Despite a slight dip in numbers from Canada, the Sunshine State has set another record in tourism by welcoming the highest amount of visitors of any six months in the state’s history with 57.4 million visitors, a 4.3% increase over the previous year.
In the second quarter of 2016 (April-June), 27.3 million visitors came to Florida, an increase of 3.1% over the same period in 2015. The average number of direct travel-related jobs in quarter two of 2016 was also a record high, with 1,255,200 Floridians employed in the tourism industry – up 4.3% year over year.
VISIT FLORIDA...
With the Houston Astros in town to play the Toronto Blue Jays on the weekend, Visit Houston seized the opportunity to invite a small trade group to the Rogers Centre to enjoy the game and get the latest updates on the Texas town and especially its sporting culture.
For example, the city best known as the home of NASA and the US space program will reach the sporting stratosphere in 2017 as host of the Super Bowl. Alas, the Friday night game was good news for Houston's tourism reps and less so for guests as the Astros won the game.
Pictured at the event are Visit Houston Canada rep...
Insight Vacations has unveiled its 2017 USA, Canada and South America collection showcasing four new itineraries, three of which offer deeper explorations into South America with the addition of Brazil, Argentina, Chile and the Galapagos Islands across all-new escorted holidays.
The program will also see the expansion of Insight's range of Premium journeys in North America with the addition of the 23-day Grand Tour of the American West. Clients can save up to $2,636 per couple through the Early Payment Discount Program if they book and pay in full by Jan. 12, 2017.
“Having...
Hilton Worldwide and Baptist Health South Florida have announced the signing of a franchise license agreement to open Hilton Miami/Dadeland, a full service, 184-room hotel, on the Baptist Hospital campus in Miami.
Scheduled to open in late 2018, the hotel will feature 150 guest rooms, 34 tailored to guests staying for longer periods, the largest meeting space in the area, a wellness centre, farm-to-table restaurant and more.
The hotel will be operated by Interstate Hotels and Resorts.
Hilton Miami/Dadeland will complement the patient experience offered at Miami Cancer Institute, a...
The Canadian general manager for Collette says Europe has become a tougher sell for Canadians following the recent of terrorist attacks and ongoing news coverage of sometimes chaotic migration to that continent from Third World countries over the past couple of years but predicts its popularity will rebound in 2017, reports Ian Stalker in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press.
Further suggestions of European turmoil followed the decision by British voters to have their country leave the European Union.
Collette's Brett Walker told Canadian Travel Press that Collette's...
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is gearing up for its annual State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) which will be held at the Hilton Barbados Resort from Sept. 14 to Sept. 16, 2016.
During SOTIC, the CTO will explore a range of subjects including how to transition the product, multicultural and emerging markets, creating a luxury experience and the sharing economy.
This year's theme is “Honouring Our Legacy, Defining Our Future,” and it will bring together tourism decision-makers, including ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, hotel and airline...
Luxury travel network Virtuoso has unveiled its list of the hottest upscale destinations for this year’s holiday season with Europe and Italy leading the way based on future bookings.
Virtuoso sourced the data from its warehouse of more than $35 billion in transactions to disclose the top destinations for the coming fall and holiday period. Luxury travellers are remaining true to European favourites, while turning their attention to warmer climes as the weather shifts at home. They also are seeking out more exotic locales worldwide, including a boom for African countries.
The most...
Homewood Suites by Hilton has introduced its newest property – the 112-suite Homewood Suites by Hilton San Antonio Airport.
The new hotel offers a combination of studio and one-bedroom accommodations, featuring fully equipped kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas. Guests are also provided with complimentary daily full-hot breakfast, evening social Monday-Thursday, WiFi and grocery shopping service.
Amenities include a fitness centre and indoor pool.
The hotel is just a short drive from local attractions in downtown San Antonio including San Antonio River Walk, the...
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism has launched a new website showcasing the region's natural beauty with vibrant images and informative copy.
Canada’s first national park and the world’s third, Banff National Park (the home of Banff and Lake Louise) is visited by nearly four million people a year. The region's key value proposition is its natural good looks that are easily accessible by all.
“Our key objective was to convey the unforgettable and often life-changing moments you experience when you visit Banff & Lake Louise,” says James Morris, principal of VentureWeb....
Riu has arrived in Asia with a five-star hotel in Sri Lanka.
The Riu Sri Lanka opened its doors Aug. 5 and its location in southeastern Sri Lanka makes it a perfect location from which to explore the island or as a luxury base, having been designed specifically to offer a relaxed atmosphere.
The newly constructed hotel offers 24-hour all-inclusive service and overlooks the beach. The hotel has three large pools and a children's pool, sunbathing terraces, Jacuzzi, gym and the Renova Spa wellness centre, which includes a hairdresser and massage service. Rooms include a balcony or...