Destinations
Transportation Challenges Addressed At IPW
Improvements to America’s aging transportation infrastructure are lagging behind the growing needs and numbers of inbound tourists, but government lobbying by the U.S. Travel Association (USTA) continues to prioritize the improvement agenda. “More dialogue is needed with this current administration, but these efforts take time so we are pushing now,” said Roger Dow, president of the USTA. Dow made his comments to a large assembly of international and domestic journalists during the recent IPW 2018 travel trade conference in Denver last week. “Twenty-five years ago, most...
St. Lucia’s Bay Gardens Makes It Better
Family-friendly Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia is already receiving accolades from guests for the major investment in renovations to the 77-room marquis hotel. Sanovnik Destang, executive director of the Bay Gardens triad of hotels in the north of St. Lucia, said: “We are demonstrating our brand's dedication to improving the guest experience, both functionally and stylistically, and the response has been overwhelming.” The locally owned and operated resort now has a fresh, modern and functional look with the upgrades to many of its beachfront and pool view...
Start Spreading The News
New York is rolling out the welcome mat for visitors this summer, offering an abundance of outdoor activities across all five boroughs. From scenic parks and beaches, to hotel rooftop bars and the arts, summer is one of the most ideal times of the year to discover New York City. NYC & Company president and CEO Fred Dixon said that, “Year after year, our research shows that summer is one of the most popular times to visit New York City, with more than a quarter of our total visitors in 2017 travelling to the city during this period.” Dixon added, “It's clear that visitors...
PONANT Sails Back To Cuba In 2019
PONANT will be returning to Cuba for a second season. with sailings scheduled for Jan. 25 to Feb. 3, 2019. Passengers who book early can save up to 30% resulting in fares that start at $7,980 per person and include airfare from Miami as well as two pre-cruise nights in Havana at a hotel. PONANT's Cuba cruises will be aboard the 64-guest Le Ponant – a three-masted sailing yacht – with ports of call including Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad; Punta Frances on Isla de la Juventud; and Cienfuegos. And for the first time, the fare includes two hotel nights in Havana. Airfare from Miami,...
Hong Kong Gets Ready To Paddle
One of the fastest growing sports paddling its way around the world these days is dragon boating and Hong Kong is set to host its Dragon Boat Carnival. The Dragon Boat Carnival is one of Hong Kong's favourite summer festivals: a time for spectators and athletes to assemble from around the world. This year's three-day carnival is scheduled to take place at the Central Harbourfront and on the waters of Victoria Harbour from June 22-24. Admission is free and the event is organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and co-organized by the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association...
Le Boat Opens 2018 Cruising Season
Le Boat has opened its 2018 cruising season on the Rideau Canal near Ottawa. Le Boat is known as Europe’s largest boat rental company and this year expanded into North America with the launch of the company’s first North American destination and base operation in Smiths Falls, Ont. On May 18, Le Boat hosted a small ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kilmarnock Lock Station with three of their new Horizon Cruisers. Lisa McLean, national marketing manager for North America, and Amanda Breeze, sales agent, had the honour of cutting the ribbon at the official opening of the locks,...
Making Music At IPW 2018
It’s a year of musical tourism in America in 2018, and organizers of the IPW travel trade conference last week ensured that delegates went home with that theme firmly embedded in mind. They did so by presenting a schedule of impressive music concerts during this year’s IPW, held in Denver at the vast Colorado Convention Center, plus venues in and around the city. Most of these took place at the daily lunches, including shows by early new wavers the B52s, Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20 and a medley of show tunes by cast members of Broadway musicals. But the finale, featuring a...
Tourism Vancouver Teams Up With Tencent
Tourism Vancouver has signed a new technology deal with China industry giant Tencent to attract more Chinese tourists. The deal will see Tencent Travel and its partner Trip Advisor China promote Vancouver as an international model for smart city tourism. As part of the three-year agreement, Tencent will provide cutting-edge mobile technology for Vancouver to offer interactive digital services to Chinese travellers and to set a global benchmark. Trip Advisor China will cross-promote Tencent Vancouver content to Chinese audiences. Stephen Pearce, vice-president of marketing for...