Destinations
Jamaica embarks on ambitious growth plan for the future
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has set new and ambitious KPIs -- 10x10x10 -- for Jamaica's tourism. The move is underscored by Jamaica's strong tourism growth trajectory, robust visitor arrivals, expanding air connectivity, and renewed investment in the sector. Earlier this month, Minister Bartlett praised Jamaica’s industry partners for their vital role in maintaining Jamaica's position as one of the Caribbean's leading tourism destinations and charged them to help achieve these new targets. The Minister observed that: “Jamaica continues to stand apart in a...
St. Kitts launches 2026 St. Kitts Your Way travel trade initiative
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA) has launched the 2026 SKY Program -- St. Kitts Your Way -- a comprehensive travel trade initiative designed to reward and empower the travel professionals who champion St. Kitts. Running from June 1 through Dec. 15, 2026, the SKY Program offers travel agents across Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom exclusive access to preferred rates at ten participating properties, alongside a suite of agent benefits designed to deepen destination knowledge and confidence. The program is the SKTA's most robust trade-facing...
Transat Suspends Cuba operations indefinitely
Transat has advised that in light of the current geopolitical situation in Cuba and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the resumption of tourism activities, the company has made the decision to suspend its operations to Cuba for an indefinite period. In a statement, Transat said: "Our flights to Cuba had already been suspended from February until November. We are now proactively adjusting our winter program to redeploy this capacity elsewhere in our network and offer our customers alternative travel options. " And it continued: "We are aware of the impact this situation may have on...
Sunwing Vacations Group suspending its Cuba program indefinitely
Sunwing Vacations Group -- including Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and WestJet Vacations Québec -- has made the difficult decision to indefinitely suspend all Cuba operations until further notice. The announcement comes following the company’s review of its Cuba program and the current operating environment. In a statement the company said that: “As part of the broader WestJet Group, this change aligns operationally across the group, including WestJet Airlines and WestJet Cargo, where applicable.” And it continued: “We recognize this news may be disappointing for...
Cuba remains resilient in face of sanctions
Despite intensified economic pressures from the United States, Cuba remains firmly open for global tourism, with its attractions, hospitality infrastructure, and logistics fully operational, the Cuba Tourist Board said in a statement. The statement notes that Executive orders signed by the U.S. President in January and May 2026, including Executive Order #14404 directly targeting the Cuban tourism sector, aim to restrict one of the country’s economic pillars by creating a lack of Jet A-1 aviation fuel at national airports and pressuring foreign entities operating on the island....
Sudbury couple named 10-millionth visitor to Titanic Belfast in Northern Ireland
A Northern Ontario couple visiting the Island of Ireland for their 10th anniversary, ended up celebrating another milestone in Belfast this past May. Brianna Hubbert was welcomed as the 10 millionth visitor to Titanic Belfast, a world-leading visitor attraction telling the story of the RMS Titanic on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard in the city's Titanic Quarter where the RMS Titanic was built. Alongside her husband Matt, the couple were given the VIP welcome by the Titanic Belfast team, given a tour of the facility and a Lifetime Ticket to the attraction. The pair,...
TIAC set to launch Tourism Emergency Preparedness initiative
TIAC wants to see this country's tourism sector well-prepared to contend with a growing number of rampages by Mother Nature. TIAC's Nik Mills said during late May's Rendez-vous Canada show in Toronto that June 11 will see the launch of the Tourism Emergency Preparedness initiative, a national effort designed to strengthen emergency preparedness and resilience across Canada’s tourism sector. The initiative will serve as a centralized resource for tourism operators and industry organizations seeking evidence-based information and actionable guidance. Initial features and resources...
Minister Valdez praises tourism as a ‘powerful industry,’ looking forward to an exciting year
Federal tourism minister Rechie Valdez has high hopes for this country's tourism trade in 2026. Valdez, speaking to Rendez-vous Canada delegates in Toronto on Friday, said there are several reasons for people in the tourism industry to be upbeat, including Vancouver and Toronto hosting FIFA World Cup soccer games this month. Valdez also praised the Canada Strong Pass, something she said is generating more interest among Canadians in visiting national parks, museums and other attractions in this country. The pass enables holders to receive some free and other discounted offerings...