Destinations
Feeling The Loss
After 17 months, the land border between the US and Mexico remains closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and GlobalData indicates that this could have “devastating impacts” for Mexico’s tourism industry. The data and analytics company’s latest report, Tourism Source Market Insight – United States, reveals that in 2020, the US spent the most on outbound travel with average spend per resident totaling $3,505. Canada was the second highest spending source market with $1,576, followed by Colombia with $1,286. Commenting on the findings, Rheanna Norris, travel and tourism...
Indigenous Tourism Ontario Launches FEAST
FEAST: Growing Indigenous Food Tourism in Ontario (FEAST) is being launched by Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) with a vision of establishing Indigenous foods and foodways as integral parts of Ontario's identity. Over a two-year period, ITO worked with partners across the province to develop FEAST, a 5-year plan to strategically advance the Indigenous food tourism sector. With Ontario being home to many diverse Indigenous cultures and unique foodways, Indigenous food tourism experiences serve as a catalyst for increased dialogue and cultural exchange, support Indigenous-owned...
France Has A Plan
Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, Secretary of State to the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, in charge of Tourism, French Nationals Living Abroad and Francophonie, has announced the implementation of a recognition system for vaccines given abroad for tourists wishing to travel to France. International travellers outside the EU who are already in France, as well as those who arrive before Aug. 15, will be prioritized in order to provide them with rapid access to the health pass. Already mandatory for travellers coming from or going to France and since July 21, 2021 in all places...
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...