Destinations
Curaçao Is Booming
Curaçao has seen a surge of new and re-branded hotel developments by top hospitality brands, as well as expanded flight routes recently. From a fully renovated Marriott, to upscale all-inclusive options like Dreams and Sandals, as well as newly flagged properties like Trademark by Wyndham and Curio by Hilton Collection, Curaçao continues to offer differentiated new accommodations that cater to an increased influx of North American travelers. It has been a strong year for the island’s expansion with brands like Sandals, Wyndham and Hilton all planting a flag in...
UPDATED: NACC Supports Feds Proof Of Vaccination Plan
The National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) says it ‘fully supports’ the federal government’s plans for a digital proof of vaccination credential. NACC’s president and CEO, Mike McNaney said: “We fully support the federal government’s on-going engagement with provincial and territorial authorities to develop a standardized vaccination credential, and encourage all levels of government to work as effectively as possible to meet an early fall release date.” McNaney noted that: “Proof of vaccination is going to be a critical component of international travel and...
An Important Shift In Thinking
Northern Kenya's Reteti elephant sanctuary makes it clear that it doesn't want to provide indefinite pachyderm parenting to those it's caring for. In fact, the sanctuary notes its goal is to see the weighty orphans that it's nurturing eventually returned to their own kind, becoming part of a burgeoning area elephant population, with that growth a contrast to what's happening in many other parts of Africa that are seeing elephant numbers falling at alarming rates. Reteti opened in August 2016, with the first orphaned elephant arriving in September of that year. Since then, more than...
AMR Collection Unveils New Resort Management Deals
AMR Collection has announced two new resort brand management deals -- Zoëtry Casa Del Mar Los Cabos and Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia. The two properties are conversions from independent resorts and will expand the Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts portfolio to seven properties, establishing its footprint in two additional destinations upon opening. Opening in November 2021, Zoëtry Casa Del Mar Los Cabos was previously part of the Zoëtry collection of resorts until 2015 and now returns after operating as an independent hotel. The resort will feature upscale amenities...
WTM Responsible Tourism Awards Deadline Approaching
Tourism stakeholders across Africa have just one month to get their entries in for the WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards 2021, which for the first time has introduced regional awards, including Africa, India, Latin America and the rest of World. This year, all the Gold winners will have a chance to win an inaugural WTM World Responsible Tourism Global Award. Each of the six categories will have its own Global winner, chosen from the four regional winners. The regional Gold and Silver Awards recipients, and the new Global winners, will be announced at WTM Virtual, taking place...
Coconut Bay Beach Has A Bonus For Canadian Agents
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is celebrating the return of Canadian flights and travellers to Saint Lucia with up to triple booking bonuses as well as a free stay exclusively for Canadian travel agents as part of its CBAYREWARD$ program. For every 7-night booking from now through Aug. 31, 2021, Canadian travel agents will earn a Double Bonus up to US$120 for fall travel, Sept. 1 –Dec. 20, 2021; a Triple Bonus up to US$180 for winter travel, Dec. 21, 2021 – April 30, 2022; as well as a one-week free stay for making seven bookings. In order to qualify for these exclusive...
Barriers And Opportunities
In newly released research, Booking.com reports that close to half (44%) of Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers have experienced some form of discrimination when travelling. Conducted with 3,052 LGBTQ+ travellers across three continents, the study shines a light on attitudes, concerns and travel preferences, as well as past stay experiences, current realities and hopes for a more inclusive travel future. According to the research, 68% say they have to consider their safety and well-being as a Canadian LGBTQ+ traveller when picking a destination and 60% believe that travelling as part of the...
A First Step In Rebuilding
The Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable says that it’s encouraged that fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents who have received the full dose of a vaccine – or a combination of vaccines – are now eligible to cross the Canadian border without quarantine. The Roundtable noted that while Aug. 9 marked an important milestone, it’s only the first step in the long process of rebuilding an industry devastated by COVID-19 restrictions. In fact, it said that there is still much work to be done to successfully reopen the sector, calling on the federal...