Destinations
Lots Of Choice At Grand Palladium’s Riviera Maya
Those staying at Grand Palladium's Riviera Maya property won't be at a loss for choices. Sebnem Richtmann, Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts' business development manager for the West and most of Ontario, told a recent Baxter Media webcast that the property consists of "three resorts in one" and "nobody will get bored" in a retreat that has a "beautiful spa" and many other amenities. Dining options include 9 a la carte restaurants and buffets as well. Among lodging options is TRS, an upscale all-inclusive for adults alone. Families can stay in other brands at the beachfront...
Jamaica Makes Testing More Accessible For Canadians
Canadians travelling to Jamaica will now benefit from more accessible and affordable PCR testing services while in the destination thanks to the continued lobbying efforts of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). Jamaican officials have partnered with two private laboratories on the island to provide Canadian residents returning home with access to seamless in-hotel PCR tests at a discounted rate. Canadian visitors will be able to book their required pre-departure COVID-19 molecular test directly through Baywest Wellness Clinic and Technological Solutions Limited (TSL) for US$75...
Air Canada Offering Comprehensive Self-Testing Option
Air Canada is introducing new testing products -- including portable self-administered COVID-19 molecular and antigen test kits -- through a partnership with Switch Health. Using the Switch Health COVID-19 RT-LAMP Kit, customers can test themselves while travelling abroad prior to their flight to Canada to meet federal government testing entry requirements without the need to visit a foreign COVID-19 testing clinic. These tests are conducted under the remote supervision of a Telehealth professional from Switch Health and include an electronic report suitable for travel. Mark Nasr,...
WestJet Group Takes Of With Safety Above All
The WestJet Group is sharing details of the evolution of its Safety Above All program to reflect mandatory employee vaccination and mandatory traveller vaccination, in line with the Canadian government mandate. Effective Oct. 30, 2021, The WestJet Group will implement the federal government's mandatory vaccination policy for air travellers and will operate as a fully vaccinated airline, managing minimal accommodations pursuant to human rights law. Ed Sims, WestJet Group, president and CEO, said that: “The implementation of these policies mark a major confidence milestone for our...
New Experiences In Antigua & Barbuda
As vaccination rates increase, Antigua and Barbuda continues to see the easing of on-island restrictions; allowing visitors to enjoy some newly re-opened tourism experiences. New opening hours for all of Antigua and Barbuda’s 365 beaches are from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Water excursions are also now officially open allowing visitors to sail to Antigua’s sister-island Barbuda, for a visit to the Magnificent Frigatebird Sanctuary or drop anchor within reach of a deserted beach. In Antigua, vacationers can now enjoy kayaking, a circumnavigation cruise, snorkeling and an abundance of...
Ottawa Tourism Extends Tour Operator Incentive Program
Ottawa Tourism is extending its Ottawa Visitor Incentive Program (VIP) -- which encourages tour operators to bring more visitors to Ottawa -- until Feb. 28, 2022. The program, which offers an incentive of $50 per room night when a paid admission to an eligible attraction is included, was originally scheduled to end on Dec. 31, 2021. Hotels and attractions must be paid by the tour operator and proof of payment is required for the funding. There are no minimum room night requirements. Travel must be completed by Feb. 28,...
Barbados Makes Testing Changes
Effective Oct. 24, 2021, fully vaccinated travellers with a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result will no longer be required to take a second COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Barbados, or observe a quarantine period. Health officials at the Grantley Adams International Airport may select fully vaccinated travellers with a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result at random for a Rapid Antigen arrival test on entry. In this case, these travellers must: Take the Rapid Antigen arrival test as directed at the airport free of charge Await the results of the Rapid Antigen Test (no...
An Unfortunate Reality
While Canada, the United States and Europe have more than enough vaccines to inoculate their populations, the rest of the world continues to lag behind, both in terms of having access to vaccines and to getting people in those regions vaccinated. “The combination of vaccine equity and [vaccine] hesitancy could constitute a worse pandemic than COVID-19,” observed Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett. In conversation with Canadian Travel Press during a recent Toronto visit, Minister Bartlett pointed out that: “The heart of the recovery of the global economy – and...