Growing, growing, growing
Karisma set to double its portfolio with global expansion
Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ Daniel Scheiman took the recent marketing forum at the 10th annual Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultants conference as a platform to let travel agents – the company’s No. 1 partner – know there’s plenty of developments in the works… Read >>

The adventure advantage
Special Agent G takes education to new heights
Put on by G Adventures at the adventure operator’s Base Camp over the course of a weekend, the interactive Special Agent G (SAG) program goes far beyond educating the trade about the company, says Denise Harper, director of sales, Canada for G Adventures… Read >>

Women In Travel
Taking the risk is worth the reward
They’re movers and shakers. Their contributions have changed and continue to change the nature of travel, both in Canada and around the world. In this week’s issue, Canadian Travel Press’ series of profiles on Women in Travel continues for the last instalment of 2017, featuring Booking.com’s CEO Gillian Tans… Read >>

Looking back, moving forward
Tour operators talk about the year that was and what’s to come
From the Trump Slump or the Trump Bump to travel bans and natural disasters, the past year was full of surprising moments that impacted the travel industry. Here we sat down with Canadian and international tour operators to get the lowdown on what was unexpected in 2017 and what to expect in 2018… Read >>

Enjoy the ride
Sandals kicks into Overdrive
From approved plans to build simultaneous Sandals and Beaches branded resorts in Trinidad and Tobago to the unique features set for Sandals Royal Barbados – the all-suite property slated to open on Dec. 20 complete with a rooftop pool and bar, and a four-lane bowling alley… Read >>

Rejuvenating influence
Agents a driving force as Canadian visits to Caribbean grow
The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s secretary general Hugh Riley believes travel agents are a growing force in booking travel to the region. “Travel agents are major influencers in booking travel to the Caribbean and getting more so than before,” he tells Canadian Travel Press… Read >>

Discovering Ireland
It’s wild, it’s ancient and so much more
Between increased air access, the ease of getting around and visitor arrivals from Canada growing to 203,000 last year, there are many reasons for agents to sell Ireland, but Debbie Moran, trade engagement advisor for Failte Ireland can add to the list… Read >>

Finding out what tourism is all about…
at the annual Sandals, Baxter golf tournament
Members of the trade from across Canada brought their A-game to Jamaica last week for the 23rd annual Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament presented by Baxter Travel Media and Sandals Resorts… Read >>

The evolution of ME
“Listen, travel agents are dead,” says Tony Cortizas, VP of global brand strategy for Meliá Hotels International, pausing dramatically before continuing. “No. They’re a major driver for the company. I think their role is changing, but I’m 20-something years in the leisure industry, and I’ve been listening to that story of travel agents going out of business for a long time, and it’s obviously not happening.”.. Read >>

A game changer for Canadian agents
With Belfast and the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland clinching a coveted spot as the number-one region in the world for travellers to visit in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018 ranking, as last year saw a record number of Canadians travel to Ireland, and as non-stop and year-round air access from Canada continues to increase, all signs point to further growth for Canadians travelling to the Emerald Isle… Read >>

Always up for the adventure
At the moment, Vancouver-based Trish Sare can be found in Argentina, leading BikeHike Adventures’ first trip of the season in Patagonia, on a journey that will take the group on a hike alongside the Viedma Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for a cruise on Lake Argentine to view the Upsala Glacier, the largest in South America… Read >>

The Spanish Way
Seeing the sights and sounds of Spain
One thing that stands out about the Spanish way of life is how locals truly take the time to savour food. Dining goes far beyond simply fueling the body – it’s a time for friends and family to gather, unwind, and socialize. Unlike so many dining tables across North America, meals just aren’t rushed – it’s all about enjoyment, the conversation, and the experience… Read >>

Savouring Bavaria
One bite (or sip) at a time
The mayor of Nuremberg, Ulrich Maly, said it best – between hearty doses of sausages and pieces of roasted pork, wine, beer and “potato dumplings sized like children’s heads,” residents of the Bavarian city certainly know how to enjoy life to the fullest… Read >>