Destinations
Sunwing Adds Calgary-Costa Rica Service
Sunwing has announced the introduction of a new flight from Calgary to Liberia, Costa Rica. Departing weekly on Mondays between Dec. 25 and April 16, 2017, the new service will allow customers to trade in ski goggles for sunglasses this holiday season and experience the famous “Pura Vida” lifestyle of this exotic Central American country. This latest addition to Sunwing’s winter flight schedule (which already includes a number of the region’s most popular vacation hotspots such as Montego Bay, Jamaica and Cancun, Mexico) brings the total number of destinations offered from...
It’s All About The Rewards
Hotels.com reports that when it comes to snapping up a free night away from home, Hong Kong travellers are the world's savviest. The Hotels.com Rewards program – which allows travellers to collect 10 nights and get one free – has hit 25 million members in 2016, the same year as the company celebrates its 25th birthday. And to mark the occasion, it has taken a look back at the millions of free nights redeemed, to uncover who are the world's savviest travellers. Holiday lovers based in Hong Kong, Seoul and Los Angeles topped the list, with New Yorkers coming in fourth and...
HVCB Appointment
The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) has promoted Michelle Drenker to director of market insights. “Michelle has been an integral part of the marketing team from day one, not only providing key research and analytical support of HVCB’s leisure and meetings travel initiatives, as well as leadership in the Hawaii and national travel research community,” said John Monahan, president and CEO for HVCB. “We are confident that her skills will play a major role in our efforts to keep Hawaii on top for new generations of travellers.” As director, Drenker is responsible...
No Impact So Far
So far, all's well. That's the message contained in the GBTA BTI Outlook – Western Europe report which indicates that while the Eurozone’s population and institutions may have been surprised by the outcome of the June Brexit referendum, the economy has barely missed a beat as markets have snapped back after an initial slide. The report also notes that consumers are consuming and businesses are hiring, investing and travelling for now. And while spending has been somewhat resilient, measures of near-term investment intentions plunged in the third quarter of this year, suggesting...
In and Outs of Barbados
Agents are invited to take part in a free Barbados webinar Nov. 22, 2 p.m. (EST). Barbados will provide an overview of the destination, as well as information on increased airlift, destination weddings, new hotel developments/varied accommodations, on-island activities, dining options and how to become a Barbados Specialist. The webinar will be presented by Deborah Millington and will be moderated by Baxter Travel Media with a Q&A session at the end. One webinar participant will be selected to win a five-night stay for two at the Southern Palms Hotel in Barbados. Agents can...
MSC Bringing Opera to Cuba
MSC Cruises reports that its newly refurbished MSC Opera will homeport in Havana year-round to meet the growing demand for the destination as part of its Caribbean itineraries. MSC Cruises was actually the first international cruise line to homeport in Havana, doing so in 2015 with MSC Armonia. Now, MSC is doubling its capacity dedicated to Cuba as a destination with the addition of a second ship. MSC Opera recently went through a complete upgrade as part of MSC’s Renaissance Program, meaning that is can offer guests great “levels of comfort, service and entertainment.” As...
Opportunity Gap
A newly released study by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) reveals a significant tourism opportunity gap when compared to international growth rates. According to OCC's report, “Closing the Tourism Gap: Creating a Long-Term Advantage for Ontario,” Ontario has foregone nearly $16 billion in visitor spending between 2006 and 2012 by not keeping up with global growth trends. While this year has been a strong year for tourism in Ontario, it is important that this recent growth is translated into long-term, sustainable gains in tourism visitation. Allan O'Dette, president and CEO of...
Porter Helps Promote The Arts
Porter Escapes has partnered with Tourism Toronto, Ontario Travel and Destination Canada to promote the rich arts and cultural experiences available in and around the Ontario capital with special air, hotel and entertainment packages. Packages feature air with Porter Airlines, which brings passengers to the heart of downtown Toronto. Toronto Arts package tickets available through Porter Escapes include: Canadian Opera Company; Canadian Stage; Toronto Symphony Orchestra; National Ballet of Canada; McMichael Canadian Art Collection (Kleinburg, Ont.); Mirvish Productions; Opera...