Destinations
Bringing A Canadian Perspective To Selling The USA
The awareness and promotion of a Canadian perspective on vacations to the United States is a big plus that the new Brand USA office in Canada brings to the table, says the director of the office. “Canadians tend to have certain preferences for their vacations to the U.S.,” said Colin Skerritt, the new Canada regional director for Brand USA. “We know those preferences and are helping the tour operators be better able to sell those destinations and attractions,” said Skerritt, who met with Press Today during the recent IPW conference and travel trade mart in Anaheim. But it is...
A Taste of Cayman Comes To Toronto
Led by Canadian chef Dylan Benoit, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism hosted a special culinary event at LUXE Appliance Studio in Toronto last night (June 12). Benoit, star of Food Network Canada’s “Fire Masters,” is from Barrie, Ont. and now resides in the Cayman Islands, known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. Culinary experiences on the islands range from fish shacks to Champagne brunches to the Caribbean’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant. Cayman is also a leader in the farm- and sea-to-table industry. Guests at the event were served Cayman beef patties,...
Unforgettable India
Minutes away from the most visited landmark in India is a small unassuming café without prices on the menu, writes assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's Travel Courier cover story. After admiring the Taj Mahal and learning about the love story behind the iconic white mausoleum, which was built by the order of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, travellers can head to Sheroes Hangout in Agra for a cup of Masala milk tea and experience another kind of beauty: the strength and resilience of women like Rupa, Bala, Geeta and Neetu. A short documentary...
Saint Lucia Makes Changes In Canada
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has announced a new organizational structure in Canada that streamlines marketing operations. Under the new structure, marketing activities for Canada are now assigned to the SLTA head office in Saint Lucia in order to optimize capabilities across the organization. In-market sales efforts and the Canadian public relations program remain based on the ground in Toronto. Global social media activities continue to be based in Canada as well. Jackie Mathurin, senior marketing manager, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, said of the changes: “As we...
Carnival Celebrates ‘Decade of Fun’ in Baltimore
Carnival Cruise Line and the Port of Baltimore celebrated a historic milestone with a “Decade of Fun” celebration aboard Carnival Pride to mark the 10-year anniversary of Carnival’s year-round cruising from the port. Carnival launched Baltimore’s first year-round cruise program in 2009 and over the past decade has carried more than a million guests. The festivities were highlighted by a reciprocal exchange of maritime gifts with Carnival President Christine Duffy presenting the Cruise Maryland’s General Manager Cynthia Burman with a ship’s bell while Burman presented...
TravelBrands Puts Europe On Sale
TravelBrands is bringing savings on European travel for agents and clients alike this summer. Until July 2, travellers can save up to 45% on European vacations and get a $50 add-on credit. Travel agents can also earn 5X Loyalty Rewards points. Travellers who make qualifying bookings are eligible to receive a $50 add-on credit. To redeem the credit, agents must simply use promo code EUR50 at...
RIU Enters Senegal
RIU Hotels & Resorts has purchased a 25-hectare site in the Pointe Sarène area on Senegal’s west coast, a “paradise destination in the midst of the tourist development process.” With it, the chain strengthens its commitment to Africa, where it already owns six hotels (five in Cape Verde and one in Tanzania) and runs a further five hotels in Morocco. The planned investment amounts to 150 million euros, which includes the purchase of the site and the development of future hotels in the destination. The size of the site will allow two properties to be built, and it is being...
NCL Homeports in Amsterdam for the First Time
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is celebrating its first season of cruises from the Netherlands, Amsterdam with the European debut of Norwegian Pearl, growing the brand’s presence to six ships in the region for the first time. On June 8, Norwegian Pearl’s Captain, Paul von Knorring, and the ship’s officers were honoured with a plaque and key to the city of Amsterdam from local officials from the Port of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cruise Port and Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, as part of the maritime tradition. On May 11, the 2,400-passenger Pearl embarked on its first summer season in...