APT launches its 21st Canada-Alaska brochure
Guaranteed inclusions, exclusive experiences, new cruises and Alaskan Wilderness lodges feature heavily in APT’s just-released Canada & Alaska 2012 brochure.
As this will be APT 21st year of fully-inclusive touring in this region, this comprehensive brochure highlights the level of experience and expertise APT offers agents and their customers.
The 104-page brochure carries 12 Rockies and Alaskan Cruise holidays, two Winter Touring holidays, three Alaskan Journeys and five Eastern Canada Holidays, with launch deals ranging from free return flights to Canada worth up to $5,670 per couple.
The guaranteed inclusions are all sightseeing, portage and tipping on tour and cruises, GoldLeaf Service when travelling onboard the two-day Rocky Mountaineer train journey, premium Verandah Stateroom aboard Inside Passage or East Coast cruise, airport meet and greet service upon arrival, as well as transfers on first and last day in Canada and Alaska, all the must-see sights and attractions on APT’s comprehensive land tours – without incurring any additional costs, plus APT’s popular range of Signature Experiences, Freedom of Choice Touring and Dine Around Dinners at no extra cost.
APT General Manager Marketing, Debra Fox said APT’s focus on its extensive guaranteed inclusions was justified because they made the product easy for agents to sell. “For customers, the appeal is that everything is simply bundled in the one price,” she said.
Heading the list of new features is the addition of Princess Cruises’ Voyage of the Glaciers cruise, which connects with the historic Alaskan Rail Services and spectacular Alaskan Wilderness lodges. By introducing this new cruise, APT is offering customers with a choice of Alaskan cruising itineraries, plus the option to explore Alaska in depth.
Other new features are the exclusive APT Fairmont Card which offers special discounts and savings on activities, beverages, food etc at selected Fairmont hotels, Meet a Mountie in Banff Signature Experience, introduction of three more Whistler Freedom of Choice Touring options (total number of options in Whistler now seven), and special APT/Lonely Planet Guides which have been customised for APT itineraries.
Ms Fox said the 2011 innovations – APT Gold VIP Upgrade and the Platinum small group collection, had proved exceptionally popular so were being given prominence in the new brochure. The APT Gold VIP Upgrade which is available on most itineraries sold out quickly for 2011 departures.
“We’re also drawing agent attention to other key selling issues like APT flies with Air Canada – which offers direct flights between Australia to Canada, all East Coast itineraries now are East–West-Cruise (due to customer feedback) and APT pays commission on tipping,” she said.
Luxury accommodation is standard in all APT tours, and customers will enjoy exclusive stays at The Fairmont Waterfront (Vancouver), Westin Resort & Spa (Whistler), The Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview, Le Westin Resort & Spa (Mont Tremblant). Passengers can enjoy an exclusive dining event where they can learn the art of pairing wine and food during an interactive experience at the esteemed Peller Estates winery. Exclusive touring packages include the Bear, Bird and Belugas stay (special poplar bear mother and cubs departures in August and September) and the Great Bear Lodge
Lead-in package is the 18-day Majestic Rockies and Alaskan Cruise, priced from $9195 per person, twin share (based on April 26 departure). Book before 15 October, and receive free return airfares to Vancouver, including airline taxes.
The price includes 11 days in Canada featuring a two-day VIA Rail journey from Vancouver to Jasper and then touring to Lake Louise, Banff, Kelowna and Whistler before a seven nights’ Alaskan Inside Passage cruise to Glacier Bay, luxury accommodation, 39 meals including Dine Around Dinners, sightseeing and excursions, transfers, portage, tipping on land tour and cruise and Freedom of Choice touring in Banff and Victoria.
Breakfast at the renowned Butchart Gardens in Victoria, visits to Jasper and Banff national parks, guided tour of Vancouver (featuring the spectacular Waterfront), a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park, joining a Mountain Heritage Guide for a walk along the shores of the emerald Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway and an Ice Explorer journey onto the Athabasca Glacier are among the sightseeing activities included in this tour.
Contact: Agents call 1300 278 278, visit www.aptgroup.travel or contact local business development manager.