Destinations
CTO Declares 2019 ‘Year of Festivals’
On the heels of the past year’s successful Year of Rejuvenation, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has declared 2019 the Year of Festivals in the Caribbean. Throughout 2019, the region will celebrate the unique rhythm and tempo of each CTO destination. “The Year of Festivals will focus on the fascinating events that have become an integral part of the Caribbean tourism calendar. Festivals help to energize communities across the region, while giving visitors more reasons to enjoy our destinations,” said Hugh Riley, secretary general of CTO. “In addition to providing...
Sunwing Celebrates New Flights
The first Sunwing flight from Ottawa to Miami departed from Ottawa International Airport this past weekend (Dec. 15), marking the first of this season’s new weekly direct flights departing every Saturday until March 30, inclusive. Reg Mendes, vice-president of USA and Cruises for Sunwing, commented, “We’re excited to be offering our customers in Ottawa even more options for their winter escape this year with the addition of Miami as a new flight route. This new direct flight service will offer Ottawa travellers more ways to 'Vacation Better' in Florida both on land and at sea...
New Tour From 50 Degrees North
50 Degrees North, has introduced an innovative new eight-day tour for 2019 – The Western Fjords of Norway. While largely unknown to international visitors, the Western fjords are a rare gem. The landscape is pristine and exceptionally beautiful even by Norwegian standards. However, the landscape is not the only factor that makes The Western Fjords of Norway tour exceptional. It's the ease to access such a unique and remote region without having to face peak summer traffic. This journey takes travellers off the beaten path as it showcases sites that aren't known by many travellers. 50...
Good Deals From Goway, Virgin Australia
Goway Travel has partnered with Virgin Australia to offer a selection of great value getaways to Sydney, Melbourne and the Great Barrier Reef, starting from CA $2,199 per person. Combining competitive airfares from Vancouver with hotel deals in Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns, including up to 3 free nights and a “2 for the price of 1” Great Barrier Reef Low Isles cruise, these Australia vacations are currently available for sale until Dec 22, 2018. They include: the 10 Day Aussie City Explorer with Virgin Australia from CA $2,199; the 11-Day Sydney & Great Barrier Reef with...
A First For TDC
Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) recently held its ground-breaking LGBTQ Destination Wedding fam in Puerto Vallarta with 35 TDC agents from across Canada attending. The fam was an industry first -- and exclusively offered by Transat Distribution Canada to its network of travel professionals – as TDC continues to be an industry leader in offering educational forums for its travel professionals that respond to the latest consumer trends. The Destination Wedding fam included comprehensive training on LGBTQ destination weddings and the special requirements of the LGBTQ wedding...
Upscale Anguilla Focuses On Quality
Anguilla clearly isn't synonymous with slumming it, with the smallish island having earned itself an upscale reputation. Donna Banks, chairperson of the Anguilla Tourist Board, told a Wednesday Toronto gathering when it comes to the “number of luxury accommodations per capita we are number one” in the Caribbean. “Anguilla is considered by many to be a playground for the rich and famous...Some persons want to be selfish with Anguilla and want it to remain a private hidden oasis. “We are not keeping it a secret.” The island is home to a number of upscale retreats, among...
Miami, Like A VIP
Miami is constantly evolving and reinventing itself. For travellers, the coastal Florida destination offers the best of a beautiful beach escape and a city getaway across diverse cultures and a buzzing nightlife, writes assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's Travel Courier cover story. Miami, which recently ranked fourth on Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2019 guide for the Top Cities to visit next year, is also becoming increasingly renowned for its flavourful food scene and a multitude of art, museums, events and shops. For discerning clients looking for a memorable...
Azores Airlines Offering Agents More Choice
Azores Airlines is preparing to offer travel agents more money and their clients departing from Toronto more choices. The carrier, which will close out 2019 with four weekly flights between Toronto and the Azores' Ponta Delgada, will see daily service between the destinations during the peak May-September summer season, a Tuesday Toronto gathering was told. There will also be Thursday summer service from Montreal to Ponta Delgada. The June-September period will also see weekly service from Toronto to the island of Terceira. Toronto flights are now on Monday, Wednesday, Friday...