Destinations
When in Rome: Iberostar Expands Its City Portfolio
Situated in a historic building between architectural treasures like the Pantheon and its namesake, arguably Rome's most well-known fountain, the Iberostar Fontana di Trevi is set to open in 2019. The five-star boutique hotel, which marks Iberostar Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel in the Italian capital, is housed in a six-storey 19th-century building that combines elements of Renaissance and Neo-Renaissance style. In addition to the 67 rooms and a wide range of exclusive services, the hotel features a rooftop terrace that serves as an ideal spot to take in the skyline. The...
Exodus Unveils 2019 ‘Brochures With Heart’
With responsible tourism at the heart of every adventure, Exodus Travels has begun releasing its new brochure collection for 2019-2020. The new collection, being released throughout the fall, features original cover art created by celebrated Bosnian and Herzegovinian artist Martina Crepulja, who uses her work to encourage and support children through art. As such, Crepulja will donate a portion of her fee to Exodus’ Inspiration Project, an initiative that takes disadvantaged children from around the globe on exciting trips within their homelands. “This year, we really wanted...
Agent Specialists Invited to Become an ‘Australian Ambassador’
Tourism Australia has launched a competition for qualified Aussie Specialists to become an “Australian Ambassador.” If selected, they will join a tailor-made trip Down Under and share their Aussie experiences with other international travel sellers. Tourism Australia managing director John O’Sullivan said front-line travel sellers are a critical part of the travel distribution system and the new Aussie Specialist Ambassador initiative is all about peer-to-peer advocacy. “We want the Aussie Specialist Ambassador to come Down Under, have a fantastic time experiencing our...
MTB Celebrates Day Of The Dead
The Mexico Tourism Board paid tribute during a Friday Toronto gathering to a long-running Mexican tribute. The board held an event showcasing the country's Day of the Dead celebration, which has Mexicans paying tribute to deceased family members during the fall and has its roots in pre-Columbian times. “It's one of the traditions that makes us proud,” Cesar Mendoza of the board's Toronto office told the gathering. The tradition, which can include lighting candles in cemeteries and burning incense, is stronger in some states than others, with residents of Michoacan and Oaxaca...
Le Boat Acquires West Highland Sailing
Le Boat has acquired West Highland Sailing. A franchise partner of Le Boat’s for the past 17 years, West Highland Sailing operate Le Boat’s Scottish franchise base in Laggan, providing boating holidays on the Caledonian Canal. The current owners of West Highland Sailing, Ray and Mary Norris will be retiring, as the business joins Le Boat, part of the Travelopia Group. First founded by the couple in 1982, West Highland Sailing continued to grow steadily and consistently over the years, to a fleet of 13 yachts today, of which 10 have been acquired by Le Boat. Cheryl Brown,...
Diverse Cuba Much More Than Sun and Beaches
The impending arrival of Jack Frost has the Cuba Tourist Board gearing up for the busy winter season. “A day like today – rainy, dark and cold – makes you appreciate Cuba,” Nieves Ricardo of the board's Toronto office told a Thursday Toronto gathering. Cuban tourism initially almost entirely revolved around Cuba's beaches, but tourism authorities said beaches are now only one facet of the country's tourism offerings. “Cuba is not just sun and sand. It's a diverse destination,” one official from Havana told the audience. Event speakers praised Cuba as a safe part of...
Jamaica Invites Ontario Agents To Product Showcase Events
The Jamaica Tourist Board Canada is inviting its retail partners in Ontario to an exclusive series of destination product showcase events. Running from Nov. 6-8, these events will provide travel agents with an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in Destination Jamaica, directly from suppliers. “Our Ontario travel agent partners will sharpen their product knowledge about the island’s best and most up-to-date offerings,” said Philip Rose, regional director, Jamaica Tourist Board Canada. “Through one-on-one sessions with some of Destination Jamaica’s top...
Goway Puts World’s Longest Commercial Flight to the Test
The world’s longest commercial air route has returned to the skies aboard a new Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900ULR, and Belinda MacNeil, product manager for Goway Asia, checked it out, taking her Premium Economy seat for the route’s second flight on Oct. 14, an 18.5-hour journey between Newark and Singapore. With only 94 Premium Economy and 67 Business class seats, boarding the flight is quick and efficient, allowing passengers time to get settled into the spacious seating. While tray tables are stowed in armrests that cannot be raised (no sneaky impromptu beds here), this...