Destinations
Hong Kong, Singapore Bubble Is Back
Hong Kong and Singapore are relaunching the two countries Air Travel Bubble (ATB) on May 26 and the announcement is being welcome by Dr YK Pang, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). Dr Pang said: “Relaunching the Air Travel Bubble with Singapore is the first step in Hong Kong’s resumption of international travel, and a milestone for preparing the city for gradually welcoming more visitors back. We expect that travelers at the early stage of the launch of the ATB are those who travel for family visits or other essential reasons, and leisure travelers will return...
A Cry For Help
While the April 19 federal budget indicated that there were federal investments allocated for rebuilding and recovering the tourism industry as well as for Indigenous communities, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) says that “it remains unclear how the Indigenous tourism sector is specifically being supported, during a critical time for its survival.” ITAC president and CEO, Keith Henry says that: “There’s a discrepancy with the government saying that they are investing into Indigenous tourism versus funding solutions that we and the industry actually have...
TTAND Says Bienvenue To Quebec
The Travel Agent Next Door is entering the Quebec market, offering its host agency services to Quebec travel agents and agencies. TTAND founder, Flemming Friisdahl said in announcing the move: “We are extremely excited to offer our services and support to Quebec agents. We have had many requests from Quebec agents and we feel the time is right now for us to enter Quebec.” TTAND is a member of Ensemble and through Ensemble will offer a French magazine, a range of French language marketing services and tools – as well as a French website for agents. Said Friisdahl: “The...
TL Network Is Ready For The Recovery
The TL Network is preparing to see members gather in this country and south of the border this fall, a sign of the growing confidence it has that the vaccination process to safeguard people against coronavirus is helping lead to a travel industry recovery. Christine James, the TL Network's vice-president for Canada, told a Tuesday webinar that the group plans to hold its Fall Regionals events in Vancouver, Edmonton and Toronto, with the number of attendees governed in part by whatever safety protocols are in place at the time. The regionals are seeing a “really great response,”...
Don’t Miss Mississippi River Country
Lyn Pilcher has a suggestion for those interested in the likes of American history, nature, music and culture – don't miss the Mississippi during American vacations. And don't overlook the regions that flank that mighty waterway either, says Pilcher, managing director of Mississippi River Country, which showcases all that's found alongside America's longest river, which winds its way through 10 states. “Mississippi River Country is the heart of America, a place where visitors can travel through the history, culture and and natural beauty that defines us,” she said during an...
Sunwing Unveils Winter Sked From Atlantic Canada
For residents of Atlantic Canada planning to head to the tropics, Sunwing has released details of its winter schedule, featuring weekly flights from regional gateways across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Residents of Halifax, Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, St. John’s, Deer Lake and Gander. Flights will operate beginning in January 2022 and continuing weekly until May 2022 to destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico. Andrew Dawson, president of tour operations for Sunwing Travel Group, said: “We’re thrilled to be returning to Atlantic Canada for another winter...
ACTA Raises Concerns About Reducing Support Too Soon
In the wake of the federal government’s first budget in two years, ACTA says that while it is hopeful that the government’s view that vaccine rollouts will continue at a rapid pace through the end of June, it is concerned that the timeline may be premature. The association says that in a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland last week, ACTA learned that the budget assumes that vaccine rollout will continue at a rapid pace through the end of June, with Minister Freeland stating: “I believe Canadians are going to have a great...
ACITA Says: Sign The Petition
For over a year now, the travel industry has dealt with setbacks, agency closures and a zero-recovery rate because of government imposed travel restrictions. The Association of Canadian Independent Travel Advisors (ACITA) is tired of waiting and it’s calling on travel advisors, agency owners and travel industry personnel to join with them in gathering signatures for an onslaught of paper petitions to be read by MP's in the House of Commons. A paper petition only requires 25 signatures in order to be presented in the House of Commons by a sponsoring MP. In order to be valid,...