Destinations
A Journey Through Time
Bestway Tours & Safaris has launched a new 13-day journey featuring Egypt. The theme of the tour is to trace Egypt’s rich heritage through the ages. Guided by experienced English-speaking Egyptologists, participants will follow the footsteps of over 5000 years of history. On the “Egypt: A Journey through Time” tour, participants visit major highlights of the country accompanied by a specialist guide. The tour starts in the historical city of Alexandria followed by the nearby ruins of the Early Christian holy city of Abu Mena. At Cairo, Egypt’s capital, visits to the...
Forever Begins In Barbados
The Barbados Tourism Authority is making it easy for brides to have their dream wedding in paradise - for 'free.' Available from now through May 31, 2015 for travel Sept. 1, 2014 - December 15, 2015, brides fly and stay for free* when booking their wedding in Barbados at a number of participating hotels on island. The offer is valid for brides who book a minimum of 10 rooms, for a minimum of four nights, with the following inclusions will be offered at participating hotels & resorts: Officiant / Minister's Fees Transport to Registry Office to obtain marriage license Bottle of...
Marking a milestone
It's another milestone for WestJet. The carrier has now started its first scheduled transatlantic service, with the recent launch of flights between Toronto and Dublin, Ireland, with a brief stop in St. John's, Newfoundland. Gregg Saretsky, WestJet president and CEO, commented: “It's very exciting to think that we are about to take our guests across the Atlantic Ocean for the very first time ... This represents a very significant strategic step in the growth of WestJet.” Saretsky continued: “As we've expanded our reach, grown our fleet and added new products to broaden our...
Nationwide Thai Curfew Lifted
The nationwide nighttime curfew that was in place in Thailand since May 22 has been lifted. The announcement from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), currently overseeing Thailand’s administration, has been welcomed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), as it marks a return to normality for the country’s tourism industry. The nighttime curfew had already gradually been revoked in provinces and destinations popular with tourists, such as Pattaya, Phuket, Ko Samui, Krabi, Hua Hin, Cha-am and Phang-nga, ensuring that visitors to the kingdom would not be...
Canadian Tourism to Israel Soars in May
A record-breaking 39% more Canadians arrived in Israel in May 2014 than in May 2013, according to Haim Gutin (pictured), Consul and Israel Tourism Commissioner, North and South America. Overall, Canadian tourism to Israel is up 16% for the five-month period, January-May. 2013 was the best year ever for tourism to Israel, with close to four million visitors. Worldwide tourism to Israel was up 17% in May 2014 over May 2013. “Frankly, an increase of 39% is staggering – it’s the largest ever monthly increase in Canadian tourism to Israel that I can recall,” said Gutin....
TIABC Approves New Membership Fee Structure
At TIABC’s recent board meeting in Vancouver, a revised membership fee structure was approved. TIABC’s executive director Ian Robertson has been very active over the past six months meeting with members, government and organizations, listening to what the needs are and how TIABC can help. He has also has been working with the board of directors to identify key priorities for the organization and establish a strategic plan towards long-term sustainability -- which membership plays a key role in. Two key issues that needed addressing were building a long-term plan for...
It’s Double the Fun This Summer in Fort Lauderdale
Through Sept. 30, visitors can enjoy a “2-for-1 Summer Savings” program at an array of attractions in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area highlighting the diversity of this destination. There’s something for everyone with activities such as golfing, fishing, dining, exciting nightlife, shopping, and, of course, top-rated beaches. For full program details, visit http://www.sunny.org/summer . The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitor Bureau wants to send one lucky agent, plus a guest, on a week-long beach getaway to sunny Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy a seven-night trip including...
Hotel Franchising Set to Grow Across Europe
Europe is likely to see a greater proportion of branded hotels coming on stream as the concept of franchising gathers pace amongst hotel operators in the region. Until now, the uptake of franchise agreements in Europe has been relatively slow. However, according to a new report from global hotel consultancy HVS, an increasing recognition of the strength of a hotel brand and brand affiliation has prompted the concept to expand. The fact around two-thirds of European hotel stock remains unbranded presents a huge opportunity for branded operators keen to expand. The HVS report,...