Destinations
International Tourism On The Rise
Despite some tragic events around the world, 2016 is off to a strong start for international tourism. According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals grew by 5% between January and April 2016. Results were robust across almost all sub-regions and many destinations reported double-digit growth. Prospects for May-August remain positive, with around 500 million tourists expected to travel abroad in the Northern Hemisphere summer holiday peak season. Destinations worldwide received 348 million international tourists (overnight visitors) between...
Globus Puts Spotlight on Latin America
Globus' and Cosmos' 2017 product line for South and Central America, as well as Mexico, is open for sale and includes an early booking bonus offer for clients. Four new itineraries available from Globus include the seven-day Brazilian Getaway featuring Rio de Janeiro and Iguassu Falls; the 11-day Vineyards of South America which takes travellers from Argentina to Chile; Mexico’s Copper Canyon, a 10-day tour through Mexican’s Copper Canyon; and the eight-day Wonders of Mexico’s Yucatan tour from the Caribbean Sea to the Gulf of Mexico. Other popular Globus “Take A Break”...
Full Steam Ahead in Muskoka
It was back in 1866 that a small, primitive steamer called the Wenonah first began service on Ontario's Lake Muskoka. Today, the Wenonah II plies those same waters, but these days it’s carrying pleasure cruisers. The Wenonah II and R.M.S. Segwun – North America’s oldest operating steamship – set off on daily excursions operated by the Muskoka Steamship & Discovery Centre, offering passengers a unique way to experience the fun, romance and history of the Muskoka Lakes. “Steamships have been a fixture on these waters since before Confederation – but they’re a whole...
Turkey Declares State of Emergency
The turmoil in Turkey continues with news that president Tayyip Erdogan has declared a state of emergency in the country in the wake of last week's failed coup attempt by some members of the military. The state of emergency as it stands will last for three months and allows the president and his cabinet to bypass parliamentary protocols and approval when drafting new laws and suspending rights and freedoms. This follows the arrest and/or sacking of thousands of people, including members of the military, state workers and teachers who have been declared complicit in or supportive of the...
Here Comes The Sun With ACV
Air Canada Vacations has introduced its Sun Brochure, 2016/2017 Collection, its largest sun offering to date. The new collection includes more than 600 three- to five-star hotels and resorts – 80 of which are new to the tour operator – and vacation packages to more than 40 destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. Two new routes have been announced as part of the 2016 winter flight schedule – Montreal to Puerto Vallarta will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays onboard Air Canada rouge; and Halifax to Puerto Plata operating on Fridays onboard Air Canada. The 2016 winter...
New Princess Americas Program Unveiled
Princess Cruises has unveiled its 2017-2018 Americas cruise program highlighted by new itineraries and longer port stays in the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii and the California Coast. Sailings range from three to 28 days and are available for booking. In total, 11 ships with 230 departures on more than 30 unique itineraries visiting 70 destinations will sail between September 2017 and April 2018. Cruises will offer guests a variety of choices ranging from a short-cruise getaway to week-long vacations, as well as voyages of 10 days and longer. Highlights include the maiden...
Goway Gives Agents Chance to Win Japan Trip
In partnership with Tokyo Tourism and Japan Airlines, Goway has launched a “Discover Tokyo and Beyond” contest in which any agent booking a trip to Japan with Goway between July 1 and Oct. 31 will be entered to win a free spot on Goway's “A Taste of Japan” independent touring program. Included in the prize is round trip airfare with Japan Airlines. Every booking gets one ballot. Any booking that includes air with Japan Airlines will get an additional ballot per person. “Our objective in working with both Japan Airlines and Goway Travel is to help educate our trade partners...
London Is Open
A major advertising campaign – #LondonIsOpen – has been launched to show that London is united and open for business and to the world following the EU referendum. Supported by Mayor Sadiq Khan, #LondonIsOpen will show the world that London “remains entrepreneurial, international and full of creativity and possibility, while reassuring the more than one million foreign nationals who live in London that they will always be welcome, and that any form of discrimination will not be tolerated.” The mayor is urging all Londoners, organizations and businesses to show their support...