Destinations
Always Put Your Best Foot Forward
Running a travel-centric sales office in the middle of a global pandemic is not an easy feat. Over the past year and counting, Maureen Barnes-Smith says Unique Vacations Inc. shifted strategies to keep Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts at the forefront. “For us it was just a matter of pivoting to where our customers were — they were at home — so we were meeting them at their home. We were doing events that captured them where they were,” says Barnes-Smith, who earned a promotion to Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Canada for Unique Vacations Inc., during this time....
Anguilla Entry Rules For Fully Vaccinated Travellers
Anguilla is offering an update on entry protocols, noting that since July 1, only fully vaccinated adult travellers are allowed entry to Anguilla; children under the age of 18 years and women who are pregnant are exempt from this requirement. The update notes that a fully vaccinated traveller is described as one who has received the last dose of vaccine in a two dose or one dose vaccine protocol, at least three weeks or twenty-one (21) days prior to arrival on island. The four vaccines approved for entry by Anguilla’s Health Authorities are Pfizer/BioNTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca,...
Ontario Takes Another Step In Its Reopening
The Travel Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) says it’s ‘delighted’ with the Ontario government’s decision to move to Step 3 of its Roadmap to Reopen plan on July 16. Commenting on today’s announcement, TIAO president and CEO, Chris Bloore said: “TIAO is delighted with the decision by the Ontario government to enter Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen plan on July 16. Thanks to Ontarians getting vaccinated, the incredible work of our health care professionals and measures in place to reduce transmission, it will mean many of our members will be able to reopen and/or expand...
Bouncing Back
Tourism industry officials in Antigua & Barbuda are in a celebratory mood these days, reporting a steady increase in tourism arrivals from the United States and a surge in bookings from the United Kingdom. Commenting on the bounce back in visitations, Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Minister, the Honourable Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, said: “This is good news for the country’s economy, as our main source markets re-open to international travel and we see our airlift and hotel occupancy levels increase.” The Tourism Minister continued: “Antigua and Barbuda is open, and...
A First For Scenic Eclipse
Scenic Group’s Scenic Eclipse will do a series of itineraries in the Red Sea for the first time in 2021. The company’s first purpose-built ocean cruise ship -- and the world’s first Discovery Yacht -- will sail Saudi waters from July 17 to Dec. 9, 2021. Selected sailings from October to December will be open to international guests who are looking to experience Saudi heritage, its landscapes and its hospitality. Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman of Scenic Group pointed out that: “Saudi Arabia will be one of the hottest tourist destinations in coming years and we’re...
Are You Ready For The Big, Beautiful Game?
All of Europe – certainly all of Italy and England – and in many places around the globe, fans are revving themselves up into a fever pitch for the final match of the Euros at Wembley on Sunday. Visit Britain has been kind enough to provide a primer on the beautiful game to help those fans get inspired by the history of the sport. Britain certainly has a long footballing heritage and for those thinking of a visit, here are some of the highlights in store… Explore The Origins Of Football In Britain Football as it’s known today can trace its roots back to the second half...
Industry Needs A Plan Before An Election
Several people who play a prominent role in the tourism trade are urging the federal government to hold off on calling an election until this country's badly battered tourism sector has a better idea of what awaits it. Perrin Beatty, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, told a Thursday virtual conference that “governments tend to shut down and don't want to make profound decisions” when an election is underway. Beatty said “there's an urgent need for a reopening plan” for tourism as the critical summer season is advancing and tourism businesses “cannot afford to...
Spain Says Welcome To Canadians
Spain is welcoming all travellers from Canada without requiring them to show any health certificate. The move follows the recommendations of the European Union Council and took effect on July 8, 2021. As a result, Canadians can now enter Spain regardless of having any vaccination, diagnostic or recovery certificate. However, travellers to Spain (even those in transit) must have a QR code obtained from filling out the Health Control Form (FCS in Spanish) available at Spain Travel Health (SpTH) or through a mobile phone app (for Android or iOs devices). Travellers may...