Destinations
Coronavirus Will Impact Airport Retail — GlobalData
According to GlobalData, the coronavirus will impact on airport retail worldwide. The data and analytics company notes that global airport retail sales are forecast to reach US$48.2 billion in 2020, up 6.1% on 2019, however, the escalation of the severity of coronavirus could now have a detrimental impact on airport passenger numbers – causing concern for airport operators and retailers. Honor Strachan, principal analyst at GlobalData observes that, “The prevention of travel for Chinese consumers will impact the performance of airport retail worldwide. Over the last few years...
Air Canada Suspends Beijing, Shanghai Flights
Air Canada said that following a Canadian government's advisory to avoid non-essential travel to mainland China it is temporarily suspending all direct flights to Beijing and Shanghai, effective today (Jan. 30) until Feb. 29. Affected customers will be notified and offered options, including travel on other carriers where available, or a full refund. Air Canada regrets this situation and apologizes for the serious disruption to customers' travel plans. The carrier said it will continue to monitor this evolving situation closely in consultation with the Public Health Agency of...
Star Wars Day at Sea Returns in 2021
Out-of-this-world adventures are returning to Disney Cruise Line in 2021 with “Star Wars Day at Sea.” This special day-long celebration is filled with unique character encounters, live shows and Star Wars-themed activities for the entire family. Star Wars Day at Sea takes place on seven-night Disney Fantasy cruises to the Caribbean from January through March. With more than a dozen of the galaxy’s most formidable and heroic characters onboard, guests can meet with the best of the Resistance including Chewbacca, C-3PO and R2-D2; come face-to-face with Darth Vader; and be on...
Visit Denver Selects Pulse Travel Marketing
Visit Denver has named Pulse Travel Marketing as its marketing and public relations representative for Canada. The agency will work with the Visit Denver staff and in-state partners to ensure that the Mile High City is prominently positioned with the travel, consumer and key distribution media channels in Canada. This will include the development and implementation of a strategic communications program to increase the profile of Visit Denver and maximize media opportunities. Denver welcomed more than 31 million visitors in 2018, generating $6.5 billion in spending, while supporting...
Exploring the Road Less Travelled
With 2019 in the books, Skyscanner has analyzed Canadian traveller data to determine where Canadians have been, where they'll go next, and what the best value destinations are in 2020. According to the 2020 Canadian Travel Trends Report, a study of 1,500 Canadians commissioned by Skyscanner, more Canadians plan to travel in 2020. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of Canadians intend to travel this year, compared to the two-thirds of Canadians (66%) who travelled in 2019. “Canadians are planning to take the road less travelled in 2020,” said Juliano Lopez, head of Research &...
Tune In To These Two Cities
“Come and experience the edginess of Berlin in contrast with the cultural side of Vienna,” beckoned Kirsten Schmidt, USA & Canada Representative for Visit Berlin, during a recent lunch at the Bauhaus Restaurant in Vancouver. Between January to November 2019, Berlin welcomed 12.9 million visitors, an increase of 3.4% from the previous year. Canadian travellers rose by 1.2% to reach 55,000. Today, Berlin is one of seven cities worldwide that have garnered over 30 million overnight stays annually. In other news, after a nine-year delay, Airport Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt is...
Israel Gears Up For 2020
Not to put too fine a point on it, but Israel is on a roll these days. In fact, Eyal Carlin, tourism commissioner for North America for the Israel Ministry of Tourism, is quick to note that the last three years have been very good for the destination overall out of North America and, more specifically, out of the Canadian market; praising the Canadian team of Gal Hana, Jerry Adler and Ellen Melman for their efforts. Carlin, who was in Canada this week to meet with agents and operators in Toronto, also hinted at a major, new marketing deal with a Canadian tour operator that is expected...
Dream Hotel Group Moving Into San Antonio
Dream Hotel Group has announced plans to open Dream San Antonio, Texas in 2023. With more than 20 new hotels on the horizon for Dream, the signing of Dream San Antonio represents another milestone in the continued growth and expansion of the company and its portfolio of lifestyle brands. “San Antonio is one of the most authentic, passionate and diverse cities in America, as seen through its bold culture, rich history and burgeoning art, music and culinary scenes – making it an ideal destination for the Dream Hotels flag,” said Dream Hotel Group CEO Jay Stein. “We are proud...