Destinations
Celebrate National Indigenous History Month
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) will be hosting a series of free virtual workshops celebrating National Indigenous History Month (June 2021) and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21, 2021), in partnership with Destination BC and sponsored by Daily Hive. The workshops provide an opportunity for people everywhere to learn about Indigenous cultures, history and tourism in BC; with the workshops being anchored by themes of food and beverage, arts and culture, and wellness. National Indigenous History Month was introduced in June 2009 as a way to educate, connect and promote...
Wiped Out
In its annual Economic Impact Report (EIR), the World Travel & Tourism Council reveals the dramatic impact COVID-19 has had on the Caribbean’s travel and tourism sector, wiping out $33.9 billion from the region’s economy. The newly released report shows that in the Caribbean, the sector’s contribution to GDP dropped a staggering 58% -- higher than the global average. Travel and tourism’s impact on the region’s GDP fell from USD$58.4 billion (14.1%) in 2019, to USD$24.5 billion (6.4%), just 12 months later, in 2020. The year of damaging travel restrictions...
There’s No Place Like Home
Although the pandemic continues to take a toll on the travel industry, Canadian tourism officials are optimistic about what the future holds. “For tourism businesses, this year has been a long, very difficult journey. And while we have 14 to 15 months of the pandemic behind us, we do not yet fully know what’s lying ahead,” Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination Canada, said addressing attendees during the opening of Rendez-vous Canada 2021. “The question on everybody’s mind, of course, is when is the border going to reopen — and no one knows for sure.” Walden...
WestJet, ITAC Roll Out Much Needed Support
Nine Indigenous tourism businesses across Canada are receiving grants of $10,000 as part of a strategic partnership between WestJet and the Indigenous Toursim Association of Canada (ITAC). For the nine businesses, the grants come at a time when the Indigenous tourism industry has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants were originally earmarked through the WestJet/ITAC strategic national partnership, signed in November 2019, and the 2020/2021 grant recipients include: Feast Café Bistro: Winnipeg, Manitoba Moonstone Creation: Calgary, Alberta Talaysay Tours:...
Sandals Invests In The Future
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) affirmed its commitment to Jamaica during a special groundbreaking ceremony yesterday (May 26) attended by dignitaries including the Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Hon. Andrew Holness. The event celebrated the first phase of a US$230 million project, that will include Sandals Dunn’s River followed by Phase II of transforming the adjacent oceanfront land into Sandals Royal Dunn’s River, a commitment to the organization’s wider expansion plans in its home country. Executive Chairman Adam Stewart told gathered officials that it was a...
Hong Kong Targeting End Of July For Cruising Re-Start
The chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is welcoming the news of the “safe and orderly” resumption of cruising from Hong Kong by Genting Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean. Hong Kong is targeting the end of July for the restart of cruising, allowing the two cruise companies to operate short sailings. Dr Pang said: “Cruise tourism is an integral part of Hong Kong’s tourism and the resumption of high sea cruises is the first step to the recovery of the cruise sector. Therefore, the HKTB will first promote the experience of ‘Staycation at Sea’ in Hong Kong under...
Take The Pledge, Travel In Canada
Canada’s tourism industry in calling on all Canadians to ‘take the pledge’ and help the industry recover by travelling in Canada. The pledge – created by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) – will serve to help drive more domestic tourism business to Canadian travel firms. TIAC’s president and CEO, Beth Potter says: “We are calling on Canadians to take the 2021 Tourism Pledge to travel in Canada, when restrictions are lifted. This is an invitation to come together as a country and support our local tourism destinations, businesses and employees.” A...
Travel Agent Appreciation – A Not-To-Be Missed Event
Tomorrow (May 27) is the big day as Baxter Media – along with its presenting sponsor, Voyzant – welcomes agents from across the country for the first annual Travel Agent Appreciation Virtual Event. The event features an interactive trade show where agents will have plenty of time to hop from booth to booth to see what’s new, learn about new products and initiatives and network with representatives from over 30 suppliers. Agents will also be able to attend presentations by TIAC president and CEO, Beth Potter and ACTA president and CEO, Wendy Paradis; while truth+dare CEO...