Destinations
Tapestry Collection Expanding to the Caribbean
Hilton has announced the signing of ROK Hotel, Kingston, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, representing the brand’s debut in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Slated to open in 2020, the 168-room property, owned by PanJam Investment Limited, sits in a multi-purpose complex on the Kingston Waterfront and will include retail, on-site entertainment and commercial office spaces. Under redevelopment to further revitalize the Kingston Waterfront, the 12-storey building originally opened in 1977 as the Oceana Hotel. Now, it is being transformed into ROK, Kingston, a contemporary hotel offering...
Air Canada Inaugurates Montreal-Raleigh Service
Air Canada has inaugurated a new, non-stop service between Montreal and Raleigh, North Carolina. Flights to Raleigh-Durham International Airport operate with a 50-seat Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ). Flights are timed to optimize connectivity from across Air Canada's network through Air Canada's hub in Montreal. “Air Canada's strategic global expansion continues with the launch of Montreal-Raleigh, the 25th transborder route from our Montreal hub, connecting the southern charm of North Carolina and French flavour of Quebec. This new route complements our existing year-round service...
Reduced International Arrivals To US A Concern: Dow
International visitor arrivals to the US grew in 2018 over the past year, but there are still issues with the degree of recovery since the visitor declines that were first experienced in 2017. Roger Dow, president of the U.S. Travel Association, pulled no punches in expressing concerns with US visitor numbers, which continued to grow at a slower pace in comparison to other world destinations. “America’s share of the global tourism market continues to decline,” said Dow during a press conference at the IPW 2019 conference and trade show in Anaheim, which is ongoing this...
Thrills and Chills Abound During Alcatraz Night Tour
Alcatraz is mysterious at any time of day, but for those that want a real thrill, check out the Island’s Night Tour, which is particularly curious after dark. As the sun sets on the island and the crowds begin to dissipate, Alcatraz becomes just a little more intriguing. The adventure begins at Alcatraz Landing (Pier 33) where passengers will board the last boat of the day. While guests of the Night Tour will enjoy the same encounters as Day Tour customers, cellhouse audio tour and the like, the intrigue really begins with a private guided tour around Alcatraz Island, which points...
The Yukon is Bringing Back the Gold Rush
In 1896, the Klondike Gold Rush put Dawson City and the Yukon on the map. Now, in 2019, Dawsoncity.ca is creating a new gold rush. Fittingly named Gold Rush 2, DawsonCity.ca wants to fund a gold rush that will encourage potential visitors to discover a love for the Yukon Territory through its rich history. The campaign launched last week and offers a variety of perks for different contribution levels. For only $5, contributors can have their names go down in an exclusive history book that will be on display at the Dawson City Museum. Higher contributors can purchase perks like a...
Insight Launches 2020 US, Canada Premium Journeys
Insight Vacations has launched its new 2020 USA & Canada Premium Escorted Journeys collection, including Western USA, national parks, East coast, fall foliage, Alaska and the Canadian Rockies. The featured 16 adventures, including one new itinerary, are crafted to offer clients the best of North America’s breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks and vibrant cultures. The program features a hand-picked collection of more than 35 unique Insight Experiences, from meeting a Naturalist Guide during New Hampshire’s fall foliage to dining at home with a local New Yorker to...
Excellent adventure, by OREGON
With such iconic landmarks as Mt. Hood, the Columbia River gorge – one of the top places in the world to windsurf – and Crater Lake, it's no wonder Oregon is attracting adventure seekers like never before, writes assistant editor, Greg Coates in this week's Travel Courier cover story. Adventure can be found virtually everywhere in Oregon. With this in mind, Oregon tourism officials have extended an invitation for travellers to “come find [themselves] in our wild places.” And what better place to disconnect than in Oregon, with its wineries, rugged terrain and mountain peaks,...
Brand USA Maintains Strong ROI For US Tourism
Brand USA kicked off this year's IPW Conference in Anaheim with a press conference that confirmed marketing successes by the organization, and also cast light on upcoming initiatives. Bringing the news was Brand USA president Christopher Thompson (pictured), who told assembled journalists from around the world that marketing investments by the organization had yielded significant benefits for tourism to the United States. He reviewed the highlights of the annual Return On Investment (ROI) study by Oxford Economics that indicated Brand USA marketing efforts generated US$8.9 billion...