Destinations
ETC Names New Vice-Chair in Canada
The European Travel Commission (ETC) has appointed Pascal Prinz, director of Switzerland Tourism, as the new vice-chair of the ETC’s Canada chapter. Prinz joins Dana Welch, manager for Canada at Tourism Ireland and chair of the ETC’s Canada chapter. He takes over the vice-chair role from Antje Splettstoesser, former director of the German National Tourist Board’s representation in Canada. As director of Switzerland Tourism in Canada, Prinz is responsible for the marketing of Switzerland as a vacation and convention destination. Prior, he worked at Switzerland Tourism in New...
Cajun Cooking On Louisiana Tourism Menu
As a key part of Louisiana culture, Cajun/Creole cuisine is a natural addition to any tourism event presented by the state. Louisiana state officials and destination suppliers took that to next level during a recent visit to Vancouver, by inviting guests to participate in the cooking chores themselves. A group of nearly 20 tourism media and bloggers met at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts near Granville Island where they donned aprons and joined chefs in three large teaching kitchens. There, under watchful directions, they prepared a lunch consisting of a shrimp/apple...
Porter Opens Up Ontario’s Muskoka Region
Porter Airlines will be flying to Muskoka Airport with the introduction of 2019 summer service. Flights will have an air time of approximately 20 minutes, operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Mondays between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Muskoka Airport, from June 27 to Sept. 3. Connecting flights are available via Toronto for numerous Porter destinations in the US and Canada. “Muskoka is an inspiring destination that attracts travellers from near and far,” said Porter president Robert Deluce. “This new route serves as a great opportunity to link Muskoka to our...
Brazil Waives Entry Visa Requirements
Brazil has opened its doors for your clients. The Brazilian Government will allow visa-free entry for citizens of Canada, as well as the US, Australia, and Japan, effective June 17. Until then, the current e-visa will be required. Citizens of those countries wishing to visit Brazil will no longer need to apply or pay for a visa. They will be able to stay in Brazil for 90 days from the date of first entry, extendable for an equal period, provided that it does not exceed 180 days, every 12 months, counted from the date of the first entry into the country. This development comes as...
Thailand’s Minor Hotels Now In Portugal
The hospitality industry in the most westerly country in continental Europe is now being shaped in part by the Far East. Thailand's Minor Hotels has added Portugal's Tivoli Hotels & Resorts to its brand inventory and also brought a weighty name in Thai resort circles to the Iberian country, thereby introducing elements of Thailand hospitality and culture to southern Europe. Minor converted a Tivoli Algarve property to the Anantara Vilamoura, making Portugal the first and only European country to date to have a resort by Thailand's Anantara chain, known for its upscale...
Feed Your Imagination
There was no shortage of destination news at a recent Las Vegas tourism mission stop, called “Feed Your Imagination,” in downtown Vancouver. A group of hotel and attraction suppliers were led by Vegas tourism officials from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in describing developments in one of the world’s biggest tourism meccas. They set up shop on the conference level of the Parq Vancouver, where they took the opportunity to relate the latest tourism happenings to local travel agents and tour operators. For instance, Raider Nation is moving from Oakland CA to...
Festivals In Ireland: What You Need to Know
Baxter Media invites you to attend an exciting webinar with Tourism Ireland next Wednesday (March 27) at 2 p.m. (EST). Leave your clients with memories that will last a lifetime by signing up for this insider’s guide to festivals & events all across the island of Ireland. Joined by some of Ireland’s top festivals and event partners, tune in to learn more about how you can craft and sell the ultimate visitor experience in Ireland – from food to music… and some secret surprises! This free webinar will begin promptly at 2 p.m. (EST) on March 27. Agents who attend the...
Discover Another Side of Hungary
The vocal chops of a musical icon can be heard in the Spice of Europe promotional video for Budapest. The campaign spot features Queen’s frontman Freddie Mercury singing a Hungarian folk song during a concert behind The Iron Curtain in 1986 as it showcases the diversity of things to do in the capital city. While Budapest remains the top draw for travellers to the European destination, accounting for roughly 80% of visitors, promotional efforts are underway to spread tourism across the country to areas like the Tokaj wine region and scenic Lake Balaton. “Hungary is home to some...