Destinations
VoX International Inc. reappointed to represent Germany in Canada
VoX International Inc. has been reappointed as the agency of record for the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) in Canada -- marking the official return of in-market representation following a temporary pause. Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the German National Tourist Board in Frankfurt, Germany, said that: “Canada is a highly valued and resilient source market for Germany, and we are very pleased to re-establish our local presence.” Hedorfer continued: “With strong growth, high visitor engagement, and a deep cultural affinity between our two countries, this is the right moment to...
Brand USA takes the measure of international trends, sees positives in 2026 mega events
With Canadian visitor numbers to the U.S.A. continuing a downward slide, there was not a lot of discussion about Canada during the recent Board of Directors meeting by Brand USA. For example, Canadian visitations to the USA in January this year were down 22% as compared to January 2025, driven by both an unfavourable dollar exchange rate and a stormy political climate. But reports to the Board by researchers were generally bullish on the outlook for U.S. tourism, with an optimistic focus on a trio of signature tourism events in 2026 – the 250th anniversary of America’s...
Canada Strong Pass Returns as Minister Valdez kicks off National Tourism Week
It's National Tourism Week and what better news could be delivered than that the federal government is bringing back the Canada Strong Pass for the summer of 2026. In a statement issued yesterday to mark the start of National Tourism Week 2026, the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) Rechie Valdez said that: “Tourism is one of the great strengths of the Canadian economy, and it is central to our mission of building Canada strong.” The Minister pointed out that: “Canada has what the world wants: dynamic cities, breathtaking...
“AI can’t replace the Irish:” Tourism Ireland’s Sandra Moffatt on the importance of the human connection
Following a successful sales mission in Eastern Canada, Tourism Ireland and industry partners held a reception at the Residence of Ireland in Toronto on Friday that underscored the importance of connecting in person. “It’s an AI world, but ChatGPT can’t replace the answers and the itineraries that you bring to the advisors here. ChatGPT can’t provide that human connection that makes us so memorable,” shared Sandra Moffatt, Country Director of Canada for Tourism Ireland. “AI can’t replace the Irish is my headline.” Reflecting on a busy week that saw the group travel to six...
Canadian tourism gets a boost with new federal funding for ICAF
Canada’s Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), the Honourable Rechie Valdez was in Toronto late last week to announced that the federal government would be providing $15 million over three years for the International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF). Minister Valdez – accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary Karim Bardeesy and Destination Canada (DC) President and CEO, Marsha Walden – observed that: “Canada has what the world wants: dynamic cities, world-class venues, and unforgettable experiences. When we attract major...
Grenada delivers a little spice at Toronto event
The Grenada Tourism Authority recently welcome the travel trade to an event in Toronto hosted by its CEO Stacey Liburd, who provided the gathering with an update on what’s new in The Spice Island. Out of Canada, there are multiple flight options to Grenada, with departures from Toronto Pearson International Airport with Air Canada (three times weekly until April 23, after which it will turn to twice weekly direct flights) and from WestJet (one weekly direct flight) providing convenient, non-stop access. As for what makes Grenada unique, visitors can start with the Underwater...
Caribbean reports growth despite continued headwinds
Caribbean tourism continued to grow in 2025, posting a 2.5% increase in international stay-over arrivals to an estimated 35 million visits, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). That performance -- approximately 900,000 more tourists than in 2024 -- reflects the region’s sustained recovery and resilience with arrivals once again surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Despite a complex global environment marked by evolving economic conditions in key source markets, heightened geopolitical tensions and weather-related disruptions, including the passage of Hurricane...
Marion Certain named Trade Manager for Canada for Brand USA
Marion Certain has been named Trade Manager Canada for Brand USA – a move that reinforces the organization’s commitment to growing travel trade engagement across the Canadian market. Commenting on Certain’s appointment – which took effect March 1 – Jackie Ennis, Vice President, Global Trade Development, said: “Marion brings a strong combination of industry expertise, global experience, and a deep understanding of the travel trade. Her leadership will be key as we continue to expand our partnerships and drive visitation from Canada to the United States.” Based in...