Destinations
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...
Holland America Set to Sail to Cuba
Holland America Line (HAL) has received approval to begin sailing to Cuba from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, starting with a Dec. 22 12-day holiday cruise aboard Veendam. HAL becomes Carnival Corporation's third cruise line to be approved to sail to Cuba following the company's historic inaugural sailings to the island last year. The addition of 1,350-passenger Veendam itineraries will help meet the growing demand for premium cruise experiences to Cuba. Nine seven-day itineraries will feature the capital city Havana, and three of these will add another Cuba call at Cienfuegos. The...
Whirlpool Jets Around Niagara River
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours is marking its 25th season taking passengers on action-packed rides through the whitewater of the Niagara River. Following a mild winter and early spring, Whirlpool kicked off the season on April 22, offering jet boat rides a couple of weeks earlier than usual from its dock in Old Towne Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Departures began on the US side of the river in Lewiston, N.Y. in late April and are set to begin from Niagara Falls on June 25. The company officially opened its doors to the public in 1992 with a single boat, taking passengers for whitewater rides...
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...