Cruise operations are resuming in Jamaica today (Aug. 16) with the Carnival Sunshine scheduled to call at the Port of Ocho Rios. It will be the first cruise ship with international passengers to call at a Jamaican port since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It will also mark a major step in the phased reopening of Jamaica’s tourism sector, which has been adversely impacted by the global pandemic.
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett said: “I am very pleased to advise that Jamaica will finally see the return of cruise on Monday August 16. We welcome this resumption as we...
With a federal election set for Sept. 20, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has made it clear that it will be continuing its advocacy for greater support for the country’s travel and tourism industry during the course of the campaign.
TIAC notes that throughout 2021, it has owned the advocacy push for greater support for the industry. This included major achievements such as enhanced Federal Budget measures, an expanded Tourism Relief Fund, extension of CEWS and CERS, and opening the US/Canada land border to American tourists. In addition to owning the advocacy...
ACTA is gearing up for the federal election campaign with the launch of Operation Survival: Phase II, noting that it provides a great opportunity to make support for the industry an election issue.
Wendy Paradis, ACTA president, observes: “Now more than ever, ACTA is urging members to engage in grassroots advocacy efforts by meeting with Members of Parliament, all candidates, and other decision-makers to ensure sectoral support for Travel, Tourism and Travel Agent issues becomes an election issue. This election provides a unique opportunity for us to elevate our...
WestJet Encore reports that Encore Cabin Crew members -- represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) -- have ratified their first five-year agreement.
This ratified agreement is in place from Aug. 1, 2021, through to and including July 31, 2026.
Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO, said: “I am glad to be sharing, once again, that we have achieved a collective agreement with CUPE. This agreement, with our WestJet Encore Cabin Crew Members, shows that we continue to bargain productively and respectfully with our union partners.”
Sims added: “The result shows...
The Travel Agent Next Door has named Seabourn to approved supplier status for the host agency.
Flemming Friisdahl, founder, The Travel Agent Next Door, said that: “We are seeing an increased demand for luxury and expedition product and Seabourn definitely belongs in our luxury portfolio.”
He added: “Our agents have been asking for more cruise companies of this calibre of cruise line and we are very pleased to add Seabourn to our offering.”
Steve Smotrys, Vice President, Global Sales & Trade Relations at Seabourn said the company is “thrilled to be able to strengthen...
The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) -- in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) -- will be presenting the 7th installment of the travel trade business-to-business destination event, Showcase Antigua Barbuda on Oct. 13 and Oct. 14.
In 2020, the annual event was not held due to the global pandemic and, not surprisingly, ABHTA and ABTA are delighted to again welcome travel partners from all the major source markets to face-to-face business meetings.
Vernon A. Jeffers Snr, executive chairman of the ABHTA, said that: “Showcase...
Beginning Sept. 1, all adult guests travelling with the Travel Corporation’s (TTC) guided tour brands – Trafalgar, Contiki, Insight Vacations, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations and Luxury Gold – will be required to show documented proof of having received two doses of approved COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca or one dose from Johnson & Johnson.
And TTC notes that the final dose of the vaccine must have been administered a minimum of 15 days prior to a passenger’s departure.
The policy will remain in effect until at least Dec. 31, 2021.
Commenting on the...
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line marked a major milestone in late-July, resuming commercial operations and welcoming passengers back onboard after an extended pause.
The family-owned and operated cruise line’s flagship vessel, Grand Classica, sailed from the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island, marking the return of the line’s popular two-night ‘micro-cation’ cruise vacations.
To ensure the health and safety of all passengers and crew, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has implemented extensive cleanliness protocols, and is adhering to all policies outlined and required by the...
Representatives from over 80 countries have signed up to WTM London’s Buyers’ Club, ensuring they maximize opportunities and get the best access to like-minded partners as the world begins to open up for travel once again.
All Buyers’ Club members have the opportunity to expand connections in the dedicated lounges during the WTM London physical show taking place at ExCeL London on Mon., Nov. 1 to Wed., Nov. 3, 2021.
During the WTM Virtual – which takes place on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 -- buyers will also have the opportunity to focus on meetings with key suppliers and...
Hungary is opening its doors to travellers from outside the European Union – including from the US and Canada as member states from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
The move marks the first time the country has been open to travellers from the US and Canada since March 2020.
As of August 7, those non-EU travellers are able to enter Hungary by air without any further restrictions when they present a negative PCR certificate for a COVID-19 test in either in Hungarian or English.
In order to be valid, the PCR test must have been taken within 72 hours prior to...