When she got the call to come in for a job interview at Baxter Media, Ann Ruppenstein had to push it back a week as she was out of the country trekking for mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda and Uganda.
Armed with a journalism degree from Ryerson University, where she also studied photography, and several years of experience working for community newspapers in Toronto, she started working for Travel Courier and Canadian Travel Press in 2015.
The Emo-born and Thunder Bay-raised writer got a taste for travel at a young age, spending her summers in Germany growing up, and now calls Toronto home.
Specialties include: destination features, trade profiles, adventure travel, luxury travel, weddings/romance.
Favourite part of the job: Getting to see the positive impact tourism can have on communities around the world. A memorable highlight was visiting social enterprises in Nepal and India with G Adventures’ non-profit organization Planeterra Foundation. Seeing firsthand how travel has the power to change lives was a special experience.
Overall country count: 40 and counting.
Best travel memory: visiting with mountain gorillas in Rwanda, trekking Machu Picchu and taking in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
What’s still on your bucket list: Antarctica, Patagonia, Ecuador/Galapagos, South Africa, Iceland, Laos, Croatia, Vietnam and the list goes on.
A life of adventure exploring the collective energy of travel
Women in travel: Cedar Swan
From bringing the first group of travellers to HMS Erebus — a shipwreck discovered west of O’Reilly Island in Nunavut from the Franklin Expedition of 1845, which remained clouted in mystery for 170 years — to working alongside the likes of Robert Bateman, Doris McCarthy and Margaret Atwood, Cedar Swan has many stories to tell from memorable Arctic expeditions… Read >>
New ways to guarantee peace of mind
A conversation with Adam Stewart
Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman, Sandals Resorts International, talks to Canadian Travel Press about how resorts will be different with enhanced cleanliness protocols, what they are doing to regain consumer confidence and how the industry should come together to bounce back faster in the aftermath of COVID-19… Read >>
Mythbusters
Agents debunk misconceptions people have about travel advisors
There’s no doubt that the ongoing global pandemic has helped shine a light on the value of using a travel agent. Along with the old notion that no one uses agents anymore, travel advisors from across the country weigh in with common misconceptions the public believes about their trade… Read >>
Staying strong
Agents pull out all the stops to take care of clients
Leah Holt is wearing a new hat these days — or at least an apron. As a means of engagement during COVID-19, the travel advisor with Go Travel Edson is pairing her passion for travel with her love for cooking through a new social media video series called Cooking Around the World,.. Read >>
Telling Canada’s indigenous tourism story
Women in travel: Teresa Ryder
As the director of business development for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Teresa Ryder’s career has taken her from coast to coast to coast to witness living cultural experiences like throat singing lessons with Inuit throat singers in Iqaluit… Read >>
Imagination has no boundaries
Women in Travel Roxanne Joyal
As a teenager, Roxanne Joyal spent a year abroad volunteering with mothers and children with AIDS in Thailand and starting a fair-trade program for women in Kenya to sell their beadwork to visitors. Although she went on to study international relations at Stanford University,.. Read >>
Going global
WestJet takes off on the world stage
When asked what misconceptions travellers have about WestJet, Chuck Crowder, Vice President of Sales & Distribution, points to the lingering image of its past, as the airline takes off on a transformation towards being a premium global carrier… Read >>
Ready to shine
Post-Dorian, Grand Bahama Island makes a strong comeback
In the wake of the Category 5 storm in early September, nearly 77% of Grand Bahama Island, located 90 km east of Florida, was covered with floodwaters, in some areas rising much higher than tree lines and rooftops… Read >>
Feel the vibe in the USVI
There are still “hidden gems” waiting to be discovered in the Caribbean. That’s why the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is gearing up to promote the lesser known of its three main islands as a separate brand. The new marketing campaign, St. Croix: .. Read >>
Keep on rockin’ in the Bahamas
Despite Dorian, destination posts record arrivals
Although Hurricane Dorian wreaked havoc on Abaco and Grand Bahama for 36 hours Sept. 1 to 2 and false reports emerged that the entire destination was decimated, 2019 ended on a high note for The Bahamas… Read >>
Jamaica sets the pace as the ‘heartbeat of the world’
Recognizing the outsized impact the Caribbean destination has made on an international scale, “Jamaica, Heartbeat of the World,” takes a look at how its rich and vibrant culture, music, cuisine, sports, adventure, nature, and wellness have global reach… Read >>
Baha Mar redefines Cable Beach
Baha Mar’s CFO doesn’t dabble in finances. Rather, the job stands for Chief Flamingo Officer, a very real position tasked with taking care of the resort’s resident flock of flamingos… Read >>
The forecast is sunny
Caribbean executives upbeat about state of tourism
Despite two major setbacks, notably the bad publicity surrounding the Dominican Republic and Hurricane Dorian’s toll on travel to The Bahamas resulting in a slight dip in room occupancy rates over the previous year,.. Read >>
Share the love
Experience romance with the Karen Bussen Wedding Collection
Over the past nine years as the exclusive designer for Weddings by Palladium, New York-based event and wedding planner Karen Bussen has realized couples don’t just want to have a memorable moment – they want to be able to share it… Read >>
Living life outside the bubble
Women in Travel Monique Gomel
After working for iconic brands like L’Oréal and EA Sports, where she helped launch the company’s first female targeted product and its first foray into the fitness segment – which went on to be their highest selling title on the Wii platform – Monique Gomel was drawn to the travel industry… Read >>
A first hand look at the new Istanbul Airport
Complete with a hotel, an expansive 22,000 m2 for lounges and a 52,500 m2 duty-free area, the new Istanbul Airport marks the world’s largest international hub. “The whole airport features high-end technologies for an enhanced travel experience. With over 500 check-in points, 143 passenger boarding bridges, 228 passport control counters… Read >>
An ace in Jamaica
Travel industry brings their A-game to golf tournament
The 25th annual Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament wrapped up at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica on Dec. 1 following two days on the green complete with skill-testing challenges, teamwork and generous helpings of Red Stripe and jerk chicken… Read >>
Driving the change
The founder of Women on Wheels, a program by the Azad Foundation that empowers resource-poor women in India to become professional drivers and enables them to gain remunerative livelihoods with dignity, says the idea behind her business model was to break the glass ceiling… Read >>
The right side of the law
In an age where information and pictures are being disseminated online with the simple push of a smartphone button and travellers can share their feedback and complaints about a vacation instantaneously from virtually anywhere in the world, those in the travel industry have to be careful not to oversell their product in order to avoid legal ramifications… Read >>
Fall for Switzerland
Autumn and wine tourism key to attracting more travellers
Looking at the demand for what travellers want from a Swiss vacation, Martin Nydegger, the CEO of Switzerland Tourism, believes visitors are seeking the road less travelled… Read >>
Say yes to a destination wedding in Switzerland
Do you have clients looking for a one-of-a-kind location for a destination wedding? From the scenic backdrop of the Swiss Alps to the charming wedding chapel where Aubrey Hepburn tied the knot, look no further than Switzerland… Read >>
A taste of Pasadena
Move over Los Angeles, Pasadena has been making its own mark as a rising culinary destination to discover with a thriving food scene and as the former home of legendary chef Julia Child. In fact, as Julia Long, the founder of Pasadena Walking Tours, points out, the charming city has more restaurants per capita than NYC… Read >>
An inside look at a real agent-booked destination wedding
When it was time to start planning her destination wedding, Sakina Warren turned to the same travel agent that had organized her sister in law’s wedding to Mexico: Sharon Boissonneault of House of Travel… Read >>
Collette “just getting started” ahead of 102nd travel season
Tour operator launches 20 new tours for 2020
Collette is gearing up for its 102nd travel season in 2020 with over 20 new tours being offered including Russia, Patagonia, the Azores, the Galapagos, and a combo tour to Egypt and Jordan.
“It may be our 102nd season, but we’re just getting started… Read >>
Women in Travel: Alison Hickey
It’s all about empowering the team
With Master’s degrees in Applied Science and Industrial Engineering from Dalhousie University, Alison Hickey got into the travel industry organically. The president of Kensington Tours, which specializes in tailor-made luxury tours, custom tours, safaris and travel packages,.. Read >>
Jamaica heats up
More rooms, more travellers
Tourism to Jamaica is heating up with a booming increase in arrivals and big-name resorts coming online across the island destination… Read >>
Bigger is better
Behold the Ama-zing AmaMagna
It’s not everyday that a river cruise ship gets listed as part of TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places ranking. At twice the width of a typical river cruise ship, AmaMagna was named in the 2019 list of 100 new and noteworthy destinations to experience around the world alongside such entries as the Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique and the Fábrica de Arte Cubano in Havana, Cuba… Read >>
Cruising the Danube with AmaWaterways
A mother-daughter journey on the innovative AmaMagna
“Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit.”
The beer was flowing and the scent of fresh pretzels lingered as a group of local musicians started playing the popular German drinking song. But rather than Munich, we found ourselves in a shoreside party tent in the small town of Vilshofen – where guests on AmaWaterways itineraries on the Danube start or end their trips with a special Oktoberfest-like celebration… Read >>
An island hopping honeymoon awaits
Finding serenity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
With 32 islands and cays to choose from, St. Vincent and the Grenadines offers a honeymoon experience that’s hard to replicate anywhere else in the world. “There are nine inhabited islands that each have their own distinct character and feel. The main island of St. Vincent is often overlooked by travellers on their way to the Grenadines, but is well worth the visit. Here, you’ll experience black sand beaches, vibrant markets in the nation’s capital of Kingstown, tropical gardens, nature trails, waterfalls and more,” Shelley John, director of sales, Canada for the St. Vincent and The Grenadines Tourism Office told Canadian Travel Press… Read >>
Drink up the wonders of Wachau Valley
“Look around and you will see what this region is all about: wine, wine and wine,” tour guide Christine Wölfel said as rows upon rows of terraced vineyards set in steep hillsides drew near stretching as far as the eyes could see… Read >>
San Jose is worth more than a stopover
Day tripping in Costa Rica
I was a little dumbfounded standing in the middle of a staircase inside the National Theatre of Costa Rica in San Jose as a complete stranger pressed a five-dollar bill into my hands and insisted it was mine to keep as I tried to give it back… Read >>
A look at some real agent-booked destination weddings
Tying the knot in paradise
With guests coming from across North America and Europe, Sandra Gagic decided to work with a travel agent to simplify the booking process for her destination wedding – but it still didn’t go off without a hitch… Read >>
Selling the ever-changing magic of Disney
Women in travel
Leading Disney teams across Asia Pacific and Canada, Marlie Morrison says the factors that drive respective markets to travel to its theme parks vary like night and day. “It’s so different, which is fascinating. I sometimes don’t think I’m in the travel industry,” Morrison, the managing director, marketing & sales, Canada & APAC, Parks & Resorts, tells Canadian Travel Press from The Walt Disney Company (Canada) Ltd. office in downtown Toronto… Read >>
Planeterra launches Project 100
Changing lives one trip at a time
Human trafficking survivor Indira Gurung is president of the SASANE organization in Kathmandu, Nepal, advocating for the rights of rescued women and raising awareness of the widespread issue in an effort to end forced labour and sexual exploitation. Human trafficking is a $150 billion industry globally and the second largest criminal industry in the world… Read >>
TL Network Canada gives agents the EDGE
What gives travel agents the EDGE over an online booking? For Christine James, TL Network’s vice-president Canada, it’s about the value and credibility that comes with being an expert. Whether it’s booking a bucket-list cruise around the world or an annual vacation for an African safari or a luxury river cruise, she said many travellers would rather turn to a travel advisor when making a sizeable investment rather than a “faceless” online entity… Read >>
It takes a village
Building community in the heart of Nepal
Rajani Shrestha is standing in the kitchen on the top floor of her house – or, our home, as she puts it – in Panauti, Nepal pinching and shaping a white substance made of rice flour, demonstrating how to make a Newari delicacy called yomari… Read >>
Authentically Caribbean
Escape to St. Vincent and The Grenadines
“In the cottages, there’s no WiFi, there’s no TV. There’s minimal technology – only a Bose sound dock for music and a Nespresso coffee machine. That’s it,” General Manager Matthew Semark explains upon arrival at Petit St. Vincent Private Island, a 115-acre tropical oasis in the southern tip of The Grenadines… Read >>
Uncovering the beauty of India
Making travel a force for good on G Adventures’ itineraries
Minutes away from the most visited landmark in India is a small unassuming café without prices on the menu. After admiring the Taj Mahal and learning about the love story behind the iconic white mausoleum, which was built by the order of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, travellers can head to Sheroes Hangout in Agra for a cup of Masala milk tea … Read >>
Farm-to-fork freshness
Dig into the flavours of Costa Rica
It’s our first morning in Costa Rica and we’ve abruptly come to a stop on the side of the road after passing through Cerro de la Muerte, a scenic mountain range that translates to Summit of Death. A moment of confusion arises as the group tries to decipher what’s going on – are we lost? .. Read >>
Air Italy flying high with new Toronto-Milan service
Air Italy is taking off in Canada with the inauguration of non-stop service between Toronto and Milan. The airline’s first Canadian route will operate six times weekly (daily except Thursday) seasonally until Oct. 25… Read >>
Fly Away and discover there’s more to The Bahamas
Although Lenny Kravitz usually flies under the radar in Eleuthera, the director general of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation said the Bahamian-American musician agreed to take part in its latest marketing campaign, aptly named Fly Away, because the Grammy-Award winning hit song was both written in and inspired by the destination… Read >>
Discover the crown jewel of the Caribbean
History comes alive in Santo Domingo
As the oldest continually inhabited European settlement in the Americas, Santo Domingo is home to a lot of firsts.
“We’re going to the city Christopher Columbus loved the most,” announced tour guide Carlos Batista, as the bus approached the capital of The Dominican Republic. “Santo Domingo is a city of firsts. The first road, first hospital, first cathedral, first university in the New World.”.. Read >>
Women In Travel With Angella Bennett
Secrets of success: Build relationships, embrace challenges
Before getting into the travel industry, Angella Bennett was eyeing a slightly furrier field.
“It’s funny, I wanted to be a vet. This was my passion back in time, I wanted to be a veterinarian. But I had gone to school outside of Montego Bay, which was then more the tourism capital. When I returned home there was only [jobs in] hotels or banking, and so I decided my personality was more into hotels and that’s how I started…” .. Read >>
Agents vital in growth of D.R. tourism
It’s a DATE
Speaking at the recent 20th Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) in Punta Cana, Paola Rainieri de Díaz, president of the Dominican Republic Association for Hotels and Tourism (ASONAHORES), announced a 6.2% increase in overall tourism to the country in 2018, with 6.5 million tourists… Read >>
The dream makers
Building relationships and turning bucket lists into reality one trip at a time
These days, travellers are looking for more from their vacations than simply seeing the sights. They want to be authentically immersed in the destination through experiences and local interactions. At the core, it’s the people they encounter along the way who help shape their trip… Read >>
In the heart of Havana
Go beyond the beach as Cuba’s capital marks 500 years
With its centuries-old faÇades, cobbled streets and an abundance of classic cars, it’s easy to imagine a time when Ernest Hemingway roamed the streets of Havana in search of his next libation – in between, or perhaps, to fuel – his writing sessions… Read >>
Iberostar raises the bar in Cuba
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is upping its game in Cuba. Not only has the company, which has a portfolio of more than 120 four- and five-star hotels in 18 countries across three continents, significantly increased the number of properties and hotel rooms in the Caribbean destination, but it’s continuing to raise quality standards across the board to be in line with its global operations… Read >>
Family bonds on a cruising adventure
Two if by sea
It felt like I was venturing into the great unknown as I pulled my carry-on towards the loading ramp of Holland America Line’s newest ship, Nieuw Statendam, with my aunt in tow in the port of San Juan, Puerto Rico. While she hasn’t travelled much since having twins 18 years ago and I frequently find myself on the road, this trip would mark new territory for me too, as my first cruise… Read >>
Five trends to watch out for this year
After analyzing booking data from its 350,000 global travellers across more than 1,000 trips on every continent, Intrepid Travel has released its annual list of travel trend predictions.
Ranging from a spike in extended layovers to an increasing demand for finding female empowerment abroad, Darshika Jones, director of North America for Intrepid Travel, points out that this year’s trends align with greater global themes the 30-year-old adventure travel company is hearing about in the news and seeing in political and social agendas… Read >>
Collette makes a difference locally and globally
In 2020, Collette’s newly relaunched small-group travel style, Explorations, is going to feature impact moments for travellers to make a difference as they discover and explore the world. These moments include supporting social enterprises and non-profits, such as the Sheroes’ Hangout, a cafe in India staffed by women who were victims of acid attacks… Read >>
Driving innovation through collaboration
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, in honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, Canadian Travel Press’ series of profiles on Women in Travel continues with Dorothy Dowling, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Best Western Hotels & Resorts… Read >>
Take a closer look at Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam
Picture this: Oprah Winfrey is donning pajamas and handing out shots of tequila, as passengers taking part in Holland America Line’s Girls’ Getaway cruise go wild with excitement at the sight of the popular talk show host, film star and founder of O, The Oprah Magazine… Read >>
New hotel welcoming guests on Montego Bay’s Hip Strip
S marks the spot
During Jamaica’s golden era, actress Katharine Hepburn was captured in iconic photographs zipping around Montego Bay in a stylish convertible. A blast from this past – in the form of a sister car to the 1953 Singer convertible – is now welcoming guests upon arrival at the newly opened S Hotel located on the Hip Strip… Read >>
Beyond sun, sand and sea
The Caribbean has a whole new story to tell
Although over 75% of the Caribbean “didn’t even have a breeze” from the devastating hurricanes of 2017, the CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association said the impact of Irma and Maria were widespread across the region… Read >>
Exploring Hong Kong like a local
One of the most photographed vantage points of Hong Kong comes from the top of Victoria Peak. As the highest point on Hong Kong Island, the panoramic views of the seemingly endless slew of high-rises jetting out from the green hills below and across Victoria Harbour is a must-see for many visitors… Read >>
Connectivity key to driving tourism initiatives
To Hong Kong, and beyond
For the eighth year running, Hong Kong has come out on top as the world’s most visited city, according to market research company Euromonitor International, beating out the likes of London, Bangkok and New York… Read >>
A first look at Xolumado Inspiration Village
Ahead of its official opening this month, travel agents on location for the 11th annual Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultant Sales & Marketing Forum in December got an exclusive preview of Xolumado Inspiration Village by Karisma… Read >>
Canadian agents in the spotlight with Karisma
Forty-one Canadian travel agents were among the top producing travel agents celebrated recently at Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ 11th annual Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultant Sales & Marketing Forum held at the El Dorado Royale in the Riviera Maya… Read >>
Winter is hot for Canadian hotels
Weathering the trends
When it comes to what’s visually luring travellers into booking a particular hotel, it turns out the money shot isn’t just of the view, but also the loo. “Oddly enough, a bathroom photo [is important],” Bonnie Vesterfelt, Expedia’s Toronto area manager tells Canadian Travel Press… Read >>
The big trends of 2019
Over the course of the year, Canadian Travel Press’ Women in Travel series featured some remarkable individuals across the travel industry from Canada and around the world. In the second instalment of a year-end feature, some of the experts previously profiled in the section share their thoughts on the big trends for 2019… Read >>
A suite escape
Live the ultra-luxe life in Miami
Miami is constantly evolving and reinventing itself. For travellers, the coastal Florida destination offers the best of a beautiful beach escape and a city getaway across diverse cultures and a buzzing nightlife… Read >>
Seven big disruptors for 2019
Women in Travel — Focus on the future
Over the past year, Canadian Travel Press’ Women In Travel series has featured some remarkable individuals who impact the industry, both in Canada and around the world. In the first of a two-part end-of-the-year roundup article, some of the experts previously profiled in the section reveal what they think will disrupt the travel industry in 2019… Read >>
Sunwing says hello to Daytona
Ahead of launching service to Daytona Beach, Sunwing brought 120 travel agents from the Toronto area to Florida’s Atlantic coast for a one-day FAM trip to get a taste of what’s on offer – from its famed beach to top draws like the Daytona International Speedway… Read >>
Teara Fraser: Learning to fly
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 with Teara Fraser, the CEO of Iskwew Air… Read >>
A new lounge takes off at Billy Bishop
Nieuport Aviation officially celebrated the completion of its terminal upgrades at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Nov. 14. Although it means complimentary beverages (so long free cappuccino!) and most snacks (the shortbread cookies reportedly remain) have gone out the window, passengers now have a variety of restaurants and grab-and-go items to choose from, including OBISPO, Balzac’s Coffee Roasters and [email protected]… Read >>
Jump into Club Med Turkoise
Our names are written on a chalkboard to determine the order of the trapeze lesson. I feel my heart beat a little bit quicker as the one before mine gets scratched off, meaning the dreaded moment has come: I’m next… Read >>
Go your own way
Catering to the rise of solo travellers
This may come as a surprise – it appears our ambitions to travel don’t always match up with reality. After surveying 20,500 global travellers, recent research by Booking.com found that, while the majority of people are keen to push their limits, experience new cultures and try local delicacies, .. Read >>
Club Med blazes the trail for growth
As she officially kicked off the 2018–2019 season, Club Med’s Senior VP, Canada & Mexico, Carolyne Doyon, had one word to describe what’s in store for the all-inclusive sun and ski vacation provider: being a “trailblazer.”.. Read >>
Bucket-list bliss
The Moorings offers a one-of-a-kind vacation
After touching down on Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, and taking a short stroll from the airport over to the marina, captain Martin Street pointed to the biggest yacht in the vicinity and announced it would be our home for the next few days… Read >>
Caribbean free from active Zika classification
So long and good riddance, Zika. With no detectable levels of the virus found in the region over the past 12 months, the Caribbean Public Health Agency announced the World Health Organization is no longer flagging the Caribbean with an active high-risk category warning for Zika transmission… Read >>
The power of positivity
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 with Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways… Read >>
Passion at play
Britain focuses on the reasons behind why we travel
Moving beyond destination-based marketing and attracting visitors to specific cities like London or Birmingham, VisitBritain’s new I Travel For brand campaign focuses on the passions that inspire people to travel… Read >>
Adventures in Andalusia
It was a spot so scenic that upon first sight, author Washington Irving described it as “a most picturesque and beautiful city, situated in one of the loveliest landscapes that I have ever seen.” Even decades after backpacking through Andalusia as a student, Bill Clinton returned to Granada to witness what he’d called “the most beautiful sunset in the world.”.. Read >>
Discovering another side of Jamaica
After taking a winding road from Kingston high up into Jamaica’s lush Blue Mountains, I’m sitting in a 200-year-old Georgian style house about to taste coffee brewed from beans grown and harvested in the famed surrounding range… Read >>
Louisiana feeds the soul
Rebranding showcases what makes the state authentically unique
Whether it’s a warm bite of gumbo or a wild swamp adventure, the Louisiana Office of Tourism has launched its new Feed Your Soul campaign and branding, which focuses on what makes the state authentic and unique… Read >>
Jamaica is ready for a hot winter
Winter is coming – and those in Jamaica’s tourism sector can’t wait.
With a boost in airlift secured, a record number of arrivals already in the books for the first half of 2018 and new room inventory coming online, it’s shaping up to be another hot year for the Caribbean destination… Read >>
Experience elevated elegance with Luxury Gold
Keys to the VIP
During a visit to Italy, Brad Ford had an experience that truly stood out from the crowd. Rather than touring the tourist hot spot with the masses, he was able to explore every detail of The Sistine Chapel’s intricate ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, exclusively with the small group on his Luxury Gold Ultimate Italy itinerary and seven invited guests of the Pope… Read >>
Facing fear to find success
Women in travel Carolyne Doyon
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 with Carolyne Doyon, senior vice president, Canada and Mexico, Club Med… Read >>
A world of wonders await in Germany
As I stood in front of a bronze statue of a rooster on top of a cat, on top of a dog, on top of a donkey outside of the Town Hall in Bremen, I could almost hear my great-grandfather providing sound effects – crowing, barking and meowing – like he used to when I was a child, making for a more lively reading of The Bremen Town Musicians… Read >>
Upgrade your winter
Canadian travel to Switzerland shows no signs of cooling off
Coming off a record year with the best overnight results in a quarter of a century, Canadian travel to Switzerland shows no signs of cooling off. In fact, numbers for the first half of 2018 show a 3.9% increase in overnights and a 4.5% boost in arrivals, with Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia being the strongest source markets… Read >>
Off to the races in Kissimmee
Travel agents come out on top in The Air Canada Race 2018
It started as an inside joke, but it’s a motto that may have helped one team successfully come out on top in the 2018 edition of The Air Canada Race held in partnership with Experience Kissimmee… Read >>
Brave New World
Thriving in an era of self-booking
What do travel agents actually do? While on the surface it may seem like the job is about selling airline tickets, hotels and car rentals, Jason Merrithew, president of Merit Travel, says it really comes down to providing expertise, experience and service… Read >>
Luxury travel uncovered
When it comes to luxury travel, the gloves are off – white gloves, that is. While luxury often gets associated with white glove service and champagne upon arrival, Jason Merrithew, president of Merit Travel, says these days it’s all about experiences… Read >>
It’s All In The Family at Collette
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 with Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, the president of Collette… Read >>
Have family, will travel
1,000 km, eight people, seven nights and two cars made for one memorable adventure in Newfoundland
It didn’t start out as planned. Instead of kicking off a family vacation with eight of my closest relatives, thanks to a delayed flight and a missed connection I found myself sitting alone in a hot tub in the backyard of an expansive house that sleeps 16… Read >>
Iberostar raises the bar
Fresh off a €500 million renovation primarily across its European properties, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is now in the next phase of its global expansion plan with another
€700 million in upgrades and new properties underway in the Americas… Read >>
The next big thing
Travel industry experts reveal top travel trends
Millennials may not have as much money as Baby Boomers, but according to Diana Ditto, director of product design at Collette, this cohort changed the face of travel today.
“They were the ones that created this experience economy. They demanded and still do demand authentic experiences. In designing product now, the traveller is so changed,” she says… Read >>
Making the world a better place… one trip at a time
Women in Travel: Marianne Schaubeck
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 with Marianne Schaubeck of Reservations Africa and African Preschools Society… Read >>
Where old meets new
Standing on the cobblestoned streets of Dresden, it’s easy to see why the massive dome of the Frauenkirche is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, even though it went 60 years without being part of its iconic skyline… Read >>
Escape to luxury at Serenity at Coconut Bay
During the planning stages for Serenity at Coconut Bay, the new all-inclusive, adults-only luxury resort in Saint Lucia, president and CEO Mark Adams wasn’t deterred by the fact that the ground didn’t quite measure up, so to say… Read >>
Serenity awaits
Discovering Saint Lucia’s newest all-inclusive, adults-only resort
As he shows me around my spacious suite, my butler Gregg is explaining the range of services his team is ready to do for guests – from unpacking suitcases and ironing to drawing aromatherapy bubble baths at a chosen time or even as a surprise… Read >>
Ready for takeoff
Azores Airlines to add new aircraft on Toronto route, promotes stopover program
With a hub in Ponta Delgada, Gavin Eccles, chief commercial officer of Azores Airlines, plans to position a stopover in the archipelago, as a way for travellers to experience two unique destinations for the price of one… Read >>