Destinations
Ripley’s Myrtle Beach To Open Penguin Experience
Myrtle Beach’s Ripley’s Aquarium is in the midst of its largest expansion ever – with the addition of a Penguin Playhouse exhibit set to open in the first half of 2020. According to Alexia Edge, sales manager for Ripley's Myrtle Beach, the 5,500-square-foot addition will be an interactive experience and allow visitors to see African penguins up close and personal – both from above and below the water line. Penguin encounters will include meet-and-greets and a chance to get a portrait with one the star attractions. In other news, Myrtle Beach is helping visitors reclaim...
In The Lap Of Luxury
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) recently hosted a luxury themed FAM for eight top-performing agents from Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, and Ontario. All participants were top producing "Saint Lucia Expert" (SLEx) agents. SLEx is an innovative online educational and loyalty program designed to engage travel agents and serve as their central source for resources that enable them to sell Saint Lucia to Canadian clients. While in Saint Lucia, the group was hosted by island top health and wellness properties -- The Body Holiday and Stonefield Villa Resort. The itinerary showcased...
Dubai: A City With A Vision Of The Future
These are good days for Dubai's tourism industry and considering what's happening in the next year and a half, things are just going to get that much better. In October 2020, Dubai will become the focus of world attention with the opening of the Expo 2020 Dubai World Expo that will run for six months. But between then and now, the destination will also the opening of a host of new attractions to entertain, amuse and excite visitors. Soraya Al Olama, Head of North America for the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), points out that Dubai's Vision 2025 is a...
Agents Can Win With Los Cabos
Los Cabos' following is on the upswing among Canadians. Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, reports Canadian visitations during the January-July period rose 17%, with Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto among cities sending sharp increases in the number of visitors to Los Cabos. “We’re very thankful for the growth,” Esponda says. One reason for Los Cabos’ popularity is that it offers what Esponda calls a “different experience,” thanks to its being a desert setting with mountains and the Sea of Cortes as a backdrop. Esponda also praises the...
Putting South Africa On The Map
A high-powered group of South Africa tourism executives have been meeting with their partners in North America to engage them in a discussion of how the destination can revitalize its tourism industry. South African Tourism's Acting CEO,Sthembiso Dlamini said during the Toronto roadshow workshop that “as a destination, we can inspire all we want, but we need our partners to tell our story” in a way that their clients understand. The South African government, dealing with 30% unemployment, has made tourism a top priority, recognizing that it is an industry that creates...
Royal Caribbean Predicts Big Increase in Caribbean Business
Royal Caribbean International is predicting that its Caribbean cruise tourism business will grow by 50% by 2030, with overall economic benefit of cruise reaching US$6 billion. President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Bayley told a recent Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) outlook forum that with the region continuing to grow in popularity among cruisers – eight of the top 10 cruise destinations worldwide are in the Caribbean, he said – now is the time to prepare for further increases in cruise passenger numbers. “The Caribbean was, is, will always be, the number one...
MSC Reveals New Island Experiences
This November MSC Cruises will welcome its first guests on to its new private island destination in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. With endless sweeping vistas of crystal blue waters and two miles of white sandy beaches, Ocean Cay is the ideal getaway for guests to discover nature’s pure, untouched beauty through a variety of activities designed for all ages. From ocean discovery activities like snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking to relaxing in a cabana on the beach or during a luxurious spa treatment, there is something for everyone. Guests can also enjoy...
Goway Recognized At Switzerland Travel Mart
Goway Travel was one of the big winners at Switzerland Tourism’s Gold Flower Award ceremony, held in Lucerne last night (Oct. 20) ahead of the opening ceremony for Switzerland Travel Mart. The awards, which take place every two years in conjunction with Switzerland Tourism’s most important travel trade event, recognize the efforts of top tour operators offering innovative and notable itineraries to the European destination. “Goway has launched numerous new Switzerland itineraries including the Grand Tour of Switzerland by electric cars and by scenic trains,” said Pascal...