Destinations
Brand USA Charts Its Path Forward
In a message to Brand USA’s partners, the organization’s president & CEO, Christopher Thompson offers an update on its recently quarterly Board of Directors meeting where it outlined its paths forward and reinforced its commitment to support the industry through these unprecedented times. Writes Thompson: “As we maintain a state of readiness, we will continue to pursue important objectives to position the United States for a recovery. These objectives include engagement with the international travel trade, organic distribution of inspirational content, assisting partners...
US Travel Calls For Significant, Meaningful Relief
The U.S. Travel Association reacted yesterday to the news of the US GDP’s record plunge with the association’s executive vice-president for public affairs and policy, Tori Emerson Barnes observing: “This morning’s news (July 30) of a 32.9% Q2 contraction is evidence that this economy is not going to be able to make it up off the mat without bold action by Congress to provide significant and meaningful relief.” Emerson Barnes continued: “The travel industry, which helped employ one in 10 Americans last year, has been hit hardest by the economic fallout of the pandemic --...
Getaway With ACV And Destination Greater Victoria
Destination Greater Victoria and Air Canada Vacations are promoting Victoria as a great place for those who want to enjoy some urban life during their vacation and also as a suitable retreat for those eager to experience Mother Nature at the same time. A Thursday webinar saw Nicole Yamamoto of Destination Greater Victoria praise her destination as "one of the most beautiful, historic and iconic cities" in the country, citing the likes of its many boutique shops in the downtown area; the Royal B.C. Museum, which among other things has exhibits telling of the region's Indigenous people;...
Ottawa Launches ‘It’s On Us’ Campaign
Ottawa Tourism has launched a visitor incentive campaign called It’s On Us whereby visitors who book at least a two-night stay in Ottawa receive a $100 Visa Gift Card. Rooms must be booked before Sept. 30, 2020 for stays before Dec. 31, 2020 at more than 30 participating hotels. Visa Gift Cards are distributed upon check-in and are encouraged to be spent to enhance the visitor’s stay… for dinner, tickets to an attraction or tour, or souvenirs before returning home. Michael Crockatt, president and CEO of Ottawa Tourism, explained that: “With more of our tourism...
A New Experience In Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is reinforcing its mandatory travel protocol messaging with the launch of a new video that features on-island footage of the actual visitor travel experience. The new video highlights each step of the traveller’s Saint Lucia journey, from airport arrival, to local guidelines during Phase One. Recent hotel guests are interviewed in the video, providing authentic feedback on visiting Saint Lucia during this time. The video illustrates how Saint Lucia’s tourism industry is committed to providing the most enjoyable experience possible during this time. Highlights...
Destinations Easing Travel Restrictions
The UNWTO reports that the responsible restart of tourism is underway around the world as growing numbers of destinations ease COVID-19 related travel restrictions and adapt to the new reality. According to the latest analysis from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 40% of all destinations worldwide have now eased the restrictions they placed on international tourism in response to COVID-19. The United Nations specialized agency for tourism has been monitoring global responses to the pandemic from the start of the crisis. This latest outlook, recorded on July 19, is up from...
Israel, ACTA Partner Up
The Israel Ministry of Tourism/IGTO Canada has signed a corporate partnership agreement with ACTA designed as a proactive initiative to begin the reopening of the international tourism industry and travel abroad, including travel to Israel from Canada. The Israel Ministry of Tourism was eager to build a stronger collaborative relationship in Canada’s travel industry and with ACTA retail travel agency members and their clients from coast to coast. The ACTA partnership with the Israel Ministry of Tourism will promote education, Israel specialist accreditation and other public...
We’re Up. We’re Running. We’re Open.
The number of people visiting Jamaica is down but the director of the Jamaica Tourist Board says the same doesn't hold true for interest in the tropical island. Donovan White told a Wednesday webinar that Jamaican tourism authorities have "aggressively marketed" their country during the past few months, preparing for the return of visitors. "The demand for Jamaica not only remains strong but grew stronger during these lockdown procedures," White said. Jamaica reopened to international tourists earlier this summer, announcing that tourists would be welcome to stay in a "corridor"...