Destinations
Rocky Mountaineer cancels select Jasper rail journeys over wildfires
As a result of the wildfires currently present in Jasper, Alta., Canadian rail operator Rocky Mountaineer has made the difficult decision to suspend its journeys operating to and from the region. "Given these devastating circumstances, we are unable to continue our rail journeys to or from Jasper for the foreseeable future. Our team is moving as quickly as possible to work through the impact to guest itineraries in this developing situation. We ask guests to please be patient as we address departures in sequential order," the company wrote in a statement. "The safety of our guests,...
Los Cabos names Siren agency of record; launches new campaign
Los Cabos Tourism Board has its sights set firmly on Canada as it launches a fall campaign that will include a robust visiting media program, live on-site broadcasts from a national television show, support for a Canadian LGBTQ+ charity and high profile influencer content. The campaign will be managed by industry veterans Siren Communications, the newly appointed agency of record for the popular destination. The focus will extend beyond the beach to include the pillars of wellness, gastronomy, sustainability and adventure. Located in the state of Baja California Sur, Los Cabos is...
Aurora Expeditions caps guest number to 130 for polar sailings
Ahead of commencing its 24-25 Antarctic season, Aurora Expeditions, has announced a new maximum passenger capacity for its voyages to the polar regions. Effective immediately, the company will now travel with no more than 130 passengers across its fleet of purpose-built small ships visiting Antarctica and the Arctic, including the Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and the recently launched Douglas Mawson, sailing in December 2025. “With passenger landing limits in Antarctica and some areas of the Arctic, we wanted to reinforce our commitment to providing the small ship experiences our...
Jasper wildfires burn lodges, close campsites as situation worsens
At approximately 10:00 p.m. MT on July 22, 2024, the Municipality of Jasper declared a state of emergency. As of July 24, two wildfires pushed into the popular Canadian resort town, and Jasper National Park and the town of Jasper are currently under an evacuation order due to wildfires. Residents and visitors in Jasper were ordered to evacuate the area. Hotels and lodges burned As of 10:00 p.m. MT on July 24, 2024, officials confirmed that the fire reached the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge grounds, "however we are unclear about the extent of the damage. At this time, we know that parts...
Humanitarian fam trip kicks off in Jamaica
School’s not out for summer! This week Baxter Media is on location in Jamaica with the Jamaica Tourist Board and a group of Canadian travel advisors on a humanitarian fam trip. The group will paint and help put some of the finishing touches on the Dumfries Infant/Primary School — the 27th school build by the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation — and deliver some funding to Wings, an after school program that’s self-funded from the salary of a local vice principal. “Helping Hands is in their 27th school build in Jamaica and it was started by one of our tennis pros, Karl Hale,...
Cambodia hosts first branding forum
In welcoming the 100 participants in Cambodia’s first Branding Forum/Edition Francophonie, hosted by Millennium Destinations, the organization’s CEO, Catherine Germier-Hamel told the audience that: “Branding is not bragging. It is creating a sustainable relationship based on sincerity, trust, and confidence.” Germier-Hamel continued: “Branding is not a cosmetic procedure. It is about setting an irresistible strategy to attract tourists, talents, investments, and trade in a sustainable way. It is about creating, capturing, and retaining value to primarily provide benefits for...
Jamaica’s Bartlett unveils three-pronged plans for the future
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has unveiled a comprehensive threefold strategy designed to bolster tourism growth amidst global economic uncertainties, airline capacity issues, and other challenges. "We are contending with global economic uncertainties, airline capacity issues, and challenging travel advisories such as the United States travel advisory issued in January, which made concerning claims about safety and medical services in Jamaica – all of which pose potential obstacles to our continued growth," Bartlett said. “While showing overall resilience,...
PLAY and partners host travel trade at Hamilton event to showcase services
PLAY Airlines teamed up with John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and Visit Iceland to host some of its Canadian travel trade partners at an event in Hamilton this week. The event took place at Hamilton’s Aberdeen Tavern, offering those attending a preview of some of Iceland’s magical landscapes that await travel advisors’ clients taking off on PLAY’s low-cost flights from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport to Iceland and beyond. The relaxed summer afternoon event also offered those attending a chance to learn more about the Reykjavik-headquartered...