Destinations
A Boost For Destinations
Summer is fast approaching in the northern hemisphere and for many, so is a well-earned holiday. But where to go? Today's traveller is spoilt for choice. New air and ground connections and fast developing tourism infrastructure is bringing countless destinations closer to the traveller. For Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) in the travel inspiration business, the competition for visitors is greater than ever. In the past, DMOs have been bound by data such as visitor numbers only after the year is complete, as reported in Amadeus' recent paper “Smart decisions for...
A Done Deal
The US Virgin Islands and Airbnb have confirmed the first tax agreement in the Caribbean, which will allow the platform to collect the Territory's 12.5% Hotel Room Occupancy Tax on behalf of hosts and remit the funds to the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). The deal will also create a framework to help promote tourism to the U.S. Virgin Islands, highlighting the cultural and historical heritage of this world-class destination. Airbnb has been investing in partnerships in the region to support a thriving community of homeowners who are renting their spaces and creating...
VIP Experience Available for 2020 Passion Play
Every decade, the picturesque town of Oberammergau re-enacts the Passion of Christ – better known as the Passion Play – in honour of an age-old promise. This world-famous performance is carried out by more than 1,500 villagers and involves years of planning and preparation. In 2020, Insight Vacations guests have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this unforgettable event while on select escorted journeys through Germany or Italy. “We are thrilled to be able to take Canadians to see the Oberammergau Passion Play for its 42nd performance in 2020 with a variety of...
Always A Surprise
Mirta Rodriguez Arechiga says those who will be visiting her hometown of Mexico City are certain to find traffic congestion – along with wonderful museums, great nightlife, upscale hotels and a thriving cultural scene, reports Ian Stalker in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. The Mexican capital does have traffic and air quality issues, but Rodriguez Arechiga and other proponents of the massive metropolis say it has plenty of upsides for visitors, although many of the world's travellers may be leery of it. “I think we have a strong cultural heritage. We're the city...
Best Of Both Worlds
Kissimmee, Florida, is proud to have some entertainment industry giants close to its doorstep. Denise Graham, Canadian representative for Experience Kissimmee Florida, says those staying in her central Florida city may actually find themselves closer to Walt Disney World than those staying in better-known Orlando. “A lot of our properties are closer to Walt Disney World,” she said during a Thursday Toronto gathering. But Graham added that much of Kissimmee's appeal lies in its own boundaries and that proximity to central Florida theme parks is far from its only drawing...
All Dreams Welcome
About 120 Toronto-area travel trade VIPs learned first hand that All Dreams Are Welcome in California, as a mega-delegation of the Golden state's top tourism executives greeted them at a reception and dinner (prepared by celebrity chef, Bob Blumer) last night (May 25). “Tonight, we want to welcome you into our living room,” observed Visit California's president and CEO, Caroline Beteta. “We're friends of Canada and Canada has been a friend to California and we want to roll out the red carpet to you and your clients.” Beteta led the high-profile group of senior executives...
Experience Europe All Year Round
Insight Vacations is offering Canadians a chance to experience Europe's fall colours, winter magic and spring blooms and discover the magic that's unique to those seasons. Until August 31, 2017, travellers are encouraged to book early to get the best possible deal and can save up to 7.5% per person and give them a chance to enjoy Europe’s milder weather and vibrant colours, seasonal culinary specialties and celebrate regional festivals with the locals. Cris David, president, Insight Vacations Canada, said: “Travelling to Europe is special all year long, but what many clients...
Easier To Explore With Arctic Kingdom
Arctic Kingdom says its new website makes the Canadian Arctic easier to explore. The tour operator says dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, culture, and bucket list experiences await those who visit the Arctic. It adds that its “completely redesigned and mobile website inspires and brings awareness to this incredible vast and ever-changing place in the world, makes it easier for travellers to get here now, and empowers travel agents to confidently promote this incredible destination.” The site has a new travel agent section that includes tools and information to help agents...