Destinations
Good News, Bad News
In this week's Travel Courier, Mike Dunbar reports that it appears that the wheels have fallen off a five-year travel surge to the United States, with early year statistics showing cross-border overnight demand dropped 3% in February, following a 0.3% decline a month earlier. But there's still good news for the travel trade in the latest crop of numbers released by the US Department of Commerce. The air travel segment, which accounts for one-third of all arrivals, continues to hold up, posting a gain of almost 2% in the first two months of 2014. In his analysis of the figures,...
Germany Names New Director of Sales for Canada
The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) has named Antje Splettstoesser (pictured, left) as the new director of sales and marketing for Canada, joining Carina Schumacher, who has been appointed manager of public relations in the Canadian office. Splettstoesser obtained a degree in tourism from the University of Bremen and started her career working for tour operators, managing key accounts, events and trade shows. She gained knowledge of incentive, group and FTI travel, cruise ship logistics and special interest tours. Splettstoesser was exposed to the bilateral market during her time...
World’s Largest Aquarium Opens in China
Guinness World Records has confirmed that China’s newly opened Hengqin Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is the world’s largest aquarium. Located in the Guangdong province of China (pictured), the aquatic theme park has seven themed areas, each representing a different part of the ocean. In addition to being recognized as the largest aquarium in the world, the park also has the world’s largest underwater viewing dome, aquarium tank, aquarium window and acrylic panel. The theme park officially opened last month and is part of the Chimelong Hengqin Bay Hotel, the largest ocean...
Jamaica’s Lynch Stepping Down
John Lynch is stepping down as Jamaica’s director of tourism at the end of May, following five and a half years in the post. Word of Lynch’s departure was reported by the Jamaica Gleaner in its April 28 edition. The paper also carried an advertisement in its Careers section that invited qualified applicants to apply for the position. For over 35 years, Lynch has been a high-profile figure in Jamaica’s tourism industry, having been involved with travel brands that included Air Jamaica; Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts; and in his work with the tourist board, taking...
Indulge in Whistler: Play, Dine and Unwind
From May 1-15, Indulge in Whistler puts spring on the menu, inviting guests to enjoy Whistler’s golf, spa and dining options with valuable savings. The Indulge in Whistler golf, spa and stay package starts at $139 p.p., per night and includes two night’s accommodation in a moderate room, 18 holes of championship golf for two players and Scandinave Spa bath access for two adults. Guests can also mix and match, creating their own spring experience: Big Sky Golf and Country Club is open for the season, with the Whistler courses anticipating early May openings. Included in the...
Goway Introduces Iceland
For the past 44 years, Goway has been sending travellers to some of the world’s most interesting and exotic destinations. Always looking to expand its horizons, Goway now offers Iceland, an increasingly popular choice for a holiday, or as a stopover, en route to Europe with Icelandair. “Iceland is nature at its best, and it’s all concentrated in a small country that makes it easy to experience,” says Karl Kannstadter, general manager for Goway’s Latin America program, who travelled to Iceland recently. “Millions of birds, thousands of waterfalls, hundreds of hot springs,...
Princess Unveils 2015 Japan Program
Demonstrating a continuing commitment to developing the Japan cruise market, Carnival Corporation has announced the 2015 Japan cruise program for Princess Cruises which features Diamond Princess returning for the line’s third season, and introduces new cruises as short as three nights to appeal to those local travellers seeking a quick getaway. Beginning next April, the Japanese-built Diamond Princess will once again offer a season sailing from the two home ports of Tokyo (Yokohama) and Kobe. During the four-month summer season the ship will offer 20 departures on a mix of...
Mexico: A Destination For All Seasons
Winter's end doesn't mean Mexico isn't on the minds of Canadians who will be on the move in the next few months, reports Ian Stalker in this week's edition of Canadian Travel Press. Rodrigo Esponda, who oversees the Mexico Tourism Board in Canada, confidently states many from this country will soon be vacationing in his homeland, despite the arrival of warm weather here. “Three out of four visitors from Canada come during the winter but we have seen two trends: the high season to Mexico starts earlier and finishes later every year, and during summer we have had the fastest-growing...