Destinations
Reversing The Slide
There is guarded optimism in the Caribbean as there is increasing evidence in the marketplace that pent-up demand is roaring back much earlier and at a much quicker pace than forecasters had predicted. The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is also encouraged by the data from its member countries, who have worked tirelessly to contain the coronavirus and reopen their economies. On the surface, a 60% decline in the first quarter of 2021 -- compared to the same period last year – might not seem encouraging, but a closer examination suggests that the Caribbean is beginning to...
Meet The Happy Couple
Having earned a reputation as “Jeweler to the Stars,” it’s safe to say Neil Lane has been part of a lot of weddings. Known around the world as the engagement ring designer who comes equipped with dazzling creations ahead of the dramatic final rose ceremonies on The Bachelor, Lane has also created pieces for the likes of Ellen DeGeneres, Emily Blunt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Lopez. “I’ve been to a gazillion weddings,” Lane tells Travel Courier. “You get involved with the clients, the couples and it gets very personal. That’s how I got into the...
Demand High For Rainbow Registered Program
Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) reports that 50 Canadian businesses have already signed up to become the first-ever Rainbow Registered accredited companies, only one month after the program launched. The Rainbow Registered program is designed to help consumers and prospective employees more easily identify LGBT+ friendly businesses across Canada. The program launched at a time when Canadian consumers are demanding businesses step up efforts on inclusivity. Major organizations like the W Toronto Hotel, Tourism Kingston and Medlior Health Outcomes Research are among the...
Canada Makes The Right Call
The U.S. Travel Association is urging the Biden Administration to pick a date for the reopening of the Canada-US border and put a plan in place to achieve that goal as quickly as possible. USTA’s executive vice president of public affairs and policy, Tori Emerson Barnes issued the call after the US extended border restrictions on Mexico and Canada through August 21: Said Emerson Barnes: “Every day that our borders remain closed further delays our industry’s recovery, causing greater damage to the millions of Americans whose livelihoods depend on travel. The continued closure...
At What Cost
IATA is warning governments that they need to take action to address the high cost of COVID-19 tests in many jurisdictions and urged flexibility in permitting the use of cost-effective antigen tests as an alternative to more expensive PCR tests. The airline industry association is also recommending that governments adopt recent World Health Organization (WHO) guidance to consider exempting vaccinated travellers from testing requirements. In its most recent survey of travellers, IATA reported that 86% of respondents are willing to get tested, but also noted that 70% believe that...
Reason For Optimism As Air Canada Reports Q2 Results
Air Canada is reporting its financial results for the second quarter of 2021, with highlights of those results including: Operating revenues of $837 million, an increase of $310 million or 59 per cent from the second quarter of 2020. Negative EBITDA (1) (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), excluding special items, of $656 million compared to negative EBITDA (excluding special items) of $832 million in the same quarter of 2020. Operating loss of $1.133 billion compared to an operating loss of $1.555 billion in the second quarter of 2020. Net cash...
Discover The Great Taste Of Ontario
The Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA) will be leading a dynamic recovery program aimed at supporting local businesses along the food tourism value chain and encouraging hyperlocal travel within the province. The program is complemented by a strategic, collaborative marketing campaign entitled “The Great Taste of Ontario," that brings together over 90 DMOs from across Ontario working in partnership with sector organizations, provincial organizations, media, charities with a focus on food security and industry representatives under one common goal. The effort has been made possible...
Cruise Tourism Resumes To St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis are celebrating the resumption of cruise tourism with the recent arrival of the Seabourn Odyssey, which will make a port call every week during the period July to October 2021. To mark the occasion of the ship’s arrival, there was a symbolic ship-to-ship salute, live steelpan performances and the renown drummers greeted the Odyssey, her passengers and crew as it docked at South Friars Bay. Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris said: “Today is indeed a wonderful day for people of St. Kitts and Nevis as we warmly welcome the luxurious Seabourn Odyssey...