Destinations
Canada is having its moment at Rendez-vous 2026 in Toronto
Canada appears to be in vogue. This country's annual tourism show, Rendez-vous Canada, began in Toronto Tuesday night, and show organizers are saying strong attendance from abroad suggests there's plenty of interest in vacationing in this country. And they noted that 518 international buyers from 24 countries are on hand for the event. "We are very excited. We say Canada is having its moment," said Maureen Riley of Destination Canada. Riley attributes heightened interest in Canada in part to growing interest in Canadian culture, citing the likes of the popularity of TV show...
HKTB’s new Canadian Director “passionate about telling Hong Kong’s story”
There’s something both sophisticated and calming about afternoon tea, but when it’s a dim sum afternoon tea, well, that adds a touch of artistry and takes things to a whole new level. So, what better way for the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) to introduce its new Canadian Director, Beverly Cheng, to some travel trade VIPs in Toronto yesterday. The HKTB’s Senior Manager of Marketing & PR, Jorge Lee welcomed about a dozen guests to Lai Wah Heen at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in downtown Toronto, explaining that the iconic restaurant has deep roots in Hong Kong and, here...
Costa Rica brings its Energía Pura Vida Canadian Roadshow to Toronto, Montreal
Travel advisors were welcomed to an immersive “Energia Pura Vida” trade event at Arcadia Earth in Toronto’s The Well this week by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), its Costa Rican tourism partners and the Canadian team at VoX International. Designed to move beyond traditional presentation-style trade events, the Toronto reception invited attendees to experience Costa Rica through experiential activations, immersive storytelling and meaningful face-to-face conversations inspired by the destination’s world-renowned “Pura Vida” lifestyle. Hosted within the multi-sensory...
Beverly Cheng named new Director, Canada of the Hong Kong Tourism Board
Beverly Cheng has been named the new Director, Canada for the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Cheng, a Toronto native, will be based in Toronto and brings a global perspective shaped by more than a decade living and working in Hong Kong. With a career spanning arts and travel journalism, international hospitality communications, and cultural institution leadership, she brings deep expertise in storytelling, strategic marketing, and destination branding to the role. She began her career in Hong Kong as an arts journalist, immersing herself in the city’s dynamic creative scene and...
FITCuba 2026: A symbol of resilience and confidence in the future
Cuban officials say they're hopeful that Cuban tourism will soon rebound from the effects of a punishing oil blockade of Cuba imposed by the American government that has dramatically curtailed the island's tourism trade. Tourism officials opened the 44th edition of Cuban annual tourism show FITCuba on May 7, for the first time using a virtual format that provided an update on the current situation to those who aren't now able to reach the island as many airlines have suspended service to it because of a shortage of aviation fuel. That in turn has led most Canadian tour operators...
New Transat flights further strengthen Barbados’ Canadian growth
Air Transat’s new nonstop service from Montréal has the Barbados Tourism Marketing Incorporated (BTMI) in a buoyant mood these days as it further strengthens the destination’s position as “a leading Caribbean hotspot” for Canadian travellers. The seasonal service will take off on Dec. 13, 2026, operating twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays aboard a 199-seat Airbus A321LR aircraft. And the announcement marks another major milestone in Barbados’ Canadian growth strategy, coming just weeks after the introduction of new nonstop service from Halifax. The added lift...
SLAM returns offering advisors immersive Saint Lucia experiences
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is making it clear that it is committed to strengthening partnerships with the travel trade through its annual travel advisor incentive program -- Saint Lucia Advisors Months (SLAM). The program runs from June through November and features attractive booking incentives alongside exclusive accommodation rates for qualified travel advisors. Designed to immerse travel professionals in the authentic Saint Lucian experience, SLAM offers participating advisors the opportunity to discover the island’s rich culture and natural beauty...
VoX International Inc. reappointed to represent Germany in Canada
VoX International Inc. has been reappointed as the agency of record for the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) in Canada -- marking the official return of in-market representation following a temporary pause. Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the German National Tourist Board in Frankfurt, Germany, said that: “Canada is a highly valued and resilient source market for Germany, and we are very pleased to re-establish our local presence.” Hedorfer continued: “With strong growth, high visitor engagement, and a deep cultural affinity between our two countries, this is the right moment to...