Destinations
Tourism Booming In New Zealand
According to new research released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism accounted for 17.9% (NZD$47.5bn) of New Zealand's GDP. And that figure is set to rise by 2.9% per annum and forecast to account for 20% of New Zealand GDP over the next decade. Other highlights of the WTTC's New Zealand research on include: Travel and tourism supported 212,000 jobs in 2017 (8.8% of total employment). By 2028, over 275,000 of jobs in New Zealand (10.9% of total employment) are forecast to be dependent on travel and tourism. The travel sector grew by 3.2%...
A Little Romance From Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises continues to make easier for couples to plan their weddings and honeymoons with the latest tools, like a Honeymoon Gift Registry App and online Wedding Planner tool. During the planning phase, the line's digital Wedding Planner will streamline the planning process, providing wedding couples the opportunity to choose, plan and purchase their wedding package and reception options from the convenience of their computer or smartphone. The tool helps take the stress out of planning with online guidance and a personal wedding coordinator along with easy-to-use...
For The Love Of The Game
As part of its recently launched Flying Start initiative, Sunwing Foundation has partnered with not-for-profit organization, Sisters Keeper Elite Basketball, to help 100 kids in Jamaica develop their love of basketball and get ready for the school year. Along with their participation in this year's Caribbean Hoop Fest taking place in Montego Bay Aug.17 to Aug. 22, the Sisters Keeper team – which includes athletes from the Canada Elite Ontario Basketball women's team – will also be taking time off the court to give back. On August 18, they'll host a basketball camp in partnership...
VoX Names New GNTO Director
Julia Dywelski has been named the new director of marketing for the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), which is represented by VoX International in Canada. In that role, Dywelski will be responsible for developing and overseeing a marketing plan for the Canadian market which will include media relations and public relations activities along with developing engaging digital and social marketing campaigns. Born in Germany, Dywelski holds a Master of Arts from the University of Heidelberg as well as a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Paderborn in Germany. Dywelski has...
Have Family, Will Travel
It didn't start out as planned. Instead of kicking off a family vacation with eight of my closest relatives, thanks to a delayed flight and a missed connection I found myself sitting alone in a hot tub in the backyard of an expansive house that sleeps 16. I don't know if absence truly makes the heart grow fonder, but at that moment I actually craved the typical commotion that comes with family travel – cramming into vehicles, squabbling over where to sleep, what to do or who pays the bill (or being outnumbered when you request to pull over to take yet another photo, sigh) – that...
Czech Republic – In The Heart Of Europe
Jiri Duzar of Czech Tourism says his homeland is smack-dab in the middle of Europe, something that he says well serves visitors wanting to explore different countries on that continent. Duzar told a Tuesday Toronto audience that the Czech Republic's physical location clearly puts it in a unique position. “If any other country in Europe tells you they're the heart of Europe, they're wrong,” he said “We're the heart of Europe.” That convenient location makes it easy for tourists to visit not only the Czech Republic – now served by both Air Canada Rouge and Transat – but...
Western Trade Set To Tee Off With Mexico
Two grand prizes have been announced for the upcoming Mexico Golf Classic for travel industry members and stakeholders. The tournament will be held at the Mayfair Lakes Golf Course in Richmond, BC on Aug. 23, and will be co-sponsored by the Mexico Tourism Board and Puebla Tourism The first grand prize is being sponsored by Sunwing and Velas Resorts, and includes two round trip air seats onboard Sunwing Airlines, plus a seven-night all-inclusive stay for two people at Velas Vallarta. Return transfers are also included. A second grand prize will be sponsored by AMResorts and...
Israel Posts Strong Growth From Canada
Officials of the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) here in Canada are in an upbeat mood these days as the latest arrival numbers reveal that Canadians are continuing to travel to Israel in increasing numbers. In July of 2018, Israel welcomed 8,600 Canadians, which is a rise of 4% compared to the same month in 2017. The IMOT's director for Canada, Jerry Adler observed: “Here in Canada, the growth in interest, resulting demand and tourist traffic to Israel has spiralled upwards year after year breaking all statistical recorded month to month over the past 10 years.” Adler...