(l-r):Denise Flemig, Manager - Western Canada, Qantas; and Narelle Ross, Distribution Development Manager - Canada, Tourism Australia
Promoting the Cook Islands (l-r): Stephen Doherty, Turama
Pacific
Travel Group; Carol Vahlbruch, Goway Travel; Tanya Savage, Raina Lagoon Villas
(l-r): Mary Jane Murray, Trans Niugini Tours, PNG; Linda Honey, Tufi Experience, PNG
The annual Sunsational event, in its seventh year running, culminated in Vancouver as usual after going on the road to Toronto and Victoria. As in the past, the dinner was one of the highlights of the event with the attentive Terminal City Club staff constantly refilling the "see food" extravaganza buffet. Literally.
At this destination educational event, the countries being showcased hold seminar-style presentations offering participants in-depth information from the respective tourist boards, hotels and tour operators of Australia, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea and Samoa. The sessions also include details on Specialist Programs specific to each country.
Mid-way through their presentation, the Cook Islands group stood up and sang an impromptu "Happy 50th Birthday" to Canadian Cooks representative Marilyn Scott from TLC Travel Leisure Consultants. That is just what the South Pacific is all about - everyone enjoying themselves and having fun.
This year, Fiji was a no-show, citing budget constraints. Australia then took its place, marking the country's debut at the event. Sunsational attracted some 83 attendees in Vancouver, 44 in Victoria and 83 in Toronto.
Kudos were received from agents in attendance and many were seen taking notes during the presentations.
According to organizer Rick Buecking of TLC, next year's event will be held in Edmonton, Calgary, Abbotsford and Vancouver.
