Destinations
U.S.V.I. posts record arrivals for 2024
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism recently announced new record-breaking passenger arrival numbers, which highlight the continued growth of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John as a leading tourism destination. Closing out the year on a high, December 28 recorded 4,606 passenger arrivals, surpassing the single-day arrival record set earlier in March 2024. This achievement also led to a new weekly passenger arrival record, with over 24,000 arrivals, marking a 5.92% increase over the previous record. "As a destination, we continue to explore, elevate, and improve, which...
Loire Valley partners highlight product in Toronto, Montreal & Vancouver
The Loire Valley in France offers more than enough reasons to schedule a holiday visit, but some anniversaries happening in 2025 provide additional motivation if need be. This UNESCO-graded region of France spans about 800 sq. km. and is well known for its lush agriculture, its vineyards and especially its cultural landscapes and architecture. French tour and attractions operators came to Canada recently to spread the good word about the Loire Valley, at functions held in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. In Vancouver, the Atout France cocktail reception took place at the...
The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok is now open
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok is officially open, introducing a world-class hotel that offers unparalleled hospitality and immersive cultural experiences. Part of the Luxury Group portfolio by Marriott International, the hotel is set in an alluring 216-meter-high tower at One Bangkok, the largest holistically integrated district and a world-class business and lifestyle destination in the heart of Bangkok. Overlooking the serene lawns and lakes of Lumpini Park, this destination offers a refreshing retreat amidst the bustling energy of the city, transforming guest experiences through...
Destination Toronto hires Kelly Jackson as VP, destination development
Destination Toronto has appointed Kelly Jackson as vice-president of destination development, effective Jan. 20, 2025. With 20 years of experience in government relations, stakeholder and community engagement, and communications, Jackson joins the organization to help elevate Toronto’s destination experience and drive community engagement with its visitor economy. ”Kelly Jackson is a passionate Torontonian with a strong record of building strategic stakeholder relationships,” said Andrew Weir, president and CEO of Destination Toronto. “She joins in a critical role at a critical...
Saint Lucia cruise sector gets a boost with new redevelopment project
The demolition of the Customs and Excise Department Building on Jeremie Street, completed between December 21 and 22, marked the official launch of the Saint Lucia Cruise Port redevelopment project in Castries. This significant milestone signals the start of a transformative initiative aimed at modernizing and enhancing Saint Lucia’s cruise tourism infrastructure, positioning the island as a premier destination in the global cruise market. This event marks the beginning of a new era for the Saint Lucia cruise tourism sector. The redevelopment of the cruise port, with its...
Nova Gorica, Gorizia celebrate first Borderless European Capital of Culture
Where borders once divided them, today Nova Gorica, the youngest city in Slovenia, and its neighbour Gorizia in Italy, will come together to celebrate one of the most spectacular and ambitious art, culture, and creativity experiences worldwide: the first-ever European Capital of Culture without borders. The official opening ceremony for GO! 2025 is set for Feb. 8, 2025, aligning with Slovenia’s Day of Culture. The event will feature the From Station to Station procession, symbolically linking the cities of Nova Gorica and Gorizia. Highlights of the year-long program...
Discover the natural wonders, vibrant culture of La Paz
La Paz, Baja California Sur, offers travellers a unique escape into a world of natural wonders and rich cultural experiences. Located along the picturesque Sea of Cortez, La Paz combines pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and a lively arts scene, making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and immersion in local culture. La Paz is renowned for its stunning landscapes, from the crystal-clear waters of its beaches to the rugged beauty of the surrounding desert. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sea of Cortez – often referred to as “the...
Antigua and Barbuda recognized by Wellness Tourism Association
Antigua and Barbuda has recently been officially recognized by the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA). Since 2019, the WTA has been grading destinations worldwide according to a stringent nine-point metric that includes infrastructure, safety, and sustainability and Antigua and Barbuda is the first destination to satisfy all nine. Farm-to-table cuisine, grassroots and government-partnered sustainability initiatives around the islands, a diverse array of activities like hiking, kayaking, and snorkelling, and a rich ecosystem of wellness experiences and operators are just a few...