Destinations
ETC Continues To See The Positives
In its latest quarterly report -- European Tourism --Trends & Prospects” -- for Q3 2019, the European Travel Commission's (ETC) reports demand for Europe remains in positive territory, albeit with a slower expansion rate compared to the last two years. That report notes as well that although external risks are failing to dissipate, destinations continue to grow at a modest pace and the overarching regional outlook remains positive (3% to 4% in international tourist arrivals in 2019). Of particular interest in Q3 is that Montenegro maintained growth momentum at 18% as it...
Universal’s New Dockside Inn to Open in March
Universal Orlando Resort’s eighth hotel, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, will open on March 17, 2020. An “extra-affordable Value category hotel,” Dockside Inn and Suites will join its sister property at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, Surfside Inn and Suites, which opened in June. Dockside Inn and Suites will add 2,050 guest rooms to the Universal Orlando hotel portfolio by the end of 2020, featuring both standard rooms and spacious two-bedroom suites – which can accommodate up to six people. Rates start US$85 per night. Guests...
WestJet Committed To Indigenous Tourism
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada has significantly increased its wingspan after a $100,000, over three years, commitment with WestJet was announced during the International Indigenous Tourism Association Conference in Kelowna, Syilx Territory, BC (IITC). Keith Henry, president and CEO of ITAC, said that: “From launching Indigenous itineraries with WestJet this summer to announcing this invaluable multi-year commitment, WestJet is providing ITAC and our Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs endless opportunities to grow Indigenous tourism across Canada and showcase our...
MSC Meraviglia Now Home in Miami
MSC Meraviglia – MSC Cruises’ first Meraviglia Class smart ship – debuted in North America last month and has now made its inaugural visit to Miami, its new homeport for the upcoming winter season. With a double occupancy capacity of 4,488 and gross tonnage of 171,598 GRT, MSC Meraviglia is MSC Cruises’ largest ship sailing from the US. With a name meaning wonder, officials say MSC Meraviglia boasts an innovative and glamorous design that showcases MSC Cruises’ signature European style. The ship’s two-storey Mediterranean-style promenade, featuring the longest LED Dome...
Kiwi Operators Welcome New YVR AC Route
A brunch meeting event in Vancouver by tourism operators from the Central North Island of New Zealand reminded guests that balmy summer conditions are now on their way below the equator. It also served as a reminder that new flights by Air Canada between Vancouver and Auckland will be starting in December. The group brands itself as Explore Central North Island and it was winding down a whirlwind North America mission with the stop in Vancouver, done together with Tourism New Zealand. Destinations represented included Rotorua, Hobbiton, Lake Taupo, Napier, Gisborne, the Bay of...
Four Seasons Bora Bora Debuts Overwater Bungalows
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has debuted its new and enhanced overwater bungalow suite collection. The resort has added eight new overwater bungalow suites. Six of these 1,120 sq.-ft. suites featuring 11 x 8 ft. infinity-edge plunge pools set on a private deck. Additionally, six plunge pools were added to existing overwater bungalow suites, bringing the total number of overwater accommodations with pools to 27, and the total overwater room count to 108. Each of the one- and two-bedroom bungalow suites have been refreshed, reflecting a more contemporary Polynesian feel, complete...
Sonoma County Open for Business
The Kincade Fire in Northern California has been fully contained and Sonoma County’s hospitality businesses have returned to what they do best – providing guests with a world-class welcome and unforgettable experiences. The fire damaged less than 8% of Sonoma County’s one-million-acre land mass. Some 77,758 acres burned and threatened the populated areas of Geyserville, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa and Windsor. However, firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the largely unoccupied wilderness areas in the rugged northeastern part of the county, beyond where most visitors go. Cal...
RIU Takes Its Urban Line to San Francisco
RIU Hotels & Resorts has added a new hotel to the Riu Plaza brand in the United States through the acquisition of an establishment in San Francisco. Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf is located just a short stroll from the famous Pier 39, North beach and China Town. “This project is great news for RIU and for the consolidation of our line of Riu Plaza urban hotels. San Francisco is a great city with a very competitive hotel market and this acquisition places us in one of the best neighbourhoods with a quality product that fits perfectly with our business strategy. Our objective is...