Destinations
Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa Join Forces For New Campaign
Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa have set their friendly rivalries aside to create a new campaign aimed at reviving the excitement of travelling to three of this country’s most popular city destinations. City Friends with Benefits is a new initiative from Ottawa Tourism, Tourisme Montréal and Destination Toronto and marks the first time the three organizations have worked collectively on a campaign. The tri-city invitation to visit comes as the tourism industry and urban destinations begin the slow recovery process after nearly two years of impact from COVID restrictions. The...
Scenic Group Canada Hires Willey As Western Canada BDM
Scenic Group Canada has hired Lisa Willey as its BDM for Western Canada. Willey has over 20 years of cruise industry experience and will be responsible for supporting the sales and trade marketing efforts of Scenic and Emerald Cruises’ travel partners in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. She can be reached at [email protected]. Juna Ueda, general manager sales, Scenic Group Canada, said: “We are pleased to have the caliber of Lisa’s talent and expertise join our Canadian sales team. As we continue to build our sales and marketing team, our travel partners can...
Vaccine Certification Confusion Could Hamper Recovery
According to GlobalData, the lack of an internationally recognized vaccine certification system could hinder travel recovery as many travellers are left confused about quarantine requirements and travel restrictions. The data and analytics company points out that with varying rules, some may opt for domestic trips, dealing a blow to destinations that are dependent on international visitation. Gus Gardner, associate travel and tourism analyst at GlobalData, observed that: “Vaccines were hailed as a travel enabler and a glimmer of hope for the industry. However, fragmented rules and...
ACTA Adds Speakers For 2021 Summit
ACTA has added a number of keynote speakers and topics for upcoming Travel Industry Summit -- a bilingual national travel industry event – which is set for Sept. 30 to Oct. 1, 2021. The two-day virtual event will provide a forum to re-connect, reset and rebuild the industry along the road to recovery. Travel agents, independent travel agents, travel agency managers, owners and leaders, consortia partners and host agencies are all expected to be in attendance. Additional speakers include: Dr. Dominique Tessier – Medical Director, The Travel Health Group – Restoring...
Great Destinations Think Alike
When great destinations think alike, you never know what can happen. Destination marketing organizations Discover Halifax and Destination Toronto have -- separately, but simultaneously -- created marketing campaigns built around a Never Have I Ever theme. Halifax's Never Have I Ever and Toronto's Never Have I Ever, TO respectively aim to encourage locals and visitors from nearby markets to get out and enjoy experiences close to home. Both campaigns also have a focus on supporting local businesses that the pandemic has hard hit. Clare Tidby, VP, Marketing, Discover Halifax,...
UPDATE: Canada Makes The U.K.’s Green List
Not surprisingly, VisitBritain and other tourism officials in the United Kingdom have been buoyed by the news that the UK government will be adding Canada to its green list as of 4 am on Mon., Aug. 30, 2021. As a result, travellers from Canada will be able to enter the UK without a mandatory quarantine; however, they will still need to take a pre-departure test and a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 of arrival. Regardless of whether they are fully vaccinated, no quarantine will be required, unless an individual tests positive. As well, all visitors must complete the passenger...
JTB Announces Finalists For Edith Baxter Memorial Award
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has announced the five finalists for the inaugural Edith Baxter Memorial Award -- a new biennial award program established earlier this year in memory of long-time Canadian publishing icon Edith Baxter. Founded in partnership between the JTB and the Baxter family, the commemorative award recognizes outstanding individuals who contribute to the positive advancement of Jamaica’s tourist industry and/or Jamaican culture within Canada. Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica, said that: “Edith Baxter was a powerful voice in the Canadian...
Time For The U.S. To Recognize AZ, WTTC Says
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is urging the U.S. government to speed up approval of the UK’s AstraZeneca vaccine in order to help restore vital transatlantic travel. WTTC points out that while this week’s approval of the Pfizer vaccine by the U.S. CDC is a positive, it still doesn’t currently recognize AstraZeneca as an approved COVID-19 vaccine. So, even if the Biden Administration allows borders to reopen, the CDC’s non-recognition of AstraZeneca will be a significant barrier to transatlantic travel between the UK and the U.S. As a result, the WTTC, says...