Destinations
Record Year for Switzerland
Switzerland continues to reach new peaks in popularity in North America. According to tourism data from the last decade, visitor numbers from Canada and the US to Switzerland grew by more than 60%. Figures show an increase in Canadian arrivals in Switzerland in 2019 totalling 131,504, an increase of 4.2%. The number of overnight stays was 275,205, an increase of 1.6% compared to 2018. “We are delighted to announce a continued growth and are staying fully committed to the Canadian market. On March 24 and 25, together with 20 Swiss partners, we will proudly showcase...
Italy: Still Safe to Visit
The Italian National Tourist Board is advising agents and travellers that Italy is still a safe country to visit. Officials note that the Italian National Health System has implemented procedures directed at safeguarding citizens and visitors. Intense controls made it possible for the Italian Government to monitor and contain the spreading of COVID-19 from the earliest diffusion outside the Chinese borders. And, the adoption of extraordinary preventive actions, such as the temporary closure of several sites or the suspension of several events, represents cautionary measures which...
Jamaica Tightens Travel Restrictions
Ministry of Health and Wellness officials in Jamaica have expanded its list of countries with travel restrictions due to the continued spread of the corona virus (COVID-19), a move that could affect some Canadians planning to visit the Caribbean island. Canadians that have recently travelled to any of the restricted countries may have to alter their plans to visit Jamaica. Countries added to Jamaica's list of travel restrictions are Italy, South Korea/Republic of Korea, Singapore and Iran. Jamaican officials are also reviewing the situation in Japan, where 164 cases and one death have...
Disney Cruise Line Returns to Greece in 2021
In summer 2021, Disney Cruise Line will sail a variety of itineraries around the world including a return to Greece and varied European destinations, Alaska ports and tropical locales. Plus, Disney Cruise Line will visit three first-time ports of call in Greece, Sweden and Norway. Bookings open to the public on Feb. 28. In summer 2021, a new collection of itineraries is part of Disney Cruise Line’s grand tour of Europe. From May through July, the Disney Magic will visit locales in the Mediterranean including the Greek Isles, Spain and the French Riviera. From late July through...
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...