Destinations
Porter Signs Loan Deal With Federal Government
The parent company of Porter Airlines -- Porter Aviation Holdings Inc. -- has reached an agreement with the Canadian government for loans of up to $270.5 million. That amount includes $20.5 million for additional reimbursements for passengers on flights canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Porter’s president and CEO, Michael Deluce said: “Porter is using this money primarily as a capital reserve during the recovery period from the pandemic.” Deluce explained: “We intend to draw on these funds as needed to support the recovery of operations during an uncertain period of...
Five Booking Trends Driving Upcoming Travel
With borders reopening and vaccination rates increasing daily, luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent is witnessing the great comeback for international travel — especially among American travellers, writes managing editor, Ann Ruppenstein in the latest issue of Canadian Travel Press. “People are happiest during that planning phase because ultimately it gives them something to look forward to,” says Stefanie Schmudde, VP Product Development & Operations, A&K. “I think everybody coming out of this is looking for that sense of normal, looking for that sense of...
Air Canada Picks AmEx GBT
American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has signed an agreement with Air Canada to become the carrier’s employee global travel booking tool and travel management provider. Effective June 28, 2021 GBT will support the carrier’s employee corporate hotel accommodation and ground transportation bookings. The relationship will also extend to hotel consulting, and meetings and events (M&E). Neo, GBT’s proprietary online booking platform was a key factor in Air Canada’s decision to select GBT. Patrick Doyle, Vice President and General Manager at GBT Canada, said: “We...
Save The Summer
Major Toronto-area attractions – all members of the Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable – were out in force yesterday (June 29) to call on the federal government to release a comprehensive reopening plan for the industry or risk putting the summer travel season in jeopardy for the second consecutive year. In fact, the group made it pretty clear that without immediate action, many Toronto attractions are in danger of permanent closure. Analysis by Destination Toronto revealed that the City of Toronto lost out on more than $8 billion in economy activity through visitor...
Experience Russia With Emerald Cruises In 2022
Emerald Cruises is offering two itineraries on the Volga River, between St. Petersburg and Moscow and for travellers who book the 2022 Russia sailing by Dec. 31, 2021, they’ll receive a choice of free, round trip air to Russia, or a savings of CDN$2,200 per couple off the cost of the sailing. The 11-day Imperial Charms of Russia river cruise onboard the chartered MS Nizhny Novgorod is priced from CDN$6,795. Emerald Cruises also offers a 12-day alternative of the above itinerary that is priced from CDN$7,195 CAD per person. For more, go to www.emeraldcruises.ca...
Definite Departures: Insight Celebrates Return To Travel
Insight Vacations is celebrating the return to travel with the launch of over 145+ Definite Departures beginning this July and August 2021; and featuring its popular itineraries in Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and Egypt. These departures reflect destinations which are now welcoming Canadians including Italy, France and Iceland. Guests will enjoy stylish hand-picked hotels, authentic dining and unique Insight Experiences. They will have the assistance of a knowledgeable Travel Director who is committed to their well-being. Additionally, Insight’s tours now include a dedicated...
ITBC Research Reveals A Path To Success
Newly released research by Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) reveals significant growth in British Columbia’s Indigenous tourism industry. The multi-pronged initiative includes labour market research, labour strategy and a guide all focused on Indigenous tourism. The “Indigenous Tourism Labour Market Research: Roots to a Future Research Findings 2020-21,” the “BC Indigenous Tourism Strategic Plan,” and “Wise Ways: A Guide of Smart Practices to Attracting and Retaining Indigenous Talent” was a project originally launched in November 2019 in response to a critical labour...
American Airlines Celebrating 80 To Canada
American Airlines is celebrating 80 years of service to Canada. The airline’s first-ever international passenger flight operated from Buffalo, New York, to Toronto, Canada. The aircraft operating this historic flight was a Douglas DC-3 aircraft with 21 customers onboard. Eighty years later, and despite the toughest year on record for the aviation industry due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), Canada remains an integral part of American's international network. The carrier has provided critical service during the pandemic from four airports: Calgary (YYC), Montreal (YUL), Toronto...