Destinations
UK Savers Could Boost Post-COVID-19 Long-Haul Travel
For those who were able to save during the COVID-19 pandemic, GlobalData says that they may now be considering a ‘bucket list’ trip, as cancelled trips and a reduced ability to travel has left bigger budgets for more once-in-a-lifetime trips. And that, the data and analytics company says could provide a much-needed boost to destinations that require long-haul flights. GlobalData travel and tourism analyst, Rheanna Norris observes that: “The vaccinated over-65s are likely candidates. While the situation remains fluid, it is expected that being fully vaccinated will offer a greater...
Off The Buses
Greyhound Canada has discontinued all operations on its remaining routes in Ontario and Quebec and permanently close all services in Canada as of yesterday (May 13, 2021). The announcement has no impact on Greyhound Lines’ operations within the United States as Greyhound Lines, Inc. (USA) is a separate entity from Greyhound Canada. Greyhound Lines, Inc. (USA) will continue to operate cross-border express services on the following routes when the border reopens: Toronto to New York Toronto to Buffalo Montreal to New York Montreal to Boston Vancouver to...
Ontario Grant Supports Tourism Industry
Good news for travel agents. The Ontario government is providing one time payments of $10,000 to $20,000 to support eligible small tourism and travel businesses struggling to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through the new $100-million Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant. Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, made the announcement stating: “Prior to the pandemic, Ontario’s tourism generated more than $36 billion in economic activity and supported more than 400,000 jobs across the province.” Minister...
‘Not All In This Together’
Restaurants Canada is continuing to call for a sector-specific support package to ensure foodservice businesses can bring more than 400,000 Canadians back to work. Todd Barclay, president and CEO of Restaurants Canada, said: “Unfortunately, we’re not all in this together. One out of every five jobs lost during the first six weeks of lockdown last year was from the foodservice sector. More than a year into this pandemic, one out of every three jobs lost is now from our sector.” According to the April Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada, more than two thirds (70.9%) of...
Planterra Launches The Around The World Challenge
Planeterra has launched the Around the World Challenge to encourage travel lovers to join the non-profit’s movement to support community tourism enterprises as travel re-emerges post-COVID, while at the same time celebrating the diversity and power of community tourism. Participants will be taking on the challenge to collectively travel the globe by walking, running, or biking 40,087km (24,909mi) -- the distance around the equator -- while aiming to raise US$40,087. The challenge will take place over the course of ten days, between May 17 and May 26, with emails and social media...
Do You Want To Go To Hawaii?
Air Canada is taking off to Hawaii this winter, launching its first Montreal-Honolulu and Toronto-Maui services; to complement its flights from Calgary and Vancouver. The new flights will also enable connections across Canada as well as from Europe. Mark Galardo, senior vice president, network planning and revenue management, Air Canada, said that: “We are seeing strong demand in the sun markets this winter with people in Canada and around the world looking ahead to holiday travel. As we finalize our schedule to position Air Canada's leadership in leisure travel this...
Americans Are Ready To Go
Only 30% of American travellers say that COVID-19 will ‘greatly impact’ their decision to travel in the next six months – the lowest level since March of 2020. That’s one of the findings of Longwood International’s tracking study of American travellers, which also reports that six in ten say they now feel safe travelling outside their communities, the highest level in a year. Further, as more American travelers get vaccinated, the percentage of those who will wait to be vaccinated before traveling has declined to 27%, down from 37% six weeks ago. Four in ten say the...
Sunwing Takes Off To Cuba From Windsor This Winter
Sunwing is returning to Windsor International Airport for the 2021/2022 season with weekly flight service to Varadero and Cayo Santa Maria in Cuba. Flights will begin in December 2021 and operate until mid-April 2022. Andrew Dawson, president of tour operations for Sunwing, said: “Our service from Windsor International Airport has been consistently well received and we’re looking forward to returning for the 2021/2022 winter season,” “Our regional gateways including Windsor are at the forefront of our operations and we’re excited to be offering residents convenient...