Destinations
Goway Puts Spotlight on Africa, the Middle East
Could Africa and the Middle East look increasingly attractive to hurricane-weary Canadians looking for a relaxed vacation locale? Just possibly say some of those on hand for a Tuesday Goway Travel event in Toronto showcasing those two regions. Africa and the Middle East – both of which have often had to contend with their own image issues over the years – may be able to attract Canadians who have recently been hearing daily reports of the Caribbean – traditionally popular with vacationers from this country – being pummelled by hurricanes. “I hate to say it, but they...
View The Northern Lights From The Air
Tourism Yukon and Air North have launched a new partnership to view the northern lights from 36,000 feet. The partnership will provide flight-goers this once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the northern lights like never before by private-chartered flight – that will soar within the auroral oval for eye level northern lights viewing. The group will offer one chartered flight from Whitehorse, which will take place on either Nov. 24 or 25 pending the aurora forecast. There will be three flexible packages to choose from, pairing one of the world’s most incredible natural phenomena...
Business As Usual In Cuba, Almost
Following a recovery effort in the wake of Hurricane Irma, it's pretty much business as usual in Cuba thanks in part to strong co-operation between the Cuban government, travel authorities and volunteers who expedited the process of repairing damaged properties and clearing debris, ensuring that Cuba’s famous beaches are once again be enjoyed by visitors from Canada and abroad. “Recovery from Irma is proceeding much faster than we had envisioned, in large part due to the continued support of our Canadian partners and the larger travel community,” said Eloy Govea, director for...
Ottawa Set to Welcome Le Boat
Ottawa Tourism is getting set to officially welcome Le Boat, Europe’s largest operator of self-drive boating vacations, to the Rideau Canal in 2018 as the company’s first destination outside of Europe. Ottawa is seen as an ideal spot to begin or end a Le Boat vacation, with museums, family friendly attractions, shopping and a thriving dining and craft beer scene. “The addition of Le Boat to Ottawa’s tourism scene is exciting,” says Michael Crockatt, president and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “It is the perfect way to explore Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the...
Sunwing Alters Southbound Flight Schedule
As Hurricane Maria rages in the Caribbean, Sunwing's flight services into Punta Cana and Puerto Plata have been suspended until Sept. 22. And, after reviewing the most up-to-date projections of the hurricane’s path and strength, Sunwing has taken the decision to activate its contingency plans and repatriate all customers from Dominican Republic in advance of the storm’s projected landfall. Customers scheduled to depart on the four Sunwing flights from Puerto Plata or Punta Cana on Sept. 19 will return to Canada as planned. Customers scheduled to depart Punta Cana...
Qatar Launches Electronic Travel Authorization System
Qatar is now making Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) available to Canadians holding valid residence permits or visas, as well as numerous other nations. The new system, which takes effect on Sept. 27, will allow eligible visitors to obtain an ETA by completing a simple online application prior to travel at http://www.qatarvisaservice.com. As part of the application, applicants will be required to provide proof of accommodation (i.e. hotel booking), details of their return (or onward) travel, a copy of their passport with a minimum validity of six months, and a copy of their...
Paul-Hus New Atout France Director for Canada
Mélanie Paul-Hus has been named the new director of Atout France's Canadian office in Montreal. Hired by Maison de la France, now Atout France, in 2007 as press and publications manager, Paul-Hus was promoted deputy director in 2012 and starting July 2016 took over the responsibilities as interim director. She has vast experience in marketing and communications and her knowledge of the tourism industry will contribute to the success of the promotional and commercial activities of Atout France in the Canadian...
Preventing Overtourism
Although Switzerland is in the middle of a period of steady growth in tourism from overseas markets – including Canada – the European country is consciously not appealing to the masses, reports assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. “In Europe there’s a new buzzword -- overtourism -- this is a hot topic here,” Jürg Schmid, the CEO of Switzerland Tourism said at the recent Switzerland Travel Mart held in Davos, Switzerland. “It’s a serious challenge and if you don’t feel comfortable any more to live in your own city, if...