Destinations
City trips drive inbound tourism recovery for Germany in 2024
In 2023, Germany reaffirmed its standing as Europe's premier city and cultural travel destination, with an offering catering to the nuanced demands of discerning target groups. And in 2024, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) fully expects that city tourism will present the greatest potential for the continued recovery of German inbound tourism. Petra Hedorfer, chairwoman of the GNTB Executive Board, observed: "Germany has solidified its position as the top choice for city and cultural travel among Europeans globally. IPK International reports that out of the 46.5 million trips...
Safety, affordability key priorities for international travellers to Europe
European tourism types are in an optimistic mood these days as they anticipate a strong performance from key long-haul markets in 2024. However, the latest Long-Haul Travel Barometer (LHTB) by the European Travel Commission (ETC) and Eurail BV notes that travellers are displaying greater reluctance to visit Europe in the initial four months of the year. Offering a snapshot of 2024 travel sentiments and plans for the first four months, the newly released LHTB analyses intention to travel to Europe in seven overseas markets – Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, and...
Florida Huddle and Encounter 2025 dates announced by VISIT FLORIDA
VISIT FLORIDA has announced that Florida Huddle and Encounter will take place Feb. 2-5, 2025, at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. Florida Huddle is the Sunshine State’s Official Travel Trade Show, showcasing the best of Florida to international and domestic tour operators, wholesalers and media with one-on-one appointments, educational sessions, and networking. Florida partners that typically attend are CVBs, hotels, resorts, attractions, and theme parks. Florida Encounter, one of the longest running appointment trade shows in the MICE industry, will take place in...
Florida Keys’ Conch sees its shadow, predicts winter will continue
Groundhog Day went a bit differently in the Florida Keys, when a conch living underwater in the island chain ‘disagreed’ with famed groundhog Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of an early spring. The ‘mollusk meteorologist’ emerged from its shell Friday morning at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters and saw its shadow, according to Ben Daughtry, Aquarium Encounters’ president. Punxsutawney Phil, however, reportedly did not see his. The folklore surrounding Punxsutawney Phil means that, if he sees his shadow, another six weeks of winter weather is on tap for the U.S. If he...
A look at what’s new in Peru
With the introduction of direct Air Transat flights from Toronto and Montréal to Lima, travellers can also look forward to a lineup of new tourism products aimed at enhancing their travel experiences in the country. Below are some of the exciting new offerings in Peru. Air Transat offerings A range of new packages and à la carte hotel options in Lima have been introduced by Air Transat to coincide with the launch of year-round flights from Toronto and Montréal to Lima. These packages include handpicked accommodations in Lima, along with additional choices in Aguas Calientes,...
Turning ‘Blahs’ to ‘Ahhhs’ on the Trans Canada Trail
Trans Canada Trail has launched its fourth-annual Blahs to Ahhhs winter wellness campaign, which runs through mid-March and encourages people of all ages “to embrace the outdoors and discover the transformative power of the world's longest trail network.” About the campaign The campaign calls on fresh air fanatics, adventurers, trail lovers and everyone in between to share how they are turning their winter “blahs” into “ahhhs” during the coldest months of the year. The Trans Canada Trail – a 28,000 km trail network – presents countless opportunities for adventure,...
Time to discover Mexico’s Nayarit
While it may be best known for its beaches, the state of Nayarit offers visitors a chance to discover some of Mexico’s undiscovered magic. Providing visitors with all of the elements that make up a quintessential Mexican experience, Nayarit also gives them the chance to get off the traditional tourist trail, visitors and find an authenticity and magic that cannot be found elsewhere. Most travellers have heard of Riviera Nayarit – a string of beach towns stretches from the Bay of Banderas all the way up the entire state. Beginning with Nuevo Nayarit (once called Nuevo Vallarta),...
Taking Caribbean tourism to the next level
There was good news for the industry during the recent Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) president, Nicola Madden-Greig, OD, sharing an ambitious vision for the future of Caribbean hospitality. Underscoring the conference’s theme -- A New Era of Tourism: Balancing Tradition, Technology and Community – Madden-Greig highlighted encouraging industry statistics, noting that despite a global downturn in inbound tourism, the Caribbean is surpassing the trend with a 17% increase. However, the CHTA’s boss...