Destinations
VisitBritain’s ExploreGB Going Virtual In 2021
VisitBritain will be taking its flagship annual travel trade event, ExploreGB, virtual in 2021. ExploreGB Virtual is set for March 1 to March 5, 2021, inviting international buyers to connect online with travel trade suppliers from across the UK to do business and boost bookings. Attendance is free with registrations set to open from mid-December. VisitBritain chief executive, Sally Balcombe said: “Using a tried and tested online platform, ExploreGB Virtual will give travel industry suppliers and destinations from across the UK the chance to get their products and services in...
Get Ready to Cruise Korea
Baxter Media invites all travel professionals to attend a vibrant and exciting webinar with the Korea Tourism Organization next Thursday (December 3) at 1 p.m. (EST). Next week, agents will get to discover all the highlights that cruising Korea has to offer. Focusing on tours, this in-depth cruise webinar will cover Seoul, Busan, and Jeju’s port cities. If you sign up now, you'll be entered to win one of two $500 e-gift cards! All attendees will have the chance to win a $10 e-gift card as well. Only those who attend the full duration of the webinar will be eligible to receive...
ITAC Makes An Urgent Call For Help
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is warning that without additional funding to support Indigenous tourism businesses, the industry will collapse. ITAC says that an additional $18.5 million is needed as international borders remain closed and health units across Canada are once again limiting domestic travel in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The Indigenous tourism industry has been especially affected; and to date, based on research conducted with the Conference Board of Canada, ITAC is reporting a 65.9% decline in Canada’s direct gross domestic...
Saint Lucia Dedicated To Savings
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has created a dedicated webpage detailing all of the destination’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, making it easy to find the best options for future vacations. The site lists 17 hotel specials and discounts up to 60% off, with many valid for travel throughout 2021. Perks include room upgrades, complimentary wine, resort credits and more. On the page, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority gives a nod of gratitude to travellers and expresses thanks to its visitors, providing inspiration for future guests. With COVID-19 safety protocols firmly in...
Hong Kong Webinar Postponed (For Now)
Due to the circumstances of the current lockdown in Toronto and Peel Region, this week's webinar Have a Date with MasterChef Eric Chong has been postponed for the time being. The planned webinar features Canadian MasterChef Eric Chong hosting a live cooking demo, where agents will get to learn how to make Char Siu, a popular Hong Kong barbecue pork dish. Attendees will also get the latest updates on the Great Outdoors. Stay tuned for updates on when the new webinar date will be set for. We hope to see you all there when the time...
Six Reasons For Hope From Globus
Hope springs eternal, as the saying goes. Certainly, for the travel industry in this country, the past week has brought some good news – two vaccines in late stage trials and interim results from the pilot testing study at Pearson airport. And clearly, beyond the reasons already noted, the gang at Globus family of brands (GFOB) has their own reasons for hope … six of them actually. In a briefing last week, GFOB’s managing director, Stéphanie Bishop observed that hope is a “timely” theme and the “industry is well-positioned to be feeling that way. Globus is feeling...
Meet The New Minister
The Hon. Carlos James is the new Minister of Tourism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Minister James officially assumed duties on Nov. 12, 2020, following his swearing in as Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture on Nov. 10, 2020. His appointment comes following General Elections on Nov. 5, 2020 where he was elected as the Parliamentary Representative for North Leeward. The Minister said: “I am looking forward to a number of major projects that are coming on stream both on St. Vincent the mainland and also in the Grenadines.” He pointed out...
Saint Lucia Introduces Tourism Levy
After two years of consultation with tourism industry stakeholders, Saint Lucia is introducing a Tourism Levy. Revenue collected from the new tax is earmarked for tourism marketing and development. The implementation of this tax follows the introduction of the Tourism Levy Act and amendments to the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority Act No. 8 of 2017. Beginning Dec. 1, 2020, guests staying at registered accommodation service providers will be required pay a prescribed nightly levy on their stay. In the two-tier system, guests will be charged US$3.00 or US$6.00 per person per...