Destinations
WestJet Adds Paris, London From Halifax
WestJet is adding daily direct flights between Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) and Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris and Gatwick Airport (LGW) in London, U.K. All flights will be operated on the airline's newest Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. One-way intro fares from Halifax to Paris or London are available for $199, taxes included. “As the carrier with the most transatlantic flights from Halifax, we are thrilled to announce our first foray onto the European mainland,” said Ed Sims, WestJet executive vice-president, Commercial. “Venturing to London and now...
U.S. Virgin Islands Have A Plan
The U.S. Virgin Islands has a plan. In the wake of the two Category 5 hurricanes that hit in September, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has developed a 150-day rolling marketing plan to share with industry stakeholders. Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty said: “This new plan has been developed to establish priorities and a road map of activities we will pursue as our destination recovers.” Nicholson-Doty noted that the “abridged plan” will be fluid and adaptable to the current dynamic recovery environment and the Department of Tourism is committed...
Good News From Jamaica
Clearly, Canadians were making it Jamaica, again in 2017. The Jamaica Tourist Board's (JTB) regional director – Canada, Philip Rose told Press Today that Jamaica welcomed 405,174 Canadian visitors in 2017. And that, Rose said, represents an increase of 8.9% over the previous year. “I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate my team for all their ongoing efforts. I thank our airline, tour operator and hotel partners for their commitment to Jamaica,” observed a clearly pleased Rose, before continuing: “Lastly, I invite all mentioned above to join me in saluting our...
Canada, Israel Expand Air Deal
Both Air Canada and Transat A.T are welcoming the Canadian government's announcement of an expanded air transport agreement with Israel. With the revised agreement Air Canada indicated it will look to further expand its services between Canada and Israel. Benjamin Smith, president, passenger airlines at Air Canada, commented: “Air Canada welcomes the expansion of the Canada-Israel air transport agreement as it will allow us to enhance our network and further advance our successful international expansion strategy.” Smith said: “We look forward to increasing our services to...
Vancouver Gears Up For Busy 2018
It's going to be a busy year for Vancouver as the city prepares to host 33 citywide conventions and events – that's the highest number the city has ever hosted in a single year. Over the course of 2018, these 33 events will bring over 100,000 out-of-town delegates to Vancouver where they will inject money into the local economy through hotel stays, dining, attractions visits, shopping, transit and more. In total, Vancouvers meetings and conventions industry supports more than 6,000 jobs and results in over $300 million annually in director visitor spending and $500 million in...
Vision Is Back At It In 2018
Vision Travel, a Direct Travel Company, continues to pursue its expansion strategy in key markets across Canada, agreeing to acquire Regina, Saskatchewan-based, Percy Hunt Travel Group. The Percy Hunt Travel Group has 23 locations in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Its principals – Kevin Percy and Garry Huntington – have established themselves as leaders in travel throughout Central and Western Canada, specializing in both corporate travel management and leisure travel. Commenting on the agreement, Percy, who's president of the Group, said: “We are very...
A Letter From Jamaica
Jamaica's minister of tourism, Edmund Bartlett, M.P reached out to the travel trade this week to reassure them that Jamaica is “open for business.” Minister Bartlett writes: “Dear Jamaica Travel Partner. Thank you for your continued support of Destination Jamaica. The new year has started with a lot of excitement. No doubt you have received questions regarding the current state of public emergency for the parish of St. James, implemented by Government.” He explains that: “A State of Public Emergency is a tool to ensure enhanced security for all persons entering and leaving a...
Picture Perfect In Puerto Vallarta
It's been said that Puerto Vallarta was truly put on the map after the 1964 movie release of The Night of the Iguana, which showcased the natural beauty of the destination. The fact that celebrities like Richard Burton, Ava Gardner and Elizabeth Taylor spent time in the scenic Mexican area on the Bay of Banderas – which is known for having spectacular sunsets – probably didn't hurt either, reports assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. Taking advantage of a stretch of secluded white-sand beach with views of the mountainous coast, Hyatt...