Destinations
Transat Advises of Cuba Departure Tax Changes
Transat is advising agents of changes regarding payment of departure tax in Cuba. For all bookings made from March 1 onwards, with returns from Cuba as of May 1, a departure tax of $31.25 payable by the passenger will be pre-collected and included in the taxes and fees. Passengers will no longer be required to pay this tax at destination. For bookings made prior to March 1 with returns after May 1, an advisory will be sent to inform customers that a new invoice will be issued in the amount of $31.25 per passenger. The payment can be made directly in the booking or by contacting...
Vacation Rental Market Size Determined by HTA Study
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has released a study of the vacation rental market in Hawaii. The study was conducted by SMS Research in phases at year-end 2013 and between August and September of 2014 to determine the estimated number of vacation rental units state-wide that are advertised on the Internet. Vacation rentals identified by this study included condo units, vacation rental houses and properties identifying themselves as bed and breakfasts. The HTA study estimates that more than 22,000 lodging units are listed on the internet distribution channels Vacation Rentals by...
Globus Puts Ireland on Sale
Travellers booking Ireland Vacations by March 10 will receive $100 per person off selected Globus escorted tours or a Monograms independent tour – and those booking their airfare with the Globus family of brands will also receive free airport transfers in Europe, as well as special savings on the airfare. Globus, with over 85 years in the escorted tour business, has put three of its 2015 Ireland itineraries on sale: The “7 day Introduction to Ireland,” the “10-day Emerald Isle” and the 13 day “Scenic Ireland.” (http://www.globusjourneys.ca ,...
March Break Anything But Blue
On March 14, Ontario's Blue Mountain will kick off nine non-stop days of family programming certain to keep kids and parents on the move. With near perfect snow conditions during this very wintery ski season, March Break promises loads of fun both on and off the slopes with more than 15 entertainers booked to activate the Village day and night. “March Break at Blue has something for every family,” says Tara Lovell, PR manager at Blue Mountain Resort. “All you have to do is pack up the car and make a short drive to enjoy a multitude of indoor and outdoor activities. There is a...
Peak 2 Peak Receives Record Recognition
The impressive PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola spanning between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains has received world-wide recognition after Guinness World Records included the world-record breaking engineering masterpiece in its 2015 edition of the Guinness World Records Book. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola was recognized as the holder of “highest cable car above ground” and “longest unsupported span between two cable car towers” records. Since its opening in 2008, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola has hosted guests from across the globe as they make the scenic journey between the two mountains. The...
Jamaica Decriminalizes Marijuana Use
The Jamaica Tourist Board's Canadian director says it won't be a case of reefer madness in his homeland. Jamaican parliamentarians have approved the decriminalization of marijuana in a country where marijuana has long been smoked by much of the population, but Philip Rose notes the move doesn't amount to legalization. Politicians have okayed the use of medical marijuana and its use by Rastafarians – who claim smoking marijuana is a religious ritual – but Rose notes there can still be unspecified penalties for the population at large and tourists if they're caught with the drug,...
Saying ‘I Do’ is Easy in Antigua, Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is toying with a “love-ly” way of generating more revenue. Marie Walker, the tourism authority's vice-president of sales and marketing for North America, notes the destination doesn't have any residency requirements for those wanting to get married there and is considering enabling unmarried visitors to get hitched without even setting foot outside the airport terminal. “We want to create Las Vegas-style weddings,” she said in Toronto, adding people impatient when it comes to tying the knot could essentially get off their planes and...
Boomerang Introduces Special to New Zealand
Boomerang Tours is making travel to New Zealand more affordable than ever with some special low airfares with partner Air New Zealand. Valid on all new bookings made by March 31 for travel between July 24 and Sept. 21, travellers can take advantage of special low rates to Auckland from either Vancouver or Los Angeles and combine it with a Boomerang Tours package to create a family vacation or ski getaway. For example, Boomerang offers a nine-night package from $899 per person that includes return air and a 10-day four-berth motorhome rental – a great option for families. Customers...