Destinations
Air France, KLM Release Winter Schedules
Air France and KLM have released their winter schedules and will be operating 47 weekly flights between Canada and Europe during the winter season – Oct. 30 through March 25, 2017. Air France will offer 22 weekly flights from Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. The airline will be flying between Montreal and Paris 12 times a week, and once daily out of Toronto. There will be three departures a week for the direct Vancouver-Paris flight inaugurated in 2015. Air France’s Montreal-Paris service now offers new options with departures will at 6:25 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. The airline will...
Disney Adding Bonaire to Caribbean Lineup
Disney Cruise Line is adding Bonaire to its Caribbean lineup in 2018. The cruise line is offering limited-time engagements in Puerto Rico and California, plus a variety of cruises from Florida with calls to such ports as The Bahamas and Mexican Riviera from January through May. Bookings are open. More details on 2018 itineraries can be found at http://bit.ly/2fjPdRi. Bonaire is a new port of call for Disney Cruise Line and part of a seven-night sailing that departs San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Jan. 28. The island is a favourite with water-sport enthusiasts and known for its scuba...
California Has ‘STARS’ in its Eyes
Visit California chose the occasion of its four-day cross Canada road show to Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver this week to launch its new STAR program for travel agents. The first of 13 international markets to receive the cutting edge training and resource program, Canada will likely see it go live on Nov. 1. Designed specifically for mobile devices (but also compatible with desktops and other technology), California STAR is “the next evolution” of the California Expert Program, which is being gradually phased out. “It's unique and very user friendly,” Visit California...
Making It New In Barbados
The “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean,” as many foodies from around the world describe Barbados, is rebranding the Barbados Food & Rum Festival. Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. unveiled the revitalized event – set to run from Nov. 17-20 – which will showcase the island’s very best dishes and offering an opportunity for visitors to try new global flavours. Award-winning local and international chefs will once again dazzle live audiences with cooking demonstrations, while creative mixologists will demonstrate the versatility of Barbados rum. Included in the line-up is...
Mexico City Shares Its Unique History
Tourism officials from Mexico City dropped by Toronto last night to update the travel trade on all that's happening in the Mexican capital, including strong visitor numbers from Canada. Ricardo Goria Tamer of the Mexico City Tourism Trust (CDMX) told PressToday numbers from Canada are up 30% since 2012. “We're very proud of this, but are looking to make it better,” he said, adding Mexico City is very affordable for Canadians, is easily accessible and offers a nice mix of traditional and modern facilities. He added the city has thriving business, arts, culture and culinary...
Big Island Name Change
The Big Island Visitors Bureau has officially changed its name to the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB). “Depicted in IHVB's new logo, the design retains its overall elements and feel of the previous look, while aligning itself with the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau branding of the Hawaiian Islands,” said Ross Birch, IHVB executive director. IHVB will continue to use the island's name, Hawaii, to help identify the destination accurately in its marketing communications and business operations. To avoid confusion with the state name,...
Canada Number One
If you have a client looking for somewhere exciting to travel next year, why not look to Canada, voted Lonely Planet's number one destination for 2017. Each year, the travel media company ranks destinations based on the diversity and quality of travel experiences offered. Results are published in the annual Best in Travel series. “We are honoured to have been selected as Lonely Planet's Destination of the Year for 2017,” said Bardish Chagger, minister of Small Business and Tourism. “Of course, this recognition doesn't mean our work is done; it should encourage us to keep this...
Contiki Adds To Asia Program In 2017
Contiki has launched its 2017 Asia program with the addition of five new itineraries offering travellers what the operator describes as “life changing” travel experiences. In the last two years, the youth travel expert has been consistently adding to and refining its product offering across all regions in response to market demand for more exotic destinations outside of Europe. Asia is one such region that offers both value and No Regrets experiences. With its 2017 Asia launch, Contiki has fleshed out its Asian offering by venturing into Singapore and India for the first time,...