Destinations
Another Record Year For Port of Québec
The Port of Québec has concluded another successful cruise season with continued growth in number of passengers and cruise lines visiting. In 2018, the Port welcomed 230,940 visitors, a nearly 15% increase over the 200,000 visitors welcomed in 2017. The port has a goal of 400,000 passengers by 2025. In addition to its strong passenger growth, a record number of 156 ships called in Québec City this year, 14 of which embarked and disembarked at the port. Eight ships made inaugural visits, including Disney Magic, which visited Québec City in September. The cruise industry is...
Canadian Tourist Arrivals Top 1 Million to Cuba
The Cuba Tourist Board of Canada reports that Cuba has officially welcomed over a million Canadian visitors over the course of the 2018 travel season. The confirmation of this impressive statistic follows similarly strong results from 2017 and highlights the enduring appeal of Cuba for Canadian travellers. “We are both excited and humbled to have had the opportunity to accommodate so many guests in 2018,” said Eloy Govea, director of the Cuba Tourist Board. “Cuba continues to be an exciting, dynamic destination rich in culture, cuisine, and – of course – beautiful beaches....
AC Opens Newest Maple Leaf Lounge at LaGuardia
Air Canada unveiled its newest Maple Leaf Lounge yesterday (Dec. 4) at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. The new lounge, conveniently located after security near Air Canada's gates, is the first airline lounge to open in the new Terminal B Eastern Concourse. With capacity for up to 126 customers in an elegant space that overlooks the concourse, the new LaGuardia Maple Leaf Lounge combines Canadian design and art with metropolitan modern style. The 7,015-square-foot lounge features a self-serve bar, offering a wide selection of beverages, including Canadian wines and Lavazza...
Canadian Airlift To Vienna Soars
Although Air Canada's newly announced year-round non-stop flights from Toronto to Vienna on the 787-9 Dreamliner don't take off until April 29, 2019, Nino Montagnese, managing director of Air Canada Vacations, said the time for clients to book is now. “You don't get a better price the closer you get to the departure when it comes to Europe. It's right now,” Montagnese told PressToday following an event held in Toronto yesterday (Dec. 4) in partnership with the Vienna Tourist Board in Canada. “We encourage the advance bookings and we have a better Early Booking Bonus if you book in...
Time Running Out To Enter Barbados Contest
Time is fleeting for those wanting to enter a contest revolving around the Run Barbados festival. Dec. 7-9 Run Barbados features a one-mile walk, and 5K, 10K and half-marathon running races. The festival is a celebration of athleticism in a destination best known for its sun-splashed beaches. “I think Run Barbados has been a very attractive option for Canadian runners,” says Peter Mayers, director of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.'s Canadian office. “We're trying to position this as the best way to end your year of running – end with the best. “It remains a staple...
WestJet Brings Australia Closer
WestJet has expanded its codeshare relationship with Qantas by placing its WS code and flight numbers on Qantas-operated flights between Los Angeles and Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. “Expanding our partnership with Qantas provides our guests greater global travel options and aligns with the new premium products and services WestJet is developing as we continue our evolution to a global network airline,” said Brian Znotins, WestJet vice-president, Network Planning and Alliances. Itineraries connecting the growing WestJet network to these Australian destinations are...
Rose Leaving Canadian Post at Jamaica Tourist Board
Philip Rose, regional director, Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board, has announced he is leaving his post, effective Dec. 15. In a note from Rose, pictured (l) with Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, he said, “A fantastic run is coming to an end. After seven successful years, I will be leaving the post... to undertake an exciting new position within the JTB. “As I embark on this exciting new role, I want to thank you and everyone for all the support over the years. I have made some incredible friends here, both in the industry and in the community. I will miss you all. Canada...
Porter Unveils Seasonal Myrtle Beach Service
Porter Airlines has unveiled its seasonal service to Myrtle Beach, beginning Feb. 13 and operating until May 19. Porter offers non-stop flights directly from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Flights operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with added frequency during March Break. “The warm air and ocean breezes of Myrtle Beach are just two hours away with Porter,” noted Robert Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines. “It’s the perfect time of year to think about getting away for a few days of relaxation.” Ocean-front hotels, sandy beaches and...