Destinations
Happiness Isn’t Measured In Kilometres
Although travel might not be the same as it once was, new research by Booking.com reveals that the travel that happiness can bring isn’t measured in kilometres. In the summer of 2020, the distance travelled by Canadians was down 71% year-over-year, with domestic destinations being the “stand-out stars” and accounting for 82% of total distance travelled. Digging into summer travel patterns, Booking.com found that the average distance Canadians travelled (June - August) is down 71% compared with the same time last year - slightly more than the global average decrease of...
Louisiana Mixes It Up For Agents
Norton Christopher used Monday's Louisiana's Libations & Lagniappe Virtual Happy Hour to rum-inate about rum. The New Orleans-based mixologist used the Louisiana Office of Tourism webinar to familiarize people in this country with New Orleans cocktails, among them the Hurricane, made in part with both white and dark rum. The Hurricane became popular after World War 2, when rum was abundant locally. Louisiana actually produces its own rum -- Bayou -- and Megan Ryburn of the Louisiana Office of Tourism noted the state has created the Libations Trail, which showcases local...
HAC, TIAC Delighted ‘Government Has Listened’
The Hotel Association of Canada is applauding Ottawa's decision to extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy through next spring, saying the move will provide desperately needed help for this country's ailing tourism trade, reports Ian Stalker in today’s issue of Press Today. The federal government announced during Wednesday's Speech from the Throne that it has decided to continue to make the subsidy -- which sees Ottawa agree to pay up to 75% of the salaries of businesses that have seen their revenues cut by half or more because of the coronavirus pandemic -- available well into...
London Travel Week Goes Virtual
London Travel Week has confirmed that it will be returning in an online capacity in 2020 to help aid the recovery, rebuilding and innovation of the travel and tourism industry. The move comes following the announcement that WTM London and Travel Forward will be fully virtual this year. The event will give the opportunity to travel professionals, businesses and destinations to enhance their WTM Virtual experience by attending virtual events designed to inspire industry recovery, rebuilding and innovation. WTM Virtual Speed Networking sessions will take up a prominent position...
Winners of Japan Webinar Prize Draw Announced
Last Wednesday, Baxter Media hosted an exciting and engaging webinar with the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and Japan Airlines. We had travel agents from all over North America in attendance, but primarily from across Canada. Kicking off the webinar, which was entitled Questions about Travel to Japan, Athena Ho, the Director of JNTO Toronto, presented the findings from a recent survey entitled ‘To measure the impact of COVID-19 on Japan Travel’. Then, Adam Waxman, journalist and a member of the Advisory Board appointed by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency, MLIT,...
Holland America Exploring Greenland To Greece In 2021
Five Holland America Line ships are set to explore Europe from Greenland to Greece and Iceland to Israel in 2021. The brand’s collection of vessels crossing the pond includes Rotterdam, which is slated to debut at the height of the summer Europe season. Joining the fleet’s new flagship will be Nieuw Statendam, Westerdam and Zuiderdam, putting two Pinnacle Class ships in the region. Zaandam heads to Europe on the popular “Voyage of the Vikings” itinerary in July. From April through November, the five ships will offer itineraries ranging from seven to 35 days, as well...
A Value Beyond The Economics
“I believe Canadians are truly coming to understand the profound influence the visitor economy has on our lives and our communities. Tourism brings value far beyond its economic contribution,” Destination Canada’s new president and CEO, Marsha Walden observed in a conversation with Canadian Travel Press this week. Walden observed that: “If we collectively build passion for travel within Canada, it will have long-term impacts and change how Canadians see and value their own country for holiday and business travel, now and in the future.” And she continued: “A recent...
WTTC Safe Travels Stamp Hits 100
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that three months after its launch, 100 destinations are now using its ‘Safe Travels’ stamp, with the Philippines becoming the official 100th destination. Launched earlier this year, the WTTC’s Safe Travels stamp is the world’s first ever global safety and hygiene stamp. It was developed in order to help restore confidence in travellers and work to revive an ailing travel and tourism sector and is now also being used by many more major holiday destinations such as the Maldives, Bermuda, Namibia, Uganda and...