Destinations
Positive Performance
The Caribbean tourism fared well in 2016 and industry stakeholders are generally upbeat about the year ahead, despite the fact that many hoteliers were forced to adjust their high performance expectations for 2016 as the year progressed due to unforeseen events. Frank Comito, director general and CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), released the results of the group's Industry Performance and Outlook Study which revealed that “more than four out of five (81%) hoteliers have an encouraging outlook for tourism in 2017.” Comito said that the survey, conducted by...
Absolutely Fantastic
Trade reaction to the brand-new GO Canada offering from Air Canada Vacations has been nothing short of “fantastic,” according to Luigi Iannello, the operator's senior director of strategy and business development. “And the myriad ground suppliers featured in the 100-page brochure are “very excited at this opportunity and the increased exposure they're getting,” he added. What's more, reaction from the general public has also been positive said Iannello who reported, “We've caught a lot of people by surprise by showing them just how much there is to do in Canada from...
Selling The Feeling
Discover Los Angeles has unveiled its new global brand campaign and it's not selling the city, it's selling the feeling of the city. Don Skeoch, chief marketing officer for Discover Los Angeles, observed: “Following in-depth focus groups in nine of our key global markets, one point became clear: the feel of Los Angeles has an inexorable pull on visitors. They are interested in all of the things they can do in the city, but to them, L.A. is first and foremost about a lifestyle and a feeling.” Skeoch added: “We wanted to convey the experience of getting into the L.A. frame...
Air Transat Takes Off To Portugal
Air Transat will be adding another direct Toronto-Lisbon flight to its transatlantic summer program, which will now be offering daily non-stop service to Portugal via Lisbon or Porto during high season. The new flight will be operated from Toronto, and service will also be available from Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver with the carrier's connecting flights. Annick Guérard, president and general manager of Transat Tours Canada, said: “In addition to travelling with the best leisure airline in North America according to Skytrax, Air Transat clients can benefit from flights to two...
Don’t Miss This Webinar!
The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) and Baxter Travel Media invite agents to take part in an agent webinar on February 21. 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 2017, Germany celebrates Martin Luther and the Reformation, as it will have been 500 years since Luther nailed his 95 theses to a church door in Wittenberg. In this webinar agents will learn why travellers shouldn't miss the opportunity to celebrate this anniversary. Walking...
On The Road At Gala Vallarta
The news out of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico -- dubbed the world's friendliest city -- is all positive with visitor numbers on the rise and several key tourism projects on the way. This and more was revealed at the 23rd edition of the city's annual tourism show, Gala Vallarta 2017. PressToday's Greg Coates is in Puerto Vallarta and reports news of the construction of a new mega cruise pier, scheduled to open in March 2018, a project that is being combined with the addition of a large "authentic" Mexican shopping centre and a new aquarium, which will be the largest in Latin America. In...
A Milestone Year For Montreal
A landmark milestone for Montreal has the city's hoteliers in an upbeat mood these days. The city has begun celebrating its 375th anniversary and the accompanying festivities are certain to translate into heightened tourist interest in the city, those attending a Tuesday Destination Quebec event in Toronto said. “2017's going to be a milestone year for us. We predict it will be the best since reopening in 2012. Quite a few days are already sold out,” Sebastien Cornellier, group sales manager at the long-standing Ritz-Carlton Montreal, told Press Today. Celebrations marking...
GNTO, Lufthansa Gear Up For 2017
Last night (Feb. 8) was certainly a nasty night in Toronto, but the freezing rain and treacherous road conditions didn't dampen the spirits of those attending the German National Tourist Offices (GNTO) launch of its 2017 celebrations which highlighted a host of special events, including the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther and the Reformation. Antje Splettstoesser, the director of the GNTO Canada, reported that while the final numbers for 2016 aren't in yet, Germany hosted 75.2 million overnight stays between January and November of last year, representing a 1% increase. Canadian...