Destinations
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...
Leave No Trace In New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development (DTTD) is partnering with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to launch a statewide “Leave No Trace” campaign. The collaborative educational effort encourages visitors to practice sustainable tourism through seven principles that provide a road map of things to do to venture into the state’s great outdoors more consciously. This summer, it is expected that 3.45 million visitors will enter the Granite State and many of those travellers will be drawn to the state’s natural attributes that include the...
Murcia Promoting Free COVID Insurance At WTM
The Spanish destination of Murcia will be front and centre at this year’s WTM London, promoting the fact that it is offering visitors free COVID-19 travel insurance. From July 1, 2021, visitors to the Region of Murcia who stay in regulated tourist accommodation will be able to take advantage of the offer, which covers them in the event of a COVID-19 infection in addition to common illness and accident. The free policy covers medical and pharmaceutical expenses, transportation and/or repatriation costs, and expenses for any extension of a stay. The coverage is available from July...
‘We’re Not There Yet, But We’re Getting Closer’
During an announcement and briefing in Coquitlam, B.C., yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked about reopening Canada’s borders to international travellers and the roll that vaccination rates would play in the planning of such a reopening. Responding to a question on vaccination rates and the reopening of Canada's borders, the Prime Minister said: “First of all, all of our conversations right now are about what support we can give and what ease we can offer to vaccinated travellers. We know that if you continue to be not fully vaccinated you still have to do a...
Vrbo’s Premier Host Makes Its Debut In Canada
Vrbo has now made its Premier Host program available in Canada. The Expedia Group company refined the Premier status program back in April of this year to better serve rental owners and property managers at an account level across all listings, and to provide enhanced benefits and is now live for Vrbo rental vacations in the Canadian market. Vrbo's Premier Host program recognizes and rewards partners who consistently go above and beyond for guests. The program name is rebranded ‘Premier Host’ from ‘Premier Partner’ to help vacation rental partners unlock new business...
Flair Takes Off To New Brunswick
Flair Airlines continues to expand its network in Canada with the inauguration of service out of Saint John Airport (YSJ) in New Brunswick. Commenting on the new flights, Flair Airlines president and CEO, Stephen Jones said that: “New Brunswick deserves more choices and competition for air travel. The only way we are going to restart the travel and tourism sector and contribute to the economic recovery is by ensuring affordable options exist now and in the future.” Jones continued: “Residents of the Saint John area have been paying way too much for way too long. Flair is...
Air Canada Launches Coast-To-Coast Flight Pass
Air Canada has launched the Coast-to-Coast Flight Pass, a prepaid package of one-way flights – which is available for purchase until July 27, 2021. Flight Pass packages available for purchase include four, eight or twenty credit passes valid for one, two or five travellers, respectively. The pass is good for travel until July 27, 2022; and with Flight Pass, travellers are able to book, change, or cancel up to one hour prior to departure. Flight Pass can be used to traveller to any destination Air Canada flies to in Canada. And it should be noted that in order to use Air...
Bonaire Picks Mercera As Its New Director For Tourism
Miles Mercera has been named the new Director of Tourism Corporation Bonaire. His appointment is effective immediately. Mercera brings decades of experience in the global hospitality and tourism industry to his new role, having led programs in both the private and public sector, focusing on business strategy, marketing, and brand and destination development. Said Mercera: “It is a privilege to work alongside industry partners to continue to not only build on Bonaire’s reputation as a pristine, eco-conscious and welcoming destination, but to also enhance that image by showcasing...