Destinations
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...
Record Setting World
The World has broken a world record. The private residential ship broke the record for the most southerly navigation reaching 78°43•997´S and 163°41•421´W at the Bay of Whales in Antarctica’s Ross Sea. It is the furthest south any vessel has ever sailed. The World recorded this polar record at 10:41 hrs ship’s time (New Zealand time) on Jan. 28. Launched in 2002, The World is the largest privately owned, residential yacht on earth with 165 luxury residences. Residents from 19 countries and including 142 families own the homes on board the 644-ft. ship that...
WestJet Bringing Back Halifax-Gander Service
As part of its 2017 summer schedule, WestJet will once again fly its Halifax to Gander, Nfld. route, with service starting daily on April 30. Overall, WestJet's guests in Atlantic Canada have a total of 31 non-stop routes and 21 different WestJet destinations to choose from. WestJet has increased its capacity out of this region by 75% in the last 10 years and now accounts for 62% of the capacity growth of all of the airlines that serve the Atlantic provinces. WestJet will also offer seasonal service between Calgary and Nashville, Tennessee, as part of its summer scheduling. Other...
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,...