Destinations
AC Inaugurates Toronto-Mont-Tremblant Flights
Air Canada operated its first non-stop flight between Toronto Pearson and Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, yesterday (Dec. 18). Service to Mont-Tremblant will be operated four times per week until March 30, 2015 by Air Canada Express with 74-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft. “We are pleased to launch this new service to the Upper Laurentian region famous for a wide variety of outdoor activities at the world renowned Mont-Tremblant ski resort,” said Benjamin Smith, president, Passenger Airlines, at Air Canada. “Tailored to offer short weekend stays as well as long ski break holidays,...
‘Promising’ Times Ahead for India Tourism
The director of India Tourism Toronto says the coming year is shaping up well for his homeland's tourist trade. Anil Oraw told a Toronto gathering last night (Dec. 17) that India is looking at “very promising things,” including Air Canada's decision to begin providing a link between this country and India in 2015, with Oraw saying direct flights from the national carrier will help make India a lot more attractive to Canadians. Oraw added he's hoping the Indian government will soon lift visa requirements for Canadians. Those of us who visit India will find “there are many...
US, Cuba Chart New Course
The announcement that the US and Cuba will be re-establishing diplomatic relations yesterday [Dec. 17, 2014], has created quite a buzz in the travel industry in Canada. But before everyone whips themselves into a panic, take note of the fact that even with the changes that have been announced, Americans still cannot travel freely to Cuba at this point in time – although that day is clearly coming. In reaction to the announcement, officials at Canadian-owned Cuba Cruise indicated that while unlicensed U.S. tourist travel remains banned, the company anticipates increased bookings from...
Korea Tourism On A Roll
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) reports the country's tourist trade is on a roll. World Tourism Organization figures report that the country hosted 12.1 million tourists in 2013, making it the 20th most-visited country in the world that year and a impressive rise from 2007, when it was in 35th place. And Randy Snape of the KTO's Toronto office told a Tuesday Toronto gathering that he's upbeat about future prospects. “That number [of visitors] continues to climb... and it's climbing constantly,” he said, adding the country posted an 18.1% increase in the first half of...
Egypt Closes Canadian Office
The Egyptian Tourist Authority has closed its Canadian office as part of a reorganization in the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism. The Canadian market is now being served by the tourist authority's New York office, headed by Gawaher Aly Youssef. Youssef can be reached by e-mailing [email protected] or by calling 212-232-2570. Mostafa Sallam, who headed the Canadian operation for almost two years, is thanking those in this country's tourism industry for their support and “would like to tell you how much I appreciated working with...
Live the Good Life – Win a Trip to Cayman Islands
It's clear the luxury lifestyle of the Cayman Islands is resonating with affluent Canadian travellers – after three years of record tourism growth, 2014 is on track to hit the highest level of visitation ever from Canada. Highlighting luxury accommodations, amazing restaurants and a cosmopolitan feel, the Cayman Islands is a perfect destination for the client who is experiencing “all-inclusive fatigue” and wants a lifestyle experience instead of just a vacation. Don't miss your chance to win a spectacular trip for two to the Cayman Islands including round-trip airfare courtesy...
McCartney Departs President Post at HTA
Mike McCartney, who served as the president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Association since 2009, has stepped down from the position to become chief-of-staff for Hawaii’s Governor-elect David Ige. McCartney helped lead Hawaii’s visitor industry from economic downturn to a robust recovery with year-over-year record-breaking visitor arrivals and spending. His extensive government experience was effective in advocating the passage of legislation that permanently set the transient accommodation tax (TAT) at 9.25%. He was also instrumental in securing and hosting the 2011...
Porter Does The Charleston
Porter Airlines is introducing seasonal service between Toronto and Charleston, S.C. From Feb. 14 to May 2, 2015, Porter will operate one weekly round-trip flight, with introductory one-way fares beginning at $238, including all fees and taxes. Flights are now available for booking at http://www.flyporter.com . Charleston is home to many golf courses, pristine beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and a historic downtown full of charm and southern hospitality. “Charleston is a truly southern destination that offers some of the world’s best hospitality,” said Porter president...