Destinations
MosaiCulture Blooms In Gatineau
The tourism trade in the Quebec city of Gatineau is banking on some flower power this year. MosaiCulture 2018 Gatineau features “majestic floral masterpieces,” with impressive works having metal frames that are then coated with plants. More than 5.5 million plants are found in attraction, which continues to Oct. 15. “It's probably Canada's largest floral display,” spokeswoman Genvieve Menard told Press Today during a Wednesday Toronto gathering. Among the works is the Tree of Birds, which weighs some 100 tonnes, reaches around 60 feet in height and features recreations of 56...
Brazil Posts Solid Gains From Canada
A big improvement in the processing of visas for visiting Brazil has resulted in a jump in visitor visa applications to the country, said a tour operator executive in Vancouver recently. A new electronic visa program has vastly reduced visa processing times, to an estimated approval period of 72 hours. Since January 18th the new electronic visa fee is USD $40 plus a service fee of USD $4.24 -- in Canadian dollars that would be approximately CAD $59. (Complete details are available by clicking here). Visitor visa applications have jumped by about 47%, said Don Forster, the Latin...
Exceeding Expectations
The UNWTO reports that international tourist arrivals grew by 6% in the first four months of 2018 – compared to the same period last year – and that not only continued the strong 2017 trend, but exceeded its forecast for 2018. Growth was led by Asia and the Pacific (up 8%) and Europe (up 7%). Africa (up 6%), the Middle East (up 4%) and the Americas (up 3%) also recorded sound results. Earlier this year, UNWTOs forecast for 2018 was between 4% to 5%. UNWTO secretary-general, Zurab Pololikashvili observed that: “International tourism continues to show significant growth...
Insight Showcases USA, Canada In 2019
Insight Vacations' enhanced 2019 USA & Canada Premium Escorted Journeys collection features 15 journeys crafted to encourage clients to explore North America’s most majestic landscapes, scenic destinations, and culturally diverse places. Offering over 35 Insight Experiences – from joining a lobster fisherman aboard his boat in Shediac Bay to Sonoma wine tasting while visiting the Madrone Family vineyards to meeting the Alaskan champion dog team of high-speed huskies – guests will be staying at accommodations inside several national parks, including the Grand Canyon Lodges and...
Swooping Into Edmonton
Following the launch of its inaugural flight from Edmonton International Airport to John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM), flight, Swoop announced that Edmonton will be its second operational base. Steven Greenway, Swoop president and chief executive officer, said that: “Edmonton is a market keen to enjoy the ultra-low-cost fares Swoop provides. This, along with Edmonton International Airport Authority's support, has meant that we've chosen Edmonton as our second operational base.” Greenway continued: “Swoop, as an Alberta-born organization is thrilled to be in...
Malaysia Consul Celebrates Hari Raya Aidilfitri
A bit of Malaysian Islamic tradition was enacted in Vancouver recently, with the celebration of, marking the end of the Ramadan holy month. While the focus of Ramadan is mostly on fasting and prayer, the proceedings of Hari Raya are devoted to feasting and socializing. Friends and families of all faiths are invited to participate and enjoy the cuisine for which Malaysia has become famous. In this case, about 200 such guests came to the home of Malaysian consulate general Shamsul Nizam Shamsuddin and dined on Malaysian dishes in his backyard during a sunny Sunday...
My Emirates Pass Is Back
Emirates is giving customers more reasons to explore Dubai and the United Arab Emirates with the return of its signature pass this summer. My Emirates Pass turns the Emirates boarding pass into an exclusive membership card, giving travellers exclusive offers and discounts within the UAE. Customers flying to or through Dubai between June 1 and Aug. 31, can take advantage of a range of offers at some of Dubai's best known hotspots by simply showing their boarding pass and a valid form of identification. My Emirates Pass gives customers exclusive offers at over 250 locations including...
Ensemble Elite Celebrate In Marrakech
Ensemble Travel® Group recently recognized its newest class of “Ensemble Elite” members with a special celebration held earlier this month at Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie in Morocco. The annual event, which recognizes the organization’s top-producing members in the U.S. and Canada based on Ensemble preferred supplier sales in 2017, featured a number of customized sight-seeing, culinary, and shopping excursions exclusively created by Club Med for this special audience in concert with Ensemble’s newest partners – Sahara Experience and Morocco National Tourist Office. In...