Destinations
Ontario Parks: A Time To Remember
Ontario Parks – which this year has been celebrating a major milestone – on Wednesday began looking forward to another upcoming one. Ontario Parks officials placed a time capsule in the floor of the Algonquin Visitor Centre in Algonquin Provincial Park, with the stainless steel unit containing documents, letters, photographs and memorabilia. Plans call for the time capsule to be reopened in 25 years to celebrate Ontario Parks' 150th anniversary. “Time capsules inspire us to think about the future of the provincial park system and provide an exciting way to communicate with...
AC Race Ready For Take-Off In Kissimmee
Thirty-four travel agents from across the country have touched down in Kissimmee, Florida, ready to participate in the 2018 edition of the Air Canada Race. The Amazing Race-style competition for travel agents officially gets underway today, but the trade were treated to a welcome reception and dinner at Reunion Resort last night (Aug. 26), which included views of the fireworks at Walt Disney World Resort. “It is a very prestigious event and it is a well sought-after event so congratulations to all of you,” Steve Goodfellow, director of sales, Eastern Canada at Air Canada, said...
JTB Canada Launches Fall Fam Trips
The Jamaica Tourist Board is inviting travel agents to discover the island with a new series of destination fam trips, giving them the opportunity to learn more about Jamaica's offerings through customized tours. “These familiarization trips offer our Canadian travel agent partners the chance to get exclusive, first-hand experiences at some of Jamaica’s newest resorts and attractions,” said Philip Rose, regional director, Jamaica Tourist Board Canada. “It is also a great opportunity for the agents to network with industry contacts, try our mouth-watering cuisine and experience...
Hawaii Drenched, Hurricane Lane Still A Major Threat
Hurricane Lane, downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane, continues to pose a significant threat to Hawaii as it spreads torrential rain, strong wind gusts and pounding surf across the islands of Hawaii into the weekend. It's reported tropical storm conditions will continue on the Big Island throughout the day (Aug. 23) and spread northwestward across the rest of the islands through the weekend. Rainfall is already causing significant flooding and debris flows. Lane has dropped more than 31 inches of rain is some areas and has already caused flooding, landslides and road...
Goway Bringing Africa to Canada
Goway’s popular Africa event is coming to Toronto, Edmonton, and Vancouver in September, featuring 26 suppliers from 11 countries. “This is our ninth year hosting this event,” said Moira Smith, general manager of Goway Africa. “What’s unique about it is the sheer diversity of products and destinations represented.” The format has been tweaked from past events. This year, it will be for agents only and will be held in the evening. After a general Africa presentation, each attendee will have the opportunity to meet with suppliers. Refreshments will be served. The evening...
WestJet Maintains Edmonton-Vegas Service
WestJet is advising travel agents that it will maintain non-stop service between Edmonton and Las Vegas with four weekly flights starting Oct. 11. Flights will operate Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. “We heard directly from many guests that being able to fly non-stop from Edmonton to Las Vegas on WestJet was a priority,” said Brian Znotins, WestJet vice-president, Network Planning and Alliances. “We have made this a reality so our guests can continue to book WestJet, WestJet Vacation packages as well as earn and use WestJet Rewards dollars, the WestJet RBC MasterCard...
Hawaii Braces for Category 4 Hurricane Lane
The Canadian government is advising travellers to avoid non-essential travel to Hawaii due to the threat of Hurricane Lane, which could be the first major hurricane to make landfall on the islands of Hawaii in 26 years. Areas under watch include Hawaii County, Maui County, and the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe, as well as Oahu and Kauai islands. The Hawai'i Tourism Authority, with support from the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and its Island Chapters, is closely monitoring the track of Hurricane Lane in collaboration with the State of Hawaii Emergency...
Flair Adds New US Routes
Low fare carrier Flair Airlines has introduced new non-stop flights to six popular US destinations this winter. The new routes include Orlando, Tampa Bay and Miami, as well as Palm Springs, Las Vegas and Phoenix. “The majority of our new services concentrate on Edmonton and Winnipeg,” said David Tait, Flair's executive chairman. “Having brought low fare service to 10 Canadian cities this summer, we are now taking the show on the road and heading south to some of the most popular winter getaway spots.” For the winter schedule, Flair has also announced increased domestic...