Destinations
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...
Israel Plans Gradual Reopening
The Israel Ministry of Tourism said that it’s beginning to take steps to plan the reopening of its domestic tourism sector. During a special meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to discuss the return of the tourism industry to activity, it was agreed that on Sunday, May 3, 2020, hotels and accommodations with ground-floor rooms (such as Zimmers/Bed & Breakfast) will return to operate as the first step in the tourism industry’s return to activity. Israel remains cautious about the protocols in place to safeguard its population during the current situation...
The Gaps Are Real
TIAC president Charlotte Bell says any light at the end of the Canadian tourism industry tunnel is looking somewhat faint at the moment. Bell said during a Tuesday webinar that this is a "brutal time" for an industry struggling to cope with the fallout from coronavirus and a cash crunch is looming for many companies. Surveys cited by Bell showed most tourism companies have laid off staff and some aren't generating any revenue these days. "The biggest message we're hearing is liquidity is needed now," Destination Canada chair Ben Cowan-Dewar in turn told webinar...
Webinar Tomorrow: Explore Cayman Islands
Join your host Tammy Van Zyl of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism for a free webinar tomorrow at 1pm EST to learn what sets the Cayman Islands apart from other Caribbean destinations. Discover the world-renowned culinary scene, superior scuba diving and snorkeling, and diverse range of activities the islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman each have to offer. At the end of the webinar, one lucky travel agent will win a $250 VISA gift card! What better time than now to start planning the travel experience your clients have always dreamed of? There’s still...