Destinations
A Step Closer To Reopening
Easing of Canada’s border restrictions was a key topic during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's call with Canada’s provincial and territorial premiers as they discussed their shared response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. In a readout from the meeting, the Prime Minister indicated that, “if our current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue, Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travellers from all countries by early September.” He noted that discussions with the United States on reopening plans were ongoing and indicated...
UPDATED: Cruising Back In Canadian Waters On Nov. 1, 2021
Canada’s Transport Minister, Omar Alghabra has announced that the federal government is accelerating the timing of the return of cruising to Canadian waters, announcing in Victoria, B.C. that as of Nov. 1, 2021, the prohibition of cruise ships in Canadian waters would no longer be in effect if operators are able to fully comply with public health requirements. He noted in his remarks that the government is keenly aware that the maritime and tourism sectors have been hit hard by the global COVID-19 pandemic; observing that as we reopen safely, we are already preparing for the upcoming...
G Adventures Ramps Up Departures And Discounts
G Adventures is ramping things up, recently celebrating its 250th trip and preparing to operate 165 trips this month, with over 200 departures slated for August. To encourage more travellers to book their comeback tour and get back out in the world when they can, G Adventures is extending its current sale and offering up to 25% off more than 100 itineraries across seven travel styles, for trips booked by July 31, 2021 and departing before Oct. 31, 2021. All trips booked benefit from G Adventures’ newly updated ‘Book with Confidence’ policy, which enables travellers to cancel...
Bahamas Bound? Not So Fast For Mixed Doses!
The Bahamas’ updated entry protocols — following WHO and CDC guidelines — outline that to be considered fully vaccinated, travellers must have “the full dose of the same vaccine.” The Bahamas Government (Ministry of Health) will only be accepting vaccinations by Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca at this time. Under the current protocols, if a traveller received a first dose of AstraZeneca and a second dose of Pfizer, they will not be considered fully vaccinated. However, Paul Strachan, Sr. Director Canada, Bahamas Tourist Office, notes that “the...
Canadians Favour Continued Support For Travel Businesses
A new survey conducted by Mainstreet Research on behalf of travel industry clients revealed that 58.7% of Canadian voters support continued wage, rent and other subsidies for travel agent businesses. The survey examined the impacts of COVID-19 on travel plans and what voters want to ensure the security of Canada’s travel sector. ACTA president, Wendy Paradis said of the results: “We were pleased to see that voters of all political stripes and demographics support continued federal support to travel-related sectors, helping ensure a stable and competitive industry for the...
NCL Giving Joy, Celebrating The Exceptional
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced the 100 winners of its “Norwegian's Giving Joy” contest which recognizes extraordinary teachers across North America who bring joy to the classroom. The 100 educators won a seven-night cruise for two and have the flexibility to select a sailing through summer 2023 on voyages embarking from U.S. and Canadian ports. To enhance the prize and reward students as well, the company is awarding the Grand Prize winner a $25,000 donation for his or her school, while the second and third place winners will receive a $15,000 and $10,000 donation...
A Significant, Direct Commitment
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is pleased with this week’s announcement that the Canadian government is investing a minimum of $50 million from the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) in Indigenous tourism projects. ITAC president and CEO, Keith Henry said that: “The Government of Canada demonstrated their commitment to the importance of investing in Indigenous tourism in Canada.” Henry continued: “This is a very significant direct commitment for Indigenous tourism businesses, Indigenous Tourism Provincial/Territorial Partners and the Indigenous Tourism...
A Serious Delay
Following reports of vacationers being refused entry into destinations because, while they were vaccinated, they had not received an approved vaccine for the country they were about to visit, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is warning that the restart of international travel could be seriously delayed without worldwide reciprocal recognition of all approved COVID-19 vaccines. The global tourism body issued its warning following concerns tourists face being turned away at the borders because countries don’t have a common list internationally recognized and approved...