Destinations
“AI can’t replace the Irish:” Tourism Ireland’s Sandra Moffatt on the importance of the human connection
Following a successful sales mission in Eastern Canada, Tourism Ireland and industry partners held a reception at the Residence of Ireland in Toronto on Friday that underscored the importance of connecting in person. “It’s an AI world, but ChatGPT can’t replace the answers and the itineraries that you bring to the advisors here. ChatGPT can’t provide that human connection that makes us so memorable,” shared Sandra Moffatt, Country Director of Canada for Tourism Ireland. “AI can’t replace the Irish is my headline.” Reflecting on a busy week that saw the group travel to six...
Canadian tourism gets a boost with new federal funding for ICAF
Canada’s Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), the Honourable Rechie Valdez was in Toronto late last week to announced that the federal government would be providing $15 million over three years for the International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF). Minister Valdez – accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary Karim Bardeesy and Destination Canada (DC) President and CEO, Marsha Walden – observed that: “Canada has what the world wants: dynamic cities, world-class venues, and unforgettable experiences. When we attract major...
Grenada delivers a little spice at Toronto event
The Grenada Tourism Authority recently welcome the travel trade to an event in Toronto hosted by its CEO Stacey Liburd, who provided the gathering with an update on what’s new in The Spice Island. Out of Canada, there are multiple flight options to Grenada, with departures from Toronto Pearson International Airport with Air Canada (three times weekly until April 23, after which it will turn to twice weekly direct flights) and from WestJet (one weekly direct flight) providing convenient, non-stop access. As for what makes Grenada unique, visitors can start with the Underwater...
Caribbean reports growth despite continued headwinds
Caribbean tourism continued to grow in 2025, posting a 2.5% increase in international stay-over arrivals to an estimated 35 million visits, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). That performance -- approximately 900,000 more tourists than in 2024 -- reflects the region’s sustained recovery and resilience with arrivals once again surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Despite a complex global environment marked by evolving economic conditions in key source markets, heightened geopolitical tensions and weather-related disruptions, including the passage of Hurricane...
Marion Certain named Trade Manager for Canada for Brand USA
Marion Certain has been named Trade Manager Canada for Brand USA – a move that reinforces the organization’s commitment to growing travel trade engagement across the Canadian market. Commenting on Certain’s appointment – which took effect March 1 – Jackie Ennis, Vice President, Global Trade Development, said: “Marion brings a strong combination of industry expertise, global experience, and a deep understanding of the travel trade. Her leadership will be key as we continue to expand our partnerships and drive visitation from Canada to the United States.” Based in...
Jamaica Tourist Board offers advisors a chance to win dinner and a movie
The Jamaica Tourist Board has launched a new ‘Dinner & A Movie’ booking incentive, designed to drive Spring-Summer travel sales. Running from April 1 to Aug. 31, 2026, the promotion rewards travel advisors with one entry for every Jamaica package booking made -- the more bookings, the greater the chances to win. Each month, five winners will receive a Jamaica-branded prize package featuring a $50 Cineplex gift card and a $100 Ultimate Dining gift card -- perfect for a night out for two. To participate, advisors must submit bookings via...
Jalisco brings the ‘essence’ of Mexico to Canada
The tourism secretary for the Mexican state of Jalisco told a Monday Toronto audience that her state is the most Mexican of any Mexican state during an event that showcased iconic symbols of Mexico that originated in Jalisco. Michelle Fridman said her state is the "essence" of Mexico during a reception at a Mexican restaurant that featured musicians playing mariachi music -- which is from Jalisco -- and included a tequila tasting. Tequila is also from Jalisco, which actually has a town called Tequila. The town is linked to Guadalajara by a train that showcases the alcohol, with...
Cayman Islands reporting record growth from Canada in February
The Cayman Islands is reporting that Canada continued to drive growth, with a record setting performance in February that featured double-digit percentage increases in stayover visitors for the fourth consecutive month. In all, the Cayman Islands welcome 6,102 Canadian visitors in February 2026 – that’s a 47% increase year over year and the highest monthly visitation total ever recorded from the Canadian market. Canada’s performance reflects sustained demand and significant airlift expansion, including increased service from Toronto and new service from Ottawa. Overall in...