Destinations
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...
Saint Lucia Names Hilaire As New Tourism Minister
Dr. Ernest Hilarie in Saint Lucia’s new Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information. Hilarie is a former Saint Lucian diplomat and he represents the Castries South constituency in the House of Assembly for the Saint Lucia Labour Party. As part of his immediate order of business, the Minister will convene meetings with the tourism sector to include the Ministry of Tourism, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, and private sector organizations to gain visibility on the current plans. These meetings will provide meaningful insight and will ensure that the...
The World’s Best, Deserve The World’s Best Vacations
Close to 100 Olympians from the islands where Sandals Resorts International operates have been gifted complimentary vacation stays by the company’s Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart, in recognition of their valiant efforts at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. For those Olympians who medaled in the just-concluded staging of the Games, they’ll each receive one complimentary no-limit on nights’ stay, in the highest room category at any Sandals or Beaches resort across the region complete with luxury BMW transfers from their home, if applicable, to the resort of choice. In addition, all...
Spike Could Jeopardize UK Domestic Travel Recovery
While there is strong demand for staycations in the UK being strong, the rise in COVID-19 infections and the requirement to self-isolate if ‘pinged’ could jeopardize summer plans, and tourism operators could miss out on much-needed revenue this summer, according to GlobalData. In its live poll, the data and analytics company found that domestic holidays are set to be the most popular in the coming 12 months, with 30% of UK respondents opting for this type of trip, marginally lower than the 32% of global respondents preferring domestic travel. With restrictions continuously...
Canada Extends Ban On India Flights
Transport Canada is extending the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that restricts all direct commercial and private passenger flights to Canada from India until Sept. 21, 2021, at 23:59 EDT. As a result, all direct commercial and private passenger flights to Canada from India are subject to the NOTAM. Cargo-only operations, medical transfers or military flights are not included. Transport Canada is also extending the requirement related to third-country pre-departure COVID-19 molecular tests for travellers to Canada from India via an indirect route. This means that passengers who depart...
A Lifeline For The Hardest Hit
Tourism HR Canada has launched a federally funded Student Work Placement Program that offers paid work-integrated learning opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector. Called Propel, the new program benefits the full spectrum of the visitor economy as it emerges from the crushing impact of the pandemic. Students gain paid hands-on learning and mentoring in their field of study. Employers acquire much-needed early talent to help with the recovery of the industry, as well as assistance with wages after an 18-month stretch of little or no income. Post-secondary institutions...
Romance Is On The Rebound
AMResorts’ Carlo Trinidad says destination wedding groups have come back with a vengeance. “We are fortunate in Canada where wedding groups typically book at least 10 to 12 months in advance, sometimes longer. So not only have individual bookings spiked, but also wedding groups,” Trinidad, the Business Development Manager for Western & Central Canada for AMResorts tells Travel Courier. “By pure capacity from the tour operators, Cancun/Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, and Punta Cana lead the pack in popularity.” Trinidad reports that destination wedding groups are very...
A Sigh Of Relief
Following an intense final round of negotiations that lasted more than 36 hours, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) reached a tentative agreement with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) late Friday, August 6. Chris Aylward, PSAC national president, said: “We are relieved that CBSA and the government finally stepped up to address the most important issues for our members to avoid a prolonged labour dispute. The agreement is a testament to the incredible hard work and dedication of our bargaining team who worked...