Destinations
Pent Up Demand Is There, But Industry Still Faces Hurdles
The president of TripCentral.ca is warning that there are still dark days ahead for a travel industry that's already been badly battered by the coronavirus pandemic. Richard Vanderlubbe told a recent Discover America Canada webinar that the federal government is preparing to wind down subsidies for businesses that have been struggling during the pandemic, subsidies many businesses say they've needed to stay afloat financially. The travel industry is “coming into a very ominous period,” Vanderlubbe said. Vanderlubbe also said that “there are a lot of good people leaving”...
Islands Of Tahiti Say Welcome Back To Canadians
The Islands of Tahiti has designated Canada as a Green Zone, meaning that Canadians are now being welcomed in the destination. And beginning July 5, Canadian travellers are exempt from quarantine to enter / re-enter Canada if vaccinated (though do need to test and upload their vaccination card to ArriveCAN app). The Islands of Tahiti’s requirements for vaccinated travellers include: * The registration receipt from the ETIS* platform (please complete this application 30-6 days prior to departure) * A negative laboratory RT-PCR test performed less than 72h before...
Air Canada Has A Solution
Air Canada is launching a trial of a new digital solution available through its mobile app for customers to securely scan, upload and verify their COVID-19 test results. The new app will help travellers conveniently validate compliance with government health travel requirements prior to arriving at the airport. Air Canada developed the new solution with the support of Amadeus and it will initially be available beginning June 29 for flights from Frankfurt to Toronto and Montreal. The carrier plans to roll-out the solution across its network later this summer pending results of the...
Ontario Extends Support Grant Deadline
The Ontario Government has extended the application deadline for the Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant until July 9, 2021. That grant provides one-time payments of $10,000 to $20,000 to eligible small businesses in the tourism and travel sector. To be eligible for this grant, your business: Did not receive the Ontario Small Business Support Grant Operates a tourism or travel business in Ontario that: opened before 2021 was still in operation on April 30, 2021 Had 99 or fewer employees on April 30, 2021. Has experienced a revenue decline...
Swoop Adds Vegas, Puerto Vallarta Lift From Victoria
Swoop is launching non-stop service from Victoria, B.C. to Las Vegas and Puerto Vallarta. The carrier, as part of its commitment to supporting the economic recovery of the Greater Victoria Region with access to affordable air travel, is already offering point-to-point service to Toronto and Edmonton and will now provide sun-Vancouver Islanders two new destinations to explore this winter. Bert van der Stege, Head of Commercial and Finance, Swoop, said that: “The introduction of Las Vegas and Puerto Vallarta are the perfect additions to our route offerings from Victoria for those...
New Name, New Mandate For Tourism Vancouver
Tourism Vancouver entered its 119th year with a new name and new mandate following its recent annual general meeting. The Vancouver tourism association’s board of directors and senior leadership team announced the changes during the AGM, with President and CEO Royce Chwin unveiling the adoption of a new name, Destination Vancouver, with a mandate founded on core pillars of destination development and destination promotion. Robyn McVicker, Destination Vancouver Board Chair, said that: “An expanded focus, which includes destination development in addition to promotion, will enable...
Fixing Trust Issues Key To Faster Recovery
New research by Travelport should be a bit of a wake-up call for the Canadian travel industry, considering it reveals that the industry isn’t quite as trusted by consumers as it would like to be. On the other hand, by addressing consumer trust gaps in price transparency, COVID-19 health and safety measures, data privacy and information credibility, the travel industry can boost global recovery. “The travel industry needs to sharpen its focus on trust,” observes Travelport’s CEO, Greg Webb, before continuing: “This study has shown, as an industry, we are not as trusted as...
G Adventures Introduces More Flexible Rebooking Policy
G Adventures has introduced more flexible booking conditions for travellers, with rebooking of itineraries now possible up to 14 days before a tour’s departure date. The new Book with Confidence policy will include Inca Trail bookings made from July 1, 2021, for when trips resume on the trail from Aug. 7, 2021. The small group adventure operator is encouraging travellers to book their bucket list trip along Peru’s most iconic trekking route as soon as possible, as the trail will be running at 50% capacity, meaning groups will have no more than eight travellers on each departure....