Destinations
Royal Caribbean Makes Inaugural Visit to Havana
It was a historic day for Royal Caribbean International earlier this week when the cruise line made its inaugural visit to Cuba as Empress of the Seas called in Havana as part of a five-night sailing from Miami. “We’re thrilled to be a part of Cuba’s future, ushering in Royal Caribbean’s next big adventure with Empress of the Seas’ first visit to Havana. Vacationers will now be able to experience a destination like no other, with authentic and immersive experiences that bring to life the vibrancy of Havana and its traditions,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal...
Air Canada Takes Off To Three More
Air Canada welcomed a stellar group of its industry supporters to Malaparte at the TIFF Bell LightBox in Toronto last night (April 26) for a celebration – and there was certainly a lot to celebrate. “I'm proud of what's happening,” the carrier's vice-president, global sales, Duncan Bureau told his audience, continuing, “In 2016, 28 new markets were launched and in 2017, there's lots more to come.” And if that's not enough reason to celebrate, Bureau pointed to the fact that Air Canada was celebrating its 80th birthday in 2017; its planes are being decked out in a new...
Sunwing Launch – What An Experience!
There's no disputing that Bonaire is a new destination for the Sunwing Travel Group. The company held a Toronto show Wednesday night (April 27) updating travel agents on what's new for both Sunwing and Signature Vacations, with Lorraine Brisbois, Sunwing Travel Group's corporate manager of preferred partners telling the audience that Bonaire is so new to the company's lineup that it doesn't even appear in the new brochures the company was distributing last night. “We're very excited about the destination,” Brisbois told the gathering about an island known among other things for...
Universal Plans Christmas Surprise
Universal Orlando Resort has a special Christmas surprise planned, unveiling details of a brand new experience is coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as part of its destination-wide Holiday celebration. Plus, Universal Orlando Resort will also have a brand-new parade featuring Macy's joining its epic lineup of Holidays experiences. The new experiences will join its other popular Holiday traditions, with 2017 Holiday celebrations running from Nov. 18 to Jan. 6, 2018. Christmas is a special time in the Harry Potter series, and fans from around the world have long wanted to...
Now Open In Maui
The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas has opened on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Situated on 16 acres of North Kā'anapali Beach, the resort marked the event with a traditional Hawaiian blessing. Comprised of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas is designed to be a relaxing haven with culturally inspired programs and distinctive Hawaiian experiences. Under the guidance of the resort's cultural director, the “essence of Hawai'i has been carefully woven into design elements throughout the property. Additionally, the Pu'uhonua o Nanea Cultural Center will...
Generation Z Has Arrived
Good-bye Millennials, Hello Generation Z – the new destination disruptors. That's the message in Virtuoso's newly released 2017 Luxe Report which tracks what's trending in family travel this summer vacation. The survey of its global advisors not only looked at some of the leading destinations for families, but it also looked at the influence Generation Z has over travel decisions. And while Millennials previously held court as the leading force in the travel industry, Virtuoso says Gen Z is the new buzzword in tourism. It's the generation of young people born late in the 1990s...
Something For Everyone In Ethiopia
The Ethiopian Tourism Organization (ETO) has generated interest among in Ethiopia as an emerging destination during the launch of the tourism brand: Ethiopia, Land of Origins at the first roadshow by the ETO in North America. The three-city roadshow in Los Angeles, New York and Toronto was held on March 24-30. At each event there was a media briefing for travel trade journalists followed by a presentation and workshop with one-on-one meetings organized with 21 Ethiopian suppliers. “There is something for everyone to discover while in Ethiopia,” said Solomon Tadesse, CEO of the...
Partnering To Fight Pollution
Hamilton Princess & Beach Club is partnering with the Seabin Project, a pilot program dedicated to sea-cleaning technology. Sponsored by The Butterfield Group, Bermuda's official bank, the Seabin apparatus will be installed at the Princess Marina this month, and will automatically begin collecting floating rubbish and fuel runoff to create a cleaner ocean and healthier sea life. The Marina will be the first in North America and one of 10 locations globally to feature the Seabin technology. During the test period of three months, data from the collected debris will be analyzed...