Destinations
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,...
Spotlight on Mexico City
Tourism to Mexico City is on the rise. Miguel Torruco Marqués, minister of tourism, Mexico City, told a Toronto gathering yesterday (Aug. 22) that the addition of 20 new non-stop flights to the destination over the last three years, with two more routes set to launch (from Austin, Texas and Tokyo, Japan’s Narita International Airport), has resulted in an upswing of visitors. “International arrivals have increased almost 16.8% during the last two years,” he said. “Last year until the end of 2015 – without the new flights from Toronto and Vancouver – we received 111,000...
Trafalgar Expands Further Into Asia
Trafalgar is delving deeper into Asia with the introduction of three new destinations – India, Sri Lanka and Laos. Boasting nine new itineraries – for groups of up to just 26 – and three new destinations, Trafalgar’s Asia 2017 program is its most comprehensive to date and features an expanded range of “Mini Stays” to provide agents with options to sell Asia’s most exciting urban centres to clients looking for an immersive city experience. Functioning as standalone four-day mini breaks or the perfect add-on to a guided vacation, Trafalgar has introduced the new Bangkok...
New Hola Sun Brochure Available
Cuba specialist Hola Sun Holidays has released its 2017 brochure. Valid November 2016 - October 2017, the tour operator has packages in nine destinations across the island, with air via Cubana airlines. Destinations include Cayo Coco/ Cayo Guillermo, Holguin, Cienfuegos/Trinidad, Santiago de Cuba, Camaguey/Santa Lucia, Havana, Varadero, Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Largo. Available product includes ITC packages, land only, air only, car rentals, escorted bus tours, sun/city combos, long stays, specialized programs and Cuba Cruise. All products and services are available to all agents...
Tennis Capital of the Caribbean
Anguilla will become the tennis capital of the Caribbean this fall as the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) in partnership with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the Anguilla Tennis Academy host the inaugural Anguilla International Tennis Federation Junior Championships from Nov. 12-19. The tournament, which will become an annual event, ensures Anguilla’s place on the ITF Caribbean Circuit, which currently includes both Jamaica and Cayman. The tournament will have two categories, for juniors and seniors. The junior event is expected to attract about 80 players (boys and...