Destinations
Carnival to Add Fourth Ship in Galveston
Everything is bigger in Texas – including Carnival Cruise Line – which announced it will have four ships homeported in Galveston, year-round, beginning in 2021. Building on its position as the number one cruise line from Texas, Carnival officials said that Carnival Radiance will join the Galveston-based fleet in May 2021. In addition, Carnival Breeze will return to Galveston from Port Canaveral, becoming the newest and largest ship to operate a short cruise program from Galveston. Carnival Dream will shift to six- and eight-day Caribbean voyages while Carnival Vista will continue...
Only in Scotland
Following a stop in NYC, representatives from across Scotland were in Toronto last night (Oct. 24) to showcase some of the unique visitor experiences, attractions and hotels that await in the destination. “As part of VisitScotland’s international engagement, each year we take a delegation of businesses to North America to meet with North American tour operators and travel agents to encourage new itinerary development to help encourage more Canadians to visit Scotland,” Keith Campbell, market manager – Canada & Golf, visitor marketing for VisitScotland told PressToday. “This...
Air New Zealand Set To Connect Auckland-New York
Air New Zealand’s inaugural flight from Auckland to Newark Liberty International Airport will take off on Oct. 29, 2020, becoming the first ever non-stop service between New Zealand and New York. The new service deepens the alliance between Air New Zealand and United Airlines and follows Air New Zealand’s successful launch of non-stop flights to United’s hub in Chicago in November 2018. Air New Zealand will fly the route three times weekly, year-round, under its flagship flight numbers NZ1 southbound and NZ2 northbound. The service will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner...
Swoop Adds New Routes From London
London, Ont. residents can now escape winter with the launch of Swoop's two new routes heading south of the border. Swoop, Canada's ultra-low-fare airline and subsidiary of WestJet, will depart from London International Airport (YXU) to Cancún International Airport (CUN) on Oct. 24, followed by the inaugural flight to Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Oct. 26. These inaugural flights kick off Swoop's London, Ont. winter schedule. Flights are available for booking now through to April 25, 2020. Swoop's twice-weekly service from London to Cancún departs on Thursdays and...
Spotlight on Costa Rica
Wildlife enthusiasts visiting Costa Rica may awaken to an alarm clock provided by Mother Nature. Tourism guide Michel Aranda told a Wednesday Toronto Costa Rica promotion that some Costa Ricans awaken to early morning calls by howler monkeys, famed for their far-reaching vocalizations. And that, he said, underscores one of many interesting natural aspects to the country. “Wherever you walk around there's greenery. Wherever you walk around, there's forest. Wherever you walk around there's birds chirping,” he said of a country that has 6.3% of the world's biological diversity...
Anguilla: Beyond Extraordinary
While renowned for its spectacular beaches and coral reefs, tourism officials from Anguilla are sending a message that the Caribbean island is much more that. Donna Banks, chairperson for the Anguilla Tourist Board, was in Toronto last night (Oct. 23) and hosted a trade dinner at the Royal York to update agents on all that's new in Anguilla. “We're focusing on the authenticity of the Anguilla experience, beyond the great beaches,” said Banks. “A focus on tours and activities [such as caving] and culinary. Also, the people are our greatest asset.” She added that travellers...
Flight Centre Names Its Top Destinations for 2020
Flight Centre has revealed its list of top 10 travel destinations for 2020. The company notes a growing interest outside of classic destinations with more Canadians seeking to beat the crowds and discover something special before everyone else catches on. As a prime example, the well-trodden Yucatan Peninsula shows no sign of losing favour among Canadian travellers, but consumers are seeking more unique ways to experience the destination. “Hidden gems such as nearby Mérida are starting to sparkle as brightly as Cancun or Riviera Maya,” says Allison Wallace, VP Communications...
RIU Opens In Morocco
RIU Hotels & Resorts has opened the Riu Palace Tikida Taghazout, a five-star 24-hour all-inclusive hotel located in the Taghazout Bay area, which is Morocco’s new tourist destination, 15 kilometres to the north of Agadir. The hotel is RIU’s sixth in Morocco with its Moroccan partner Tikida Group, and faces Atlantic Ocean on a paradise-like beach with an exclusive sun lounger area for guests. The hotel covers over 18 hectares at the heart of the main Atlantic Plan Azur resort in Morocco, a plan that aims to increase the number of tourists in 2020. It offers all the services of...