Destinations
Bartlett calls for global tourism resilience fund at YYZ symposium
Jamaican tourism minister Edmund Bartlett has renewed his call for a global tourism resilience fund, saying it would be a huge boost for those who see their tourism-dependent livelihoods disrupted. Bartlett, speaking at Wednesday's Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre Symposium in Toronto, has been championing such a fund and has also repeatedly called for the tourism industry to be better prepared to cope with crises, such as those caused by extreme weather. "No destination should have to face the next crisis alone..." Bartlett told his audience at Toronto's...
Community tourism thrives on Jamaica’s laidback south coast
For clients looking for an alternative to all-inclusive travel, community tourism thrives on the Jamaica’s laidback south coast with boutique hotels and authentic local experiences. A colourful turquoise boat with orange and pink accents on the outskirts of town reads “Welcome to Treasure Beach, Home of Community Tourism.” The sign sets the tone for what to expect in the unassuming area on Jamaica’s south coast. As there are no high-rise buildings in sight, the scene is noticeably different from the bustling developed areas in Jamaica lined with all-inclusive resort chains,...
What’s past is past as Jalisco spreads its magic in Canada
The confrontation between criminal gangs and police forces in the Mexican state of Jalisco in February this year is now fading from the collective memory, but the tourism minister for the state wants to assure Canadians that a holiday there will be safe. Jalisco tourism minister Michelle Fridman recently came to Vancouver to spread the safety message through meetings with journalists, referring to the violence on Feb. 22 this year that pitted government special forces against members of a powerful criminal cartel in the state. Many on both sides were killed. But she also came with a...
Anguilla welcomes expanded air service from Canada this winter
Tourism officials in Anguilla are celebrating new air services that will provide additional access from Canada. Travellers will now have more options to reach Anguilla this winter as BermudAir’s AnguillAir brand significantly expands its schedule with new service from Canada, as well as offering and additional flights from key U.S. markets. The enhanced winter schedule includes a new Canadian gateway and increased nonstop and direct flights from multiple U.S. cities, improving access to the island’s 33 pristine beaches, sophisticated dining scene and signature barefoot...
Barbados set to host 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace
Barbados will host the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) in 2027. The annual event connects global buyers with Caribbean suppliers to strengthen partnerships and drive business opportunities across the region. Vanessa Ledesma, Chief Executive Officer of CHTA, said that: “Barbados has long played an important leadership role in Caribbean tourism and within CHTA. We are thrilled to bring Caribbean Travel Marketplace to Barbados in 2027, marking the 45th edition of this historic event. We look forward to delivering a reimagined,...
St. Kitts breaks ground on Port Zante Cruise Terminal
St. Kitts has broken ground at a special ceremony for a new cruise terminal at Port Zante. The ceremony brought together government officials, tourism stakeholders, industry partners, and members of the media to celebrate the commencement of a transformative project that will position St. Kitts and Nevis as a premier cruise turnaround port in the Caribbean with the ultimate goal of offering full homeport services. St. Kitts has benefited from the economic impact of cruise tourism for many years with millions of visitors coming ashore at Port Zante, and in doing so, supporting local...
Changes at Destination Canada as Walden retires, and Ferrigno named interim President and CEO
Destination Canada’s President and CEO, Marsha Walden is retiring, following a tenure with the organization that saw her guide it through some of the most challenging periods in the history of the Canadian tourism industry. Walden is embarking on a new chapter in her life, with her agenda focusing on family, friends and fun. Walden led Destination Canada and its partners in a bold and inspired path forward through recovery, ultimately positioning Canada's visitor economy for greater resilience, improved competitiveness, and the record-breaking growth our sector is now...
Air Canada celebrating the best of Canada this summer
Air Canada reports that it’s expecting to welcome over 1 million customers on board over the course of the next week as it kicks off the summer season with a full schedule of flights across Canada. With more than 50 destinations across Canada, the airline is celebrating the very best of the country coast-to-coast-to-coast and beyond, connecting Canadians with the people, places and experiences that make Canada a very special place for all of us. And with Canada Day arriving this week, the airline says that customers can expect special touches throughout the travel experience that...