Destinations
Toronto Sets New Visitor Record
Toronto has once again set a new visitor record with 28.1 million visitors in the city in 2019, topping 2018’s 27.5 million visitors. Visitors to Toronto spent $6.7 billion in the destination in 2019, including restaurants, attractions, transportation, retail and accommodations – nearly $200 million more than in 2018. The new visitor numbers showcase the strength of Toronto’s visitor economy that experienced a decade of growth with more than four million more visitors added over 10 years. “Toronto’s visitor economy continues to be an economic engine for the city, and that...
All’s Well in Oregon
Despite some nasty weather in Toronto last night, Travel Oregon officials hosted a “Get Prepped!” for your next trip to Oregon event at Her Majesty's Pleasure, spoiling partner and media attendees with wellness shots, healthy cocktails and canapes, as well as mini spa services. Travel Oregon's Greg Eckhart told PressToday that along with the great outdoors, wellness is trending in the coastal US state. Even taking hold in Portland is Shinrin-Yoku, or “forest bathing,” which is basically a leisurely walk in the forest, a form of nature therapy. Eckhart said tourism numbers...
Into Nature’s Wild With Brand USA
Brand USA has once again teamed up with MacGillivray Freeman, the award-winning producers of hit documentaries National Parks Adventure and America’s Musical Journey, to produce “Into Nature’s Wild.” The film will run for the next several months at Science World in Vancouver before making its Montreal debut on May 12. Into Nature’s Wild is the new 3D documentary for exhibition in IMAX and giant-screen theatres, taking viewers on a journey through the US’s most iconic wilderness areas and showcasing the diversity of the United States’ natural and urban wonders. A...
Destination France Talks Terroirs at 2020 Roadshow
Despite the winter weather, 150 travel agents and tourism professionals attended the Destination France roadshow last night in Toronto, the third stop on a four city Canadian tour. This year’s roadshow theme focused on ‘terroirs’ or regional ways of life, reports Press Today's Ashley Rochefort, who was on hand for the event. “What customers are looking for right now is slower travel,” explains Melanie Paul-Hus, Director for Canada, Atout France. “They want to spend more time in a single area and really discover the French lifestyle.” At 10 nights, Canada has one of...
Air Canada Suspends China Flights Through April 10
Air Canada is extending the suspension of its flights between Canada and Beijing and Shanghai until April 10. Services to Beijing and Shanghai were initially suspended for the month of February following the Government of Canada's January 29 advisory discouraging non-essential travel to China. Air Canada says it will continue to monitor this evolving situation closely in consultation with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Transport Canada and Global Affairs and will adjust its schedule as appropriate. Air Canada operates direct flights to Beijing and Shanghai from Toronto,...
You Have To Vote If You Want To Win
How would you like to win a trip to New Orleans or a round-trip flight? What about a $250 Visa gift card, vacation to Italy, or European river cruise? If you want to win one of these five fantastic prizes, then you'll have to vote! Baxter Media invites Canadian travel agents to vote for their favourite suppliers, destinations, services, and brands in the 21st annual Agents' Choice Readership Survey, Canada's original, most authoritative and most popular travel industry poll. Last year, more than 6500 Canadian travel agents cast their votes. Every agent who votes will then be entered...
Goway Introduces New Women’s Only Itineraries
While certain destinations aren’t ideal for solo travel, Goway is reporting that its women’s-only small group travel has become increasingly popular for travel to Africa and the Middle East. According to officials, with Goway, women travellers can join like-minded individuals on small-group trips that “offer security, savings and the chance to bond with new friends in foreign lands.” Furthermore, a small group tour still allows travellers the freedom that comes with exploring on your own, but with the added benefit of a general group itinerary. Women can expect to share a room...
Grupo Piñero Invests US$60 Million in Bahia Upgrades
Grupo Piñero, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resort's parent company, is investing US$60 million to renovate its Living Resorts division, which includes hotels, residential units and golf courses that operate under the Bahia Principe brand. As part of the group’s continuous commitment to offer guests an elevated experience, resorts in both Mexico and the Dominican Republic will see numerous enhancements. “Our strategic approach to renovating our hotels, residences and golf courses will help us surpass guest expectations in a hospitality landscape that is becoming increasingly...