Destinations
WestJet giving Canadians what they want with launch of new Havana flights
Havana tourism officials have rolled out the red carpet for WestJet and its first passengers able to fly directly to the Cuban capital. The airline began Toronto-Havana service Thursday (Dec. 18) -- a welcome development for Cuban tourism authorities who have long been encouraging Canadians to visit a city known for its colonial architecture and lively cultural scene. A Cuban delegation shook hands with deplaning passengers upon arrival in Havana and those same passengers were greeted with free food and drinks, and musicians in the airport terminal, which was draped with Cuban and...
New campaign wants visitors to “Live More Floridays”
VISIT FLORIDA has announced a campaign titled, “Live More Floridays,” inviting travellers to experience the Sunshine State through a fresh lens. Created in partnership with Margaritaville and inspired by singer Jimmy Buffett’s legendary laid-back lifestyle, the campaign features Grammy-winning artist Mac McAnally with a reimagined version of Buffett’s classic song “Floridays.” As a longtime member of Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, McAnally brings the campaign’s spirit to life, "blending warm breezes, easygoing moments, and authentic local adventures into a soundtrack that...
Jamaica Welcomes 300,000 Visitors post Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett is celebrating the fact that the island has hit the 300,000 visitor mark post Hurricane Melissa and attributes that achievement to the tourism sector’s remarkable recovery strategy. For Jamaica, this is a significant milestone, that includes both stopover and cruise visitors, in its recovery, with major resort areas fully operational and welcoming visitors for the crucial winter season. Following the Category 5 hurricane, Jamaica has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination to restore its position as the Caribbean's...
Jamaica’s iconic Jakes Hotel set to reopen on Dec.18
One of Jamaica’s landmark properties, Jakes Hotel is set to reopen on Dec. 18. Located on Jamaica’s magnetic south coast, Jakes Hotel has always existed slightly outside of time: a bohemian cluster of seaside cottages, verandas, and saltwater rhythms built on creativity, community, and the pioneering spirit of founder Sally Henzell, her kids, communitarian Jason and producer Justine, and her husband, the late Perry Henzell, the genius behind The Harder They Come with the late Jimmy Cliff. After Hurricane Melissa passed through the region in late October, Treasure Beach felt the...
Canada Strong Pass is back after solid performance in summer 2025
The Canada Strong Pass is back for the winter holiday season and it will be back for the summer of 2026 after proving particularly popular with Canadians this past summer season. The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) told Travel Press Today (TPT): “I’m really excited to share that because of its popularity, we have renewed the Canada Strong Pass both for this Winter Holiday Season, but also for next summer in 2026.” In delivering that news, Minister Valdez pointed out that between May and August...
Ontario plans to unlock Niagara’s full potential as global tourism destination
The Ontario government launched its Destination Niagara Strategy -- the province’s plan to position the region as a world-renowned tourism destination to support local businesses, create good-paying jobs and protect Ontario’s economy. The multibillion-dollar strategy will create new, world-class attractions, boost local arts and culture and improve the region’s transportation network, aiming to attract 25 million annual visitors and double the region’s tourism impact generating an additional $3 billion for Ontario’s GDP every year. Premier Doug Ford said that: “Niagara...
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism praises Canadian Diaspora for its exceptional support
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has expressed profound gratitude for the Canadian diaspora’s extraordinary leadership and generosity in raising more than CAD$3 million in relief and recovery support for communities across Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa. In the aftermath of one of the most severe storms in recent history, Jamaican communities have faced significant challenges. The swift mobilization of Jamaicans living in Canada -- through targeted fundraising campaigns, relief concerts, community drives, and direct donations -- has been a testament to the...
Antigua and Barbuda honour top-producing travel advisors
Canadian travel advisors were among Antigua and Barbuda’s top global producers honoured and celebrated at the 2025 Antigua and Barbuda Black Pineapple Awards. The event, hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), recognized travel professionals from Antigua and Barbuda’s main source markets for their exceptional contributions to the destination’s tourism growth over the past year. Leading travel advisors from Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, the U.S. and the United Kingdom and Europe travelled to Antigua for the gala awards ceremony, which was held at...