Destinations
UNWTO Reports Growth Continues
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reports that international tourist arrivals grew 6% in the first six months of 2018 following a record year of growth in 2017. All world regions enjoyed robust growth in tourist arrivals in January-June 2018. The increase was fuelled by strong demand from major source markets, supported by an upswing in the global economy. It comes after record year-round growth of 7% in 2017. UNWTO secretary-general, Zurab Pololikashvili said that the “international tourism data for the first half of 2018 serves as further proof of the sector's resilience and...
The Future Is Here For WestJet
Well, the future is here for WestJet as the Calgary-based airline unveiled its refreshed brand – including a national advertising campaign – its first three international Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner routes and a new Platinum WestJet Rewards tier at an event in downtown Calgary yesterday (Oct. 10). Canadian community and business leaders joined WestJet's president and CEO, Ed Sims for the announcement. The refreshed brand image outlines WestJet's global ambitions and heralds new products aimed at international and Premium travellers. Called Love Where You're Going, the new WestJet...
Toronto On BA’s ‘Must-See’ List
British Airways has unveiled its “must-see” destinations for 2019, along with some highly anticipated events and new routes that it will be operating. Hotspots include Las Vegas, Osaka and the Seychelles, plus Durban, South Africa is on BA's “must-see” list in 2019. Other destinations on the list include Cologne and Kos as British Airway's is set to launch direct flights to both of those destinations. Claire Bentley, managing director of British Airways Holidays, observed, “Holiday-makers are always looking for top tips to explore the latest and coolest destinations....
Porter Set For Return To Mont Tremblant
Porter Airlines is reintroducing its annual winter service between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Mont Tremblant, Que. from Dec. 7 to April 1, 2019. The early December start date will allow visitors to attend the popular 24 Hours of Tremblant season kick-off charitable event and enjoy pre-Christmas time in the village. The standard schedule includes four weekly flights throughout the season, with adjustments for increased frequencies during peak periods, such as Christmas, Family Day and March Break. Non-stop flights from Billy Bishop Airport take approximately...
New Adventures From Goway
Goway Travel has launched its 2019 Central and South America Travel Planner with new destinations, a great variety of products, and competitive pricing. It is a comprehensive selling tool for South and Central America, and the Polar regions. New additions for 2019, include the boutique and Goway designated “Stay of Distinction,” Illa Experience Hotel in Quito Ecuador. Illa isn't just a place to stay, it's a way to experience the richness of Quito's culture. Illa Experience Hotel has just 10 spacious rooms - 4 suites and 6 deluxe rooms. The Wonders of the Galapagos' small group...
Going Local
After taking a winding road from Kingston high up into Jamaica’s lush Blue Mountains, I’m sitting in a 200-year-old Georgian style house about to taste coffee brewed from beans grown and harvested in the famed surrounding range, writes assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. It's on the veranda at Craighton Estate, overlooking sweeping views of thick green foliage, that I come face-to-face with coffee expert Alton Bedward. The mission: to discover what makes the mystical Blue Mountain coffee among the best in the world. Bedward, whose...
Powerful Hurricane Michael Hits The Florida Panhandle
A powerful Hurricane Michael has made landfall over the Florida Panhandle, battering the coastline with winds of up to 150 mph. Described as the strongest hurricane to ever strike the Florida Panhandle, storm surge estimates are anywhere between nine and 14 feet. “We expect Hurricane Michael [now a Category 4 hurricane] to make landfall near Panama City, Florida, Wednesday midday or early afternoon,” AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said earlier. “Historically, hurricanes that approach the Florida coast in this area tend to weaken slightly prior to landfall, but...
Tropical Belize: A Tale of Two Worlds
Belize has befriended those who seek out our feathered friends. The ecology-minded country has protected more than 40% of its terrain from development, and that in turn has provided a shelter for a host of exotic birds such as toucans, says Deborah Gilharry of the Belize Tourism Board. The tourist board's logo actually has a toucan on it. “At some hotels you can see hundreds of birds within a one-mile radius,” Gilharry says of guided birdwatching opportunities in a country that has large swathes of jungle. Gilharry adds that nature enthusiasts will be able to appreciate other...