Destinations
Flight Update From St. Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) is reminding Canadians that although Air Canada recently announced it was suspending its flights to the destination (along with a number of other sun destinations) they can still visit by travelling via Barbados. Glenn Beache, CEO for the SVGTA, said that: “While the suspension of Air Canada’s direct flights from Toronto to St. Vincent is certainly disappointing, we want to remind Canadians that alternatives are available, including via Air Canada’s weekly direct service from Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL) to Barbados...
ACTA Joins Call For Changes
ACTA is joining the industry’s call for the federal government to lift the mandatory arrival testing and quarantine requirement for fully-vaccinated, asymptomatic travellers so that those tests can be used to support Canada’s domestic testing needs. Wendy Paradis, president of ACTA, said that: “It is important that the Government of Canada remove these temporary measures – as well as others introduced over the past two years-- in a timely manner based on science, data and information gathered globally.” Nationally, provinces are experiencing significant shortages of...
TICO Enhances Its Education Standards Program
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) is enhancing its Education Standards Program for individuals aspiring to become Travel Counsellors and Supervisors/Managers. In February 2022, TICO, in partnership with its education provider Oliver’s, will launch a new digital flipbook study manual for the Travel Counsellor and Supervisor/Manager certifications. The new manual will feature updated content to reflect changes in legislation, as well as a more modern appearance and user experience. Effective Feb. 28, 2022, TICO exams will be based on the newly revised study...
Ontario Restaurants Want Reopening Guidance
Restaurants Canada is calling on the Ontario government to provide the province’s foodservice industry with clear guidance for reopening indoor dining next week. Todd Barclay, president and CEO of Restaurants Canada, said: “Restaurants can’t simply open their doors at a moment’s notice. They need to order food and supplies, schedule staff and prepare menus. With Ontario’s latest closure of indoor dining set to end on Jan. 26, restaurant operators deserve to know by now if these latest restrictions will be completely lifted or if dining will continue to be restricted to the...
The Struggle Continues
TIAC president Beth Potter says there's light at the end of the tunnel for this country's ailing tourism industry, even if that light isn't shining particularly brightly at this moment. Potter told Wednesday's TIAC AGM that she remains optimistic that summer will see both leisure and business travel pick up, citing the likes of reopened borders as a reason to be hopeful. But Potter also noted that tourism firms in this country are having to struggle with the likes of low cash flow and over 40% reported last year that they had to lay off large numbers of employees. Staff shortages...
Lynx Air Tickets Now On Sale
Lynx Air (Lynx) has launched its booking website, with tickets going on sale for flights to the airline’s first five destinations: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Kelowna and Winnipeg. The launch marks an important milestone in Lynx’s mission to make air travel accessible to all Canadians, with ultra-low fares, a fleet of brand-new Boeing 737 aircraft and great customer service. The carrier’s inaugural flight is set for April 7, 2022, from Calgary to Vancouver; with the airline offering daily flights between the two travel hubs, with that service increasing to twice daily flights...
Good News Has ACTA Upbeat
ACTA is in an upbeat mood, with good news for the industry coming from several fronts, including from the federal government and TICO. Wendy Paradis, president of ACTA, observed that: “Our advocacy for government support continues to strengthen throughout the COVID-19 health and economic crisis. We are pleased that our advocacy was successful with the federal government, the Ontario government and TICO.” The industry association had lobbied both TICO and the Ontario government for relief from registration fees for another year. Said Paradis: “We are pleased that the Ontario...
Get Fit With TruTravels
TruTravels has launched FitVentures, a collection of wellness-focused tours, with departures from May 2022; and with its current Great Escape Sale, agents can secure their clients a great deal with up to 40% off to help them stick to their fitness goals and have fun travelling at the same time. Capitalizing on the health and wellness trends that emerged in 2021, the new fitness-centred breaks bring the best of adventure and wellbeing to young travellers looking to exercise -- and socialize -- on their next escape. Each tour itinerary comes with a ‘workout schedule’ and with Muay...