Destinations
Event Showcases All Hong Kong Has To Offer
The Canadian director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board says those visiting the destination will find both local and Western influences in the cuisine and the same holds true for the destination itself. Michael Lim told a Thursday Toronto gathering that a destination that is unmistakably Asian but was also shaped by the British to some degree reveals that in many ways, including restaurant dishes that are a "fusion" of different cuisines. "What Hong Kong people like is food from around the world," Lim said. Lim used Toronto's Good Luck Hong Kong Cafe to underscore his message, with...
Propel Takes Aim At Labour Shortage
Travel agencies are among those welcome to take advantage of a federally funded student work placement program, a March 23 Baxter webcast was told. Joe Baker of Tourism HR Canada, which coordinates the Propel program, said travel agencies are “100% yes” able to apply for wage subsidies to hire post-secondary students on work-integrated learning placements. The $7,500 subsidy is only valid until the end of this month (it then becomes $5,000 or $7,000 depending on the student -- this is a federal change to all such programs). "The concept of work-integrated learning has been...
Feel Treasured In The Islands of Tahiti
The Islands of Tahiti have launched a new brand campaign that asks: “When did you last Feel Treasured?” inviting travellers to experience Mana and enjoy dazzling white sands, pristine lagoons, and the warmth of the Tahitian people. The Feel Treasured campaign aims to capture the desire of pandemic-weary travellers: the message is that whether you come for adventure, romance, or relaxation, you will discover that the spirit of Mana that flows through the land, sea, culture, and people will make you Feel Treasured. The Islands of Tahiti have relaxed entry requirements, welcoming...
Korea Adds Canada To Visa-Free Entry List
Canada has once again been added to Korea’s visa-free entry list beginning April 1, 2022. Canadian passport holders entering for leisure purposes will be granted entry to Korea for up to 180 days, the same as it was prior to the pandemic. Traveller’s entering Korea will be required to complete a variety of new steps to gain entry such as 1) K-ETA 2) Quarantine or Quarantine Exemption and 3) PCR testing within 48 hours prior to departure. “With this most recent announcement, The KTO Canada Office will be restarting FAM trips, co-promotions, webinars and much more in support...
Canada Jetlines Ready For Take Off
It was a big day for Canada Jetlines Operations Ltd. as it unveiled its first A320 aircraft to a group of potential investors, friends, family and travel industry partners – who included representatives from tourist boards, airports, travel agencies, hotels, and payment solution providers. The private event took place at the Chartright Air Group Fixed Based Operation (FBO) facility at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (CYFK). Guests at the event had the chance to have a look at the Recaro 3530 seat – a first for any Canadian air carrier -- and an important feature of...
No Quick Fix To Tourism’s Labour Shortage
A prominent figure in the human resources field is bluntly warning that there's no quick fix to the labour shortages that are now plaguing this country's tourist trade. Phil Mondor of Tourism HR Canada told a March 22 TIAC webinar that the sector employed 2.1 million people in February 2019, but the number of people working in it in February of this year had fallen to 1.67 million and there are now around 200,000 "vacancies," which Mondor said amounts to an "unprecedented shortage of workers... "The shortfall is here to stay," Mondor warned. "There are simply too few young workers...
Belize Makes Changes To Travel Protocols
As the Belize Tourism Board remains committed to evolving travel protocols to best reflect the current travel landscape, fully vaccinated travellers to Belize will no longer require a negative COVID-19 test, but must show proof of vaccination for entry into Belize’s airport, land borders or sea ports. Travellers arriving by air who are not fully vaccinated and unable to show proof of vaccination must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival or a negative Antigen Rapid test taken within 48 hours of arrival. For unvaccinated travellers...
Vision Names Skinner New VP/Leisure
Brian Robertson, President of the Canada West region of Direct Travel, has announced the promotion of Julie Skinner to the role of Vice President, Leisure Sales and Operations for the region, which includes all provinces from British Columbia to Ontario. In her new role, Skinner will be responsible for every aspect of the leisure travel experience for clients and for the expansion of the company’s Independent Travel Advisor program which already has a thriving base of almost 300 advisors. Vision is the Canadian leisure travel arm of Direct Travel, North America’s premier leisure...