Destinations
On The Trail In Panama
The Panama Tourism Authority (ATP), together with the Ministry of Environment, has launched the 1,000 Kilometers of Trails Project to preserve important ecological trails critical to tourism, ecology, and scientific discovery. Created within the framework of the Tourism, Conservation and Research (TCR) strategy of Panama’s Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism (PMTS) 2020-2025, this special initiative aims to conserve nature and diversify rural economies through the development of the outdoor recreation industry and green tourism in protected areas. It is also aligned with the national...
Destination France Goes Virtual
In anticipation of international travel resuming in 2022, Atout France Canada is taking its annual trade show for tourism professionals, Destination France, online this week. “We’re pleased to present our trade show in spite of the pandemic,” said Mélanie Paul-Hus, director of the tourism development agency of France in Canada, during the opening event yesterday (Feb. 22). “Wow, wow, wow, for everything many of you have undertaken since last March. First of all, never giving up on your clients. Doubling the efforts to modernize your websites or spice up your social media pages...
Let The Transformation Begin
Outrigger Hospitality Group has released details of the $80 million transformation of the brand’s flagship property, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, located directly on the golden sands of world-famous Waikiki Beach. The investment transforms the resort into a contemporary beachfront retreat, rooted in Hawaiian culture. With a focus on wellness and hospitality, property enhancements will include upscale residential-style rooms and suites, chic poolside experiences and a fully reimagined Kani Ka Pila Grille and stage – the home of Hawaiian music. Jeff Wagoner, president and...
Most Magical Celebration Ever
After years of imagining, planning and developing Walt Disney’s dreams, the Walt Disney World Resort officially opened on Oct. 1, 1971. In the five decades since, the vacation destination continued to expand with new stories and characters and adventures to cherish for a lifetime. And now with a major milestone approaching, guests can share in “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” beginning Oct. 1, 2021, in honour of the resort’s 50th anniversary. This 18-month celebratory event will feature new experiences at the resort’s four theme parks and beyond, where shimmering...
Behind The Scenes In Peru
What’s involved in getting a tour back up and running in the wake of a global pandemic? Ahead of bringing travellers back to experience one of the highlights of Peru — the four day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu — G Adventures operated a pilot project to finalize heightened health and safety measures along the route. From Jan. 23 to 26, members of the G Adventures team joined local travel associations and local authorities who manage the trail, to see its health and safety protocols, which were created in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic and in partnership with the Adventure...
TIAC Picks Potter As Its New President & CEO
Beth Potter is the new president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). Her selection follows an intensive search by TIAC to select its new leader. She will take on her new role beginning March 15, 2021. Potter has a long and distinguished career in Canada's tourism sector, including most recently serving as the President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario. She is a recognized leader with more than 30 years of experience in the not-for-profit and tourism industries and has worked with a variety of boards and committees, including her recent...
Let’s Get Uncomfortable Ontario
In preparation for a tourism season that the Ontario Government has dubbed “the Year of the Ontario Staycation,” tourism & hospitality professionals hailing from across South Eastern Ontario are coming together for a virtual event exploring Anti-Racism in their destinations, scheduled to take place Feb. 23, 2021 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET. The hour-long event will be hosted by grassroots tourism group Let’s Get Uncomfortable (LGU) and RTO 9, a regional tourism organization funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport representing businesses in Prince Edward...
WestJet Drops Four As Demand Falters
WestJet is temporarily suspending its operations to St. John's, N.L., London, Ont., and Lloydminster and Medicine Hat, Alta., beginning March 19 and continuing until June 24, 2021. The Calgary-based carrier’s president and CEO, Ed Sims of the decision: “We have continued to operate in the face of uncertainty as domestic and international travel restrictions and quarantines have caused demand to plummet.” Sims continued: “Unfortunately, with new and increasingly restrictive policies, we are left once again, with no other option than to suspend service to these...