Destinations
ACTA Warns: Agencies Will Fail Without Federal Supports
ACTA is warning the federal government that many travel agencies and independent travel agents could fail now that federal supports are being aggressively wound down this month. The association has been lobbying extensively for continued support for the travel sector, given that borders are still closed and travel advisories remain – and there is no clear plan for re-opening. There has been no agreement from the government to extend support to the sector, even with a provision in the budget for some support to be extended to November. Wendy Paradis, ACTA president, said: “We...
Finder’s Finds Canadians Ready To Travel This Summer
As restrictions ease, travel plans are on the rise in Canada, with 22% of Canadian adults planning to take at least one trip in the next three months, up from 17% a month ago, according to Finder’s Travel Index. In fact, in the past five months the appetite for travel by Canadians has been inching higher with Finder’s February and March Travel Index reporting that roughly 13% of Canadians planned to travel in the coming three months. By May, that number rose to around 17% and now sits at 22% following the June survey. Canadians are most interested in travelling domestically,...
Now Is Not The Time To Turn Off The Tap
A coalition lobbying government on behalf of this country's struggling tourism trade is calling on Ottawa to continue to make the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy available to those in the travel sector. The Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses says tourism has been “devastated” by the coronavirus pandemic and resulting public health restrictions, border closures, travel bans, and the loss of international and domestic traveller. The coalition says it understands safety measures were necessary given the nature of the pandemic but adds that CEWS and...
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...