Destinations
More Work To Do
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is vowing that it will continue to work energetically on behalf of this country's tourism trade, regardless of the course that the coronavirus pandemic takes. TIAC's David McKenna said during the Nov. 17 opening of the 2020 TIAC Tourism Congress that this year has been one of collaboration for those involved in tourism as they work together to offset the crippling effects of the pandemic. Some 1.8 million tourism industry jobs were put at risk as travel plummeted in the spring, prompting TIAC to lobby for government assistance on...
A Little Holiday Heat From WestJet
WestJet has released its updated December schedule featuring up to 55 daily flights to sun destinations in the Caribbean, the United States (including Hawaii) and Mexico. The schedule also highlights increased domestic frequencies for travel starting Dec. 5, 2020 through to Jan. 4, 2021. Arved von zur Muehlen, chief commercial officer for WestJet, said that: “While this winter travel season looks quite different from years past, we are pleased to be able to offer our guests a variety of flights during the holidays.” He continued: “Whatever the reason for travel,...
Double Up On Adventure With Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean International is gearing up for its most adventure-packed Alaska season in summer 2022, introducing new itineraries that tout four ports of call and others that showcase twice the glaciers. With a variety of destinations and four cruise ships to choose from, including two of the most innovative in the region – Ovation, Quantum, Radiance and Serenade of the Seas – thrill seekers can experience the breadth of Alaskan nature and culture. The diverse beauty of America’s last frontier will come to life in the culturally rich towns of Haines and Sitka,...
Hong Kong, Singapore Launch Air Bubble
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) are launching the the Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble (ATB), ahead of the departure of the first flights on Nov. 22, 2020. The Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble – a bilateral, all-purpose and quarantine-free arrangement – is a milestone for the global tourism industry, and paves the way for a safe resumption of international travel. The partnership between the HKTB and the STB is also the first between the two tourism boards; demonstrating the close ties between the two destinations as well as a...
Moderate Growth, Then Collapse
While PATA reports that the “strong collective annual performance of foreign arrivals into Asia Pacific destinations saw moderate growth in 2019” and, overall, remained positive, that all changed in 2020 with the appearance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the virtual cessation of travel, as moves to contain its spread were initiated. In its Annual Travel Monitor 2020 (ATM 2020), PATA provided updated data for foreign arrivals into 47 Asia Pacific destinations that indicated moderate gains in 2019, achieving an overall annual growth rate of 3.3% and reaching a new record high of...
Getting Into The Holiday Spirit
It’s more than an understatement to say that we all need something to celebrate. Well, Blue Mountain Village may have just the tonic to lift spirits as the holiday season nears. From Nov. 14 to Dec. 25, Enchant - Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain will see the entire outdoor village dressed up in garlands and bows. There will be a whimsical gingerbread house, colourful characters and magical moments around every corner. Families can take a nostalgic stroll along cobblestone streets and through all the sights and sounds of the season. By day the Village will sparkle with festive...
New Zealand: #100%PureKindness
Thank you, New Zealand. As the country’s compassionate leader, Jacinda Ardern, has demonstrated time and time again, empathy and understanding can make a difference in the world. So, it should come as no surprise that on World Kindness Day … which happens to be today, Fri., Nov. 13 ... New Zealand will be highlighting heartwarming stories of joy and positivity from all over the world on its social platforms including a Canadian story about two young entrepreneurs and their lemonade stand. 2020 has been a challenging year the world over, and with that, social media has often...
Merida Tapped For Tianguis In 2021
Mexican tourism minister Miguel Torruco Marqués and the governor of the state of Yucatán, Mauricio Vila Dosal, have announced that, after analyzing the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision has been made to hold the next Mexican tourism show Tianguis Turístico México in Merida. It will be an onsite event running from Sept. 26-29, 2021. Given the prevailing uncertainty, postponing this event, the main tourism event in Mexico and Latin America, will allow things to normalize and help participants to be in optimal condition when conducting business in a face-to-face format. Preserving...