Destinations
Taking Stock
At least one prominent tour operator selling Europe says that March 22's deadly bombings in Brussels may temporarily curtail travel to Europe, but is predicting a quick rebound as the busy Europe summer season draws near, reports Ian Stalker in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. The suicide bombings blamed on Islamic extremists killed at least 34 people and left some 270 injured, and follow November's deadly attacks in Paris that left some 130 people dead. The latest bombings have been followed by warnings from some intelligence quarters about possible further attacks by...
Book With Royal Irish For Chance to Win Ireland Trip
Agents booking a Royal Irish Tours trip during April with have a chance to win a trip for two to Ireland, including round-trip air from Toronto. The winner will take part in Royal Irish's eight-day “Emerald Adventure” that includes a stay at the five-star Ashford...
AC rouge Brings Eastern Europe Closer to Home
Air Canada rouge is looking well beyond Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower with its summer Europe program. The airline will have non-stop summer service from Toronto to Prague, Budapest and Warsaw, with Prague service running May 29 to Sept. 29, Warsaw flights available from June 14 to Sept. 30 and the carrier linking Ontario's capital with Budapest from June 10 to Oct. 15. “Eastern Europe is closer than ever before,” Vijay Bathija, Air Canada's vice-president commercial told a Wednesday Toronto gathering. The new service underscores the quick growth Air Canada rouge – launched...
G Adventures Unveils New Active Adventures
Cultural trekking in Bhutan, a first-of-its-kind multi-sport trip in Japan, cycling through rice fields in China, and rafting and cycling in Patagonia, Argentina, are all new experiences in store for travellers with the launch of G Adventures’ 2016 Active brochure. In addition, the small group adventure operator, which is the largest on the Inca Trail, has experienced an increase in demand for the Lares Trek as an alternative option to the Inca Trail in Peru, and is now offering the Lares Trek on all of its trips taking travellers to Machu Picchu. Each new Active trip includes a...
Signature Adds New Riu Reggae to Jamaica lineup
Signature Vacations reports the newest addition to RIU Hotels & Resorts, the five-star Riu Reggae in Montego Bay, Jamaica will open in November. According to officials, the adults only (18+) resort combines “a cutting-edge, fashion forward décor with an idyllic setting encircled by lush, tropical gardens.” When it opens in November 2016, the resort is expected to offer both a serene setting for couples and newlyweds, as well as an attractive base for singles and groups looking to combine beach relaxation with excursions of the island. The resort will featuring three...
Brazil On A Budget (2016 Olympics Edition)
With the Summer Olympics in Brazil just around the corner (Aug. 5-21), the Brazilian Tourism Board (Embratur) is sharing the following tips on where to go and what to see – as well as an insider's guide on saving money – while in Rio de Janeiro and surrounding areas. While most Olympic events will take place in Rio de Janeiro, four additional cities will host futebol matches. Where to Eat The “Kilo” Restaurant – All over Brazil there are self-service restaurants with a sign that says “comida por quilo” or “food per kilogram.” Customers have the freedom to pick...
Goway Back in Britain
Goway Travel has an England program fit for a king. The company outlined its Britain program to Toronto travel agents Tuesday night, with Goway's Moira Smith noting that Goway accommodation offerings in Britain range from bed-and-breakfasts to actual castles. And she added that a tour operator perhaps best associated with the South Pacific has long ties with Europe. “Goway and Europe have been partners for a long time,” Smith said. “It's only in the last year though we took it to the next level.” Goway has 461 European options for its clients, 63 of them in Britain,...
Fiji Resort Updates Now Available Online
More comprehensive assessments of resorts in Fiji in the aftermath of the colossal Cyclone Winston are now online and assembled in an alphabetical grid based on resort names. These give a quick, concise overview of how well each of the listed resorts weathered the storm that tore through the islands on Feb. 20 – and how they are faring since then. Some resorts were relatively unaffected and resumed operations with only a few inconveniences and delays to guests. But others were hit harder and suffered damage that is taking longer to repair. For instance, the Sheraton Resort &...