Destinations
Air Canada Expands Travel Ready Hub
Air Canada has unveiled its expanded Travel Ready hub, an interactive online tool to help customers plan and prepare for upcoming trips. Customers can use it to easily and conveniently obtain such information as necessary travel documentation, COVID-19 test requirements and country travel restrictions for any global destination. Lucie Guillemette, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Air Canada, said: “We continue to develop practical solutions to help our customers be travel-ready, wherever they want to go. This includes assisting them in navigating the changing...
Take A Walk With Helping Hands
Take a walk with the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation (HHJF) on Sept. 26 in Toronto. HHJF is gearing up to safely welcome approximately 50 of its supporters to participate in its annual 5KM physically distanced walk - Jam-walk just before September ends. The outdoor tented Courtyard Patio of Toronto’s Palais Royale will once again provide the backdrop for participants who attend within their social bubbles to enjoy the outdoors and stroll along the Lakeshore. To participate, individuals must fundraise online to support HHJF’s goal of building its 24th school in Jamaica which...
The 2021 Air Canada Race In Switzerland Signals Hope For The Industry
Although there have been multiple Air Canada Races held since its inception in 2006, arguably the most monumental is the 2021 edition which just wrapped up in Switzerland from August 28-Sept. 2. The competition signalled a restart of travel as it marked the first international trip for the majority of the 36 travel advisors who participated since the pandemic had a detrimental impact on the industry. “While this is the eighth Air Canada Race, this particular one is very special in my view,” Lisa Pierce, Vice President, Canada & USA Sales at Air Canada, told Canadian Travel...
Explore Costa Rica With Star Clippers
Beginning in November 2022, Star Clippers’ tall ships will be setting a course to Costa Rica, featuring ports of call along the Pacific coast as well as in Nicaragua and Panama. And for passengers who book their Costa Rican sailing now, Star Clippers is offering an air credit discount of $1,200 off per cabin on select seven night sailings departing November 2022 through March 2023. The discount is based on double occupancy cabins and sailings must be booked by Sept. 20, 2021. Offer is valid for residents of North, Central and South America only. Star Clippers offers sailings...
Restaurants Canada Wants To Hear About Support
Restaurants Canada is calling for sector-specific commitments from all parties seeking to form the next federal government to return foodservice employment to pre-pandemic levels and prevent a long-term labour crisis. According to the latest Restaurants Canada survey: 80% of respondents said they were finding it difficult to hire back-of-house staff and 67% were having trouble filling front-of-house positions. 42% of respondents said they expect the number of unfilled positions in their establishments to increase over the next year, while 38% said they are unsure if the number...
Porter Airlines Is Back And Flying High
Porter Airlines is celebrating today (Sept. 8) as it resumes service from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport close to 18 months after it suspended its flights due to COVID-19 public health and travel restrictions. The carrier's flights to Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Thunder Bay are the first to restart; with service to Halifax, Quebec City, St. John’s, NL, and Moncton resuming in the next 10 days. Beginning Sept. 17, Porter will resume its operations to U.S. destinations, including Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington. Flights to other year-round destinations are set to...
Europe’s Summer Travel Season Sees Mixed Results
In new research, ForwardKeys reports that international flights to European destinations in July and August reached 39.9% of pre-pandemic levels; which is significantly better than last year (which was 26.6%), when the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread lockdowns; and vaccines were not yet approved. However, ForwardKeys notes that the picture was very mixed, with some destinations doing considerably better than others; adding that the outlook is not improving, as bookings slowed towards the end of the summer period. Looking at performance by country, Greece was the stand-out. It...
Is The Caribbean Calling
Canadians have long been drawn to the Caribbean for its stunning beaches and turquoise waters. Today, the call to unwind is getting stronger as many travellers are eager to lock in their next vacations and winter escapes. For a little itinerary inspiration, Travel Courier got in touch with some local destination experts to share lesser known and personal favourite things to do in the places they call home. For some insights from the insiders, check out the latest issue of TRAVEL...