Destinations
Jamaica’s iconic Jakes Hotel set to reopen on Dec.18
One of Jamaica’s landmark properties, Jakes Hotel is set to reopen on Dec. 18. Located on Jamaica’s magnetic south coast, Jakes Hotel has always existed slightly outside of time: a bohemian cluster of seaside cottages, verandas, and saltwater rhythms built on creativity, community, and the pioneering spirit of founder Sally Henzell, her kids, communitarian Jason and producer Justine, and her husband, the late Perry Henzell, the genius behind The Harder They Come with the late Jimmy Cliff. After Hurricane Melissa passed through the region in late October, Treasure Beach felt the...
Canada Strong Pass is back after solid performance in summer 2025
The Canada Strong Pass is back for the winter holiday season and it will be back for the summer of 2026 after proving particularly popular with Canadians this past summer season. The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) told Travel Press Today (TPT): “I’m really excited to share that because of its popularity, we have renewed the Canada Strong Pass both for this Winter Holiday Season, but also for next summer in 2026.” In delivering that news, Minister Valdez pointed out that between May and August...
Ontario plans to unlock Niagara’s full potential as global tourism destination
The Ontario government launched its Destination Niagara Strategy -- the province’s plan to position the region as a world-renowned tourism destination to support local businesses, create good-paying jobs and protect Ontario’s economy. The multibillion-dollar strategy will create new, world-class attractions, boost local arts and culture and improve the region’s transportation network, aiming to attract 25 million annual visitors and double the region’s tourism impact generating an additional $3 billion for Ontario’s GDP every year. Premier Doug Ford said that: “Niagara...
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism praises Canadian Diaspora for its exceptional support
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has expressed profound gratitude for the Canadian diaspora’s extraordinary leadership and generosity in raising more than CAD$3 million in relief and recovery support for communities across Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa. In the aftermath of one of the most severe storms in recent history, Jamaican communities have faced significant challenges. The swift mobilization of Jamaicans living in Canada -- through targeted fundraising campaigns, relief concerts, community drives, and direct donations -- has been a testament to the...
Antigua and Barbuda honour top-producing travel advisors
Canadian travel advisors were among Antigua and Barbuda’s top global producers honoured and celebrated at the 2025 Antigua and Barbuda Black Pineapple Awards. The event, hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), recognized travel professionals from Antigua and Barbuda’s main source markets for their exceptional contributions to the destination’s tourism growth over the past year. Leading travel advisors from Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, the U.S. and the United Kingdom and Europe travelled to Antigua for the gala awards ceremony, which was held at...
Jamaica’s Comeback shows Travel Advisors the Island’s Resilience
Nearly 400 travel advisors and industry partners gathered at Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica last week, for the “Back to Jamaica” trip, marking the island’s first major event since Hurricane Melissa. Designed around the theme Resilience, Readiness, Return, the four-day FAM highlighted the destination’s rapid recovery and reaffirmed that Jamaica is fully open for business. Spearheaded by Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), the visit aimed to give agents firsthand confidence in the island’s readiness. “Seeing is believing,” Stewart...
Air Canada’s takes off to The Bahamas from Halifax and Ottawa
Air Canada has launched new nonstop flights from Halifax and Ottawa to Nassau, The Bahamas, as demand from both regions continues to surge. From Ottawa, travel to The Bahamas is up 54% year-over-year, and Nova Scotia has increased 85%. The direct flights are expected to accelerate that growth by removing connections and giving travellers a faster, smoother trip south. With warm ocean waters, sunny skies, and temperatures around 30°C, Canada’s ultimate winter escape is just a few hours away. The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas, said of the new...
Think You Know Spain, Think Again
The Tourist Office of Spain in Canada has offered a sneak peak at its upcoming promotional campaign and it involves showcasing sides to the country not linked to its many beaches. Office director Isabel Martin Benitez told a Wednesday Toronto gathering that the 2026 campaign will have the tagline, "Think you Know Spain? Think Again." with Martin Benitez telling her audience that the tourist office will be updating people on sites and attractions "that are beyond the traditional ones." Spain sees huge numbers of visitors annually, many drawn by beach stays on its long coast....