Destinations
Royal Caribbean Sets Return to San Juan, St. Maarten
Royal Caribbean International announced the cruise line’s return to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, marking a major milestone towards the revival of these Caribbean islands impacted by recent hurricanes. On Nov. 30, Freedom of the Seas will be the first ship in the fleet to call on San Juan, Puerto Rico, arriving with approximately 3,782 visitors. Grandeur of the Seas will follow suit on Dec. 17 as the first cruise ship to sail into, St. Maarten since Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas arrived to provide humanitarian relief last month. The announcement comes on...
The Spanish Way
One thing that stands out about the Spanish way of life is how locals truly take the time to savour food. Dining goes far beyond simply fueling the body – it's a time for friends and family to gather, unwind, and socialize. Unlike so many dining tables across North America, meals just aren't rushed – it's all about enjoyment, the conversation, and the experience, reports assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. In between slowing down to indulge in cava (a sparkling wine produced in Spain) and loading up on tapas (stuffed olives,...
Air Transat Increases Summer Service to Europe
Air Transat has expanded its summer 2018 Europe program by adding direct flights to nine destinations in France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Israel. This is thanks to the addition of an Airbus A330 to its fleet. “The addition of this aircraft next summer allows us to strengthen our presence in key destinations in Europe,” says Annick Guérard, president and general manager of Transat Tours Canada. “Furthermore, Air Transat was the first airline to offer a direct flight between Montreal and Tel Aviv, and we are pleased to add a third flight a week next summer.” In France,...
An Island For Everyone
Participants in a trio of Hawaiian trade shows are using the events to underscore their message that Hawaiian vacations differ markedly, depending on the island chosen. ALOHA CANADA 2017! kicked off in Toronto Tuesday evening, will be held in Calgary tonight and Vancouver Thursday. “All the islands are unique, very different from each other,” Laci Goshi, brand manager of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, told Press Today in Toronto. “There's an island for everyone.” The shows feature island-specific presentations and have hotel and tour operator representatives, along with...
New Zealand Operators Bring North Island Attractions to YVR
Information delivery, Kiwi-style, was on the menu at a recent gathering of New Zealand attraction operators and regional reps at an eatery in Vancouver’s Gastown. Lunch was served on a long, single wooden table at the Salt Tasting Room, and amidst the clatter and animated chatter, all reps within ear shot delivered rapid fire product run-downs. The method may have been hit-and-miss, but lots of enthusiasm for the destination was generated in a short space of time in the communal setting. The Vancouver stop was the only one to take this less formal approach, as part of a west coast...
Air Transat Cancels St. Maarten Season
Due to the impacts of hurricanes Irma and Maria, Air Transat has cancelled flights St. Maarten for the entire season. The carrier also announced that its flights to Puerto Rico, with one flight per week from Toronto, and one flight per week from Montreal, will begin as of Feb. 18. In order to meet the needs of customers, the airline is expanding service to some of its other popular sun destinations – Punta Cana and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, Montego Bay in Jamaica, Florida, including Tampa, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, Cuba, mainly Cayo Largo and Holguín, and Mexico,...
The Caribbean Is Open For Business
The Caribbean is open for business and several tourism organizations have teamed up to get the word out with a $1-million marketing campaign and new website – CaribbeanIsOpen.com, reports assistant editor, Greg Coates in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the trade association representing the mutual interests of the cruise industry and destinations and stakeholders in the Caribbean, has launched a multifaceted campaign – along with support from partners like CLIA – to show that the majority of Caribbean...
Belfast, Causeway Coast Head of the Class
Belfast & the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland has been named the number one region in the world for travellers in 2018. The region receives the accolade in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018 – the highly anticipated collection of the world’s hottest trends, destinations and experiences for the coming year. Belfast is described as, “full of hip neighbourhoods that burst with bars, restaurants and venues to suit all tastes. The rustling old docklands are now the vibrant Titanic Quarter, home to fancy apartments and a sensational museum.” The publication highlights...