On August 18, in Calgary, and on August 19, in Vancouver, Transat Holidays launches the 2004-2005 Winter Sun brochure which will be available in travel agencies this week. The 164-page brochure contains 131 hotel products including 28 brand-new properties and 31 exclusive hotels selected for their exceptional standards of quality. There are 19 Transat Treasures to be found, along with various excursions and a new destination: Samanà.

Thanks to its important purchasing power, Transat Holidays has substantially increased its inventory of products as well as its capacity for the upcoming winter season. As the industry leader in Canada, Transat Holidays has strengthened its partnership with hotel chains such as: Sol Melia Hotels Cuba, Sol Melia Hotels&Resorts, Bahia Principe, Iberostar, Barceló and Real Hoteles. The line-up of quality hotels offered this year is greater than ever. A total of 63 properties rated 4 1/2 stars or higher are featured in the brochure, that is 48% of the entire selection, with many offering upgraded services including Royal Service, Club Golden, Excellence Club and VIP packages.

Set along the stunning Coco Beach, in the Mayan Riviera, the brand-new Royal Porto Real Resort&Spa offers supreme luxury and beautiful surroundings. Its Royal All inclusive package includes turn-down service, continental breakfast served in room, a lobster dinner, a bottle of wine, and many other deluxe amenities. Spacious and elegantly decorated suites, personalized service and its great location, close to Playa del Carmen, make this 5-star property a Transat Treasure.

Also part of the Real Hoteles chain, the Gran Bahia Real Resort&Spa in Manzanillo, formerly known as Sierra Manzanillo, is exclusive to Transat Holidays, in a destination also offered exclusively by the tour operator via direct flights. This superior hotel offers a lively ambiance and comfortable rooms. An upgrade to its Royal Club includes: private check-in, 24-hour room service, reservations at à la carte restaurants courtesy of a concierge, a private lounge with daily continental breakfast, premium-brand liquor, newspapers, Internet and DVD movies.

Clients seeking the gorgeous beaches and golf courses of Ixtapa can also discover the Costa Real Ixtapa, a 4-star resort new to Transat Holidays. The Costa Real Cabo San Lucas represents the best value vacation in San Lucas. Situated on the marina, this superior property lies in the heart of the town’s shopping, dining and nightlife. It offers great facilities, many activities and a pleasant ambiance to suit all vacationers.

In Los Cabos, vacationers may also discover the Melià Cabo Real, a 4 ½-star property that is part of the Sol Melià chain. Two championship golf courses are located on the resort, in addition to a Mexican gourmet restaurant and a Spa. The Presidente Inter-Continental Los Cabos Resort, rated 4 stars, offers an excellent value in Los Cabos. It boasts deluxe rooms, four à la carte restaurants and a great location close to San Jose del Cabo and the wild bird sanctuary, natural reserve and fresh water lagoon known as the Estuary.

On Mexico’s Pacific Coast, in Mazatlán, the all inclusive El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel proposes an optional all inclusive package with golf. Guests staying in an oceanview room can take advantage of unlimited green fees at the El Cid Golf & Country Club. Located on the beach, the hotel is within walking distance of great beaches, resorts and nightlife in the popular tourist area known as the Golden Zone.

Two new Transat Treasures, exclusive to Transat Holidays, are offered in the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s lively resort area. The Holiday Inn Puerto Vallarta, rated 4 1/2 stars, offers the best value with its excellent facilities and rooms of comfortable décor. Las Palmas by the Sea is a popular hotel with a relaxed ambiance and friendly hospitality. Guests can enjoy golf courses located near both hotels or explore the charming surroundings and nightlife of downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Consistent in delivering quality properties at the right price, Transat Holidays offers clients in the Dominican Republic the new and exclusive Club Golden at Bahia Principe Punta Cana. This 5-star deluxe property opened in June 2004 and promises a luxurious vacation experience. Guests will enjoy accommodation in junior suites located closest to the beach, as well as the following: room service, daily turn-down service, beach towel service and umbrellas in room, free Internet access and newspapers at the Club House, VIP amenities and coffee-maker in room, an exclusive reception area and check-in/check-out.

The same Club Golden inclusions are also offered with an all inclusive package at the Club Golden at Bahia Principe San Juan in Puerto Plata, and in the Club Golden Principe hotel section of the Bahia Principe Akumal, in the Mayan Riviera.

Located within the White Sand Golf Course, in Punta Cana, is the new and exclusive Ocean Blue Golf & Beach Resort, a 4 1/2-star resort offering extraordinary facilities and a great choice of à la carte restaurants. This resort is the first to offer a bowling centre, in addition to a variety of water sports such as sailing, scuba-diving and water-skiing. Guests staying in a deluxe junior suite may also take advantage of a VIP package which includes daily delivery of fresh tropical fruits to the suite, gourmet dinner on the beach, room service 24 hours, mini-bar with premium-brand drinks, private check-in/check-out, and much more.

Vacationers in Cuba will appreciate Varadero’s kilometre-long beach while staying at the Gran Caribe Club Puntarena. A Transat Treasure, this 3 1/2-star resort offers a fun and casual ambiance as well as an array of activities including a Kids’ Club. Major renovations will soon be completed on the hotel this year. New this season, Transat Holidays also offers a combination package which lets vacationers spend 3 or 4 nights at selected hotels in Havana and the remainder of their 1 or 2-week stay in Varadero.

New in the island of St.Maarten, clients will find the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, another exclusive hotel for Transat Holidays. Rated 4 1/2 stars, this superior property is located on a private peninsula between two beautiful bays, close to shopping and restaurants. Beachfront rooms offer great views of the Caribbean Sea.

The new season also sees the return of the Save All Season Long promotion and Early Booking Bonus, which offers consumers considerable savings if they book their holiday by Oct. 31, 2004. Consumers who book by November 15 also have the chance to win a cruise vacation for two with Carnival Cruise Lines. Once again this year, Transat Holidays helps families to save on their vacation with the Kids stay and eat free promotion, applicable at participating hotels.