Destinations
It’s Amazing
Well, things just got a little more amazing. Toronto area travel agents not only got a taste of the wonders of Thailand last night (Aug. 23), courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), they were also amongst the first to hear the news that TAT is opening a dedicated tourism office in Canada in 2017. Srimala Waraphaskul, director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, was up from New York and made the announcement. In a first for Thailand, the office will be located in Toronto and house seven to 10 staff. Agents attending last night's event at Toronto's King Edward Hotel...
Toronto To Get a Taste of Europe Via Icelandair
Icelandair will take to the streets of Toronto between Sept. 7-11 to give Torontonians a taste of Europe and chances to win trips via Icelandair. While most know Icelandair flies to Iceland, the airline wants travellers to know they can also fly via Icelandair to 28 destinations in Europe with gate-to-gate WiFi, personal inflight entertainment and some of the fastest travel times from Toronto-Pearson International. Icelandair will sponsor an airplane-inspired food truck ready to serve up European classics representative of the delicacies one may find served in one of Icelandair’s...
Uniworld Enhances The All-Inclusive Experience
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has added two new itineraries to its European offerings now available for booking for travel in 2017, as well as enhancements to its all-inclusive guest experience. Additionally, in March 2017, Uniworld will inaugurate the Joie de Vivre, the first Super Ship in Uniworld’s fleet to sail on the Seine River. The debut of Uniworld’s new itineraries, Rhine-Main Discovery & Munich and Paris & Impressions of the Seine, will provide guests with an opportunity to explore the history, art, gastronomy and architecture by river, which lies...
Andaz Opens in Ottawa
Hyatt Hotels' Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market is open for business, marking the brand’s official entry into Canada. The Ottawa hotel is the 13th in the brand's portfolio. Three other Andaz hotels will open by the end of this year, including Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa, Andaz Delhi and Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya. Set in the heart of ByWard Market, the capital’s newest hotel boasts 200 rooms, flexible meeting space, a ground floor restaurant and bar, as well as a rooftop lounge, offering sweeping views of the Ottawa cityscape. An all-day coffee bar with grab-and-go bites...
Spain Year-Round With Air Transat
Air Transat has added a supplementary flight to Malaga, Spain, to its transatlantic winter program, departing twice weekly from Montreal during high season. Service will also be available from Toronto thanks to the airline's domestic flight program. “Characterized by its mild winters, among other things, the Costa del Sol is perfect for combining relaxation and discovery during a short or long stay,” commented Annick Guérard, president and general manager of Transat Tours Canada. “In addition to the flights, travellers get access to plenty of one-stop packages, or à la carte...
Major Quake Hits Central Italy
A major earthquake hit Central Italy overnight. Reports indicate that the the magnitude 6.2 quake devastated a number of towns, including Amatrice. Between 40 and 60 aftershocks were reported following the initial quake which struck early in the morning when most people in the area were sleeping. According to reports, the epicentre of the quake was at Norcia, which is approximately 170 kilometres northeast of Rome. At press time, reports of dead and injured were continuing to...
Atlantis Launches Major Renovations
Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas has launched the first phase of a US$20 million transformation at what is currently known as the Coral Towers. Once all renovations are complete, the hotel will reopen as The Corals Atlantis, a new modern hotel for the resort’s group, leisure and casino guests, designed by Bilkey LLinas Design. “This renovation marks a significant step in our long-term vision for Atlantis,” said Paul Burke, president and managing director, Atlantis, Paradise Island. “Atlantis consists of five unique hotels from the ultra-luxury of The Cove...
100,000 and Counting
Tourism Ireland has reached 100,000 fans on Facebook in Canada. Social media marketing is a big part of Tourism Ireland’s promotional program in Canada and around the around the world and the organization’s “social footprint” is considerable with more than 50 social media presences in total – including Facebook pages in 15 markets, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest and YouTube, as well as Sina Weibo and WeChat in China. Tourism Ireland has almost 28,000 followers on Twitter in Canada alone (355,000 globally). Dana Welch, Tourism Ireland’s manager for Canada,...