“Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit.”
The beer was flowing and the scent of fresh pretzels lingered as a group of local musicians started playing the popular German drinking song. But rather than Munich, we found ourselves in a shoreside party tent in the small town of Vilshofen – where guests on AmaWaterways itineraries on the Danube start or end their trips with a special Oktoberfest-like celebration.
This song in particular I’d heard – and sang along to – hundreds of times. While there’s no direct translation, Gemütlichkeit conveys a feeling of warmth,...
As Barbados and several other Eastern Caribbean islands successfully weather the passage of Tropical Storm Dorian, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) called attention to their governments' and the tourism industry's degree of preparedness.
While the storm system continues to impact parts of the region with wind and rainfall, Frank Comito, CEO and director general of CHTA, lauded regional governments and the tourism industry for their level of preparedness and their timely informing of residents and visitors of the potential threats posed by the tropical system.
“We...
Air Canada has introduced year-round service between Montreal and Toulouse, France, starting June 4, 2020.
The five-times weekly flights will provide the only year-round service between the two cities and be operated with Air Canada's Airbus A330-300 fleet, featuring Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
Special introductory fares from Montreal to Toulouse start at $729 round-trip, all-in, and tickets are now available for purchase.
“Air Canada is very pleased to offer non-stop, year-round flights linking Montreal and Toulouse. This service will create...
National Geographic Expeditions has entered into its fifth year in partnership with G Adventures and has added eight new trips to their National Geographic Journeys collection, all of which provide “an enriching, in-depth look at the history, culture, and natural heritage of a destination.”
The newly announced itineraries add three new countries to the Journeys product line – Ireland, Singapore and Greece, which are now on sale and available to agents and travellers around the world for 2020 booking.
National Geographic Journeys tours combine hands-on experiences, local...
Bermuda’s annual Splash Sale is underway, offering 30% off select hotels with rates started at $159.
To take advantage of the savings, travellers must book by Sept. 10 and travel between Sept. 3 and April 30, 2020.
Participating properties include, but are not limited to, the Royal Palms, starting from $305 a night; Newstead Belmont Hills, starting from $225 a night; and The Reefs, starting at $276.50 a...
Escapes by Globus is offering savings of up to 40% on late fall to early spring trips to Europe.
According to officials, milder temperatures, fewer crowds and better deals are the idea behind Escapes by Globus, a compilation of its best-loved itineraries in Europe presented during the low season (November through March).
“It’s such a great idea: you get the same scenery and the same sights for much less,” says Stéphanie Bishop of Globus’ Canada office. “The heat is off, the crowds are halved and the locals have the time to spend connecting with visitors. And you still...
With Celebrity Cruises’ 2020 Europe season poised to be the line’s most “revolutionary” yet, the brand has unveiled four new longer European sailings on board its newest ship, Celebrity Apex, the second ship in its innovative Edge Series.
“Like her industry-changing sister ship, Celebrity Edge – which was just named one of TIME Magazine’s 2019 World’s Greatest Places – Celebrity Apex will feature an innovative outward-facing design and transformational accommodations that invite guests to take in the breathtaking world around them,” said Celebrity president Lisa...
Monograms is expanding its diverse vacation portfolio with eight new vacations in 2020 to such exotic destinations as China, Peru, the Galápagos, Argentina, Chile, Guatemala and even Antarctica.
“Monograms is perfect for the independent traveller who wants all of the details taken care of ahead of time – as well as during their vacation,” says Stéphanie Bishop of the Globus family of brands, Monograms parent company. “Not only do you save countless hours of research, but you receive private guided sightseeing in each city as well as VIP access to must-see landmarks.”
The...
Busabout has launched its 2020 USA & Canada brochure highlighted with three new guided Adventures and a 3-Stop Hop-on Hop-off Pass on its West Coast coach travel network.
The tour operator launched into North America for the first time in 2019 and is venturing further in 2020, adding more adventures in the USA and along the East Coast of Canada. Clients can save 10% off 2020 USA & Canada adventures when they book by Sept. 30.
“The reception for Busabout’s State-side Hop-on Hop-off network has been fantastic – our clients have praised our friendly and helpful guides,...
With a diverse membership of more than 30 countries and territories, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) certainly has its challenges as an organized body trying to focus on the entire region of the Caribbean as a single destination entity.
It was everything Caribbean yesterday (Aug. 22) in Toronto as the CTO hosted its annual Caribbean Media Day – highlighted by a news conference, marketplace and luncheon.
Dominic Fedee (pictured above), chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization and minister of tourism for Saint Lucia, was on hand and said the CTO’s vision remains to...