Destinations
Mexico Says Thanks!
The director of the Mexico Tourism Board's Toronto office used a Thursday night Toronto party to thank some of those who have helped his homeland's tourism trade. Cesar Mendoza told the gathering of tour operator and airline representatives and others that he's appreciative of the support Mexican tourism has received from them. Mexico is hugely popular with Canadians and others and has been steadily been working its way up the list of the world's 10 most-visited countries. But Mendoza noted last night's party comes at a time when “rumours” are circulating about the fate of...
Canadian Agents Leave Their Mark At #GIVC2018
A strong showing of Canadian travel agents are on location in Riviera Maya this week for the 11th annual GIVC (Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultants) sales and marketing forum by Karisma Hotels & Resorts. Along with elaborate special events like Grease and Alice In Wonderland themed soirees, the educational program got underway yesterday (Dec. 6) at the El Dorado Royale, reports Press Today's Ann Ruppenstein from the GIVC event. “GIVC is about thanking and recognizing our agents,” said Marilyn Cairo, director of retail sales - North America for Karisma Hotels &...
When Selling Atlantis, ‘You’re Selling A Destination’
Management at Paradise Island, Bahamas' Atlantis resort isn't allowing the grass to grow under their feet. Melissa Alexander, the resort's director, leisure sales USA & Canada, told a Wednesday Toronto audience that the 171-acre retreat sees ongoing developments. “We literally are never stopping, we are constantly renovating,” she said of a property that amounts to “six different resorts” that offer guests choices ranging from budget to luxury. “We are accommodating every level of customer.” Among Altantis' attractions is what Alexander labelled a “141-acre...
Key West ‘Close To Perfect, Far From Normal’
Southern Florida is on the verge of re-entering the all-inclusive market. The Bungalows Key Largo resort – slated to open later this month in the Florida Keys' Key Largo – will be offering all-inclusive stays, becoming the only property in the area to do so, a spokeswoman for The Florida Keys & Key West, said during a Thursday Toronto gathering. Ashley Serrate told those on hand that the adults-only property will have 135 units, with each room being a bungalow, leading to the resort name. Southern Florida did have another property offering all-inclusive stays, but that...
It’s Easier To Discover Anguilla
Canadians will find that it is easier to discover Anguilla this winter. Beginning in November and continuing through February, Canadian airlines – including WestJet, Air Canada, Sunwing, and Air Transat – will be rolling out additional flights to Saint Martin's Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). Saint Martin serves as the gateway to Anguilla, as the secluded destination does not receive direct flights or cruise ships and is instead accessible by ferry. Cardigan Connor, Anguilla's Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Sports, said, “We're thrilled that more...
Istanbul: Where East Meets West
Two notable emperors were bullish about Istanbul. Napoleon demonstrated his appreciation for the city when he stated that, “If Earth was a single state, its capital would be Constantinople” as Istanbul was called for much of its existence, while Roman emperor Constantine made it the capital of the Roman Empire, choosing it for that role in part because of the city's location, which sees part of the city in Europe and part in Asia. The city long bore Constantine's name when it was called Constantinople, only to eventually be renamed Istanbul, with Istanbul-based tour guide Hakan...
Norwegian Celebrates New Hamilton-Dublin Service
On the heels of its inaugural Canadian flights out of Montreal, low-fare carrier Norwegian is set to launch its first transatlantic service from Canada with daily service from Hamilton, Ont. to Dublin, Ireland on March 31, 2019. To celebrate the new service, Norwegian, Tourism Ireland and Hamilton International Airport teamed up to host a trade luncheon in Toronto yesterday (Dec. 5), complete with Irish music and cuisine from P.J. O'Brien's. On hand from Norwegian was Anders Lindstrom who told PressToday that the “world's fastest growing airline” is excited to be flying out of...
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...