Destinations
McKenna Named President, CEO Of Rocky Mountaineer
David McKenna is the new president and CEO of Rocky Mountaineer, taking over his new responsibilities on Jan. 4, 2022. Commenting on his new role, McKenna said: “I am thrilled to join the Rocky Mountaineer team at this exciting time in the company’s 32-year history. Despite the challenges of the past 21 months, there is a sense of optimism at Rocky Mountaineer that can be felt across the team.” Rocky Mountaineer’s new boss continued: “From the iconic routes through the Canadian Rockies, to the newest route in the American Southwest, to compelling opportunities yet to be...
Time To Align
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is asking regional governments to reduce the isolation periods for travellers so they are aligned with those of the United Kingdom and the United States in order to avoid reversing the progress made by the region's tourism sector since the COVID-19 pandemic slammed the Caribbean’s most important economic driver. In a letter to Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, and outgoing Chairman of CARICOM (Caribbean Community), CHTA president Nicola Madden-Greig pointed out that both the U.K. and the U.S. are reducing the...
Discover A Hidden Gem In The Mexican Caribbean
The Grand Costa Maya is a region located in the south of the Mexican Caribbean, composed of the destinations of Chetumal, Bacalar, and Mahahual. Considered the hidden gem of Quintana Roo due to its peaceful atmosphere and the warmth of its citizens, Grand Costa Maya has a vast natural environment, including lush jungle, lagoon systems, serene beaches, and rich Mayan culture reflected in its many archaeological sites, museums and gastronomy. Chetumal is a relaxing city, and one of its most notable activities is walking along its Boulevard Bahia surrounding the Bay of Chetumal, the...
St. Kitts Tourism Authority Names Thompson New CEO
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA) has named Ellison “Tommy” Thompson as its new CEO. In this role, Thompson will lead international marketing efforts for the destination, with a focus on trade and airline relationships; earned, paid and owned media; partnerships; and stakeholder communication. He will focus on leisure and cruise, two perennially high performing areas for tourism to St. Kitts; and will also prioritize the romance and MICE markets, with the goal of increasing tourism’s economic benefits across the island. Thompson begins work on Jan. 10,...
U.S. Virgin Islands Shorten Testing Window
The U.S. Virgin Islands has shortened its COVID-19 testing window for travellers as of yesterday (Jan. 3, 2022). As of that date, all domestic air travellers to the U.S. Virgin Islands are required to present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within three (3) days prior to travel to the Territory. The updated protocols, recently announced by Governor Albert Bryan Jr., reduce the testing window, from five days to three days, to ensure that visitors and residents are protected as much as possible, given the rapid spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant. Domestic air...
More Support And A Plan Needed
The president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Rocco Rossi, reacted to the province’s announcement of further restrictions. In a statement, Rossi said: “We recognize that public health and a healthy economy are intrinsically linked, however, sweeping new restrictions – impacting employers, workers, and families – unaccompanied by immediate and commensurate supports is unacceptable nearly two years into the pandemic.” He continued: “We need a comprehensive plan that ties restrictions to clear, data-based metrics so that employers, workers, and families can plan...
Another Painful Day
“I had planned my first communication of the new year to be one of optimism and forward-looking. However, the speed in which the Omicron variant has ripped through our province and the rest of Canada means that my first correspondence of 2022 is to detail the provincial government’s most recent announcements on restrictions and increased support mechanisms for affected businesses,” writes Christopher Bloore, president & CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario. He notes that Premier Ford announced that the provincial government, in response to a steep increase in...
Getting Outdoors In NYC In Winter 2022
NYC & Company unveiled the details of NYC Winter Outing, presented by preferred payment partner Mastercard, running from Jan. 18 through Feb. 13, 2022 and offering visitors and locals an opportunity to enjoy wintertime experiences at an attractive price point across hotels, dining, Broadway, museums, cultural institutions, attractions, performing arts and tours. The program brings together NYC & Company’s three signature programs, NYC Restaurant Week, NYC Broadway Week and NYC Must-See Week, and will introduce a new program, NYC & Company’s first-ever NYC Hotel Week...