Destinations
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...
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...