Destinations
HEY CANADA: LET’S ALL WAVE THE FLAG TODAY
It’s time for Canadians to show the world who we are and what we stand for. And there is no better day than today – Sat., Feb.15, 2025 -- to celebrate our nation on National Flag of Canada Day 2025. Today, 60 years ago (Feb. 15, 1965), Canada’s flag – the iconic red and white maple leaf -- was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill. Over the years, our flag has become a symbol of national pride, reflecting the common values that Canadians share. When former Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien declared National Flag of Canada Day on Feb. 15, 1996, he wrote that:...
Destination Canada taps into tourism’s far-reaching impacts
Describing it as “a first-of-its-kind” measurement tool that looks beyond traditional metrics like visitor spending and arrivals to assess the comprehensive benefits tourism brings to Canadians, Destination Canada has launched the Wealth & Wellbeing Index. The Index highlights tourism’s role in empowering communities, preserving culture, protecting Canada’s natural assets, and driving economic growth -- demonstrating tourism’s potential to empower local economies while enhancing Canada’s global competitiveness. Long-term growth in tourism depends on balancing...
Miami’s annual LGBTQ+ program, Rainbow Spring, returns March 1
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) announces the return of Rainbow Spring. The annual LGBTQ+ program, now in its third year, runs March 1 through June 30. Diversity and inclusivity remain at the core of Miami and Miami Beach, and the Rainbow Spring initiative continues to grow and provide LGBTQ+ visitors with a dynamic array of unique programming and promotional offers, enhancing their experience throughout the spring season. This year, the GMCVB is once again joining forces with long-time partner, Expedia, and expanding the program’s international...
Belize sets new record for overnight arrivals in 2024
Belize’s tourism industry accomplished a landmark achievement in 2024. Preliminary figures indicated that overnight tourism surpassed pre-pandemic levels recorded in the benchmark year, 2019. This milestone reflects the collective efforts of the entire tourism industry. In 2024, Belize welcomed 562,405 overnight visitors, representing a 21 per cent increase over 2023 and an 11.8 per cent increase compared to 2019. Impressively, 11 out of 12 months were record-breaking in comparison to 2019, with March emerging as the peak month, attracting 69,202 visitors. As Belize builds on...
Canadian travellers drive record visits to Cayman Islands in 2024
The Cayman Islands ended 2024 on a high note welcoming 437,842 stayover visitors between January and December 2024 representing a two per cent increase over 2023’s numbers. March 2024 saw the second highest number of arrivals ever for the destination with 57,040 stayover visitors. December was also a standout month with 52,046 stayover visitors – the second highest number of visitors for December in recorded history and an increase of 4.3 per cent year over year. Canadian visitation played a significant role in year over year results thanks to six months of record arrivals from...
Here’s what’s new in Chicago for 2025
Following a banner year for Chicago’s tourism, hospitality, and events community, Chicago has a series of exciting things planned for 2025. In addition to a wide variety of signature events, festivals and openings, this year Chicago is proud to host the 2025 edition of IPW (June 14-18, 2025), the travel industry’s premier international marketplace, welcoming hundreds of national and international journalists to see for themselves the best of the Midwest. New accommodations In summer 2024, the 28-floor, boutique-style Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago opened, overlooking Michigan Avenue...
National Geographic Expeditions returns to South Africa in 2026
National Geographic Expeditions will return to Southern Africa in 2026 with a brand-new itinerary – Southern Africa: Living History and Legendary Species. This newest addition to the company's Signature Land portfolio will explore South Africa and Zambia, welcoming travellers into the wonders of the region with an expertly planned itinerary focused on connecting with the beauty of each destination. This carefully crafted exploration of Southern Africa brings to life the vast history, culture and wildlife of the region through the authentic storytelling of National...
NYC Tourism + Conventions introduces AI platform for business pros
New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, has launched the first-ever meetings and conventions planning artificial intelligence chat platform created for business event professionals. In partnership with GuideGeek—Matador Network's award-winning artificial intelligence travel genius—Ellis provides expert guidance and resources for meeting planners in 45 languages, available at nyctourism.com/meetings and via WhatsApp. This launch comes as members of NYC...