Destinations
Irish PM Talks Tourism In Toronto
If there was any doubt as to the importance of tourism to Ireland, it was erased last week when Enda Kenny, the country's Prime Minister, stepped up to the podium in Toronto to tell a hand-picked group of this country's top tourism executives just what the industry means to the Emerald Isle. Ireland is certainly doing exceptionally well these days as tourism visitor numbers hit record levels out of Canada in 2016, growing by 16% to over 220,000 – close to a 40% rise since 2014. Tourism Ireland officials note that those gains – driven by the significant increase in air lift and...
WestJet Ramps Up Abbotsford Lift
WestJet is applauding Abbotsford and the Abbotsford International Airport for their plans to eliminate the airport improvement fee (AIF) on June 1, 2017. It's perfect timing as WestJet has launched non-stop service between Abbotsford and Winnipeg and increased frequency on the route between Abbotsford and Edmonton from 13 to 20 weekly flights. Brian Znotins, vice-president network planning, alliances and corporate development for WestJet, observed: “The leadership demonstrated by Abbotsford International Airport sets a standard we hope others will follow. Low fees allow us to...
So Cool, It’s Azul
Karisma Hotels & Resorts has unveiled plans to open Azul Beach Resort Sensatori Jamaica by Karisma this month (May). The new resort is located on Negril's Seven Mile Beach, and will offer its guests its Gourmet Inclusive vacation experience. Reservations for stays at Azul Beach Resort Sensatori Jamaica are now being accepted. The Azul Beach Resort Sensatori Jamaica by Karisma is an all-suite beachfront property with 285 suites. It will offer 10 distinct room categories, all of which are ocean view and many of which offer private swim-ups. For couples, there are romantic...
Nepal School-Rebuild Project Launched
Adventure travel specialist World Expeditions is marking the two-year anniversary of the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal with the announcement of a Rebuild Nepal project. Taking place in November, the project will assist with building three classrooms at the Shree Manjushree School in the Kashi Goan village, Gorkha region, which was at the epicentre of the earthquake. World Expeditions has already helped rebuild classrooms at three schools across Nepal through seven Rebuild Nepal projects. Having been operating in Nepal for more than 40 years, and with over 200 trekkers and staff...
Air Canada Adds Six New Routes
Air Canada continues to expand its international network with the addition of six new routes for the winter season: Vancouver-Melbourne, Vancouver-Orlando, Toronto-Belize, Toronto-St. Vincent, Montreal-Lima and Montreal-Phoenix. Flights are now available for booking. Benjamin Smith, president, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada, said: “Air Canada is continuing its strategic, global expansion with a diverse range of exciting new non-stop routes this winter to Australia, South America, the Caribbean and the United States.” Smith pointed out that “Vancouver-Melbourne is our...
A New Destination
At a ceremony in Freeport, Grand Bahama this week, Carnival Cruise Line and the Bahamian government officials have signed an agreement for the construction of a new cruise port facility to be funded and operated by Carnival Cruise Line on Grand Bahama Island. The as-yet-unnamed planned port will be the largest purpose-built cruise facility ever constructed in The Bahamas and will take inspiration from the beauty of the Bahamian people and their islands. Features will include a one-mile stretch of beach, food, beverage and shopping outlets, a wide array of water-based amenities and...
Business Is Booming In The DR
The Dominican Republic, which saw over 768,486 visitors from Canada in 2016, is reporting a 4.6% increase in Canadian arrivals during January and February compared to the same period in 2016. Tourism Minister Francisco Javier García said on average 5,000 hotel rooms have been added annually over the past few years, and predicts a total of 80,000 hotel rooms by the end of the year. Slated to open in December, the all-inclusive Royalton Bavaro hotel, which will boast 730 guest rooms and nine restaurants, is currently under construction. In 2016, 5,470 new rooms entered the market,...
Myrtle Beach Taking Care Of Canadians
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, says it's well aware that the loonie stacks up poorly against the U.S. dollar these days and it's doing its part to ensure Canadian visitors don't have to reach too deeply into their pockets while vacationing there. Kimberly Hartley, the destination's Canadian sales manager, told a Tuesday Toronto gathering that Myrtle Beach tourism authorities are “very cognizant” of the currency exchange and have responded to it in part by offering Canadians tourism-related discounts and other incentives that are normally offered during the destination's CanAm Days...