Destinations
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...
Amex GBT Enhances Its Sustainability Solutions
American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) has signed a new agreement with climate tech company CHOOOSE to integrate its carbon emissions calculations across Amex GBT’s travel booking and reporting tools. The company indicated that the aim of the new deal is to enhance Amex GBT’s sustainability solutions by increasing the precision and consistency of greenhouse gas emissions data and to build architecture for future carbon compensation. Canada is ranked 10th in the world for total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and has the highest GHG emission rate per capita from the...
Britain On Show
VisitBritain is set to welcome more than 120 international travel trade buyers for a series of educational visits across Britain. The educational trade visits, underway from Jan. 28, are a mix of three-to-five-day itineraries to destinations across England, Wales and Scotland, showcasing the latest tourism products to international buyers. Buyers from 16 international markets are taking part in the educational visits including representatives from the UK’s three largest inbound markets the USA, France and Germany, as well as from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan,...
Goway Trips Blossom In Japan
Goway Travel has secured exclusive spots in Japan for this spring’s cherry blossom season. The coming cherry blossom season in late March and early April will be the busiest in Japan in over four years. Spring of 2023 will mark the first time since before the pandemic that foreign travellers can visit Japan for the hanami season. Currently, there is almost no availability for foreign travellers, with all tours and accommodations booked up. However, Goway has secured exclusive hotel rooms and tours as well as a dedicated national guide in Japan during this popular time of...