Destinations
Sandals Purchases Saint Lucia Golf Course
Fore! Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is in the process of purchasing Saint Lucia Golf Club, the island’s premier golfing facility and only 18-hole course. Acquisition of the course is expected to be complete within 30 days, marking another moment of significant expansion in Saint Lucia by SRI. Earlier this year, Sandals Resorts introduced its over-the-water suite concept to Saint Lucia, debuting the island’s first over-the-water bungalows and serenity chapel at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, one of three resorts in the destination. The company plans to begin its fourth resort,...
Europe Stays Strong
A longtime Toronto travel agent says his travel agency continues to see strong interest in travel to Europe in the wake of the devastating Manchester bombing, with travellers possibly deciding to book Europe trips as a show of defiance to those who carried out the attack and their sympathizers, reports Ian Stalker in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. At least 22 concert-goers were killed by a suicide bomber who may have been operating with other Islamic extremists. A number of Manchester residents were detained by police after ongoing raids after the attack and British...
Sunwing Introduces YVR-Montego Bay Service
Beginning Dec. 19 and available weekly until April 3, 2018, Sunwing will be operating direct flights this winter and early next spring from Vancouver to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Travellers can choose between a stay at one of the tour operator’s resorts or a cruise package on board the newly refurbished TUI Discovery 2 that begins sailing from Montego Bay in November. Exclusively offered by Sunwing, TUI Discovery 2 offers a host of amenities, including a rock climbing wall, mini-golf course, spa, fitness centre and two pools. Passengers can choose from eight different dining options....
Welcome to the USA
Is it a perception issue or is it political reality that’s been putting the squeeze on America’s travel and tourism of late? That’s the question we posed to Brand USA chief executive Chris Thompson in the final run-up to this year’s mammoth IPW trade show and he came down firmly on the side of perception, reports Quebec editor, Mike Dunbar in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. According to Thompson, Brand USA is faced with market negativity that’s being fueled by a backlash to some of the early policy decisions of the Trump administration. He...
New Rules Coming For Machu Picchu
Goway is reminding agents that there are some new regulations coming into effect for visits to Machu Picchu, Peru -- one of the most famous and popular sites in South America. In 2007, the site was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and with that designation came growth of visitors to nearly 1.4 million tourists in 2014. This increased traffic has had an impact both on the famed site and on the visitor experience. Effective July 1, there will be new admission rules for visiting the citadel. Ticket sales will be divided into a morning ticket (6 a.m. to 12 noon) and...
Diverse India Has ‘Changed Many Lives’
Sidharth Bodwal says his homeland clearly has plenty of experience at hosting visitors. Bodwal, with India Tourism Toronto's office, told a Tuesday Toronto gathering that India “is a country that has attracted and mesmerized travellers since time immemorial,” with the holy city of Varanasi, for instance, having “changed many lives.” Bodwal added that some 73% of Himalayan peaks are found within northern India, while southern India is home to “some very beautiful beaches.” Adventure seekers can go skiing in the Himalayas, whitewater rafting on the Ganges River, opt for...
Contiki Adds Bolivia, Chile to Latin America Program
Contiki has launched its new Latin America 2018/19 program highlighted by the addition of two new destinations – Bolivia and Chile, and the addition of six new trips and departure dates through to 2019. With small groups, local guides and private included transport, Contiki continues to increase their footprint in a region frequented by young Canadians. The three new trips that journey into Bolivia are “Bella Bolivia,” “Bolivian Magic” and the “Andean Crossing.” To help spur wanderlust into reality, clients who book and pay in full by Aug. 1 will be able to save 10% as...
SeaWorld Extends Canadian Resident Offer
SeaWorld Parks has extended its Canadian Resident pricing through Aug. 31 at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa, and through Dec. 31 at SeaWorld San Diego. SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Offer extended for purchase now through Aug. 31; Redemption is one year from date of purchase; Price for single day ticket to either SeaWorld Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is US$74.99 plus tax; Savings up to 25% off general admission ticket. SeaWorld San Diego: Offer extended for purchase now through Dec. 31; Redemption through Jan. 1, 2018; Price for single day ticket is...