Destinations
Global Tourism Casts Eye On Iran
Iran is poised to become a tourism hotspot, according to the World Travel Market 2015 Industry Report, released this week at the annual mega travel trade fair in London. Echoing the sentiments of a British consumer survey that reported one in 16 Brits were interested in visiting the country, 30% of WTM Industry Report respondents who have interests in the Iranian tourism sector said they expect to do more business there in the next year. The catalyst for change for the long-time international pariah is the “Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action” – a deal signed between Iran and...
Unique Experiences in France
Atout France wants travellers to know there’s more to France’s offerings than the Eiffel Tower, cruising along the Seine River and listening to singing cicadas in Provence. “Travellers’ expectations change constantly and today experience is the number one objective for Canadians,” says Armelle Tardy-Joubert, general manager of Atout France in Canada. “Our country is a vast and exceptional playground.” Whether it’s taking in 360-degree views of Pyrenees mountains, going for a walk in a 12-metre high mechanical elephant at Machines of the Isle of Nantes or hitting an...
Air Canada Inaugurates Dreamliner Service to Dubai
With the departure of AC056, Air Canada inaugurated new service between Toronto and Dubai last night (Nov. 3), the newest addition to its growing international network. The three-times-weekly route is operated using AC's most modern aircraft, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring its new cabin interior design in a three cabin configuration. Pictured at an inaugural celebration at Pearson are Air Canada's Tracey Bellamy and Francois Choquette, with crew...
Cuba Cruise Partners with Transat
Transat has introduced new all-inclusive seven-night cruise packages sailing from Havana, Cuba aboard Celestyal Crystal. In partnership with Cuba Cruise by Celestyal Cruises, the packages include five immersive shore excursions, on-board meals, unlimited bar and beverage package, gratuities, transfers and round-trip flights with Air Transat departing from major Canadian gateways. Transat is also adding additional non-stop flights on Mondays from Toronto and Montreal to Havana to support Cuba Cruise’s 2015-2016 sailing schedule. Pre- and post-stays are available from Transat and...
Barbados Set for Food & Wine and Rum Festival
Mango Bay Hotel (pictured) and Island Inn Hotel invite visitors to stay and use their facilities as a home base for the upcoming Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival (Nov. 19-22). The festival features celebrity chefs, television personalities and award-winning authors including Carla Hall, co-host of ABC Daytime's lifestyle series, The Chew. These culinary superstars will offer attendees the opportunity to experience the island's very best food, wine, rum and culture. Mango Bay is located in the Holetown area on the famed gold coast of Barbados and is a short walk from the...
Insight Commemorates Centenary of Major Battles
Next year marks the 100th anniversary of some World War One’s bloodiest battles, including the battles of the Somme and Verdun, and Insight Vacations has a one-time departure that mirrors its Canadian Battlefields of Europe itinerary, with a special focus on the 100th anniversary. Military historian Dr. Jody Perrun, guest lecturer at the University of Winnipeg and Royal Military College, will lead Insight's Canadian Battlefields of Europe: A Journey of Remembrance itinerary. “We are thrilled to offer this special one-time departure that will commemorate the 100th anniversary of...
Wyndham Arrives In Vietnam
The Wyndham Hotel Group has signed a deal for its first property in Vietnam as it builds on it strategic efforts to grow its brands throughout key leisure markets in South East Asia. The 217-room Wyndham Legend Halong is owned by Ha Long Star Service & Tourist Joint Stock Company and will be located in Halong City. The USD$40 million development is now under construction and is scheduled to open under the upscale Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand flag in early 2016. It will include all-day dining, meeting rooms, a pool bar and an onsite gym. Barry Robinson, president and...
Air Canada To Double YVR-London Flights
Air Canada is boosting international flights at its Vancouver hub next summer with double daily flights from YVR to London Heathrow. In addition, the airline's new non-stop flights from Vancouver to Brisbane, Australia will now launch two weeks earlier on June 1. “Air Canada is strategically increasing its international flights at YVR with a second daily flight to London Heathrow next summer in response to seasonal travel demand,” said Benjamin Smith, Air Canada president, Passenger Airlines. “Our second London flight beginning June 1 will be operated with new state-of-the-art...