Destinations
An Important Step Towards A ‘More Normal’
The European Council’s Permanent Representative Committee (Coreper) has given its support to the agreement reached with the European parliament on May 20 on the EU digital COVID certificate. The aim is to facilitate safe and free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing proof that a person has either been vaccinated against COVID-19, received a negative test result or recovered from COVID-19. The certificate -- which will be in use by July 1 -- will be available in digital and paper format, contain a QR code and be issued free of charge. Coreper said in a statement...
Hong Kong Preparing To Step Up Promotions
Hong Kong is preparing to step up its promotions, with plans to launch a new round of the Hong Kong Neighbourhoods campaign and it’s hopeful that it can relaunch mega-events in physical formats to prepare for tourism’s recovery. That was just some of the news that came out of the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HKTB) annual Tourism Update event which was held online and featured discussions of tourism trends and the sharing of details of the HKTB's latest strategic plans. About 2,700 trade representatives from Hong Kong, Mainland and overseas travel agencies, attractions, hotels,...
Unlocking The Door To International Travel
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says that the ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ could be the key to unlocking the door to international travel. Virginia Messina, senior vice president of WTTC said: “WTTC welcomes the agreement reached on the EU Digital COVID Certificate, which has now been given the green light by all member states. This new certificate could be the key to unlocking international travel and save thousands of businesses and millions of jobs across Europe and beyond.” Messina continued: “It will see all 27 member states welcoming vaccinated...
The Future Is Changing For Corporate Events
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has released the findings from a study into organizations corporate meetings and events strategy as a result of the pandemic. The study -- made possible by Cvent -- examines how US and Canada-based travel meetings and events planners are managing their corporate meetings in the year ahead, the impact of COVID-19 on their events and the use of technology to enhance the delegate experience. Key findings from the study include: Number of hybrid meetings set to double in 2021 -- The workplace in 2020 will be remembered for virtual...
Selling Oasis Vacations in 2021 & Beyond
Baxter Media invites all travel professionals to attend a webinar with Oasis Hotels & Resorts on Tuesday, June 8 at 2 p.m. (EST). Pam Bassett, Business Development Manager, Canada, with Oasis Hotels & Resorts will ensure that agents have the most updated information on everything offered by Oasis. She will cover all COVID-19 initiatives (including on-site testing, flexible cancellation policies, and health & safety protocols), resort inclusions and key selling points, and unique benefits for groups and weddings. Adults-only and family-friendly offerings make Oasis an...
Silversea Sails Back To The Galapagos
Silversea Cruises is returning to service in the Galapagos Islands with its new ship, Silver Origin. The ship arrived in San Cristóbal on April 30 and it will begin its inaugural season on June 19 and full vaccinations will be mandatory for guests and crew embarking on the ship. The Silver Origin is the first ship to join Silversea Cruises’ fleet since it joined the Royal Caribbean Group and it is also the cruise line’s first destination-specific ship. The Silver Origin will sail on two alternating itineraries that incorporate five maiden calls, including the island of...
Tourism: It’s What Makes Canada Glow
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and Destination Canada are asking Canadians to vacation in our home and native land. Senior officials from both tourism bodies joined representatives from provincial and territorial tourism boards Friday – the eve of May 23-30 Tourism Week – to ask people to spend their tourist dollars in this country when they're again ready to travel, saying that will help give this country's tourist trade a badly needed shot in the arm. “This pandemic has hit us hard,” TIAC president Beth Potter said during a virtual update. In normal...
Holland America Ready To Restart Alaska Sailings
Holland America Line is planning to restart its cruises to Alaska in July, with roundtrip sailings from Seattle, Washington aboard Nieuw Amsterdam. The announcement of the restart comes following the passage of the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, work with Alaska government officials and recent guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Bookings are open for the 10 Saturday departures that will operate from July 24 through Oct. 2. The seven-day “Alaskan Explorer” itinerary calls at Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Ketchikan. Scenic cruising...