Destinations
Whitaker Is Back In Miami
David Whitaker has been named the next President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). The appointment marks a homecoming for Whitaker, who served as a member of the GMCVB team for 17 years (1990 – 2007), most recently as the organization’s Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer. Five years prior to that, he served on the executive staff of the United Way of Miami-Dade. Whitaker left Miami initially in 2007 due to an appointment to the role of President & CEO of Tourism Toronto (now known as Destination Toronto). Over...
ACV Expands Sun Routes In Western Canada
Air Canada Vacations has released details of its new lineup of 2021/2022 flights to sun destinations this winter. The roster includes a full flying program in Western Canada, with nonstop flights from major Canadian cities to Mexico and connections to an additional 31 destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Nino Montagnese, Vice President, Air Canada Vacations, said: “Our customers have been dreaming of sunshine, clear blue waters and warm sand between their toes for over a year now, and we want to make it easier than ever for them to turn those dreams into...
Small Ship Sightseeing Sets Sail In Ontario
With Ontario now in Stage 3, small ship sightseeing tours operating in South Eastern Ontario are ready to welcome visitors for summer and fall tours, with all the necessary safety protocols and social distancing measures in place. Each sightseeing tour offers passengers an chance to experience some of the scenic routes along Ontario’s waterways, including the 1000 Islands. All ships operate with strict COVID-19 Health and Safety programs in place including protocols for reduced passenger capacity, mask usage and physical distancing onboard. Passengers cruise through...
U.S. Extends Canada-U.S. Border Restrictions To Aug. 21
The United States is extending the Canada-US border closure to Aug. 21. Not surprisingly, ACTA president, Wendy Paradis, said that the association “is disappointed that the United States has decided to continue its land border closure until August 21, even to fully vaccinated Canadians.” Paradis pointed out that: “American leaders across political parties have called for months for Canada to open its border. And yet, despite Canadians having a higher vaccination rate and substantially lower transmission of COVID-19, they have refused to reciprocate and follow a science-based...
Rise Higher
Air Canada has unveiled its comprehensive program in support of Team Canada's journey to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which includes the launch of its new ‘Rise Higher’ brand spot. The carrier began flying Team Canada athletes, coaches and support staff from Toronto and Vancouver to Japan on July 1 onboard a 787 Dreamliner in a special livery. And Air Canada is further celebrating the country's athletes through innovative activations, exclusive access and engagement opportunities for fans. Andrew Shibata, Vice President – Brand at Air Canada, said that:...
TICO Signs On To BlackNorth Initiative Pledge
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) has joined close to 500 organizations in signing the BlackNorth Initiative Pledge in support of helping to end anti-black systemic racism in the workplace and beyond. Led by the Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism, we are committed to the removal of barriers negatively affecting the lives of Black Canadians and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. Richard Smart, TICO President and CEO, said that: “TICO recognizes the importance of addressing inequities in our workplace. We have made a...
Jamaica Is Ready For The Rebound From Canada
Jamaican tourism officials went the high-tech route Tuesday to update travel agents in this country on what's happening with the tourist trade in their country, a country they are hopeful is on the verge of making a significant rebound in the Canadian market after seeing visitations plummet because of the coronavirus pandemic. “Jamaica is back [flying] out of Canada,” Dan Hamilton of the Jamaica Tourist Board's Toronto office told viewers during what was billed as the Jamaica Virtual Product Showcase. The event had prominent Jamaican tourism officials providing updates and also...
Transat Promotes Merrill, Larose
Transat has named Lindsay Merrill as its Sales Manager, Ontario, Atlantic and Western Canada. Merrill has over 14 years of experience in various roles at Transat, including Call Outs Agent (Manifest Team), Customer Care Centre Lead Agent, Group Sales Agent & Inside Sales Representative. Lindsay has been the Inside Sales Supervisor in Ontario since October 2016. She will report to Nicole Bursey, Commercial Director. Transat has also named Marjorie Larose as its Sales Manager, Quebec and Ottawa. Larose joined Transat in 2005 and has held several positions over the years,...