Toronto Travel
Top Sights in Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario, Canada. It is the most populous city in Canada and the fourth most populous city in North America, with a recorded population of 2,794,356 in 2021. The city is the focal point of the Golden Horseshoe, an urban agglomeration of 9,765,188 people (as of 2021) that surrounds Lake Ontario’s western end, while the Greater Toronto Area proper had a population of 6,712,341 in 2021. Toronto is a global business, finance, arts, and culture hub, as well as one of the world’s most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities.
People Love Toronto ON
Latest Reviews
It is absolutely amazing, you can spend a whole day in the museum. It has different sections of historical ages from all over the world. You can see many things from different civilizations. I loved the geology part. You can find brilliant minerals and stones. It is one of the best museum I have ever seen. Highly recommended to visit.
The best Zoo I’ve ever been to. It took us almost 6 hours to see it all but we really took our time trying to see/read everything. Everything is very clean and you can bring your own food if you choose to. The animals are beautiful and seem to be very well taken care of. A wonderful place to visit for families.
Great place for anyone visiting Toronto or even staying here. The rotating restaurant is great. Although you may feel dizzy for a few minutes but the experience is at another level. The food here is probably the best in town, tried different dishes and they were all done to the highest of standards. The staff are very knowledgeable and very friendly. This is a great spot for a birthday, anniversary or any special occasion.
Oh it was an amazing experience. Walking around seeing all the great scenes and items hanging on display. The shot the puck and shootout were fun for the family. The main item was walking up the stairs into the great Hall. The presentation of the trophies and all the hall of fame walls was amazing. The staff members that took my family picture with the cup was great to talk to, as he even knew the Windsor area where we were from. He was talking like he still lives there and how he went to University and watched lots of hockey. It was a great way to experience everything.

New study finds majority of Canadians support COVID-19 testing for travellers from China
According to data from Angus Reid, 77% of Canadians support the new policy, outnumbering those who are opposed (16%) by nearly five-to-one. However, those who believe the policy will be effective at reducing COVID-19 infections in Canada (34%) are in the minority. More Canadians believe it will be ineffective (38%) or are unsure (28%). And

Emerald Cruises has savings and air deals on river and yacht cruises
Guests who book a five-day Christmas cruise will save $150 per person and receive roundtrip air for $495 per person. Additionally, those booking a suite on the Horizon Deck will receive an additional $250 savings per couple. On Emerald Cruises’ luxury yachts, the new Emerald Azzurra and the soon-to-launch sister yacht, Emerald Sakara, guests can

McNeil joins Hurtigruten Expeditions as SVP Expeditions Product & Guest Experience
A pioneer in the expedition industry since 2007, McNeil has completed more than 100 expeditions, including reaching the geographic North Pole on 14 separate occasions. He has sailed on more than a dozen different expedition vessels and completed trips by land and aircraft. He’s also created industry-first itineraries, immersive shore excursion experiences, and the first

Lynx’s first U.S. flight takes off from Toronto
“Lynx Air took to the Canadian skies for the very first time just over nine months ago, and we are excited to be already expanding across the border into the USA,” said Merren McArthur, CEO of Lynx. “The choice of Orlando as our first U.S. destination as easy – it is a very popular holiday

20 Best Beaches in Thailand to Spark Your Wanderlust
There is no denying that Thailand has the most beautiful islands in the world and on those islands, you’ll find breathtaking beaches. With endless miles of white sand beaches lining the coast of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, it can be difficult to choose which are the best beaches in Thailand to

Via Rail tells MPs passengers stuck on train for 18 hours were in ‘unique’ situation
Much of the committee’s focus has been on the actions taken by Canada’s major airlines. But Via Rail was also called to explain the dozens of cancellations and delays its network experienced from Dec. 23 to 26, as a winter storm swept across Ontario and Quebec. “We, as a country, have to look at increasing

Stewart Travel Group recognized for outstanding customer service
On winning the award, Travis Stewart, co-founder of Stewart Travel Group, said: “We’re humbled and honoured. Being recognized by the Chamber for this award is a privilege, as we’ve always done our best to give our clients the best service possible. Over the past few years the travel industry has gone through so much turmoil,

Grupo Piñero to invest more than €100 million to enhance hotels and services
HOTEL RENOVATIONS Major renovations are underway at Bahia Principe Esmeralda Hotel, a €30 million investment that will see the property reopen in December 2023. At the same time, a chain of four other Bahia Principe hotels – Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal in Mexico, Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana, Bahia Principe Grand Bávaro in the Dominican

NCL completes first season in South Africa and Namibia
Building on its successful inaugural season, NCL recently announced the deployment of Norwegian Dawn to the region in winter 2024. Homeporting from Cape Town, South Africa and Port Louis, Mauritius, the ship will offer a series of Extraordinary Journey voyages between January and March 2024. Harry Sommer, Brand President and CEO at NCL, said: “As

Taking A Responsible Approach To Revenge Travel
According to a new Allianz Global Assistance survey – conducted by Ipsos – 70% of Canadian millennials are packing their bags and taking a vacation this year, and over half of travelling millennials say they’re revenge travelling – unapologetically making up for lost travel time during the pandemic. The survey also reported that 89% of

Take A Trip Downunder With Goway
Goway is celebrating Downunder Day with deals on its air-inclusive, Australia and New Zealand Combo. The operator’s celebration marks Australia Day (which took place on Jan. 26) and New Zealand’s Waitangi Day which is celebrated on Feb. 6. Travellers who book by Feb. 28 will save US$350/CDN$470 per person on the operator’s Australia and New

For Ensemble, It’s All About The Experience
Ensemble is upbeat about its prospects half a year after it fell under the acquisition of the Navigatr Group. Ensemble president Michael Johnson says the ensuing months have led to “significant enhancements” in what Ensemble offers member agencies, citing the likes of new technology and new training. Johnson said Ensemble hasn’t been focusing on growth since

Seeking Sustainability, Regenerative Tourism At IMPACT Conference
The IMPACT Sustainability Travel and Tourism Conference wrapped up in B.C.’s capital city, Victoria late last week. Press Today’s Ted Davis was on hand for the event, reporting that the first day of the gathering was relatively warm and clear for January – perfect for some delegates to spend time on the waters near to Victoria

Scenic Is Sailing With New Offers
Scenic is kicking off the New Year with a salute to discovery with some deals on new bookings on its river and ocean ships. All offers are in Canadian dollars and payment in full must be made within 72 hours of booking. These offers are subject to availability. Guests booking a select 2023 European river sailing

Celebrity Cruises Makes It A Family Affair
In an industry first, Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo has announced that Greek brothers Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis have been named co-captains of Celebrity Ascent, the company’s fourth ship in its Edge Series, debuting winter 2023. The accomplished maritime brothers will usher in a new era for the cruise line, taking the helm

Travel Product Coordinator — CAA Club Group
About Us Get ready to drive your career forward. Life at CAA Club Group is fast paced, performance-driven and rewarding. We value our Associates’ career growth and ongoing professional development – and we regularly recognize their achievements and outstanding results. We are caring. We are leaders. We are innovators. We are collaborative. We work hard

“Find YOUR people, and become indispensable to them”: Retail travel resolutions for 2023 (it’s not too late)
Especially right now, as busy travel advisors work around the clock to book clients eager to finally get away – not to mention rebooking clients after cancellations – many agents have made promises to themselves to keep clear boundaries between work time and home time, only to have those boundaries crossed again and again. That

Travel advisors, ACTA react to Sunwing’s position on recalled commissions
In its statement Sunwing also apologized to agents. “We apologize to travel advisors for the inconvenience and disruption over the holiday season. We recognize there is more work to be done in rebuilding your faith in us and will continue to provide updates on this important work. We are dedicated to regaining your trust in

Granite Travel Trade Expos coming to 4 cities in Ontario this April
The events will bring together travel industry suppliers and top-producing travel agents, says Bradley Dean, Oakville Toronto Partner, Granite Productions. Granite Productions conceptualizes, creates, and delivers in-person and online expos in North America and has worked with brands including St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Jalisco Tourism, Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts, CAA, iBelieve Foundation and more.

Goway’s ‘Australia & New Zealand Combo’ now on sale
The 11-day trip, ideal for first-time visitors Downunder, combines the best of Sydney with a few days in Auckland. In each city, travellers will embark on escorted tours and enjoy first-class accommodations throughout, plus flights aboard Air New Zealand from Vancouver, Los Angeles or San Francisco. Transfers from other cities are available at competitive rates.

Via Rail executives to address parliamentary committee on holiday travel mess
The railway has said that the derailment of a CN Rail freight train caused further delays to trains on its east-west corridor between Quebec City and Windsor, Ont. Some passengers found themselves stranded on trains for upwards of 20 hours. Via Rail apologized for not being more forthcoming with its customers about the situation and

New Wave Travel agent wins trip for two to Vienna
TORONTO — One lucky travel advisor from Toronto has won a trip for two to Vienna, courtesy of Air Canada, the Vienna Tourist Board and The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna. Armando Ferlauto with New Wave Travel has won two business class tickets to Vienna with Air Canada, and two nights accommodation at The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna. Source link

Air Canada named one of Canada’s Best Employers 2023 by Forbes
“We are honoured to be recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers 2023 by Forbes yet again, a clear signal that the workplace culture we have fostered over many years has enabled Air Canada to remain a top employer,” said Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs. “Creating a positive

Hotelbeds Teams Up With LHW
Hotelbeds is collaborating with The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), expanding its luxury collection across the group’s more than 400 properties. The new preferred vendor agreement gives Hotelbeds’ clients access to a significant luxury portfolio for the first time, which offers properties in more than 80 countries around the world. In turn, the agreement

WeTravel Tracks Booking, Payment Trends For 2023
WeTravel has launched its inaugural annual travel trends report, Purchasing Habits: The Future of Travel Bookings and Payments, using data from thousands of tour operators and group travel businesses to understand how travel purchasing is shifting in post-pandemic consumerism. The report is comprised of the business’s internal data from more than 3,000 clients — that, through

Discover What’s On Board Silversea’s Silver Nova
Silversea Cruises has revealed full details on the public venues aboard its new ship Silver Nova, including the largest array of bars, lounges, and restaurants of any ultra-luxury cruise ship. As well as being one of the most environmentally conscious ships ever built, Silver Nova will offer guests the next iteration of Silversea’s unique take on luxury as

ACTA “Incredibly Disappointed”
Association Reacts To Sunwing Statement Indicating It Will Not Protect Commissions ACTA said that it “is incredibly disappointed” by Sunwing’s decision not to protect commission on cancelled programs in Saskatchewan, Atlantic Canada, Northern Ontario, and other areas across Canada. Sunwing advised ACTA today in a written statement in response to repeated calls for a statement

Holland America Unveils 2024 Canada, New England Season
Holland America Line’s 2024 Canada and New England season is set to feature 29 sailings that range from weeklong getaways to longer, more in-depth journeys. The cruises that depart or end in Boston, Massachusetts are ideal for family getaways and guests looking to explore North America’s Atlantic Coast. One extended roundtrip-Boston itinerary also stretches up to the dramatic

Jamaica’s PM To Headline Tourism Resilience Conference
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness will make the headline address at the Global Tourism Resilience Conference that will be held from Feb. 15 to Feb. 17, 2023 at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica. Holness will address a gathering of government ministers from several nation states, policy

AAT Kings Unveils 2023-2024 Season
AAT Kings has unveiled its 2023-2024 Guided Holiday tour season for Australia and New Zealand, with the launch of three new South Australia tours. The new season’s offerings cement South Australia as the next hot international destination. The trips focus again on the places, stories and tastes of Australia — from incredible, landscapes, to food

Flight Centre Names Parker CEO Global Supply
Flight Centre Travel Group (FLT) has announced that senior executive Greg Parker will succeed Melanie Waters-Ryan as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the company’s global supply division. Parker, currently FLT’s managing director of global supply partnerships, and Waters-Ryan will continue to work closely to ensure a smooth transition when Waters-Ryan retires early in the

Sunwing stands firm on recalled commissions for cancelled bookings: statement
Sunwing also apologizes to agents. “Once again, we apologize to travel advisors for the inconvenience and disruption over the holiday season. We recognize there is more work to be done in rebuilding your faith in us and will continue to provide updates on this important work. We are dedicated to regaining your trust in the

More changes for Air Passenger Protection Regulations on the way: Alghabra
Even with that recent update, however, there are gaps and inconsistencies in the system. The CTA is currently dealing with a backlog of more than 33,000 complaints. The inconsistencies became especially apparent this year, as demand for travel soared after the pandemic’s restrictions. Airlines made adjustments to their schedules often with little to no notice.

Winter storm conditions bring travel alerts from Air Canada, WestJet and more
AIR CANADA Air Canada has brought in its flexible rebooking policy for passengers looking to make alternative flight arrangements for Jan. 25 or Jan. 26 for the following gateways: Toronto (YYZ and YTZ), Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City. For more information on Air Canada’s alerts, click here. WESTJET WestJet’s flexible change/cancel guidelines are in effect

Canada, U.S. moving forward with new NEXUS interview option to expand enrolment capacity
The new enrolment option for air travellers is expected to be available by spring 2023. It will include CBSA interviews at reopened airport enrolment centres in Canada and separate CBP interviews at Canadian airport preclearance locations for applicants departing for the U.S. The new process has two steps: The process begins with the Canadian portion

Scenic’s New Year Savings Event includes deals on river and ocean cruises
Those looking to book bucket-list trips to the polar regions of the Arctic, Antarctica and Northwest Passage onboard Scenic’s two 228-guest Discovery Yachts – Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II – by March 31, 2023 can enjoy savings of up to $9,000 per couple, plus free Economy airfare (2-for-1 Business Class air is offered to

Road to Hana: Highway Map, Things to Do And Tips
The world-famous road to Hana is one of the must-do experiences when visiting Maui. It can be overwhelming planning what to see on this iconic road trip when you have limited time. So we’ve rounded up all the road to Hana stops that we did on Maui’s epic coastal drive. You don’t have to see

Canada’s passport application backlog now ‘virtually eliminated,’ minister says
Those delays have finally come to an end, Social Development Minister Karina Gould announced Tuesday. “The backlog is virtually eliminated,” she declared during a press conference at a cabinet retreat with her fellow ministers in Hamilton, Ont. The pandemic caused a nearly two-year lull in passport applications, but once people began to travel again, the

VisitBritain’s Landry and Gauger take on new roles
On his new role, Landry said: “It is a privilege to lead the overseas network and work alongside these talented teams of dedicated tourism professionals. Our priority continues to be rebuilding international visitor value and strengthening our relationships across trade, commercial partnerships and media to ensure Britain remains the destination of choice.” With Landry’s appointment,

Amex GBT partners with CHOOOSE in support of sustainable business travel
“Flights are the single largest contributor to business travel emissions, so our first priority is to help our clients keep up with evolving standards for calculating aviation emissions,” said Mark McSpadden, Amex GBT’s VP of product strategy and user experience. “We are integrating solutions that give clients more choice, enhance our tools with more granular

Highland Explorer Tours launches new volunteering trip in Scotland
“We are thrilled to invite clients to Scotland and participate in this meaningful project, which will tremendously benefit the local community and natural habitats for years to come,” says Graeme Ward, Managing Director of Highland Explorer Tours and Radical Travel Group. “Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience will make a positive environmental impact in this community.”

GTRCMC, Mastercard Sign MoU On Tourism Innovation
The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) and Mastercard have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation on tourism innovation. The signing took place during FITUR between Co-Chair of the GTRCMC and Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett and Senior Executives of Mastercard. Minister Bartlett said: “The timing of this MOU

Sunwing Addresses Disruptions, Impact On Agents
In a statement sent to ACTA following a meeting with the Travel Agency Leaders Advisory Group today, Sunwing addressed the recent travel disruptions and impact on valued travel advisors, and the company’s plan moving forward for the winter season. The tour company’s statement begins: “At Sunwing, we have always remained steadfast in our purpose of

Unlocking Opportunities
A new report found that city airports — like Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport — support businesses, provide connectivity and unlock opportunities that make a city world class. And they also have a key role in building knowledge economies, playing a critical role in the circulation of people and ideas. Published by PortsToronto and authored

Discounts From Riviera River Cruises
Riviera River Cruises is offering discounts on many of its remaining eight- and 15-day European river cruise departures in 2023. Through February, receive $500 per person off eight-day itineraries and $1,500 per person off 15-day itineraries. In March, discounts become $400 per person off eight-day itineraries and $1,250 per person off 15-day itineraries. Marilyn Conroy,

Get Well In Bonaire
Bonaire has announced that it will be hosting its first Annual Yoga & Wellness Festival in partnership with the Bindu Yoga & Healing Center from June 19 to June 25, 2023. With no traffic lights and a population of less than 23,000, Bonaire is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, yogis, and those simply searching

MSC Unveils Future Of Cruising In New Campaign
MSC Cruises has launched a new global brand campaign — “Discover the future of cruising” — which it’s rolling out in over 30 countries through a multi-channel global marketing campaign including TV, out of home, print media, digital and social media. With its new campaign, MSC Cruises will show how sustainability is at the beating heart

What Canadian Travellers Can Expect In 2023
CheapOair.ca has looked into its crystal ball to share some of the top trends that Canadian travellers need to be aware of in the coming year. The tourism industry rebounded in 2022, reaching 70% of its pre-pandemic levels globally, however, the year was not without its own challenges, as travellers were met with staffing issues, long

Landry, Gauger Take On New Roles At VisitBritain
VisitBritain has announced two appointments to ensure it is best placed to drive tourism to Britain, deliver its strategy, build for the future and that Britain remains the top destination of choice for travellers. Gavin Landry has been named International Director, leading the strategic direction of VisitBritain’s global teams working alongside a group of C-suite

Three of the biggest names in resorts offer a sneak peek into the future, including luxury and all-inclusive plans
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL Marriott International, the largest hotel company in the world, signed an average of two property deals every single day in 2022. That made for a total of 726 management and franchise agreements last year, an increase of 21% over 2021 signings. Half of the 2022 rooms signed were in international markets, including key growth

Air Canada, WestJet digging into their key domestic markets: report
The report outlines Air Canada’s route cuts in B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan, compared to 2019. It also looks at WestJet’s focus on western Canada, something the airline itself has made clear. In October 2022 WestJet announced its plans to designate Calgary International Airport as its single global connecting hub, with an eye to concentrating all

More than 80 new travel experiences with Intrepid in 2023
Here’s a look at some of the new experiences on offer with Intrepid in 2023 … Pakistan Expedition (from US$5,100 per person): Intrepid is introducing Pakistan as a new destination to its portfolio in 2023 with this new 15-day itinerary. Visitors will learn about Pakistan’s past, present and future, explore the region’s remote mountain villages

Contest winner nabs two roundtrip tickets to Colombia
Hines won the tickets thanks to his completion of the Colombia Specialist Program hosted on Travelweek’s Learning Centre. The program, available in English and French, offers an opportunity for travel agents to learn about Colombia, the “most welcoming destination on earth.” Agents who take the course learn about Colombia’s six unforgettable regions: West Colombian Andes,

Best Things to do in San Pedro de Atacama
From the Andes Mountains to high desert lagoons, these are the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama. The Atacama Desert was our favorite place to visit in Chile. Located in northern Chile, the Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar desert in the world and many travelers make their way to the town

Dominica reports 308% increase in tourism arrivals
Dominica welcomed 60,704 visitors in 2022 compared to 14,888 in 2021, an increase of more than 308%. Discover Dominica attributes this uptick to several key factors, including an increase in post-pandemic travel demand, relaxed COVID-19 protocols, and the island’s first direct flight from the U.S. “We are thrilled to see the comeback of travel,” said

Things you didn’t know about Ontario
Algonquin Provincial Park Ontario is one of Canada’s must-visit destinations, a beautiful, massive province with a bit of something for everyone. Ontario is home to thousands of lakes and rivers, incredible waterfalls, exciting city breaks, and world-class attractions. If you are looking at Ontario as your next holiday destination, flights to Toronto can make it

Holland America unveils 2024 season in Canada and New England
From April through October, Volendam and Zuiderdam will offer a series of seven-day ‘Canada & New England Discovery’ departures with ports that showcase the region’s food and maritime history. Volendam will also offer 10- and 11-day cruises that add Newfoundland, and a 24-day expedition that adds Greenland and a circumnavigation of Iceland. “A Canada and New

Cunard teams up with Rocky Mountaineer to offer iconic rail journeys
“We are excited to partner with Rocky Mountaineer so our passengers can enjoy the spectacular scenery and Alaskan wildlife in the utmost of luxury both by land and by sea,” said Matt Gleaves, VP Commercial, Cunard, North America. The three-night, post-voyage Rocky Mountaineer tour takes guests on an eastbound journey from Vancouver to Calgary, and

Turkish Airlines select flights from Canada on sale now
TORONTO — Turkish Airlines has launched a limited-time sale on select international flights from Canada. The sale’s ticketing period across all sales channels runs from Jan. 23 to Feb. 5, 2023, with a travel period from Jan. 18, 2023 to May 6, 2023. Source link

Cunard Sets Sail With Rocky Mountaineer
This summer, Cunard will be offering passengers aboard the Queen Elizabeth’s Alaska sailing the opportunity to experience the Rocky Mountaineer train through the spectacular Canadian Rockies. Depending on their sailing date, guests will either be able to extend their Alaska voyage with a three-night post-cruise Rocky Mountaineer package or a four-night tour before embarking on

Duncombe Tapped For New Role
The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has announced the appointment of Latia Duncombe as Director General. Deputy Prime Minister Cooper said: “During the past year, Mrs. Duncombe has brought energetic leadership to our senior executive management team at the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.” He

State of Nayarit To Host Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta
The Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta travel and tourism industry event will take place on Feb. 16 and Feb. 17 at Nayarit’s VIDANTA convention centre. The event aims to foster networking opportunities between international and national wholesalers and operators and the local infrastructure of the state of Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. This includes

Porter Taking Off With Redesigned Loyalty Program
Porter Airlines is relaunching its VIPorter loyalty program to coincide with the start of its new Embraer E195-E2 jet service that begins on Feb. 1, 2023. VIPorter’s new structure expands membership levels, adds benefits and makes it easier for frequent economy travellers to earn the perks they value faster than with any other Canadian airline.

Intrepid Travel Launches New Experiences In 2023
Intrepid Travel has launched over 80 new experiences for travellers in 2023, as it continues to innovate its trip offerings in fresh and responsible ways. With itineraries in new locations, more ethical wildlife adventures, an increase in activities supporting Indigenous communities and female-run businesses, and with fresh ways to discover the world’s most iconic destinations,

Celestyal Taps Haslett For CCO Role
Celestyal has appointed Lee Haslett to take on the role of global chief commercial officer (CCO) as of Feb. 20, 2023. Haslett takes over from Leslie Peden, who has been with the company for more than five years, initially as vice president, North America and thereafter serving as the company’s CCO. Haslett is a highly

Agents’ Choice 2023: Bigger, Better And All About You
It’s back. Yes, that’s right, Baxter Media has launched the 23rd edition of the Annual Agents’ Choice Readership Survey and we’re thrilled to be doing it. And hopefully, Canada’s original, authoritative and most popular travel advisor readership survey will be a harbinger of some great things to come for the Canadian travel industry this year.

Porter revamps loyalty program ahead of E195-E2 jet service launch
Said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer: “As we expand our network across North America and introduce amenities for all our passengers that create an elevated economy travel experience, we are also offering our VIPorter members new benefits and bringing frequent travellers perks that other airlines typically only provide to their most

Latest travel survey findings offer intel for spring vacation intentions
‘SI’ OR ‘OUI’? Taking two perennial favourite European destinations and putting them to the test, Samsonite Canada checked in with Canadians on their preference for an Italy vs. France vacation. Nationally, Italy topped the bucket list for Canadians, and 34.6% of Canadians would choose Italy ‘if they could only take one more vacation in their life.’

Jamaica eyes 11% growth for inbound tourism in 2023: JTB
Last year Jamaica welcomed 3.3 million visitors, with total estimated revenue of $3.63 billion. “Jamaica’s tourism is back, and our recovery continues to outpace our earlier projections. We are now in growth mode and to achieve this in double digits for this year is huge. It will mean more jobs and more earnings for workers

Blue Diamond Resorts announces Planet Hollywood Beach Resort in Puerto Plata
“Following the success of our all-inclusive models in Cancun and Costa Rica, we are proud to continue taking this lifestyle iconic brand to new trendy destinations of high relevance in our property portfolio,” said Jordi Pelfort, President, Hotels and Resorts of Sunwing Travel Group. “A Planet Hollywood Beach Resort in Puerto Plata will add great

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation announces new Director General
Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, announced the news, saying that Duncombe has brought “energetic leadership” to the Ministry’s senior executive management team over the past year. “She has made a seamless transition from the corporate sector to public service, parlaying her wealth of knowledge and experience into outstanding

Barbados tapped as host for CHTA’s 2023 Caribbean Travel Marketplace
“CHTA has a very strong relationship with both public and private sector stakeholders in Barbados, and as we position the region’s top earner for robust growth this year, we are delighted to lock arms with our Bajan partners to drive business to the Caribbean,” says CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig. She noted that this year’s Marketplace

Two new deals from Rocky Mountaineer offer 2023 savings
VANCOUVER — Two new sales from Rocky Mountaineer offer savings on Canadian as well as U.S. routes this year. The luxury train company’s ‘Explore the Rockies’ promotion, kicking off Jan. 24 and running through Feb. 23, takes Cdn$300 off per couple/ Cdn$150 off per person select Canadian journeys in 2023. The deal is available in

Celestyal welcomes new global chief commercial officer
Prior to his new role, Haslett served as vice president, global sales for Virgin Atlantic where he focused on key North American and European markets. As Celestyal’s new CCO, he will report to CEO Chris Theophilides and will be based in the UK, sharing his time between the United States, the main European markets and

Internal Business Development Manager — Manulife
Working from home primarily, the Internal Business Development Manager (iBDM) is responsible for the management, growth, and development of the overall sales for their assigned territory and a combined region. The role is focused on training and educating travel agents who sell Manulife Travel Insurance products. The objective is to improve the sales skills of

See The Southwest With Rocky Mountaineer
A new early booking promotion by Rocky Mountaineer, dubbed “See the Southwest,” offers a discount of C$420 CAD/US$300 off per couple on the “Rockies to the Red Rocks” train trip during select 2023 travel dates. The discount is applicable to all departures in July and August; or eastbound departures only, April to June; or eastbound departures

WTTC, Trip.com Reveal Shift Towards Sustainable Travel
A new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Trip.com Group, together with Deloitte, reveals a heightened appetite for sustainable tourism amongst consumers, with 69% of travellers actively seeking sustainable travel options. In this follow-up report, WTTC joined forces again with leading global travel service provider, Trip.com Group and its major consumer

Barbados Hosting 41st Caribbean Travel Marketplace
Barbados will host the 41st edition of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace set for May 9 to May11, 2023. In making the announcement, CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig said: “CHTA has a very strong relationship with both public and private sector stakeholders in Barbados, and as we position the region’s top

TIAC Appoints New Board Members
TIAC has announced the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors: Matthew Jelley, President, Maritime Fun Group; Philip Mondor, President, Tourism HR Canada; Jean-Francois Cote, Quebec City Tourism; John Wilson, President, Chief Executive Officer, Wilson’s Transportation, BC; and Laura Pallotta,Vice President Sales and Distribution, Marriott International. Elected at TIAC’s recent Annual General Meeting, the

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,

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

Travel Trends Shaping 2023
Despite economic concerns, Canadians are still budgeting for travel — and that’s good news for the tourism industry this year. “Most travellers still consider vacations a high budget priority,” says Intrepid Travel president, North America, Matt Berna. “People seem to be prioritizing spending on travel expenditures, and this is more vital than ever for communities

Where to Stay in Santorini: Your 2023 Guide to The Best Places
On a flooded ancient volcano, Santorini is the crown jewel of the Cyclades islands. The mesmerizing sunsets and caldera views have long held a grip on travelers who can’t wait to experience this quintessential Greek destination. But choosing where to stay in Santorini can be confusing. Where should I stay Oia or Fira, the pros

17 Best Castles in Germany To Visit in 2023
Castles and Germany go hand in hand. Fun fact, Germany has over 20,000 castles – ranging from renaissance fortress style to dramatic castles that look like they could be straight out of a fairy tale. The country has some of the most castles in the world. During the Middle Ages, Germany was split into endless little

“Proud to share our culture”: Martinique Tourism Authority
“We notice that Canadians spend the most during their trip in Martinique, all nationalities combined. Also, the length of their stay has increased, to five nights. Most of them want experiences related to beaches, outdoor activities and gastronomy. This is good timing because we plan to organize a gourmet tour, especially a tour dedicated to

“Enough is enough”: CATO’s frustration clear in statement calling for consumer-pay model for Comp Fund
Ultimately, any changes to the Travel Industry Act are up to the provincial government. CATO and also ACTA have long advocated for changes to the Comp Fund, frustrated with the stalemate. ACTA and then CATO spoke out in January 2020 after the Ontario government, in December 2019, signaled that there was no intention to revise

Sunwing’s Winnipeg cancellations take effect in early February
Earlier this week Sunwing announced the cancellation of almost all of its remaining winter sun flights out of Regina, effective Feb. 4, and then later in the week, select routes from Saskatoon. Travel advisors along with ACTA have voiced their frustration with the cancellations and recalled commissions. Sunwing has also made changes in Atlantic Canada

Accor launches Handwritten Collection of bespoke hotels
Handwritten Collection properties opening over the next several months include: Hotel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental, Handwritten Collection in Shanghai, China (opened Jan. 19, 2023) Le Saint Gervais Hotel & Spa, Handwritten Collection in Saint Gervais, France (opened Jan. 19, 2023) Wonil Hotel Perth, Handwritten Collection in Perth, Australia (opening February 2023) Hotel Morris, Handwritten Collection in

‘Revenge travel’ trend fuelling strong booking stats, says KAYAK
“After nearly three years of lockdowns and travel restrictions, travel is back in a big way,” says KAYAK’s Senior Country Manager Leon Mulder. “With heightened interest for international travel, it’s clear Canadians aren’t just planning a quick weekend getaway, they are hungry for bucket list trips to make up for lost time.” The recent reopening

12 Best Hikes in Zion National Park, Utah
What are the best hikes in Zion National Park? Emerald Pools Trail is one of the best hiking trails among all national parks. That’s because there are numerous natural pools to explore which makes the hike out of this world. The Lower Emerald Pools are also the site of a beautiful waterfall. The Upper Emerald

Surge of discount airlines making Canada’s pilot shortage worse: experts
Start-up discount airlines – such as Edmonton-based Flair Airlines, Calgary-based Lynx, and WestJet subsidiary Swoop – have been rapidly expanding across Canada since the COVID-19 pandemic, gambling that there’s enough pent-up demand from budget-conscious travellers to support additional capacity. While each operates slightly differently, the basic premise of a low-cost airline is that travellers receive

Register now for TIAC’s cross-Canada Town Halls
Each Town Hall is a full-day event that includes a morning session focused on innovation and sustainable best-practices. Following a complimentary lunch, the session provides tourism stakeholders the chance to provide firsthand input on issues affecting their business. Attendees will also get an overview of plans to grow Canada’s visitor economy, including all verticals from

Plenty of ways for Canadian visitors to honour Black History Month in California
The programming begins with launch events like Santa Monica’s Black History Month Kickoff on Feb. 1. Subsequently, here are five great ways for Canadians to commemorate Black History Month in Cali … Casa Del Ray Moro African Museum in San Diego Found in Old Town San Diego, the Casa Del Ray Moro African Museum has

AAT Kings to return to South Australia for 2023-2024 season
“Our new 2023-2024 season showcases the best Australia and New Zealand has to offer and has a real emphasis on South Australia, a bucket list destination for travellers … After too much time away from these beautiful lands, we’re thrilled to welcome Canadian travellers back and reinvigorate their passion for travel,” adds Hall. The new

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

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

Looking For Revenge
KAYAK Declares 2023 The Year Of Revenge Travel For Canadians 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.

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

Flight Centre Launches Employee Resource Groups
Flight Centre Travel Group (Americas) has appointed Employee Resource Group (ERG) Coordinators for its five new ERGs. The primary purpose of ERGs is to provide equity seeking groups with a formal structure within the organization to support their unique needs, serve as a focus group for the business, create networking opportunities, and support employee retention by

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