Destinations
Winter In Its Original State
Not to put too fine a point on it, but Canada is big business for ski resorts in Vermont and by all accounts that business is growing. So it's not too surprising that a healthy contingent of Vermont ski types were in Toronto this week letting Canadian skiers – particularly those in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) – know that in the next couple of weeks, the state's ski resorts would be opening up for the 2014-2015 season. “We're excited to kick off the season,” Vermont Ski Areas Association's Sarah Wojcik told a gathering in Toronto, observing that along with looking forward to...
Porter Your Ticket to Vermont
Porter Airlines is resuming seasonal service between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Burlington, VT, just in time for winter. Flights begin this year on Dec. 14, continuing until April 5, 2015. The schedule peaks with five weekly flights during March Break, and ranges from two to four weekly flights during the rest of the season. Porter Escapes (http://www.porterescapes.com) offers vacation packages to Vermont, combing flights and accommodation with activities, lift tickets and equipment...
Historic Cuba Vibrant
Cuba is marking major urban milestones these days. Eloy Govea, the Cuba Tourist Board's director for English-speaking Canada, told a Toronto gathering Wednesday that seven Cuban cities have already reached or will reach the 500-year mark in the next few years. Baracoa, found in easternmost Cuba, was the first city to reach that figure and Havana will become the seventh when it celebrates five centuries in 2019, Govea said, while praising his homeland's “cultural richness.” Nieves Ricardo of the tourist board's Toronto office in turn said the Cuban cities – despite their...
Martinique Shines
Martinique, also known as The Flower of the Caribbean, took centre stage last night during an industry event in Toronto. Agents, operators and select media were treated to a mini trade show featuring partners from the Caribbean island, as well as live music and a cocktail reception. Jessica Marie of the Martinique Promotion Bureau's Montreal office, said the island attracts between 12,000 and 14,000 Canadians each year, mostly from Quebec, with direct air service available out of Montreal by Air Canada and Air Transat. Marie said Martinique is known for its diversity with...
Air Transat Unveils New Europe Program
Air Transat has added Budapest, Hungary, to its transatlantic program for 2015, as well as increasing seats and frequencies on many of its European routes, including Paris, London, Barcelona, Athens, Lisbon, Marseille, Nantes, Rome and Venice. For 2015, Air Transat is offering more than 50 different city-pairs between Canada and Europe. “This expansion comes in response to the success of our Prague connection, inaugurated this past June, and reflects our intent to be at the forefront of innovation,” said Jean-François Lemay, general manager, Air Transat. “Yet again, Air...
Discovering La Belle Province
Travel agents, tour operators and other travel trade types from across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) were immersed in everything Quebec last night (Oct. 15) in downtown Toronto as Tourisme Quebec and it partners hosted the annual Discover Quebec Marketplace. Always an entertaining and informative event, the 2014 edition of the marketplace was the biggest yet featuring 38 suppliers from the province and welcoming some 200 agents who had the opportunity to explore the wide range of tourism products that were on offer. Quebec suppliers on hand for the evening included a wide selection...
Unstoppable Los Cabos
As much of Los Cabos reopens to visitors after damages sustained by Hurricane Odile in September, a new advertising campaign – dubbed Los Cabos #Unstoppable – has been launched. The campaign will feature television ads, digital and social media engagement, as well as on-the-ground activations and events designed to get the world out that Los Cabos in back in business. The federal government has made the recovery of Los Cabos, Mexico's third most popular tourism destination, a top priority. Los Cabos, which includes Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and the 32-km “Corridor”...
Aston has Fall Bargains for Big Island Stays
Aston Hotels & Resorts encourages fall travel to Hawaii, the Big Island. Those staying at any of its three Hawaii Island condominium resorts, including Aston Shores at Waikoloa, Aston Waikoloa Colony Villas and Aston Kona by the Sea will receive 15% off the best daily rate through Dec. 19, using an Aston promo code. Agents and guests can get that info on the web...