Destinations
Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority Celebrates Opening of New Toronto Office
The Hon. Charles 'Max' Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, and Colin C. James, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) joined Director of Tourism, Tameka Wharton to officially open the ABTA’s Canada office, the Authority’s first independent overseas office, in Toronto, Canada last week. Minister Fernandez said that “the elegance of the office represents the destination brand in all respects. It’s a one-stop shop that allows the Canadian tourism team to be more responsive and connected to trade...
All smiles from the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic rolled out the red carpet at the recent Faena Forum in Miami Beach recently to officially unveil its latest global campaign, “Dominicana smiles at you.” Designed to capture the warmth, authenticity and lively spirit of the Dominican people, the campaign invites travelers from around the world to discover why the Dominican Republic is more than just a destination - it’s a feeling. The event brought together key figures from across the travel and tourism industry, including top airline executives, over 200 tour operators and travel agents, and familiar faces...
Antigua & Barbuda make it clear that the beach is just the beginning
Antigua & Barbuda is making it clear that Canada is an important market for the destination that bills itself as the Heart of the Caribbean and that the Canadian travel trade is an integral part of its success here. It’s a message that was delivered by none other than Antigua & Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, Hon. H. Charles 'Max' Fernandez at an event in Toronto this week and during which, he drove home the point that for visiting Canadians, “the beach is just the beginning” of their vacation in Antigua &...
Toronto celebrates the true spirit of Barbados
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. enabled Torontonians to party hearty Barbados-style Friday night. The tourist board decided to "bring the true spirit of Barbados to the heart of Toronto" by recreating its "iconic Oistins Fish Fry," a lively weekly celebration on the island. The downtown Toronto event featured live musical performances of Caribbean talent, including Alison Hinds, known as the Soca Queen; authentic Barbados eats; and samplings of Barbados rum. Also on hand were stiltwalkers and people sporting the types of colorful costumes seen in Barbados' Carifesta...
New JTB campaign features Usain Bolt as its global tourism ambassador
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has launched its new advertising campaign featuring legendary sprinter Hon. Usain Bolt, who was recently appointed Jamaica’s Global Tourism Ambassador. In celebration of Jamaica’s Independence Day, the campaign debuted on Aug. 6, with a 30-second video spot that is now airing across digital platforms. In the spot, the world-renowned sprinter reflects on how his upbringing in Jamaica –from the hills of Trelawny to global stardom – has shaped every step of his journey. He highlights the country’s energy, resilience, and rhythm, inviting...
Milano Cortina 2026 Meets the World
Milano and Cortina, Italy were Toronto last week hosting travel trade type at Toronto’s Distillery District and promote the upcoming Winter Olympics and Paralympics that will take place in the region beginning in early February 2026. The evening featured a cocktail party, a presentation by the Milano Cortina Olympic organizers and a panel of Canadian Olympians and executives from the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic associations. An outdoor screening of the Italian movie, “The Blue Avalanche” – which celebrated Italy's world dominating Men’s Ski Team during the 1970s...
North Rim of Grand Canyon closed for the season due to fire
The visitor season for North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park was cut short by destruction from the Dragon Bravo Fire, which destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and its nearby cabins. Fortunately, due to swift actions by emergency personnel, all guests and staff were safely evacuated, resulting in no reported injuries or loss of life. “Our hearts go out to the entire Grand Canyon North Rim community, thankfully everyone evacuated quickly and safely,” said Arizona Office of Tourism Interim Director Alix Skelpsa Ridgway. “Our thoughts remain with the firefighters who are...
Baja California Sur introduces mandatory tourist tax
The Government of the State of Baja California Sur has implemented a new tax for foreign visitors who stay in the state for more than 24 hours. Called the EMBRACE IT tax, this measure aims to generate funds to strengthen natural environmental conservation, community development, and local tourism infrastructure. The established amount is $470 MXN per person (approx. $25 USD). Payment must be made exclusively online through the Travelkore platform, and travellers must present their proof of payment at the state’s entry and exit points. The new tax will be implemented in...