Destinations
Taking Caribbean tourism to the next level
There was good news for the industry during the recent Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) president, Nicola Madden-Greig, OD, sharing an ambitious vision for the future of Caribbean hospitality. Underscoring the conference’s theme -- A New Era of Tourism: Balancing Tradition, Technology and Community – Madden-Greig highlighted encouraging industry statistics, noting that despite a global downturn in inbound tourism, the Caribbean is surpassing the trend with a 17% increase. However, the CHTA’s boss...
Antigua and Barbuda celebrate Wellness month to kick off 2024
Antigua and Barbuda are inviting visitors and residences to immerse themselves in the destination’s enriching wellness experiences as part of Wellness Month, featuring a host of events and activities in January 2024. Hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Antigua and Barbuda Wellness Month offers those seeking to enhance their quality of life a selection of carefully curated activities in resorts and in local communities, ranging from wellness retreats, spa experiences, hiking trail exploration, off-shore island excursions with yoga on secluded beaches, culturally...
Anguilla takes aim at golf market in 2024
The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) is teeing up a new strategy for 2024 with plans to target the large and untapped golf market. It’s a lucrative market, with the ATB pointing out that there are over 25 million ardent golfers in the US alone, and another 15.5 million participate exclusively in off-course golf activities at places like driving ranges, indoor golf simulators, or golf entertainment venues like Topgolf and Drive Shack. The global golf tourism market size was valued at USD 21.74 billion in 2021 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%...
Canadians are invited to travel south
More sites and attractions that tell the history of the USA South East have opened or will debut in the near future, turning new pages on stories that are still emerging, reports western editor, Ted Davis in the latest issue of Travel Courier. Some of these were reviewed and previewed at the recent Travel South USA International Showcase travel trade conference and marketplace early this month in Memphis, Tennessee. About 450 tourism product sellers, international product buyers and travel media attended the trade mart, topping the total of 400 who came to last year’s show in...
Barbados launching ‘Feels Like Summer’ campaign
The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) -- in partnership with Book Barbados – is launching its ‘Feels Like Summer’ campaign, offering travellers digital credits of up to BBD$400 (USD$200). The campaign aims to invoke various emotions that will influence different types of travellers to book their trip to Barbados; experiencing the feelings a summer getaway can bring through this promotion. The booking window is set to run from Dec. 26, 2023, to Feb. 6, 2024, with registration for the digital credits opening from Dec. 26, 2023, to March 31, 2024. The campaign's travel...
Update on volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula
Visit Iceland has provided an update on the volcanic eruption that is underway on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It advises that the eruption began on Dec. 18 and marks the fourth eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the last three years. Key takeaways: The area had previously been evacuated and the eruption does not pose immediate threat to people. Air traffic to and from Iceland is operating normally. The effects of the eruption are localized at the eruption site. All services in Iceland are operating per usual. The volume of lava has diminished significantly since...
Thrilled but cautious
Canadian tour operators are applauding the Indian government’s decision to once again issue visas for Canadians who want to travel to the destination. Goway’s Moira Smith summed up the sentiments of operators, telling Travel Courier’s Ian Stalker that: “We are thrilled.” Renata Snidr of NARAT was also glad to see a resolution of the visa issue but noted tension remains between Ottawa and New Delhi. Snidr observed: “The relatively short time in which the decision was made is potentially an indication of the importance the travel sector plays in Canada-India commerce....
Martinique, Air Canada make a new connection
Now that was quite the celebration. The Martinique Tourism Authority (MTA) celebrated Air Canada’s launch of non-stop service from Toronto to Martinique with a lively gate party at Toronto-Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The Martinican Tourism Commissioner, Bénédicte di Géronimo, was joined at Terminal 1 by other delegates from the Caribbean destination and Air Canada representatives to celebrate the occasion. In her remarks, di Géronimo said: “This new route, more than an air connection, opens doors to new opportunities, strengthening our commitment to elevate...