Destinations
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...
On The Road In Chiang Mai
A conference theme of “Sustainable Connectivity, Boundless Prosperity” is providing content direction to the 2018 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), which started this week in Chiang Mai, Thailand, reports western Canada editor Ted Davis from the show. It kicked off with a lavish opening ceremony and banquet on the sprawling grounds of the Royal Park Rajapruek, complete with a procession of sedan chairs shouldered by bearers, in a tribute to Thai traditions. It followed the tourism ministers from the 10 member nations of ASEAN, including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Singapore,...
Record Breaking 2017 For Toronto
It was a record breaking year for tourism in Toronto, with the region welcoming 43.7 million visitors in 2017. And for the first time, overnight visits in Toronto's Downtown surpassed the 15 million mark (15.5 million), joined by 28.2 million same-day travellers. Visitors to Toronto spent $8.8 billion -- the most economic activity ever generated by the region's tourism industry and represents $700 million more in hotel rooms booked, attractions seen and restaurants experienced than in 2016. There was another milestone set in 2017 – international visits surpassed 5 million for the...
There’s Two Sides To Tokyo
The bright lights of Tokyo's famed Ginza district suggest leading-edge Japanese technology to many but former CITC head Steve Gillick says there's another less-known side to the area. Gillick, who's visited Japan 17 times, told a Tuesday Toronto gathering that Ginza – famed for its neon and its nightlife – is in fact a “great combination of old and new.” Many reminders of Tokyo's long past can be found in Ginza, Gillick continued. Indeed, seemingly very modern Tokyo has many reminders of eras of long ago, with the city's oldest temple dating back to 645, he...
EXCLUSIVE: A Taste Of Scotland
Piping in the haggis, a whisky demonstration, poetry by Robert Burns, an audience singalong and the sound of bagpipes all made for a memorable experience as Visit Scotland's North America Business Development Mission continued in Toronto yesterday (Jan. 23). In addition to the festive lunch in early celebration of Robbie Burns Day, Scottish supplier partners — Experience Scotland's Wild, Glasgow Life, Little's Chauffeur Drive, Love Loch Lomond, Scotbeer Tours, Saltire Executive Golf, Spirit Journey Ltd. and The Lovat Loch Ness — were on hand to meet with travel agents for...
ACV Uncovers Europe’s Hidden Gems
In 2018, Air Canada Vacations is offering Canadian travellers headed to Europe a lot of choice. The operator has just rolled out its 2018 Europe Your Way Collection which features: 122 vacation packages 50 cruises Possibilities for short and long stays Additional guided tour options And the newly added destination of Croatia As ACV's managing director, Nino Montagnese sees it: “It's never too early to start planning your next European adventure. Europe is all about discovering vibrant cultures, cuisines, art and architecture through vacations that are tailored to...
YVR, Destination Canada Sign Deal
Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) and Destination Canada have signed a Memorandum of Understanding designed to strengthen the relationship between the two organizations and to align strategic priorities in air service development, tourism and business opportunities throughout Canada. The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, said: “This agreement is great news for Canadian tourism. Following Canada 150, and what I expect will be the best year ever for Canadian tourism, this agreement will help bring...
Nanjing Gets Social
The Nanjing Municipal Tourism Commission and PHG Consulting have launched dedicated Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube channels (@GoToNanjing) to promote the ancient capital city to North American consumers, tour operators, and the travel trade. The new social media channels are Nanjing Tourism and PHG Consulting's latest efforts to increase inbound visitation from the U.S. and Canada and follow the launch of the English-language website GoToNanjing.com in November 2016. PHG Consulting has provided full-scale sales representation and public relations services for Nanjing in...