Destinations
Mediterranean Rebound Likely, But Not Assured: Oxford Economics
In a newly released research briefing, Oxford Economics reports that while a rebound in Mediterranean tourism is likely, it is not assured. In the briefing, it notes that “tourism activity represents a considerable part of the economy in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece. The sector accounts for between 6% and 8% of these countries’ GDP directly and for further 8% to 13% indirectly, representing a major component of services exports.” It continues: “Countries have been forced to take restrictive measures to halt the rapid spread of the coronavirus since the outbreak of the...
Last Call For Bahamas’ Virtual Romance Expo
The Bahamas, one of the world’s leading destinations for weddings and honeymoons, is gearing up to host two virtual events - From The Bahamas With Love - to showcase the vast offerings for romantic escapes throughout the destination. The expo will bring together industry leaders, partners, hotels, venues and services for a truly unique and educational experience for trade and consumer participants. The virtual events will kick off on March 3 (from 1pm to 4pm EST), with an afternoon planned specifically for trade professionals, including travel agents and event planners. The second day...
Savouring The Flavour Of Colombia
Should Juan Pablo Villota be known as Juan the Baptist? Just possibly, given the Colombian coffee producer oversees "coffee baptisms" and his missions in life include familiarizing people outside Colombia with both Colombian coffee and the accompanying culture. Villota -- part of a third generation of coffee growers -- runs Hacienda San Alberto, a coffee plantation in the interior Colombian community of Buenavista, which welcomes the growing number of foreign tourists visiting Colombia who are intrigued by its coffee production. And Villota -- whose coffee has won international...
Contiki Announces Possible Bridgerton-Inspired Trip
Dearest readers, are you burning to follow in the footsteps of Daphne and the Duke of Hastings? After Contiki asked its community if they would be interested in a Bridgerton-themed trip, the holiday provider for 18 to 35-year-olds was met with an overwhelming response: Yes! Travel Courier caught up with Contiki Canada’s President Sheralyn Berry to talk about the proposed itinerary, findings from the latest “Voice of a Generation” survey and much more. Read on ... it's all in this week's issue of Travel...
It’s 20 For RIU In Jamaica
RIU Hotels & Resorts is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Jamaica. In 2001, the Spanish chain opened its first hotel in the country, the Riu Palace Tropical Bay in Negril. From that moment, RIU’s commitment to the country has not stopped growing, and today it has six hotels in three different destinations (three in Montego Bay, two in Negril and one in Ocho Rios). In addition, the commitment is reflected in the renovation and refurbishment that the chain has undertaken in Jamaica. When the Riu Palace Tropical Bay opened in 2001, RIU became the first Spanish...
Safe Travels Hits 250 As VisitBritain Earns Its Stamp
VisitBritain has become the 250th member destination of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safe Travels Stamp program. Launched 8 months ago – in May 2020 – the WTTC’s Safe Travels Stamp program as the world’s first ever global safety and hygiene stamp, it was designed to rebuild global consumer confidence and revive the global travel and tourism sector which has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with VisitBritain, other destinations that have recently joined the Safe Travels stamp list include Honduras, Belize and Malawi. VisitBritain CEO, Sally...
HAL Pauses All 2021 Departures To Or From Canadian Ports
As Holland America Line continues to review and assess its plans around the Canadian Transport Ministry’s Interim Order that closed Canadian ports and waters to passenger vessels, the company is extending its pause of cruise operations to now include all sailings that depart from or conclude in a Canadian port in 2021. This will include several Alaska, three Canada/New England and two Pacific Coastal cruises in summer and fall of this year. It also includes all Land+Sea Journeys. At this time, Alaska cruises departing from mid-May and sailing roundtrip from Seattle, Washington,...
A Little Feng Shui From Hong Kong
Travel agents got the lowdown on feng shui Wednesday courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The board had long-time feng shui consultant Safrina Kadri provide insights during a Baxter Media webcast about something that has long played a major role in Chinese culture and beliefs, with Kadri finishing her comprehensive presentation by telling viewers that she hopes "you guys will be able to put it (what they learned during her talk) into action." Kadri helps people direct the energy produced by feng shui to produce greater prosperity and happiness. Hong Kong is an ideal place...