Destinations
Destinations More Optimistic About Recovery
In the fourth wave of its series of bi-weekly tracking surveys of North American destination professionals, MMGY Travel Intelligence reports that in the last two weeks, respondents’ outlook on their local tourism economies has started to improve. Conducted in partnership with Destinations International Foundation, the latest tracking survey found that the percentage of destination professionals who expect their local economy to worsen fell sharply from 72% in Wave III of the survey to 41% in Wave IV, indicating expectations are starting to stabilize. MMGY Global notes that a...
Antigua, Barbuda Getting Agents Ready For Future
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) has been hosting a series of webinars within each of its major source markets, to inform the trade of destination developments related to COVID-19, and to support travel agents eager to use their downtime to sharpen their product knowledge. Webinar sessions have taken place in the United States, Canadian, United Kingdom and European markets, and have focused on showcasing the destination’s key selling points, as well as capturing insight from the agents as to the consumer sentiment within their markets. Colin James, CEO of the...
This Is What’s At Risk: UNWTO
For many countries around the world, May 1 marks International Labour Day and to mark the occasion, the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) secretary-general, Zurab Pololikashvili has a message for the world. He writes: “For many millions of people around the world, tourism is so much more than a leisure activity. Our sector gives them the chance to make a living. To earn not just a wage, but also dignity and equality. Tourism jobs also empower people and provide a chance to have a stake in their own societies – often for the first time. This is what is at risk right...
Happily Ever After, Eventually
Following our recent cover story on how agents are handling destination wedding bookings during a pandemic, Travel Courier takes a look ahead to a brighter future with hot romance trends and a look at recent real agent booked nuptials. First Comes Love, Then Comes A Picture-Perfect Marriage Ashley Hillary, Luxury & Romance Travel Designer at North South Travel, says destination wedding couples are putting a lot more emphasis on capturing the special memories from their big day. “Trends include elevated photo and selfie station options, choosing standout locations to obtain...
Portugal Creates “Clean & Safe” Stamp Of Approval
Turismo de Portugal is providing tourism enterprises, tourist entertainment companies and travel agencies the opportunity to request certification as a “Clean & Safe” establishment as they prepare for the sector’s recovery. The “Clean & Safe” stamp of approval distinguishes tourist activities which are compliant with hygiene and cleaning requirements for the prevention and control of COVID-19 and other possible infections, reinforcing tourist's confidence in the safety of the destination. This validation is free and optional and is valid for one year. It...
Caribbean Talks Tourism Post-COVID-19
The Caribbean must be able to convince potential tourists that they'll return home hale and hearty in order for its coronavirus-devastated tourist trade to fully rebound, the Caribbean Tourism Organization's acting secretary general says. Neil Walters said during a Thursday webinar that upcoming marketing campaigns aimed at attracting tourists must not only promote traditional Caribbean tourism attributes but also assure would-be visitors that vacationing in the Caribbean will provide a safe and healthy holiday. Underscoring that visitors needn't worry about their health while...
The Islands of Tahiti Hosting Agent Webinar
Tahiti Tourisme Canada is offering travel advisors the chance to explore The Islands of Tahiti through a series of online trainings. While COVID-19 may have put things on hold for the travel industry right now, Tahiti Tourisme is offering support by sharing product knowledge and dreams of sunnier days ahead. The free webinars are hosted by Tahiti Tourisme Canada and will feature destination partners including Paul Gauguin Cruises and Air Tahiti Nui. The next webinar takes place on Friday, May 1 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Participants can register by going...
Guyana Makes History With Director Pick
Carla James has been named director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and will assume her new responsibilities on May 1, 2020. James’ appointment is historic as she becomes the first indigenous woman to hold the director’s position. She succeeds the GTA’s current director, Brian T. Mullis, following the conclusion of his two-year contract on April 30, 2020. The GTA’s new director is a proud Akawaio and native of Kamarang Village in the Upper Mazaruni Region (Region 7), and was unanimously identified as the superior and most suitable candidate at the end of a rigorous...