Destinations
Jamaica Sees Jump in Tourism Arrivals from Canada
The final 2013/2014 winter arrival numbers are in and Jamaica recorded an increase in Canadian visitors over last winter (November to April) with 264,605 arrivals. This figure is a jump of 5% over last year. “We are thrilled to report further growth in Canadian visitors to Jamaica,” said Philip Rose, regional director of Canada for the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). “Our efforts to drive demand have been successful thanks to great partnerships with our airline, resort and attractions partners who continuously deliver great Jamaican experiences to visitors. It’s clear Canadians...
Intrepid Introduces New BDM
The Intrepid Group has appointed Megan Bailey as its new business development manager (BDM) on the Prairies. Her love for travel began in her early 20s on an 11-month solo trip around the world. She returned to Canada to work as a travel agent for seven years in Halifax before heading to the Rocky Mountains to accept a BDM position with Adventure Center. She will now take on a new challenge representing the Intrepid Group, which includes Intrepid Travel, Geckos Adventures, and Peregrine Adventures. Mark Nessle was previously covering western Canada for the Intrepid Group, but with the...
Leaving On A High Note
In this week's issue of Canadian Travel Press, assistant editor, Greg Coates reports that it was a bittersweet night for officials of the Israel Ministry of Tourism and guests during a recent reception in Toronto as Israel and its friends celebrated record visitor numbers, but at the same time bid a farewell to Haim Gutin, Consul/Commissioner for North and South America, who is leaving his post in New York and heading back to Israel in August. After four years of heading up the North American operations of the Israel Ministry of Tourism, Gutin was making what was likely his last...
G Adventures Pleased with New Tibet Policy
G Adventures is inviting all travellers, including those from Canada, to join all group trips to Tibet after the Chinese government announced travel permits to the country would no longer have nationality constraints. The tour operator has been taking travellers to Tibet for over five years, but up until recently, Chinese government laws permitted only a maximum of three nationalities on each trip. Updated laws mean all travellers are now welcome to immediately choose from and book without any restriction a range of G Adventures trips, regardless of the nationality of fellow travellers who...
AC Expands Curaçao Service
Air Canada is introducing new non-stop service from Montreal to Curaçao starting Jan. 1, 2015, as well as extending its seasonal flights between Toronto and the Caribbean island to year-round service. The Montreal-Curaçao flight will operate weekly, flying every Thursday. The Air Canada route between Toronto and Curaçao will operate year-round, flying every Friday, starting Nov....
Sunwing Off to Playa Blanca
Beginning Aug. 1, Sunwing Airlines will offer year-round direct flights from Toronto to the Playa Blanca Airport (also known as Scarlett Martinez International Airport) in Panama. This winter, Sunwing will also introduce flights to Playa Blanca Airport from several Quebec gateways, including Montreal starting in November, Quebec City starting in December, and Bagotville starting February 2015. “The Playa Blanca region is a popular destination with Sunwing travellers and these direct flights will dramatically improve our passengers' vacation experience,” said Andrew Dawson, COO...
Insight Releases 2015 Europe Preview
Insight Vacations is offering a sneak peek of its European programs for next year with the release of the 2015 Europe Preview. Canadians can now plan their European getaways ahead of time, taking advantage of current pricing while securing their spot on high demand itineraries across 45 countries. In addition, when clients pay in full by Jan. 15, 2015 they will save up to 10% with Insight's Early Payment Discounts. “Our loyal agents always appreciate Insight’s Preview Price Guarantee since it enables them to encourage their clients to travel to Europe with us next year at this...
Aloha Festivals Celebrates Hōkūle‘a’s Worldwide Voyage
The 2014 Aloha Festivals theme, “Maluhia Honua – World Peace With Aloha,” celebrates the worldwide voyage of the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Hōkūle‘a and its mission to promote world peace. Aloha Festivals, one of Hawai‘i’s most highly regarded and oldest cultural celebrations is now in its 68th year. This year, the festival takes place from Sept. 6-27 at various locations on Oahu, sharing the history and traditions of Hawaii and the unique spirit of aloha with both kamaʻāina (local residents) and malihini (visitors). “This year, we honour the round-the-world...