Destinations
The Comeback Kids
In the early days of travel restrictions and cancellations, many predicted that there would be an uptick in travellers using the services of a trusted professional post-pandemic after book-it-yourselfers were left scrambling on hold for hours on end with no one in their corner. On the precipice of international travel resuming, Travel Courier caught up with advisors from across the country to learn why they are increasingly confident more people will turn to the trade in the aftermath of COVID-19. Check out the latest issue of TRAVEL...
Remove Advisories, Reopen The Border
Well, here’s some good news. In a recent survey, the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA) found that 40% of Canadians believed that the government should remove travel advisories to the U.S. and reopen the border to make travel to America easier. THIA’s survey also discovered that when restrictions have been eased, the U.S. is the top travel destination for Canadians. Also of note, is that vaccinated Canadians are twice as likely to travel internationally this year. And as the vaccine rollout continues across the country, nearly one-third (31 per cent) of...
Intrepid, MEET Partner On Sustainable Initiative
Through a new partnership with MEET Network Association, Intrepid Travel is introducing new sustainable travel experiences in Europe that are designed to benefit local communities. Through the partnership, Intrepid has now included MEET experiences within two of its new tours to lesser-visited regions of Croatia and Crete, with more to come across Europe and the Mediterranean over the next few months. Zina Bencheikh, Intrepid Travel managing director EMEA, said: “We are very excited to work with MEET Network to bring these fantastic experiences to our travellers. These projects...
St. Barts Now Open To Fully Vaccinated U.S. Travellers
St. Barts is now welcoming fully vaccinated U.S. travellers in accordance with new vaccination mandates from the French government. Upon opening (June 9), all restaurants, boutiques, nautical activities and services will be open as usual. New mandates require visitors to provide documentation of a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test performed within three days of arrival, in addition to proof of vaccination. Alternatively, an antigen test performed within 48 hours will also be accepted. Visitors under the age of 18 will not need any proof of vaccination and those below 10 are not...
EU Digital COVID Certificate Now A Reality
The leaders of the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commission have officially signed the regulation on the EU Digital COVID Certificate, marking the end of the legislative process. David Sassoli, president of the EU Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the Council of the EU and Prime Minister António Costa, president of the European Commission said: “The EU Digital COVID Certificate is a symbol of what Europe stands for. Of a Europe that does not falter when put to the test. A Europe that unites and grows when faced with challenges. Our Union...
AC Extends COVID-19 Refund Policy Deadline By 30 Days
Air Canada is extending its COVID-19 refund policy by 30-days. Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada, explained that: “The number of customers who have requested a refund is lower than anticipated and most have kept their travel credit, Air Canada Travel Voucher or Aeroplan points, which we are pleased to see as it is an indication they plan on travelling in the future.” Guillemette added: “We also take this as a vote of confidence from our customers that they intend to fly with us on their next trip, and we are looking forward...
Vaccinations Raise Hope For Europe Travel
IATA is welcoming the relaxation of COVID-19 border measures for vaccinated passengers and the broader use of affordable antigen testing adopted by Spain and France. However, the global airline industry association said that this is tempered by ongoing disappointment at the failure to implement harmonized measures across Europe and deep frustration at the lack of coordination among governments worldwide for a data-driven risk-managed approach to re-establishing the freedom to travel. Earlier this week (June 7), Spain opened its borders to most vaccinated travellers from around the...
Troubled Waters?
The governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Albert Bryan Jr. wants Florida governor, Ron DeSantis to honour the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and reconsider state’s legislation – relating to the vaccination of cruise passengers -- which could impact the health and wellbeing of millions of Caribbean residents when cruises to the region resume. Governor Bryan believes that -- with an increasing number of Americans receiving COVID-19 vaccinations -- ensuring the cruise industry reopens with vaccinated passengers is essential to the tourism economies of...