Destinations
Canadian Outbound Travel By The Numbers
Outbound Canada has released its January to October 2020 update on total Canadian outbound travel. The update reports that there were 136,000 trips recorded in October, a 94% decline compared to the same period in 2019. Total overnight outbound trips are down 69% compared to the first ten months of 2019. Canadians have made just 8.6 million overnight trips to the U.S. and other destinations in 2020 versus 28.2 million last year. During the period, overseas activity has fallen 63% while transborder trips have decreased 74%. Broken down by region, Outbound Canada reports the...
Israel Optimistic Tourists Will Return In Spring
The Israel Ministry of Tourism is spearheading a series of moves aimed at preserving the tourist infrastructure to prepare for the day after the pandemic. As 2020 came to an end -- and with the pace of the vaccination campaign in Israel leading the world -- the Israel Ministry of Tourism has a work plan in place designed to bring tourists back by the middle of 2021. The Ministry’s plan includes adaptation to the corona virus era in all areas covered by the ministry's activities - marketing, infrastructure and the tourist experience. All this, subject to the restrictions imposed by...
Ever Wonder Where Santa Goes For A Vacation?
It has been a long and taxing year for all of us – even Santa Claus. As an essential worker, Santa’s annual duties this year came with the added pressure of spreading more cheer than ever before. To show its appreciation, The Bahamas invited Santa to hang up his suit and hat after the holidays and spend the next year defrosting on Stocking Island in the Exuma Cays. By gifting Santa and Mrs. Claus complimentary BEATS visas (Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay), they are now able to unwind and experience The Bahamas' most merry offerings until next Christmas. Trading snowy...
Let’s Go For A Walk
Vox City Walks, part of Vox Group, has expanded into Asia through a partnership with Asian Trails. Vox City Walks Bangkok will commence operations in 2021, bringing the new Hop-on Hop-off walking tour concept to life in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. The new sightseeing operator will open with several guided and self-guided walking circuits, covering the majority of Bangkok’s sprawling metropolis and most iconic sights, including Grand Palace, The Temple of Dawn, Chinatown, Lumpini Park, and countless others. Besides these must-see highlights, the routes will also...
New Rules Take Effect Jan. 7, 2021
As 2020 wound down, Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced that effective Jan. 7, 2021 at 12:01 am EST, all air passengers five years of age or older will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling from another country to Canada. In making the announcement, Garneau indicated that the implementation date provides all airlines, both foreign and domestic, adequate time to comply with the new requirements. Documentation of a negative laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada. The test must be performed using a...
February Reopening For The Cove
Atlantis Paradise Island will reopen The Cove, on Feb. 11, 2021. Nestled along a protected cove between two private white sand beaches and offering exclusive experiences and personalized service, the elegant retreat is perfect for luxury travelers, from couples seeking a romantic getaway to families and friends in need of a relaxing oasis. Enhancements throughout the property will debut later next year, including updates to the hotel’s beautiful Nave lobby, coveted beachfront cabanas, and its 22nd-floor guestrooms and club lounge. Returning guests will delight in The Cove’s...
Hong Kong Counting Down To 2021
Pandemic or not, nothing is going to stop the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) from sharing festive cheers and the appeal of Hong Kong with the rest of the world. This New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31, 2020), for the first time, the HKTB’s signature “Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations” will go online. Everyone around the world can join in the celebration wherever they are located using their mobile phones or via computers. On Dec. 31, the HKTB’s website (www.discoverhongkong.com) and social media platforms (Facebook and YouTube) will begin showing a live countdown clock at 11...
Making The Connection
According to GlobalData, the Canadian government’s plans to connect 98% of Canadians to high-speed internet by 2026 will only accelerate online travel demand. The global data and analytics company points out that the online travel intermediary market value already easily exceeds that of offline, reaching US$14.1 billion in 2019 compared to US$9.2 billion for in-store in Canada. GlobalData said that a significant investment of US$1.75 billion to develop universal broadband across Canada will only increase internet penetration and accelerate online travel bookings. In its third...