Destinations
CTO Celebrates CARICOM On Its 50th Anniversary
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has extended well wishes to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Kenneth Bryan, CTO Chairman and Minister of Tourism and Ports of the Cayman Islands, said: “In celebrating this significant milestone, we acknowledge the exceptional leadership of visionaries such as Errol Barrow, Forbes Burnham, Michael Manley, Eric Williams, and many others who have paved the way for unity and progress within CARICOM.” Bryan continued: “Their dedication and foresight have played a pivotal role in shaping the...
JTB Plans ‘Fam-tastic’ Fall For Agents
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) wants Canadian travel advisors to experience Jamaica in person this fall and has put together a series of immersive familiarization tours to help them do just that. Agents can apply now for an opportunity to participate in one of five exclusive FAM trips hosted from September to December, each with a distinct theme or educational focus. JTB guides will accompany each FAM trip to help showcase the island’s accommodations, attractions, transportation services and more. Agents will come away feeling inspired and empowered with critical first-hand...
Regis-Prosper Named Secretary-General, CEO Of CTO
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is making history with the appointment of Dona Regis-Prosper as its new Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer – and the first woman to take on the leadership of the organization. Regis-Prosper, who hails from Saint Lucia, takes on her new responsibilities on Sept. 1, 2023. With a career spanning more than 22 years, Regis-Prosper brings an unparalleled depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in the tourism industry to the CTO. She has lived and worked in multiple Caribbean destinations, and served as Director of Marketing...
Europe Rebound Continues Into 2023
The European Travel Commission (ETC) is reporting that Europe’s tourism recovery is maintaining its momentum despite economic headwinds, reaching about 95% of 2019 levels of international tourist arrivals. In its newly released report for the second quarter of 2023 -- European Tourism: Trends & Prospects – the ETC found that though inflation and increased travel costs are squeezing consumers’ wallets, travel spending is still prioritized over other discretionary expenses. In fact, the latest data available shows that one-quarter of reporting European destinations have...
Antigua’s Athill To Tee-Off At ACTA Tournament
Antiguan-born Canadian professional golfer Amaya Athill is set to join travel industry professionals for a day of fun on the links at this year’s ACTA Golf Tournament. Scheduled for July 13th at Royal Ontario Golf Club in Milton, the 2023 return of this tradition will see Athill play through the course and share a few pointers with attendees. As the major destination sponsor, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority will be bringing a taste of the islands to the tournament. Multi-genre Antiguan entertainer Drastic, known for hits such as “Sugary Waistline” and collaborations...
Louisiana Jazzes It Up In Montreal
Representatives of the U.S. state that gave the world jazz music were on hand in Montreal last week for the city's annual jazz festival. Louisiana tourism representatives were in Montréal for a 10-day mission during the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. The Louisiana Office of Tourism / ExploreLouisiana.com had an activation and travel information kiosk on-site. The delegation also hosted an appreciation dinner event on Friday. Representatives from Baton Rouge, Shreveport-Bossier, Travel Avoyelles and Visit The Northshore of New Orleans met and chatted...
Bahamas Celebrates 50th Independence
It’s 2:00 a.m. and downtown Nassau is bustling with activity as people line Bay Street to catch a special 50th Independence People’s Junkanoo Rush. Typically taking place on Boxing Day and on New Year's Day, the Junkanoo parade features hundreds of local participants in colourful costumes, shaking cowbells and pounding goat-skinned drums. “We are very proud of our culture. Junkanoo is a small part of our culture but it speaks to the vitality, the energy and passion of our people,” Deputy Prime Minster I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, told...
Discover Puerto Rico
Discover Puerto Rico is inviting Canadians to experience a Caribbean vacation that to some degree bucks a regional trend, reports Travel Courier’s Ian Stalker. The tourism promotion body’s Ellish Vicencio-Heap told a recent Toronto gathering that Puerto Rico hasn’t gone the all-inclusive resort route in a major way, unlike many other Caribbean islands. Tourism authorities want visitors to “discover what the island has to offer,” rather than remain in their resorts, she said. For the full story, don’t miss this week’s issue of TRAVEL...