Destinations
ACTA Launches New Diversity & Inclusion Courses
ACTA has reinforced its commitment to diversity and inclusion through education, and to that end, it has entered into an agreement with The Canadian Diversity Initiative. Wendy Paradis, president of ACTA, said: “We are pleased to launch this initiative in conjunction with Black History month. We recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion at ACTA and in the travel industry and we believe making these courses available to our members is an important step forward.” Paradis added: “Education is a key pillar within ACTA and the addition of these courses will help expand...
TDC Adds Exoticca As New Preferred Partner
Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) has added Exoticca to its list of preferred partners. Founded in 2015, Exoticca offers affordable itineraries that are in between 100% escorted and a la carte tours. With over 300 exotic destinations tours available that meet the needs of small groups, private tours and solo travellers on every budget, Exoticca will appeal to a large number of travellers. Louise Fecteau, general manager of Transat Distribution Canada, said: “The current situation in the tourism industry reflects that many travellers want to be guided and accompanied to learn...
Let’s Get This Done
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) says the region needs a plan to revitalize intra-regional travel which suffer a loss of more than US$1 billion in 2021. The association is recommending that Caribbean governments and private sector leaders work in concert to boost intra-regional travel, while fostering greater parity, clarity and consistency for travel. The CHTA’s president, Nicola Madden-Greig points out that while international travel to the region has rebounded to 75% of pre-pandemic levels, intra-regional business and leisure travel has dropped to around 30%,...
Wellness Pass Launched By Visit Greater Palm Springs
Visit Greater Palm Springs has launched a new digital Wellness Pass to help travellers reach their health and wellness goals in the new year. Available through March, the Greater Palm Springs Wellness Pass provides a guide to some of the destination’s top wellness and spa experiences, while also providing deals and offerings to the community and visitors. Offers range from discounts on fitness classes to complimentary spa treatment add-ons. Users can check in or redeem an offer at participating locations to be entered to win a weekly prize such as a free yoga class at a local...
Grenada Launches Travel Expert Program
The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has launched its new travel agent specialist program -- an e-learning program that allows the travel agent community to acquire the knowledge necessary to become an expert in selling the destination. With interest in international travel continues to make its comeback, the GTA recognizes the importance of the travel advisor’s role in meeting this demand and thus developed the program to aid them in sharing the destination’s allure with their clients. Agents will also be kept up to date on new developments such as updates to Grenada’s Pure...
U.S. Virgin Islands Reporting Banner Year In 2021
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism reports that 2021 was a banner year, beating the Territory’s previous performances in 2020 and 2019. The U.S. Virgin Islands Bureau of Economic Research reports 738,040 air arrivals for the period January to November 2021, a 102.5% increase over the similar period in 2020 and close to 30% from 2019. USVI Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte said he looked forward to receiving the final statistics for 2021, since December was a particularly impressive month for the Territory, based on data gleaned from its Travel Screening...
Cayman Islands Says Welcome To Families
The Cayman Islands has entered Phase 5 of its strategic phased reopening plan on Jan. 20, 2022. Under this new phase, children aged 11 years and younger will be permitted to travel to the destination accompanied by vaccinated adults regardless of the child’s vaccination status. In addition, quarantine requirements for all travellers are shortened from 10 days to seven days, and testing protocols have been altered – now requiring travelers to submit a lateral flow test (LFT) on days two, five and seven of their stay. Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan said that: “These changes...
Visit Orlando Launches New Training Platform For Agents
Visit Orlando has launched a reimagined Orlando Travel Academy, featuring new interactive sales tools, resources for travel advisors and corresponding app. The Orlando Travel Academy – www.orlandotravelacademy.com -- offers travel advisors quick and easy access to sales planning resources, including digital brochures, maps, itineraries and an on-demand training curriculum Features include: In-depth modules, webinars and training videos to educate travel advisors on how to sell the destination, keep clients updated on the latest news and provide increased value for their...