Destinations
Insight Gets Festive In Russia
Insight Vacations has introduced a new itinerary – Easy Pace Russia with Christmas Markets – adding to its popular Christmas Markets experiences featured in the 2017-18 Seasons - Autumn, Winter and Spring program. Until Aug. 31, clients who book any of Insight Vacations’ 13 Yuletide-filled escapes receive savings of up to 7.5% as part of the Early Payment Discount program. There are 13 Christmas Markets itineraries in the 2017-18 program. The nine-day Easy Pace Russia with Christmas Markets begins in St. Petersburg and allows travellers to experience Russia’s Orthodox...
Sorry, But We’re Different
“Canadians are not Americans.” That might seem blindingly obvious to readers of CTP but it was the key takeaway from a study of Canadian travel-buying habits outlined to a predominantly American audience of travel marketers at the recent Destinations International annual congress in Montreal, reports Quebec editor, Mike Dunbar in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. The presentation, entitled “Capturing the Canadian Consumer,” was delivered by Karyl Leigh Barnes, a partner with Development Counsellors International (DCI), following a nationwide survey of...
UNWTO, WTTC Condemn Barcelona, Cambrils Attacks
Both the UNWTO and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) have condemned yesterday's terrorist attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils, Spain. In its statement the UNWTO expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the innocent victims and to the people and government of Spain. Taleb Rifai, secretary-general of the UNWTO, said, “We are deeply saddened by this act of terror and the tragic loss of innocent lives. In these difficult times, our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims.” Rifai continued, “This is again a cowardly attack...
Carnival Expands Cuba Program
Following strong response to its first-ever cruises to Cuba announced earlier this year, Carnival Cruise Line has added five more voyages featuring extended calls in Havana in 2018. The new voyages include three five-day cruises to Havana and Cozumel or Key West departing Feb. 17, July 2 and Sept. 5; a six-day sailing featuring Havana and Grand Cayman departing Aug. 26; and an eight-day voyage with stops at Havana, Grand Cayman and Cozumel departing Aug. 18. All of the voyages include a day-long call and overnight in Havana with the eight-day cruise of Aug. 18 offering two full days...
Spotlight on Park City
Zach Fyne believes a combination of great winter snow and a catchy location for a distillery means Park City, Utah, offers thirsty schussers some great “whi-ski.” Fyne, with the Park City Convention & Visitors Bureau, told a Wednesday Toronto gathering that the alpine resort community's claims to fame include the High West Distillery & Saloon, the only distillery “in the world that you can ski into.” The attraction, which produces whiskey on site, is accessible by a ski lift, he noted. “There's a million ski destinations around the world, but how many can boast...
Sunshine State Sets Another Visitor Record
Florida Governor Rick Scott has announced that Florida set another record by welcoming the highest number of visitors of any six months in the state’s history with 60.7 million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA. This represents a 4.1% increase over the same period in 2016, and includes 53.2 million domestic visitors, 5.3 million overseas visitors and 2.2 million Canadian visitors. Scott said, “I am proud to announce today that Florida has continued its record breaking success by welcoming more than 60 million visitors to our state over the first half of 2017 – the highest...
‘Thrill And Chill’ On Cayman Brac
As the plane touches down at Owen Roberts International Airport in George Town, a nearby passenger prepares to disembark while excitedly telling her seatmate that this is her family's third trip to Grand Cayman. First-timers to the Cayman Islands will quickly learn that this is not a unique scenario, in fact, Cayman enjoys a high repeat factor at 57%. And after getting to know the destination, it's easy to understand why, reports Ashley Rochefort in this week's cover story in Travel Courier. Cayman is coveted for its safety, excellent customer service, and Caymankind, the nation's...
Westin Princeville Jazz, Wine Fest Set for Sept. 16
Hawaii visitors are invited to mingle and savour an evening under the stars at the eighth annual Westin Princeville Jazz and Wine Festival on Sept. 16, presented by The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. The event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the resort’s main lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean high above Anini Beach. The evening will feature an array of wine, island-inspired cuisine and lively jazz music headlined by Adagio. Proceeds from a silent auction will benefit the Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association. Guests will have the chance to pair the delicious fare...