Destinations
More Vacation Options From Sunwing
In a move that will help better service customers from coast to coast, Sunwing is offering Canadians more flexible opportunities to head back to the tropics this winter. The tour operator’s vacation packages now include options for flights on board a range of international alternative carriers and hotel stays in seven tropical destinations, with a wide variety of departure dates and options from regional gateways. Transfers and support from Sunwing’s destination representatives will also be included with select packages. Andrew Dawson, president of Tour Operations for...
Cuba Gets A Boost From Canada
The Cuba Tourist Board says now "that Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, it’s time to take advantage of the increased capacity to Cuba by major tour operators." December will see an increase in the number of flights to Cuba, with the start of Hola Sun/Caribe Sol operations that will use new airline OWG. The service starts on Dec. 18 and will see 2 weekly flights to Cayo Santa Maria from Toronto and Montreal. Lessner Gomez, director of the Cuba Tourist Board's Toronto office, says “these flights will be the first arriving in this destination since March but more importantly...
Antigua & Barbuda Get A Lift From Air Canada
Antigua and Barbuda are celebrating a boost in airlift for the winter season as Air Canada returned to Antigua on Dec. 6, while US and UK airlines will be adding additional flights to the destination within the month. The early December flight was Air Canada’s first to Antigua since March. Passengers and flight crew were greeted upon arrival with a water salute and the Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Charles Fernandez and the CEO of Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James were on hand to greet the crew and passengers. Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, the Hon....
Western Canada BDMs Have A Message
Hello Western Canada Travel Agents! We all hope that you are doing well and staying healthy. As you may or may not know, it has been a tradition in Alberta for the Suppliers to visit the agencies during the Holidays to sing some carols and spread some good cheer. Last year, the BC suppliers also started what was to be a tradition. In Alberta, we also started a Food drive, so maybe you can continue this tradition by dropping off a donation at your local food bank. Well, as we all know, 2020 has not been the norm, so we too had to change the way we do things. The good...
The Value Of Tourism
A newly released study commissioned by the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (AITDC) makes it pretty clear just how important tourism is to the destination. The study show that in 2019, visitor activities on Amelia Island generated almost $900 million in total economic impact. Nearly 1.5 million visitors generated $679 million in direct spending in Nassau County in 2019, the 10th straight year of economic growth. The 2019 Value of Visitors Report was compiled by renowned Tallahassee-based Downs & St. Germain Research. Compared to 2017, the study revealed a 3.9%...
WestJet Expands Hawaii Testing To BC, Ontario
WestJet is expanding it pre-travel testing program for BC and Ontario travellers headed to Hawaii. In British Columbia, the airline is collaborating with LifeLabs in that province to offer State of Hawaii-approved pre-departure testing. A negative COVID test within 72-hours of departure will exempt the guest from the state's required 14-day quarantine. Billy Nolen, WestJet Vice-President Safety, Security and Quality, said: “WestJet is pleased to facilitate pre-departure travel testing in British Columbia for the start of our Hawaii flying.” Nolen continued:...
2021: What’s Next?
There have been a lot of words spent to describe the travel industry over the years. Definitely, there have been a lot more poured out during the past 9 months. Yet the one word that resonates – whether it’s now or 40 years ago – is persevere. Persevere: to persist in anything undertaken. Persevere: to maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles or discouragement. Persevere: to continue steadfastly. Time and time and time again, the industry has certainly proven that it can and will continue to persevere. As the year of the unimaginable finishes...
Global Recovery Focus Of WTTC, Spain Event
With the aim of establishing actions and commitments to restart international travel, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Spanish government hosted a hybrid conference, where leaders from the industry both from the public and private sector participated, covering 95 countries and more than 100 travel and tourism companies. Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, reiterated his commitment to the sector and confirmed the leadership of Spain by holding a major conference to discuss key measures needed to revive international travel and tourism. The conference was a...