July 12th, 2011, Toronto — The Travel Corporation Canada will absorb the hotel tax which the City Councils for both Venice and Florence are now imposing. The sister brands – Trafalgar Tours, Contiki Holidays & Insight Vacations – have decided to maintain their price integrity for all tours that have Venice or Florence accommodations as part of the itineraries.

Currently in Florence and after August 23rd in Venice, travellers will be charged 1 Euro per person, per night, per category star of hotel they are accommodated in.  For example, if they are staying in a four-star hotel for two nights, the charge will be 8 Euro per person.

“All clients who are currently booked or plan to book a holiday with any of our sister brands Trafalgar Tours, Contiki Holidays or Insight Vacations, which includes a Venice or Florence hotel stay, will not be responsible for this new government imposed tax.” said Jeff Element, president of The Travel Corporation Canada. “We feel very strongly in honouring our price commitment and will protect our loyal customers by absorbing the cost.”

Trafalgar’s new ‘At Leisure’ program includes an 11 Day - Great Italian Cities.  Contiki Holidays is offering two regional tours – 13 Day - Simply Italy and 9 Day - Italian Espresso.  Insight Vacations’ ‘Select Choices’ offers an 8 Day – Florence & Venice itinerary.

---ENDS--

About The Travel Corporation:
The Travel Corporation is a highly successful international travel group with over 25 award winning brands including Trafalgar Tours, Contiki Holidays, Insight Vacations, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Red Carnation Hotels.  The Travel Corporation’s guiding principle is one of providing the most enjoyable, enriching travel experience for its customers across the globe.  www.thetravelcorporation.com

About The Travel Corporation Conservation Foundation:
The Travel Corporation Conservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization which supports work that fosters sustainable tourism and protects culturally and ecologically sensitive areas around the world.  The Conservation Foundation is a joint initiative by leading companies from the Travel Corporation family of brands.  These travel brands act collectively in the spirit of cooperation, individual brands will often champion a cause on behalf of all Foundation members, acting as a Lead Sponsor for a project.

www.ttcconservationfoundation.com

Media Contact :
Marie Anne MacRae
Director of Public Relations
Email: marieanne.macrae@travcorp.ca
Phone: (416) 915-7016