Destinations
Taking Off From YVR
Air Canada rouge launched seasonal, non-stop service between Vancouver and Cancun yesterday (Mon., Feb. 15, 2016). Benjamin Smith, president, passenger airlines for Air Canada, said: “We are delighted to launch seasonal, non-stop flights from YVR to Cancun, one of the most popular vacation destinations on the Mayan Riviera.” Smith noted that: “This winter, Air Canada offers service to Cancun from seven Canadian cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax. We continue to strategically deploy Air Canada rouge on routes with high leisure travel...
IATA Aims To Help Stop Illegal Trafficking
On any given day in South Africa, a rhino is killed by poachers every seven hours, while 54 elephants are slaughtered across the continent. If left unaddressed, both species will be extinct in the wild within the next 25 years, reports Montreal editor Mike Dunbar in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. The plight of the pangolin, or scaly anteater, is even worse. More than one million are estimated to have been poached over the past decade. While research has shown that 72% of illegal ivory is trafficked to Asia by sea, evidence also indicates that airlines –...
Mexico Urges Travellers To Keep Their Vacation Plans
Mexican tourism officials are urging travellers to keep their travel plans a go, saying there is no need to cancel vacation plans to Mexico’s top hot spots as the Mexico Tourism Board continues to improve on efforts to reduce the risk of Zika virus. Through ongoing proactive communications and meetings with tourism destinations and travel partners, the goal is to keep the flow of information sharing open through open dialogue. Preventive measures and educational materials have been developed and disseminated, including posters and key facts; and infection reducing procedures are...
‘Romance in France’
Atout France, the France tourism development agency, has launched a “Romance in France” campaign by distributing roses in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver – aimed to highlight France’s romantic assets. The campaign kicked off with the distribution of 120,000 copies of “Just the two of us/ Romance in France” bilingual magazine all over Canada. Atout France then launched a special Romance in France section – ca.france.fr/en/romance-france – on its web site. Visitors to the site can register to win a romantic trip for two to Paris. Campaign initiatives include a video...
Spotlight on Festive Quebec
Quebec tourism authorities are reminding people planning to visit Quebec that they won't get hit by a hefty currency exchange as soon as they cross the Quebec border. “With the current state of the Canadian dollar and companies putting greater financial accountability on their meetings departments, what better time than any to promote travel to Quebec?” Deborah Edwards of Destination Quebec, Toronto, told a Toronto gathering this week of those in the meetings and incentive trade. Edwards noted that those visiting Quebec at this time of year can go on the likes of culinary tours...
Icelandair Introduces Free ‘Stopover Buddy’ Service
Icelandair has launched a new “Stopover Buddy” service, designed to provide visitors to Iceland with an authentic Icelandic experience. Through April 30, passengers flying to Europe on Icelandair can request a Stopover Buddy -- free of charge -- with similar travel interests, including hiking, nature, food, culture or just city sightseeing. The assigned local “Buddy” will tailor a trip based on their shared interest – check out a favourite swimming pool, café or boutique, go hiking on a secret trail, practice yoga at a secluded hot spring, or explore a favourite spot to view...
Hawaii Dengue Fever Advisory
George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, has issued a statement to inform travellers and clarify the situation about the “state of emergency” regarding dengue fever declared by the County of Hawaii for Hawaii Island on Feb. 8. “Travellers should not be alarmed by the County of Hawaii’s state of emergency declaration for Hawaii Island or allow this decision to alter their travel plans to any of the Hawaiian Islands,” said Szigeti. “This declaration is a good strategic move by the County of Hawaii, as it will provide government officials with...
Transat Adds Ocean Vista Azul in Varadero
Transat has added the new all-inclusive Ocean Vista Azul to its Varadero lineup in Cuba. Available exclusively through Transat, the new 4.5-star resort opened in November and features modern and elegant amenities, such as an infinity pool, bright rooms and contemporary decor in a sublime setting. Perched on a cliff, it boasts impressive views of the Caribbean Sea and is surrounded by the white-sand beach for which Varadero is known. Amenities include six restaurants and seven bars, the Despacio spa and an array of recreational activities and water...