Destinations
Now Is The Time To Act
Chief Medical Officers of Health for Air Canada, Toronto Pearson and WestJet are urging federal and provincial governments to shift PCR testing from airports to communities. In an open letter -- to federal health minister Jean-Yves Duclos; chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam; Ontario deputy premier and minister of health, Christine Elliott; and Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore – Air Canada’s chief medical officer, Dr. Jim Chung; Toronto Pearson’s chief medical officer, Dr. Edward Wasser; and WestJet’s chief medical officer, Dr. Tammy...
Red Label Vacations Picks Ortmann As VP, IT
H.I.S.-Red Label Vacations Inc. (RLV) has named Kurt Ortmann as its new VP of Information Technology. Ortmann joined RLV on Jan. 14, 2022 and he is an accomplished technology executive and will bring new strategies to amplify the company’s technological infrastructure and to further the continued goal of streamlining operations and expanding customer-centric solutions. He has over 30 years of experience in all areas of Information Technology, with the last 15-plus years working in travel and hospitality, including CIE Tours, Wyndham Hotels Group, and Security Validation. His...
Change It Up
The Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable has called on the federal government to redeploy PCR tests used for on-arrival testing of fully-vaccinated, asymptomatic and previously negative travellers into Canada for community use and for a return to randomized on-arrival testing for surveillance purposes. The federal government announced additional measures to contain the spread of the Omicron variant on Dec. 17, with measures including the increase of on-arrival PCR testing for travellers arriving from destinations other than the United States and isolation until test results are...
Grand Opening Celebration
Karisma Hotels & Resorts celebrated the official opening of the newest laid-back luxury addition to the Margaritaville Island Reserve brand, Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, which opened its doors November 2021. Joined by top company executives and Dominican Republic elected officials, the event featured an opening speech by President Luis Abinader, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live entertainment, signature cocktails, and dining experiences. The five-star resort is located in one of the most sought-after stretches of beach in the Dominican Republic and is the...
Health Insurance Needed To Enter Belize
The Belize Tourism Board is advising that in an effort to further protect the health and well-being of international visitors and Belizeans from COVID-19, it has released new safe travel standards for any persons entering the country. Effective Feb. 15, 2022, all visitors are required to apply for Belize Travel Health Insurance – a mandatory insurance that helps protect travellers against incurred medical and non-medical expenses if they test positive for COVID-19 during their stay in Belize. The cost of the policy is US$18 and it provides coverage for up to US$50,000 in medical...
A Brand New Fort Myers
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel is rebranding to become Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods. The new name comes with the launch of a new website, www.VisitFortMyers.com, and a revamped Visitor Guide designed to reflect the beauty of the destination. Tamara Pigott, executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, said: “The new brand, which has been long in the making, encompasses our entire destination today and our sense of community.” Pigott continued: “Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods is built on five key pillars...
TICO Waiving Registrant Fees For Third Year
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to surge through the community and worldwide, there is an ongoing, significant financial impact to Ontario’s travel agencies and wholesalers. To assist the industry through this hardship, the Ontario government will provide funding to the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), allowing TICO to waive registrant fees for a third year. This temporary funding arrangement allows TICO to continue its operations in support of consumer protection. Ross Romano, Minister of Government and Consumer Services, said: “Our government is doing...
AMR Collection Adds Two BDMs To Canadian Team
AMR Collection added two previous BDMs to its Canada Business Development Manager teams. Scott Reid has rejoined the AMR Collection team as Business Development Manager of the Central Canada. Reid will manage the Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Western Ontario regions. Effective immediately, he can be reached at [email protected]. Brian Joseph has returned to the AMR Collection team as Business Development Manager of the Toronto, Greater Toronto Area, Eastern Ontario, and the Niagara regions. Effective immediately, Joseph can be reached...