Destinations
Agents’ Choice 2023: Bigger, Better And All About You
It’s back. Yes, that’s right, Baxter Media has launched the 23rd edition of the Annual Agents’ Choice Readership Survey and we’re thrilled to be doing it. And hopefully, Canada’s original, authoritative and most popular travel advisor readership survey will be a harbinger of some great things to come for the Canadian travel industry this year. In 2023, the Annual Agents’ Choice Readership Survey is bigger, better and, as always, all about you. We’ve increased the number of categories, offering Canadian travel advisors the opportunity to vote for their favourite...
Barbados Hosting 41st Caribbean Travel Marketplace
Barbados will host the 41st edition of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace set for May 9 to May11, 2023. In making the announcement, CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig said: “CHTA has a very strong relationship with both public and private sector stakeholders in Barbados, and as we position the region’s top earner for robust growth this year, we are delighted to lock arms with our Bajan partners to drive business to the Caribbean.” Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill noted that the...
TIAC Appoints New Board Members
TIAC has announced the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors: Matthew Jelley, President, Maritime Fun Group; Philip Mondor, President, Tourism HR Canada; Jean-Francois Cote, Quebec City Tourism; John Wilson, President, Chief Executive Officer, Wilson's Transportation, BC; and Laura Pallotta,Vice President Sales and Distribution, Marriott International. Elected at TIAC’s recent Annual General Meeting, the new Board members will begin serving immediately. Each of these new Board members brings with them a unique perspective and the same unyielding drive to...
Dominica Posts Strong Gains In 2022
Discover Dominica has reported a significant increase in 2022 tourism arrival numbers, projecting even stronger growth in 2023. The destination welcomed 60,704 visitors in 2022 compared to 14,888 in 2021, an increase of more than 308%. The uptick can be attributed to a few key factors including an increase post-pandemic travel demand, relaxed COVID protocols, the island’s first direct flight from the U.S., as well as being recognized by well-known travel sources as a top Caribbean destination. Discover Dominica CEO Colin Piper said: “We are thrilled to see the comeback of...
Jamaica On Track For More Gains In 2023
Jamaica is forecasting that the destination is on track to achieve 11% growth in 2023. That good news comes on the heels of Jamaica's strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic fallout. As well, gross foreign exchange earnings for the 2023 calendar year are also forecasted to reach US$4.12 billion, an estimated 13.3% increase on the previous year’s earnings. The announcement was made at FITUR, the largest tourism trade show held annually in Spain. With thousands of participants each year, the fair is the global meeting point for tourism professionals and the leading trade fair...
CATO Takes A Stand
In a statement issued yesterday, the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) has outlined its position on Ontario’s Travel Industry Compensation Fund and they kind of changes that are needed. CATO Chair, Brett Walker writes: “It’s time for consumer protection that’s commensurate to consumer risk and without all the caps and gaps. It’s time for government and TICO to get this right and to provide consumers the protection they deserve, and no doubt believe they have, when booking with an Ontario registrant.” In its statement, CATO says: “We believe the consumer...
TIAC Launches 2023 Tourism Town Halls
TIAC has launched its 2023 series of Tourism Town Halls, kicking things off in Saskatoon yesterday (Jan. 19). The industry-wide events are delivered by TIAC to reach all tourism industry stakeholders from coast to coast to coast. The Town Halls provide an opportunity to meet with TIAC and its partners to better understand efforts on national and local tourism issues, and offers a forum for open dialogue, discussion, and constructive debate. Beth Potter, President & CEO of TIAC, said: “We are encouraging and welcoming businesses and organizations in all sectors of the tourism...
Looking For Revenge
According to KAYAK’s 2023 Travel Trends Forecast, 2023 will be the year for revenge travel. Despite rising flight prices (up 21% year over year), KAYAK data shows international flight searches in Canada are up nearly 100% (98% year over year) compared to only 64% in the U.S. proving Canadians are making up for lost time and booking big this year. KAYAK’s Senior Country Manager Leon Mulder said: “After nearly three years of lockdowns and travel restrictions, travel is back in a big way.” Mulder continued: “With heightened interest for international travel, it’s...