Air Canada, Las Vegas thank travel trade at Moon Festival bash

News / Air & Airports

09-15-2019 1:02 pm

Michelle Froese

Michelle Froese

Michelle Froese is a Vancouver-based writer, editor, and adventurer. She's an advocate for clean energy and eco-tourism, and has spent nearly 15 years as an editor for renewable trade publications and more than 20 years as a technical writer. Michelle serves as an editorial judge and marketing manager for TABPI (Trade, Association and Business Publications International), which sponsors the Tabbies b2b magazine editorial and design awards.

Last Friday (Sept. 13) marked the annual Moon Festival, or what is known as Chinese Thanksgiving.

To celebrate — and show gratitude for its travel agents and suppliers — Air Canada dined and entertained about 100 guests at Fortune Terrace Chinese Cuisine in Richmond, B.C., on the eve before the important day.

“Tonight is a night of appreciation for our agency and media partners who continue to support us,” Rocky Lo, a sales director with Air Canada’s Asia revenue management & sales division, told PAX. “Air Canada has done extremely well in Q1 and Q2 of 2019, and so much of that credit goes to our partners. So, we want to thank and honour them.”

Representatives from Air Canada & the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority raise a glass to Canada's travel industry.

The evening consisted of authentic Chinese dishes, drinks, live music, big prizes (one example: complimentary tickets to Las Vegas with a free stay at the Wynn) — and traditional moon cake.

Air Canada co-hosted the evening with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority – its third year doing so.

“It’s such an important destination for Air Canada with several flights from Vancouver, and throughout Canada, offered every day,” said Lo. “Also, it’s Las Vegas…the place for fun that caters to diverse travellers, whether they are families, singles, honeymooners. It’s always a good place to go!”

David Han, senior account manager with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, agreed, adding that Vegas attracts a strong market from Asia and that it continues to grow.

“There’s a lot of Asian residents living in Vancouver, so it is imperative for us to connect with that market,” Han said. “Air Canada is also one of the largest airlines in Canada offering daily flights to Vegas.”

He added that Air Canada Vacations (ACV) is continually offering new packages to the destination.

“ACV always hosts a ton of special offers and promotions, including air and hotel to Las Vegas. Depending on the package, travellers can receive complimentary show tickets, free breakfast for two or a waived resort fee,” shared Han. “These type of offers come out regularly.”

Husband and wife team, M.K. and Marian Lam, began their career as travel agents in Hong Kong and now own Vancouver-based JBC Travel Canada, where they’ve been working successfully for nearly 30 years.

Husband and wife team, M.K. and Marian Lam of Vancouver-based JBC Travel Canada.

“Air Canada is wonderful to work with,” Marian Lam told PAX. “I always recommend the company to our clients because the flights are safe and comfortable, with an excellent Aeroplan Miles plan. Plus, ACV is always the best place to find Vegas vacation deals.”

Next year will be particularly exciting for travellers, said Han.

“2020 will be monumental for Vegas. The convention centre is undergoing expansion and several new hotels will be opening, adding some 10,000 new rooms to the city. What’s more is the NFL Raider’s new home, Allegiant Stadium, will open in August of next year. There’s certainly a lot to be excited about and grateful for!”

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!