Destinations
Brand USA Postponing Focus On Canada
In a brief statement issued this morning, Brand USA advised that it was postponing its virtual Focus on Canada event set for Jan. 13 and Jan. 14. Brand USA says: “We remain focused exclusively on keeping the U.S. travel industry connected with the global travel community and ensuring our country is top of mind among travellers.” And it notes: “We will be in touch shortly to provide new dates once they are set. We look forward to connecting with you when the time is right, as we look ahead to building the future of travel to the...
The Industry Remembers Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart
There has been an outpouring of sympathy and kind words by the Caribbean travel and tourism industry following the passing of Sandals Resorts International’s founder, the Honourable Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart. The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) said in a statement that: “It is with great sadness that the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has learned of the death of Jamaican and Caribbean hospitality icon, Gordon “Butch” Stewart. The CTO member countries, allied members and staff join the government and people of Jamaica, the Stewart family, the Sandals family, and...
Tourism Is The Key To Recovery
The Caribbean will see a return of tourism to the region “faster than many parts of the world,” thanks to the protocols and partnerships implemented throughout the region to help lessen the effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. That was the message that Pablo Torres, president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has for the industry. Making it clear that 2021 would be a year of recovery, Torres said that: “Tourism is our key to recovery, to restoring the livelihood of thousands of employees in our industry, to reopening our doors, and...
Ellen Melman Leaving IMOT
After more than 40 years with the Israel Ministry of Tourism, Ellen Melman is leaving IMOT on Jan. 7, 2021. In a message to the industry, Gal Hana, Consul Tourism and Director Canada for IMOT, writes that: “Our dear friend & colleague will be leaving Israel Ministry of Tourism – Canada, after over 40 years of devoted service. There is no doubt how much she will be missed by everyone who has worked with her over the years through all the various channels of tourism.” Hana’s message continued: “I know you join me in wishing Ellen the very best as she moves on to a new...
Brand USA Turns The Focus On Canada
Registration is open for all travel agents in Canada to attend the first-ever Focus On Canada hosted by Brand USA. The recovery-themed virtual event is designed to inform and inspire future travel to the United States. Starting at 12 pm EST on Thurs., Jan. 14, the event will provide insight and access to useful tools designed to grow business and stimulate future cross-border travel bookings. Program highlights include: Meet Tom Garzilli, chief marketing officer of Brand USA, the destination marketing organization of the United States. Keynote address by Air Canada...
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...