Destinations
Jamaica Celebrates The Return Of The Canadians
Jamaica was celebrating last weekend as government and tourism industry officials gathered at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay to welcome back Canadian visitors arriving on Air Canada’s first Dreamliner flight into the destination after a six-month hiatus. Two hundred passengers and crew members on flight AC 982 from Toronto were greeted with a water salute on the tarmac and a lively reception upon arrival in the terminal. Travellers received a warm island welcome and met with official representatives Nadine Spence, Area Chair of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association...
No Trouble On The Tracks
Despite conflicting reports, travel agents can book Rocky Mountaineer’s Canadian Resident offer, but to do that they have to book it through the rail company’s call centre. Nicole Ford, director, communications & stakeholder relations for Rocky Mountaineer confirmed that to Press Today, following industry reaction to an article that appeared in the Globe & Mail indicating that the offer had to be booked directly with Rocky Mountaineer and that bookings through travel agents were not eligible. “I appreciate you reaching out to clarify,” Ford told PT, continuing:...
Vaccines, Digital Solutions Easing Travel Restrictions
In the weeks and months ahead, the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) indicates that the global vaccination rollout and increased adoption of digital solutions for safe travel should lead to a rise in international mobility. The latest Travel Restrictions Report from the UNWTO reports that as of June 1, 29% of all destinations worldwide have their borders completely closed to international tourism. Of these, more than half have been completely closed to tourists for since May 2020 or longer, with the majority of these belonging to the Small Island Development...
Over The Falls
Niagara Falls political and business leaders have joined the Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable (The Roundtable) in calling on the federal government to announce a re-opening plan for Canadians. With the second consecutive summer travel season now officially in jeopardy, the long-term effects of the pandemic will be severe. Now is the time for immediate action, as many Niagara Falls attractions are in danger of permanent closure. In Niagara Region alone, 40,000 people count on cross-border tourism to put food on the table. Eighty per cent of Niagara Falls' tourism revenue comes...
Claims Approved By TICO Board
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario’s (TICO) Board of Directors approved 31 claims against Albarkah Travel and Tours Inc. to assist 94 consumers who did not receive the travel services for which they had paid. Approved on June 29, 2021, the claims totalled $124,700.64. One claim was denied as it was not based on a payment for travel services. In addition, three claims against Tucan Travel Inc. were approved assisting four consumers who did not receive the travel services for which they had paid. Claims totalled $9,248. Seven claims were denied as the consumer purchased...
Air Canada Rebuilds Network, Adds Key Global Routes
Air Canada has unveiled additional details of its planned international schedule for the summer of 2021, including the resumption of 17 routes and 11 destinations across the world from its hubs. The airline is resuming its service between Calgary and Frankfurt, as of Aug. 1, up to four times weekly, and is also offering for the first time a unique non-stop service from Montreal to Cairo, Egypt, three times weekly. Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada, said that: “As travel restrictions ease across the globe, we are committed to...
Air Canada Connects Montreal-Kelowna
Air Canada has launched non-stop service between Montreal and Kelowna. The flights operate three times weekly, increasing to four times in mid-July and five times in August. The carrier will use Airbus A220-300 equipment on the route. This new route adds to the significant impact Air Canada has on the local economy and that of the province of British Columbia as a whole. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Canada contributed approximately $2.2 billion to BC's GDP, annually. Additionally, Kelowna is now connected to all four of the airline's hubs which connects the Okanagan Valley...
Billy Bishop Is Back
PortsToronto is advising that commercial airline service to/from the downtown airport will resume Sept. 8, 2021. The announcement from PortsToronto – which is the owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport – follows Porter Airlines announcement that it will restart its operations on Sept. 8, 2021. PortsToronto’s CEO, Geoffrey Wilson indicated that: “PortsToronto … has begun the process of recalling staff, preparing the airport and counting down the days until we can welcome back travellers to our successful and award-winning airport.” Wilson continued:...