Destinations
The New Tourism: Welcoming, Innovative, Adaptable
Paul Gauger, Senior Vice President, The Americas, VISITBRITAIN When international travel resumes, Paul Gauger, Senior Vice President, The Americas for VisitBritain, expects to see an increase in the number of consumers using a travel agent. “Many consumers are re-evaluating how they book travel, acknowledging that human contact, a voice and opinion of experienced, trusted travel professionals is more important than ever,” Gauger tells Travel Courier. “When restrictions are lifted, tourism will be as welcoming, innovative and adaptable as ever and adjust to whatever the new...
Reflecting On What Really Matters
Although there is no date yet for when Canadian travellers can visit Austria again, the destination is currently experiencing the re-start of travel and tourism as its borders with neighbouring countries are re-opening across hotels, restaurants and attractions. “Our social, civic, as well as cultural life is returning fully,” Michael Gigl, Director for the Austrian Tourist Office in North America tells Travel Courier. “Travel truly has the power to build bridges between people, between cultures. We have suddenly, and painfully, learned that the opportunity to travel, especially...
Impact Of COVID-19 On Europe Summer Travel
In order to better understand and respond to the impact of COVID-19 on overseas travel, the European Travel Commission (ETC), the European Tourism Association (ETOA), Eurail B.V. and the European Commission continue to monitor the shifts and trends in travel sentiment in Europe’s key overseas source markets – Brazil, China, India, Japan, Russia[1] and the U.S. Results of the latest Long-Haul Travel Barometer (LHTB) indicate that confidence for travel to Europe in summer 2020 is weak across all six markets monitored. However, the group notes that what is significant is that...
Europe Is Calling
As they begin the first stages of tourism since the global pandemic brought travel to a halt, representatives from Europe and Great Britain discuss the opportunities and challenges ahead, how they shifted strategies to keep travellers engaged and the role tour operators and agents will play in the journey forward. How do destination marketing organizations and tourist boards promote their respective countries when travel comes to a standstill? They adjust and find new ways to drive engagement. In the aftermath of travel restrictions, Sigríður Dögg Guðmundsdóttir, Head of Visit...
Far From Ordinary, Close To Home
Globus and Cosmos are unveiling a new series of nine “Undiscovered North America” tours, ranging from 8 to 14 days in 2021. Stéphanie Bishop, managing director for the Globus family of brands, observes of the new initiative that: “These unique and unparalleled itineraries help travellers discover North America’s tucked-away towns, secluded seafronts and lesser-known nooks for an unforgettable vacation.” And Bishop adds: “With our series of ‘Undiscovered’ tours, we are invested in taking travellers to the places and parks other tour operators do not visit.” New...
Portugal Earns ‘Safe Travels’ Certification
Portugal has become the first European country to receive the 'Safe Travels' seal from the World Travel & Tourism Council. The seal aims to recognize destinations that comply with health and hygiene protocols in line with the Safe Travel Protocols issued by the WTTC, helping, above all, to instill confidence in consumers, so that they feel they can travel safely as soon as restrictions are removed. Portugal’s Secretary of State for Tourism, Rita Marques said: “Portugal was a pioneer in launching the Clean & Safe seal. This WTTC seal comes to reward the effort that has...
California Closer To Reopening Leisure Travel
In a letter to members, Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of Visit California, advised that the state has now released guidance that allows counties to reopen for leisure travel as soon as June 12. Beteta writes: “This is the moment all of us have been urging, and it is an important first step in reopening the tourism economy. Now, we can begin to rebuild our industry and our state’s economy. As with all other phases of the governor’s reopening plan, each county will have to meet certain criteria. Local health authorities will continue to determine when their community can...
A Taste Of Ireland From Home – Last Chance to Register
Baxter Media is sending out a friendly last call for agents to sign up for a fun and engaging webinar with Tourism Ireland tomorrow (June 10) at 2 p.m. (EST). Agents who attend the full duration of the webinar will have a chance to win a fantastic cookbook, Kevin Dundon’s Modern Irish Food. Join us for the flavour of Ireland and experience the country’s outstanding food & drink scene from the comfort of home. Tune in for a tasty trip around the Emerald Isle, with top tips from a celebrity chef, cocktail ideas for the perfect night in, and some traditional dishes that you...