Destinations
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...
Busabout Adds Portugal to 2017 Europe Program
Busabout, HAGGiS and Shamrocker Adventures have unveiled their new 2017 Europe program designed to offer clients more flexibility on their next European adventure, as well as the introduction of a new unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off pass. Furthering its dedication to its unique freestyle form of travel, Busabout will expand its Hop On – Hop Off network into Portugal. For die-hard music festival fans, Busabout’s new four-day Lollapalooza Berlin itinerary will be a “can’t miss” affair. For a limited time, clients who book by Nov. 30 can save 10% on all 2017 summer...
Tourism to Quebec Booming
With Canada's 150th anniversary and Montreal's 375th birthday taking place next year, Destination Quebec is expecting tourism to La belle province to continue to boom. “Quebec has enjoyed a fabulous 2016,” Destination Quebec's Gillian Hall told an industry gathering yesterday (Nov. 16) at a Discover Quebec luncheon in Toronto. “Montreal will host over 10 million tourists, Quebec City was awarded the Cultural Centre of the Year at the Leading Culture Destination Awards in London, England as well as being named the top tourist destination in Canada by Travel &...
Spotlight on Texas
Oenophiles will be in their element in Texas. Chris Radley, who represents Texas Tourism in Canada, told a Nov. 15 Toronto gathering that Texas has more than 180 wineries and is the fifth-largest producer of wine in the United States. Those who appreciate wine will find wine trails that are easy to navigate, she continued. Tourism authorities add that Texas is also home to 80 craft breweries and distilleries, underscoring varied tourism attributes in the jurisdiction. Radley praised southwestern Texas' Big Bend Country for showcasing the “grandeur of the Old West, while...
Fix It Now
IATA is urging governments in Latin America and the Caribbean to work with industry to make infrastructure a priority in unlocking aviation’s economic and social benefits. According to IATA, passenger demand in Latin America and the Caribbean is expected to more than double from 298 million in 2015 to 658 million in 2035. The airline industry association said that if that demand is met, the number of jobs supported by aviation in the region will grow from 5.4 million to 8.4 million over the same period. And aviation’s contribution to regional GDP will increase from $176...