Destinations
What’s Next For Cuba, US Tourism
New US President Donald Trump's campaign pledge to put the brakes on warming Cuba-United States relations is leading some to wonder if surging Cuban tourism is due for something of a slowdown, reports Ian Stalker in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. The US election campaign saw Trump denounce the diplomatic rapprochement between his country and Cuba, which reportedly hosted 4 million visitors last year, an impressive 13% increase from 2015. Cuba's tourism ministry has credited improved relations with the United States as being “partially responsible” for last year's...
AC Adds Iceland to International Network
Air Canada will launch daily summer seasonal service from Canada to Reykjavik, Iceland. Flights will operate four times and three times weekly from the carrier's Toronto and Montreal hubs respectively, subject to government approvals. Special introductory fares start from $698 round trip, all in, and tickets are now available for purchase. “Iceland is an emerging and exciting vacation destination growing in popularity with its array of outdoor leisure and cultural adventures, and we're looking forward to flying to the Land of Fire and Ice this summer,” said Benjamin Smith,...
The Royal Hawaiian marks 90 years
Waikiki's The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort marked another milestone with the opening of The Royal Hawaiian Bakery on Feb. 1, the hotel’s 90th anniversary. With the Bakery debut, The Royal Hawaiian becomes the only hotel on the island to feature its own stand-alone bakery. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., the bakery is a one-stop confectionary located on the resort’s Coconut Lanai offering everything from The Royal Hawaiian’s famous banana bread and classic freshly baked desserts to custom-created cakes by Executive Pastry Chef Carolyn Portuondo, Pastry Chef Quirino...
A November to Remember
It was a November to remember for Canada, with international arrivals growing by double digits and setting an all-time high for the month. International overnight arrivals increased by 12.7% in November 2016 to reach over 979,000 visitors, beating a record established in 2002. Maintaining a trend observed in October, overnight arrivals from Destination Canada’s 10 overseas markets grew by 21.5% year-over-year in November 2016. Once again this was achieved on the strength of double digit gains and record arrivals across all three global regions, including Asia-Pacific (+27.4%),...
Talking About The Next Generation
A group of about 40 travel trade types were on hand in Toronto yesterday (Jan. 31) for the launch of TripXpertz, a virtual agency website network focused on the user experience and designed to drive brand and demand to its destination partners. Billing itself as the 'next generation of online travel agencies,' its founder and CEO, Brad Miron explained that TripXpertz isn't like most OTAs, which are “bottom-of-the-funnel price and product focused,” while TripXpertz starts at the very top with aspirational content that inspires consumers based upon what to see and do – giving them...
ACV’s Europe On Sale
Agents with clients considering travel to Europe may want to keep Air Canada Vacations (ACV) in mind as the tour operator is currently selling European air and hotel packages at up to 60% off. According to ACV, a spotlight is placed on some of the most romantic destinations on the continent, including London, Paris and Barcelona. Travel agents’ clients are encouraged to book by Feb. 14 to lock in this limited-time promotion. ACV is also offering $100 in savings per couple and a reduced deposit of $100 per person – instead of the standard $250 – for clients booking Europe...
Sandals Set to Begin Dragon Bay Reconstruction
Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony in Kingston last week, Sandals CEO Adam Stewart reportedly confirmed that the Sandals Group will begin work on the reconstruction of the Dragon Bay Beach Resort in Portland, Jamaica. It's reported that Sandals will spend US$100 million transforming the hotel into a 157-suite, six-star boutique family resort. The resort is said to be a new brand for Sandals, and not a Beaches or Sandals property. Sandals acquired Dragon Bay Beach Resort in...
Cheesecake Factory coming to Ka Makana Alii
Oahu's Ka Makana Alii reports that restaurant and retail giants – The Cheesecake Factory and Sephora – will open their first West Oahu locations at the new regional shopping centre in Kapolei. The globally recognized brands are among numerous tenants that have joined the centre since its October debut, with several new stores set to open this month. The Cheesecake Factory, known for its extensive menu, generous portions and legendary desserts, will open an 8,000-sq.-ft. standalone restaurant at Ka Makana Alii offering a range of more than 250 dishes. Sephora’s new...