Destinations
‘Joie de Vivre’
Despite coming off a challenging year, the mood was optimistic and festive last night as Destination France held its annual trade event in conjunction with Air France and numerous partners in Toronto. Mélanie Paul-Hus, interim director for Atout France, Canada, said 2017 is going to be a busy year for France as it continues a “recovery plan” with early signs looking positive. “The outlook is encouraging,” said Paul-Hus. “We're very optimistic.” She noted that Canadians remain loyal to France and early January arrival numbers for both Paris and France are up over last...
Discover Germany Off The Beaten Path
The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) and Baxter Travel Media invite agents to take part in another agent webinar on March 7. Registration is free for all travel agents. Located in the heart of Europe, Germany is a prime destination for experiencing culture, history, art, hospitality and much more. In this webinar agents will learn about Germany’s more than 150 designated scenic routes and how they wend their way through magnificent scenery, passing historic and contemporary cultural treasures. Each route, marked with easy to follow signposts, carves a very specific slice out of...
A Tale Of Two Cities
Well into an elaborate tapas spread and a glass – make that two – of cava in a dimly lit restaurant bustling with conversation and laughter, it became apparent just how the Spaniards view meals as social occasions, reports Ann Ruppenstein in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. Whether it’s marinated olives, seafood paella, cured meats or cheese, the Spanish cities of Madrid and Barcelona have it all – along with vibrant culture, arts, architecture and the list goes on. “Clients looking for a big European city, a seaside escape, a destination with a rich cultural...
ACV Expands European Travel Options
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has unveiled several new itineraries set to be featured in its Europe brochure which will be launched this spring. Last week the tour operator announced new Island Hopping itineraries in Greece. This week, the focus is on Ireland, Portugal and Spain. The newly expanded collection of these three destinations offers travellers a variety of options through Urban Getaways+, Fly & Rail Vacations, Fly & Drive Vacations and Guided Tours. Urban Getaways+ highlights Spain and Portugal’s most vibrant cities, including Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon and...
Transat Sets Up Base in Cabos
Transat invites agents and travellers looking for a change of scenery, adventure and authentic experiences to discover Los Cabos, a Mexican resort town in southern Baja California, by watching the latest four episodes of its web series, Travel Basecamp. “Travel Basecamp inspires us to travel differently by taking the road less travelled and getting to know different destinations through their local cultures and customs,” says Geneviève LeBrun, vice-president of marketing at Transat Tours Canada. “This series encourages travellers to treat their resorts as base camps and enjoy...
Tools For The Trade
The San Francisco Travel Association has unveiled the 2017 edition of its new Travel Planner's Guide. It's available free of charge for travel agents, tour operators and other travel professionals. This reference guide can be ordered online by going to http://www.sftravel.com and clicking on Promotional Materials; by e-mail to http://[email protected]; or by calling 415-227-2607. For a digital edition, click here. The 2017 edition of the San Francisco Travel Planner's Guide has been completely redesigned and updated, the 104-page guide offers listings for more than 1,100...
Dominican Woos Montreal Canadiens Fans
The Dominican Republic, Montreal Canadiens and Air Canada Vacations (ACV) along with the Grand Bahia Principe have teamed up to give hockey fans a chance to win a one-week, all-inclusive trip for two to Punta Cana with a prize draw during tonight's (Feb. 28) Canadiens game at the Bell Centre. During the first period of the game, contest organizers will select a random seat number in the Bell Centre. If the person sitting in the selected seat is an adult, they will join four other finalists (who were selected randomly as part of an online contest on the Canadiens' website) and be...
Business Is Booming In Nevada
A newly released report by the Nevada Division of Tourism (TravelNevada) shows increased revenue and employment powered by the travel sector in 2016. Lt. Gov. Mark Hutchison, chair of the Nevada Commission on Tourism, observed: “Historically, tourism has been the major engine of Nevada's economy. [This] preliminary report underscores the fundamental role that tourism plays in Nevada and serves as a testament to the industry's strength and longevity.” Hutchison continued: “Accounting for almost a third of the state's General Fund revenues, as [the] preliminary report...