Destinations
Weathering The Challenges
Despite mounting economic and geopolitical challenges, international tourism continues to show signs of a strong and steady recovery from the impact of the pandemic. According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourism saw a strong rebound in the first five months of 2022, with almost 250 million international arrivals recorded. That compares to 77 million arrivals from January to May 2021 and means that the sector has recovered almost half (46%) of pre-pandemic 2019 levels. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said that: “The recovery of tourism...
Reaching New Heights In Curaçao
I can feel my heartbeat pounding in my throat as I contort my body through a small circular window along the tallest bridge in the Caribbean and step out onto a thin railing to the sound of traffic whizzing by above my head. Despite telling myself not to look down in case it would cause my courage to waver, I can’t help but glance out over downtown Willemstad, the capital city of Curaçao. Clutching onto the Queen Juliana Bridge with both hands, I think of how few people get to experience this vantage point as I gaze across the landmark pastel-toned buildings lining St. Anna Bay...
Bhutan, Australia, New Zealand Back With G Adventures
This September, the Kingdom of Bhutan will reopen its historic and sacred Trans Bhutan Trail for the first time in 60 years. The trail will be officially reopened in a formal ceremony in Bhutan on Sept. 28, 2022, and as its exclusive launch partner G Adventures will be the first group adventure operator to take travellers along the Trans Bhutan Trail when its inaugural, sold-out, departure leaves on Oct. 2, 2022. Other long-awaited destinations returning to G Adventures’ portfolio of more than 1,400 trips this September are Australia and New Zealand, which is perfect timing for...
WestJet, Unifor Ratify Agreement
The first collective bargaining agreement between WestJet and Unifor was ratified today by Unifor's members. Unifor is the certified union representing certain WestJet airport employees at YYC Calgary International Airport and Vancouver International Airport. Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief People, Corporate and Sustainability Officer, said: “WestJet is pleased to share that the agreement negotiated with Unifor has been ratified by its membership. This settlement demonstrates WestJet's commitment to its employees, the long-term success of the airline and...
Outer Shores Expeditions Unveils 2023 Voyages
Outer Shores Expeditions has unveiled its 2023 Expedition Schedule. Once again next season, the classic wooden schooner Passing Cloud will be returning to the Great Bear Rainforest and the Haida Gwaii Archipelago for 8- and 9-night voyages that combine pristine wilderness, amazing wildlife, expert guides, luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, and chef-prepared gourmet meals. New for 2023, Outer Shores is combining stays at the all-inclusive boutique wilderness resort Outer Shore Lodge on West Vancouver Island with daily excursions aboard Passing Cloud into Barkley Sound and...
Restaurants Canada Releases Raise the Bar Report
The grades are in. For the fourth time since 2015, Restaurants Canada has given each province a report card on how industry-friendly their liquor policy landscape is for bars and restaurants. This year’s special COVID-19 edition of the Raise the Bar report highlights how liquor laws and regulations are helping or hurting hard-hit businesses still rebounding from pandemic losses. Restaurants Canada President and CEO, Roy Little said that: “Bars and restaurants deserve a fair shot at recovery. We’re urging policymakers to take a ‘do no harm’ approach when considering new...
A Diversity Of Experiences
“I believe tourism plays a vital role in truth and reconciliation,” observes Indigenous Tourism Alberta’s director of development, Mackenzie Brown, before continuing: “Tourism experiences are an approachable and interactive way for people to learn about our cultures and history. It gives visitors a chance to spend time with community members who are open to answering questions and sharing their cultures authentically. Truth and reconciliation begins with truth and understanding, and that's exactly what Indigenous tourism experiences foster.” Brown explains: “Indigenous...
Hit The Road And Save With CanaDream
CanaDream has launched some new travel deals for the summer and fall, offering the first night free on RV rental bookings for six nights or more, from pick up locations in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. Kathryn Munro, VP Sales & Marketing for CanaDream, said: “We’ve been waiting for our new 2022 unit deliveries for some months now and our inventory up until now has been limited.” Munro continued: “To celebrate the arrival of our new fleet, we are offering this great deal that reflects savings of up to $450. We encourage everyone to head out RVing with...