Tour Operators
#TravelWebcast Wednesday: Redefining Responsible Tourism
After COVID-19 came to town, the rapid shutdown of businesses and traffic brought a surprise reprieve to the natural world for a few quiet weeks. While many people were struggling to deal with the new reality, animal life briefly thrived in a cleaner, greener world. It looked like an unexpected benefit for advocates of responsible tourism. But was it? Since then, the vastly reduced volume of travel has impacted the conservation efforts of responsible tourism operations, as funds from travellers dwindled to a trickle. And the pandemic has had other effects on sustainable...
Sunwing Welcomes Customers Back To Paradise
Sunwing is planning for brighter days, celebrating its first customers since March who arrived in Cancun and Montego Bay this past weekend. Andrew Dawson, president of Tour Operations for Sunwing, said: “We are pleased that our travellers have been able to head back to the tropics last week and are encouraged by their positive experience in destination. We are looking forward to welcoming back many more travellers in the coming months and resuming service on board Sunwing Airlines.” With operations ramping up and new health and safety protocols in place, more customers will be...
U.S. Lifts Global Level 4 Health Advisory
The U.S. Department of State lifted its Global Level 4 Health Advisory yesterday. In a statement, the Department said that it made the move in close coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), explaining that the Global Advisory initially put in place on March 19, 2020 advised U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. However, the Department’s statement continued that with health and safety conditions improving in some countries and potentially deteriorating in others, the Department is “returning to...
Adventure In The Forecast
In the U.S. Adventure Traveler Sentiment – June-July 2020, the Adventure Travel Trade Association found that U.S. consumers of ATTA adventure tour operators are expected to resume near pre-COVID level travel spending in 2021, spending an estimated 7% less than their 2019 travel expenditure. That is in contrast to a report by Tourism Economics that reveals that the U.S. travel market spending will not recover to 2019 levels until 2024. It’s a finding that makes it clear that adventure travellers will help drive tourism recovery, especially for the hardest hit destinations with...
TravelBrands Customizes Canada
Through its Exotik Journeys brand, TravelBrands has created a diverse program showcasing itineraries, experiences, stays and more throughout all of Canada. Frank DeMarinis, CEO, TravelBrands, observed that: “Now more than ever, Canadians are looking to travel closer to home. We have created wonderful trip ideas and sourced Canadian-based travel products ideal for any traveller.” And DeMarinis continued: “No matter your interests or budget, there is a Canadian getaway right for you. Following all safety guidelines, these trips are perfect to take this year. As Canadians, we can...
Book Your Bubble With G Adventures
G Adventures is responding to a growing trend that sees travellers indicating on their next trips, they are looking to travel with multiple friends and/or family members. In fact, in a recent panel survey, the tour company found that 34% of travellers were planning this kind of trip. Responding to the growing trend, G Adventures has released a program of 80 tours that provide additional benefits over and above those they would normally receive when booking private small group travel. The operator’s new ‘Book Your Bubble Collection’ gives travellers the opportunity to...
Transat Expanding To 40 Destinations For Winter Season
Transat A.T. Inc. unveiled details of the destinations it will be offering travellers as of Nov. 1, 2020, strengthening its overall program since gradually resuming its operations on July 23. At the height of the season, Air Transat plans to operate flights to more than 40 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, the United States, Europe and Canada. A selection of South and Europe packages featuring more than 320 dream hotels will also be offered. And to help travellers plan their getaways with peace of mind, Transat is presenting even more...
Getaway With ACV And Destination Greater Victoria
Destination Greater Victoria and Air Canada Vacations are promoting Victoria as a great place for those who want to enjoy some urban life during their vacation and also as a suitable retreat for those eager to experience Mother Nature at the same time. A Thursday webinar saw Nicole Yamamoto of Destination Greater Victoria praise her destination as "one of the most beautiful, historic and iconic cities" in the country, citing the likes of its many boutique shops in the downtown area; the Royal B.C. Museum, which among other things has exhibits telling of the region's Indigenous people;...