Destinations
Chaos, Confusion, Condemnation
Donald Trump's Jan. 27 executive order banning entry to the US to those travelling on passports from Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Somalia, Libya and Yemen for the next 90 days, has created chaos, confusion and condemnation in both the US and around the world. Courts in four US states – Massachusetts, Virginia, Washington and New York – have already issued orders which prevent authorities from either detaining or deporting travellers from the seven named countries who have US visas, green cards or are refugees. There have been angry demonstrations at major US airports in New York,...
Tourisme Montréal Expecting a Big Year
As Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary, Tourisme Montréal is kicking off what it expects to be a record year for both pleasure and business travel in the city. This year will be marked with non-stop celebrations as more than 175 events are planned for Montréal's 375th anniversary. According to Tourisme Montréal's projections, the city will see tourist volumes jump by 5.3% over 2016. Some 10.7 million visitors are expected to bring in $3.6 billion tourist dollars, an 8.1% hike over last year. By way of comparison, the city welcomed 10.2 million tourists in 2016, for a total of...
On The Slopes of India
What goes up Indian Himalayan peaks ski-wise must come done, says Swadesh Kumar. But the descent will be a great deal more rapid for those who choose to schuss with his company than the ascent, promises Kumar, managing director of Shikhar Travels, a New Dehli-based tour company. The swashbuckling Kumar, who goes by the moniker Capt. Swadesh, is a prominent figure in India Himalayas tourism, and among offerings his company has are opportunities to trek up peaks in the world's loftiest mountain range and then ski down. The skiable peaks include one reaching 6,800 metres, an upward...
Discovering the Wonders of Israel
The wonders of Israel are now available from Transat, which has unveiled its newly launched program of guided tours and packages designed to allow travellers to discover Tel Aviv many other touristic attractions in and around the Middle East country. Transat packages will be available as of mid-June. Three guided tours will allow travellers to holiday worry-free and to fully explore Israel thanks to the expertise of professional guides. According to officials, “with proven itineraries, strategically located three- or four-star hotels, experienced guides, air-conditioned coaches...
Barbados to Host First-Ever Dragon World Championships
The first-ever dedicated stand up paddleboard (SUP) team racing event will be held in Carlisle Bay, Barbados, from Oct. 28-30. Working in partnership with Barbados Tourism & Marketing Inc (BTMI), the Championships will be the climax to a busy calendar of Dragon World Series events taking place across the globe in the next 10 months. With the action taking place over the course of three days, The Dragon World Championships will be “unlike any SUP event ever experienced, mixing fast, fun racing with a party vibe like no other.” Each race will vary in length and format, and has...
Sky-High Proposal
Men looking to take the plunge this Valentine's can propose to their special lady sky-high during “Dinner in the Sky” this February at Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta. A grand romantic gesture, the “Proposal in the Sky” includes a ring presentation during dessert, bottle of champagne, bouquet of flowers and a photo to commemorate the experience. The experience, which elevates 22 guests 150 feet in the air for a three-course gourmet dinner complemented by views of the Banderas Bay and Sierra Madre Mountains, can also be booked exclusively for the couple. Drone video footage to...
Air Canada, Silver Airways Launch Interline Partnership
Air Canada and Fort Lauderdale-based Silver Airways have launched a new interline ticketing partnership, making it easy for travellers to connect between the two carriers’ networks. Under the agreement, travellers are now able to purchase a single ticket for flights to and from the more than 60 cities that Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and its regional partners serve throughout Canada, and to Silver Airways’ destinations throughout Florida and the Bahamas. Customers benefit by booking single ticket trips and combining flights on multiple carriers. “We are proud to partner with...
Done Deal
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) and Marriott International have signed a US$40 million deal to bring a new 220-room AC Hotels by Marriott to the Caribbean. Construction on the new hotel in Kingston will begin this month, with Sandals taking management of the brand with a planned 2019 debut. This is the first partnership between the hospitality companies and the first time SRI will manage a brand it did not create. AC is Marriott’s design-focused brand and currently boasts 90 properties across Europe, Latin America and the US. According to SRI CEO and Deputy Chairman Adam...