


Steve Hartridge takes to the skies to sample Air Canada's service to Toronto


Canada's coming your way CELEBRATE


THE Canadian Tourism Commission's training programme comes of age this year and to celebrate its 21st anniversary it is inviting UK agents to 'put a face to a place' and meet its team to learn more about the destination. If you want to sort out your Rocky Mountaineer from the Rockies, or the Canadian from the Chaleur (both trains), make a date with these free-to-attend training events that will feature a range of key product suppliers and partners. The first will be on June 27 in Southampton followed by Birmingham (June 28), Hertfordshire (September 12) and Newcastle Upon Tyne (September 13) The events all start at 18.30 and finish at 22.00 with dinner and drinks. Planning to attend the Southampton and Birmingham events is Atlantic


Canada Tourism Partnership's Kelley Keefe. "Agents are key to selling our region and I'm looking forward to meeting up with existing and new partners," she said. Paula Boyd, Manager of Travelplanners


attended last year's event and says: “The Canadian road show provided a great opportunity to connect with Prestige Holidays, provincial partners and other suppliers. It was very worthwhile!” Nicolas Fournier, CTC Travel Trade Manager, said: “We want to celebrate our programme's 21st anniversary by seeing as many agents as we can. We will be recognising those agents who have been with us since the start as well as welcoming new agents." To be part of the events email your interest to visitcanada@dial.pipex.com.


HELP DESK


All the important contacts


Roger Harris, Trade Helpline: Tel: 0870 161 5151


visitcanada@dial.pipex.com


Train online to become an offi cial Canada Specialist agent: www.canadaspecialist.co.uk


For online help and advice on traveller types and itinerary planning: www.canada.travel


Take tips from the locals for Canada's best


Agents can now get inside information on the best things to see and do in Canada through a website full of tips contributed by locals. The www.explorecanadalikealocal.


com site has been set up to help those travelling across the country discover the very best Canada has to offer. From favourite bars to perfect picnic spots, top shops to hidden trails these have all been recommended by those in the know and will add a personal touch to any tour.


THE FLIGHT: AC849 London- Heathrow to Toronto, from T3, on a Boeing 777-300ER. Departing 15.00, flight time was 7hrs 20mins.


THE CHECK-IN: In Zone D and I was one of just three passengers checking in. The assistant was super-helpful, accommodating my request for an aisle seat and placing a ‘Priority’ label on my luggage.


THE LOUNGE: The two-level lounge Air Canada shares with its Star Alliance partners offers ample seating and a food and drinks station on each floor. There are plenty of computers plus a TV room, a kids' room and a business centre. WiFi was free throughout. Our gate (5) was just a three-minute walk away.


THE SEAT: 39D in Economy. Configuration was 3x3x3. The legroom was very generous, with a good eight inches between my knees and the seat ahead. There was a soft-leather headrest and the seat-back in front included a USB port and an electricity power socket. I could work on my laptop quite comfortably.


ENTERTAINMENT: A tricky start saw a re-boot 20 minutes in but the IFE was one of the best I’ve seen in Economy and featured touch screens with a far-ranging choice of movies.


THE SERVICE: Flight attendants were friendly and attentive. Soon after boarding we were offered


newspapers (Canadian) and iPod- style earphones. The first drinks were served with dinner, with a choice of chicken or a tasty spicy pasta. Also available were ‘Indian or Greek vegetarian’. Afternoon snack was a hot burrito. Our finished trays were removed promptly. Throughout the flight we were offered water and juices.


THE ARRIVAL: Clearing immigration and reclaiming baggage in Toronto Pearson International Airport took 30 minutes from disembarkation. Air Canada sells discounted Toronto Airport Express tickets to downtown on-board ($21.55 for adults – children under-11s free).


The aircraft was spacious and


excellent. It wasTHE VERDICT a daytime flight and impressive and the service


I liked the rose-coloured lighting in the cabin. The flight passed more quickly and comfortably than you would anticipate in Economy.


MORE INFO: www.aircanada. com; Tel: 0871 220 1111.


SELLING CANADA • SUMMER 2012 05


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