TORONTO — Sunwing is pouring more resources into the lucrative Groups market with the release of its new Groups Guide, backed by its trade-favourite STARmillionaire agent promotion and new Sunwing Experiences.

The new Sunwing Groups Guide includes exclusive offers for destination weddings, family and friend reunions, special interest travel, meeting and incentive groups.

Agents can access competitive group pricing and promotions instantly on Instant Group Quotes at sunwingagents.ca and benefit from a number of travel agent incentives, says the company. Sunwing offers flights from 34 gateways across Canada to some 50 destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.

Sunwing’s STARmillionaire promotion is back “following a very successful inaugural year”, giving agents the opportunity to win one million STAR Agent Reward points that can be converted to $1,800 cash.

Agents can qualify by booking a group of 10 adults or more between March 29, 2017 and Aug. 29, 2017 departing Nov. 1, 2017 onwards. Each new booking confirmed counts as a ballot, so the more bookings an agent makes, the greater chance they have of becoming this season’s STARmillionaire. The winner will be selected by a random draw on Sept. 20, 2017 after tabulating all qualifying bookings.

Sunwing’s Groups Plus offers a host of perks with extra baggage allowance, free travel, private transfers, free site inspections and room upgrades. Reduced deposits on group bookings are $150 per person and destination wedding groups can hold up to 30 seats for 90 days, or up to 60 prior to departure with only a $300 deposit at time of booking.

Groups can also take advantage of the Price Guarantee which includes the option to make a one-time price adjustment up to 60 days prior to departure should Sunwing lower the system rate. Passengers can also earn free seats and seat credits with Sunwing Platinum Club.

Sunwing says its new Sunwing Experiences allows customers to travel in comfort “knowing that a Group Excursion Specialist is always available to assist them with any of their questions or concerns”. Agents earn commission with pre-booked excursions, with all rates in Canadian dollars. “With Sunwing Experiences, customers enjoy top-reviewed tours and experiences hand-selected by local experts, and peace of mind knowing that all tours are licensed, insured, and audited to meet and surpass safety regulations,” says Sunwing.

Group discounts are also available, and the 21st adult receives a complimentary excursion. Private excursions can be arranged for 12 or more guests, and customized excursions are available to meet group needs.

Group pricing for cruises is available for groups of eight or more sailing on MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and TUI Discovery 2, and agents who confirm their customers’ bookings by Aug. 27, 2017 can earn 10x STAR Agent Rewards points.

The Groups Guide is being distributed throughout travel agencies plus there’s an online version at sunwingagents.ca where full details of the current STAR points promotion are also listed.

Meanwhile Sunwing has also launched its 2017/18 cruise brochure with fly/cruise packages departing from Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, Winnipeg and Halifax, including roundtrip transfers to cruise ports to join MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and TUI Discovery 2 sailings.

All Sunwing cruise packages include direct roundtrip flights on Sunwing Airlines and all meals onboard, except for specialty restaurants. Families can benefit from free accommodation for children on select sailings. Passengers also have access to exclusive benefits such as unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages offered through the beverage package included when they sail on MSC Opera or TUI Discovery 2.

TUI Discovery 2 is new to Sunwing this season, with departures from Montego Bay starting this November. The ship includes daily gratuities and features an all inclusive beverage package. Amenities for the whole family include a rock climbing wall, mini-golf course, and indoor pool.

Also featured in the brochure this season is Norwegian Epic, which sails from Port Canaveral. Packages include seven-night cruises and one-night hotel stays in Orlando.

For more information on Sunwing’s cruise program or to book, visit sunwingagents.ca.